The Assignment
Chapter 2
Ashley was less then thrilled with her assignment. Logically, the place for her should be the VA home, because she understood the issues. Mrs. Garrison wouldn't let her trade with someone else either. So, Ashley called the shelter and set up an appointment with Sister Anne. It wouldn't be until the next day, after her dinner out with Mike and Sammy. Mike showed up at the apartment about six. He always came in and checked things over, making sure the apartment was kept clean and there was decent groceries around. He sat down and helped Ashley make out checks for bills and checked their budget.
"Okay; the biggest thing I am seeing is you seem to be eating out quite a bit. Maybe limit it to once or twice a week. Is there a cooking issue?" Mike asked.
"I don't know a lot of recipes." Ashley admitted.
"Alright. I'll see if I can come up with some stuff that is easy to cook and tastes good. Maybe some copy cat recipes to your favorite restaurants. When you go out, its mostly pizza and Chinese take-out." Mike said as he looked at the receipts.
"Yeah, and occasionally Sammy wants to go to the taco truck down the street. He likes the quesadillas." Ashley told him.
"That's super simple. I will be in town until Sunday so I will come over Saturday and work with you on a few things. Will that work?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. I have to do an assignment at the homeless shelter. I don't understand why I couldn't volunteer at the VA home." Ashley complained.
"Probably because it cuts too close to the bone. I also spoke with the counselor at school. I need to work with Sammy some on his math." Mike commented.
"I've been helping him with English, but I am not very good with math…or his. I can do mine, but helping him with it is hard." Ashley explained.
"Some kids learn differently. So, I spoke with your dad. They are headed to Australia." Mike told her as he picked at his hand.
"I wonder if they'll be back for Christmas?" Ashley asked.
"I asked and he was non-committal. If he isn't; you and Sammy will spend break out at my farm. I won't leave you here alone." Mike promised.
"I don't understand. I knew the therapist wanted him to destress, but does that include Sammy and me?" Ashley questioned.
"I don't understand it either. I would do anything to have my kids back and Tom doesn't seem to want to be a parent. But, he is still your dad. You have to respect that. Just pray he makes better decisions." Mike remarked.
"Its hard." Ashley stated.
"I know." Mike agreed.
"So, what are you planning for dinner?" Ashley asked. She wanted to change the subject, mainly so Mike wasn't thinking about his kids too much. He had a tendency of becoming depressed.
"I have reservations for us at the steakhouse." Mike answered before gesturing for Sam. She could tell Mike was sad, but he had become a surrogate dad for them, when they needed him and Ashley would always appreciate that.