|
Post by Shanna on Oct 7, 2008 19:16:16 GMT -5
Title: How Do I Tell You
Author: CoopFan1
Couple/Show: Coop and Ashlee/Guiding Light
Rating: Most likely completely PG… or possibly PG-13, depending on where the story goes later
Summary: This story is about Coop/Ashlee as well as the Mother/Daughter dynamic between Doris & Ashlee. It is a back story of sorts as to why Doris is the way she is & why she treats Ashlee the way she does.
A/N: We are still in the graveyard… picking up where Chapter 5 left off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~@@@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 6: Without Ethan…
~~~~~~~~~~~@@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I need a break Coop--.” Ashlee stated as she stood walking away from him. “Take your time.” He sat in silence with his heart breaking as he watched her. He didn’t know what to do for her. When her cell phone rang she looked up. “Do you want me to let it go to voice mail or pick up since its Doris?” He asked. “Pick up but don’t tell her where I am.” Ashlee replied.
“I’ll handle Doris Ash don’t worry.” Coop said picking up.
“Hello?”
Hearing a man answer Ashlee’s phone caught Doris off guard. “Who is this?” She demanded, “Where is my daughter!”
“Your daughter is fine, this is Henry Bradshaw… what can I do to help you.” He asked even as Ashlee turned to watch him deal with her mother.
“Let me speak to my daughter?” “I’m sorry, that’s not possible she’s in the middle of something very important.” “Well it’s important that I speak to her!” Doris said. “So, you mentioned.” Coop replied once again slowly curling his left hand into a fist.
“What can be so damned important that she can’t speak with me?”
“We are spending the day together.” He answered as he stared at the headstone of Ashlee’s brother & the lady herself as she cried for her brother. He heard the quick gasp of Doris’s breathing at what he had just said & waited; knowing she had some comeback.
“If you as so much as lift a finger to hurt her ---.”
“I think you’ve taken care of that.” He interrupted her knowing she wasn’t finished. “What else?” he asked.
“I’ll throw you in jail!”
“Are you threatening me??” When Ashlee heard him say that she turned & headed toward him.
“Gimme that!” she said taking the phone from him. “What is it mom? Coop & I were spending the day together… Yes I know what today is; it’s Wednesday.” Seeing her so weary he tugged on her hand & she dropped down beside him. “I’m not mom, you asked if I knew & I told you. Of course I know the date, you never let me forget!” Ashlee stated as she hung up on her mom then dropped her head in her hands & cried for Ethan. Coop sat up & wrapped his hands around her shoulders and held her.
“Do you want to go?”
She shook her head, “No… no… there’s more I want to tell you.”
He nodded, “Whenever you’re ready Ash.”
She wiped her tears away & took a deep breath even as Coop kissed her shoulder. “The day of the funeral was so hard. Mom woke up crying & when I started crying she told me to that we had to be strong for Ethan & to quit crying. So we got to the church & the service was just about to end when I decided I wanted to say something so I stood when the priest asked if anyone wanted to say anything else. He motioned for me to come to the front. I had only said two sentences when mom stood up & stopped me from continuing. I had to say something Coop he was my brother?”
“I know baby.”
“I kept trying to talk over mom in order to be heard.” All of a sudden from the back of the church I heard, “Let her speak Doris!” When mom dropped her hold on me to look up, we both did & saw Eric coming down the aisle his eyes trained on mom. She screamed at him to leave he answered with a resounding No & came to me; pulling Doris off me he took her place beside me. “I’m right here sweetness.” He had whispered what were you going to say?”
“He saw mom start to move in again so he stepped in front of me. ‘Ms. Wolfe, Ashlee was his sister; YOU are not the only person who lost someone … now sit down.’”
“What happened?” Coop asked staring again at Ethan’s headstone even as he slowly ran his fingers over the back of her hand as he held it.
“I stepped around Eric as mom sat down & he held my hand as I began to speak.” Ashlee said as her mind took her back to the memory that day.
Stepping around Eric she felt him take her hand as she began to speak. “What do I say?” she remembered asking Eric when he looked at her. “Whatever’s in your heart sweetness, Ethan knew how you felt. I’ll be right here with you.” He stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders as she tried to speak.
“Ethan was my twin & I loved him very much. He knew how I felt sometimes without me having to say anything to him.” She turned into Eric when her voice cracked. With her mom staring at her she couldn’t finish what she wanted to say. Eric hugged her tightly & said something then looked up.
