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What if We Drown 16
The doctor introduced himself to both Ashlyn and Derek, but she didn't hear a word he said. She was still caught up on his opening words. Abel was awake. He was okay. "Due to a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and, other substances in his arteries, the blood flow to Mr. Weber's heart was blocked, which resulted in the heart attack earlier today." The doctor spoke in facts, an air of professionalism exuding from him. "We've done some blood works, and..." Ashlyn nodded, though really, she wasn't interested at all in the medical diagnosis the Doctor provided. Her thoughts were already traveling to the Cardiac Care Unit, where her friend lay. "If you would like to follow me, I can show you to his room." The doctor gestured for her to step forward. "Would you like me to wait for you here?" Derek inquired, his hand on Ashlyn's arm stopping her from going forward. Stalled for a moment, Ashlyn glanced between Derek's calloused hand on her arm and the smooth, well-manicured hand of the Doctor
What if We Drown 17
"Go. I will be fine, Tochter," Abel spoke hoarsely, using the term of endearment he so often used with Ashlyn, who was like a daughter to him. With a feeble smile in Abel's direction, Ashlyn stood. Each time that he called her daughter in his mother tongue, it melted her heart, something which he knew very well. She kissed his cheek and gave him another hug, promising that she would return soon. Before she made her leave, she turned to Derek and held out her hand requesting his phone. Adding her name and number into his contacts, she handed the phone back, her hand lingering in his for a moment longer than necessary. You can do this; his eyes spoke as he squeezed her fingertips. Taking a deep breath, Ashlyn pulled back her hand and walked to the doorway, stopping for a moment to glance back at the man she so wholly adored, and the back of the man who was swiftly proving himself to be a friend. She smiled, an unusual flutter in her heart. "She adores you," she heard Derek say with w
What if We Drown 18
"I'll give you guys a minute together," Kass offered, her gaze jumping around the waiting room as she held the coffee and bagged panini out to Ashlyn. Ashlyn tilted her head and smiled sympathetically. She knew hospitals made Kass feel uncomfortable and that she likely wanted a moment to compose herself before facing Abel. Ashlyn respected Kass' decision, and took both items from her, giving her a quick hug. Walking down the corridor towards the CCU, Ashlyn found her pace increasing with each step that took her closer. Anticipation fuelled her. She was about to round the corner and enter Abel's room when she heard her name carry out the door. Stopping where she stood, Ashlyn moved closer to the wall and listened. "...she's been through some difficult events in her life, and it's had a lasting impact on how she interacts with people." Abel coughed a wet, croaky sound. "She's always been kind and gentle, her father made sure of it. But when she lost her father, it was like a part of h
What if We Drown 19
Even with the heater going, Ashlyn still felt a chill in the cab of Kass' pickup, goosebumps covering her arms and legs. It took every ounce of restraint she could muster to keep from rubbing her arms. The friction would only irritate the skin further. The lights of the town were a blur against the night sky, marred by the falling drops of rain. Ashlyn watched the buildings pass by, reflecting on Abel's parting words. This day had come dangerously close to concluding differently, and her heart still couldn't process it all. She'd been saved the heartache of losing someone important to her, and now that same person was encouraging her to let one more person into her messy life. The reminder that she had come close to losing the next closest thing she had to a father terrified her, but she was comforted to know he was going to be okay. Ashlyn tapped on the window, blotting out each raindrop that rolled beneath her finger on the other side. She sighed, envisioning with each drop the in
What if We Drown 20
"Now, bearing in mind everything that I have just said." Kass turned and removed two pastries from the cabinet, then held the plate out to Ashlyn. "Go, and be nice." She winked, turning Ashlyn and pointing to one of the tables in the window. Derek sat in the window, writing something on a piece of paper. Ashlyn tossed Kass' a playful glare. She knew she'd been set up, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Were Kass and Abel conspiring together? Taking a deep breath, Ashlyn walked over to the table, hesitating just outside of Derek's peripheral vision. Craning her neck, she tried to peek at what he was scribbling down, but his other arm blocked her view. The bandage on his hand was discolored, an indication that he wasn't yet used to wearing it. Was that pasta sauce on the back of it? Chewing on her bottom lip, Ashlyn tried to think up a way to gain his attention when someone approached from behind. "Here you go, sailor." Kass grinned, placing two coffee cups on the table befo
What if We Drown 21
The scent of lime and cream tickled Ashlyn's senses as she shifted the dish in her hands and knocked three times on the apartment door. Her current mood both amused and shocked her.The day progressed slowly while she bided her time, eagerly anticipating this dinner with Kass and Derek. She'd even finished work early so she could head home and make her grandmother's famous Key Lime Pie for dessert. But now that she stood outside his apartment at precisely 6:30 pm, as requested, Ashlyn could sense the doubts beginning to creep back in again. Butterflies took flight in her stomach, their flapping creating a tornado within her gut. If he didn't open the door soon, she was sure to lose her lunch all over the pie.Ashlyn took a couple of deep, calming breaths as the back of her neck broke out in a sweat. She could do this. It was just one harmless dinner to say thank you. Derek was a good person, and Kass would be there to keep anything from getting too uncomfortable. You can do it, Ash.
What if We Drown 22
Show up on time and stop you from getting all cozy together in the kitchen? Kass signed, tossing Ashlyn a cheeky wink. I think not. Ashlyn's eyes widened, and she took a step away from Derek, which only made Kass laugh.Shaking her head with a grin, Ashlyn pointed at Kass, the knife still in hand. She was presumptuous. And reading far too much into all of this. "So, what's cooking good looking?" Kass slid on to one of the bar stools.Kass! The carrot rolled out from beneath the knife, the blade slicing into the chopping board.What? You know I was referring to you, Kass signed, finishing with a cheeky peck on Ashlyn's cheek. Ashlyn laughed."Lasagna. And you need to teach me some more of that," Derek answered with a curious smile, gesturing between the two of them and moving his hands in imitation of the sign language they'd been using. Ashlyn appreciated his willingness to learn, though she wasn't sure he'd want to know half of the things Kass said; the woman was mischievous.
What if We Drown 23
Ashlyn stood from the table and hurried towards the front door, guided by the sound of the laughter; his laughter. Was he really here? Or did her ears deceive her?"What are you doing here?" Kass' voice bounced with excitement as the person holding her likely moved. Ashlyn smiled in anticipation.Ashlyn pulled the door open as wide as it would go. Joy sparked within her on confirmation that it was, in fact, him: Zion. Her eyes took in that familiar mop of red sand hair, her ears twitching with the sound of his rumbling laughter. Centimeters from her, Zion stood, squeezing Kass against his chest, her legs swinging above the floorboards. When he lifted his head, and his eyes met hers, Ashlyn's heart warmed at the joy reflected in his expression. Sometimes she forgot just how much she missed him living nearby.Zion placed Kass down and stepped towards Ashlyn."Ash." He grinned, holding his arms wide open, an invitation. It only took a single blink before Ashlyn threw herself into his
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