| |
The bell rang the dreadful ring when it was time for John to go to his Geometry class. John was not an enthusiastic fan of mathematics, but Geometry was his least favorite. After John sat down, Mr. Monroe began with introducing a new transfer student and then began to discuss the measurements of a triangle. John heard a noise coming from next to him.
“Pssst. Do you have a pencil? I cannot seem to find mine,” the new transfer whispered to John smiling.
“Yeah, here you go,” John said as he looked to his left and caught the eyes of the transfer student. John became mesmerized with the light green eyes with a hint of brown in them. He saw how beautiful those eyes matched with her brunette hair and tiny dimples on her cheeks while she was smiling. John needed to know who she was and went to introduce himself when Mr. Monroe interrupted.
“Mr. Remington, if I was giving grades for not paying attention you would be getting an A right now rather than a C for Geometry,” Mr. Monroe exclaimed.
“Yes sir, sorry,” John said in a slight panic. John could feel the warmth of his cheeks as they turned red. Everyone laughed and he was embarrassed. He looked next to him at the transfer student who giggled a sweet-sounding giggle. John smirked at her and went back to attempting to pay attention to the class.
At the end of the class, which felt to John that it lasted the entire day, he followed the new transfer out of the classroom. It was time for lunch, so John built up the courage to introduce himself and to offer to have lunch with her.
“Hi, my name is John and uh.... um...,” John said as he was trying to find the simple words of asking her for her name.
“My name is Ashley,” Ashley said giggling.
“Yes of course. Are you eating lunch with anyone?” John asked.
“Considering it is my first day here then um.... No, I am not,” Ashley said sarcastically after giving a smile.
“Good,” John said.
“Did you want to eat lunch together?” Ashley said giggling.
“Yes of course. Why didn’t I think of that?” John said as he playfully tapped his palm against his forehead.
At lunch, John ate a tuna sandwich while Ashley ate a salad. John could see in the corner of his eye his teammates from the basketball team pointing at John, laughing, and making kissing gestures. John just smiled and kept staring at Ashley. Ashley talked about that she came from Littleton, New Hampshire and that her family came down here because her father got a promotion at his job. She talked about how her mom was a nurse and that her older sister was in her first year at Stonehill College majoring in business. Ashley also talked about her dreams of being a nurse, just like her mom. John listened with interest then Ashley leaned over the table towards him.
“So, you have a C in Geometry, huh?” Ashley whispered.
“Yeah, it isn’t my best subject,’ John said, embarrassed.
“Well because you gave me your pencil, how about I teach you some things. I am quite good at math,” Ashley said in a flirtatious way.
“That works for me. If I give you another pencil, will you help me with all my math class the next two years?” John said jokingly.
“You can save the pencil. I will do it for free,” Ashley said smiling.
During the rest of their sophomore year, Ashley helped John turn his C into a B+. John ended his sophomore year on the honor roll. He asked Ashley to celebrate his B+ and that it would be on him since he could not have done it without her.
“It’s a date,” Ashley said excitingly.
“Ok,” John said trying to conceal his excitement. He grew to really like Ashley and she was growing popular with her classmates. She grew to be the star runner that year on the track team. He knew quite a few guys that would be jealous he was going on a date with Ashley Everson.
Another summer break began. People ripped up their books and tossed them in the trash. Cheers of excitement roamed the hallways. John thought about his date that night with Ashley. He got them tickets for the new Jim Carrey movie that came out. Ashley talked about how she enjoys movies, especially comedies and romantic movies. John did not want to sit through one of those cheesy romance movies, so he decided the new Jim Carrey movie would be perfect. John also planned for them to grab a slice of pizza down the street from the movies. John made sure the locations were close to her area to avoid longer walks. He found a theater that was only about a fifteen-minute walk from her house and the pizza place was about a five-minute walk. John was on his way to getting his license, but his father was strict in ensuring that John made sure to have enough money to buy his own car and to pay for his own insurance, which John wisely had been saving up for. For now, he hoped Ashley did not mind the walk.