“I’d liked to say something, I am Ethan’s friend & today Ashlee & I both lost our best friend. Ethan & I knew each other fairly well & I do know he was a young man who had courage & integrity & if you looked closely Ethan wore those traits proudly.” Eric knelt in front of Ashlee before he continued, And if any of you ever saw Ethan smile when he was happy you could see in his eyes that that happiness came from the thought of a girl with big blue eyes & golden hair that he loved very much.”
“I suggest you leave!” Doris said evenly as she stood.
“Mom!”
“Sit down.” Doris had said to her.
Ashlee shook herself out of the memory & found Coop watching her. “She never let you finish what you were going to say that day did she?” Coop asked softly. “No, because I was too scared to when I saw her face & the way she was looking at me.”
“Finish what you were going say that day Ash, nobody’s here but me & Ethan.”
Ashlee began to shake her head but stopped as she felt what was like arms hug her from behind in a warm hug & she knew Coop wasn’t touching her. “What I was going to say that day… was that I had lost a part of me the day that he died & that nobody could fully understand.”
“Does your mom see that your grief is still there & that living without your brother is so painful for you? I know this probably isn’t going to help Ash & it’s nothing like losing a twin but I can certainly understand loosing someone you love very much. I lost my mom when I was young & it still hurts.” He said turning away, knowing he’d probably just made things worse for her.
Before she could answer they heard the beep of a text message & both checked there phones. “That’d be mine Coop” Ashlee replied. When she let out a sound of disbelief he looked at her.
“What is it?” Coop asked. “It’s from my mom listen to this, she stated & began to read the message: Ashlee since you rather spend the day w/ Coop then remember; I’m letting you know I’ll be out of town this afternoon I’m going to see Ethan. --- Mom.
“So let me get this straight babe, it’s been 2 yrs & Doris thinks the only grief that matters is hers?”
“Of course.”
Both heard the gate open & looked around she saw her mom slowly closing the gate. “Do you mind if we just hang close & watch her Coop.”
“Sure why?”
“Because she’s been acting strange the last week. She has this necklace that’s a locket & the other day when I found it lying out I went to hang it in her jewelry box & she went ballistic on me.” Ashlee said as they hid not far away but where Doris couldn’t see them.
Coop looked strangely as she continued, “she told me never to touch the locket.”
“There’s something in that locket she doesn’t want you to see Ash.” “I know I’m hoping that since Ethan was her favorite she may talk if you know what I mean.”
He nodded as they both watched as Doris slowly made her son’s grave.
To Be Continued…
Copyright © Shanna L. Beck a.k.a. CoopFan1 October /2007
|
|
|
Post by Shanna on Oct 7, 2008 19:18:53 GMT -5
They watched as Doris slowly made her way to Ethan’s grave & dropped down beside it.
“Hello sunshine.” She said lovingly as she ran her fingers over his name. “Mama’s here, I can’t believe you’ve been gone 2 yrs. I hate to know that you’ve been here all alone today. Ashlee is somewhere doing something with a so called ‘friend’ of hers. I tried to tell her she needed to come see you today but she wouldn’t.”
“I was thinking of you today & realized that you would probably look so much like your father already.” Doris stated.
Ashlee stared then squeezed Coop’s arm as he looked at her. “Ash, didn’t you tell me that you don’t know who your father is?” He whispered. She nodded, “All she’s ever told me is that she went to a clinic.”
“Well apparently she does know who your father was.” Coop stated as they continued to watch Doris.
“She lied to me, what else is new?” Ashlee said matter of factly yet bewildered at the same time.
“Why did you have to go away & leave me Ethan?” Doris wanted to know. “I should have never let you leave that day to get ice cream.”
“I want Ashlee to be happy Mom!” Ethan said quietly as he stood on the other side of his headstone watching his mom.
Coop & Ashlee continued watching her mom & they could see she seemed to be listening to something but they knew no one else was there.
They sat watching & listening to Doris for sometime as she talked to her beloved son. Ashlee leaned heavily on Coop as she listened; he lifted his arm & placed it tightly around her. He knew, even though she wouldn’t say, that she was being hurt all over again by the words she was hearing.
“Let Ash be happy mom.” Ethan tried again.
“No.” Doris said shaking her head.
She looked up then & in her mind’s eye thought she saw her son standing before her, “You do look like him, you have your father’s looks.” She smiled as she pulled the locket from her blouse & clicked the lock open as the hinge popped free & it opened. Both Ashlee & Coop watched her stare at the locket for several minutes.
