One thing Ashley learned about the end of the world is that relationships never end. Kelly taught her a lot of things but never how to heal from a broken heart. Her heart was broken a couple times within a couple months. From what she's heard heartbreak was normal and everyone experiences heartbreak. Not like her, nobody's experienced what she has. The end of the world shattered her heart years ago and the pieces are practically glitter now. And somehow her hearts still breaking. Voight and Trudy were staring at her standing on the island with charms. She could see the relief in their facial expressions. She was home. Ashley took the emergency boat from a safe house to the dock. The dock looked like nothing happened. The boats were back and Ashley was confused because Kelly, Gallo, Jay, Kevin, Kim were traveling to Georgia right? The Scholars were in Georgia and they were traveling there so why were they back? Voight yelled 'Kelly'. Kelly bolted out of the trees and almost squeezed the life out of Ashley. "I thought you and-" Kelly cut Ashley off. "Jay and I realized we were on a suicide mission. After Makayla we made a big decision we should've made with clear heads. Then I come back and you're gone? FOR A MONTH? WHERE WERE YOU!? I ALREADY PUNCHED VOIGHT AND SEAN IN THE FACE FOR ALLOWING YOU TO LEAVE AND NOT HUNTING YOU DOWN."
Ashley didn't answer, Ashley dropped to her knees wailing. Kelly dropped to his knees and held her tight. They're all dead, everyone and for what? "I-I-I-I-I KILLED ALL THOSE PEOPLE! I thought you were going after the scholars and I used The Ventures and I sent them there because I wanted to help you - you Kelly why'd you leave me here? Why'd you leave me here? Like I'm some burden, huh? Kelly, are you blind?" Kelly was confused, Kelly gave her a look, he was saying explain without saying it. What could she say? Ashley grabbed Kelly's face and kissed him on the lips. The kiss was far from childlike, Ashley could actually hear Trudy gasp. The truth was Ashley fell in love with everything and everyone. She acted on her emotions sometimes but could never truly commit because Ashley knew she was destined to be alone. She'd never have anyone whether that be Makayla, Jay, Mason, Hannah or Kelly. "There's something wrong with me." Kelly nodded and wiped his mouth. Ashley was lonely and wanted to be alone. Kelly and Ashley stayed there with each other till the sunset. Ashley told Kelly everything and Kelly reframed from flinching. Ashley, his baby, was ruthless, fearless and murderous. He would tell her to change but that's what's keeping her alive.
Ashley was emotionally conflicted, Kelly explained what she was going through was hormones. Ashley was growing up, Kelly wanted to slap himself, they should've had this conversation sooner. Ashley avoided Kelly for a couple weeks. One day Kelly was sitting on Ashley's bed when she climbed into her tree house. "I'm the loneliest man alive. My wife is dead, and I haven't attempted to move on. I don't plan on it and if I did find someone that person would never be you. When I look at you I see the little girl in light up shoes I saved on that street years ago. I see the kid who'd wanna kill me for breaking her crayons. You're my daughter, you'll never ever do that again. You'll never go after Jay or any other adult till you're an adult. Do you understand me?" Ashley nodded. "SAY YES." Ashley said 'yes'. Standing in that treehouse Ashley knew the dead were the least of her worries, love would be the death of her. She loved the island and she loved her team and she loved Makayla and she loved being a teenager.