John came home from school and told his dad he was going on a date tonight. His dad, who was impressed by John’s report card, made sure John did his chores and reminded him not to be home late. John agreed, finished his chores, and got ready for his date. After John was ready, his father was shocked to see John all dressed up in a red polo, a pair of nice khakis, black shoes, and holding a bundle of white roses in his hand. His father gave him some instructions on being a gentleman and about chivalry and sent John on his way while reminding him to be home by eleven. If John came back any later, he knew he would have some work ahead of himself the next day.
As John walked to Ashley’s home, about a thirty-minute walk, John had some time to collect his nerves. He could feel small beads of sweat coming from his forehead. John was going on his first date, and he hoped he would not screw it up. He also hoped her parents would like him, so he reminded himself to be charming and polite. John approached the front door of Ashley’s blue Ranch house. He could tell from the look of the home that she came from a decently wealthy family, unlike John. John’s father worked in a factory as a shift supervisor, but they were comfortable. John looked at the white door, took a deep breath, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and knocked on the door.
The door opened and standing opposite of John was a man who stood a little shorter than John’s six-foot stature. He wore glasses and was dressed in a white button-down shirt with khakis on. He looked to be in his late forties, judging from the wrinkles around his eyes and the oncoming baldness. He looked up and down at John expressionless, then gave a warm smile and offered his hand to John.
“You must be here to fix the cable,” the man said jokingly.
“Um sir?” John asked nervously. John could feel his throat dry up. He was hoping he did not mess up the day of their first date.
“I am kidding. You must be John. Please come in, I am Jack. I remember my first date so please do not be nervous,” Jack said laughing.
“Thank you, sir,” John said after a sigh of relief.
“Ashley is just finishing getting ready. I heard you two are going to a movie. I am guessing it is a comedy. Who would want to sit through that romantic crap?” Jack said jokingly.
“Yes, you are right sir. It is not my cup of tea,’ John said jokingly.
John walked into the house and noticed the auburn hardwood flooring, the white walls, newer leather furniture, and the Celtics on the TV.
“Forgive Ashley’s mom for not being here. She had to the work the night shift. So, it is me and the Celtics tonight. Do you like sports?” Jack asked.
“I love basketball. I play on the school’s team. I also run cross country,” John said.
“Ashley loves running, so that is a good sign,” Jack said.
“Yes, sir,” John said.
“So, John, what would you like to do after high school?” Jack asked.
“Well, I would love to go to college and to become a detective. I enjoy those skills to try to make the world a better place,” John said. John hoped his dream of working for the police force would not ruin this nice interaction he was having with Ashley’s father.
“That would be an honorable career and for good reasons too. Where would you like to go to school?” Jack asked.
As John was about to answer, he could hear the door close and Ashley’s voice from upstairs.
“Dad, are you bothering him?” Ashley asked as she was coming down the stairs. John saw that she was wearing a blue dress that hung mid-way down her muscular legs. Her hair was down to her shoulders, and she had a glimmer in her smile.
“No, we are just talking about the upcoming election,” Jack said jokingly as he winked towards John.
“Oh great! You can put my date to sleep. Thanks, Dad,” Ashley said sarcastically.
“Ok, kids. You have a fun time and remember do not be out late,” Jack said waving as John and Ashley left. John thanked her father as he opened the door for Ashley. He waved back and closed the door.
“Nice weather we are having,” Ashley said as they began to walk.
“Yes, it is. The movie theater is not too far. I hope you are ok with walking,” John said.
“Yes, that is fine. You look nice. I do not think I have seen you wearing khakis before. You usually just wear jeans or basketball shorts. Are you dressing to impress my dad?” Ashley said jokingly while smiling.
“It is a special occasion. I am sure a lot of guys would kill to be in my position right now going out with a beauty like you,” John said.
“Awe! I am quite sure I am lucky one here,” Ashley said while blushing.
