From Ashe Vol. 8: From Ashe, #8

By Joshua Piedra

A major chapter in Ashe's life closed and another one opened up in front of her filled with unprecedented opportunity. However, as Ashe begins the next chapter, so does Renji. After his encounter with Jase, Renji has begun to see life in a whole new light. He aims to become more self-dependent but is it something Ashe can deal with? This new side to Renji rattles her at a time when the greatest opportunity of her life falls into her lap!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joshua Piedra
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215205303

Book preview

Contents

PREFACE

Page 51

Page 52

Page 53

Page 54

Page 55

Page 56

Stories from Ashe

AFTERWORD

PREFACE

Thank you for picking up the eighth volume of From Ashe! This volume begins the second major story arc in the series so look forward to seeing several new characters make their debut in this volume!

Ashe’s journey has been a rocky one so far but this next one will be a little calmer by comparison but it will be still filled with tension, anxiety, and more. Plus, we will continue to explore some of the characters from the past few volumes as well as start our journies with the new ones in this volume.

The addition of new characters will be far less than the first story arc, though. While there will be a new face or two still to come, the bulk of the new characters are introduced here. I wanted to front-load most of them into this volume so that I can focus on telling their stories rather than spreading them out as I did in the first major arc. It makes it a bit easier to balance that way without worrying about giving or taking away focus from one character to add or subtract focus to another.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy the new arc and I’ll see you on the other side of the book!

Page 50

The Phone Call

Agesture of gratuity was able to restore a gift to Noah’s brother; however, it left Ashe feeling conflicted. Perhaps her gratuity wouldn’t have been such an issue for her had she not just gone through a string of unfortunate events. Even though Ashe walked through proverbial hellfire and brimstone, the flames became nothing more than dying embers as the sun rose and a new chapter of her life began.

After all, Jase was behind bars, Renji was home from the hospital and his hand was making great strides in recovering from his confrontation, she had officially published the first volume of Shadow Wing, Renji was now working and bringing extra income into the house, she had mended things with Jessica and even made new friends in Charle and Cora, the latter of which sat to her very left looking on as Ashe had received a phone call, one that, perhaps, would give rise to a brand-new challenge.

Yes, this is she. Yes, I will hold for a moment.

Suddenly, Ashe’s expression changed as her jaw nearly hit the floor. In a panic, she shot up out of her seat; tiny beads of sweat began to form on her brow.

W-What!? I... Is he okay!? she said with a quiver in her voice. Oh, thank God. Oh… maybe he was outside or something. Yes, I will tell Renji right away! Is there anything we can do for you in the meantime? Are you absolutely sure?

By now, Ashe’s conversation had drawn everyone’s attention. Saraya looked on with worry while Aubrey, Kaden, and Cora sat there in silence.

It’s hard not to worry when you call me with news like that, Mom, and…

Before Ashe could finish that sentence, her mind suddenly jolted. She remembered Akemi and Satoshi’s reactions when she and Renji told them about Jase and everything else that happened. She remembered the pained expressions on their faces when they realized that they had been kept in the dark for such a long time. She finally understood what the importance of communication was all about and why it was vital to talk to one another through good times and bad.

...I really want to do something to help but if you insist that everything will be okay then I’ll take your word for it. Thank you for calling and letting me know and, again, if you do need anything… please… just let us know, okay? Right… love you, Mom. Bye.

Ashe hung up the phone and plopped back down in her chair. Saraya rolled over next to her and began to rub her upper back.

Everything okay, girl?

That was the hospital in Aleister. A nurse called and then put my mother on. My father was up on a ladder cleaning out the gutters when he lost his footing and fell. He landed pretty hard on the sidewalk.

OH NO, ASHE! Is Satoshi okay!?

Yeah. He’s pretty banged up, though. The doctors say he has a deep bone bruise in his right leg and some soreness in his hip. Thankfully, nothing is broken or fractured. He’s going to be out of commission for a while which is why I asked if there was anything I could do to help but my Mom insisted that she could handle things just fine on her own. They’ve always been really strong people so I’m not surprised they rejected my offer but… I just wish I could do something.

I’ve known Satoshi and Akemi for a while, Ashe. You’re right when you say they are strong people. I’m sure they will be fine so you shouldn’t worry.

I know. I’m probably going to skip out on going to Lucky Strike this week. I’m going to swing by the bowling alley and let Renji know. Mom tried calling the house and his phone but couldn’t get through. I’m guessing he’s probably in the shower since he would be heading to work pretty soon. I didn’t think this was the best time to tell her about him having a job and all.

Yeah, that’s a conversation that you can hold at another time.

Ashe nodded and decided to focus on her work to help take her mind off of things. She shot Renji a quick text to let him know that she was going to stop by during her lunch break. She didn’t tell him what it was about as she didn’t want him worrying through his shift like she was. 

Eventually, lunchtime came and Ashe grabbed her things. Saraya gave her a quick hug as Cora asked Ashe to give Renji her thoughts. With that, she was off to the bowling alley.

