Chapter 34: Declined Proposals…
The most awaited chapter.~
Year 2021~
Days passed and Tyson received his first earning which he handed all to his Gramps. The moment was sweet and emotional. Tyson knocked at the door and bought hot chicken soup for him. Gramps got up and devoured it all. Tyson held Gramps' hand and softly caressed it,
"I've something to give to you," he said as he looked at the old grey eyes,
He handed an envelope in his Gramp's hands and gave a warm smile. Grandpa opened the envelope and his eyes widened and gradually filled with joyous tears.
"T-Tyson," Gramps mumbled, "You've earned this?"
"Yeah, grandpa," Tyson gave a sigh,
"You're the most wonderful Grandson of this world," Gramps kissed him meaningfully on forehead.
"How much do you need?" Gramps asked,
"Nothing," Tyson said casually,
"Tell me,"
"Might be five thousand," Tyson said carefully.
"Keep them with you and deposit rest in your bank accountant,"
"Grandpa!" Tyson said bewildered,
"I told you. Now just do it. I'm just glad that you thought about me and gave all to me," Grandpa said softly, "You care about me, indeed. I always thought if you would ever give me your earnings or keep it all for yourself. I don't need this money but your kind thoughts and you've shown that you've got them,"
"But-"
"No buts, keep them all for yourself." Grandpa gave a hidden grin,
"And why?" Tyson rolled his eyes,
"You will need for your marriage," Grandpa joked. Tyson jumped out of his skin and breathed in.
"Grandpa, why to hop up to there. Marriage?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Grandpa shut then, but Tyson definitely understood that there was something that Grandpa really wanted to ask but he was just not doing it.
…
Tyson's life was like shifted from rags to riches. He replaced his old shirts with brand new cool ones, all quite expensive, of course. Daichi was almost like murderous to get them all for him as well. Though Tyson made efforts to do shopping for Daichi as well, the little kid was never satiated. Daichi always wished if he'd all those what Tyson had. Because Tyson spend opulently on himself; with all those perfect shirts, T-shirts and those damn sexy jeans and smart shoes, everyone looked a little envious. However Tyson wasn't entirely aware of this. He was happy with his life wearing all those daily and sauntering confidently to his company. On the top of that, he'd the nerve despite grandpa's warning not to waste his money, he bought a new iPhone. Everyone was staggered when they came to know that Tyson had spent one month's salary in buying one phone, that damn phone and that damn, damn huge salary. Tyson felt sheepish when Max made remarks that he was becoming posh and spending too much lavishly but he wasn't bothered. He felt happy by doing so and he cared for his happiness.
A month later, as much to his pleasure, Grandpa announced that they were celebrating his 23rd birthday this August. Tyson was a little surprised that Grandpa remembered, because they really never got a chance to celebrate his birthday properly. It always coincided with Grandpa's illness or everyone's crowded packed schedule, including his own or sometimes the tournament came in the way. But this time, Grandpa was a little better. That day, Tyson took him to hospital for checkup and they said that grandpa was finely recovering. His intense coughs were curtailing as well, and became less frequent to add.
Prior to his birthday, few weeks back, Tyson spend his earning on renovating his room and Grandpa's. He replaced his old desk with new ones and had his wardrobes somewhat properly repaired and modified its outlook with a better pattern. He bought a new watch for himself and Daichi once when they visited a mall on weak-end to have a dinner treat. It was either Max or Daichi he went out with, or bought something for, but more often Daichi and Max seem to be on fine distancing. Tyson just knew it but he was a little impervious and busier. He often stayed up late night putting his mind in suggestive themes and management ideas. But there WAS a change in his life this year, he wasn't bothered about his title, he got busy in his job and earning, he barely cared about what his friends were doing and thinking. He didn't care when Ray didn't save any food for him, he'd instead order something and guzzle till his tummy was full with, along with Daichi, so Ray's attempt of torment was all futile. He faced no insults from Kai, he'd his own comfortable bike and he was planning to take a car as well in near future, if Grandpa permits him. Hilary's internship's was halfway done and she promised that she will definitely come on his birthday. Tyson got the hint that she might probably coming with a gift too. Tyson somehow pitied Hilary for her loss- Ryan. Tyson was sure that she liked him, just not liked him, but yeah…err, it was obviously more than that and she mustn't have pictured in her wildest dreams that he would leave her permanently and abruptly like this. He himself wasn't sure what he wanted to do in future.
