Chapter 3 - Part 2
The roses seemed to be her only consolation that day. Ashley scooped another handful of fertilizer on the roses, patting it down with more force than was really necessary. Andros, always an enigma to her, had been growing more complex with every day. One moment he was laughing, the next scowling at something she said.
With a long sigh she stood up from the flowers. The ice had melted slightly, showing a bit more green. There was still hope for them, and with a bit more care, they would actually bloom this spring.
"If you're still here come spring." She muttered. Perhaps that was what had been bothering her. Andros had seemed rather interested in getting her married off of late. If Zhane did not work, then perhaps some other guy would be a good candidate.
"Ashley."
She looked up in surprise as Andros walked out across the gardens towards her. He stopped at the edge of the rose garden and looked around in surprise. "You have made great progress here."
"Thank you." Ashley muttered, not sure why he was there.
Andros stood for a moment, silent, and then took another step closer. "Ashley, I need to talk to you."
"About?"
"Us."
Ashley shook her head. "What?"
"I need to know if you are happy here." He watched her with intent blue eyes.
"Happy?" She turned away from his gaze and looked over the garden. "I haven't every really thought about that. I think I'm happy." She shrugged. "I haven't thought about being unhappy."
Andros shook his head slightly. "Are you happy with me?" He murmured.
"You?" Ashley looked up sharply. "I. Well, I mean. You make me angry a lot. I make you angry a lot. I think, oh I don't know what I think. Why are you asking me this?" She snapped.
Andros stood silent for a moment then spoke softly. "I don't know. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment."
With that he walked away, Ashley started to follow him, then stopped. Something was troubling him, but it wasn't her place to help.
But what was so wrong with her Andros?