Page 67 of Ash
“Hey, bud. Man, that voice change is a bitch, ain’t it?”
“Ha ha, almost as funny as mom and her ‘how’s the weather up there’.” I chuckle and shake my head. Seemingly overnight, Wade went from five-foot-six to six-feet and his voice has been haywire all week. I feel bad. Puberty is a bitch, but he is taking it well. Much better than Sunday, who can often be found curled around Wade’s baby blanket. The woman is beside herself now that ‘Wade is a man’. Thankfully, her very popular ballet studio keeps her busy with children.
“Is your mama ready?” I ask as I turn towards the apartments.
“Uhh… probably? She was cussing about five minutes ago about feeling too pudgy for her outfit, so I’d say she’ll be done in ten minutes.”
“Well, tell her I’ll be upfront when she’s ready to come out. Now you are going to behave, right? This is a big step.” I can almost hear his eyes roll.
“I’m almost fourteen and I’m in an apartment with controlled access. I think I can handle being alone for a couple hours while you go be gross with my mom.”
“We’re going for tacos,” I reply flatly.
“Is that what you kids are calling it now?” I chuckle, he’s quick and sharp like his mom.
“If you need us, call. I love you, bud.”
“Yeah, yeah, the only one I’m calling is the pizza guy. Love you too, dad.”Dad.I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that name. Wade started calling me dad about three months ago, it was a joke at first because I had started helping Sunday out with Wade. Watching him, helping with homework, doctor’s appointments, whatever was needed while she was busy adjusting to her new class schedules. We would trade off whenever needed. So, Wade called it dad-mode. I had a panic attack the first time he said it, but over time, I started to like it, and now it’s my preferred name. I like that he calls me his dad. I like that he feels comfortable enough allowing me to be that person to him.
“Holy shit.” I choke on my own spit when I see Sunday walk out of the main entrance. She has on a red cami sundress with small white flowers all over it. The dress ends at her mid-thigh, far too short for her to be wearing anywhere without me–okay, that’s my caveman brain, but I don’t care, it’s true. She slides into my car and smiles softly.
“Hey,” she says and leans over to kiss me softly.
“Hey, Sunshine.” I kiss her back before taking off.
“So, are you going to tell me where we are going?” she asks as she crosses her legs. I can’t help but glance at her toned thighs and the hem of her dress creeping up slightly.
“Told you,” I smile as I grab her hand and bring it to my lips. “Picking up tacos.” She laughs at me and shakes her head as I continue the drive. These last six months with Sunday have been, well, they havebeen amazing. But not like blissfully, easily, amazing. It’s been work, and there were times that I think we both feared if the work would be enough.
I refused for us to get back together until I earned her love. After week three, she kicked down my door and told me that I was her boyfriend and if I didn’t like it, that was too fucking bad. We’ve been working on everything together since. We still don’t technically live together, but that’s because we both know that our apartments are temporary and moving everything seems pointless.
* * *
“Why arewe going to Ren and Atlas’?” Sunday asks as I drive down their street. “Oh my God! Did she have the baby and not tell me?” I laugh as I pull into the driveway next to theirs and reach behind Sunday to the backseat to grab the bag from the taco truck that we went to on our first date.
“No, she didn’t have the baby. Now, come on, Sunshine,” I say and motion to the house. She looks at me suspiciously, but follows me up the steps and waits on the front porch as I open the front door, letting her in. We walk into the dark house, and I turn the light on in the kitchen while setting the food down on the counter. Scrolling through my phone, I pull up some soft music and turn up my volume. Sunday looks around tentatively.
“Okay,” she laughs, “I’m confused.”
“I bought it.” I smile broadly. Sunday’s eyes widen in surprise.
“W-wow, you’re moving? That’s… that’s great.” I watch her smile change and I dim slightly.
“Wait, you don’t like the house?” I ask, anxiety filling my body. “Ren said you loved this house.”
“Oh! No, I do, it’s beautiful. I just didn’t know you were ready to move away.”
I walk over to her and wrap my hand around her waist while clasping her other hand and swaying with her to the music.
“Move in with me,” I say softly, and I feel her freeze.
“What?” she laughs in surprise.
“Move into this house with me. Help me make this place a home. You, Wade, and even Alice.”
“Ash,” she says my name so softly. “Are you sure you want that? Really sure?”
I don’t allow her words to hurt me, she has a right to voice her fears, and they are valid. “I am,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose. “Well, not exactly,” I say as I back away from her and she deflates slightly.
