Chapter 48: Healing My Wounded Heart

Megan's POV

"Wow! I think your face will stay that way for the rest of our retreat," Alice said the moment I turned around and found her looking at me with a wide grin on her face, hands on her hips.

"What?" I asked.

"Your face is all red, and flirting with your ex early in the morning seems to suit you very well, my dear best friend," she said. I walked past her and looked for a vase or bottle where I could put the beautiful roses and lilies Ashton gave me, and I was smiling while inhaling the fragrance of the fresh flowers in my hands.

"I am not flirting with Ashton, Al, and you know that. I can't believe you were listening to our conversation," I replied, and she laughed at me.

"How could I not listen to you? I was sitting here, and you were standing over there. Besides, I didn't have time to cover my ears since I was listening to the chirping of the birds," Alice replied, and I frowned at her.

"Megan, there's nothing wrong if you let yourself be happy. You can be true to yourself. Besides, you are single," she added.

"Alice, I know, but I can't allow myself to be a laughingstock again. I was hurting for so many years, and this is the only time I can make him feel how I felt for the last eight years," I responded, and she shrugged her shoulders.

"Good luck with that, Megan. I don't think you can handle yourself; the way you look at Ashton every time he's near you is enough to tell me you'll be throwing yourself at him anytime soon, and you can no longer control your overflowing emotions," Alice stated.

At the same time, I walked through the kitchen and got an empty water bottle and a knife. I cut the upper part with the knife, got water from the faucet, and placed each stem in the bottle. I arranged the flowers with a smile on my face, and when I was satisfied with the outcome, I quickly walked to the dining hall. I put my improvised flower vase on top of the dining table while I could feel my best friend following behind me, and when I suddenly swirled around, she almost collided with me.

"Alice, I will never throw myself at Ashton ever again," I responded.

"Okay, I will not argue with you, Meg. But if you did, I would be the first to be happy. As your best friend, my only wish is to see you smile again like you used to. I think you should forget about the past now and be happy again, Megan, if you will only allow yourself to be," Alice declared, and I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Alice. But don't worry, I will do that. For now, I want Ashton to chase me. I don't know, I find it fun and exciting," I said, and she laughed.

"I can't believe the mature Megan I know is still a child inside," she stated, and I laughed.

"Yeah, I am," I responded, and together we walked out of our little cottage. I couldn't stop myself from darting a glance at Ashton's place, and I knew I wanted him to come with us since I loved to be with him, and his stares always made my toes curl.

Ever since I found out Ashton was in the retreat camp, I could tell my heart had become restless. The kisses we shared in the garden were enough to make me feel lightheaded even now, and I could still feel his soft lips on mine. I realized his lips still tasted the same, and I know I can't deny I want to be with him.

I thought it would be fun to be with my son and Ashton, and we could be a family. I know I was thinking absurdly, but any woman can dream.

Yes, there were times I wished Ashton was with us, especially during special occasions at school. It hurt when I heard his classmates ask my son where his dad was, and sometimes it would take a long time before my little boy could answer because he didn't even know who his father was. Still, he usually told them his father was busy touring around the country because he is a singer.

Alice and I started taking the trail, and I smiled when I saw signs we could follow to guide us. It felt exciting because, according to the in-charge, the trail would lead us to the breathtaking view this camp had to offer.

"So, where do you think we are headed?" Alice asked.

"I bet it will be an overlooking view of the lake. I know there's a wide lake on the other side of this place, which is far enough, but I think we can see it from the top of this mountain," I replied.

I started to feel my heart racing as we walked uphill. The cold breeze made me smile and relax, and I couldn't think about the tiredness of my body as we continued to walk.

"Do you think we’ll pass the cold spring?" my best friend asked, and I shook my head.

"I don't think so. I read the sign for going to the lake when we arrived yesterday, and it was the other way. I don't think we need to climb uphill; I guess we would go downhill on the opposite side if we wanted to take a swim," I responded.

"I can't wait to go swimming. Maybe we can go later," she said.

"Okay, provided we don't drain our energy," I added.

"But I want to swim in the lake," Alice mumbled.

"Me too, but it would be impossible for us to go there since the lake is so far. We can see it from the top view, but we can't go there, Al," I responded.

"I know. It was only wishful thinking," she replied.

I couldn't stop myself from remembering the past and the memories I had with Ashton at his grandpa's estate, where we spent most of our time at the treehouse near the lake. Those memories came over me all at once.

I couldn't deny those memories were the best recollections I could ever have. Even if I felt so angry with Ashton after we left Astikoz, I can't deny those memories made me happy and sad at the same time. I can't forget Ashton's birthday because, on that night, I gave him myself, and it was the best night ever.

"So, now that you told Ashton about your little boy, will you tell Axel he is his father?" my best friend asked. I looked at her sideways. I found it hard to talk since I was catching my breath, and I could feel the beads of sweat on my forehead.

"Of course, I have to. Axel already asked me who his father is, and I hated myself that night for not telling him the truth. I guess the most sensible thing to do is tell my son Ashton Pritzgold is his father," I responded, and she smiled at me.

"Of course, Meg, he is growing fast. I can tell Axel would love the idea that his idol is his father," she said, and I wrinkled my forehead.

"Well, don’t get hurt, but Axel’s favorite celebrity is Ashton. His father is the reason he wanted to watch a football game. Your son never told you about it because he knew you hated football," Alice said, and my mouth hung open.

I knew my son loved football, and Alice was right; he never told me once about it—maybe because he occasionally heard me reprimanding his nanny for watching the game in her room. I felt so guilty about it, but Clara understood. Still, I also knew she watched the games behind my back most of the time.

"I’ll make it up to Axel. Once he knows who his dad is, I’ll give him enough time to play football with his father," I declared, smiling at Alice. But her face turned pale, and her eyes grew as big as saucers. She abruptly stopped walking and held my wrist as she looked at the ground. When I followed her gaze, I screamed, and she cried with me as we stared at the gigantic snake crawling on the ground.

I felt so terrified, and my entire body shook. I became even more frantic when I felt someone hold my waist. Still, I could smell Ashton's intoxicating scent right away, and when I looked up, I had never felt so relieved in my entire life. Gazing at Ashton’s face and his calmness made my breathing return to normal.

"Meg, don’t worry. I’m here. I’ll never let anything happen to you. Besides, that snake isn’t as dangerous as you think. It’s not venomous," Ashton whispered in my ear while I clung to him.

I knew I was drawing my strength from him. This time, I didn’t care if I was hugging him this close with our close friends watching. All I knew was that I felt secure in his arms. Even if he told me the snake wasn’t harmful, I still felt terrified.

I couldn’t deny I wanted to be in his arms longer than necessary. Ashton’s warmth gave me a tingling sensation I couldn’t even explain. I heard him chuckle and wondered what made him laugh. When I looked at where he was watching, I realized my best friend was hugging Zachary.

I giggled, realizing they looked good together. I hope they both discern they could be a good couple. Alice has been single for a long time, and it’s about time my best friend has a love life. I think Alice is now tired of too many blind dates.

Online dating isn’t for her either, since her dates always turn into disasters, and she always ends up coming home crying or laughing. I know Zachary is one of the best guys I have ever known. He’s husband material—sweet, caring, and loyal too.

When I looked at the ground, the python was no longer there, but I was still in Ashton’s arms. The way he caressed my head made me feel so at home, and it made me realize I wanted us. Alice could be right, and I can’t fight the feelings I have for Ashton anymore. I want to be with him again, even if I am still healing. I think he will be the one who can completely heal my wounded heart.