XXXII. Three Times A Lady
Three Times A Lady is the property of Lionel Richie.
Thanks for the times
That you've given me
The memories are all in my mind
And now that we've come
To the end of our rainbow
There's something
I must say out loud
You're once, twice
Three times a lady
Yes you're once twice
Three times a lady
And I love you
When we are together
The moments I cherish
With every beat of my heart
To touch you to hold you
To feel you to need you
There's nothing to keep us apart
You're once twice
Three times a lady
And I love you
I love you
Ashley glances around the bare room, evaluating how much work needs to be done. Her sneakers squelch against the plastic sheet covering protecting the floorHer hair is tied back in a ponytail, and she wears a grey T-shirt that she'd retrieved from her mother's earlier that morning. Craig had helped move most of her stuff to 717 Carter Avenue, though there were still a few things to be transported. She asked why they couldn't get the rest that evening, but Craig said he had other plans, looking away from her. She knows something is up, but decided not to press any further.
Ashley glances around the bare room, evaluating how much work needs to be done. Her sneakers squelch against the plastic sheet covering protecting the floorHer hair is tied back in a ponytail, and she wears a grey T-shirt that she'd retrieved from her mother's earlier that morning. Craig had helped move most of her stuff to 717 Carter Avenue, though there were still a few things to be transported. She asked why they couldn't get the rest that evening, but Craig said he had other plans, looking away from her. She knows something is up, but decided not to press any further.She smooths out the smock that hangs around her chest and mid-section. Craig brings over a couple paint cans, then a ladder. Ashley tries to remove the lid of one paint can, curling her lips in frustration. Craig takes it from her, manages to get it off quickly.
"You're such a lady," teases Craig.
"I loosened it for you," says Ashley, kissing him on the cheek.
"Yeah, right. When is she coming?" says Craig.
Ashley checks her watch. "She was supposed to come ten minutes ago. You don't think Jimmy changed his mind, do you? What if she doesn't want to come? What if..."
"She's coming," interrupts Craig, giving her a reassuring hug.
"Okay," says Ashley, taking a deep breath.
"I think she's going to like this room," comments Craig.
"Me too," says Ashley, stirring the paint base.
"If she likes me, not so sure," says Craig.
Ashley beams at him, scrunches her face because of the smell.
"She likes you. And soon, she'll love you. You'll see," says Ashley.
Craig notices her expression. "Say that with a straight face."
"I can't. This stuff stinks," admits Ashley, laughing.
"Well, just focus on something else. Like how we're going to accomplish this in three days," says Craig.
Ashley continues to stir, frowns. Dr. Gill, after receiving the okay from her, made arrangements after consultations with her and her parents, who were relieved that she complied. She would be leaving for Serenity in Malibu within four days' time. Dr. Gill recommended Serenity, and somehow Craig knew about it as well. Her mother booked the airplane ticket. Ashley didn't care where. She only wanted it to be done, to get well and come back to her forming family. After the discussion, neither of them had said much about it, taking in these last moments together.
"I'd rather focus on you," says Ashley. "Your butt's looking mighty nice in those jeans."
Craig wiggles his butt, making Ashley giggle.
"And I noticed that your smock is very kind in highlighting your finer assets," praises Craig.
Ashley dips her brush into the base, starts painting a wall. "Too bad we're having company, or else I'd let you untie it."
Craig puts another brush into the same can, and stands beside her, painting. "Why must you tempt me every three minutes?"
"I like having control," teases Ashley. "Stop bothering me. You said to focus, and I am. I don't want paint dripping all over me."
"If I wasn't such a gentleman, I'd cover you in paint," says Craig. "You know, since I can't smother you in sweat."
"You're not doing either right now," says Ashley, blushing.
Craig raises the wet brush mischievously, and Ashley gasps. He winks at her, then continues to paint. Ashley smiles.
"Told you I'm a gentleman," says Craig.
"And I'm a lady," says Ashley, nodding. "But not that much of a lady!"
Ashley raises her brush, flicks some liquid on Craig's shirt, and raises her arm in triumph. Craig tackles her to the floor, Ashley trying her best to get up.
"I can't believe you did that!" exclaims Craig, pinning her arms to her chest.
