Page 24 of Finding Ash
“What the hell, Mom?” Remy shouted.
“Ssh,” McClain whispered. “We’ve got this.”
How was he so sure when I could barely remember my name, let alone real words?
“Ladies, good evening. John, you as well. Are we expecting others?” McClain calmly asked and gestured for Remy and me to take the seats beside him.
“Well,” my mom started, and I swear, my heartbeat was in my ears. “One thing led to another, and folks started talking, and it appeared most of the town decided to join us for dinner.”
Remy leaned across McClain and whispered, “Why do I feel like we’re witches about to be tried and hung?”
“Boys, we’re putting too much emphasis on this. It’s possible they just wanted to meet everyone.” Did McClain really believe the words he was saying or were they a feeble attempt at calming me?
“They already know mine,” I sighed. There was no way out of this. Even if I tried to run, Remy and McClain would drag me back in.
Locals funneled in and filled the seats around us. My stomach was in knots, and the last thing it wanted wasfood. Being the center of attention has never been, nor ever will be, who I am.
McClain squeezed my hand and whispered, “I don’t like how pale you are, Ash.”
“Ditto,” Remy agreed. “I’m not fond of this either and I’d rather get it over with, but not at Ash’s expense.”
What had I done to deserve these two? They always watched out for me and each other, though it appeared I was the needy one of the trio.
Kit slid a glass of water in front of me. “Ash, as your brother, it’s my duty to tease and torment, but not like this. Want me to excuse you guys so you can leave? I’ll happily play the part of the bad guy.”
Did I? If Kit was concerned, my outward appearance must have mirrored that of a terrified rabbit.
“It’s your call, sweetheart,” McClain said. “I am not against getting something delivered to my place. Nothing is worth your mental health.”
Remy made the decision for me. “Let’s go, this is no longer funny.”
They both stood, and as I did the same, my chair fell over, and all eyes turned to me. I glanced up at McClain and said his name, or at least thought I did. My heart pounded, and the room faded away.
“Ash? Ash?” I heard my mother’s voice, though it sounded so far away. “I’m really worried about him. Has this happened before, Kit?”
“No mom, it hasn’t that I know of.”
“I think it’s time for him to come back home. This, this isn’t good for him.”
“No,” my mumbled word came. “No.”
“Shh, don’t try to get up too fast,” McClain’s calming voice was what I needed to hear right now. “Remy and I are right here.”
“Safe.”
“Yes sweetheart, you’re safe. Remy and I will always protect you.”
“Love. Love you both.”
“We love you too.” Remy’s words warmed my heart.
When I opened my eyes, there they both were, and I smiled.
“Yes, Ash, we love you too.”
My upside-down world was set right when they slowly lifted me up. McClain slid beneath my head, placing it on his lap, while Remy did the same with my legs.
“We’re not going anywhere, Ash. Whether it be staying right here on Kit and Nate’s couch or anywhere else, where you are, we are.” McClain had a gift for words, though Remy wasn’t half bad either.
