Chapter 8 – Bridges
"Theeeeee circle-allll of lifeeeee!"
Lucy sung at the top of her lungs, her vocal cords stretching as far as they could, whilst she stood on top of her bed in the guest room with her stuffed monkey in the air. The position perfectly mimicked the opening scene of Lion King.
An amused snort caused her to tumble over some of the lyrics.
Aashi chuckled from beyond the threshold while nursing her cup of mint tea. She called out to Lucy, "You really like that film, don't you?"
Lucy peered at her with a goofy grin stretched across her small face, "Yeah, I love the songs. They're awesome!"
Aashi swaggered into the guest room, the bland walls and furniture defaced to leave Lucy's mark on the room, and she locked Lucy with a sarcastic grin. "Honestly, that film is rubbish."
Lucy frowned at Aashi, a small scoff leaving her chapped lips. "No! That's not true! Lion King is the most bestest movie ever!"
Aashi curiously raised a brow, "There is no word such as bestest…"
"But, but Simba-"
Aashi waved a hand at Lucy and then laid it on her shoulder, "You're entitled to an opinion, child. However, if you saw that film from a realistic perspective, it shouldn't work; that was my point."
Lucy pouted, "It's not for old people that's why."
Aashi smiled warmly, a shine in her eyes; she set her cup on the tableside. "Oh, I wouldn't know about that… who do you think owns those Disney DVDs?"
"Why, you do, don't you, Ai?"
The look in Aashi's eyes swelled and Lucy swore that she could feel the warmth in Aashi's eyes. "No, they belong to our darling Asilia."
Lucy cocked her head, curiously asking herself, "Darling?"
Aashi glanced down at Lucy in muse but didn't reply. Lucy's curiosity was only fuelled more by her silence and avoidance, "Huh? Ai, what do you mean darling?"
Aashi took her cup and walked off, patting her thigh to indicate to Lucy to follow her, and Lucy slid off her bed with her orange and brown monkey clutched in her arms.
"Do you like Asilia, Lucy?"
"Mm" Lucy scratched her chin with her smooth digits, "yeah, she's cool, why?"
"I like her too, so I use 'darling' as an endearment." Aashi stated as she cleaned her cup.
"What's a endearment?"
"An endearment" Aashi reflexively corrected. Aashi squeezed her eyes and sighed, "It is a name you call someone you love. A pet name, if you will."
Lucy's eyes widened, a childish glee taking over her. "Love? You love Asilia, huh, Ai?"
They were in the kitchen now, and with the cup in the sink, Aashi digits gently gripping the edge of the large sink. The tap was leaking, drip, drip, drip, and the refrigerator emitted a buzzing sound that replaced the tense silence. Aashi had a distant look to her.
The impregnate silence was broken when Aashi shuffled a few steps back, turned sharply, then suddenly dropped to her knees. Aashi looked to the ceiling then looked at Lucy dead in the eyes and Lucy felt like she had just been drenched in cold water suddenly.
Lucy didn't like this reaction. She didn't expect this and it was scaring her.
Aashi took a shaky breath in and ducked her head. She nodded and looked right back at Lucy. "What do you mean by love?"
"I, uh…" Lucy felt a toad become stuck in her throat. She felt like she was being tested here and for some reason, unlike the case of her biological mother, she didn't want to disappoint her real mother: Aashi.
"It's a, uh, a feeling" Lucy felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. Her answers were basic so far and she wanted to give a satisfying answer, "It, it's when you feel, uh, feel like you really like… like someone. You wanna help them and…" she looked down at her socked feet "You want to make them happy."
Lucy felt her stomach drop and her palms became clammy. She didn't know such an innocent question could elicit such a reaction and she held her own breath; awaiting, fearing. Yet, she was needlessly worrying and felt her anxiousness dissipate when a warm sturdy hand was gently place on her chin and lifted.
Lucy eyes that were filled with uncertainty, widened at the presence of Aashi's hearty smile. "It's more than that."
Her right hand stroked Lucy's cheeks and the other took her hand. She wordlessly guided her over to her own dark room to her wardrobe. Lucy watched meticulously as Aashi drew her clothes to the right which revealed a hidden shoebox in the left corner. The box itself was tattered and fall to pieces – it looked like what Aashi called 'rubbish'.
Nonetheless, Aashi handled it as if it were a new born baby. She lifted it from the bottom and rested a hand on the lid as she brought it out. Lucy mimicked Aashi when she sat Indian style.
However, when Aashi set the box down she stared at it stoically for a few lengthy moments. Lucy innocently pulled at the fabric of her navy shorts "Ai? Aashi?" Lucy could become really impatient when she was curious or scared, but who else wouldn't?