"Like you weren't!" says Ashley, turning red from laughter.
"I wasn't!"
"Likely story!"
Ashley squirms. "Let me up."
Craig puts his forefinger into the glob on his shirt, and spreads a little on her cheek. "That looks nice."
"This better not be toxic," says Ashley, grinning, as Craig gets off her.
Just then, the bell rings, and Ashley stands, brushing herself off. She advances to the door, opening the door to Leslie, dressed in a white shirt and blue pants.
"Hey, Les!" greets Ashley, hugging her.
"Hi," says Leslie, shyly. "You don't live that far away from Daddy."
Ashley shrugs. "Yeah."
She peers behind Leslie to Spinner, who waves to her. Ashley waves back, thinks she sees Jimmy, but she can't get a clear view of him. Leslie walks in, looks curiously around the room.
"Do you like it?" asks Ashley.
"It's okay," replies Leslie. "Smells."
"That's the paint base," explains Ashley. "Craig's putting it on as we speak."
"Did I hear my name?" says Craig, cheerfully, coming into the room, wiping his hand with a rag. "Hey Leslie!"
Leslie says nothing, looks down.
"Are you hungry?" inquires Craig.
Leslie shakes her head. Ashley feels like a giant weight is climbing on top of her heart. Of course Leslie's skeptical around Craig, after the whole case and the details of his past. She hopes it will come naturally, as naturally as it did in the woods.
"So we have three shades for you to choose from," announces Ashley, taking Leslie's hand.
They all head to Leslie's room, and Craig reveals the three shades to Leslie. Leslie strokes her chin thoughtfully, points to one.
"Misty Lilac! I knew it!" says Ashley, happily.
"Misty Lilac it is," says Craig, popping open the can.
"This is where I'm going to sleep?" asks Leslie.
"Yes," answers Ashley. "We're going to pick out new furniture and everything."
"And you two sleep in the same bed?" says Leslie.
Ashley throws Craig a quick look, and he appears just as speechless as her.
"It's okay," says Leslie. "I'm five. I know things."
Yeah, you're five and I don't want you to know those things, not yet anyway, thinks Ashley. Craig smiles at her, and makes a point to move the ladder from one corner to another corner.
"Tell me about this variety show," says Ashley, anxious to change topics.
That seems to relax Leslie a little.
"I'm going to sing a classic song. Not sure what, though. I need some instrumental back-up, though. Drums, if I can get them."
"Um, I play drums," says Craig, walking over to them.
"He's good, too," adds Ashley.
"That's alright," says Leslie, avoiding looking at Craig.
"Oh, okay. Well, if you're ever in a bind, the offer's always open," says Craig. "Do you guys want juice?"
"Two Sunny Ds, please," says Ashley.
Craig exits the room, Leslie's eyes following him. Ashley leads Leslie to the wall Craig finished, and stoops down to her daughter. Now's as good a time to talk as any.
"Are you uncomfortable, Les?" asks Ashley. "Do you want Craig to leave?"
Leslie bites her lip. "It's weird. I feel...like I'm betraying Daddy or something. I do like him, Mommy. It's hard. Does that sound stupid?"
"No," says Ashley. "It sounds honest."
"I think he should stay, though. He was nice to you and nice to me in the hospital. I heard about the helicopter. That's pretty cool."
Ashley, who'd heard about the helicopter before she, Craig, and Mr. Gill met that first time, also couldn't get over the image of the helicopter touching down just so he was able to make sure she was okay. She grins at the thought.
"Craig's done a lot of cool things for me," says Ashley.
"Like buying this house?" says Leslie.
"Like buying this house," repeats Ashley. "And since we're being honest, Les, I'm going to be crazy not seeing you for that long."
"I'm going to miss you, Mommy," says Leslie, hugging her.
Ashley tries to hold back the tears, but finds it so difficult. She remembers what Liberty said in the courtroom, about being strong for Leslie. The last time, she wasn't able to. This time, she would.
"The months will go by real fast," whispers Ashley.
"Okay,' says Leslie, wiping away a tear.
Craig reenters, carrying two bottles of Sunny D. He hands one to Ashley, and then unfastens the cap for Leslie and hands it to her.
"Thank you, Craig," says Leslie, smiling for the first time since her arrival.