Grandpa was nagging him quite times for his marriage or his love interests, if any. Tyson just laughed ignorantly and avoided the topic on purpose. He seriously didn't have anyone on mind. If only he would get back his old girlfriend, he'd be the happiest person on the planet. He wonders what she's currently doing. As far as he remembers perfectly, she was in first year of MBBS when he met her and it was a long story. He wouldn't deny that he doesn't miss her, though.
I try to stay occupied
I try to put you all the side
I try and try and try and try
Still it's no use
Don't know what's going with me
But I am knowing it's hurting me
I need your love to send me free
Listen to me
Again, Tyson was asked about his opinions if any about his marriage. He was turning 23 this August and he was young enough to GET married. Tyson lost his temper this time and he rudely left the room leaving a shocked Grandpa for his attitude. Past this few years, Tyson hasn't been rude or disrespectful towards Grandpa. He was always polite and gentle.
Later that evening, he regretted for his behavior. He spent the whole day since afternoon in front of the Koi pond pondering how he should solve this problem. He was perplexed and tired. He was absolutely convinced with his life this time and he was fine even though he still didn't have the best people around. He had a fine job and time to distract himself and he was at least not aimlessly wandering or drifting in his life anymore. There was some new ambition, something worthy to pursue for. But as he noticed through the day, Grandpa was very much disappointed in him. Tyson was not happy; he utterly felt dismayed for what he did and made his Grandpa feel. He sighed and dialed Hilary.
"Hey Hilary," Tyson said with slight hesitation,
Hilary raised an eyebrow on the other line, "What's wrong?" she asked as she sensed his hesitation,
"Nothing," he said blatantly,
"So," Hilary pursued,
"What were you doing?" he asked trying to lead the conversation,
"I was just resting after a whole crowd of patients cleared few minutes back," she strenuously stretched her arms with a zestful yawn,
"Oh, must have been tired then," he guessed,
"Yep, how's your job going?" she asked,
"Good," he briefly said,
"Hmm… so, how's Gramps and others," Hilary somehow found this conversation boring and little suspicious,
"Not fine, honestly," Tyson said sharply in a low tone,
"What?" Hilary shook her head,
"And I thought my life was getting better," He laughed, "And now, Gramps suddenly asks about my love interest and for…" he paused,
"For what?" Hilary asked cautiously,
"Marriage," Tyson complete without hesitation, but he could feel the horror inside him,
"Are you serious?" Hilary sounded hysteric,
"You think I'm joking," he rolled his eyes,
"No…but what did you say?" she asked,
"I tried ignoring his question, but when he started pestering me constantly, I-I just walked out rudely," Tyson sighed,
"Are you crazy? You know he is sick," Hilary scolded nervously,
"And you know, I've no interest in marrying!" Tyson shot,
"B-But, he wants you to…"
"No! Hilary you've no right in this," Tyson said fuming up, but a sudden thought quieted him, "I'm sorry," he said immediately,
"Hey, what's wrong?" Hilary sounded really puzzled,
"Hils…look, I wanted to say you something, but you said me that you're coming on my birthday. Can you come before it, I really want to tell you something," Tyson's tone was filled with implore and slight fear,
"What is it?'' Hilary was curious and she really was,
"I can't say you on the phone, I want you to see you when I say you," he said in edgy,
"Tyson,'' Hilary said softly, "I think I know what you want to say," Hilary said slightly frantically,
"No, you don't," Tyson gulped,
"I think I know, you tell me anyway," Hilary urged,
"I will tell you, definitely, but not now," he sighed in defeat,
"I'm all in ears, tell," she urged gently,
Tyson paused his breath for some time, he wasn't sure where this was going and what he exactly was feeling; but one thing he was sure after this tiny introspection was that he didn't want his Grandpa to be upset with him at any cost. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "Marry me," he breathed out the words in horror,
Hilary wasn't stricken, she had the idea during their conversation that he would ask this to her but she wasn't confirmed.
