It took a while for his father to move again. Johnny started as a great sigh, and low chuckle vibrated the air. His dad looked almost sad.
'Yer growing up Johnny boy, so fast. Only wish I could be there fer ya. Yer not a bad person, lad. A bad person would've ripped into the first poor sod that got in his way.' Johnny tilted his head.
'There is nuthin' wrong with being mad about that stuff. Yer reaction, well anger aint one to sit back quietly. And it looks like it shows in a way, just like in yer da'. But yer didn't let it control yer. Maybe yer friends were a bit shocked and worried, but if they know yer like I do, they'll forgive ya. And as fer Ash, I think it'd take more that tha' to scare 'er. Feisty one, is that. Wasn't gunna take nothin' from me.' Johnny could've cried. He could feel his hands shaking with relief. He gave a wobbly smile at the description of Ash, knowing it to be too true.
'Thanks dad,' he whispered.
'No problem, me lad. Bout time I started acting like a propa father. Now, when are you going to go tell these friends of yours what's going on?' Johnny smiled, feeling much more relaxed.
'I suppose I could go after this. Meant to be there now, but I haven't been going lately. Will have to say sorry to Mister Moon.' His father nodded approvingly.
'Good. And wha' bout Ash? I think you owe 'er an apology, as well as tellin' her you fergive her. Poor lass was all worked up, thinkin' she upset yer.' Johnny felt his face heat up.
'I suppose I can see if she's at the theatre, if not, I'll have to go to hers… wait, you said she told you what was going on. Has she been going to practice?' Johnny knew his gaze was a little eager, wanting to know about what Ash had been up to. So say he missed her would be putting it lightly. His dad scratched his head.
'From wha' I got, she's been staying at 'er flat. Said that people 'ad tried to talk to 'er, but she was still upset.' His dad's eyes suddenly gleamed. 'She also mention this play thing you lot are up too. And bout yer little chat with the group.' Johnny felt his face set on fire. Christ, had she really told him that? Oh, bollocks, he was in for weeks of teasing.
'Uhhhh, yeah, the play, somethin' bout bats…. Dunno, heh,' he desperately tried to divert. Laughter boomed from his large companion.
'Don't fret Johnny, I'm only takin' the mickey. Though I woulda love ta see yer face. Yer'll have ta keep me updated on this play in the meantime. Sounds like yer'll have great fun,' came with a wink. Johnny just felt warmer.
After a while of back and forth banter, it was time for Johnny to leave. As he rose to leave, his dad caught his arm.
'Remember ter talk ter Ash now.' He rolled his eyes.
'Yes, I know, you've said, multiple times. I'm starting to think you're more on her side than mine.' the teen's voice reflected his much brighter mood. The elder chuckled.
'Yeah, well, I like 'er. She's got guts. Never 'ad someone so small stand up ter me before.' Then the tone turned more serious. 'She's a really nice girl, Johnny. Been through a lot. Don't go messin' 'er around, yeah?' Johnny looked his dad in the eye, softly replying.
'I won't dad. I promise.' A final smile, plus a pat on the back, and Johnny was on his way.
Ash approached the theatre slowly. She knew he had to go in to talk to her friends, explain her actions, but that didn't stop the nausea swirling in her stomach. Never had she felt so nervous going to the theatre. Not even during the final show, showcasing her new song. This was much more important, and could be so much more disastrous. Quietly, she slipped through the front doors. The new foyer was grand, yet empty. Almost hyperventilating, she pushed forward.
The large theatre was still bare of most of its seats, making the space seem even more daunting. Ash felt her ears twitch as Gunter's loud dance music floated back to her. The others had to be backstage, either in, or near, the practice rooms. Ash's hand flexed automatically. She was beginning to curse herself for leaving her guitar at home. It was almost like a safety blanket, a constant companion. She stood for a few more moment before shaking her head.
Stalling was useless. It was better to just get this over with, so she could return home and drown her issues in alcohol. She followed the noise, hearing voices begin to mix in as she closed in on the practice rooms. Walking into the open space, she saw a familiar sight. Meena, headphones on, was singing whilst spinning slowly. Rosita was being launched in several directions by an enthusiastic Gunter. Mike was leant against a door jam, playing his sax. Buster and Eddie were peering in various rooms, discussing something between themselves. Ash took a moment to watch, wondering if it would be the last time she saw this world.
Too late, she noticed the music had stopped and several pairs of eyes were pinned on her. Knowing she had been spotted, she took a step forward, paw raised in a pathetic wave. For several moments, no one moved. Until Meena strode forward. Ash gazed up at the taller girl, mouth opening. How could she do this? The elephant stopped a few feet in front of the porcupine, staring her down. Arms crossed, Meena's face was unreadable. So Ash dove in head first.
