September 27 2001

Two weeks has passed as everything has been going well so far, Ashley and Desmond have been spending more time with each other and have been starting to bond, They talked more about their lives, interests and opened up a little bit about their feelings.

On the other hand, Anastasia and Jane has been giving some strange looks and doubts on Ashley, Sometimes they would even speak to each other about something and when they see Ashley entering the room, They stay silent.

Ashley has been feeling a bit sad and began to doubt herself. If she was doing something wrong, Desmond or the others hadn't known about this yet except for Danielle and Monica, They also noticed Jane and Ana's behaviour.

Right now, Ashley came out of the shower as She wore a bathrobe and tied her hair in a ponytail as She looked at herself in the mirror.

Ashley smiled and looked at the mirror as She applied face cream and face powder on her face, Ashley fixed her hair until she heard a knock on the door as she said "Come in" The door opened as it was revealed to be Desmond.

Desmond: Hey Ashley- Oh, sorry, I thought you were ready.

Ashley: *Smiles* It's okay, Desmond. I'm gonna get ready soon.

Desmond: I'll actually just leave now-

Ashley: No, no, It's fine. You can talk to me.

She smiled at Desmond and found him cute when he was shy as Crowe shook his head and blushed a little as Ashley asked him a question.

Ashley: Do you think this hairstyle fits me?

Desmond: It does, You look beautiful.

He smiled and spoke without hesitation as Ashley smiled and thanked him, Crowe noticed something on the bed, which was a sketchbook as he saw a drawing.

Desmond: Wow, did you drew this, Ash?

Ashley: Yes, I did, What do you think of it?

Desmond: It actually looks amazing! You did a great job on it.

Ashley: *Blushes* Thanks, Desmond. I wasn't feeling sleepy last night, so I finished it.

Desmond: I never knew that, I really like the drawing, though.

Ashley: I appreciate that a lot, Desmond.

Desmond: No problem. Anyways, I'm gonna head to work now, I might come home late today.

Ashley: Aww, really?

Desmond: Sorry, Ash. I'll be back very soon, though.

Ashley: Okay, just call me anytime when your free.

Desmond: I'll do that, Take care of yourself.

Ashley: You too, Stay safe.

She smiled and hugged him as Crowe had a smile and hugged her back, They broke the hug and looked at each other before Desmond left the room as Ashley was thinking about something before she looked at the wedding photos again.

She had a smile on her face and heard the front door closing as Ashley quickly looked over to the window and saw Desmond and Chris walking to the car as Ashley had a small smile on her face.

She closed the window and sighed as Ashley said something to herself.

Ashley: I already miss him.

She pouted and closed the door as Ashley was looking through the closet to find a dress to wear.

Later on, Ashley came out fixing her jeans and jacket as She walked to the living room and saw Desmond's father as he smiled at her.

Andrew: Hey Ashley, How did you sleep last night?

Ashley; I had a good night, but I kinda stayed up till one a.m because i couldn't sleep.

Andrew: Oh, sorry to hear about that. You should have slept more today.

Ashley; *Smiles* It's okay, Six hours of sleep is not too bad. Anyways, would you like some breakfast?

Andrew: Actually, Jane already made breakfast, I think she left a plate for you in the kitchen.

Ashley; Oh really? I'll check the kitchen right now.

Andrew smiled and nodded before he continued watching the TV as Fliehr went to the kitchen and was looking around.

She noticed there was no plate as Ashley was confused until Anastasia walked inside as Ashley stared at her.

Anastasia: Hey, Your awake now?

Ashley: Yeah, I am.

Ana: What are you doing?

Ashley; Oh well, Mister Crowe told me that Miss Crowe cooked breakfast and left a plate for me.

Anastasia: Well, Mom didn't, actually. Besides, I think you're supposed to be cooking, actually.

Ashley: . . . . Well, I didn't know that.

Ana: Your breakfast is on you, Ash.

Ashley stared at her as Anastasia walked away, Fliehr looked around and sighed before she decided to make noodles for herself.

Ashley: At least, Mister Crowe is more kind. . .

Soon, Ashley was done cooking noodles as she was sitting by the dining table where no one was around, Fliehr brought her laptop and placed it on the table as she opened it and noticed a missed call from Benjamin.

She immediately called Benjamin on Skype via video as The call was answered as Benjamin had a smile on his face.

Benjamin: *On Call* Hey Ashley!!

Ashley: *Smiles and waves* Hi Ben! Sorry, I just opened my laptop and saw your call.

Benjamin: It's fine, Ash. I figured you were busy, Also, Emma wants to say Hi.

Emma: Hey Ash!!

Ashley: Hey Emma! Hope you two are doing well.

They smiled and began talking to each other as Michael, Racheal and Thomas entered the call as they said "Hi" to Ashley.

The group began talking to each other until Ashley noticed Jane walking past the dining room and Jane knew Ashley was talking to her family.

Ashley's face went down cause now she was worried what they were going to say about her, The friends noticed her face as Michael said something.

Michael: Hey Ashley, Is everything okay?

Racheal: You look down so suddenly, is everything okay?

Ashley lowered the volume as she gave a small smile and said something.

Ashley; Of course I'm fine.

Thomas: You sure? If something is bothering you, You can tell us.

Ashley was silent for a few minutes as she was debating if she should tell them, But Ashley didn't want to start any drama as Fliehr smiled and shook her head.

Ashley: Everything is okay, I just didn't sleep enough today.

Michael: Alright, If you say so. But if there is something bothering you, Then you should tell us.

Ashley: I definitely will, Thank you so much.

Ashley smiled and quickly changed the topic as they were now talking about their plans for the day.

Later on, it was lunch time as Ashley was at the kitchen and was cooking lunch for everyone, She heard Anastasia and Jane talking as Fliehr decided to check what they were doing as Ash saw them talking in the living room.

Jane: Ashley was talking to her family again.

Anastasia: I really hope she's not that kind of woman to brag about her family.

Jane: And let's hope she doesn't depend on everything on them, I doubt she's even a strong woman to handle the house and family herself.

Ashley was staring at them as she felt a bit upset by their words and walked away in anger, but she also felt sad deep down.

Soon, Ashley was done cooking lunch as Jane and Anastasia entered the kitchen with a smile on their face as Ashley stared at them.

Jane: That smells delicious, What did you cook, Ashley?

Ashley: Oh just fried rice and chicken, I hope you will like it.

She forced a smile on her face as Ana said something.

Ana: That's amazing, I wish Desmond would come over and have lunch with us.

Jane: My poor son didn't even have breakfast.

Ashley: *Looks shocked* Wait, Desmond didn't eat breakfast?

Anastasia: No, He said he was in a rush to head to work, That's why he skipped breakfast.

Ashley: Seriously? Wait, how far is his workplace?

Jane: It's not that far, Dear. It only takes ten minutes, I think Danielle knows where it is.

Ashley: Okay, I'm going to pack lunch for him and go to the hotel.

Anastasia: Really?

Ashley: I just want to make sure he eats something at least.

Ashley quickly pulled a lunch box and began putting Rice and Chicken in the box as Jane smiled and walked away as Ana followed her.

Ana: What kind of wife is she? She doesn't know if her husband ate or not.

Jane: At least she's giving lunch to him, I praise her for that.

Ashley was done packing the lunch box as she put it on a plastic bag and immediately took it before she saw Danielle reading a book as Ashley asked her for the hotel's address.

Danielle said she would come with Ashley as both of them left the house while trying to find a taxi. Eventually, they found a taxi and got inside as Ashley was thinking about Desmond.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)