Chapter 18 – Promises
I promise you will get old
I promised you everything
To protect you wherever you go
I'll give you this diamond ring
Just promise you will remember
A promise should last forever
Right up to the dying embers
Of a fire that burns so slow
It's a different day everyday
Don't want you to walk alone
But how can we carry on
When all of these things have gone
Just promise you will remember
That promises last forever
Still after the last dying embers
Of a fire that burns so slowly
It's a beautiful thing to do
Sometimes you just have to walk away
Remember I do love you
Have courage in what you say
And promise you will remember
That promises last forever
Still after the dying embers
The fire that burns so slowly
And sometimes you just have to walk away
Sometimes you just have to walk away
Wishing today was yesterday
Yeah, sometimes you just have to walk away
A/N: So basically like 7 months later, I actually updated this thing. I normally don't actually go back to anything so late in the game. Well I've decided to finish it, to write a conclusion and that will come sooner or later. It's more for me than anything else, I hope people review this chapter or story but it really about me finishing it. This chapter picks up the day after the last chapter and follows the events that transpired events.
To my unborn child,
I have never done this before, I mean written to someone who technically isn't even alive. But I hope that will understand that the point of this is to have you one day understand my feelings and everything that went into you being born and what kind of life you are entering. This is a journal that I will write in everyday, and course my pregnancy and how it changes our little family. Because if you get one thing out of this journal is how much love will be bestowed upon you and how you are the lovechild of two individuals who love each other to the point where it affects everyone around us. I'm sure that at first you will not understand anything that I'm telling you but that is why me and your father and your big brother are here for, to help you figure out the way the world works and your place in it. There is so much history that you are apart of, me and your father have experienced so much that it would last a few lifetimes. The first thing that you should know is that no one is perfect including your mother and father; me and your father have hurt each other so much that it surprised everyone that we got back together. But the one thing that has always held some part of us together is the fact that we love each other so much and you are the product of that love. And now in short amount of time not only will you be born but also your father and I will be tied together in holy matrimony. You are being born into a family that extends beyond blood and is far reaching and will always hold us together. You have so many people waiting for you to be born and to love you and care about you. Your father is such a wonderful man; he is so caring and loving and trustful and a man that any child would be lucky to call father. And you have a big brother how is so smart and compassionate and can't wait till you enter this world so he can love you. And me, wow words can't convey how much you are apart of me and how much of me is intertwined with you. And how I will love you and help you and guide you and just be there for you. Yesterday was such a big day, I asked your father to marry me and he said yes; we also told our family, our big and huge family that you are going to enter this world. And today is as important of a day, see your father is such wonderful musician, his music is known around the world and beloved by everyone. And this is his final tour as a career musician because he wants to settle down and pursue other aspect of his life like you and your brother for instances. Also today is the day when we get our engagement rings. I promise you my child that whatever comes your way your family will always be there for you.
Your Mother,
Ashley Kerwin Manning
Ashley closes the journal that she had just bought the bookstore adjacent to the jewelry store. She sits there and contemplates what she had just written to her child when she senses someone approach her with an all too familiar spent that lightly tickles the back of her throat.
"Excuse me, I know this is forward but you wouldn't happen to be waiting for a gentlemen caller," says the man who has a giant smirk on his face
"Yes that is a little forward, and I would like to know why would be asking me such a question," responses Ashley
"Well I was walking down the street and I was astonished by how beautiful you are and I knew that I would be kicking myself later if I didn't try to get your number," answers the man
"Oh well I can't have that now, can I?" replies Ashley
"Dork," says Craig he moves in and kisses Ashley and then proceeds to kiss her belly
"Jerk, you're the one who started it," replies Ashley who strokes Craig hair while he kisses her belly
"Hey what were you doing, it looked like you were writing," asks Craig
"Yea, I bought this journal in the book store over there and until our little bundle of joy is ready to come out I'm gonna write everything that happens between now and then so when he or she asks us about before life before them, our child will read this and understand our perspective on everything," responses Ashley
"That's really sweet honeybunny," replies Craig who then proceeds to kiss her on the cheek
"I know," responses Ashley with smirk
"Ready to do this?" asks Craig
"Born ready," answers Ashley
Craig rolls his eyes then proceeds to grab Ashley's hand and walk into the jewelry shop
The layout of the jewelry shop was small and elegant, it was obvious that this store was a family run store with pictures of the family dating back to when the shop opened in the 1920's. As soon as the bell from the door chimes as Craig and Ashley enter the shop a middle-aged man comes out from the back to greet them.