Aashi softly took her hands and returned them to Lucy's lap before she gently pulled the worn lid off. Lucy gave a short squeak not expecting much inside the box. Inside was a red photo album with faux gold trimming along the edges: it was small and concealed by long rosary beads.
Small it may have been but it was thick and clogged with memories.
Aashi lifted the photo album and flickered it to several pages inside – Lucy just managed to make out a few faces, many of which belonged to men, but other than it was just a flicker of pages.
Finally, Aashi halted at one particular page and Aashi's eyes lit up with pure adoration and veneration and instantly Lucy knew why. One those two pages there were only photos of Asilia. There was no one picture where she was absent.
Lucy's hands shook when Aashi handed her the album, afraid, afraid because she never seen Aashi so still. Yes, Aashi could sit in on place like a gargoyle for hours but one could still see the cogs moving in her head but not here, not now. Her mind was focused on one thing and it didn't take a genius to figure out what it was: Asilia!
There were three small pictures on the left page. The one at the very top was of both Aashi and Asilia. Aashi was facing someone off the side of the camera and Asilia was beside her about several inches away facing the camera; she looked pleased but her eyes relayed that she was lonely. Aashi looked comfortable but from Asilia's body language Lucy assumed they had recently met. It was dark wherever they were. It looked like they were at some festival as there were many people behind them as well. It looked like they were some place hot.
In the second one, it was sunny and they were in a garden together. This time they were dressed somewhat more formally and both of them were looking directly at the camera though in this picture neither looked quite as relaxed as they were in the last one. On Aashi's arm was a small woman whose face was flushed whereas next to Asilia was a man with quite a mean face. Lucy could already picture how Asilia slowly shuffled closer to Aashi to get away from that man.
In the third picture, right at the bottom, Aashi's hand was on Asilia's hip and they were standing together as a new found couple would, curious but hesitant. They were alone on a balcony both moon gazing, or so Lucy assumed, and on both their faces there was a content smile.
Lucy traced their figures but was pulled from her trance by Aashi's light voice, "When you truly love someone you feel as though they are an essential part of your life and you wouldn't think twice to make life-changing sacrifices for them. You want to help change them for the better, not to meet your own needs, but to make them a stronger or better person. You would give anything for their happiness, give anything to make sure they're safe." She paused briefly, "Life without them wouldn't be the same or even possible because they are a part of you."
Lucy's wide eyes clashed with Aashi's deep searching ones. "So, if that is what love is… then yes. I love Asilia."
Lucy's mouth fell agape by the smouldering intensity of Aashi's eyes and it flapped in an effort to loose some words but nothing came out. Lucy shook her head and cleared her voice, timidly asking "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Aashi's eyes fell on the pictures and her eyes softened again, "Because, child, you might tell someone else. That would create trouble for us."
Lucy sucked on her lips in frustration. Now, Lucy was offended by Aashi's lack of trust but she had to admit that she did have a tendency to blab things out so she couldn't really blame her. Lucy looked at the right page of the album, studying the pictures, "But what's so wrong with you loving Asilia? She's a nice lady."
On the right page there were two large pictures. The first was a close up shot of just Asilia staring out a clay house window. The photographer had angled it to the right of her face so the sun hit her face just right and accentuated her beautiful features and added a shine to her face making her seem holy.
A bitter chuckle strangled its way out of Aashi's stern lips, "Because people can't accept two woman being in love, especially as their dirty minds can't conjure up how the sexual relation would work out."
A small angry flame rose in Lucy's chest. Again, she didn't understand what she meant by the sexual relationship but she understood people were butting in the two woman's lives, "What? But that's not their business who you love or not!"
The second picture was perhaps the sweetest so far in Lucy's opinion. They weren't anywhere fancy and their clothes were simple but they looked the most joyful in this image. Asilia was standing in front of Aashi who had her arms cradled around Asilia's torso. Asilia's hands were on Aashi's forearms and it looked like they were there to stroke Aashi's forearm lovingly. Asilia was laughing zealously, showing off her white teeth and tongue piercing, whereas Aashi was staring at Asilia in absolute worship with a small curl on her lips indicating a smile. They looked like they were in their own world.
"My dear Lucy, when something goes against people's philosophical or religious beliefs they will do anything to burn it out. Homosexuality has been shunned by the western civilisations as their religion dictates it is not natural. Due to that longstanding belief, many believe that-"
"What's homosexuality?" Lucy accidentally slipped up and smacked a hand on her mouth.
Aashi didn't mind and she let Lucy know by ruffling her hair, "Homosexuality. Homo meaning the same and sexuality is a person's sexual preference. Sexual means relating to sex or the sexual organs like the vagina." She said pointing to her nether regions.
