Chapter Five: Miss Carrie Crowe
Ashley jerked awake, memories of the past night flooding into her head faster than she could comprehend. Had her and Parker been through all that? Had Sherri, Eric, Carolyn and Chris actually found out who she was? Did Carolyn and Sherri actually stake a vampire? What had all transpired the night before?
As it ended up, she didn't have enough time to think about this, it would only be about twenty minutes before Parker would be there to pick her up. So she went about her morning rituals and didn't stop to think about her motor functions. When she got done getting ready she had pretty well hidden the fact that she was in a deep mode of sorrow and desperation. She had on form fitting denim overalls and a long sleeve white V-neck sweater under it. Her hair was hanging to its full length down just past her shoulders and her feet were housed in Timberland boots.
She smiled to herself in the mirror: "Ashley, you can do this. Just act normal and you'll get through this." She said to her reflection.
The truth was that she knew it would be a tough day. She knew Parker, Sherri and Eric would not stop until they knew everything about the slaying and were a part of it. She knew this could not be, and she couldn't let them even think that they were going to be a part of slaying-it was too dangerous and she loved them too much to let anything happen to them.
By the time she looked at the clock she realized it was a quarter till eight, she had kept Parker waiting for fifteen minutes! So she grabbed her books and rushed down the stairs, then realized that she had forgotten her pocket book and decided to just forget it. She rushed out the door and nearly tripped over Parker who was sitting on the porch steps.
"Parker I'm so sorry, " she said
He got up, smiling, "Don't worry," he took her books for her and walked her to the car.
Why does he have to be so sweet? She thought, All its doing is making it harder.
They didn't say much as Parker drove them to school. They merely played with each other's hands, and even as they did so Ashley watched the muscles in Parker's arm knot up and release under his tanned skin as his fingers and hand shaped to fit her hand. She notice then, for some odd reason, how much she could love someone she had only known for two days. He just made her feel wanted-needed-and loved. Every time he touched her he took one more piece of her heart when he let go and when he kissed her their bond grew even stronger. But she knew that she couldn't let herself fall for him, for Mr. Larrinburg's words still rang clear in her head:
"Sam's death was not coincidence. Somehow that vampire knew you were the Slayer, he knew that he must take you out. That's why you mustn't get involved, that's why you mustn't let anyone get in the way-because them knowing is dangerous. When the cards are all down your enemies will strike out at whatever they can get to hurt you, then all your loved ones are is targets."
"Ashley!" Parker snapped her out of her thoughts, "Are you okay?"
She looked at him, their hands were still together, "Yeah, I'm fine.'
"Oh," he looked as though he had been expecting more than that, "I was just wondering-you seemed deep in thought."
She grinned, "This is bad, you already know when I'm thinking. My secret's out."
He smiled, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone know that you actually think."
As soon as they got done saying those words the bell rang. So they got out of the car and gathered their books.
Parker approached her and said: "We got through the safety stuff so now Weightlifting is moving out to the field house.so I'll see ya later?"
Ashley nodded. Then Parker stepped closer, nearly towering over her and leaned down and gave her a surprising but expected kiss just before they split paths as she walked toward the school and he toward the field-house next to the football field.
*******
Indeed, Ashley's thoughts were only intensified by the kiss Parker gave her earlier that morning but it seemed as though Sherri had been thinking more about all of the things that went on last night than her. All during first period all Sherri could talk about was the whole 'slaying' deal and everything else that was supposed to be kept secret. Finally Ashley had to play sick and leave just in time for the bell to ring as soon as she left the room.
In homeroom she learned of Carolyn's story. She and Chris had been telling people that they were 'kidnapped' as a joke by someone and just didn't feel like coming to school and while they were gone someone must have trashed his car, but it was nothing that his parents couldn't fix.
When Carolyn had finished telling them what supposedly happened and Krysta, Krystal and Brenda were done questioning her and insisting that she should have called them that Carolyn asked Ashley: "So, you mind if me and Chris join the group?"
Ashley sighed, "Carolyn, there is no group. Not to sound cranky but I can't risk getting you guys hurt."
"No hurt necessary, I just want to keep updated on what's going on, I mean- after you find out what really goes bump in the night." Carolyn pushed her lips together and turned to talk to Krysta, who was fresh with new questions.
