Chapter 6: Ashlene's qualm.
Ashlene is in the bio-chemical lab, testing some blood samples that have been assigned to her in the morning. She doesn't have any problem with blood as long it doesn't spill on her. She is preparing the testing solution by carefully adding the chemicals in the other test-tubes and mixing them. Fred is working along with her. She has received a call from Zane. She didn't reply yet thinking if she will ask her for another movie out and she ends up getting drunk and creating some drama at home. She still doesn't know what has happened with her that night and neither Raul nor Julia ever dared to reveal it to her. Elli's playful chuckling at any interaction of Ashlene and Raul ever since that night has increased the dubious levels of her.
She looks pretty attractive even wearing a simply simple plain light green colored long top landing below her knees which are full sleeved and casual jeans. She wears the white apron and her hair is tied in a decent braid. Ellie has learnt much to speak in these days and she manages to say what she likes and dislikes eating and is becoming quite curious in learning how to cook. Though Ashlene lashes her demands and the poor girl just cries out and don't insist her mother, she effectively make Julia to teach her things she want. Julia sighs and often cooks when Ellie is sleeping or else she puts a chair and let Ellie sit on it and just goes on blabbering till she is in kitchen. On the other hand, Raul teases Julia to teach her better, Julia grunting at her brother's remarks.
Ashlene writes the reports of the tests and hands it to her Professor who checks them and nods and instructs her to guide the other students meanwhile. Fred is a little hesitant towards blood so Ashlene has the full rights to scare the crap out of him by bringing the blood test tube right in front of his face suddenly. Though the guy gets angry, Ashlene's sudden chuckling depicting her friendly soul stops his actions,
"I swear, one day you will be the reason for my heart attack," he says trembling in anger. Ashlene places a hand on her chest and says, "My Lord, I'm scared," in a serious tone and starts giggling, others finding it amusing. It doesn't happen most of the times but when it happens, everyone are lit up and they can't imagine a life full and full of studies and books without this little lively break which no one gives them anymore- everyone simply seeming incapable.
Ashlene has a couple of friends here too with whom she hangs out at lunch and at breaks. Though she is almost a bright student and scores an above mediocre percentile in all practicals and examinations, she makes sure she studies optimally and doesn't lag back because of any reasons. Because where there is determination, there aren't reasons.
She returns home tiredly, the way back to home was unusually filled with traffic and she got too tired driving it. She sees Raul preparing to leave for circus and she offers him to wait for a while till she can prepare something to eat. Raul hurries up and kindly denies the offer. She sighs at his attitude. He is almost keeping her at an arm's length and she barely gets time to go for a walk with him since he joined circus. She is sure that something definitely happened that night and both the siblings are highly reluctant to trigger the topic. She gives him some money to grab a sandwich midway- directly handing him without his permission of acceptance. He keeps quiet but later keeps back the money on her table in her room.
Ashlene prepares her food along with Ellie's, meanwhile Ellie keeps playing with her soft toys. She takes cares not to trouble her mom whose mood seems not too well today. She may end up getting some beatings or lash out, so she plays quietly. She comes quickly to the table and eats without any tantrums. Ashlene is happy about her attitude but doesn't express it. She instructs Ellie to play take a bath and get changed and dry her hair properly and keep the changed clothes in the rag properly.
Ashlene looks dull and tired and lies on her bed after instructing Ellie to not make any noise,
"Ellie, Aunt Julia will come back within few minutes. Tell her I just slept now," Ashlene says in an ordering tone,
"Okie," Ellie replies,
"And when Da'dda comes-"Ashlene realizes at what she just called Raul as Ellie's dad, "just tell him to eat something. Okay?"
"Okay mom,"
Ellie quickly takes a bath and is busy with herself dressing like a princess drying her hair effectively. She has started speaking quite of words and has recently got a craze of cooking food. She troubles Ashlene to teach her mom but she knows its better to not ask her most of the times since she lashes out or gives her a little beating on irritation. However Julia is a different case. Julia can't do anything but listen the little girl and places a chair in the kitchen and let Ellie sit on it and keeps on blabbering about preparing food. Raul teases her to teach her better, and Julia scoffs at his interference.