Realisation crossed Lucy's face, "OH! So that's what that's called. Ok, so homosexual means… what?" she repeated shyly.
"When someone loves someone of the same gender. So a man loving another man, or in this case, a woman loving another woman. People like that would be called homosexuals."
"Oh. So, you're, like, a homosexual too."
Aashi shook her head, "No, I'm bisexual. That means I can love both men and women."
Lucy bobbed her head in understanding, "Why haven't I heard these words before?"
"Because you're young… and because people don't like to talk about them"
"Why?" Lucy's brows furrowed "Look! You and Asilia look so happy, happy and… and be- beautiful"
"Because, say if you're father said to you since you were born that, I don't know, cats were bad, yeah? And everyone else said cats were bad too even though they exist as much as you or any other person does, you would believe cats were bad, wouldn't you?"
"I don't know… maybe" Lucy scratched her head, "Yeah, but… cats aren't bad."
"What if your father told you that cats were bad and they hurt you and your community? But, because you've never seen a cat with your own eyes, you believe all the fake stories your father tells you and because everyone else says so too."
The frustration was beginning to build up and tears were watering her gaze, "B- b- but you're not… hurting anyone."
Soft hands gripped Lucy's small form and gently pressed her to Aashi's chest. She gently cooed to Lucy until she calmed down.
Once Lucy had calmed down Aashi pulled away and rested a reassuring hand on her cold wet cheek. "Lucy, you can't tell anyone, not even by mistake otherwise they'll hurt Asilia, ok?"
Lucy nodded with vigour, and inquired "Will you still stay with Asilia though, Ai?"
Aashi leaned back with a reassuring smile, "You know what they say; Till death do us part."
Lucy knew that phrase sounded familiar but she didn't get a chance to respond as Aashi was already up, saying "Now let's turn that smile upside down."
;-;-;-;-;
They had gone to Amusement Mile to see the theme park and small circus. Lucy had a ball seeing as this was an entirely new experience for her. It had taken them some time as it was literally at the edge of the north most island of Gotham but time flew for Lucy because she was enjoying Aashi's smooth yet swift driving and the prospect of going to the place where 'normal' kids went was quite exciting.
Apart from the thrilling rides, there were also mini games, food stalls, acrobats, trained animals, dancers, tight rope walkers, jugglers and best of all – clowns.
Lucy had dashed straight for the carousel once they had entered. It was bright and glowing like it belonged to a fairy tale and shone like a beacon to Lucy in the evening orange baked landscape. She had chosen one of the black horses. Its face was strange and didn't resemble a horse at all, or so Aashi had jested, but it didn't stop Lucy from planting her butt on the golden painted saddle.
Aashi didn't take any seat, she just leaned against the horse next to Lucy's, and crossed her arms as everyone waited for the carousel to begin circling. Lucy admired Aashi as the woman studied a couple behind them with a grimace as they were being 'lovey-dovey'. This setting, Lucy thought, suited Aashi well.
The soft yellow glow made Lucy think that Aashi had a halo above her head accompanied by two white miniature angels on her shoulder. The lights of the carousel also made Lucy realise how beautiful Aashi was in her eyes at least, even though others seemed to keep throwing glares at Aashi. Her hair was pulled back in a fish tail braid which didn't hide her piercings as she purposefully tucked her hair behind her ears. Her face was free of makeup except for the plum coloured matte lipstick.
Lucy had learned early on that Aashi did not care for make up like Harley did. Aashi actually had some acne scars on the sides of her cheeks near her cheekbones but she was never self-conscious of them; Lucy understood that when Aashi did put make up on, it was like a look for herself rather than a second skin so she didn't care to put on makeup all the time.
Aashi was wearing a tight fitted cherry red blouse with a wide keyhole neckline. The cuffs widened slightly which resembled the Victorian style balloon sleeve shirts. The cleavage which it exposed was covered with lace and she wore this below her leather biker jacket along with slate grey frayed trousers and a black pair of Doc Martins. She ditched her jewellery, apart from her ear piercings for tonight.
It was one of the first times that Lucy had seen Aashi in anything that wasn't black and whilst Lucy did like her in black, she was ecstatic to see her in other colours as well.
The lights highlighted how big and shiny Aashi's eyes were as well as it caused them to flash like headlights. Those ample eyes soaked in everything around them and at times Lucy thought Aashi may have been omniscient.
"Hang on" Aashi murmured, pulling Lucy from her daze. True to the children's words at school, the carousel was indeed fast, it wasn't at all slow like Harley had said it might have been.
The world around Lucy became a blur and the one thing that remained clear in her line of vision was Aashi's face. She was facing the children in front of them and was making sure the two idiots wouldn't accidentally hurt Lucy in their stupidity. Her long hair was wrapped around her neck now and small baby hairs stood up around her face something which Lucy was raptly paying attention too. It was like Lucy had HD vision when she was goggling Aashi and she couldn't get enough – this woman was her inspiration.
