Oliver held his daughter, tightly and nodded at Chloe. She had said the right thing and neither one of them blamed Ashley for what had happened. Oliver lifted his daughter's face out of his chest and wiped her wet cheeks with his fingers.
"There, now. You know crying makes your eyes swollen and your nose red," Oliver teased, kissing her forehead gently.
"Daddy, I can't help it. I just feel so bad!" Ashley wailed as fresh tears slipped down her face.
"Well, don't. Like your mom said, it's not your fault. Now we are not going to discuss this again. Okay?" Oliver said sternly as he hugged her tightly and kissed her blonde head.
"Okay," Ashley said in a small voice, wrapping her arms tightly around her father's waist and burying her face in his chest again. Oliver hoped she remembered that. Oliver considered what happened with Rick Forbes dead and buried.
6 years later…..
Ashley stood on top of the building watching the streets below looking for any signs of Crime. She was still training as the Green Arrow, and had gotten even better and tougher thanks to her Dad for training her. Ashley worked out everyday, ate healthy meals and got plenty of rest. She wore a similar suit to her Dad's but it was made for a woman. The outfit was also made different for a young female's body. She wore mostly tights, a hood, glasses, and a green top.
All seemed calm tonight she thought sitting on top of the edge of the roof scanning the area below. She had to go in soon and get ready for bed since school was tomorrow. Ashley was in the Tenth grade in School and attended Metropolis High School with Linda, and Jon. Dylan remained in Private School. Both Lois and Chloe wasn't too pleased with them wanting to go to Smallville High because then they wouldn't be home all the time. Ashley supposed that going to a High School that was closer was the best option. And the Principal believed in proper punishment at the School they went to.
Ashley yawned and got up from the edge of the building. She loved coming up here just to sit and think. Sometimes she even read up here. She went to the Green Arrow room and took off her suit. Her blonde hair was kept in a ponytail to keep it from being in her face. Ashley grinned seeing all the stuff in her Father's room. Learning how to use the Bow and Arrow had been fun. That night she slept easy.
The next day in School began like any other. She had adjusted well to it and made several friends and still hung out with Linda. Her and Linda were walking the hall towards the Cafeteria together.
"Want to go to the Football Game this coming Friday?" Linda asked.
Ashley looked at her best friend and cousin "I don't know, I've never really been a big fan of sports". Ashley was more into Dancing and listening to music.
"Jason will be there. And you'll get to cheer him on. " said Linda grinning.
Ashley "Oh please. Like he will even know I am there. I can never talk to him with girls around him all the time". they got in the lunch line.
Linda "Ashley, your never around him enough!" she got a lunch tray.
"Besides, aren't guys suppose to be into you, and not the other way around?" asked Ashley reaching over and getting her plate. Today, they were having meatloaf.