Ashley arches her eyebrows at Craig, grinning widely, and Craig returns the huge grin.
"You're welcome, Leslie," says Craig.
II.
Sean's key remains in the ignition, as he watches her car move further down the road. He walked her to her car, said good-bye, got in his own car, and couldn't move, couldn't think. Without warning, a memory comes into his mind, a memory he should've thought about everyday, but neglected to because it brought up so many emotions– his wedding day.
Jay tossed some breath mints into his mouth, as Jacob ran around his legs in a circle. Sean fixed his tie for what seemed like the seventh time. It was always right, but he kept undoing it, then doing it again.
"I'm getting dizzy," sang Jacob. "I'm getting dizzy."
"Dude, I'm never having kids," said Jay, stopping Jacob from running. "Whose kid is this?"
"J.T. and Liberty's son," answered Sean. "J.T. was nice enough to let him be ringbearer."
"Oh yeah, I got his dad to sell pills," said Jay, chuckling.
"Don't tell the kid that!" exclaimed Sean.
"What pills?" said Jacob, about to dig up his nose.
"Flintstone vitamins," said Jay. "Sean, you can't tie that tie anymore. You have to get married in like six minutes."
Darcy popped her head into the room. "Here to pick up Jake."
"Hello, Miss Darcy," said Jay, smiling at her while handing over Jacob. "Save a dance for me?"
"In your ravine-infested dreams," said Darcy, then shutting the door behind her.
"She's been digging me since high school. Spinner just got in the way,"explained Jay.
"Stop hitting on the bridesmaids," instructs Sean. "It's not in the best man job description."
Sean took the rings from his pocket, startled by the golden glare. He'd almost gone ring shopping for Ellie once, despite their talk about not needing to be married to show how much they felt. Why hadn't she answered any of his phone calls?
"I like to think of it as a benefit," defended Jay. "But I guess I should be giving you a pep talk and all that."
Sean smirked. "You?"
"Listen closely. Emma is probably the hottest girl that I will never have, so don't screw it up. You're lucky she gave your hoodlum butt a chance, because she could've chosen me. Her loss. Let's do this thing so I can start hitting on Darcy again at the after party."
Sean laughed. Jay's words were humorous enough that he stopped thinking about Ellie for a full minute. Jack appeared in the door frame.
"You ready?" said Jack. "The Emma troll actually looks halfway decent. You better marry her before the full moon comes out, though."
Jay clapped Sean on the back, and he left the beach house, strolling down the aisle, sand under his feet, everyone smiling at him. Jay took his place, gleefully eyeing Darcy. Liberty stood beside her, shading their eyes from the sun. He already saw Spike crying into a handkerchief, Caitlin sniffling next to her.
Standing there, his heart beat faster and faster. The sheen of her red hair entered his mind, then her bright smile, then that final look of sadness before she left. There were rumors, that she went with Craig on tour. He wouldn't believe them. He wouldn't.
Violins played, as Manny came down the aisle, then Jacob holding J.T.'s hand, then as Emma and Snake came out, arms locked. The wind blew her hair in the most flattering direction, and Sean's heart almost stopped. Jay ribbed him, winked at him. She walks towards him in a silk, white dress, flower trim on the bodice, sleeveless, perfect. He caught his breath, as Snake handed Emma off to him.
"I hope I was worth the wait," whispered Emma as Sean takes her hands in his.
"You...you were," replied Sean.
They faced the pastor, who propped open his Bible. Words come out his mouth, but he can't stop staring at Emma. Was he deceiving himself, waiting for no reason? Could he move on, like Ellie apparently had? Can you ever fall out of love with someone?
"Do you Sean Cameron take Emma Nelson to have and to hold, from this day forward, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?" said the pastor.
Sean swallowed the lump in his throat. What was that saying? Time heals all wounds. Maybe it would. Maybe it could heal a heart too.
"I do," said Sean.
Tears slide from Emma's eyes.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," said the pastor.
Sean lifted her veil, smiled, and kissed her. It was a kiss of three people, something Emma didn't know. A kiss between a new husband and his wife, and a kiss saying good-bye to someone else he couldn't give the kiss to.
"Finally," breathes Emma, as Sean releases her lips.
