Coping
A/N – we never know what or who we will face in life, what the reason or if we end up handling it right. This is where trusting in God really comes into play in our lives, dealing with the unknown or uncomfortable. First Ash deals with Daisy revealing her past to him, then she thinks she is doing right to force herself to move on in life but makes a bad decision and again Ash is part of this, and if that is not bad enough, the person Daisy decides to take on is none other than a woman Ash has not talked to in over three years, the women who dumped him and was found out to be sleeping around. How does Ash handle this and what does Misty do when this part of Ash's past, the part that brought them together comes back. IS she going to worry what brought them together could also tear them apart. Does she show emotions Ash did not think she could have and express? Read on and enjoy.
The Past is in front of us
Ash could not believe his eyes or his luck.
"Dawn" and she looked up and she then had to look back down. She was embarrassed and hurt by the whole situation. She knew what could happen on the date, she has lost track of how many guys she dated and over half ended up in their bed. At times with just them, a few times a wife or girlfriend joined, she did not care, they had money, most of the time cash, but she also wore nice clothes bought by a couple regulars. Her apartment was paid by the guy who set this stuff up but she has never met him or her, she did not know. She received text from an untraceable number with a code word of the day that she receives once a month and then she needs to keep track of it.
She has at least three dates a week and most of the time she gives them what she wants. She does get one week off a month for obvious reason but then back to work as a slave for the rich. She has been found out now by someone who she knows, someone she hurt really badly and her regrets and useless feeling has put her in this position. She felt since she slept with Gary, and then Paul she would be okay but she was just a quick fix for them.
She had a friend who told her how to use her desires and make good money and she went for it, no one else wanted her, well one guy did but she turned on home, made him hurt and seemed like he disappeared, that is until now. This guy was in front of her and she could not have felt any lower in her life than she did right now.
"You are coming with me Dawn" he reached to grab her but the man pushed Ash away. She is mine and I bought her. Ash reached into his pocket and took out a wad of cash, he counted out 500.00 and shoved it at him and told him to buy another. The guy counted the money and started to jump for joy, "drinks on me tonight boys" and never looked back at Dawn. Now she felt low as she has been sold out for money, but then what did Dawn do each of these nights like this, sold her own self out.
She got up and went out with Ash and when they made it outside they saw a homeless man begging for money. Ash normally did not give them money because what gave them the urge to find a job if they were given handouts. "Dawn, give me the money you got for tonight."
"Why?"
"GIVE ME THE MONEY" she did and he looked at her in more disgust.
"One Hundred dollars, you sell your body for only that amount. You have no value in yourself?" He did not wait for her to return the answer but walked up to the homeless man and handed him the money.
"How can you do that? That was my money."
"I bought you for 500.00, you are mine." He hailed down a cab and told the driver to take him to the local hospital. She started to protest. "I own you for five more hours at 100 an hour, get in the cab before I change my mind and call the cops and turn you I for prostitution and they will make you turn over all your phone records to track down the pimp and you will be known as the one who brought him down and will not be safe any place."
"Tomorrow you quit your night job and find a day job. Do not talk to me until you find a day job and can show me proof with a paycheck. Get rid of all these kinds of clothes and get new clothes, here is 100.00 to get started with. I will see you at the hospital and take care of your bill too. I am sure mommy and daddy would not be proud of their little girl right now."
"So if I do everything you say do we have a chance?"
"You lost that chance over three years ago, I was going to ask you to be my girlfriend the night you called to tell me were through, you needed more which I thought the Friday before we did have some more but guess not enough for you. Now go as I only gave the driver 40.00 and the meter is running."
She got in and the cab took off to the local hospital. He turned to see Misty sitting on the hood of his car and he had to stop because in the midst of all of this, she looked so beautiful. "Wait, when did you get here?"
"I love you too my fiancée" and then she giggled. "May called me and she told me it might be a bit when she peeked into the bar and saw it was Dawn who was in a fight with Daisy and you were lecturing her. I came down to support you if needed. May took Daisy to the hospital and told them we will meet them there."
"Thank you, you know I do not deserve you."
"I know but I want you anyway" and then she laughed so glad she can make him smile.
Hospital
Ash and Misty entered the hospital and a lot of commotion was heard "What is going on here?"
"You promised you would not call the cops and now they are arresting me for prostitution, you liar."
Ash was shocked of these accusations from Dawn; he did not call the cops.
"Dawn, I was outside when you got in the cab and with him since he left you and he did not make one phone call." Misty stood up for Ash and made sure this girl did not accuse him wrongly.
"You must be the new girl; you won't last long because everyone knows that since me he has not been with anyone so he is just waiting for me to be free. He told me that tonight."