"Why…" she asked firmly,
"Because-"he paused again, "I don't know to be honest with you, but-"he paused again,
"I know your feelings well," Hilary said politely,
The blunette paused in slight agitation and grunted but he summoned to calm down his nerves. He breathed in gently and sighed,
"Look, "he sounded straightforward and honest, "I will tell you this- I don't love you, and you'll remain my one true friend who was always by my side most of the times. I will always help you and console you. I will be true to you no matter what. I didn't love you, never. You're a friend to me. I know you too well, Hils, and you too knew me too well." He thought for a second, "I don't think there will be someone better for me and for my damn shit mindset to handle someone else as my life partner," He paused to hear her response,
"So that's why you're proposing me, huh?" Hilary shot, gulping down calmly all her overflowing fury,
"Apparently, you're right. But I'm not forcing you-"
"And you can't force me either!" she shot angrily,
"Look, you don't have to be all angry. This is your life and I'd have never asked you if Ryan was there, Never," He mentioned,
"Yeah, of course. You'd never even think of it," she said in sarcastic mundane,
"Hey-" Tyson protested
"But Tyson, you actually don't love me and trust me I'm fine with it, no issues, hell obviously, but I loved Ryan, I loved someone just like you loved someone!" She said little louder,
"Hilary I'm not here to fight to with you, damn your thoughts!" Tyson protested. He had safely walked down to the other side of road from his walk and was now in a cellar of a large building.
"Damn your thoughts!" she fired, "You can't ask me, how can you," she was puzzled,
"I'm sorry that I asked you," He sounded sarcastic and defeated, "I'm sorry that I asked you, I'm sorry that I thought we could improve our lives by getting each other." His voice was rising and his frustration was amplifying, "I'm sorry that I thought that after marrying me, you could carry on after Ryan's gone and I CAN CARRY ON AFTER ASHLENE LEFT ME SO RUDELY AND CLUELESSLY!" Tyson hung the phone.
Not a single day goes by
Show me what is through my mind
I know somebody I can't deny
I'm still missing you (I'm still missing you)
And I'm torn cause I'm hella frustrated
I know we have the special baby
But now the fact that you gone for good
And I don't know what to do
.
.
.
A large cake was placed on the central huge table, candles lighted, chandeliers glowing brightly above the blue eyed birthday girl. Ashlene was quite nervous despite everyone applauding for her to cut the cake. She smiled, her infectious smile beaming through her light makeover.
She cut the cake and the applauses came to a progressive halt. She picked the first piece and brought it near Ellie's mouth where her daughter bit with joy, than she forwarded to Julia and Raul. Zane and Fred were there too. They smiled and she passed on the cake. The party was a small one since she didn't want too many people to come. Just Zane and Fred being the closest, thus included.
"Sweet 26, Ashie," Julia said sweetly,
"Ashie?" Ashlene asked with a light chuckle, "Sweet name, though,"
"If there is anything that shouldn't be minded today, is getting a little tipsy and sober," Ashlene said with mischief,
"Yeah, sober, Ash. SOBER!" Julia said emphatically,
"I know, okay. And before that we get to any of it, I've something to do," Ashlene said seriously,
"And what is it?" Julia asked,
"Will tell you later, where is Raul by the way?" She looked around inspecting,
"Might be in the balcony," Julia said unsurely.
"Oh yeah, got him," Ashlene immediately spotted him, "Will talk to you later," Ashlene trotted towards the large balcony,
…
"And I got you!" Ashlene squealed in surprise in Raul's ears,
"Woah!" Raul jumped out of his skin and turned around, "So, what's the big deal?" he asked almost impulsively,
"Nothing, was just thinking about you since some time," she smiled lightly,
"Oh, really?" he asked with nervousness and curiosity,
"Hmm…err, yeah," Ashlene said hesitantly, "Look, firstly don't jump to conclusions,"
"What type of conclusions to your attempt?" The dual haired guy asked calmly,
"Something which I've been thinking for some time and I'm not sure if you will accept it or will like it, sorry," she said in a huffed tone out of exhausting her own thoughts,
"I'm all in ears, just say," Calmness on his face behind his curiosity was evident,
"Well, honestly, I'm sure this is most selfish thing I'm asking to you and I myself doesn't fit for this," she paused but there was a waiting, "Raul…will you marry me?" she asked in a low tone with a relieved sigh that she finally said,
Raul was stunned, he stood unnerved and frozen. This was new and he never expected her to ask him, that is propose him basically,
"Why?" he asked horrifically,
"I knew you'd ask. I'm sorry for being selfish. I don't even love you and I know you don't feel that way about me; you've rights on your life, to love, to marry and on… But-" Ashlene paused clearly thinking what she wanted to say,