“Ash, do you have a photo of your brother with you?” Coop asked. She nodded, “Mom doesn’t know I have his photo.” She replied as she pulled out her wallet & opened it to the pictures & then handed it to him.
Coop took it from her & he couldn’t help but smile when she saw the picture of them she had; after looking at the picture for a minute Coop moved to the picture of who he had to guess was Ethan. It was a single photo of him he had dirty blond hair & blue eyes. The structure & shape of the face reminded Coop of someone he’d seen before but he couldn’t remember who at the moment. He looked at Ashlee then at the photo; he could see the resemblance very clearly they both had the same facial structure & blond hair, blue eyes. But there was something about Ethan’s face that bothered him. He was shaken from his thought when Ashlee called his name then pointed to her mom.
As they watched Doris unclasped the locket & laid it on the headstone, “Your father would have been proud of you.” She replied then stood & walked away & through the gate.
Once she had disappeared both Coop & Ashlee stood & went to Ethan’s grave. Very gently Ashlee picked up the locket & opened it.
Ashlee showed Coop the locket as he stood behind her. “I remember when this picture was taken.” She remarked as she stared at the picture. Coop let his eyes wonder to the other picture just as she looked at it. “So this is my father.”
When he saw the picture he stared for a moment, “Oh Ash, your father….”
To Be Continued…
Copyright © Shanna L. Beck a.k.a. CoopFan1 October / 2007
|
|
|
Post by Shanna on Oct 7, 2008 19:20:31 GMT -5
Title: How Do I Tell You
Author: CoopFan1
Couple/Show: Coop and Ashlee/Guiding Light
Rating: Most likely completely PG… or possibly PG-13, depending on where the story goes later
Summary: This story is about Coop/Ashlee as well as the Mother/Daughter dynamic between Doris & Ashlee. It is a back story of sorts as to why Doris is the way she is & why she treats Ashlee the way she does.
Chapter 8: Revelations…
“Okay Ash… we have to go!” Coop said almost in a panic as he tried to think. “Babe, calm down.” Ashlee said calmly trying to keep him from hyperventilating.
“I can’t Ash, here’s what I need you to do & please do it for me. I need to make a call but while I am I need you to call Eric & tell him you need him to come back here--.”
“He’s probably half way home Coop.” Ashlee stated
“--I don’t care babe, he couldn’t be to far just call him; tell him you really need him for support & see if he’ll come to Springfield.”
“Alright, I’ll see what he says.”
“Thank you!” he said giving her a hard kiss then sprinted away from her to make his call.
Ashlee hit the speed dial for Eric & waited. “Hey Ash, what’s up?” Eric asked when he answered. “I’m not sure Eric but Coop is in a panic because something is about to happen & he really seems to think I’m going to need your support when I find out.
“Hmmm…” Eric said puzzled
“Could you by any chance head back to Springfield?” she wondered.
“Sure, I’m about an hour out of town but I can turn around. Is Coop there?”
“Yeah.” Hang on?” she replied when he walked up. “It’s Eric he wants to talk to you? I’m going to say goodbye to Ethan while you talk to him.” She replied walking away.
“Coop, you there?” Eric wondered. “Yes.” Coop answered. “What’s going on with Ash?”
“Doris came to Ethan’s grave today while we were still here & apparently she’s been lying to Ash—she knows who their father is & has never told Ashlee.”
“Oh man! Yeah I’m on my way, where do you want me to meet you?” Eric asked. Coop looked at his watch & thought a minute, let’s meet at the Beacon Hotel. “I’ll make a reservation in your name.” He said as he gave Eric directions.
“Okay… White’s my last name. I’ll meet you there… tell Ashlee I’ll be there.” Eric said as he hung up. Coop called the Beacon & made the reservation & was hanging up just as Ashlee came back.
“Is Eric coming?” she wondered. Coop nodded. “C’mon lets head back Eric will meet us at the Beacon.” Once we’re there I’ll call your mom.”
“I can do that.” Ash said as they got in the car.
“No, I’ll do it because I’d rather her be furious at me.” Coop replied as he started the motor & headed back home.
“What’s going on Cooper?” Ashlee asked. Coop looked over for a second then took her hand. “You need answers & your mom has them.” He said simply.
They drove back to Springfield all the while Coop never let go of her hand as his mind raced as to how he was going to help her deal with this.
