REKINDLED

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Thirty
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"That's Everest?" Harry not-so-discreetly pointed

"Yes... Harry..." Asher's cheeks reddened as she pulled his arm down, eliciting a laugh from him.

Oren walked over to where Everest stood and they shut the door behind them, leaving three of them inside.

"Asher..." Anya took her hand and joined her on the bed "Are you okay? What actually happened?"

Asher returned the same stare back, searching every inch of her face for trust, even the tiniest atom. She had a gentle smile that never failed to light her face. She was a beautiful woman. A woman who didn't mind taking her as a daughter-even when it felt weird.

When she shifted her uneasy gaze to Harry, he smiled too. One that urged her softly; you can trust her.

He'd trusted her.

"I keep seeing someone...he...it's the trauma..." Asher released a shaky breath as her hands gripped the sheets again.

Anya noticed her difficulty " Oh dear, I'm so sorry..." She was rubbing her lower back in circles, assuring her that everything was okay.

Asher didn't intend to bring Rick or memories of him back, especially after that which happened.

Nobody forced words out of her further and she appreciated it.

The door opened again and only Everest stepped in.

Their eyes met for a brief second and she looked away.

Why had he come?

They weren't friends.

" Anya, it's getting late..." Harry started to say, making her head shoot up. He was looking at a fake watch as he reached out for her hand which she took, clueless at first.

"It's not a good idea letting Summer all by herself without her mother..." Harry continued, Everest raised a brow.

" You're probably right" Anya frowned, she still didn't get it!

Poor lady.

She promised to come back and joined him as they exited the room.

Everest shifted on his feet "Partner"

She eyed him "Hey"

He held her gaze for a while before "At least you're not dead... because who'd work on the project for me?" He added teasingly and she rolled her eyes.

She felt a headache coming on.

"Of course that's the reason you came"

"Yeah" he shrugged "why else would I come?" He questioned, his gaze intense

You're not friends.

She hummed.

He chuckled "If I came because I cared, that ruins my character as a naughty and coercive hotshot in your story" he explained with a smirk on his lips

He heard that?!

" I don't expect you to care..." She said half truthfully.

She had no friends...after Lara.

He hissed and drew out a low hum...eyes narrowing as he stared at something else.

Her brows drew together in confusion.

"So I actually care" he admitted and her heart jumped.

" My life truly is miserable, you all pity me"

He snorted "It's beyond pity. You have no friends, Wednesday. Wouldn't you like to change that?"

She met his gaze, an unreadable look in his dark eyes.

She didn't ever think she could have people around. She didn't trust anyone enough for that, not after Laramie hurt her. It may have been unintentional but it still stung, it still left a scar.

The question remained unanswered, she refused to accept the answer her mind gave.

"Do get better" he patted her shoulder. His lips curled upwards "Hotshot misses his project partner"

She gritted her teeth and he laughed.

She stared after him as he left, her head throbbed so hard she had to lay back down and forced her heavy eyes shut.

"-pray she knows you..." A soft whisper reached her ears, making her open her eyes only to see darkness.

How long had her eyes been closed??

She groaned in pain, reaching for her head. It ached so hard and she sweated too...even in the air conditioning.

A pair of hands took her left hand, cradling softly.

That simple touch sent waves down her spine and left her heart discombobulated for a moment.

She heard the whispers again... unable to make out its source in that state.

"...who knows, you might be the reason He brought me to Canada" the voice went, familiarity coming over her slowly before her eyes finally closed.

***