"Hello, Hello," says the owner
Craig and Ashley give the man a weak smile
"What a beautiful couple," says the owner in a tone that indicates that he has said this before
"Okay," responses Ashley but so low that only Craig hears, who then proceeds to chuckle
"Is there anything in particular that you two are looking for?" asks the owner
"Yes, we are looking for engagement rings," responses Ashley
The owner gives them a strange look, but shakes it off knowing that it would be better if he didn't ask. He then proceeds to look down and with his hand gesturing where to the exact position of the rings.
"We do not have a large collection of rings but I believe that these rings are some of the best anyone could find in this province. They have been thoroughly inspected to insure the authenticity of the band but the diamond itself. Ms. do any if these rings catch your attention?" asks the owner
Ashley kneels down a bit and a look over the shop's collection and in her mind agrees with the owner. She thinks to herself that these are some very beautiful rings. She scans the collection and towards the end finds exactly what she has been looking for. It's not flashy yet it's a ring any woman would be proud to call her engagement ring. She points to her future engagement ring. She looks up to Craig and without having to say a word asks him if that is okay, he chuckles a bit and gestures in a manner indicating that it didn't matter to him what ring she picked as long as she was marrying him.
The owner nods his head and opens the case and takes it out. "What a wonderful selection miss, perfect for your finger too and it has a companion piece for you as well, if that is what this is for," says the owner
"How do you know what size am I?" asks Ashley
"Try it on," replies the owner
Ashley tries it on and is amazed by how perfectly it fits her finger
With a smirk on his face the owner responses, "ma'am I've been in this business my entire life and this little store has been in the family since the 1920's. Now is this for the both of you?"
"Yes sir, that is what it is for," responses Craig
"Well then, excuse me for a second while I go in the back and get it for you sir," says the owner
While the owner goes into the back Ashley proceeds to lean her head into the crease between Craig shoulder and head.
"Of course the ring that you choose has one that goes along with it," says Craig in a sarcastic tone
"Duh, it kismet Craig. Just like us, those rings are two halves of the same whole," replies Ashley
Craig kisses the top of his forehead and breathes in Ashley's perfume
"Here we are," says the owner as he comes out from the back. He shows the ring to both Craig and Ashley.
"Do you like it honey?" asks Ashley
"Yea, you know me I like it simple. And it fits exactly. Sir I have to say that you are good at your work," responses Craig
"Flattery will get you everywhere says the owner," replies the owner
Craig and Ashley smile at each other
"Now, we need to get everything in order. Because I'm a believer in true love, been married going on 34 years now and you two have what I know a lot of people look for all their lives. Because that you can have both of these for the price of one," says the owner
"You don't have to do that. I'd prefer to pay full price," responses Craig
The owner cocks his head at Craig and says, "I've never had a customer choose not to take a cheaper deal."
"Well sir, I'm not most people and money is not my foremost concern in life. It's my future wife and our children," answers Craig
Ashley smiles at Craig
"Well son I can respect that and to be honest since the economy is not in the best shape I can't afford to turn down your request," says the owner
"Well there you have it, now have much is it all together?" asks Craig
"Umm, all together 2,046," responses the owner
Craig pulls out his credit card and hands it to the owner, after the transaction is done Craig goes over to him and takes his card back while Ashley looks over some jewelry.
"Thank you for everything sir, and we'll definitely be back to buy our wedding bands," says Craig
The owner just smiles and hand Craig the band with both rings inside
Craig walks back over to Ashley and they walk out of the store but not before waving goodbye to the storeowner.
