The Smith's Legacy

Puzzled

Chapter 7

Geraldine's words had weight, they didn't just come out from nowhere. Asher kept thinking about it, long after their conversation.

The next morning, he got up early and ready for work. But before he left, he sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Ava's peaceful face. He leaned down and gently kissed her on the nose and then whispered in her ear. 

"I love you so much, Ava. And one day, I will make it up to you"

He quietly stood up and walked to the door, then looked back once more and left.

Night fell, but Asher was still not home yet. What happened? Why was he out there in the cold?

Ava was there in the room alone. Her eyes glued to her phone screen, checking the time every seconds.

 While she paced around and clearly out of idea on what was holding Asher out there. Because. That was the first time he had stayed out late since their marriage.

Somehow, her eyes went back to the phone which was glued in her hand. And it was already 8:00 pm. 

"What is going on?" she whispered to herself then hurried out from her room with the panic, and ran over to her mother's room..

Knock, knock!

The loud knock on the door startled Geraldine, as she jumped up from the bed and rushed to the door immediately.

"Christ, Ava! You scared me" she said, her heart still beating faster.

But then the look on Ava's face and how restless she seemed at the time. Got her even more scared and she quickly moved Ava into her arms, holding her tight.

"It's Asher, Mum," She choked out between sobs.  "He's not home yet and I'm scared. I don't want anything to happen to him"

While she sob. Geraldine gently pulled away, placing her hand on Ava's shoulder, while lifting her tear streaked face with the other one.

"Come on Ava " She said, her voice soft and consoling. "Are you seriously crying because of Asher?"

But then. Ava stopped crying suddenly and  stared into her mother's face, while wondering what she meant. 

Ava said nothing, Instead. She wiped her tears and gently brought Geraldine's hand down from her shoulder and stepped back.

"I'm sorry I disturbed you Mum. I need to go now, I..have to find out Asher's whereabout"

She said. Then turned to leave when Geraldine grabbed her arm trying to stop her from moving.

"Did you just try to walk out on me?" She asked, her voice calm. But Ava shook her head.

"No Mum. Just that...Never mind, I need to go look for Asher right now"

Without waiting for a reply. Ava left while geraldine watched her with a strange smile on her face.

She hurried inside and threw on her winter jacket. It was snowing but she didn't care, as she dashed into the cold street, desperately searching for Asher.

And Geraldine who watched her ran throuh the door waited, but didn't see her coming back. She stood by the window In anticipation.

"What has come over Ava?" She muttered while looking through the window.

And suddenly. the door cracked open while Geraldine quickly turned around, ready to scold Ava. But there was Asher standing and shiverring.

"Really?" She said, her brow raised. " Was that the plan? To kill Ava, my daughter?"

And suddenly as she spoke. Ava walked In but stood froze, at the sight of Asher.

"Asher..?" 

She whispered in her trembling voice and Immediately. Geraldine stepped towards Ava and looked her directly into eyes.

"I want to see you in my room, before I get there" she said coldly and walked away.

But Ava didn't fling at her mother's voice. She ran to meet Asher instead and took his icy hands in her own.

"I can't believe this, Asher?" 

She said, quickly pulling off her jacket and placed it on Asher's shoulder.

"What is the meaning of this, Asher? Where have you been?" She asked, her voice dripping with worries. 

" You got me thinking so many things at the time. Please come inside. You need a warmer"

She said, took Asher's hand and made him walk with her. They got to the room, and suddenly, Ava remembered what her mother said.

She hurried out immediately leaving Asher to figure what to warm himself up with.

And after that. Asher lay on the bed staring at the ceiling and his mind wandered to the things he couldn't let go. The love they shared, the memories and even the promises they made to each other.

Walking away was really difficult and he just could not take that step.

You had always wanted to be a man, to make a difference, to rule your world and be heard Asher. Was that all that it is to it? He was still thinking, when Ava walked in.

Looking different now and quite emotionally distant.

"Hey" Asher called out softly, but Ava ignored him and went on to lay on her own side of the bed.

But Asher left her, thinking she needed to sleep. He woke in the morning, feeling feverish and weak.

 He tried to stand but was too tired to do that. He then called out to Ava, but she didn't respond and was not in bed either.

He tried and sat upright even though it was hard for him. Asher was shocked when he saw Ava curled up in a corner of the room, sobbing v.

"Ava? What are you doing there?" He asked in his raspy voice.

But then. Ava looked up to his face, her face was swollen, her eyes filled with tears. For a moment she stared at Asher but did not say a word.

"Ava....? 

He called out again and anxiously this time. But she still didn't say a word, just her teary eyes, her overly swollen face, looking at Asher and saying nothing to him.

Asher struggled and stood up. He was going to meet Ava but suddenly, he slumped to the floor.