John blushed as well, and they both talked about school the rest of the way.
They made it to the theater with enough time to grab a popcorn, a pack of candy, and a couple of sodas. They got to their seats and the movie began. During the movie, John looked over at Ashley as she was laughing while Jim Carrey was doing his usual silly acts. John loved to hear that laugh. John then looked back at the screen. He wanted to put his arm around her as a sign of affection. He did a pretend cough and moved his arm slowly around the back of Ashley. Ashley learned towards John and whispered in his ear.
“The old cough and cuddle I see,” Ashley whispered sarcastically. She then lightly kissed John’s cheek. John could feel an energy come from inside that warmed him. He smiled and they both continued watching the movie.
John and Ashley went to a pizza shop after as John could feel his stomach growling. He was happy the walk was not far because he would be embarrassed if his stomach continued to sing to the point Ashley could hear it. Once they entered the pizza shop, they split a cheese pizza with extra sauce together while they talked about their favorite movies and critiqued Jim Carrey’s performance. John noticed some sauce on Ashley’s face, and she giggled and wiped it off. She admitted that she can be a messy eater and John laughed.
They finished their pizza and left the pizza shop. As John and Ashley walked, Ashley lightly moved her hand against John. She smiled at him, and John held her hand. They talked more about the city and observed the lights illuminating the city. The clock slowly approached ten-thirty, so John had to make it quick so he could get home before eleven or else he would not get to enjoy his first day of summer vacation. He was upset that the date went by so quickly. He could have talked to her for hours. He enjoyed her humor and her love for nature as she pointed out the glimmer of the stars.
They approached Ashley’s house. She told him that she had a wonderful time and John confirmed it was a lovely night. They looked at each other and became mesmerized in each other’s eyes. John could feel flutters in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to kiss her but felt it could be rushed due to the time. The flutters started creeping up in a tickle. John smiled and leaned over and pressed his lips against hers. She returned his kiss with embracement. They both pressed their foreheads together in affection and kissed again. They both said goodnight and John told her he would call her tomorrow night. John made it home at quarter past eleven. His present for coming home late was to clean out and organize the garage, which has not been used in years. The punishment was well worth it to John.
Ashley and John were inseparable for the next two years. John would go to Ashley’s track meets and Ashley would cheer for John at his basketball games and cross country meets. Ashley was also a cheerleader for the basketball and football team, so John also attended the football games when he could. Ashley kept her promise and helped John with his math courses. John got Bs in both. John and Ashley expressed their love for each other at their one-year anniversary when they went to see another Jim Carrey movie and ate pizza at the same restaurant. They were there for each other when they got their licenses and bought their first cars, Ashley’s cheerleading competition where they won first place in their senior year, and John’s basketball team coming in second place in the state tournament. They laughed with their group of friends during outings and became the cutest couple in the senior yearbook. At prom they were runner ups for King and Queen and that night, they made love to each other for the first time. John and Ashley had memorable years together in high school.
Ashley attended Boston College to pursue her degree in nursing. John got into Bridgewater State College to pursue his criminal justice degree. Ashely lived on campus and worked in the library while John commuted while working security the Braintree Mall. Although they did not see each other as much as they did during high school, they still talked to each other on the phone every night and saw each other on the weekends when John would stay over Ashley’s dorm. John built relationships with Ashley’s group of friends and attended the Boston Marathon parties all together. Ashley tried to convince John, they should run it together, but John continued to decline that rigorous offer.
College went by quickly for both John and Ashley. They both did very well, and Ashley graduated magnum cum laude. John attended her graduation with her parents and her older sister. John graduated and Ashley attended it with his dad. They both were proud of each other. Not too long after graduation, Ashley passed her nursing board and started a career working at the Children’s Hospital as a pediatric nurse and John joined the Boston Police Department. A year into both of their careers, John and Ashley got an apartment in South Boston. John’s father passed away from a sudden heart attack the year after and Ashley was by John’s side as he buried his father next to his mother at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. John was grateful to have Ashley by his side while he grieved and helped him with the funeral arrangements.
