September 27 2001

Meanwhile, the time was one forty p.m as Desmond and Chris were seen talking to a few employees as they nodded and walked away to continue their work, Chris and Desmond went to their office as they sat down while both of them were looking at some papers.

Chris: *Sighs* This is already a lot of work.

Desmond: I hope those employees are not causing any problems.

Chris: They are not, but they just need to understand how the job goes.

Desmond: You're right about that, Chris.

Crowe was holding his head and had a headache, Maybe it was because he hadn't eaten anything since he got to work, Chris noticed Desmond was holding his head as Johnson looked at him with concern.

Chris: You alright?

Desmond: Yeah. . . . I'm just having a bad headache.

Chris: Did you eat breakfast this morning?

Desmond: No, i didn't, We needed to leave early, That's why I skipped breakfast.

Chris: You shouldn't have done that, We could have waited.

Desmond: I know. . . But it was important.

Chris: Hold on, I'll buy a sandwich for both of us.

Desmond: No, Chris. It's alright

Chris: Come on, Desmond. You won't feel good afterwards-

Employee: Excuse me, Mister Crowe, and Johnson?

Chris: Yes?

Employee: Someone wants to see both of you, Should I let them in the office?

Desmond and Chris looked confused and wondered who came to visit them, Chris said "Okay" as the employee left while Desmond and Chris looked at each other.

Someone opened the door as they saw who it was.

Ashley had a smile on her face when she saw Desmond. However, she also noticed how tired he looked because he was hungry.

Desmond looked shocked while Chris looked surprised but had a smile on his face.

Danielle: Surprise!

Chris: Hey Danielle and Ashley, What a surprise visit.

They had a smile on their face as Danielle ran towards Chris and shared a kiss with him as Desmond and Ashley smiled at them as Crowe got up and looked at Ashley.

Desmond: Hey.

Ashley: *Smiles* Hi, I brought lunch for you.

Desmond: Really? You didn't need to do that, Ash.

Ashley: I was really concerned about you when I heard you didn't eat breakfast. That's why I cooked and brought lunch to your workplace.

Desmond couldn't help but smile at her as Chris and Danielle looked at them.

Chris: Awww, Ashley. Where is my lunch box?

Ashley: *Laughs* You both can share.

Chris: *Chuckles* I know, I'm just kidding.

Danielle: How about you two start eating now? We will leave right now.

Desmond: Oh no, it's fine. You two can stay for a little bit.

Ashley: *Smiles* Alright then.

Chris: We appreciate that you both came all this way to bring lunch, which is a good thing because Desmond over here was starting to have a headache.

Danielle: I told you to eat something before leaving, Desmond.

Desmond: Okay, you all are becoming my mom now. I'll start eating now.

They all shared a laugh together as Ashley and Danielle took a chair and sat down. Desmond opened the box and saw what was inside.

Chris: Ooooh, now that looks delicious!

Desmond smiled at Ashley as she giggled, Both of them began eating as Danielle and Ashley were smiling at each other as Crowe looked at Ashley and said something.

Desmond: This is really good, Ashley.

Ashley: Aww, thanks, Desmond.

Chris: Come on, Desmond. Say something more romantic to her.

Crowe blushed and dropped the spoon as they all began laughing while Ashley was covering her face as Danielle said something to them.

Danielle: Say something lovey duvey to her, Desmond.

Ashley: *Laughs* Danielle, stop!!!

They laughed again as both Desmond and Chris continued eating the food while they were talking to each other.

Eventually, They were done eating as the group continued speaking to each other before Chris and Desmond needed to start working again.

Danielle: Alright, guys. Take care of yourselves. Hope you two can come home early.

Desmond: Maybe in a few hours, Danielle, but hopefully, we will make it back early.

Danielle: Alright, And Chrissy. Make sure you think of me when you're too busy.

Chris: Of course, you are my angel, after all.

Chris kissed her forehead as Danielle giggled while Ashley and Desmond were smiling at them before they looked at each other.