As they walk outside and they notice that its kinda a dead period in between where people have finally all gone to work and way too early for people to be going to lunch. While walking towards Craig's car, he notices that Ashley can't help but stare at the bag on Craig's other hand. He stops, which startles Ashley, she then proceeds to look up and notices that they are in the park in between the jewelry store and the car.
"You do know that you are making it obvious that you want to get your hands on the ring, right?" asks Craig
Ashley blushes and replies by asking a question of her own, "am I that transparent?"
Craig nods his head
"Well I mean come on Craig, it's the 10,000 pound gorilla in the room. Didn't you think that I would eventually want to see it?" asks Ashley
"Yea, but I thought that when I gave in to you it would be when I would make it official and what not," answers Craig
"When there is no time like the present," replies Ashley
"You want to do this here and now?" asks Craig
Ashley nods her head and Craig shrugs and gets down on one knee. He then takes her ring and slips it on to her finger.
"Ashley Kerwin," Says Craig
"Yes Craig Manning," responses Ashley
"Would you give the honor of granting me your hand in marriage?" asks Craig
With a sly smile, "Yes I grant you that honor," answers Ashley
Craig then proceeds to get back on his feet and gingerly lifts Ashley up and kisses her on the lips.
"Aww," says Ashley in between kisses
"Shut up, you're making me blush," whispers Craig
"That's kinda the point Craig," replies Ashley
Craig sets Ashley back on her feet and smiles trying to hide his embarrassment by pulling on his gauge earring.
"What?" asks Craig.
"You're so cute when you do that," answers Ashley
"Do what?" asks Craig
Ashley moves closer to him and wraps her arms around his waist and creates a space into his body and responses, "when you get all nervous or embarrassed you close your eyes and start to play with your piercings and your tattoos. I've also seen you do it in the studio, while working on your music or with Emily."
"Geez, it's really weird that you know me that well. When you distinctly know my ticks," answers Craig
Ashley quickly kisses Craig on the lips and whispers in his ear, "lets go home, and I'll show you what else you like and for that I'll only be wearing this ring," while wiggling her ring finger.
"You do know that it is inappropriate for an engaged, pregnant woman to be saying that," asks Craig
Ashley gently pushes Craig and then laughs and says, "well you know you're the one who did this to me so you're in no position to judge anyone mister big rock star."
"Hey, I wasn't passing judgment. I was just trying to cover all my basses before this went any further. I mean you have to agree to that all the power in this relationship has always been in your hands and it only proceeds at the pace that you want, and I'm perfectly fine with that but I just want to be sure that you and I are thinking about the same things," says Craig who raises his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.
"Well my future hubby, thank you for being so considerate about my wishes and yes you are right about who holds the power in this relationship. So when I make a suggestion like the one I just made, it is a clear indicator of what I want and if I didn't want it to go any further I would tell you so lets go home and finish this conversation in private with not so many strangers looking at us," replies Ashley who points out to Craig some onlookers who have noticed Craig and Ashley's display of affection.
"Yea, I think it would probably be best if we did that," says Craig who has finally noticed the audience that they have created.
The entire way to the car had been short but it was clear the entire time that Ashley was glaring at her ring. Even in the car she can't keep her eyes of it.
"I never known you to be a materialistic person," says Craig with a chuckle
This breaks Ashley out of her revelry. She looks over at Craig and slaps his shoulder
Craig gives her a "what did I do" look
"You know its not about the ring, its about the meaning behind the ring Craig. It's the fact that our future is wrapped up in this little thing. It's the symbol of everything that we've been through and everything that will go through. Life has thrown everything conceivable at us and yet I'm here wearing this ring that you've given me, and yet you're not wearing yours," says Ashley
"I didn't thing that you noticed it, I guess I was wrapped up it in watching you stare at yours," replies Craig
"Well then put it on," says Ashley in her most demanding tone which really isn't all that demanding according to Craig
Craig feigns horror and replies, "yes master, anything you say master."
Ashley rolls her eyes
Craig proceeds to remove his ring from the bag and places it on his finger and smiles at his wife to be.