Finally, Sean turns the ignition, drives the car first to Gramelli's, gets his order, and careens the car towards WJTV. The secretary offers to buzz Emma for him, but he says no and goes straight to her office. He views her, the door open, sees that her hair is uncombed, that her clothes are rumpled, that she's exhausted.
"You busy?" says Sean, coming inside.
Emma glances up, tries to fix her hair, clearly embarrassed.
"No," she says softly.
Sean goes closer to her desk, notices the bags under her eyes.
"Would you be interested in having lunch with me?" asks Sean. "I got Gramelli's, your favorite."
Emma looks down, nods. "They don't use styrofoam."
"Yeah, that's the only reason to go," says Sean, sadly smiling at her.
Emma smiles too, though Sean sees that she tries to hide it. She opens the bag, takes out a sandwich, and starts to chew. Her chewing grows more rampant, and after a few seconds, she's biting into it more and more. Ellie was right. It was clear her eating habits were off.
"Do you want some mustard?" says Sean, taking out his own sandwich.
Emma wipes some crumbs from her mouth. "No."
"Do you want me to stay?" asks Sean.
"Yes," says Emma, beginning to cry.
Sean goes to her, puts hair behind her ear. He's not sure how long it will take, if these feelings for Ellie will ever disappear, if he'll ever be fully loyal in his heart. But what could he do?
"I'm sorry, Em," says Sean. "One more question. Do you still want to be with me?"
It's the first time he's asked Emma that, after all those times he wanted to ask Ellie.
"Come home, Sean," sobs Emma, hugging him tightly to her. "Come home."
III.
Craig drags Ashley across the street, the little walking man still flashing as they reach the sidewalk. Ashley smiles at him, running a hand through her loose hair.
"Where are we going?" demands Ashley for the fifth time in a row.
"No information will be revealed," answers Craig, as they go down the sidewalk.
"Okay, you tell me to wear something nice, and won't divulge anything," complains Ashley.
"It's the first of two surprises, and you couldn't wear your paint-splattered clothes," says Craig.
"What's the other surprise?" says Ashley, jumping down excitedly.
"You're worse than Angie, just as impatient," says Craig. "And you don't even know the first one."
"So tell me the first," prods Ashley.
Craig avoids eye contact, points to a vendor. "Oh, look."
Ashley rolls her eyes. "Fine, then. Be like that."
Craig pulls out his wallet, Ashley wrapping her arms around his waist. The cool night wind blows across Craig's hair, as he pays the vendor for a single red rose. He holds it out for Ashley to take and she blushes. Putting an arm around her, they continue down the sidewalk.
"Very classy," compliments Ashley.
"I try," says Craig.
"Yeah, you try to get in my pants," teases Ashley. "As of now, you're succeeding."
Craig kisses her on the head. "Remember that later tonight."
The three days passed so fast, too fast for her. That morning, they had finished Leslie's room, and it came out perfect. Tomorrow, she'd be on a plane to Malibu, flying to a place that would determine her future, without the man she loved, the family she loved. Her head starts to throb, and she lays it on Craig's shoulder.
"Does this place look familiar?" asks Craig, as they head toward Spinner's restaurant.
Ashley laughs. "I seem to remember it."
Craig holds open the door for Ashley, and as soon as they step in, a dozen shouts of "Surprise!" arise, and Ashley covers her mouth in astonishment. She takes in all their faces: Spinner, Paige, Derek, Darcy, Kate, Robert, Chris, Toby, Estella, Ellie, Liberty, J.T, a few of her co-workers, her grandmother, and a few other people she doesn't know. No sign of Jimmy. Joey and Caitlin sit with Leslie and Aubrey at a smaller table.
"Wow!" cries Ashley. "Thank you, guys!"
Spinner pulls out a chair for Ashley. "Madam. You are the guest of honor."
Ashley kisses Spinner on the cheek, sits down. "Thank you."
They all sit, Craig and Paige on either side of Ashley. Craig taps his glass, which is full of wine. Paige, the kids, and a few others have apple cider.
"Well, it took some planning on our part, including me lying to Ashley where I was during the evenings before tonight, but seeing the stunned expression on her face was well worth it."
Everyone laughs.