Ashley: Take care of yourself, Desmond.

Desmond: You too, Ashley. Thank you so much for bringing lunch, I really appreciate it.

Ashley: *Smiles* Anything for my husband.

She kissed his cheek as Desmond looked shocked before he smiled at her, Danielle and Ashley left the office while Chris heard his phone ringing as Crowe sat down and began thinking about Ashley.

Meanwhile, Ashley and Danielle were finding a taxi, but Fliehr couldn't stop thinking about that kiss she gave to Desmond.

( Oh gosh, I can't believe I actually did that. )

She blushed and covered her face before having a smile and continued following Danielle.

[ At Night ]

The day went well for everyone as the time was twelve twenty a.m, Everyone was asleep in their rooms, but Ashley wasn't able to sleep again.

So she decided to sit in the living room as Ashley was soaking her feet in a bucket of water while reading a book.

Though Ashley couldn't forget what Anastasia and Jane had been gossiping about her, sometimes Ashley felt emotional and could have cried, but she was doing her best to control herself.

Ashley continued reading the book until she heard footsteps as she turned around and saw Desmond.

Desmond: Hey, Ashley? Are you okay?

Ashley: Oh, I'm fine, I just can't sleep again, Haha.

Desmond had a small smile on his face and looked at Ashley before he sat next to her as She looked at him in confusion.

Ashley: What's the matter?

Desmond: I'll just sit with you.

Ashley: No, Desmond. You're tired right now. I can sit here by myself.

Desmond: It's okay, I actually want to accompany you.

Ashley looked at him and smiled before closing her book as Desmond was looking at her.

Desmond: So, how are the others doing?

Ashley: Everyone is doing fine, actually. My mom and dad have been calling very often.

Desmond: I guess they really miss you.

Ashley: They do, and I miss them as well.

Desmond: *Smiles* Maybe you can visit them sometime this week?

Ashley: I'm thinking about it but maybe later, I'll try visiting them.

Desmond: I see. . . So, I think you and Anastasia have been becoming good friends, right?

He smiled at her as Ashley was looking at him for a few seconds before she smiled a little and spoke to him.

Ashley: Yeah. . . . We are good friends.

Desmond: That's honestly great to hear, She really liked you when you two first met.

Ashley shook her head and stared at the ground as Desmond noticed how down she looked.

Desmond: Is everything okay?

Ashley: Of course. . . . . I just miss my home and family.

Crowe understood how she felt as Desmond placed a hand on her shoulder as Ashley felt her heart beating fast.

Desmond: I understand how you feel. . . I'm here for you.

Ashley smiled and held his hand as Crowe smiled at her before Ashley moved her feet and dried it with a towel as she placed the bucket aside and looked at Desmond.

Ashley: Be honest with you, What did you think when you saw a picture of me when your family was looking for a bride for you?

Desmond: Uhhh, well, I thought you were the one for me

Ashley: I am the chosen one!

Desmond began laughing as Ashley was laughing with him.

Desmond: You're funny and cute, Ash.

Ashley: The same goes for you, Desmond.

They both realised what they said to each other as they blushed and smiled at each other as Desmond asked her a question.

Desmond: Now the question goes to you: What did you think when you first saw my picture?

Ashley: To be honest, I found you pretty cute and handsome.

Desmond: *Smiles* Really?

Ashley: Yeah, Plus, you looked kind and sweet.

Desmond: *Chuckles* And now we are here.

Ashley; We still can't share eye contact for more than fifteen seconds.

They laughed again as both of them looked at each other.

Desmond: That's true. . . Hey, Do you want to watch a movie?

Ashley: Sure, what should we watch?

Desmond: Hmmm, maybe Rambo?

Ashley; Sure!

Desmond smiled and got up as He was looking for the CD of the movie, Ashley couldn't help but admire him. he really kept himself awake just to spend more time with her.

Desmond opened the TV and started the movie as he sat next to Ashley, Both of them were watching the movie as Ashley rested her head on Desmond's shoulder as Crowe had a smile on his face.

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