"You're right, it's a very accurate description of everything we've gone through. But its only a small symbol, our relationship is going to be remember mainly for the bad things that we've done to each other and to other and while it's obvious that you and I have gotten through it, it doesn't necessarily mean that everyone else has. Look at all those that we've hurt; Manny, Ellie, your Mom, hell even Jimmy. I know that I'm taking it out proportion but I just don't want to look at this ring and think of all the bad things. Hell I don't even want to think about our past, I want to look at it and think its my engagement ring and eventually it will get replaced with my wedding band and it will represent that we're getting married and when I put that wedding band on that we are married nothing more. I want to have all those feeling stir in me when I come home and know that you're there or when I look into you're eyes or even when I kiss you," responses Craig
Ashley gives him a knowing look, and says, "You're right. I mean if we all we thought about was the past when looking at these ring then we probably would never get anything done cause of the amount of history we have together and lets face it the bad times outnumber the good one. But truth be told I wouldn't change anything for the world cause it has shown me where my heart truly belongs and whom my future is with."
Craig starts to blush a bit
"Lets just go home before I become truly embarrassed and lose my train of thought," says Craig
Ashley leans her head into Craig's shoulder as he pulls out of the parking lot. As soon as they get back home they notice that Joey and Emily are hanging out on the swings in front of the house.
Once they get out of the car Joey and Emily make their way towards them
Joey hugs both of his parents and then Emily proceeds to kiss Ashley on the cheek
"Aren't you suppose to be studying little man?" asks Craig
"I'm on break, and Uncle Marco is in the house making us lunch. Emily on the other hand just got here," answers Joey
"Ok go see if your uncle needs any help," responses Craig
Joey gives his dad a pleading look but after a minute goes in the house.
"What's up Emmy?" asks Ashley
Emily sighs and without holding back responses, "I'm freaking out about the tour, I've never sung in front of so many people and I'm so scared that I'm going to fail and that no one is going to like my music and I'll always be known as a failure and nothing anyone will say or do will change that."
"I think I'm going to leave you two alone and go in the house with Marco and Joey," says Ashley
Craig nods at Ashley, he then proceeds to put a reassuring arm around Emily's shoulder
"Come on lets take a walk through the park," says Craig
Emily nods automatically without really listening to the question
After a few minutes or so of silence Craig finally decides to say something
"You know that its nature to have these doubts in your head. Do you think that you are the only musician who has fears about performing on stage in front of tons of people," says Craig
She looks up at him and asks, "Did you have those fears?"
"Hell yea, I still have those fears. They never go away, before every performance I'm scared out of my mind that I'm going to go out there and suck. But you wanna know something?" asks Craig
Emily nods
Craig nods as well and says, "ok, I take five minutes all to myself and I clear my mind. I completely clear it out of everything and then after those five minutes I tell myself that ultimate no matter how many people are out there that, there is only one person that I'm playing for and that's me. And that may sound like a jerky thing to say but that's the truth, if I'm not happy with my performance than it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. Now let me ask you a question, do you have faith in your abilities as a musician?"
"Yes, I believe in myself," answers Emily
"Alright then, as long as you have that continuing faith in yourself and your abilities when you go out there then you'll be fine, hell you'll be great. Do you honestly think that I wouldn't be telling you all these things if I didn't believe in you, if I didn't have the utmost faith in the fact that you'll be great out there," says Craig
Emily wipes away the tears that accumulated on her face and wipes away any trace of her fears.
"See that is why you are the greatest guy ever," says Emily
"Oh come on, you're gonna make me blush. And by the way that is so not true, I'm not the greatest guy ever. I think I'm the most fuck up person in this town but you're sweet for saying so," responses Craig
Emily kisses Craig on the cheek and says, "Nope you are the nicest guy ever. I know Ashley would agree with me."
"That may well be but I think she is a bit bias, you may want to talk to her mother; she's a different story," responses Craig
Emily chuckles a bit, "You're probably right. But I mean come on aren't all mother in laws suppose to hate the guys that their daughters are going to marry since they think that no man is good enough for their daughter."