"Sorry Dawn but I heard what he said and he told you that your chance was lost three years ago and I know why he had not dates the past three years, he prayed to someday meet me again after we met and he trust God to answer prayers and he did, we are together and engaged."
"I do not see a ring" spouted off the nasty Dawn.
"Do not need one since we confessed our love with God as our witness and someday I am promised a ring but can wait for that day."
"You weak people and your God, how pathetic can you be."
Misty was losing her cool now but she did the right thing, she walked away and got out of the situation. She was not needed to make things worse and with her blood pressure rising, she best cools down.
"That is enough Dawn, you have step out of line." He turned to the cop and asked who called and all he said was some guy who said she offered herself to him at the pub and she got in a fight and was on the way to the hospital.
"I will be right back" and Ash left the hospital.
At The Pub
Ash walked up behind the guy he knew called. The guy was slamming drinks and already had one of the waitresses practically eating out of his hand. "Excuse me miss but I think your boss needs you and plus I need to get my friend home, his WIFE is due to have a baby any day and she sent me looking for him."
The waitress looked at the guy and he took out some money and told her to not listen to the guy and for 100.00 he will take her to her place and they can have some fun, she threw the beer she had on her tray in his face and he turned to look at Ash. He stepped back and then took a swing at Ash and Ash stopped the punch and then twisted his wrist until the guy was on his knees begging to be let go.
"You called the cops when I paid you to move on. You are coming with me."
"She got her money and I got nothing."
"So you are admitting you paid a woman to have sex and were this the first time?"
"I buy women weekly, who doesn't?" His buddies laughed until their friend was on the ground and in cuffs. None of them noticed the other man who came in with Ash.
"Thank you Captain Lance, I know you normally do not work on the street anymore but I appreciate this. I will talk to you tomorrow about Dawn, I am in no mood for her but I am willing to be by her side and get her past this. Something is going on that she is not admitting."
"Be in my office after work tomorrow."
"Oh man, I forgot I have to be at work tomorrow, I have been up since three A.M., going to be a long day."
Ash drove back to the hospital and he convinced the doctors to keep Dawn overnight and then he went in and told her she was out of line but he will look past it tonight. He will talk to her tomorrow night since he has to work and she will be going to the downtown station at 10:00 and meeting with Cpt. Lance.
Misty was waiting for him and the two of them had a coffee and then he drove her home and after a kiss, he went home and was in bed by two, yep it will be four hours of sleep and off to work.
Visitor
He woke up to his alarm and smelled bacon and eggs and the humming of the pretty girl he loves so much. "How did you get in here?"
"Umm, you gave me a key in case of an emergency and I figured this was an emergency."
"You were about ready to go to work today and it is Memorial Day. Do you work Memorial Day?"
"No" and then he looked at her feeling stupid.
"Do not worry about it Ash. I did not think about it until I got home and some radio show I had on let me know to enjoy sleeping in because of the holiday. I tried texting you but since you did not reply back I figured you did not get it and so I came over and am making my future husband bacon, eggs and toast and you better get back in bed so I can serve you in bed."
"Why do you still have your long coat on?"
"Get in bed" she demanded at him and he did.
She set up the tray and had enough food for the both of them. She set the tray down next to him and then she took off the coat and underneath she had on silky night shorts and a spaghetti strap top with matching tan color and fabric. "I know we are not at this point in our relationship and I do have underclothes on but can we take a nap together. I love being close to you and I trust you Ash."
He nodded not knowing if this was proper and he was probably going to regret saying this. "Misty, only if we do not touch when we nap. I do not trust myself."
"We touch when we snuggle on the couch and make out."
"I know but this is a bed and I will be honest, seeing you like that, I will be asking for forgiveness later from my thoughts."
"Misty knew guys battled with this a lot and she felt bad. She really thought she was being cautious and leaning on each other in bed was not different than on the couch and she has shorts and swim tops that show more than this." She agreed and then went to the other side of the bed after they ate. She felt him move over to her and she turned and looked at him.
As soon as her lips were in view, he captured them and she melted by the touch of his lips. She noticed he was more intense but they were more comfortable with each other. Her mind was lost in the kiss and she did not notice the hand moving slowly up her side until it touched the underside of her breast, she froze and then moved off the bed.
"I am sorry Misty" and he grabbed his pillow and left the room.
She sat back down and was mad at herself for her sudden action. Would not of been her first time she was touched but before it was for all the wrong reason and now she did not want to be in that situation. She wondered if Ash was no different than other boys and needed that or nothing was going to come of the relations ship.
She got herself ready for what she was going to do, this was Ash, her fiancée and he has committed to her and she was going to let him enjoy her if that is what he wanted. She was almost married to him so a little playing around would not hurt. She promised herself she will not take any clothes off, well beside the bra she took off now and it was noticeable.