Aashi was a woman Lucy was proud of. Everything she had shown her to be was so true to her nature, she was a genuine person; strong, independent, beautiful in character, honest and under that tough exterior she actually cared.
Aashi's face then sharply turned to Lucy who came out of her trance like state and realised she had reached out for Aashi's face.
The ride had finished so Aashi misunderstood and thought Lucy had been reaching to her to help her get off so she took Lucy by the waist and rested her on her hip much to Lucy's surprise.
Lucy looked at Aashi bewildered, 'Is she really holding me? I thought she didn't like picking me up!'
Lucy didn't want Aashi to put her down so she didn't speak her mind. Lucy led Aashi to a gaming stand now. Lucy wanted to try her hand at shooting at the bowling pins to win the giant pink monkey hanging at the top. However, after her third try she began to kick the stall. Lucy loved monkeys but she never had any real stuffed toys because her parents couldn't afford them. The monkey she had before was one that was handed down to her by her father and it was old and suffered a lot of wear and tear.
She pouted when she saw Aashi shift, thinking she was going to give Lucy an earful for wasting her money, but surprisingly Aashi had a go herself. She shot the bowling pins down with such intensity that the man behind the stall was gawking at Aashi and shakenly gave them their price. It had taken her under thirty seconds flat to get Lucy her prize and Lucy was overjoyed. She hugged Aashi's knees when she had given her the monkey and what made it even more tender was that Aashi actually picked her up again instead of pushing her away.
They then tried the roller coaster but Lucy hated herself for choosing it after the first loop-the-loop as her monkey almost flew out of her hands and the only reason why she still had it was because Aashi held onto them both securely.
"I feel sick and I think Mr Bubblegum feels the same." Lucy gagged later.
"Mr Bubblegum?" Aashi cocked her head, puzzled, rubbing Lucy's back.
"Yeah, Mr Bubblegum, see!" Lucy held the giant monkey which was nearly the same size as her "Because he's the same pink as Bubblegum!"
The beady eyes of the stuffed monkey stared into Aashi's soul with a sinister shine but Aashi didn't mention it. Just smiled and nodded. Aashi took them to the circus afterwards where Lucy wowed and awed at the performers. In truth, Aashi didn't think Lucy would have this much stamina so she took Lucy to the circus to calm her nerves and to rest up but Aashi knew immediately that it was for nought as Lucy was almost jumping alongside the acrobats themselves which spilled half of her popcorn everywhere.
It brought a warm feeling to Aashi's heart to see Lucy so blissful and chipper. Even the odd few people who did a double take at the two of them couldn't ruin this. She saw one man even spit her way to which she gave him a snide sneer and yet her mood wasn't ruined as she was still blessed to see Lucy's broad smile.
When the elephants came into the ring, Lucy nearly hopped into the ring herself, so Aashi kept a lean and secure arm around her shoulder.
"Come on, Ai!" Lucy tugged on Aashi's hand back towards the rides after the circus ended just as the sun was setting, "Just a few more"
"Very well, child" Aashi hid a smirk. Usually Lucy may have been irate at Aashi referring to her as child but today was different. She just giggled at the older woman and nearly dragged the woman to the gyro tower. Lucy had been so sure of this one but when the seat began to rise she clutched Aashi's hand tight to the point where her knuckles turned white.
Her fear immediately turned to dust when Aashi clearly pointed to the centre of the city, "Look, child. See that large bright tower?"
"Wayne?" Lucy read loud, and Aashi grunted in response. "That's Wayne tower. I suppose they made it to remind people who's in power." Aashi laughed to herself. "That's the city centre, so where do you think your home is?"
Lucy's eyes scattered to each end, searching, scanning the city. It was like a giant bulb in the night's darkness and Lucy marvelled at the clear view she saw, "There! Wow, I never knew Gotham was so prett-" before she could finish they violently plummeted and Lucy's scream was lost in the chorus of yells.
When Aashi brought Lucy away from the ride she had to stifle a hearty laugh at the pale white look on Lucy's face. To cheer her shaken person up she took her to the more kid friendlier rides – she couldn't go wrong with the swing carousel or 'Chair-O-Planes'.
Lucy was a bit hesitant at first but gave in and soon was holding her arms out like she was a plane as they were swung at great heights and speeds. Lucy kept glancing towards Aashi's way on the particular ride as she had let out her hair and she looked like she was having quite some fun herself. Whenever their eyes locked Aashi would grin, showing off her straight teeth, or she would wink at Lucy or make some other funny face. At one point she even pretended to be a plane alongside with Lucy.
