I dedicate this Chapter to LolloCakess

A week had now passed and sincerely Ashley was not complaining about work, the job was pretty good. Hayden was not rude okay he was a serious and cold person but not rude plus he was so reserved, a week at work , and no one with Matthews as their last name had visited, he was so distant with his employees, it was strictly work, it was employees - employer relationship. But she loved it just like that, in that way some skeletons in the cupboard were left unveiled.

Well today was a Saturday and she didn't have work, she promised Emma that they were going to start looking for her a school , she really needed to go to school again at least she thought that it in California it was safe for her.

Yawning she left her bed kinda hesitating but today was a busy day, waking up was not an option ,it was compulsory. Out of habit, she headed to Emma's room but to her surprise she did not find her in bed, now all kind of weird thoughts started ambushing her, it can't, you are safe here, where could she be? She meant that they had no friends here it was just the two of them. Now where could she be?

She continued to the sitting room and she was greeted with smoke I mean the whole sitting room was full of smoke, She ran in the kitchen to see Emma trying to extinguish fire in the frying pan.
The kitchen floor was dirty with flour, it was slippery and wet!!

"EMMA ASHIMORE!!!!" what the hell are you doing, she pushed her backwards and she stopped the fire.

"Mommy am so sorry, I swear I was trying to make some breakfast-"

" And who told you, Emma making breakfast is my responsibility, now look at what you have just done" she snapped at her

" Sincerely am annoyed, this not our house we are just renting it, everything we destroy is on our expenses to repair the damage" . Emma was now crying and Ashley knew she was scared, she had never talked to her like that and then her face was also fuming anger coming out from all angles.

Ashley closed her eyes and she calmed her self down and she headed in the corner where Emma was glued. She was now staring at her with wide teary eyes

Sighing heavily Ashley passed her hands in her face and she said" Look Emma what you have just done is not good and mummy is not happy with you but she is forgiving you and do not make it again okay"

She capped her cheeks and she used her thumbs to remove the big tears that were cascading down her cheeks . She hated it when she cried but she also had to act like a mother . She had to point on her bad deeds.

Emma nodded her head with vigour and she wrapped her small hands on Ashley's neck"mummy am sorry" her small hands  played with Ashley's hair.
Ashley just hugged her with all her energy and Emma giggled because they were friends with mummy again. Children are naive.

"Well Emma if you remember very well today am taking you to register, you are going at school , let's not waste time "
With that she jumped up and down and she went to her room running and shouting" school"

********
They were standing in front of a not so luxurious but just fine school. Emma was putting on a pink tom and jerry top with her short pants and her sneakers while Ashley was putting on a black knee length dress with her flats

"Is that the school, Mommy?"

"Yes honey"

"Have you loved it?"

"Yes!!!" Emma replied with a wide grin.

Ashley gave her a kiss on the forehead. The school was kinda close Matthews Associates and Auctioneers a twenty minute drive and that made picking her up easy while she was done with work and when something bad happen and the teachers call her , she would reach there in time plus the school suited their financial zone, it was not so expensive.

"Then we go mummy" Emma was now pulling her. Christ is she that impatient.

"Guess some one is excited"

Ashley stopped and she placed her hands on her hips and she tilted her head pretending to be in deep thoughts.
She was smiling because she knew that she was pissing Emma off.

"Mummy!!! Come we go" she stomped her feet angrily.

"Okay " Ashley raised her hands in surrender laughing loudly.

" We go before someone turns a monster on me"

Emma dragged her impatiently to the entry of the school.

" Excuse Mrs, where is the principal's office " Ashley asked the gloomy gate officer and she directed them.

"Come in " A heavy British female accent  replied from inside, Ashley opened and she closed the door behind her.

Now with a wide smile, the lady behind a very busy desk with piles of white sheets, files which were many to compete Eiffel tower height wise exaggerating extended her hands" You are very welcome Mrs, call me Sabrina"

" Ashley" she replied with the same wide smile Sabrina had sent her way , the lady was so friendly.

"Hey little cup cake there" She sent Emma a grin and she stood up from her desk she reached her level
" How are you, now beauty Angel here, what is your name"
"I am called Emma Ashimore" Her face was bright red, immediately she hid behind Ashley giggling .Ashley sent a glance at Sabrina who was looking at Emma adorably , Well who thought my Emma is shy wow!!Ashley thought in amusement.

"Ashley ohhhh, am so sorry I kept you standing , may you please have a seat "

Ashley made her self comfortable on the chair and she pulled Emma on her lap, rubbing soothing circles at the back of her palms.

"How can I help you" Sabrina's voice was now serious though still friendly and again her lips had curved into a small smile.

"Well, am here requesting for my daughter's admission to start schooling from here. We have just moved in here and this school caught my attention "

"Okay to begin with, thank you for trusting us with Emma and we will do the best to give her proper education. I am sure the fees are enough to deal with, take this circular for further details." Sabrina handed Ashley an envelope " And if you don't mind, how do you see we give you a tour around school " She continued.

"I am okay with it" Ashley looked at Emma to see her face having a very big grin, she placed a kiss on her forehead and she pulled her up to follow Sabrina.

They passed different classes and kids were settled painting, drawing , singing and all this time Emma was looking at them with admiration. She was all smiling ,Ashley didn't know that she missed school until now.
After the tour, Sabrina told Ashley that it was okay to bring Emma at school on Monday.

********
After the school stuff, Emma convinced her mommy to take her to the park and for ice cream, and knowing her very well she couldn't refuse.
Now Ashley was seated on a bench watching Emily swinging her self with a bunch of other kids, she was all laughing so hard and she had a feeling her face was hurting.

" Mommy now we go for ice cream"

Emma pulled Ashley off the bench and in the process of standing up Ashley noticed a familiar face in the public. No it can not be, there is no way he can be here.
She blinked rapidly to clear her vision but she saw nothing. She shrugged off the feeling and she gave her full attention back to Emma, She took her to ice cream and with that the day continued with Emma playing hard.

Ashley was not settled ever since she saw the face and deep down she Hoped that she was just imagining that face she saw earlier.

She convinced her self..that it wasn't it but the inside of her screamed the opposite ....she was trembling .