Julia notices how cleverly Ellie combs her royal blue hair. Sometimes Ashlene really misses him. Sometimes he is not any dog-loving-bastard that she calls. She wonders why he had cheated her. Why has he not even called her to apologize even once? She sighs as she thinks about him. Sometimes it's all their good times she thinks of and longs to be with him. She remembers him pinning her to wall and kissing her passionately with full of lust and love. Were all those moments false? Were all those needed nights all a lie? How can he just leave her? How can he not know that he has a two year old daughter who is beginning to imagine and give his place to a different person no matter how much that other person cares and loves her?
Tears stream down her tired face remembering him and she wonders how she hasn't been able to hate him after all he has done. He perhaps is with his new girlfriend, enjoying his life or with that same girl she saw with him that day in the dark room. She slides down beneath her blanket and smiles cruelly to herself in nostalgia. She could hear Ellie switching on the TV and subtly lowering the volume. Ellie has been crazy about animes concerning friends and adventures. Ashlene drifts into a sleep hearing the mumbled giggling of her daughter.
…
Julia arrives at home and is greeted with silence except the voice of clashing blade that are coming from Ashlene's room. She treads quietly to her room and sees Ellie watching the Beyblade Tournament match.
"E-Ellie, turn off the channel. Mom hates those Beyblade thingies and matches. She will lash at you." Julia says in a whisper with horror on her face,
"No problem- the match has is just about to finish. I mean, mom just slept."
"Ok, mute the volume," Julia says with a childish scowl,
"No!" Ellie protests with a same scowl,
Julia attempts to shut of the TV but Ellie threatens to increase the volume if Julia does anything. Julia seethes at her actions but sighs. Her tired eyes land upon the TV showing the match between Tyson and Rose. She scowls almost murderously at him and darts off the room.
"Bloody Champion!" Julia hisses,
Maybe because she didn't win the battle- Ellie thinks wickedly about Julia's actions.
Julia rummages through the kitchen and find boiled rice and curry prepared freshly. The sight makes her more famished and she attacks the food quickly. After an appetizing diet, she sighs contently and calls Raul. He doesn't pick.
Maybe he's busy with training.
Ashlene wakes up at seven seeing her alarm buzzing crazy. Ellie immediately turns of the TV and Ashlene doesn't notice. She smiles at Ellie for sitting quietly at the chair.
"Good girl, baby," she says little drowsily. Ellie smiles back.
Ashlene gets fresh and starts preparing for her oncoming exams. Julia comes to look at her.
"Ash, let's eat first. You look dull." Julia says carefully,
Ellie indicates Julia that her mom isn't in a very good mood,
"I'm fine, Julia," Ashlene says firmly,
"What's wrong with you? Are you hiding something?" Julia asks sharply ordering Ellie to leave the room. Ellie complies and leave.
"I said I'm okay." Ashlene says a little rudely,
"No, you are not and you're being rude and I'm sorry about that." Julia snaps,
"Julia, p-please leave me alone. I've to study." Ashlene says jadedly,
"Fine, I'm not bothering you. Do what you like." Julia stomps off, shutting the door hard.
Ashlene feels pangs of regret of her harsh words. She was just trying to be nice with her and wanted her to stay healthy. She slaps her head at her actions. Shit girl. You're definitely a mess.
Nonetheless, she starts reading the text of her magazine starting with Pharmacology. Her head is half spinning but she manages to complete a good portion with somewhat determination till ten. She lies down wondering what she will say to Julia. Raul hasn't been the best with her. There was something between them really wrong. Did he have repulsion from her because she was a little too sticky? She sighs and goes out of her room slowly. She shuts the door softly and sees Ellie playing with her soft toys, instantly smiling seeing her mom. Ashlene frowns in fear looking at her daughter.
Even her smile is like her father- flirty and infectious.
She gives a tiny smile and knocks at Julia's room,
"Come in," Julia says coolly,
Ashlene walks in slowly an sees Julia working with some books,
"So…" Ashlene mumbles,
"Do you need anything, Ash?" Julia asks like nothing happened but there is a slight hint that she's upset with her.
"Y-yeah," Ashlene says timidly, "I want to say you that I'm sorry…" Ashlene says weakly,
Julia turns and looks at her. The brunette's face is filled with expiation and dejection. She looks tired. Not physically but mentally.