"Yea but she has taken it to an art form. I mean I definitely deserved it, I hurt Ash so many times and she had every right to hate me. I mean its has been better since me and Ash got back together. I'm definitely the same little douchebag that I use to be when we were kids so that's a plus," responses Craig
Both of them get up and move back towards the house. With all her strength she pushes Craig and begins to laugh. She sees the shocked look on Craig's face and prepares herself for the oncoming onslaught; Craig bolts after her and quickly catches up with her and wrestles her to the grounds and tickles her.
"Who's the master?" asks Craig
"YOU ARE, YOU ARE," replies Emily in between screams of laughter
"Damn straight," says Craig who relents and helps Emily up
"Geez I'm glad that I didn't have a big brother growing up cause I know that I didn't miss out on these moment that you and I seem to have," says Emily
"I'm an awesome big brother, just ask my little sister Angie," responses Craig
"Yea, yea, yea;" says Emily with a chuckle
"Fine don't believe me," relents Craig
Emily gives Craig the widest grin she could possibly give someone. It's obvious who won their argument
"Look if you're still a little anxious about going up on stage than lets find a way to squash these fear," says Craig
"What do you have in mind oh fearless leader," responses Emily
"A mini performance, in front of friends who are only here to support you. Just Ashley and myself; Joey maybe hell I'll even call Ellie and Sean and ask them to come over. It will be a group of people that you know and love. A group that you know will only be supportive," replies Craig
Emily stops and glares at Craig. "Oh no, I'm not putting myself through that much pressure. You have to understand Craig, that if I perform in front of all of you it will be exactly what I'm afraid of. I don't want to fail, and I especially don't want to see that in the eyes of those I care about the most. I never had much of a family growing up. I was just my mom and I for so long and when she passed on it was just me by myself. You guys have been awesome; you've welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I'm apart of this family," she answers
"Well you are apart of this family and nothing you say or do will ever change how we feel about you kiddo," responses Craig
"Let me finish, will you?" asks Emily
Craig throws up his hands in defeat and motions for her to continue
"Look I know that and I definitely appreciate that fact but lets face it no one but you, me, and the guys who help record my album has heard my music and lets be honest you have a bias opinion of my music and everyone else was paid to be there so it really didn't matter whether or not the music I made was good or not, it just matter that the check cleared when they tried to cash it," says Emily
"Look miss negative, you may and I use that word carefully have a point. It's obvious that I think you have an amazing voice and I am definitely proud of the music we made in the studio. And yea those may have been studio musicians in there with us but the people that we chose to work with are good and honorable people who are proud of the music that they make. Do you honestly think that they would just make music with just anyone and only be in it for the money, these are studio musicians for Christ sakes, not big time touring musicians; the answer is no these people are picky of who they work with, they believe in the music that they make and they chose to work with you and they believe in your talents Emily. And if you can't see that than no one will be able to help you; your career only goes as far as you let it. You are in the driver seat here, and no one but you will determine the outcome of all of this. So with all that being said let me ask you a question?" says Craig
Emily nods her head
Craig continues and asks, "Do you believe in me?"
"Of course I do," answers Emily
"Then believe that we all believe in you and that will be honest with you at all times and we will stand behind you in any conceivable way," responses Craig
Emily doesn't say anything she just stands there and looks off into space. After a minute or two Craig nudges her, at first it doesn't work and Craig gets inpatient so he does it again. This time it works and she glares up at Craig
"I believe you, okay. And lets do it, I have to get over this fear," says Emily with a defeated smile on her face
"Trust me it's all gonna work out. It'll be fine; you'll sing and play hell I'll go up there up with you and you'll be awesome," says Craig in his most enthusiastic tone
Emily just nods her head at him and they start to walk back towards the house
As soon as they walk in through the back door, Ashley's head perks up
"You guys were gone for a while, Marco took off, he said he had to take care of something at the office," states Ashley
Craig walks over to the refrigerator and grabs two waters out and tosses one of them to Emily. He then comes up behind Ashley and kisses her on the cheek.
