My note…A different approach to this chap. I originally had something else planned, but this idea just popped into my while I was calling home, while driving home this weekend. The content of the next few installments will alternate between what Ashley is saying, and what she is truly feeling. Hope you like.
POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD
CHAPTER 3: SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR AWAY
"You've reached Robert and Chris. We can't come to the phone right now, so leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Beeeeep.........."
Ashley shoulders slumped as soon as the message began to play. They weren't home. Again. She inhaled deeply, hoping her voice would stay strong and not crack.... the way it usually did when she was on the verge of tears.
"Hey Dad, Chris, it's me".
A pause.
Of course it's you dummy, it's your voice. And their caller ID probably has your name and number flashing right on it. Great, now I've people inside my head talking to me.
"Sorry I haven't called you until now, but I just wanted to let you both know that I'll be in London a week from Friday".
And not a moment too soon.
"I'm sure Mom already called to tell you I'm on tour with Craig and his ban...".
"BEEEEEEEEEEEP".
Ashley sighed heavily as she lowered the phone from her ear, the loud click and the sound of a dial tone resonating in her ear. "Hey Ash". She jumped when the door opened simultaneously with her name being called. Craig's screechy tone, grated on her last nerve. "Germany loves us man".
Did he seriously just call me man?
"So much so, that Leo just booked us another week here. Isn't that great Babe?".
Babe? Even worse.
"Well isn't it?", he bellowed anxiously, his large head oddly starting to look like an over worked bobble-head doll.
Ashley's eyes finally left the phone she was holding, and swept over the cramped quarters she was standing in the middle of.
God I hate this bus.
"Yeah, it's great", she feigned, and forced a smile.
Craig leaned forward and slapped a messy kiss on Ashley's cheek, before heading for the door. "I gotta go tell the guys", he added, calling over his shoulder as he jumped from the steps.
Ashley winced as she hastily wiped the side of her face with the palm of her hand.
Ugh, disgusting.
She swiped again and found even more wetness this time.
Dammit.
She hated crying.
Ashley slowly lowered herself to the bench seat she had just risen from and turned her hand over, the cell phone clenched between her fingers now just a blur of pink sparkle. She waited for the flow to stop, then took a few moments to compose herself before opening the devise and punching in the the familiar number.
Again, the machine picked up...but this time Ashley was grateful to get the recording instead of her father or his husband. She waited for the beep. "Hey guys it's Ash again...". She overcompensated, sounding way too cheerful. Another breath, another sigh, she might as well get this over before she started crying again, "...sorry about this, but just disregard that last message...".
Wow, I kinda depressed myself with this one. Good work, I'd say. Anyhoo, I had to sneak something in today. Just got back on Sun after a week at this awesome dance workshop...so awesome. And I've been totally re-inspired to get some updating done. Yay! The summer performance schedule really heats up in about a week or so, so I'll try to get the next chap of Hoops up soon. Love Y'all.
Degrassi is not mine.