On a cool fall afternoon two years after his father had passed away, Ashley and John were watching the clouds at the local park after their jog. They enjoyed doing things together since their careers got in the way of them seeing each other as much. As they were gazing at the white clouds full of fluff and wonder, Ashley pointed at the sky.
“Hey look, it’s an elephant,” Ashley said.
“Wow I see it,” John said nervously. He wanted to wait till later at dinner, but his nerves were too much. John smirked and took a step back as he looked up at the sky.
“Hey look a ring,” John said.
“Where I don’t see it,” Ashley said as she searched for the ring-shaped cloud.
“Do you see it now?” John said.
Ashley turned around to see John on one knee with a box opened towards her. He was smiling, but with a hint of nervousness about him. She looked down at the box and saw a fourteen-carat diamond solitaire ring glittering in the sun light. Ashley put her hands to her face and tried to hold back the tears of joy. She tried to find words to say, but the excitement would not allow her.
“Ashley Everson. I loved you since the day we met. Will you make me the happiest man in the world by marrying me?” John asked hopeful.
“Yes, John! Yes, I will marry you!” Ashley exclaimed, trying to fight the tears that came.
John got up from his knee and they kissed passionately. Some people around them applauded and were incredibly happy for the newly engaged couple. Ashley called her parents, her sister, and her friends about the good news. People came by the apartment bringing wine and celebrating.
They married a year and a half later in May. John teared up in excitement when he first saw Ashley walking with her dad down the outdoor isle. Ashley had a white A-line dress that made her look like royalty. They read each other their vows excitedly while the guests watched and listened while the cool breeze caressed them. When they were announced spouses, John lifted the vale and gazed his new wife’s light green eyes with a hint of brown in them. He pressed his lips against her, and they embraced each other with a kiss. The crowd applauded. John and Ashley enjoyed the reception during that cool night. They thanked their guests and threw the bouquet that her college roommate caught before retiring for the evening. They made love that evening for the first time as husband and wife.
After six years walking his beat, John became a homicide detective for the Boston Police Department. Ashley was so proud of him, and he was proud of Ashley for earning her master’s degree in Nursing. Ashley and John bought a house together a year later and they enjoyed having their neighbor Nancy over for dinner on Thursday nights followed by a game of cards. Life went great for the couple.
One night, John and Ashley were watching TV. Tom Hanks was on the screen giving a speech. They both loved his movies and thought he was one of the best actors in their lifetime. As Tom was giving his speech, Ashley went to the bathroom. She came out overjoyed and paused the TV.
“John, there are two lines here!” Ashley exclaimed. John and Ashley had been trying to conceive for over half a year and were beginning to lose hope.
“That’s fantastic!” John exclaimed as he looked at the pregnancy test in Ashley’s hand. They both embraced each other with hugs and kisses. Ashley took two more tests just to confirm that she was pregnant. She also got blood work the next day to confirm that she was indeed pregnant. She found out that she had been pregnant for a month during her appointment.
Six months into Ashley’s pregnancy went by like a breeze. Ashley suffered through the morning sickness, her feet and hands swelling, the battling of her hormones, and the cravings for pickles with mustard. Despite all of that, she was having a healthy pregnancy. John and Ashley had countless arguments over the course of their relationship, but John was happy to share these experiences with Ashley. They were soulmates.
Ashley planned to go to tour a day care and encouraged John to take the day off to join her. John wanted to finish a case he was working on and told Ashley that he will go to the next tour. Ashley was upset, but John promised that he would go to the next tour. Later that afternoon, John was picking up flowers for Ashley to apologize for missing the tour. He finished the case earlier than expected and wanted to surprise Ashley when he got a call over the radio. It was a murder scene not too far from where he was and went on the call.
John arrived within five minutes to find the police lights going off and Joe was at the scene. Joe walked the beat with John a few years ago. He looked at John surprised.