"Sorry love, it took awhile to boost this one's confidence. To the point where she is going to perform in front of us tonight, so am I going to go call Ellie and Sean to see if they can come over to hear Em play," responses Craig
"Really wow, that sounds great Emily. You have an amazing voice and this can only help you when you go out there and play," says Ashley
"You think so?" asks Emily
"Yea, I really do. Look everyone is nervous when they are first starting to perform in front of an audience but once you start to play more and more than you'll find you're groove and before you know it you won't even be thinking about playing in front of people," replies Ashley
"Okay, you and Craig need to stop. You guys are starting to scare the crap out of me," says Emily
Ashley starts to laugh and responses, "Why do you say that?"
"Cause you guys are like a stepford family. It's kinda creepy when you start to think about it," answers Emily
"Ok, we're so not. The only innocent person in this family is Joey trust me. Remember good people do very bad things, I'm evidence of that," replies Ashley
Craig comes running down the stairs, with the house phone in hand.
"Alright well everything is set and everyone is coming so we should have a nice group of people coming over to listen to you," says Craig
"Wait, whose going to be here?" asks Emily
"Well us, Ellie and Sean, umm the guys in the band, and Marco said that he and Dylan would try to be here as soon as they could," answers Craig
"I didn't think it would so many people," responses a visibly frightened Emily
"It'll be alright kiddo, have some faith in yourself and its not like most of us haven't heard you before," replies Craig
Emily nods in agreement; he has a point she thinks to herself. The only ones who hadn't heard her before were Sean and Ellie, and Dylan. Other than that everyone heard her sing whether it was in the studio or just passing by and hearing her sing, so in other words she should have no fear in singing in front of these people.
A few hours later
"Alright guys, you know why we're all here tonight. It is to listen to the beautiful voice of this wonderful young woman," says Craig into the mic
Emily shyly comes on stage and waves the group who gives her a loud applause
"Thank you, umm I hope you guys like my music," says Emily
Craig straps on his guitar and motion for Janice to come one stage and get behind the drum kit. As soon as Emily gets situated behind the keyboard she looks over to Craig and lets out a big sigh, Craig then nods in encouragement.
"Umm the first song is called Winding Road," says Emily
Craig then looks over at Janice who counts off
A/N: This is Winding Road by Bonnie Somerville. This her property and the only reason I used it is cause this is a beautiful song and it fits for what I envision for style to sound like.
Well, the rain keeps on coming down
It feels like a flood in my head
And that road keeps on calling me
Screaming to everything lying ahead
She looks over at Craig who is strumming away on his acoustic
And it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
I still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
I still have hope
I'm gonna find my way home
And I can see a little house
On top of the hill
And I can smell the ocean
The salt in the air
And I can see you
You're standing there
And you're washing your car
And I can see California sun in your hair
Craig puts his lips to the music and begins to sing along with Emily
And it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
Still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
I'm gonna find my way home
All these dreams took me so far
And I felt I just couldn't go on
And I want to hang
Out the window of your car
And see just how good this baby can run
'Cause it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
And I still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We're gonna find our way home
It's a winding road
Still have hope
One day we'll find our way home
It's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We're gonna find our way home
It's a long way home
It's a long way home
Their audience gets up and gives them a loud ovation
Emily then goes on to play an entire set list of song that she was going to play while on tour with Craig and several members of his band backing her up. And by the time they had finished playing it was nearing 8 o'clock, they all had dinner afterwards. Craig and Ashley had put Joey to bed and everyone had gone home when Emily finally goes home. As Ashley and Craig get ready for bed he can tell that there is an odd silence coming from Ashley
"What's wrong Ash?" asks Craig who places his cell phone, wallet and watch on the counter near their bed.
Ashley sighs and responses, "umm nothing. It's just really weird watching you play with other people. I feel like it should have been me up there with you instead of Emily, who sounded great by the way."