Ash looked up and saw her approaching and he noticed the immediate difference. She came to him and moved his blanket and straddled his lap. "I am sorry Ash, you are a man and we are almost married and will not lose you because I was not willing to let you touch me."
"NO! That is not right. I left so I would not be tempted to dishonor you. You are so beautiful, sexy and gorgeous but never give into my lust, never. Your body is sacred and a temple God gave you to care for. I as your future husband am supposed to honor your body and keep it cleansed until our wedding day. I ache for you Misty but I will not dishonor you."
She felt bad "I guess I felt like I was going to lose you so I wanted to offer you my body to touch and no more. I love you so much and I guess I was not thinking about the bible verse that tells us our body is a temple given by God and Christ is in us, we are to care for it. (1 Corinthians 6: 12-20)
"I love you Misty and do not worry, I will not leave you but sometimes I need to remove myself from you because men fight against lust daily. We see a pretty woman even if we have one on our arm and we look for reason other than to view, we have thoughts we should not. We are animals in that way and yet some animals are better since they mate for life and do not stray from that mate. Over the past three years I have refrained from being by women, noticed them but stayed away because I was waiting for us. I will not ruin that with doing something stupid and I ask that you refrain from trying to please me some to get me by because I want you bad misty and not sure of my stopping point."
"When are we getting married Ash?"
"When do you want to get married?"
"Yesterday" and then she giggled. "Can we talk to pastor and see when we can set up the earliest date?"
"Do you not have family you want there?"
"None that are needed there, my parents have deceased and my sisters and I are not close. I want a very small wedding and then start my life as Misty Ketchum."
"I will call him tomorrow, today we need to go back to the hospital and see Daisy and also I have to meet with the police concerning Dawn. She is dragging me down and yet I should not care but I do. We were friends for six years before our fall out and I am not one to throw six years away but I think she did."
"Ash, we will go see her together and I will go to the police station with you. I might not be much help in the case but I want to support you."
Ash leaned over to kiss her and as he did he looked down and could see right down her top. He quickly pulled away and nodded and she looked down and casually held her top to her chest and then leaned in to kiss him more. "You are right, we should get married yesterday" said Ash.
Back to the Hospital
The ride to the hospital was quiet, both with a lot on their mind. Ash was still hung up on seeing down her top and she was hung up on getting married as soon as possible and not having to hold back. She had heard before that guys have these issues with sex but they are not the only ones as she adjusted in her seat to make sure her pants did not bind on her wrongly.
The visit with Daisy was pleasant besides the hundred apologies she had to throw out at them. After a while they told her to knock it off or they will make the doctor keep her another night and have run up and down the hall with a gown that has broken tie strong in the back. She shut up then.
Dawn was still very bitter but not direct at Ash and most of the time not Misty. Jealousy was in the air but Dawn controlled it for the most part. They waited for her to change her clothes; Ash paid the medical and then drove to the police station.
Dawn
They entered Cpt. Lance's office and the county judge was also present. Dawn stopped and wanted to leave but Ash stopped her. "Remember what we talked about facing up to your actions, this is the start. Misty and I are here to support you."
"Why would…SHE want to help me" and Dawn said it with as much hatred as she could.
"Because she wants you to fix things up in your life, Misty is not a bitter person but she has every reason to be after your little displays towards me and her the last twelve hours."
Dawn sat down at the desk and the judge started. "Dawn Berlitz, I first need you to swear to tell the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth." Ash noticed no bible and no mention of God. He wanted to curse those who changed these laws because they felt they were offended, he thought do not break the law and then you will not have to hear those words in a courtroom.
She said she will and the judge continued on. "I reviewed your file and it is pretty clean, I found one speeding ticket and one parking ticket and you paid them both on time, no other offense." The judge does not know she forgot to pay them but Ash ran down and paid them on the last day due for her.
"This young man has volunteered to act as your civil guardian but he has some rules. This may sound forced or even blackmail but you have choices, your first choice is 30 days jail, which will forever be on your record as a prostitute, fight it in court and if you lose the judge on the trial can give you up to a year in jail and or 100's of hours of community service, depending on their mood. The last choice is the offer Ash and Misty have given you. Most people have the choice of the first two and that is it since we have it on tape you is guilty."
"If I listen to Ash's deal and I do not like it can I choose one of the others?"
"No, you have no room to bargain here. I already am giving you more than you deserve when you admit to being in this for two years and making over 15,000 a year and not paying taxes. We have not even touched that subject but the judge can."
"I will take Ash's offer but why is…SHE part of it?"