Once at the Beacon, Coop used Ashlee’s phone & made the call to Doris.
“Ashlee what do you need?” Doris asked at bit distracted.
“It’s not Ashlee,”
“Mr. Bradshaw, I presume? Why are you calling me?”
“You need to get to the Beacon Doris, Ash needs answers & you have them.”
“Does she know you’re calling me?” Doris asked. “Yes, she’s visiting with a friend right now so come to room 634; we’ll meet you there.” Coop responded then hung up.
As he hung up, Coop saw his family walk in & head toward him. Reaching him Harley passed him something before heading toward Ashlee.
“Harley, Buzz, Frank, Marina what are you doing here?” Ashlee asked looking puzzled. “We wanted to see you & Coop.” Buzz replied as Eric turned. “I’m Eric White, nice to meet you. He said shaking hands with the Coopers
“Let’s go up to my room & we can visit there.” Eric replied as they all headed up.
Twenty minutes later, they heard a persistent knocking at the door & Coop went to open it. “Mr. Bradshaw, why am I here she asked without looking at anyone else as she walked in. Hearing him close the door Doris finally looked up & saw Ashlee standing with the Coopers. She had yet to see Eric who was sitting to Ashlee’s right.
“Why are they here?” Doris asked looking at Ashlee. “I assume they are here to support me for when you tell me something I need to know.”
Doris turned back to Coop, “She doesn’t need to know anything.” He could see the beginning of panic in her eyes. She didn’t see when Eric’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m going!” Doris stated. Coop saw when Eric stood so he blocked the door.
“O I don’t think so…. Sweetness here deserves the answers you seem to have Ms. Wolfe.” Eric remarked as he stood next to Ashlee.
Doris turned quickly recognizing the voice. “You!”
“Do you recognize this Doris?” Coop asked holding up the locket
Sharp eyes turned to Ashlee, “How did you get this?”
“We were there when you came to see Ethan today mom.” Ashlee said. Standing still Ashlee’s words began to sink in even as her daughter continued, “You see mom I have never forgotten Ethan, my twin & my friend & even though you think I never remember this day I do. I think of Ethan daily. You see Coop & I were there visiting him when you called me & Coop answered & we were there when you came & visited him & we heard you–-.” Her voice stilled. She turned to Eric as he continued.
“They heard you, every word Doris & they know you lied to her.” “I never lied.” She tried to say. She looked at Ashlee, “I told you never to touch the locket!” She said furiously. Coop stepped away from the door.
“Woah! No,” Coop walked closer to Ash’s mom, “I will not let you hurt her anymore! She is the most precious thing I have in my life & I don’t deserve her but I told you once that what she & I have is HOT & that I chased her & caught her…. I will protect her… you want to be furious… be furious at me! I can take your fury. Now, Ash deserves the answers that you have Doris…”
Coop glanced up to see Ashlee crying & went to her as Eric switched places with him to block the door.
“Shhhh. It’s okay.” He replied holding her tightly. I’m right here & I’m not letting go.” Ashlee looked up, “You recognized the man in the locket didn’t you?” she asked.
“I did & you need to know.” He turned to look at her mother & held up the picture that Harley had given him.
“You recognize him don’t you Doris?”
She knew she was beat & nodded, “Yes.” “This is the same man in your locket isn’t it?” Coop asked in a dangerously calm voice almost as if he were daring her to deny it.
“Yes it is.”
Coop held Ashlee tighter “Who?”
“His name was “Grant.”
“Try again Doris!”
“It’s Phillip Spaulding!”
To Be Continued…
Copyright © Shanna L. Beck a.k.a. CoopFan1 October / 2007
|
|
|
Post by Shanna on Oct 7, 2008 19:25:45 GMT -5
Title: How Do I Tell You
Author: CoopFan1
Couple/Show: Coop and Ashlee/Guiding Light
Rating: Most likely completely PG… or possibly PG-13, depending on where the story goes later
Summary: This story is about Coop/Ashlee as well as the Mother/Daughter dynamic between Doris & Ashlee. It is a back story of sorts as to why Doris is the way she is & why she treats Ashlee the way she does.
A/N: In this chapter some scenarios & times where Phillip is concerned will have really taken place on GL but the portion where Doris & Phillip interact is all in an Alternate Reality
A/N2: Doris’s memory is italicized
~~~~@@@@@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 9: It Hurts to Remember…
~~~~@@@@@@@@@@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone was in a shocked silence as Doris’s revelation was finally exposed. No one breathed, no one even moved except for Ashlee who fell limply against Coop.