"Hmm, I will only forgive you if you tell me what's wrong. Did Raul tell you something?" Julia asks.
"Nope, he doesn't." Ashlene pauses and looks courageously in Julia's eyes, "Julia, tell me what happened the night I got drunk?" she asks
"N-Nothing," Julia shrugs strongly,
"There must be something. Raul isn't himself, he avoids talking with me, didn't eat anything before he left and didn't take the money I offered him for snacks," Ashlene explains worriedly,
"Oh!" Julia says with a little shock, "Don't worry, I will talk to him,"
"No, I mean, I want to know the reason why he is behaving this way." Ashlene says strongly,
"He might be stressed off due to work, probably," Julia reasons,
"S-Still,"
"C'mon, don't say you were tensed because of his behavior,"
"I was a little worried but I think Raul is really stressed," Ashlene tries to smile,
"Yeah, that should be it; c'mon, help me correct these books," Julia asks.
"Sure. Are the kids at school fine or are they one kind of devils?" Ashlene asks with laughter,
"They are fine," Julia sighs, "because they know that if I've lost my temper, the bitch inside me will be insufficient for them to handle," Julia smirks,
"That's perfect,"
…
Raul returns home extremely tedious and weak, his body limp and feeble. He thumps at the couch and is breathing weakly. He regrets not eating anything and working like clock for the rest of the day. Julia asks him to get fresh and tells him that she needs to talk. Raul guesses that her sister's mood is not well and he's going to receive some chiding. Raul isn't in the mood to hear any shit. He is way too tired. He simply nods and closes his eyes.
Ashlene returns from kitchen keeping her plate of rice after she ate and notices Raul lying on the couch. She blinks at him when he spots her back,
"Hey," Ashlene stutters, "Do you want me to bring the food on table?" she asks unsure if he will reply back.
"Sure, yeah- NO! I mean, Julia said she will get for me." He says quickly and turns to other side. Ashlene feels hotter suddenly and her heart is doing abrupt unhealthy exercise,
"Hn," she deafly mumbles and goes to her room,
"RAUL!" Julia shouts at him and calls him in the room,
"What's wrong, Julia?" he asked with slight anger in his voice,
"Come in," Julia orders,
"Julia, I'm in no mood for your fanatical unbearable, unstoppable lecture. Seriously," Raul snaps at once,
Ashlene hears them but is afraid to face them. She eavesdrops through the door,
"Fine, I will talk to you, later. First get your unhealthy, tired body a fresh bath and dinner, then!" Julia snaps back cruelly,
Raul goes to bathroom and shuts off the door harshly. Ashlene comes out.
Ashlene looked scared at Raul's shouting. She walked out of her room and her steps were slow. Julia looked at her and blinked.
"Ash! You okay?" Julia asked concerned,
"Hm," she gulped and felt extremely helpless. She was feeling scared and insecure and wronged. She didn't know what to do, where to walk or cry or sit or stand there. She suddenly wished if she were dead. Ellie quickly ran to her mom and wrapped her,
"Mom!" Ellie hugged her mom rightly right trying her best to console. This act aroused uncontrolled silent streaming of tears from Ashlene's eyes.
Julia gasped and put a hand on her mouth.
"Ash, please don't cry-" Julia was cut off as a half-dressed Raul came out of washroom witnessing a dramatic scene.
"What happened?" he asked softly, with less remorse,
Ellie took her mom to her room and shut the door from outside; she gave a hurtful and angry look to Raul, almost her nose sniffing before she went to her mom's room.
Raul stared at her unbelievably. He was hurt a little by the look Ellie gave her,
"What's wrong?" he looked at Julia,
"Ellie knows everything...she sees everything. It's important for us to hide away things from her. She is clever." Julia said dumbly in air,
"She knows everything except who her dad is actually," Raul said bitterly before he went to his room,
Julia stood there for few minutes thinking everything profoundly. She didn't talk to Raul. The next day was followed by a warm weather showing up.
Raul and Ashlene completely avoided each other. Ellie was her usual self but didn't talk much with Raul. She made it clear with her attitude that she's clearly upset with Raul for his behavior with her mom. Raul apologized Ellie but she ignored. The little girl was stiff when it came to hurting her mom. Raul wondered what would she do to her dad if she found the truth.
He sighed at the thought.