***

When Ashe arrived, she saw Renji standing behind the front counter in his little uniform. It was a bit difficult to take in the sight of him wearing something different than dark clothes. His uniform consisted of tan khakis, a maroon vest, and a light gray t-shirt underneath complete with a little gold nametag. He looked like a completely different person and had it not been for his blind eye, she probably would have missed him at first glance. Still, seeing him look that cute made her giggle just a little bit. 

She had to compose herself as now was not the time for her typical teasing. Renji had just finished checking out a customer when he looked up and saw Ashe standing there in the doorway. When they locked eyes, he knew that something was a bit off as she wasn’t smiling as she normally would. Ashe took a deep breath and approached the counter.

Hey, Ashe. So, what did you come here to tell me?

Did you happen to get a call from Mom this morning?

Oh, yeah. I saw a missed call on my phone but I noticed it after I got here. I was planning to call her back after I got off this afternoon.

Realizing that he didn’t know anything yet, a lump formed in her throat. That’s when she explained everything to him. Renji’s expression said it all. He, too, wished that there was something he could do but at least he was relieved to hear that Satoshi was going to be okay. Still, after he calmed down, a look of determination came over him.

I know Dad. Mom is going to try and take care of him and he’s going to refuse and try to do things himself. That’s just how he is. As much of a great father as he can be, he can also be just as stubborn. I don’t care what Mom says, we need to go help them out.

While I agree, there’s just a teensy little problem. We just got back from visiting them, plus the time I took off from the whole Jase incident and visiting you in the hospital, I’m kind of out of PTO hours. In fact, I’m in the negative. I can’t take any more time off.

Hmm… yeah, that’s certainly an issue. Also, I just started here. I don’t have any PTO either.

Is something wrong, Renji?

They turned their heads to see Renji’s boss Kirk standing there. He had overheard a bit of the conversation but didn’t know the full details. Ashe filled him in on everything which caused Kirk to nod in understanding.

I see. Man, this puts me in a tough position. I’m trying to work out in my head how I can accommodate you. I understand this is a family emergency but I also hired you because I’m short-staffed. I really want to help but this also puts the business in a pinch. I know that sounds kind of heartless but when you run a business, these are the tough decisions that you often have to deal with.

Renji… maybe we can just trust Mom to keep Dad in line and handle everything?

I guess we’ll just have to do that. I’m sorry, Ashe.

Kirk took one look at the dejected look on Ashe’s face and let out a heavy sigh while he rubbed the back of his head.

Now hold on, guys. Let’s not give up hope just yet. Renji… let me know when you’ll be gone and I’ll go back to one-man-showing the place. Sure, my paperwork will pile up but, I can always handle that when you get back… but… the tradeoff is that the time off will be unpaid. As long as you’re okay with that, I’ll personally fill in for you.

I think that’s more than fair. Thank you, Kirk. I’ll let you know when I’ll be out and… I’m sorry for all of the trouble.

Don’t think anything of it. Times get tough. That’s just how life works. Family is always more important than a job. Got to make sure you’re there for them when it counts, am I right?

Yeah, you’re right. Still… I truly appreciate this. I promise to make it up to you when I get back.

I’ll hold you to those words.

With that, Kirk headed back to his office. He figured that with Renji’s impending absence, he was going to have to put in some extra time to get caught up on some of his other managerial tasks. After he walked away, Ashe leaned over the counter and gave Renji a quick kiss on the cheek. 

Thank you, Renji but… are you going to be okay going to Aleister all by yourself? I mean… until you got this job, you never left the house. Heck, you never even left your own house when we were living together.

I’ll be fine. Trust me.

Okay. I will. When I get home tonight, I’ll help you buy a plane ticket to go see them.

Nah. Don’t spend any money on me. I’ll use whatever money I’ve made so far from here to buy my ticket… even if it ends up killing my bank account. After all, I survived without any money until this point… granted, it’s completely because of you but… you’ve done enough for me. This is the whole reason why I got a job in the first place. It’s so that I can take care of my needs when they arise. This is one of those times and since I can take care of it, I will.

Look at you. Just a few short months ago, you were barely able to squeak out a full sentence and now… you’ve changed so much.

I realized that I had a lot of growing up to do. Guess I did it faster than I thought I would.

Yeah. I guess so. I have to get back to work. I still haven’t eaten yet. I’ll just swing by some heart-attack-in-a-paper-bag place on the way back and pick up a super-calorie meal or something. I’ll see you tonight.

Ashe gave Renji another quick kiss and headed back out to indulge in a quick pick-up from Burger Shack, a decision that she was going to regret just a few hours later.

***

That night, Ashe returned home to see Renji in a peculiar spot, one that he wasn’t known to occupy very often, if at all. She strolled over and stood behind him until her shadow encompassed the screen in front of him. He leaned back into the chair and tilted his head up, getting a unique view of her. She folded her arms while cracking one of her trademarked sarcastic smirks.

Needed a new space to jerk off, eh? Your room isn’t good enough for you anymore?

I’m looking up prices for plane tickets.

"Riiight. And I’m sure my browser history is going to back up that claim, eh? How many viruses did you infect my computer with?’