'I'm sorry. For everything. I've been a complete bitch the past two weeks, and treated you all like crap. Which none of you, in anyway, deserve. I know you all probably hate me, and want nothing more than to see the back of me, but you deserve an explanation… So, Lance came round two weeks ago, in the middle of the night. He said some stuff, which I took to heart. I shouldn't have let it bother me, but it looked like nothing more than the truth. That you would all get fed up of me, ruining everything with my sarcasm and pessimism. And that scared me. I didn't want to lose our friendship, yet I could only see it as inevitable. Combined with minimal sleep, I was a time bomb waiting to go off.'
'I fucked up. In my fear of it all, I pushed you away, and ruined everything. And I'm so sorry. I will be sorry for the rest of my life, and I know it will never be enough. I hope I didn't wreck this completely for you guys. Good luck with the theatre.' And with that, Ash turned to walk away. She could feel the tears filling her eyes, and didn't want the others to see. But a large hand on her shoulder made her pause.
Turning back, Ash could see Meena couched down to her level. The younger girl still had a preciously blank face, and for a moment, Ash wondered if she was going to shout at her. Instead, the elephant brought her other hand onto the smaller's shoulder, almost cupping her. Two beats later, Ash was yanked forward into a bone crushing hug. Gasping, she struggled to hear Meena.
'Don't you ever do that to us again. We were so damn worried about you, and nothing seems right around here without you and Johnny.' The girl sounded on the verge of tears. Ash attempted to hug her back, before giving in and gasping out.
'Meena… Can't breathe…' the elephant released her, meaning she could pull in lungfuls of sweet air. Only to be tackled by a pig. Rosita was snuffling madly, squeezing her and mumbling about various worries. Ash thought she heard 'sold into slavery' in it all, but she couldn't be sure. Soon enough Gunter and Buster decided to join in. Meena re-joined, leaving Ash the middle of an animal sandwich. When they finally released her, a suave voice cut in.
'So Spikes, you feeling better now?' looking down at the mouse, Ash could see his smirk. So she replied in turn.
'Don't act funny, shrimp, it don't suit you.' Rosita was still wiping away stray tears when she interjected.
'Don't bicker now, you two. Oh Ash, Hun, I'm so glad your back, we were so worried, and poor Johnny…' the phrase speak of the devil, and he shall appear seemed to apply in the next minute. Not that Ash thought Johnny was anything like the devil, far from it. But, ignoring that, she couldn't help but jump when the back door slammed open, revealing a rushed looking Johnny. His chest was heaving like he had ran there, eyes wild and bright with determination. He shot towards the group, clearly not spotting Ash, hidden behind Meena. She slunk back further, trying to stay out of his sightline.
He was the one guy that she had pushed too far. The only one unwilling to forgive her, and Ash couldn't blame him. It was heart breaking to see him, and know that she had destroyed their friendship.
Johnny meanwhile had started rambling.
'Guys, I am so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't realise, and I promise it won't happen again. I also didn't mean to run off like that, I should've explained. And Mister Moon, I am so sorry for not coming in. I will do whatever it takes to make it up. I really am sorry…' he trailed of, apologising in various ways. Buster took pity on the teen.
'Johnny! Calm down, it's ok!' Johnny paused to look at the man. 'We're just glad you're alright, and back now, ok? It's all water under the bridge.' The gorilla finally stopped his frantic pacing, rubbing the back of his neck.
'Are you sure, I mean, I was really rude doing that, and I really am sorry… Ash?' shit, she had been spotted. Taking a timid step forward, she couldn't meet his eyes as she waved timidly.
'Heyy big guy,' was her quiet response. She shuffled awkwardly as the teen stood looking at her with surprise. He seemed conflicted, and Ash had to wonder if he was considering telling her to shove off. Panic rose in the porcupines gut, making her tremble minutely. Johnny slowly approached, until he was roughly two feet away, kneeling down to her height. Ash scanned his face, attempting to memorise the handsome features. She was sure that this would be the last time she saw him.
Vaguely aware of the other animals watching the intense stare down, she finally looked the gorilla in the eyes. Beautiful chocolate brown gazed back, almost questioning in their gaze. Ash felt as if she could drown in them. Then, Johnny spoke.
'Ash, I am so sorry. I was incredibly rude, and had no right to treat you like that. I was just afraid. I would've never forgiven myself if I had scared you. But I went bout it all wrong. So can you forgive me?' Ash gaped at him. She had not been expecting that.