He held her up, “I’m going to help you sit down okay?” he said quietly so only she could hear. Seeing Eric who moved from the chair; Coop helped her walk to it & sit down. Getting her settled he leaned over her so that he blocked everyone out but himself from her vision.
“Ashlee look at me & only me.” He asked & when she did he continued
“I’m here beautiful, I’m not leaving. I love you.” He said smiling at her
“And I you.” She whispered.
Standing Coop sat on the right arm of her chair where she held on to his arm for dear life.
Eric leaned in & quietly said something in her ear, “We’re both here sweetness. You’re safe.” She nodded even as she took the glass of water that Frank placed in her hand. Eric stood again & flanked Ashlee’s left.
“She needs answers Doris.” Buzz said softly.
“No.” Doris replied and turned to leave only to find Frank blocking the door.
“Tell me the truth mom--.”
Hearing her daughter Doris turned back, “—For once tell me the truth.” Ashlee asked
“I can’t, it hurts to remember.” Doris stated.
“Try.” Coop said in the dangerous calm voice that Doris had recognized from before.
She sat down heavily on the couch; closing her eyes she let herself remember:
“It was in summer of 1988 when I met Grant. I had been invited to Arizona to visit some friends I knew in college that had moved there. My friends had wanted some time to themselves so I’d told them I’d go out for the evening. I went to a local place for dinner & while I was eating I had the feeling that someone was watching me so I looked up & I saw him. I thought he was quite handsome.
He acknowledged my look with a raise of his glass & then motioned as if to ask if he could join me; I smiled & he left his place at the bar & came over. When he reached me he said, “May I join you?” I told him that he could.
We introduced ourselves & he told me his name was Grant. We both hit it off really well & spent the rest of the time talking. We talked of fun things, of serious things & he told me he was there to write--.”
She looked up then, “which to me was more exciting then working at the D.A.’s office.”
“Go on?” Harley said.
“Anyway, we had agreed to see each other the next day & we went to the creek & had a picnic. It was during this time that we realized we were really attracted to each other. I had told him I would only be in Arizona a little while longer before I went home to Lakeview Indiana. He told me he didn’t care; he wanted me to spend what time I had left there with him. So, I agreed because I wanted to spend every moment with Grant … some days I’d spend it with him while he wrote; I’d help him think out plots or I’d just be there when he needed me for a kiss, or a hug or for him to steady himself.
“I need a break.” She said quietly.
Nobody said anything as she got up to get water; when she did she never once looked at her daughter.
Ashlee looked over at Eric & mouthed the word, “Ethan.” He smiled & leaned in, “I feel him here to sweetness. He loved you so much.” She smiled.
“Coop?” she said quietly.
Hearing his name he looked over & knelt by her chair, “Yeah baby.”
“Hold me?”
“You got it.” He replied as he stood & helped her to her feet then wrapped her in a hug & held her; both were oblivious to the others in the room. As Harley watched her brother she slipped to the bedroom to make a call.
“Finish it Doris.” Eric said as looked at her.
Doris nodded as a tear slipped from her eye.
“He & I had been seeing each other for several weeks. Then the week before I had to leave one night after we’d gone out to dinner we’d gone back to his place & it was there he’d set the romance… the room was covered in candle light while the curtains blew in the gentle breeze that had started on our walk back. That night Grant had given me the chain that he’d worn around his neck as a remembrance of our time together. So I wore it everyday.
We’d stated how we felt for each other & I knew he meant his feelings for me just as he knew I meant my feelings for him. We loved each other. And he took me in his arms and started to dance with me in the candlelight & we were so happy & one thing led to another & he took me to bed. Neither of us wanted to stop so I didn’t stop him. Afterward we fell asleep & when I woke up the next morning Grant was gone & I never saw him again. I left Arizona 3 days later & two months later in July I discovered I was pregnant. The twins were born in March of 1989.”
Doris shook herself from the memories when she heard Coop, “When did you realize Phillip Spaulding was who you’d met in Arizona.”
“I decided to move to Springfield in 2001 when the twins were about 10 because I’d been offered a job with the Springfield D.A.’s office as lead prosecutor for Danny Santos’ 1st trial because this office had gotten word that I had some experience following the Santos’ Crime family because of what we’d discovered in the Indiana office.