None… yet… but seriously, I’ve been looking and while it is a bit on the pricy side, I could get a flight out to Aleister this Saturday. It’s nearly booked so I’ll have to act now if I want to get my ticket.

"So, what’s stopping you?’

The ticket price is a bit on the high side and it’s not going to leave me much money for car rental. Plus, the return ticket isn’t for an entire week which is a bit longer than I was hoping to miss work for. I know Kirk is being generous by offering to cover for me but… a full week? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?

When Ashe heard that, she was more concerned with the money aspect of it rather than with Renji missing work. Once again, the regrets of giving Noah the $5,000 for Nick’s surgery resurfaced but she remembered the text that she had gotten earlier today which made it all seem worth it. Still… having that prize money could have also helped in this situation. Even still, Ashe wasn’t hurting for money all that much, she knew that she could spare a few extra dollars.

Take the flight. I’ll cover the car rental for you. Just let me know how much you need.

Ashe… I can’t take any more of your money. You know I’ve done enough of that.

Dude… renting a car is cheap. At most, it’s like twenty dollars per day. If you’re gone seven days, that’s only like a hundred and forty tops. I can afford to give you that much. Besides, don’t go pulling the pity party excuses on me… not after all this time I’ve been helping and supporting you. Just because you changed doesn’t mean I have to stop being there for you.

Okay… he muttered after a heavy sigh. I’ll accept the money.

Good. Now, buy your tickets before your seat gets filled and we end up having this conversation for nothing.

Renji placed his order and secured his ticket. He was set to fly out on Saturday at 11 AM. He couldn’t believe that he was heading back to Aleister so soon. In fact, he wondered just what his parents would say when they see him show up at their doorstep unannounced. When he wondered that, he began to think about whether or not he should call or text his mom to let her know that he was coming ahead of time. The only thing making him hesitate was the fact that she would, again, say that everything was fine and insist on him not coming at all. He knew that he couldn’t let that situation play out for several reasons, the biggest was the fact that after he and Ashe had kept so many things from them, he wanted to use this situation as a way to try and make amends for that.

In the end, he decided to leave his visit as a surprise. 

The rest of the week flew by without anything significant happening. Renji ended up delivering the news to Kirk when he went in for his Wednesday shift. Even though Kirk was a little reluctant to cover for Renji for an entire week, he stayed true to his word. That only left Renji to take care of any pre-trip errands. He made sure to wash all of the clothes that he was taking with him as well as gather any other necessities he may need.

Ashe did Renji a favor and drove him to the bank during her lunch break on Thursday. She transferred some money into his account so that he could rent a car once he landed in Aleister. She didn’t tell Renji but she snuck in some extra just in case he wanted to do some shopping while he was there or for a random emergency. Since the bank trip took up a good portion of her lunch break, she stopped off at Burger Shack again on the way back and, just like before, regretted it a couple of hours later… as did anyone else within the vicinity of the restroom.

That Saturday, they woke up early. Renji had packed the night before so it was as simple as grabbing his luggage and heading out to the airport. Saraya and Cora both shot Renji a text, wishing him a safe trip which put a smile on his face. Of course, that also drew some teasing from Ashe. 

How are you enjoying your newly formed harem?

He seemed a bit peeved at her remark. She remembered the last time she teased him about Cora and how that didn’t end so well. She quickly backed off before things reached a boiling point. After all, she didn’t need Renji to cancel his return trip.

They arrived at the airport where the line to get through security was a bit on the dense side. After a bit of waiting, they made it to the gate Renji was set to depart from. They both took a seat as they waited for his plane to arrive.

Renji… I don’t like to admit these things but… I’m scared.

Why? I’m going to be fine. I’m fully capable of taking care of myself.

I know that but… this is truly the first time you and I have been separated since… well... Since we were eight and living in separate houses. For ten years, we’ve been together. Not a day has gone by where you were in a place where I couldn’t reach you. Even when you were in the hospital, I knew that I could hop in a car, drive a few minutes, and see you. I can’t do that when you’re all the way in Aleister. If anything were to happen, I would feel so helpless.

Nothing is going to happen to me, Ashe. You’re worrying for nothing but… It’s not like I don’t understand where you’re coming from either. I’ll text you when I land and I’ll call you every day. Would that help?

A little…

Then that’s what I’ll do. Besides, once I get there, I’m just going to be at Mom and Dad’s house. It’s not like I’m going to be out on the rural streets of Aleister partying in some non-existent nightclub.

I know… it’s just that… well…

He can’t get you, Ashe. He’s behind bars. You know that.

It still doesn’t make it any easier, you know.

I know.

As she said that, they witnessed Renji’s plane pull up to the terminal. One by one, the passengers got off. Ashe’s breathing picked up just a little and her body tensed up. Once the flow of passengers stopped, the announcement was made that they were beginning the boarding process. When it was time for general passengers to board, Renji stood up and grabbed his luggage. Ashe quickly grabbed his wrist as if she were preventing him from leaving. 

He turned and saw the tears welling up in her eyes. She truly didn’t want to see him leave… even if she was the one who said it was okay for him to go. Renji embraced her in a tight hug as he whispered something into her ear.

"Just remember… I may not physically be here but I’ll always be in