"We will get to that. First with their deal, no jail time and if you complete it we will only file a misdemeanor assault charge, another words it looks like a scuffle in a bar and those hold little weight to employers and creditors. If at any time you run from this deal, you will be placed before a judge and if happens to be me, one year and 300 hours community service and 5 year probation along with charge of prostitution on your record. Misty and Ash are giving up a lot to help you out and from what I have heard from Cpt. Lance here, you lost that chance long time ago and Ash is looking past that."
"For now" Ash added.
Dawn nodded and yet she still felt like fighting. "What if they take advantage of this state and make me feels worthless and uses me for no good?"
Ash started to get up "She is all yours Cpt. Lance and judge." Dawn's eyes popped out and she knew she really blew it this time.
"Ash wait" and Dawn looked up hearing Misty call him back. "Ash I know she wronged you but God says we are to turn our other cheek when we are assaulted but others, He also says to love our enemies as we love our friends so you cannot turn your back on a person who was a friend for six years, that is not the Ash who waited three years for me by trusting God. Remember me this morning, what I was going to do, I think to an extent that is how Dawn felt and she did not have a man like you to stop her and correct her ways or care for her."
"She gave that man up three years ago but I am not complaining, I have you now Misty."
"I am glad we area together too and we both said all things that happen in our lives is for a reason, we are here right now in front of Captain Lance and the judge to help Dawn, not rectify a past hurt. You told me in the park if you ever had a chance you would do anything to have your oldest of friends around you and be able to trust them again, this is our chance and Dawn needs to stop pitying herself and realize you are the buffer between a new life for her and jail and ruined life. You forgave Serena twice and that has worked out," Misty looked Dawn in the eyes from about five inches away when she was finishing up.
"Misty, you interested in law?" asked the judge "You make some of our lawyers look like preschoolers in the court room."
"If I was not a Christian, I would ask you to marry us right here right now so she cannot get away from me." He was serious but everyone laughed thinking he was trying to be funny.
"I know Ash; I was at service Sunday and shed a tear with everyone else. I was proud to know a young man like you does not hold all of life's sourness against everyone
She ignored the comments and kept her eyes now focused on Ash. He was not looking back but at the floor so she put her hand under his chin and lifted it. "I happen to think you are very handsome so do not let only the ground see your face." He held it up now but his eyes still showed pain.
He was risking a lot by working with Dawn, his relationship with Misty, his job if he needs to miss too much time and his mind if she does not shut up and listen for once, okay that last one he was being harsh and venting but he meant it.
Something the judge said about his thoughts on Sunday's service, how he does not let life's sourness against every one and here he was given up on a person who he used to call friend and even wanted for more than that.
He stood up and at first everyone thought he was going to leave but he stood in front of Dawn, she looked up and then away. He knelt down and she looked at him in surprise.
"One day a few years ago I considered you friend, such a friend I wanted more but it did not work and it never will. I love Misty and some day we will tell you are story. I am not giving up on you so if this does not work then it is you who chooses to not trust me and I will accept that but I will also wash my hands of you and hope to never see you again. I do not want it to come to this but I am starting a life with Misty, new job and I hope if Misty can stand me she will want to have our kids someday. I cannot be babysitting a 21 year old who cannot learn to live life correctly."
He paused to catch his breath, "There was a time when I thought I loved you and a part of me still holds that in my heart. Not intimately but still in a special way. We had so many laughs together and we would wake up in the morning and text each other and anything else. I remember a few times we laughed so much one of us would physically get sick and then we would laugh about that, what happened to that person Dawn? The silly girl who would do anything she could to get a laugh and go out of her way to make herself happy, where are you in there, I want that Dawn to come out." Ash sounded like he was begging and part of him was.
"She died a long time ago and the year I stopped wanting to be with you, my insides became numb because only you, a boy I knew I was not good enough for and I was holding him back from greatness. Did you ever wonder why we never went to my place? I did not have one. I lied to the officer here, I have been selling myself since I was 17, when I was homeless and many men would rent a room and when we were done let me stay in it and I would get ready for school."
The room was silent "I also took sophomore Physical Education as an elective my senior year because it was first hour and I could get a shower in for the day, otherwise I hated Physical Education. I took homemakers class as my other elective so the days we cooked, I asked the other girls if they did not want their food I would take it because I gave it to the needy, me."
"During this time I was getting closer and closer to you but I could not have you find out about me. I heard from a friend you were going to ask me out that Monday after we made out on the door steps, the place I chose to call home but I did not really live there but again covering my secret. I could not have you do that so I let myself into you place, met up with Paul and he was easy to seduce and let him have his way and then I made sure you found out after I told you I no longer wanted to see you."