Ashley spent the rest of the twenty minute period thinking of how she was gonna tell Parker and Sherri and Eric they wouldn't be able to assist her in the slayage.
When the bell rang she headed to Algebra II and took her usual seat. Sherri immediately put a letter on her desk when class began.
Is there something wrong with the whole slayer thing? You seemed mad this morning, did I do something wrong?
Ashley wrote back: No, there's not. Well-yes there is. Sherri, I can't let you guys be in on it, its too dangerous.
Sherri read this and hastily returned it: NO! We're not gonna get hurt, I swear. We just want to help. I mean, its not like you've ever been through this before.
Ashley passed the letter back to Sherri with the words: You're right. seething with the stench of a lie. However the teacher, Miss Crowe noticed they were passing a note and took it up-read it at her podium and then eyed Ashley and Sherri.
"Ashley, see me fourth period." Miss Crowe eyed Ashley.
Ashley and Sherri took their seats by Eric and Collin in third period. Sherri told Eric that Miss Crowe had taken up a letter they had been passing back and forth dealing with the whole slayer deal. No doubt Ashley was freaked, and she needed to talk to Parker, especially with the whole 'meet me during fourth period.'
Eric leaned in to them, "You think that she thinks you are a crazy delusional person and is gonna commit you to a mental institution."
Sherri slapped Eric on the arm, "ERIC!"
Ashley grinned, "No, its fine. Its good to know he's not all serious about this. It makes things easier."
Eric nodded, "And easy is my middle name."
Sherri raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, that's Eric-always the easy way out."
"Not always." He said defensively.
Ashley grinned and then looked up to the teacher as he called the class to attention. It wasn't fifteen minutes before half the class was asleep and he was telling the class of his adventures in Vietnam and how it related to Queen Elizabeth's desire to establish colonies in America. Then he sat at his desk while they were taking a quiz over the defeat of the Spanish Armada and Mr. Ford fell into a deep sleep that lasted even after the bell rang for the fourth lunch group to go eat.
When the bell did ring for their lunch Ashley joined Eric, Sherri and Collin at table number 3 and enjoyed a reddish hamburger with fries harder than her mother's brownies, and that is synonymous with the word rock. They tended to avoid the subject of last night due to Collin's presence but the conversation they did engage in proved to be one that nearly made Ashley laugh herself out of her seat. She had almost forgotten about the decision she had to make and enjoyed the time away from the drama of being a Slayer.
Soon Parker came up from behind Ashley and sat down next to her.
"Hey baby," he said and have her a quick kiss.
She eyed him, "Hey baby?"
He smiled, "Yeah, I figured I'd attempt to call you that and see how far it gets me-gotta have good standing for our date tonight."
"Trust me," she said as he slipped her hand into his-she smiled, "you're standing on high."
The bell rang and they stood, Ashley grabbing her books and Parker released her hand.
"That's good to know." He leaned down and gave her a longer kiss then said, "I'll see ya in fourth."
She sighed, "No ya won't, after Study Hall I've gotta run to Miss Crowe's room, she wants to see me about something."
He saw the look of fear cross her face, "What?"
She sighed as Eric and Sherri joined the two of them, "She took up a letter me and Sherri were passing back and fourth in class that had some stuff on it about last night."
Parker's eyes went wide, "Well-if she thought twice about it and brings it up you could just tell her you and Sherri are in a gang or something called the Slayers, it might pass."
She grinned, as did Sherri: "Yeah, I'll try." She gave him one last kiss and they parted paths heading for Study Hall.
*******
Ashley paced down the hall until she came to Miss Crowe's room. She knocked once and opened the door to find Miss Crowe sitting at her desk talking to Collin.
He turned to Ashley, "Oh, she's here."
Miss Crowe looked up from her desk, "Ashley, I'm sorry I was talking to Collin about some material for Key Club and I got carried away, come on in."
Collin got up and walked to the board and started writing some things for the club meeting after school today. Meanwhile Miss Crowe finished whatever it was that she was doing and walked in front of the desk that Ashley had sat down in.
"Ashley," Miss Crowe began, "that letter you and Sherri were writing back and forth this morning-"
Ashley immediately interrupted, "Were in a girl gang and it has nothing to do with---with---that stuff."
