The Ember In The Dark novel Chapter 32

It felt like I hadn't slept last night. I slept after Levi sent me out, but I was drained emotionally. I guess it was my turn to put on a facade, even though I knew what was happening with Ash. Ash didn't want to ask me for help and I can't have him mad at Levi for calling me there.

'I'll keep a close ear on his thoughts. If I feel him getting too upset, I'll let you know.' Talia comforted me.

'Thank you'

"Good morning, sleepy head. We need to get ready for school." Ash's grin was the first thing I saw this morning, and I had to fight hard not to cry. This is going to be harder than Ash makes it look.

"Do I have to?" I hid my face in the pillow, trying to wipe away the mist that had formed in my eyes.

"Yes. Come on. I'm sure Toni is looking forward to seeing you." He poked me and I peaked my face out.

"Yeah I do want to see him too." I could use a tight embrace from him right now.

I sighed and got off his bed, heading to my room.

"Hey Ash?" I stopped in front of our adjoining door, my hand on the knob. I didn't look back at him. He hummed in response. "Thank you for always being there for me. Please know that I'm here for you too. Especially now that I'm not so useless." I dryly laughed.

"You were never useless." He told me seriously. "I love you Twinkie. Now go get ready."

I opened the door and rushed into my room letting a few tears slip. Stubborn Ash.

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We made it to school a little early this time. I didn't drag my feet this morning. I wanted to get to school and inhale Toni's mint and wet earth scent. I need him to calm my breaking heart.

I played with the pearl on the necklace that Eryn gave me. I was chewing on my cheek as we walked.

"Hey, quit stressing. Dex won't trap you again. You're stronger now."

For once I was thankful for Dex, because it hid my true worry. Ash just assumed my stress was still about Dex and I'm good with that. Makes it easier for me to not have to act like everything is okay when I know there is a time bomb inside Ash.

"It's hard not to stress. I'll feel better when I see Toni." I opened the front doors of the School.

Toni's scent hit me before my eyes landed on him. I ran toward him practically launching myself at him when he turned around. My arms wrapped around his neck tightly and my nose pressed against the nape of his neck. I took deep breaths feeling myself calm down.

"Woah, you okay?" He placed his arms around my waist and held me tightly. He didn't push away.

"I just need you." My voice muffled against his neck.

"I'm here." His breath tickled my ear, his voice soothing every part of me.

"She's worried about Dex." Ash told him.

It seems that is going to be the reason for my emotions today. I'm fine with that.

"I thought of something for that. Since you told me how thinking of me snapped you out last time." Toni pulled away from me, and I frowned. At least until he handed me his letterman jacket. "I thought maybe if you smelled like me it would help." He was being shy now.

I smiled real big, my heart set a flutter by his words. I gladly took his jacket and put it on. It smelled strongly of him. I wrapped my arms around myself.

"This is perfect." I blushed. The jacket felt so nice on me. "Thank you."

Toni's hand cupped my face, his thumb caressed my cheek. I leaned into his hand, sparks flying through me. His touch had me forgetting all about my stress and worries. At least for the moment.

Ash faked a gag, breaking the moment. He was being his goofy self and normally I would love that. Knowing what's happening inside him, seeing him be goofy only made me sad. I pushed that feeling aside and poked his side like I normally would. He rubbed it, pretending it hurt.

Let him be okay please!