Ace

Chapter 4

Adriana

I hear someone coming, so I grab this and some other stacks of pictures that I plan on going through at home, and I dump them inside the box I am taking home. "Adri," Alice pokes her head in through the door, and she looks at me, then around the room, then her eyes land back on me. I hope I don't look suspicious.

"Is everything alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," I shake my head. Get it together, Ace! "No, there's just so much to go through. I don't think I will finish everything today," I chuckle awkwardly, hoping to play it off. "Oh, don't worry about that. You don't have to finish all that today. You can come back any day you'd like. We actually hope you continue coming over. We love having you over, you know that. Anyway, I came to get you. A small snack turned into a full-blown meal, and it is ready. Come eat,"

I stare at her mom, and I wonder if she knew.

"Are you sure you are alright? Do I need to call your parents or the Dr? You are scaring me." I shake my head. She gives me a concerned smile. I realize she is just a concerned parent. Alice is a good mom, and there is no way she knew anything. I decide not to bring it up. Not right now. She doesn't deserve any more hurt at this time.

I sit and eat with Ashlynn's parents. "We hope you don't stop coming to visit, and allowing us to be a part of your life." Her parents are so sweet. This makes their daughter's betrayal even more painful. They are so good, and they created a monster who was actively hurting someone who thought they were like sisters this whole time. What a slap to the face. I can't turn over the evidence of their daughter's betrayal. I have so much I need to think about. The only thing I know is that I never want to speak to Jr ever again. He is disgusting.

I need to leave and talk to someone. I am not sure if I can keep this to myself right now. I'm having a hard time understanding why Ashlynn was upset with me that Jr's parents didn't like or accept her. I send a text message to my brother, Ryker. "Are you busy?" The three dots appear, and his message comes in within seconds. "No, what's up?" I don't even know how I am going to tell him, but I need him to meet me. I need to tell someone and show them the proof. Only someone I trust, and my brother is that person. "Meet me at the crafted cone?" My twin brothers are my everything. We are best friends, but Ryan is difficult, so in reality, Ryker and I are the close ones. He is the only person who can help me right now, and one of the only people I can trust. "Be there soon,"

Ashlynn's confession journal has really shaken things up for me. Especially when it comes to trust. I don't think I will be able to trust anyone ever again.

"So, how is the clothing line going? Before the accident, Ash was so excited to model for the new drop. She said you were designing a pink and purple line, and she said she was helping you finalize it. She was always happy you would use her designs for your mech." What is Alice talking about? Ashlynn never designed anything for me. "Excuse me?" I am sure I look confused. Alice looks over at her husband. I realize that their daughter was lying to everyone, including them. How dare she try to take credit for my designs and creations. Who the h3ll was I friends with?

"I am coming out with a new line soon," is all I say. If I keep talking, I might just scream that apparently their daughter was a liar. Alice smiles and nods. "I can't wait to see what you come up with. I'm just sad we won't see Ash model it." I had her in every single one of my drops. "Maybe you can be one of the models," I throw it out there, hoping it makes her happy, and she in fact, lights up. "Oh, I'm old. I could never," I put my hands up. "You are not old, and it's settled. I'll ask my mom, and my aunts as well." She finally smiles. She and her husband start telling me stories of when Ashlynn and I first me.

As they reminisce, I quickly send another text message to someone who is like a sister to me to meet. My uncles Mike and Jace adopted a daughter many years ago, after they got married. Now, she is an adult, and she took after her parents. She is a gay girl. I do not care who she chooses to love. I absolutely adore her. She is herself, and she is one of my best friends. I text her to meet us too. She always has the best advice, but she also makes me happy in my sad world. She is so funny, and will surely help me feel better. I need her realness right about now when I feel like my world is crashing. I need them to help me piece all of this together.

"I'm so glad Ash got to experience a great friendship. Thank you for being like a sister to her. I know how much you always helped her. You helped bring her out of her shell, and you helped mold her into an amazing young woman. You bought her things and invited her everywhere. You and your family always gave her experiences we would never be able to, and we will always be thankful to you all, but especially to you, Ace. You always pushed her to her full potential. You are such a great friend and young woman. You are even here now, checking in on us, when you should be resting. Your parents are doing an amazing job with you. Thank you for everything." Alice gives me a tight hug. "You don't need to thank me," she wipes the tears from her eyes, and she waves me off.

"Did you finish grabbing everything you wanted?" I nod. "I think I did, but I can come back and help with more stuff on a different day if you still need it," I tell her, but I think I have seen and read enough for a lifetime. I am not sure if I want to return here ever again. "I have to get going. Thank you for having me over. I will see you at the viewing," I give them both a hug, before taking my exit.

I step outside and inhale a deep breath, and I release it slowly. I can't believe this is my life. What will mom say when she finds out?

Her beloved Jr, her best friend's kid, is a horrible excuse of a man.