Miss Crowe chuckled, "No, no! You're not in any trouble! I just wanted to inform you that I got a call about you from a good friend of mine from college."
Ashley gazed at her with a blank stare that expressed her thoughts: And.
"His name is Darryl Worthing." She said plainly.
This took Ashley by total surprise and nearly knocked her out of her chair, "Da-Darryl Worthing!"
Miss Crowe nodded, "Ten years ago I was a freshman at Oxford University majoring in Teaching with a minor on Ancient Languages. It was in my Latin class that I met Darryl, me and him were so much alike. Then, as our freshman year rounded out he came to me and spilled everything he knew on me-everything he was. He trusted me and thought that I'd make an excellent watcher so I changed my major and Darryl and I went off on our own journey- together."
"You two were dating?" Ashley said.
"Yes, for a year or so. Then came my third year in Oxford and my in depth study in the black history of the world. Darryl was so supportive and the evil we faced together was so great-but one night I freaked. I woke up next to Darryl after we fought a very powerful Chaos Demon and I packed my things and left. It had all become to dark for me and since that night I've never spoke to Darryl Worthing again-until today.
"He told me something very interesting, " she continued, "he told me that a red-head in one of my classes named Ashley Vaughn was the Slayer and in desperate need of a watcher. Now what do think we are to do about this problem?"
Ashley was at a loss of words, she didn't know why she was so shocked but she was and didn't respond to Miss Crowe's question.
"Well I'll tell you what!" she said, "I told him that I'd be your new watcher."
Ashley was blown away again, "WHAT!"
Miss Crowe smiled, "Yes, I'm your new watcher."
Ashley was in a state of disbelief but then she noticed that Collin was still there.
"Let me guess, he's Darryl's son." She said sarcastically.
"Close," Collin said, "I'm his nephew, best computer hacker the Council has to offer and I can speak and understand 14 demon languages and 5 ancient mortal languages."
Miss Crowe backed him up, "Yes, Darryl told me about Collin and I talked to him and Collin informed me that he would like to help in this effort." She walked back to her desk, "So why don't you start by telling me what happened last night."
Let the fun begin, Ashley thought.
Ashley jerked awake, memories of the past night flooding into her head faster than she could comprehend. Had her and Parker been through all that? Had Sherri, Eric, Carolyn and Chris actually found out who she was? Did Carolyn and Sherri actually stake a vampire? What had all transpired the night before?
As it ended up, she didn't have enough time to think about this, it would only be about twenty minutes before Parker would be there to pick her up. So she went about her morning rituals and didn't stop to think about her motor functions. When she got done getting ready she had pretty well hidden the fact that she was in a deep mode of sorrow and desperation. She had on form fitting denim overalls and a long sleeve white V-neck sweater under it. Her hair was hanging to its full length down just past her shoulders and her feet were housed in Timberland boots.
She smiled to herself in the mirror: "Ashley, you can do this. Just act normal and you'll get through this." She said to her reflection.
The truth was that she knew it would be a tough day. She knew Parker, Sherri and Eric would not stop until they knew everything about the slaying and were a part of it. She knew this could not be, and she couldn't let them even think that they were going to be a part of slaying-it was too dangerous and she loved them too much to let anything happen to them.
By the time she looked at the clock she realized it was a quarter till eight, she had kept Parker waiting for fifteen minutes! So she grabbed her books and rushed down the stairs, then realized that she had forgotten her pocket book and decided to just forget it. She rushed out the door and nearly tripped over Parker who was sitting on the porch steps.
"Parker I'm so sorry, " she said
He got up, smiling, "Don't worry," he took her books for her and walked her to the car.
Why does he have to be so sweet? She thought, All its doing is making it harder.
They didn't say much as Parker drove them to school. They merely played with each other's hands, and even as they did so Ashley watched the muscles in Parker's arm knot up and release under his tanned skin as his fingers and hand shaped to fit her hand. She notice then, for some odd reason, how much she could love someone she had only known for two days. He just made her feel wanted-needed-and loved. Every time he touched her he took one more piece of her heart when he let go and when he kissed her their bond grew even stronger. But she knew that she couldn't let herself fall for him, for Mr. Larrinburg's words still rang clear in her head:
"Sam's death was not coincidence. Somehow that vampire knew you were the Slayer, he knew that he must take you out. That's why you mustn't get involved, that's why you mustn't let anyone get in the way-because them knowing is dangerous. When the cards are all down your enemies will strike out at whatever they can get to hurt you, then all your loved ones are is targets."