So we had gotten settled in & a few weeks later Phillip walked in the office to speak to the D.A. about something & Phillip introduced himself & we began talking; he noticed the chain I was wearing & told me he had once had a chain exactly like that but he’d lost it. I was surprised & really began to look at him & it hit me then that Grant & Phillip were the same person. I had to keep Ethan safe from the Spauldings.”
Ashlee tugged on Coop’s arm so he leaned down. He squeezed her hand as a show of support. She stood, “Mother, I’ve heard enough you can leave now.” Doris looked up & was about to say something but stopped when Ashlee said, “I want you to go.” Turning without a word Frank opened the door. Reaching the door Doris turned once again, “Mr. Bradshaw if you hurt her---.”
“I think you’ve already done that.” Coop replied as Frank shut the door.
Ashlee turned to the Coopers & tried to smile, “I want to thank you for being my support through all this but I just need to comprehend all I’ve heard if that’s okay?”
“Of Course, let us know what we can do okay?” all of them said as they hugged her. When Harley hugged Coop she said quietly, “Gus should be down at her room when she goes down; he’ll only stay for a few minutes but he wanted to see her.” Coop nodded as they left.
Eric turned Ashlee to face him, “Sweetness you’re exhausted, let Coop take you to your room ---.”
“But --.”
“You need Coop tonight; but I’ll be here if you need me all you have to do is call me & I’ll come down.”
She hugged him tight then let Coop lead her from Eric’s room.
To Be Continued…
Copyright © Shanna L. Beck a.k.a. CoopFan1 October / 2007
|
|
|
Post by Shanna on Oct 19, 2010 13:07:43 GMT -5
Chapter 11
As they walked to her room Coop kept his arm around her, he could see she was exhausted. Rounding the corner to her room they saw Gus leaning against the wall waiting for them. Seeing him Ashlee stopped, “Gus? What are you doing here?” Ashlee asked puzzled.
“Harley, called me & told me what was going on; I had to see you.” He said taking her hand. “Coop I won’t keep her long I promise.” Coop nodded.
“So you know?” Ashlee stated. “That makes you my uncle.” She replied as tears sprang to her eyes. Again Gus nodded before he continued, “I wanted to let you know that I’m here if you need me for anything alright.” He squeezed her hand then thought differently & gently pulled her in for a hug. Ashlee held on even as she replied, “You don’t have to like me just because Phillip was my dad.”
Gus stopped running his hand over her hair, “Look at me Ashlee?”
When she did he brushed the hair behind her ear, “I’ve always liked you, & it’s not because Phillip is your dad. I like you for who you are… you’ve made me smile when I needed a smile, I’ve always liked talking to you & you’re daisy’s best friend & I’ve liked getting to know you.”
“You mean that?” she wondered.
“I do, now sweetie you’re exhausted, I can see it in your face; let Coop take you in so you can get some rest alright, I have to get to the station but you know where to find me if you need me.” He said as she hugged him again. When she did Coop could see Gus’ face change with fury over what had been done to her. Gus looked up catching Coop’s eye & mouthed, “I don’t agree with what Doris did.” Coop nodded as he gently pulled Ashlee to him. “Thanks Gus.” He said. “Anytime.” He answered as he turned & walked away.
“I’m so tired Coop.” Ashlee said as he opened the door & led her inside. “I know baby, go on & change I’ll be right here.” He said as he watched her grab her pajamas & head to the bathroom. He was turning down the covers when she came out. When she climbed in he covered her, “Don’t leave me.” She whispered. “I’m just getting the lights.” He responded & she watched him walk to the door then flip the light switch. Sometimes just watching him calmed her. Climbing on the other side of the bed Coop lay down then opened his arms. Coming into them Ashlee laid her head on his chest.
After several minutes Coop heard her fighting not to cry. “Let go Ash, I’m right here.” he whispered. Hearing his words her body began to shake with the sobs she had been holding back.
“She lied to me?” Ashlee tried to say through her muffled sobs. “I know sweetie.” Coop said softly hugging her closer. What Ashlee couldn’t see was the fury that was all over Coop’s face, he wished he could get 10 minutes alone with Doris.
When her sobs began to quiet down he rubbed her back watching her face as the exhaustion took over. Opening her eyes Ashlee stared at him for a minute, “stay.”
“I am just close you eyes & sleep.” He said as he softly kissed her. Laying in the silence Coop listened for her breathing to change in sleep.