"I know, you want a dad for Ellie, that's it. I know you don't love me," Raul said with suppressed anger,
"Raul, please," Ashlene gulped,
"Look Ash, we've been friends for quite long time, probably not the best ones, but the close ones. And to be honest again, you, like a girl you're, close to me, and Julia and all…I've felt attracted to you, I admit, few times, but that doesn't mean I love you, and even if Ellie was never there or her dad, I wouldn't have said you that I love you because I don't. Because hell dude! I literally don't. You stay with a cool guy or a cute girl and if you're fine with your sexuality, you're bound to get attracted but that isn't love. And clearly Ash, even though I know it pricks strangely, I have no feelings for you. I can't marry you, sorry," Raul said it in a fine admit,
"You can't do this favor to me…" Ashlene was being frustrated and angered,
"No, I can't. I will confess someone to whom I've actually fallen for and will marry her if she's fine with it. You're not her, Ash," Raul said calmly,
"Fine, Raul, its fine. It seems I'm done asking you, but thanks, I will have to find another way to protect Ellie," Ashlene's eyes almost dotted with tears and she gulped in continually,
"Sorry Ash, I'm really sorry but I can't do this, and in my opinion, you have to move on," Raul added,
"How should I?" she whined,
"I'm not sure. I'm sorry," Raul said in slight jittery,
"I guess we're done. Everyone are selfish, me, you, everyone. I want you because I care for Ellie because she's my daughter and you care for yourself. Everyone is selfish!" she almost yelled,
"I'm NOT selfish, Ash. I make sacrifices but I'm angered by the fact that you truly didn't bother thinking of my choices or interest," Raul shot, "If I or Julia were selfish, we would have never taken you on that rainy day from that park where you went unconscious lying there in misery while you were pregnant," Raul shot,
"Exactly, I shouldn't have been a burden on you guys, I should have shamelessly gone back to her father. I should have blatantly gone back to Tyson! I should have told him that he has a daughter on way and he could take it after she arrives, and then I should have left him and lived on my own. I shouldn't have taken Ellie from Tyson, I shouldn't had," Ashlene said in low tone and shaking in anger to herself, "I cheated Tyson too, I hid about Ellie from him," she slumped down and looked defeated,
I don't wanna go, think I'll make it worse
Everything I know brings me back to us
I don't wanna go, we've been here before
Everywhere I go leads me back to you
I don't wanna go, think I'll make it worse
"I'm sorry, I'm wrong here, Raul, not you. It's the truth. Thanks for whatever you've done for me, its more than what I deserved, I'm so tired, so tired, just wanna go home, back to mom, back to where I belonged," she said clearly defeated and lost hopes,
"You belong here too, Ash, it's not that you're a burden. We will always care for you, sorry that I couldn't help you this time," Raul said really worried,
"It's fine. Can't believe that despite all these years, I miss Tyson, I still miss him so badly," Tears flowed rapidly through her cheeks and she hung her head down, "Maybe I'm all at fault. Maybe I wasn't good enough for him; wasn't good enough for him that he chose someone else over me," she gave a nostalgic sad smile as the words left her mouth.
You said, "Forever, " and I almost bought it
I miss fighting in your old apartment
Breaking dishes when you're disappointed
I still love you, I promise
Nothing happened in the way I wanted
Every corner of this house is haunted
And I know you said that we're not talking
But I miss you, I'm sorry
A/N: The curtains has been pushed apart and the truth has been revealed. So...how did it feel like to know that Tyson and Ashlene were once together? *smirks*. Yes, Ellie is definitely their creation, Tyson's daughter. And as for those who previously doubted that Amelia and Ashlene are the same persons or not, yes, they are the same person. Ashlene's full name is Ashlene Reynolds, but Tyson had given her a new name also, as Amelia. Because the word 'Amelia' means defender. And Tyson considered her as his defender.
The next chapter is a in-detail-Flashback of Tyson/Ashlene starting from year 2014, the year G revs has defeated Brooklyn. You might recollect and relate from what Ashlene said as her past story to Raul and Julia when they first time brought her home in Chapter 2.
I heartily thanks to Linvn for her absolutely stunning guesses in the reviews throughout the story from the start till we reached this epic chapter.
Also thanks to Scarlet Witch of Terra, droplets of blue rain, Stark02, Anime junkie and Guest for reviewing!
Reply to Guest: Thanks for reviewing! ^_^. So how was this chapter? :*
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