"Ashley!" Parker snapped her out of her thoughts, "Are you okay?"
She looked at him, their hands were still together, "Yeah, I'm fine.'
"Oh," he looked as though he had been expecting more than that, "I was just wondering-you seemed deep in thought."
She grinned, "This is bad, you already know when I'm thinking. My secret's out."
He smiled, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone know that you actually think."
As soon as they got done saying those words the bell rang. So they got out of the car and gathered their books.
Parker approached her and said: "We got through the safety stuff so now Weightlifting is moving out to the field house.so I'll see ya later?"
Ashley nodded. Then Parker stepped closer, nearly towering over her and leaned down and gave her a surprising but expected kiss just before they split paths as she walked toward the school and he toward the field-house next to the football field.
*******
Indeed, Ashley's thoughts were only intensified by the kiss Parker gave her earlier that morning but it seemed as though Sherri had been thinking more about all of the things that went on last night than her. All during first period all Sherri could talk about was the whole 'slaying' deal and everything else that was supposed to be kept secret. Finally Ashley had to play sick and leave just in time for the bell to ring as soon as she left the room.
In homeroom she learned of Carolyn's story. She and Chris had been telling people that they were 'kidnapped' as a joke by someone and just didn't feel like coming to school and while they were gone someone must have trashed his car, but it was nothing that his parents couldn't fix.
When Carolyn had finished telling them what supposedly happened and Krysta, Krystal and Brenda were done questioning her and insisting that she should have called them that Carolyn asked Ashley: "So, you mind if me and Chris join the group?"
Ashley sighed, "Carolyn, there is no group. Not to sound cranky but I can't risk getting you guys hurt."
"No hurt necessary, I just want to keep updated on what's going on, I mean- after you find out what really goes bump in the night." Carolyn pushed her lips together and turned to talk to Krysta, who was fresh with new questions.
Ashley spent the rest of the twenty minute period thinking of how she was gonna tell Parker and Sherri and Eric they wouldn't be able to assist her in the slayage.
When the bell rang she headed to Algebra II and took her usual seat. Sherri immediately put a letter on her desk when class began.
Is there something wrong with the whole slayer thing? You seemed mad this morning, did I do something wrong?
Ashley wrote back: No, there's not. Well-yes there is. Sherri, I can't let you guys be in on it, its too dangerous.
Sherri read this and hastily returned it: NO! We're not gonna get hurt, I swear. We just want to help. I mean, its not like you've ever been through this before.
Ashley passed the letter back to Sherri with the words: You're right. seething with the stench of a lie. However the teacher, Miss Crowe noticed they were passing a note and took it up-read it at her podium and then eyed Ashley and Sherri.
"Ashley, see me fourth period." Miss Crowe eyed Ashley.
Ashley and Sherri took their seats by Eric and Collin in third period. Sherri told Eric that Miss Crowe had taken up a letter they had been passing back and forth dealing with the whole slayer deal. No doubt Ashley was freaked, and she needed to talk to Parker, especially with the whole 'meet me during fourth period.'
Eric leaned in to them, "You think that she thinks you are a crazy delusional person and is gonna commit you to a mental institution."
Sherri slapped Eric on the arm, "ERIC!"
Ashley grinned, "No, its fine. Its good to know he's not all serious about this. It makes things easier."
Eric nodded, "And easy is my middle name."
Sherri raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, that's Eric-always the easy way out."
"Not always." He said defensively.
Ashley grinned and then looked up to the teacher as he called the class to attention. It wasn't fifteen minutes before half the class was asleep and he was telling the class of his adventures in Vietnam and how it related to Queen Elizabeth's desire to establish colonies in America. Then he sat at his desk while they were taking a quiz over the defeat of the Spanish Armada and Mr. Ford fell into a deep sleep that lasted even after the bell rang for the fourth lunch group to go eat.