I actually met Gary, I now your ex but I did not know that until after words. Paul set us up and all I asked for was for gift cards to restaurants so I could eat a few more meals. Paul and Gary became regulars and Paul fronted as my boyfriend. I dumped Gary after what he did to you, I might be a bitch but I am not a heart breaker and I am sorry for that." Misty wanted to punch her but she was trying to believe everything she said. She did not think she had any reason to lie now her secret is out.
"Sex has been my life for almost five years now and not sure if I can stop. I want to accept your offer but I do not want to chance hurting the happiness you finally have with Misty." She got up and ran out of the office and then you could hear the bathroom door shut.
"I will go in there since; well the rest of you would get in trouble." She smirked and then left the room.
With Misty and Dawn
"Dawn, it is Misty."
"Please leave me alone."
"I would but technically you are under the custody of the police department and you just left the room without permission. I agree to come and talk to you."
Long silence followed so Misty locked the door, others can use the bathroom down the hall or wait. "I am not leaving until we have a heart to heart talk and go over these conditions Ash and I set up. Some of them are going to be tougher now that we know your history but I am at your side. We will get through this and Ash will not let you fail."
"How can you be so nice, I loved and still am in love with the guy you are going to marry?"
"I understand that and you need to get over it is over in that way with Ash but you can still salvage a friendship."
"Why, I will just mess up again he will hate me."
"Tell me how you are certain you are going to mess up again."
"I was also with women and I am not only attracted to Ash but also to you and if that gets out, he will not let me near you."
"You will be going to counseling for that and either Ash or I will be going with you as support. We have one more friend who against her better judgement but is will to help and you know her from cheerleading, May Maple."
"Why does she hate me?"
"She knows you burned Ash and also slept with Gary so she hates you indirectly because of how you hurt two people she is friends with now but willing to look past that and help you."
"I guess when you mess up, you hurt more people than you can imagine."
"Yes, now should we go through this list, just you and me?"
"Yes and do I have any choices?"
"No, accept all or none. We will have choices of some things to accept them or not but you have to give all an effort."
"Okay, let's get started' Dawn said with some attitude but simmered down a lot from earlier.
"We have fourteen rules and with the court approval, we can add or take some rules away, Sorry but you do not have a say in these rules or if we add any.
Here is the list:
Move in with Misty today, since you have no home you have little to move.
Leave escorting. The force has promised to not make you give up the pimp as long as you leave and let them know you are under the custody of the city and if you try to escort, they take down the whole organization.
Counseling – One meeting a week of one on one and one group meeting. Ash, May or I will bring you and be there to support you.
Job - starting tomorrow you will work on a resume, go online to apply for jobs and print out every confirmation that you applied, ten applications a day five days a week.
Budget – Ash will go over the budget with you tonight when we take you out for dinner.
Church - we go, you go. We cannot force you into what we believe but you will be with us because you will never be alone during this time we have guardianship with you.
Reconciling – A couple times a week we will work on a list of people you feel you need to confront, either you wronged them and you need to tell them you are sorry and make up for it or they wronged you and you need to get it out in the open, you cannot control how they will react but we will work on each time and deal with it, together.
Clothes – You can dress like you are advertising, no more super short skirts, tight tops and see through outfits. Dawn, you are a beautiful woman and Ash has memories of you begin fun loving and caring, you say it was an act but he still believes that person is in there so let a man fall in love with your personality and not just your body. May and I are taking you shopping and this month's budget for shopping from Ash is 250.00. We also go through the clothes you already have and see what we can salvage and what we throw out. Dawn asked why throw out and Misty told her they are not promoting that lifestyle so giving the clothes away only opens the door for someone else.
Volunteer - Once a month on a Saturday Ash designs and build inner city playgrounds and funds it, you are joining him.
No alone time – we do not trust you yet but you can gain it. Ash, May or I will be with you at all times in public with one exception you will see later.
No Dating – this goes with the above rule
Captain Lance – This is the exception. Once a week you will spend an evening with Captain Lance and his wife. This gives you time away from us and also give Ash and I a date night.
Graduate – you were close but unfortunately senior classes are rarely online, if we can find some great but otherwise we transfer you to a vocational school and you start with getting your two year degree. We start working on this tomorrow.
Self Defense – Ash is a black belt in three arts and he will mix them to teach you how to protect yourself. I will supervise since I need to learn to trust you but until them, you will never be alone with Ash
Those are the rules and if you accept them you sign here or else you are at the mercy of the court, she signed.
Misty walked with Dawn back to the door leading into the room, they had been gone three hours and the guys were probable worried. "Dawn, you can do this and we are with you. We might have trust issues but we do not hate you" then Misty hugged her and this affection surprised Dawn.