Lucy couldn't stop guffawing and tugged Aashi along to more rides despite her protests that it was getting late.
"But, it's so pretty! Look it's so bright! And we haven't even been on half the rides!" Lucy argued.
"Alright, one last ride, then we're going!" Aashi sighed.
"Yes!" Lucy didn't even have to think twice about her last choice, "The FERRIS WHEEL!"
As they made their way to the giant flashing wheel, they passed a candyfloss stand, which Lucy stared at longingly. Lucy didn't ask for it but Aashi bought her a bucket of pink candyfloss regardless and Lucy had finished half of the bucket by the time they were seated in their tiny carriage.
As soon as they were up in the sky, Lucy discarded her candyfloss bucket to the side, and stared out the bars. Again she was met by the breath-taking view of the city again. She stared at the flickering lights of the city and she flipped over to Aashi to comment on something but the words died in her mouth when she looked over at the woman.
Aashi was gazing at the city on the other side of the carriage and was absentmindedly doing up her hair again. However, what Aashi didn't know was that she effortlessly looked divine in Lucy's eyes at that moment. Not necessarily someone to be worshiped, per se, but she was indeed a woman to be praised.
Half her hair was still left out and her baby hairs on her forehead and the bottom of her skull had curled. Her eyes, just like her naturally jet-black hair, were curled as a touching and warm-hearted look encompassed her ever glowing face. Bits of her face were darkened as the shadows encased her sharp features and yet Lucy could still see the halo shining brightly above her head.
Aashi lips were moving slowly, barely so, like she was singing but Lucy couldn't hear anything. Lucy had stared for so long that Aashi had finished braiding her hair and was now prodding at Lucy.
However, it was like she didn't even notice, Aashi's fingers tapping. She was still stuck in her deep muse.
Aashi had given everything Lucy had wanted in the past few months that she had wanted her whole life and best of all she did one thing unintentionally.
'But, above all, a mother loves their child unconditionally and wouldn't think twice for making huge sacrifices for their child.'
She clearly recalled Aashi's words from that day and couldn't help thinking wild notions. Lucy realised there, watching Aashi that this woman had done so much for her. She looked out for her wellbeing going as far as to take her in, clothed her (the very evidence was the jean jacket on her back), fed her, and spent so much time, effort and money on her. She even let Lucy take her around this amusement park at Lucy's own leisure rather than her own.
The best thing Aashi had done for Lucy was that she had given Lucy a taste what the majority of her classmates had: a mother.
Sure, Aashi was strange, dark and mysterious. She was, to some a social menace, and to others a freak who needed to be locked away never to be seen again but to a few fortunate people she was tender, compassionate and reliable but most importantly she was Lucy's mother now.
Lucy sputtered and quickly hugged Aashi's waist who was left stunned. Aashi hesitantly began to rub her back and pat her head. This was a habit now, to pat her head, as it served to calm her down and to show her that Aashi was pleased with her.
Although Aashi was quite well at reading Lucy she hadn't a clue as to why Lucy was crying so she silently waited and when Lucy came around she faced a great shock.
After Aashi dried Lucy's face with a tissue, Lucy squeaked clearly, "Thanks… mummy!"
Aashi froze and her soft look evaporated which created a sinking feeling in Lucy stomach.
The only sound that filled the carriage was their short breathes and the white noise of the other visitors. A stern look was present on Aashi's face; her lips pursued in a straight line with brows furrowed and her big eyes were slits.
However, after a few tense moments, her features relaxed and a hand was on top of Lucy's head.
"You're quite welcome, daughter mine".
If there was ever a tender moment between Lucy and any one of her parents, it was this.
Lucy hugged Aashi's waist harder than she hugged Mr Bubblegum who was watching the scene from the other end of the carriage. Aashi may not have been outwardly smiling, but her mental grin matched that of Mr Bubblegum.
Leaving the carriage, Lucy thought she was invincible at that moment because of the way Aashi made her feel yet she was proven wrong. Aashi had paused to receive a call, so she turned her back to Lucy, who was about a few inches away.
Aashi was holding Mr Bubblegum because Lucy wanted to hold Aashi's hand without her other arm getting tired but now Lucy was jumping around a little farther away from her. The moment she heard a snigger behind her she knew instantly that something bad was going to happen.
Just as she was about to hop over a mud puddle someone shoved her forward. Lucy fell into the puddle. Lucy frowned and a feeling of disgust washed over her as she felt the mud squelch under her hands and knees. She staggered onto her feet and found that there was mud on her hands and on her knees. Some even managed to get on her face.
She heard a chorus of laughs and knew it was Dennis and his thugs. She turned around, on the verge of tears, and glared at the brats.