Raul tried talking to Ashlene when she returned in evening but she completely avoided him. She didn't even ask him for food.
"Ash, I'm hungry," he tried once more with urgent hope,
"OK, I'll bring your food." She replied very formally.
Raul sighed. She served it with a still hurt face and left him alone to eat,
"Ash, will you not talk to me?" he asked with a sigh of light tiredness,
"About what?"
"I'm sorry, dude. I'm just- sorry. I wasn't myself." he said sadly looking down,
"Why?" she questioned,
"Ellie knows it. Can't say." He looked at Ellie. Ellie blinked in confusion not understanding the reason. She shrugged.
"Tell me and you're forgiven, "Ashlene demanded. She was doubtful that something was wrong and a feeling of qualm took her over.
Raul stood up, looked down, feeling uncomfortable uneasily, "You kissed me and said that I was good dad for Ellie," he said lowly,
Ashlene gasped exactly understanding what he was saying. She stood flustered, "Please do me a favor and don't let Julia know that I told you. She warned me and I obeyed her. Telling you today became a necessity," he reasoned,
"I'll perfectly take care," she said quickly. Ellie nodded to herself.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled, her cheeks flushed,
"Now you know why I was a little not myself,"
"Hmm," she nodded in agreement, "I'm sure that was pretty embarrassing for you. I am really sorry."
Raul smiled, "Now that you know, I'm sure I will forgive you. We can be back like we were."
"Thanks," she smiled unsurely, "I will iron my clothes," Ashlene left subtly trying her best to skip this really embarrassing situation.
…
"Oh yeah, what did I exactly do?"
"Seriously, you want to know?"
"Yeah, please,"
"Well, you first drank way too much, and then you walked like a crazy drunk man towards me, asked me for my jacket, and when I refused,-"
"I must have took it by myself, lol,"
"Nope, sweetheart, you gave me a harsh kiss and took me from the center of the party with my very much reluctance,"
"S-Seriously? You are kidding, right?"
"Sadly, I am not,"
"T-Then?"
"I took you to my room, and you slept on my bed, I locked my room so that you don't come out in the middle of night pulling some act,"
"That's why you weren't in your room!"
"Oh yeah!"
Ashlene smirked nostalgically as she pulled her dried clothes from the ropes in her tiny balcony, dumping them on the ironing table.
"Can I help you?" Ellie asked,
"No dear, just don't spoil the pressed clothes, that's more than enough,"
"Oii, I can press your clothes too, you know. Let me try," Ellie pouted,
"Listen Ell, mom is way too angry right now, so please, go and watch some movie show,"
"Okie. Can I watch the Beyblade Tournament?" Ellie asked without thinking,
"WHAT!" Ashlene asked with wide eyes,
"Oh, I mean, m-mean, the new anime?"
"Don't you dare ever buy a Beyblade or put that bloody channel! Got me, Ellie?" Ashlene said dangerously,
"Yess!" Ellie gulped and bowed,
.
.
.
College started for Tyson and he reluctantly started studying. Most of the times he wasn't eating but just lifelessly staring at those books he didn't want to. Blading can't be his career for earning money and he seriously can't risk anything anymore. He struggled ever harder trying to pass. Cost and Management Accountancy wasn't his piece of cake. Max was doing , while Kai pursed with M.B.A, Ray continued with M.A, his being the easiest. Tyson sometimes wonders why in the hell he has taken this course. The tournament ending of Year 2018 was something that no one thought would be something like this- not that tough like they thought. Rose wasn't the toughest and worst of opponents but the bladers found it hard to give up for each other initially. It was their need to win. The celebration was just of one day at Canada and the next day was followed by them witnessing a lonely house where they were informed that his Grandpa was admitted at hospital.
Ryu got worse than before. His coughing grew terrible and Doctors said that he might need to be admitted in hospital. He often complained of pain in his left side of stomach to Tyson but Tyson didn't know what to do. Doctors were doing their best and the year was coming to an end. Soon Christmas will arrive and he hated to spend it in sadness when his Grandfather was practically suffering from ailment and pain. Kai and others occasionally consoled him when Ryu got unwell. The guys were loyal.