They walked in and the guys were feeding their faces with take-out sandwiches. Misty turned to Dawn, "I guess they did not miss us" and Dawn laughed for the first time in a long time and it sounded so nice to Ash he actually stopped eating for a few seconds. He handed a sandwich to each of the girls and the five of them talked over the list and a better mood was in the room now.
A New Beginning
Right after the meeting, Dawn sent a message exactly as she was told. She did not expect much resistance since she was low in the money making for them and they threatened to let her go since she was a pain.
She then rode with Ash and Misty and was ashamed to show them the abandoned building she lived in the nights she did not meet men. Her bag was covered in dust and the few nice clothes she had were for her 'job'. Ash asked if anything of value was in there, she shook her head no. Misty already told her all her females needs would be at Misty's and she kept them stocked and now they are also Dawn's to use too. Ash took out a match and lit the bag and her belongings "A new beginning" he said and then once the contents were gone, he stamped out the fire and walked out with no more words, the girls followed
Ash was very quiet when he drove and was very business-like when he talked. He was still not comfortable with the arrangements even though he was the one who wrote most of it up with Misty's consent and May's input since both of them were involved. He pulled up to a retail store and handed her a notebook. "Write down the CORRECT size clothes, underwear, bras, and hand it back to me. We do not time for women shopping so I will get you clothes for tonight and tomorrow, not part of the budget, my gift.
He was so cold about it and Dawn and Misty wanted to argue but dared not. They both know guys should never buy girls under garments because they will get them wrong. He was back in less than thirty minutes and he bought her two nice pairs of pants for dress and one pair of jeans, a t-shirt, oversized shirt for bed and a pack of socks, French cut panties and two bras. He also included two blouses for her to look good in public.
With summer approaching he included a knee length skirt that she frowned at but gladly accepted. Ash noticed the frown "You are a pretty person Dawn; do not advertise your body when you have a great mind and face." He said no more and then drove to Misty's place for Dawn to change and Misty to freshen up while he went home to change and take a shower. He was tired but he promised to take the girls out. He has only been with Misty four days and he already missed not having alone time with her.
He picked the girls up and as greeted by a kiss from Misty and she looked into his eyes "You are amazing." He was not sure where this was coming from but he hopes he is always amazing in Misty's eye. A few minutes later Dawn came out and she had tears I her eyes. He could see she found the two other gifts in the bag, make up kit and an assortment of hair clips.
She slowly, very shyly indeed towards him and she then looked at Misty who smiled and then she leaned in to kiss his cheek but pulled away "Time to go, reservation is in 30 minutes"
First Fight
"That was rude Ash" Misty scolded him. "You did something wonderful and now you pop her bubble when she was actually feeling good about herself." He turned to look her in the eyes and not with love but anger. "Am I dating you or Dawn?" and then he walked away and she gasped at his outrage to her.
"Sorry, I am already messing things up between you." Misty hugged Dawn and told her it will be okay.
They exited her apartment to find Ash in the driver seat and the front door and one back door in the car open, normally Ash opened the door for Misty and closed it before he got in the car.
"What is wrong with you" he barked at Misty. "I saw her turn to you and you nodded and then she tried to kiss my cheek. You are the one who specifically demanded me never to be alone with her" and he coldly pointed into the back seat towards Dawn and talked as if she was not there.
"Yes I bought her gift but to help her with her job hunt and trying to be a little nice, not give permission to touch me. Dawn, you are never to touch me again, get it."
She did not answer because here head was in her hands and she was crying to hard. "Take us home and once that heart of yours warms above freezing again, call me and MAYBE I will answer the phone." Misty was now losing her cool with Ash and she could not stand seeing him right now.
He did a U-turn in the street, dropped the girls off and then went home. The next few days he worked from home but did not get much done. He was so angry at Misty for reading into everything wrong and for Dawn assuming things were okay enough for her to approach him like that he did not see his own faults.
He did not at first see that he should not have gifted the girl anything yet, sends a wrong message. He should have when he gave her the clothes tell her they were for her to get started but she will pay him back for them. He should have known he has no leeway for leniency but yet he gave some on day one of this new life for Dawn. "I need to go and apologize to Misty and Dawn."
Reconciliation and Planning
He opened the door and I front of him as Misty and Dawn. "I love you Ash, I am so sorry for yelling at you and not thinking what you are going through."
"I am sorry too Ash" Dawn was keeping her distance but continued "I made a smart remark that I was so excited and so happy that you thought of everything that I could kiss you. I did not mean it but Misty surprised me and said she granted me permission this once to kiss your cheek not because I deserved it because of how wonderful you are. We messed up Ash but do not hate Misty, hate me instead as I deserve to be hated."