"Unfortunately, we're losing her tomorrow, because we all want her to get better. We know she can do it, because there isn't anything Ashley takes on, that she doesn't conquer," continues Craig.
"Here, here," says Joey, tapping his glass.
They all politely clap, Leslie smiling at her mother.
"So tonight, we're going to celebrate her ultimate victory, and how much she means to us. We love you, Ashley."
They clap more loudly, Ashley visibly tearing up.
"Where's the cake?" calls out Spinner.
A couple waiters enter with a two tier cake, beautifully decorated, and set it in front of Ashley. She reads the writing made from icing.
"Good luck, Allison," reads Ashley aloud.
Spinner clicks his teeth, checks the wording. "Uh...they're new."
The waiters exchange looks, and head for the back, Spinner following them.
"We couldn't read your handwriting," defends one of them.
"I told you guys to check with me...," they hear Spinner yell before the door shuts behind him.
Ashley laughs, now drying her tears from laughter rather than sadness.
"Ugh," moans Craig.
"It's okay," says Ashley.
Leslie runs up to her, and Ashley settles her in her lap.
"Thank you," she whispers to Craig.
"What we need is some good party hats," says Darcy, taking out a plastic bag. "I brought some for all."
"I want one," says Toby.
Darcy starts throwing them at random people, knocking Paige in the head.
"Easy, Einstein," says Paige. "I just got my hair done!"
Ellie catches one right before it hits Paige in the face.
Ashley watches the crowd for awhile, enjoying the scene. They all believed in her, believed she could do it. She'd do it for them, for Leslie, for herself. Tricyclin wouldn't be a fixture in her life anymore.
Suddenly, the door opens, and she's surprised to see Tia pushing Jimmy's wheelchair forward. Leslie hops off and runs to hug Jimmy. Glancing at Craig, Ashley can tell he's antsy.
"Hey Jimmy," says Ashley, walking to him, giving him a light hug.
"Hey. Is it alright..that I'm here?" asks Jimmy. "Ellie told me about it, and I needed to see you, wish you well."
"It's more than alright," replies Ashley.
"Craig?" says Jimmy, looking at Craig.
"Stay," says Craig. "There's more than enough cake."
"Thanks," says Jimmy.
Toby pulls up another seat for Tia, who begins speaking to Estella in Spanish. Estella is elated, talking more than Ashley's ever seen her talk.
"Uncle Toby!" exclaims Leslie, excitedly. "Did you bring me more Animaniacs episodes?"
"Pssh, yeah," replies Toby. "Come on. They're in my bag."
Toby picks up Leslie, and heads to the other table. Soon, the room is full of chatter, and Ashley turns to Jimmy. He's holding some paper.
"You'll get a lot of presents tonight, but I'm thinking this'll bring you the most happiness," says Jimmy, confidently. "I signed the divorce papers. These are new documents, noting the joint custody agreement."
Ashley smiles. "We had a good run, eh?"
"When you get something that sweet out of the deal," says Jimmy, nodding towards Leslie. "Nobody's a loser."
Jimmy hands her a pen, and she signs her name to the document. She almost wants to cry from all that it took to get there. Instinctively looking for Craig, she can't find him.
"Will you excuse me?" says Ashley.
"Sure," says Jimmy.
Walking into the lounge, the same one where Jimmy saw Craig's friendship bracelet, discovered that her feelings for Craig were strong enough for her to ask for a divorce, she sees Craig slouched on a couch.
"You need a party hat," says Ashley, taking off hers and sliding it over Craig's head. "What are you doing out here?"
"I know you have to go, but...," starts Craig. "Ash, this is knawing at me."
"Me too," whispers Ashley. "But you were right. It's for the best."
"Why does the best hurt so much?" says Craig, looking straight into her eyes.
"It hurts for a little, then it starts to heal," answers Ashley. "We're healing right now, aren't we? After all that time apart?"
Craig grasps her hands in his. "I won't cry at your party. Let's go back."
"Yeah, I'm the crier. I get to shed all the tears at this party."
"Does my hat make me look sexy?" asks Craig, a forced smile on his face.
"Honestly," says Ashley. "No, it's a bit dorky."
"I just can't win," mutters Craig, taking off the hat and smiling for real that time.