Once he knew she was asleep he slid off the bed; making sure Ash was warm Coop turned to get his cell phone then dialed a number.
Leaning against the bathroom door he slid down it facing her as he waited for the person to pick up.
“Hello.” Eric answered. “It’s Coop.” “Hey, is sweetness okay?” he was worried.
“Yeah she’s asleep & I don’t want to leave her but I want to talk.” Coop answered.
“I’ll be right there.”
“Thanks” Coop said as he hung up.
He leaned his head against the door & closed his eyes. Several minutes later hearing the door he opened his eyes as Eric quietly walked in & closed it behind him. Eric walked over kissed Ashlee’s cheek then came over & sat on the floor in front of Coop.
“You want to take this outside?” Eric wondered. Shaking his head Coop ran his hands over his face, “I would but I really don’t want to leave her in case she wakes up.
“Okay, what’s going through your head?”
Coop rammed his fist on the carpet, “I just want 10 minutes with Doris, just 10 minutes.”
“Me too.” Eric whispered just as frustrated.
“Doris could care less how this lie has affected Ash.” Eric nodded. “I have no idea how to help her Eric?” Coop said as he watched as she slept.
“You’re helping her now, by being here & letting her know you love her.” Eric said seeing the love shining in Coop’s eyes. “I do love her; more than Ashlee realizes.”
“I can’t stand to see her hurt Eric, I’ve stood by over & over again & watched as Doris tore Ash apart bit by bit & she puts up a good front but I can see it on Ash’s face every word Doris says is like a dagger that hits its mark.”
“Let me ask you Coop, has Ashlee ever dealt with the Spaulding’s before?”
Coop rolled his eyes & rammed his fist in the carpet again before answering, “Yes, she has but it’s her story to tell; so ask her & if she wants to tell you she will.” Eric nodded in understanding.
“Eric, I feel like if Ethan were here he’d disapprove of how I’m taking care of Ashlee.”
Eric smiled, “First let me tell you something about Ethan, he was extremely aware of how his mom treated Ashlee, he hated it. He told her many times that what she was doing was unfair & wrong but Doris never listened because in her mind Ash was always holding Ethan back & when the accident happened you can probably guess what her first thought was.”
“O you can’t be serious!” Coop said as his heart broke “Did Ash know this?” Eric sadly nodded, “She eventually figured it out. She called me one day in tears to tell me what she’d realized.”
“But she still loves Doris & Doris can’t see it.” Coop whispered.
“Ash loves her yes, but she gets her strength from the things that Ethan had always told her. Ethan made her feel loved & special & it’s through these areas where Ashlee has become the young woman you fell in love Coop. You see the things that Ethan & I see in her & always have. If she’s pulled away it’s because of how Doris has belittled her & treated her when she’s around others.”
“Well over the last several years Doris has apparently gone to the extreme other way, she’s extremely protective but not in a good way if you understand me. Doris has taken away in some form or fashion every friend Ash has ever had.” Coop replied.
“My poor sweetness.” Eric said quietly but Coop could see the anger. “Even you?” Eric wondered. “She’s tried with me.” Coop answered. “Doris hates it though because I haven’t gone anywhere.” Eric chuckled “Good don’t, you being here, right here… loving Ashlee & taking care of Ash is I know exactly what Ethan would want for Ashlee. He would not disapprove Coop.”
When Eric saw Coop’s head fall forward as if it had been unhinged at the neck, after getting Coop’s attention he continued, “Hey, you are as tired as Ashlee is why don’t you try to sleep & I’ll talk with you both in the morning?”
Coop nodded as they stood, “I think I will, I’m wiped out & I have a feeling I’m going to be going at it with Doris at some point tomorrow over all this.” He said as he stopped at the bed & watched Eric head to the door, “Hey Eric?” Eric turned when he reached the door, “Yeah?”
“Thanks for letting me vent about this…. Ash couldn’t handle anymore & I needed to get my own feelings dealt with about what Doris has done to Ashlee.”
“Sure. Tell her” - he said as he motioned to Ashlee – “that I’ll see her tomorrow.” Eric said as he closed the door.
Climbing on the bed & grabbing another blanket to cover up with Coop gently kissed Ashlee as she snuggled close wrapping her arm around him. Making sure she was okay; he closed his eyes to let sleep take him knowing he would face Doris over this & her reaction to what this revelation has done to only her.
The End
|
|