"First, I hate no one and that word will not be used in this condo again. Second I was over sensitive about everything and being too businesslike and that might not change for a while because this is your life Dawn, a start over and not a game." She nodded in understanding and then listened more.
'I should of gave Misty the 250.00 and told the both of you to drop me off at home, get the clothes needed and pick me up so we can go out to eat. I made it personal and I should not, at least not yet."
"Would you feel better if we took the amount off of the budgeted amount and then we go shopping with the remainder?"
"Did you two look at the brands or the prices?" Both shook their heads no. "I meant it when I wanted you to make an impression on job interviews and bought the best. I also wanted you to start your new life confident so made sure you have make up and things for you hair. I spent over 500.00 on those few clothes." Misty and Dawn both almost hit their chins on the floor.
"Why so much Ash," Dawn asked.
"You will not spend like that, you will watch ads and go and get what is on sale. I think the panties and two bras will last a little bit but get what you need within budget and that budget is good until the end of this month so that is only a couple of days and then next month same amount until you get a job and then no more clothing allowance from me."
Misty kissed him once on the mouth from her and once on the cheek for Dawn. She was still in shock she was wearing such expensive cloths and not sure how she will ever pay him back for everything.
We will order out tonight and then go over the budget. Ash then made the call and a half hour later they had Chinese food and a table full of paper work.
"Dawn we figured you should be able to get a job that pays at least 40k a year, or after taxes and other junk the government takes out, that will be around $2500.00 per month that you take home and we have the budget figured out that you will have very little left but you do have options.
One of the options is to buy clothes that look nice and yet are not from expensive places. I can afford any suit I want but I go to second hand stored, get a very nice suit and have it altered. The final cost is way less than half the new price from a high end store. The problem with this is you have to go shopping a lot to catch these items because they appear and disappear fast.
The girls saw no problem with shopping a lot until Ash reminded them if the store did not have what they wanted. Ash noticed the quick change of moods and he laughed. Misty leaned over to Dawn and whispered something and Dawn almost choked. "What is so funny?" he asked.
"Nothing much, I just told her with your attitude we might wait to get married three years and you will have to wait for "that" until we are married." Ash was the one looking sad now but then he smirked' "goes both ways."
"Think the pastor can marry us yesterday," which was become there inside joke now.
This reminded Ash he has not called the pastor but then him and Misty had not talked for almost two days so he will verify if she still wants to get married as soon as possible.
They went through the rest of the budget and Dawn saw a lot of discipline and hard work in front of her. She also needed to set up counseling, talk to Captain Lance to set up a visit schedule, write up the first couple people she needed to reconcile, she had two names but had to scratch them when she was told Ash and Misty do not count.
She looked online for classes and she found out the school she goes to now offers half of her senior classes and night classes. It will take her two years but she will be able to do it. She also looked up internships and she has a long shot with those since she had to drop out but after she completes a few classes, gets better grades and has everything on time, she will increase her chance of a nice internship.
She was going to school for social work, she thought of it as her way out but she never practiced what she preached. She told Ash and Misty she wants to help kids, kids that do not have the breaks in life and get them on the right path. She will work with anyone who is considered a minor and would like to have a small work load but put lots of time into each of her few clients.
"Dawn, I have your job for you if you are willing. I work for a company that works with kids in the inner city. I meet with the kids and we work on social structure but it also based on swimming lessons and getting along with each other. We wanted to add options to the plan but with the tight budget we can only pay 25,000 a year and we wanted you to make 40,000.00 but as the budget hopefully increases so will your pay."
"Would you be interested in working with dancing and cheering for the girls?" Dawn wanted to make enough money to work the budget but she also wanted this job.
"How can I work the budget, take classes at school, work a full time job and make the money needed. I have realized the less time I receive handouts, the more I grow up."
"Dawn, I am going to come right out and ask, do you believe in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?"
"I know who they are but never put much attention to them. Growing up we were not forced to go to church so I let that entire stuff slide."
"Sunday you will go to church with us, I hope you listen, give it a chance and at least enjoy the music. I hope if you do not understand something you will ask and not blow it off. I cannot make you believe but I can ask you to try. Never feel obligated doing the optional things we ask of you because if what we are doing. Think of the contract as business but life decisions we help with we do it as three friends."
"Do you consider me a friend Ash?"
"Never stopped, just for a while did not care if I saw you but I did care for your well-being, otherwise I could not do what I am doing for you now."
She started to have tears in her eyes and as much as she wanted to hug Ash, she knew the rules of no touching. She hugged herself and accepted a hug from Misty.