"Ash I've been playing with a lot of people over the years and yea at first it felt weird cause I always played with you on stage, off stage. But you have understand from my point of view, you decided to stop playing music a very long time ago even before that long period of time when we weren't together. Remember that it was you who told me after we ended that first European tour that you felt like you were done with music because you felt that you couldn't completely devote yourself to it and wanted to go to college to get your law degree. And at first I didn't understand cause so much of our lives whether it was together or separate was wrapped around our love for music, but eventually I understood that it wasn't in you anymore and I completely supported your decision and helped you pay for your school when your parent didn't approve of us living together in New York," responses Craig
"I was there too Craig and I remember of all these event like they happened yesterday but truth be told I wasn't there for 10 years so I didn't see you play with others and I tired not to see you play whether it was on TV or on the radio cause I didn't want all these memories to stir up in me. So it was difficult tonight watching you two play together cause in my mind our relationship isn't made up of the kisses we've shared or sex that we've had; its made up of the performances we had on stage or in your old garage. It was like you two were being intimate right in front of me," exclaims Ashley
"Fuck Ash, do you really think that I view what happened tonight in the same light that I view all the times that I've played with you. Emily is great but you're going to be my fucking wife and the mother of my unborn child. Why would you ever compare the things at all when you know who my heart belongs to," argues Craig in a loud tone but not loud enough to wake up Joey
"Cause of the vibe that I got from you two," yells back Ashley
"What is that suppose to mean Ash?" asks Craig
"It's like you two are connected the same way we used to be. And I hate it cause I feel like it's my fault since I just stop playing and singing. And it should be me up there and I feel like I've lost out on so many things in my life and I'm only starting to get those things back with you, with you with all my friends, with this beautiful child growing inside of me and yet it feels like for everything that I've gained I'm still missing out because the most intimate experience you and I have ever had is now something you share with a prettier, more talented model," responses Ashley in a defeated tone
Ashley then plops down on the bed and rolls over turning away from Craig
Craig lets out a sigh and for a minute there just watches Ashley while she begins to rub her belly. He walks over to her and takes a seat near her yet she still doesn't look at him. Craig knows that it's best not to say anything and he should let her get through her bout of low confidence.
After a minute or two, she finally looks up and meets his eyes
"No matter what you say or do Craig, it will change my mind. I have to accept the fact that the part of our lives that brought us together and kept us going for so long is no longer the focal point of our relationship," states Ashley
"If you feel that strongly about everything than why didn't you say anything to me?" asks Craig
"When have I ever been good about expressing those kind of things," states Ashley
"Okay A) that's me and B) you are full of shit love. If you really wanted to get back in the studio all you had to do in go downstairs and enter the studio to play around with your keyboard. A keyboard by the way that I bought, which is top of the line equipment cause I knew that you would get the itch to play again. What's really going on, Ash? And don't you dare tell me that I'm being vain and that I'm not truly listening to you. Cause I don't buy that for a second. Something is going on and you wont tell me," responses Craig
"Okay you want me to be honest with you, half of it is the fact that I'm not up there playing with you. I miss it so much, I miss it playing music and singing in front of an audience. But its just the way that girl looks at you, and I know you know oh so well Craig you haven't noticed it cause you are off in your own little world but that girl no matter how nice she is and trust me she is a great girl but that doesn't excuse the fact that its obvious that she is infatuated with you, it's the way that she looks at you and trust me all she is thinking about is what could be between you two. I know that look, cause I had the same look in my eyes when we were kids. She is not hard to read, the flirting, the laughing too hard at your jokes. The way she tries to build you up as if you were the greatest guy ever, which you are but that's not the point. She wants you Craig regardless of the fact that you won't see that" answers Ashley
"What the hell are you talking about?" shouts Craig. "There is nothing going on between me and Emily and there never will be. You are my future wife; you are my fucking everything; my heart, my soul, and the air I fucking breathe and you think that I'm gonna run off with someone else," responses Craig
Ashley doesn't say anything
Craig lets out a defeated sigh
"You are my world, you are the love of my fucked up life. You have to know that you are the reason that I keep on coming home every night, why I can never see myself being with anyone else but you. Whether or not you want to believe that it's up to you," says Craig. He looks down at her, and yet he still gets no response.
Another sigh comes out of him, one of many tonight Craig thinks to himself
After a minute he finally gives up and says, "I think I'm going to go sleep downstairs on the couch."
Craig then proceeds to get undressed and grabs a pillow and a blanket from the closet and walks out the door but not before looking back at Ashley who lies there motionless. Craig then proceeds to close the door behind him. As soon as Ashley hears Craig downstairs she begins to sobs into her pillow.