"Hey freak, I didn't know you liked Mud pies so much!" Dennis held his stomach as he laughed.
Lucy looked at her hands and let out a sob. There were a few splatters of mud on her coat, the coat that Aashi got her, and she didn't want that. She didn't like that, not one bit, but she couldn't do anything.
The boys roared louder at her tears which caused Lucy to blindly attack the three boys. She got Dennis in the face and managed to get some mud on him, "Argh, you stupid idiot!" Dennis screamed and one of his friends pushed Lucy into the mud again.
Lucy cried louder and Dennis laughed, pointing at her tear streaked face. Lucy looked down in shame but she heard Dennis' laughter abruptly halt and was replaced by a choking noise. Lucy opened her eyes lethargically and found that Aashi was holding Dennis by the scruff right up to her face.
Dennis' face was deathly pale and he was shaking so badly he couldn't get a grip on Aashi's wrist. Aashi said nothing because she knew this boy was just like the man that had chased Lucy when she had first encountered her.
"W- w- who ar- are y- y- y- you?" Dennis stammered, finding some nerve to talk but that was until he realised his friends had legged it without him.
Aashi coolly replied, "Lucy's mother."
If Lucy thought Dennis was pale before then he had practically become a ghost now. He opened his mouth to say something but he only choked on his words and it brought great satisfaction to Lucy. Aashi shook her head and let go of him.
When Dennis got up to run Lucy smiled a watery smile when she saw that his entire front was covered in mud, from his head to his toes, but it wasn't enough to lighten her mood completely.
She was still covered in mud. Aashi leaned towards Lucy, who was babbling apologies. Much to Lucy's horror people were staring at her muddy appearance which made her flush badly and apologise further.
"I- I- I'm sorr- sorry!" she cried, looking at her feet through tears.
Aashi sighed, and calmly said, "The only thing you should be sorry about is not putting up more of a fight." Aashi pulled out a tissue and cleaned Lucy's face but Lucy was still conscious of the looks she was getting. She didn't want Aashi to be embarrassed of her and Aashi knew exactly what Lucy was thinking.
"Lucy"
Lucy propped her head up towards Aashi with shock, "No, mommy, what are you doing?" she screamed as Aashi took some mud and splattered it on her cheeks and forehead.
"Now, they'll look at me. Yeah, so don't worry. Come on, take Mr Bubblegum's hand and let's go." Aashi chuckled.
Lucy was amazed. She had never seen anyone act so bizarrely. Lucy was hesitant to sit on Aashi's bike but she wouldn't take no for an answer. When Aashi walked back on the remaining journey with Lucy on her hip, she tried to cheer her up by tickling the life out of her, her screams and cheers echoing throughout the street.
When they reached their hall they got a surprise.
"Well now, by the way you're-ah screaming, sweet pea, I thought someone was tryin' to nab ya again!" Arthur leisurely made his way to them. He frowned when he saw the state of them, "what were you doin'? Rollin' 'round in the mud!"
Unbeknownst to both females, they were covered in more mud than they had anticipated. What they didn't realise was that as they jogged back to their ride and they slipped a 'couple' of times they had become more caked with mud.
"Daddy! You should come with us next time! Mommy took us to the carny place at the other end of Gotham! It was AMAZING! She even got me Mr Bubblegum! HE'S SO FLUFFY!"
Arthur's brows scrunched even further, he turned to point at his own door, "But, Harley was…" he trailed off.
"No, not her!" Lucy giggled, "Aashi is my mommy" Lucy hugged Aashi's neck, lovingly.
The two adults exchanged looks but didn't speak a word.
Aashi rubbed Lucy's back but kept her eyes on Arthur, "Lucy, let's go clean-up."
As they passed Arthur, he locked his eyes on the back of their heads and wordlessly followed them. Lucy had sped off to her room once Aashi had removed her shoes so that she could show Mr Bubblegum his new home.
Meanwhile, Aashi readied Lucy's clothes and other items; during Lucy's stay she had accumulated many items which helped her settle down in Aashi's home and customise her space. Thus, she now had her own white fluffy towel, a bottle of 'No tears' strawberry shampoo and a blue toothbrush.
Just as Lucy was stepping in the bathroom, she heard her father make a strange sound, which even Aashi heard from her room where she was collecting the dirty clothes for washing.
"What's wrong, Daddy?" Lucy asked as she padded towards the white tub.
"Wha's that?" he queried, pointing to the bidet. Lucy smiled up at her father, proud, knowing she could answer her father, "Oh, that! That is a beeday. It's French."