They sometimes stayed nights in hospital, when it was needed. The financial burden of bills sometimes soared and they found hard to meet. Not even Kai could help. He himself after third Beyblade Tournament left his home formally, and went to Mr. Dickenson to express his decision. He was sure that the man wouldn't turn him down. And it was that time when Ryu made an agreement that Kai will be treated like his own Grandson and he could stay with them as long as he is alive. A few months later, this agreement was extended to Max and Daichi, later joining Ray. However Max occasionally visited America to meet his parent that no longer bothered about him as they works kept them more busy. Ray sometimes visited his native country. Usually that didn't happen since Mariah and others met him almost once in a year for Tournament matches each year. Daichi sometimes went to his village to visit his father, but he liked more to stay with Ryu who was much like his own Grandpa. He occasionally teased Tyson that Ryu was more of his Grandpa than Tyson's.
Each year, Christmas tree was prepared by all of them and Hilary too used to be there, her presence lingers bitterly around, especially for Kai. Kai let go of her from his mind but sometimes missed her badly. Nobody has noticed his secret longings that come very rarely and he manages to keep them safe within himself. This time, it would be a blessing if Ryu gets discharged before Christmas and could be with them, under the comfortable roof. Tyson's heart has been breaking ever since he returned to Japan. He felt that he shouldn't have defended his title this year. He should have stayed with his Grandpa and taken care of him. He can get back his title next year, but not Ryu after he's gone. Sometimes, he simply walks in Ryu's personal Ward room in hospital and just stares at him in pity and dismay, expiating every minute he stands there and witnessing his condition. The simple coughing and cold has rendered the man so weak and feeble. It was hard for him to digest the fact. The fear of losing him brought brokenness to its peak to him. His mom was no longer there, his father stayed away and his brother got married off and has his personal life to carry on and there are hardly any chances that Hiro will come to live with him if in case anything happens. He has such a deep attachment with his Grandpa that he gulps down every inch of fear that unravels in him bitterly to avoid thinking of any such misfortune ever happening. At times, he kneels in his room, closes his eyes, let the tears fall down and silently prays in his heart for his Grandfather. He has taken him for granted and hasn't been the best Grandson,
"Give him health; give him more life, please! Don't let me live this life without him. I can't, I can't. Let me die before he does or else take us together…"
From outside, he doesn't cry, he tries his best that his voice doesn't crack anytime. He doesn't want them to acknowledge that how badly he's injured. Max knows him but he knows that it's better if he pretends that he doesn't know, because Tyson will not like knowing that Max has full idea of his feelings. He consoles him in his own way.
Kai wasn't the harshest person when it came to Grandpa. He just feels jealous how lucky Tyson is having such a wonderful Grandfather. He smirks at the fact that Voltaire doesn't have a good guy like Tyson though and he also wouldn't have been any good with him in Voltaire's last days if he was somehow with him. He feeds light soup to Grandpa when Tyson is sleeping, in his cold and solemn attitude. That just lights up the heart of Ryu seeing that he truly has five grandsons for him to love and care. Max always motivates and manages to make Ryu laugh once in a day or if Daichi adds up, Grandpa feels no longer sick.
Daichi himself sometimes felt utterly hopeless and sad about Ryu. On outside, he is very much okay and seems carefree but inside, a responsibility haunts him to get Ryu well soon as possible. He isn't sure what he should really do beside what guys instruct him to get back his older Grandpa back. He cannot understand how ray could be so calm and composed though he takes responsibility of buying medicines, bringing clothes and other needs- a worry and fear seems out of his soul for this old man.
Days seemed to be passing and no avail. Ryu just couldn't get better enough to get back home though his condition didn't got worse. Christmas came and they all prayed for his health. It was the worst Christmas ever for them. They spent the whole day in hospital getting to help out nurses and fighting back the fears of Grandpa getting any worse or any delay. Tyson silently cried the whole night on terrace bearing the cold winds of December. His ruffled soul was alone and crying that night. His condition was unwell the next day with pale face and light fever. However he got well by evening.
Grandpa got discharged on 29th December, adding a light mood to warm up the New year's eve they could celebrate together.