"No more budget talk for today, let's get you two home and then tomorrow you sign up for school, make your list and also see what Misty finds out about that job. If it is available take it then we will work the budget around it. Might have to give up on some things or shrink some of the savings and fun things but that is part of budgeting."
The next couple days were very busy with the shopping, signing up for school and getting financial aid forms completed. She might qualify for a couple grants to get her started and she had a list of six people she wanted to talk to and ask for forgiveness, Daisy being one of them.
Ash and Misty have a date of the first Saturday in September for the wedding, this give them three months to plan a very small wedding. He already told Captain Lance, who was becoming his best friend and a person he leaned o when he messed up with Misty. Misty did not see it as messing up but as growing together but Ash was hard on himself.
Dawn accepted the job and Misty was able to get her a starting pay of 27,500.00 so her monthly budget was lower but Ash adjusted the budget, he did not mess with the clothing allowance he and saw the relief on Dawn's face. "Tomorrow Misty said she has time to take you shopping and I suggest a second hand store to get your shorts and tops you need for work. I almost forgot, you are now part of my cell phone plan and I can add you for 25.00 a month instead of the 75.00 you are paying now."
She was excited about this but she was a little upset he changed her number she has had for 5 years. "Dawn, you are no longer part of the life of the past five years. The number you had is known by people we need you to forget about, you do not work for them anymore. You have unlimited text and talk but so not use the interest because it is expensive if we go over and I need it for work."
"Tomorrow you and I are going to the bank and sorry to do this but my name will be on everything and you cannot do any transfers without my permission. I know the banker personally and she will keep it all confidential. You will set up a checking, savings and a second savings to save up for a car. You will put 100.00 into each of the savings and if you spend under budget, we put money in the car account. I have more to say about that later."
They were going to discuss more things but the doorbell rang and it was May. "I figured you two might need some time so I was wondering if Dawn wanted to go out to eat with me and maybe some shopping." May knew the rules and would not spend any of her own money o Dawn's clothes but all of them agreed taking her out to eat helped on Misty's food budget and also a reason to get Dawn out of the house.
Ash handed May that months budget for clothes and he told May the discussion of shopping second hand stores. "I love second hand stores, where do you think I got all of these clothes?" Dawn's eyes popped open wider because what May had on Ash even had to admit was cute, conservative but yet you knew she was all woman under the outfit.
Misty explained Dawn will be doing a lot of the same kind of activity as dancers and cheerleaders and should try to have a weeks' worth of outfits in case getting to laundry with her busy schedule was a weekend only job.
"Do not worry, when she comes home she will be set and plus, in three days new month, new budget, more shopping." May loved to shop much more than Misty and Misty was glad she was getting the alone time with Ash.
"Behave you two" and then a giggling May closes the door.
A/N 4/21/16 – I know this is a really long chapter and because of that I will rethink my future chapters. I could of kept going on dealt with more issues but the next chapter is going to be one that Misty and Ash might go beyond what they should and make a mistake, no pregnancy but the temptations they have builds between them and at times they start to go too far. Do they stop, do they clear their mind and know they should not but will they stop. I read an article that a lot of time teen age Christian's first lost battle is intimacy. They learn to love as a Christian but when they take the love they learned and give it to one of the opposite sex and also the hormones that are battling inside of them, temptation wins.
I promise if they go over the line, it will not be in detail and also not that far if you know what I mean. I am trying to write the story from a view point of the things I went through as none Christian, the things I hear talking to Christian daughters of friends of mine who tell me how difficult it is, especially when they are losing a guy because they will not "perform" like other girls do. Some of them admitted they did a little bit more and that led to a lot more, others did a little bit more and stopped and some refrained all together but most of them lost the boy.
As a man, we can be cruel and put a lot of pressure on the girls, we say one thing but then the next thing we do is opposite. We say we understand but then we make out, let out hand travel, pout when turned down and issue guilt trips. We stare at couples who are more affectionate and make sure the girl knows we are watching others. NOT ALL GUYS ARE LIKE THIS, it is just rare for men to actually understand the pressures of girls. I did not when I was younger but when I started working with youth and the girls would confide in me some issues, most were how their boyfriend treated them, Christian boyfriends.
It is tough being young and walking away from temptations, I didn't when I was young and wish I did but I was weak. Still weak with some sins and fight them daily. Please stay strong and some day you will be rewarded with a wonderful person to marry and experience love that two people who confessed their love in front of church and God, a love meant for only them to share with each other.
Love to all and if you are liking or not liking the story, let me know. I normally do not beg for reviews but if you do not want to comment on the story but have a praise God you want to share, please do. If the story reaches you in a way that you have not been before or has you see something different let me know. God deserves all the praise and I thank him for each ready and hope the story has a positive Godly effect on you.