“Hi John, I thought you were out for the day,” Joe said.
“I was, but I’m the closest one here so I figured I would check it out,” John said.
“I think you should have someone else take this one,” Joe said concerned.
“It is fine. I am here,” John said as he walked past Joe. He could hear Joe attempting to say something but as he was about to turn around, he then saw the body.
The body was a woman in her mid to late twenties lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood. The two bullet wounds on her chest and one on the abdomen were clotted. The grocery bag was torn open, and the contents exposed looked to be ingredients for a chicken pot pie. Her brunette hair was a mess, and her skin was pale white. Bruises developed on her arms from a struggle. The light green eyes with a hint of brown in them were now lifeless. John’s chest felt as though a bowling ball was thrown at him. His body felt like it was sinking into the ground he stood on. He gasped for air as the tears filled up his eyes. He immediately saw that it was Ashley. The woman who he called his wife, and their unborn child were now lying in front of him, robbed of their lives.
John could feel a hand touch his shoulder, encouraging him to walk away. John pushed the hand off and grabbed Ashley’s lifeless body. Tears poured from his eyes and John screamed in agony. Pain took over his body, followed by numbness. John kissed Ashley trying to wake her up, but it proved to be pointless. John sobbed while combing his hand through Ashley’s hair and kissed her gently on her forehead as he laid her head down ever so softly. He got up from the ground and wiped the tears from his eyes. Police and observers stared at him silently and he noticed Captain Stevenson staring at him in sympathy. The captain could not find the words as John walked past him and got into his car and drove off.
John arrived at Ashley’s parents’ house. His body felt numb, but he needed to be the one to tell her parents. John got out of his car, wiped the tears from his eyes, and tried to compose himself. He knocked on the same door that he knocked on when picking up Ashley on their first date twelve years ago. Ashley’s father opened the door smiling as he looked at John. His smile quickly turned into a look of terror as he saw John with stains of blood on his face and clothes. His wife came to the door as well and the look of concern and terror also took over her face as while. John told them of Ashley’s death. They both wept as Ashley’s father held his wife as they both brought themselves to the floor. John watched as the tears came down his eyes. He apologized and stood there alone. They asked what happened and John told them they do not know yet. He knew Ashley was murdered but did not want to tell them. John told them that he will stay connected and turned to walk to his car. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder and turned around to be followed by two arms wrapping around him. As Ashley’s parents hugged John, John began to weep. After ten minutes, John went to his car and drove home. After hours of staring at the ceiling, John fell asleep.
“Where were you?” a gentle voice of a woman asked.
John woke up from what felt to be a dream. He turned over in his bed expecting to see Ashley’s face in the bed, but the emptiness of the bed brought John to reality. John was reminded that Ashley was gone. John got out of bed and got ready to go to the station. As he entered the station, Captain Stevenson was there to intercept him.
“John, you need to take some time off. We have everything covered here. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a good woman,” Captain Stevenson said sympathetically.
“I need to know what happened and I’m not leaving until I get answers,” John said.
The captain told him of the mugging, which the mugger was caught on camera and was easily recognized as an ex-convict. The mugger was shot and killed by another gang member later that evening. The bullet wounds were the cause of death for both Ashley and their unborn child. John was handed a bag with the items Ashley had on her. He noticed there was no jewelry, including the wedding and engagement rings. He was told they were stolen as well as some money from her wallet. John looked at the contents of the bag and looked up at the captain. His eyes began to tear up and he then left the station.
It was a cool autumn morning the day of Ashley and their unborn child’s funeral. The church was filled with tears and sadness. Ashley’s sister cried as she told memories of Ashley during the eulogy. They buried her at St. Joseph’s, and everyone said their farewells. Ashley’s parents had guests over for refreshments, but John did not go. This would be the last time John saw Ashley’s family as John ignored any contact from them until the phone calls, letters, and knocking at the door subsided. John was alone. That evening, John picked up a bottle of Vodka to wash away the memories.