A/N:
Hey people! How are ya! I hope you all are doing well with health and life. (:
I haven't talked to you guys properly after I'd started publishing this story here on FC. So basically, I'll just tell you this - Like most of my stories you know, this is a Tyson centric fic. Yes, so don't tell me to give major roles to Kai. There are many other romance tales of Kai and OCs or Hilary on FC. You might read those if you're interested. Don't persistently tell me to pair Ashlene or Hilary or any other girl with Kai. I never said Hilary or other girl/OC is paired with Tyson. I just mentioned that Tyson had a break up previously because of which he's still upset and if effects his life presently. Kai may have/have negative role over here and if you don't like it, it's fine, you don't have any compulsion to read. There are many stories of authors who are my besties/friends whose stories I read even if Tyson has a bare role or its KaiHil or KaiOC. As long as the story is not damned M rated or horror type, I read. Yes, my regular readers do know I've a liking for Tyson, quite greatly. I like the just the way he is- his eyes, his smile, his hair, his attire which might be so simple, but still. I love his attitude, his way of battling, his silence, the way I've explored him through my journey in FC. And even I love all those authors and respect them who have this liking for Tyson, even if a few do slash fics. Still, the way they discover him in most ways apart from his relationship, I like it. I do appreciate them. And even I've my moods, damn, I do have impulsive likings and all. So I may just not read up fics that may be about my favorite pairing (TyHil) if I don't have the mood or liking. I just don't get that urge or feeling so… so that's me. It's my wish and I've my freedom to read/review what I want and to continue/discontinue. It just like you guys have. AS for the subjects that are presented in the story, talking about Medicine, this is still my favorite which I'm not doing unfortunately, and have to take Dentistry instead. So because in real life, I couldn't do it, at least I could narrate the experiences of my characters who are doing this- Hilary and Ashlene in this case. Ryan is again one of my favorite characters and as many of you might have been hinted that there is Ryan/Hilary in this story, but again I've not said this. So it's basically your thinking on the basis of what I write but still, I'm not giving any conclusions to your conclusions after each chapter. I will respond to your review but I may not reveal everything what's actually to be known later for you.
I may actively be present on FC, but if I don't get the feeling I just don't read fics even which I priorly followed or used to read, so no hard feelings. And a huge thanks finally to all the supporters of my story and Tyson lovers. To all the readers who didn't review, thanks again if you're reading this with hope and likeness and are Tyson's fans, just like me. I'd know you- so, if you review me telling me your thoughts on which I can give comments/corrections, where I feel to, not conclusions, again. Because this is a story, not a shot, you have surprises ahead and you learnt subsequently of what's exactly happening or what happened once. And I'd be very happy to know that you support Tyson, and thus eventually me. So yeah, do review if you feel so. I'd be happy, ;D I'd be motivated, happy and active to post my next chapter. I'd post my chapter because of happiness, not because of this compulsion that 'Oh, I've posted this story, so damn, I've to end this for once.'
So, finally here are all the readers which I know, from whom I really felt I got support for posting my story. Firstly, Solitude 13, who is Tyson's big fan and we have familiar thoughts. Secondly, Linvn89, she is a wonderful person with quality review and thoughts that really motivate me, I'm grateful to you buddy. :D. Thirdly, Jaya Avendel, with her again quality review and thoughts. Fourthly, Julia Fernandez Hiwatari, for her cheery persona and thoughts in the review, depicting her excitement. Thanks to others as well, especially Neha, Lily, omm, wings of Pegasus and all those who supported me especially in HMITR.
This story is more like season, each season corresponding to a year's time, starting from 2018. What happened in previous years (2014 continuation till 2017) will be shown as flashbacks as whole, later in the story. I've few chapters to dedicate that; don't worry. Meanwhile, the italics in the ongoing chapters indicates the brief scenarios of past. When I've built up Ashlene, it was to show the strength, the weaknesses of a girl, her ability to educate herself, fight the crisis, her ability to control her craves, handling a daughter, her ability to love a guy and cope up with a break up, to deal with her college life and siblings like Julia and probably about Raul and much more. Just let me know your opinions (not orders) about what you prefer for Hilary and Ashlene (for pairing) and guessing. What do you think? What do these girls really deserve?
Thanks again for listening me up! Do review if you feel so, especially Tyson's lovers/fans or Ashlene fans? XD Honestly, don't you feel Tyson is one such impulsive sweet personality? Just let me know at least how many of you (all readers who review/not) know Tyson's birthday date?