Chapter 25: Ash

When I get home, I find my mother sitting at the kitchen table, reading a magazine drinking a glass of wine. She looks up at me, "I wasn't sure you would be home tonight. I noticed the yacht is gone, is everything okay."

"Yeah, we spent the rest of yesterday getting things squared away with the crew, then took the Untouchable back to the dock for the crew to disembark. Lexa is going to leave it docked there for a while so the crew can get situated, then she'll be anchored in the bay."

Mom says, "Ashley, I don't know if I like the fact that Lexa is fighting in these underground fights. She could get hurt or put in jail."

"I know, mom, but if she says they're okay, then I trust her judgment. Plus, she was offered a last-minute fight in the UFC, so hopefully, she will like it and stay with them instead. It is a great opportunity for her, and it's a legal fight. We have to fly to Vegas on Wednesday for a physical. Do you want to go to the fight on Saturday?"

She answers, "Honey, I wish I could, but I have too much to do for the cookout. I just don't think I can this time."

"Oh, I told you we don't need to have that cookout. I don't really care to see all those people after all this time."

"Those people are your friends, honey. Plus, I have a surprise, but since you are so negative, I'll go ahead and tell you, but you can't tell Lexa, Clarke, or Octavia. Promise?"

"Sure, mom, I promise. What is it?"

"Abby called a few days ago and said that she and Bellamy were getting home to come home earlier than expected, so they are going to surprise everyone at the cookout."

"That's awesome, mom. I'm sure Lexa will be excited to see them both."

"Sweetie, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

"Well…something happened last night. I don't regret it, but I'm afraid it may have confused me more than ever, and if I'm confused, I can only imagine how Lexa is feeling."

"Tell me what happened."

I spend the next few minutes explaining to my mother about my night with Lexa, and surprisingly it wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. Although she didn't seem incredibly happy with me, she seemed to understand. She helped me realize what I was asking of Lexa wasn't fair, even if she said she was okay with it. I know what she said makes sense, but when I'm alone with Lexa, I just can't help myself. So I guess we are going to have to create a new rule about not being alone together. I don't like it, but I think it is for the best. I just hope she understands.

I thank mom for listening and decide it is time to go to bed. On the way up to my room, my phone buzzes with a text from Callie. I almost forgot had had text her earlier.

Callie: Hey, sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had a parent/teacher event and just got home. What's this about going to LA for a fight?

Me: Well, I wanted to know if you and Asher would like to go to the UFC fights. Some friends of mine and Lexa's gave us tickets, and I thought it would be nice if you and Asher went with us.

Callie: So not only do you want to take our son to a fight, but you also want us to go with you and Lexa?

Me: You sound like Lexa. She said she didn't know if taking Asher was a good idea either. I don't see the problem with it, though. I just want to spend time with my son doing something that I enjoy, and I thought you might want to spend some time with me, also. If it's a problem, just forget it.

Callie: Ashley, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. It's just that I don't know how I feel being around Lexa with Asher.

Me: Callie, at some point, you will have to get used to her being around because she isn't going anywhere regardless. She's part of my family now. Besides, now that she's going to be fighting, she won't be sitting with us most of the time.

Callie: I guess you're right, and she was good with Asher. Wait, did you say she's going to be fighting?

Me: Yeah, apparently there was an injury to one of the fighters during their training camp, and she had to drop out. The fight promoter has seen the videos of Lexa fighting on the internet and asked her to step in if she can pass the physical.

Callie: Wow, that's great for her. She's an incredible fighter. I'm sure she'll do well. I guess it wouldn't hurt for Asher and me to go. How are we getting there?

Me: Oh, I guess you haven't heard. Octavia apparently took Lexa to one of her underground fights, long story short, somehow Lexa ended up winning a mega yacht in a bet, and it came with a helicopter, so we will all be flying down on it.

Callie: Are you kidding me? Jess has mentioned that O was fighting, but I had no idea it was that big of a deal.

Me: Apparently, some pretty deep pockets attend those fights because not only did she win the yacht she never has to work if she doesn't want to. She made a crazy amount of money betting on herself. Oh, she also wants to know if I can bring Asher over to ride the jet skis and play one day.

Callie: LOL, we will see how the weekend goes with the fights and the cookout. Will you come over tomorrow after school and hang out? Oh, and before I forget, do you think you could keep Asher on Wednesday, it's a teacher workday, and I thought he would like to hang out with you rather than daycare.

Me: Sure…crap! I can, but…is it okay if he flies to Vegas with Lexa, Octavia, Clarke, and me to meet with the fight promoter. Then, we can take him to see the Grand Canyon on the way back. It should only take a couple of hours to take care of Lexa's physical, and I'm sure Asher will be okay with it. Please, it will be fun!

Callie: I don't know Ashley, I'll think about it and let you know.

Me: Okay, text me tomorrow when you leave school, and I will meet you at your house. Maybe we can go to a movie and get pizza or something.

Callie: Sounds good, see you tomorrow.

Great, at least she agreed to go to the fights. I just hope she lets me take Asher to Vegas. It would be so much fun to take him and Lexa to the Grand Canyon. I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem for Morrigan to get permission to land the helicopter there. Oh, I should text Lexa.

Me: Hey, Callie said yes to her and Asher going to the fights on Saturday.

Lexa: That's cool. I'm glad she's letting Asher come now that I'm fighting.

Me: Why? Are you trying to impress my kid?

Lexa: Maybe if he likes me, Callie will be more likely to let him hang out with me some.

Me: I hate to tell you, but I think he already likes you. Oh, that reminds me, Callie asked me if I could watch him on Wednesday. I told her as long as she didn't mind me taking him with us. Is that okay with you? I thought we could maybe go to the Grand Canyon after we meet with Dana. I think he would love that.

Lexa: That would be awesome. Ash, you don't have to ask me to bring him along ever. Just know he is always welcome. What did Callie say?

Me: She said she would think about it and let me know tomorrow.

Lexa: Okay, let me know what she says.

Me: I will. Talk to you soon.