"A what? Arthur rose his brows to his forehead,
Aashi called out from behind him, correcting Lucy, "It's a bidet." Her tone and smile becoming increasingly sarcastic, "You know, that thing you use to make sure your clean yourself properly when you've done your business rather than just spreading all that urine and faecal matter with some tissue." She was nodding by the time she finished and was stifling her chuckling.
A perplexed face turned to Aashi, "What? How do you use it?"
"I'll tell you later, for now, leave Lucy to shower"
"But she needs me-"
Lucy shook her head, "No, Daddy. Imma a big girl now. I can clean myself."
This did not ease his concern, and after a hesitant pause, he said, "If there's anything you need, anything, just holler."
Lucy smiled and shut the door. Arthur sighed and moved into the living room, "My little girl is growing up fast".
"Good" suddenly Aashi said from behind him in the connected kitchen which gave Arthur a fright. "The quicker she matures and becomes independent, the greater her chances are at survival." Aashi travelled inside towards him and seated herself on the floor whilst he was on the sofa.
Arthur pouted to himself, "You don't get it. She's all grown up and just yesterday I was holdin' her hand when she first learned to, uh, walk. Next thing I'll know she's gonna be bringing back boys…"
"Don't be stupid. Lucy's still young… besides she's not that type of girl." Aashi had cleaned her coat and her hands and face. She just needed to wait for Lucy to finish.
"How do you know? She ain't your kid." Arthur mumbled, as he played with his hands.
"Firstly, there is no such word like 'aint'. Secondly, whether you want to admit it or not, you cannot deny Lucy has taken me on as a mother, not that I mind."
Arthur was stumped. He couldn't deny facts. He had seen the two girls interacting together and he had never seen Lucy smile so hard before or interact with a grown woman like she did with Aashi. Usually, Lucy hated woman but with Aashi she was more than open. He didn't know Aashi too well but he could guess that she was no motherly woman… or even a people person. Yet, here she was, looking after Lucy like she were her own.
"So, was this your plan the whole time? Lookin' afta Lucy to get in my pants." Arthur released a throaty chuckle which grew into a hearty laugh when he saw the grimace on her face. He was joking of course, but Aashi always had to respond.
"Never. Need I remind you under what circumstances Lucy and I met? I thought not" she quickly finished when she saw Arthur's eyes widen. "Besides men rarely succeed in holding my attention."
Arthur's eyes crinkled in another jest, "What happened? Did the British put you off from living?" his laughter softened when he saw her expression, "What?" he murmured,
Aashi's lip curled unintentionally in amusement, "Honestly, if you ever saw the Brits, you would understand why they're all depressed." She shook her head and mumbled more to herself, "A bunch of bigoted, anti-social, constipated, conservative, twits with a pole stuck up their arses."
Arthur rolled his tongue on his lips, then slowly up his scar, "Hmm."
Aashi caught his eye sharply, "What?"
Arthur shook his head, with his eyes closed and his mouth still open in a smirk as his tongue continued to wet his mouth in a circle. "Nothing…" he paused, "I just, uh, assumed that you would have jumped at the chance to defend your nation but it seems you hold, uh, no love at all for it."
All amusement fled her eyes and was replaced with a look of deep muse, "I am a woman of no nation."
Arthur snapped his eyelids open and stared at her broodily.
She continued, "My loyalty is only to myself and those whom I hold a deep regard for,"
Arthur opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a vibration coming from Aashi. She reached into her trousers and pulled out her phone. She scanned the screen rapidly and whatever she had read caused her face to become stony.
She got up quicker than Arthur could even blink, muttering to him. "I have to go." Leaving Arthur frozen on the sofa.
Aashi grabbed her own crimson towel and rushed into the bathroom. She passed Arthur who yelled, "Hey, where are you goin', woman?"
Lucy, who was struggling to reach the shampoo on the shelf flipped around and screamed, covering her body when the door rushed open and slammed closed.
When she saw Aashi she gasped in relief, "Oh, it's just you."
"Lucy, I was going to wait for you to finish, but I'm afraid I need to go somewhere so we'll have to share, ok?"
"Ok, I was gonna call you anyway, I can't reach the shampoo." Lucy looked Aashi up and down, suspiciously.
Aashi removed the shampoo from the shelf and handed it to Lucy. She then stepped back and stripped her blouse and jeans which left her in only her black plain briefs. Yes, Aashi didn't wear a bra.
Lucy froze and cocked her head, "Uh… Mom, what… what are those?" Lucy pointed to Aashi bare chest as she removed her panties.
Aashi glanced down, "Hm, these? These are my boobs. All woman have them although they vary in size depending on your diet and genes. Now move over."
Lucy slid over to the side and Aashi hopped in and turned the showerhead on. Aashi gasped when the scalding hot water hit her head and changed the temperatures to suit her.
"No, mom, I meant those" Lucy pointed again.