When the bell did ring for their lunch Ashley joined Eric, Sherri and Collin at table number 3 and enjoyed a reddish hamburger with fries harder than her mother's brownies, and that is synonymous with the word rock. They tended to avoid the subject of last night due to Collin's presence but the conversation they did engage in proved to be one that nearly made Ashley laugh herself out of her seat. She had almost forgotten about the decision she had to make and enjoyed the time away from the drama of being a Slayer.
Soon Parker came up from behind Ashley and sat down next to her.
"Hey baby," he said and have her a quick kiss.
She eyed him, "Hey baby?"
He smiled, "Yeah, I figured I'd attempt to call you that and see how far it gets me-gotta have good standing for our date tonight."
"Trust me," she said as he slipped her hand into his-she smiled, "you're standing on high."
The bell rang and they stood, Ashley grabbing her books and Parker released her hand.
"That's good to know." He leaned down and gave her a longer kiss then said, "I'll see ya in fourth."
She sighed, "No ya won't, after Study Hall I've gotta run to Miss Crowe's room, she wants to see me about something."
He saw the look of fear cross her face, "What?"
She sighed as Eric and Sherri joined the two of them, "She took up a letter me and Sherri were passing back and fourth in class that had some stuff on it about last night."
Parker's eyes went wide, "Well-if she thought twice about it and brings it up you could just tell her you and Sherri are in a gang or something called the Slayers, it might pass."
She grinned, as did Sherri: "Yeah, I'll try." She gave him one last kiss and they parted paths heading for Study Hall.
*******
Ashley paced down the hall until she came to Miss Crowe's room. She knocked once and opened the door to find Miss Crowe sitting at her desk talking to Collin.
He turned to Ashley, "Oh, she's here."
Miss Crowe looked up from her desk, "Ashley, I'm sorry I was talking to Collin about some material for Key Club and I got carried away, come on in."
Collin got up and walked to the board and started writing some things for the club meeting after school today. Meanwhile Miss Crowe finished whatever it was that she was doing and walked in front of the desk that Ashley had sat down in.
"Ashley," Miss Crowe began, "that letter you and Sherri were writing back and forth this morning-"
Ashley immediately interrupted, "Were in a girl gang and it has nothing to do with---with---that stuff."
Miss Crowe chuckled, "No, no! You're not in any trouble! I just wanted to inform you that I got a call about you from a good friend of mine from college."
Ashley gazed at her with a blank stare that expressed her thoughts: And.
"His name is Darryl Worthing." She said plainly.
This took Ashley by total surprise and nearly knocked her out of her chair, "Da-Darryl Worthing!"
Miss Crowe nodded, "Ten years ago I was a freshman at Oxford University majoring in Teaching with a minor on Ancient Languages. It was in my Latin class that I met Darryl, me and him were so much alike. Then, as our freshman year rounded out he came to me and spilled everything he knew on me-everything he was. He trusted me and thought that I'd make an excellent watcher so I changed my major and Darryl and I went off on our own journey- together."
"You two were dating?" Ashley said.
"Yes, for a year or so. Then came my third year in Oxford and my in depth study in the black history of the world. Darryl was so supportive and the evil we faced together was so great-but one night I freaked. I woke up next to Darryl after we fought a very powerful Chaos Demon and I packed my things and left. It had all become to dark for me and since that night I've never spoke to Darryl Worthing again-until today.
"He told me something very interesting, " she continued, "he told me that a red-head in one of my classes named Ashley Vaughn was the Slayer and in desperate need of a watcher. Now what do think we are to do about this problem?"
Ashley was at a loss of words, she didn't know why she was so shocked but she was and didn't respond to Miss Crowe's question.
"Well I'll tell you what!" she said, "I told him that I'd be your new watcher."
Ashley was blown away again, "WHAT!"
Miss Crowe smiled, "Yes, I'm your new watcher."
Ashley was in a state of disbelief but then she noticed that Collin was still there.
"Let me guess, he's Darryl's son." She said sarcastically.
"Close," Collin said, "I'm his nephew, best computer hacker the Council has to offer and I can speak and understand 14 demon languages and 5 ancient mortal languages."
Miss Crowe backed him up, "Yes, Darryl told me about Collin and I talked to him and Collin informed me that he would like to help in this effort." She walked back to her desk, "So why don't you start by telling me what happened last night."
Let the fun begin, Ashley thought.