Chapter 14: Getting Better

Ashley was sitting in the living room of her and Andros's apartment studying for her final exam. Astro was asleep at her feet and Ashley wasn't sure where Andros was. However, her question was answered when she felt him push her hair aside and kissed her neck. "Andros…don't," she insisted.

"How come?" He asked.

"I have to study," she replied.

"When's the test?"

"In a few days."

"Well, couldn't you study later?"

"No."
"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because."

"Because isn't an answer."

"It is to me."

Andros grinned as he grabbed her book from her hands. "Andros! Give that back," she laughed. Andros looked through the book and dodged her.

"Hmm, let's see. This is all easy," he told her.

"Maybe to you."

Andros dodged her again and jumped over the couch with the book still in hand. "Well, you've been studying this stuff since you were what nine?" Ashley asked with a grin. Andros looked up from the book with a grin.

"Well, let's see I've been in training to be a Red Ranger since I was seven. Had to learn the navigational systems and other stuff like that. So yeah pretty much," he replied.

Ashley tried to get the book again when Andros held it above her head. "Andros," she whined.

"You look cute when you pout," he teased.

"Please give me my book back."

"What will you do to get it back?"

"What would you like me to do?"

Andros kept a firm grip on her book and had her trapped between him and the wall. "What do you think?" He asked. Ashley laughed as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Andros picked her up off the floor while keeping her pressed against the wall. Ashley pulled back and stared at him.

"As much as I would really, really like to keep going, but I need to study for at least a little while," she insisted.

She grabbed the collar of his shirt with a smile. "But I promise that I'll make it up to you tonight," she informed. Andros stroked her face with a smile.

"I'll hold you to that promise," he answered.

Ashley smiled before sitting down and getting back to studying.

After another hour, Ashley put her book down with a sigh. Andros sat down behind her. "Here, sit back," he instructed. Ashley sat between his legs and tilted her head back. He rubbed her shoulders and smiled as she closed her eyes and let out a small moan.

"That feels really good," she told him.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Andros kissed the side of her head and continued to rub her shoulders. "Any thoughts of names?" He asked.

"A couple," she replied.

"Mind sharing?"

"Alena if it's a girl…Ajax if it's a boy."

Andros smiled. "Perfect," he answered. She let her eyes fall closed again. He kissed her neck and pressed his forehead against the side of her head.

"When do you want to get married?" She asked.

"Hmm, how about a few days after your graduation?"

Ashley smiled. "I like that," she replied.

"Yeah?" He asked.

Ashley looked up at him with a smile. "Yeah," she replied. She placed her hand on the back of his head and pulled him down for a kiss. Just then, Astro jumped on the couch, panting and wagging his tail. They pulled back and looked at Astro. "Hey, Astro," Ashley greeted. She scratched behind the dog's ear. Astro barked and buried his head into Ashley's side. "Thank you so much for taking care of him for me," she told him.

"It was my pleasure. He's a great dog," he answered.

Ashley smiled and held the dog in her arms while leaning back against Andros. "Andros, I'm worried about the trial," she told him.

"What are you worried about?" He asked.

"I'm worried that they'll release him."

"It won't happen."

"But what if it does."

"Ashley, trust me, it won't happen."

Ashley placed her head on his shoulder and sighed. "I feel so stupid though," she confessed.

"Why?" He asked.

"Because I fought so many things and I couldn't even fight my own father."

"You did fight him."

"When? Name a time that I fought him."

"Well one when he tried to rape you. You told me that every time he would try to rape you that you would fight him back. The latest…when he tried to kill our child. You fought him back to save our child."

Andros placed his hands on her stomach. "But I didn't fight him off the other times, I didn't listen to you," she put in.

"You were worried about our safety and you were worried about getting hurt more," he answered.

Andros kissed her cheek. "You're strong, Ashley. The strongest woman I know," he murmured. Ashley nodded and she rubbed Astro's stomach.

That night, Andros was lying in bed when Ashley came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a spaghetti strap, yellow nightgown. "Beautiful," Andros commented. Ashley smiled as she got into bed and straddled his waist.

"This is how I'm going to make up for rejecting you earlier," she told him.

Andros smiled and pulled her down for a kiss. However, it was interrupted when there was a knock on the door. They let out a sigh. "Great, just as things were about to get better," he mumbled. Ashley laughed as she pulled on the robe that was hanging behind the door. Andros pulled on his shirt and got out of bed.

Ashley walked into the living room and had Astro go lie back in his bed. She opened the door and her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh!" She gasped.

"Ashley, what is it?" Andros asked.

The person stood there with a smile. "Hello, Ashley," the person greeted. Ashley felt her throat tighten.

"Mom?" She asked with her voice shaking.