Aashi switched the showerhead to the tap, "Oh. Those are nipples. You have them too, see" Aashi gestured to Lucy's flat chest but looked away wanting her to have her privacy.
"Yeah… but yours are, uh, different."
Aashi began to lather up and said to Lucy, "Lulu, you need to finish with your shower and the reason why they're like that is because I'm a grown woman."
Lucy, with her hands on her chest, exclaimed, "Does that mean they'll turn brown, too?"
Despite the tension in Aashi's shoulders she couldn't help but laugh at her ignorance, "No. Mine are like that because of my genes. Now hurry up and wash your hair."
Lucy looked at the bottle of shampoo, "I don't know how much you're supposed to put on." She whined chewing her lower lip.
Aashi shook her head and showed Lucy how to do it, using herself as an example with her own unbranded shampoo, which Lucy mimicked to the point.
As Aashi pushed Lucy forward underneath spray of the water there was a couple of bangs on the door, "Hey, what's going on in there? Lou, you ok?"
Aashi paused in the middle of scrubbing and shouted back at Arthur, "Calm down! We're taking a shower! Don't worry, I didn't do anything, if that's what you're thinking!"
Lucy also yelled, "Yeah, dad. I'm fine. Mommy is just helping."
Once they were both clean, Aashi slipped out and grabbed both their towels. She immediately covered herself and began to dry Lucy who was laughing, "Mom, that tickles!"
"Come on, Lulu." Aashi said taking her hand and leaving only to be confronted by an enraged Arthur. When the two girls first stepped out of the steamy room, Arthur halted mid-step as he saw their towel-clad bodies but after he initial shock and ushered Lucy into her own room as Aashi went to her own.
Aashi hastily dressed, stuffing a pistol in her pockets, and dried her hair with the hair dryer until her hair wasn't dripping. After she deposited her dirty clothes in the hamper she got ready to leave but Arthur blocked her path.
"What the hell were you doing?" he snarled at her but Aashi didn't back down. If anything, it amused her but she was in a hurry.
"Like I said, we were just showering. Ask Lucy yourself if you want. Now move." She calmly replied.
"No, you don't do that. Not even normal people do that-"
"What would you know what normal is, huh? Unless you haven't noticed, I'm no normal person, and I don't care what you think. I did not molest her, I helped her. Now move, don't make me repeat myself again." Aashi got right into his face so he could see the simmering anger in her eyes.
He must have seen something as he did move. Arthur may not have dropped the matter but he could see she was in a rush and by the way her muscles tensed under that black T-shirt of hers he could see how much power they held and he knew if it became physical, he was ashamed to admit, that Aashi would win.
She whizzed past without another second and he was left in the hall staring at the space she stood in. He returned to Lucy's room (which he shared with her occasionally) and found she was now brushing her hair.
"What's wrong, Daddy?"
Arthur sat on her bed, his face pensive, and his shoulders tense. "I think you should stop seeing this woman-" he was interrupted almost immediately.
"No! I like Mommy! She's nice to me. I mean at first she was very mean, but now she's really nice. Right, Mr Bubblegum?" Lucy turned to her monkey.
"Lou, she might hurt you-" the tension in his shoulders was increasing to the point where even the voices in his head were complaining about it.
"No, she said she wouldn't!" Lucy's brush lay forgotten now as she stood in front of her father.
"And you believe her?" Arthur calmly tried to reason with her.
"…Yeah" Lucy stared at her father hard, "Ai is not my… my birth mummy but she's my mummy because… because she cares. Mummy never sh- shout- shouted at me. Mommy never got an- angry at me, even when I mes- messed up, she- she- she- is nice to me. Aashi is my mommy now!"
Lucy held her father's hand, "Please, Daddy." she whispered, "Aashi can be weird sometimes but- but she's a good person."
Arthur exhaled heavily, like the world was on his shoulders, and pulled his crying daughter to his chest.
;-;-;-;-;
Aashi's bike hadn't even come to a full stop before she burst into Asilia's apartment. She madly searched the apartment and found Asilia in the kitchen with a tear-streaked face, swollen eyes and a frown which stabbed Aashi in the heart like a dagger.
When Asilia saw Aashi she dropped the letter and rushed into her open arms. She hugged Aashi's neck and dropped to her knees in exhaustion. She sobbed in her arms and thanked God that He returned Aashi to her.
As Aashi soothed the crying woman in vain, her eyes caught the letter that had fluttered to the ground; her heart almost stopped beating in her chest and her arms tightened around Asilia.
The threat was as clear as the words written, 'I will return once I have my strength: then we will see who the true fighter is – BANE'.
To be continued...
I have almost completed this story, however I wouldn't mind a little feedback as well :)