Chapter Three

Ash

T he beautiful view before me showcases the sun's last attempt to paint the sky with a stunning array of colors before darkness takes over. Sitting in the folding chairs Jace set up, we're warmed by the crackling campfire in front of us, content with full bellies and a cold beer in hand. There's nothing better than days like this.

The sound of a belch fills my ears, breaking the silence. "You're disgusting. It's no wonder you're single."

"Sorry, it's the bubbles in the beer talking! Anyway, it's better out than in." He grins like a total cheese ball.

Shaking my head, I groan. "Come on, let's tidy up and get the tent set up. I'm exhausted. Unlike some people, I actually did some work today," I tease him. His laughter fills the air as a ball of garbage unexpectedly strikes me on the head.

"Hey, I do hard work, too. Pretending to be interested in customers' personal stories about their kids or their grandma's bad toe just to make a sale is mentally draining."

Chuckling, I admit, "You've got me there. I'll stick to crushing cars, thank you very much."

Handing him a plastic bag, he opens it for me to add the two beer bottles and our food trash. Once it's all cleared, he takes it to the garbage bin. This has become our go-to escape over the past few years. When the weight of life becomes too much, we retreat to the creek, where the gentle sound of running water and the stunning sunset offer a much-needed respite.

"Let's hurry and get the tent up before it gets too dark. I don't want you accidentally hitting your thumb again." I snort at the memory.

"It happened once, man. If you hadn't distracted me by claiming there was a bear behind me, I wouldn't have done it."

With a smile on my face and tears of laughter in my eyes, I recall, "Your scream was so deafening that I thought my ears were gonna bleed."

Laughing, he comments, "You are aware that you're an asshole, right? If you're done finding joy in my misery, would you mind offering some help?"

"All right, scaredy-cat."

"Shut up," he whines, his voice filled with humor as I narrowly dodge the tent peg he hurls in my direction.

"Hey, you dick! You coulda taken my eye out!"

"Oh no, what a shame that would be. What would people say? Here comes Ashley Ray Sanders, who lost his eye by being a dick to his best friend."

"Now, who's being an asshole?"

"Takes one to know one!"

"How poetic of you. Next, you'll be reading me sonnets," I say with a shake of my head.

We carry on ribbing each other as we unpack. We assemble the tent quickly, thanks to years of practice making us experts at the task.

After laying out our sleeping bags, I waste no time getting comfortable, ditching my shoes, jeans, and hoodie and opting for just a tee and boxers. With my arm serving as a pillow, I close my eyes and listen to the sound of Jace settling beside me, his presence filling the silence. The night brings a sense of calmness, allowing me to relax and enjoy myself with my best friend, free from the stress of dealing with Mom and Rich.

I wake up to the piercing sound of my phone ringing, and with Jace sleeping beside me, I know exactly who's calling.

Mom.

Sitting up, I answer the phone. "Hello?" From the sound of her sobs and the continuous banging in the background, I can already sense that something bad is going on.

"Ash, please come home," she begs. "Please."

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" My arm feels the weight of Jace's worried touch, and I turn to look at him, mouthing the word ‘ Mom .'

"I'm fine, but Rich has completely lost it. He's searching for his truck keys, smashing stuff everywhere. I don't know what to do, Ash. Please come home."

Fuck. "Okay, okay. I'm coming. I'll be there as soon as I can. Stay away from him until I get there." No point telling her to call the cops because she would never turn him in.

"Please hurry, son." Funny how she only calls me that when she needs something.

Jumping up, I throw on some clothes, roll up my sleeping bag, and head to the van, shoving it in the back. Jace hands me my guitar.

"Hey, you don't have to go, ya know?"

Leaning against the van with my arms outstretched, my head tips down as I look at the gravel. Taking a deep breath before standing up straight to look at him, I sigh. "I know, but she's my mom." My voice is filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. "I just wish she would break free from the toxic grip he has on her."

"Yeah, I'm with you on that, man. I hate seeing you torn up all the time," he says, his hand stroking my arm. "It's not right."

"I feel bad that you're always pulled into this mess. One day, I might have a normal life with a mom who's not an addict." I offer him a half smile. Jace knows the shit I deal with and still has my back. He could've decided long ago to just ditch me, saying he didn't need the hassle of my unfortunate circumstances, but he's always been intent on sticking by my side, genuinely caring about me. I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like him.

He scoffs and says, "Yeah, good luck with that. The chances of your mom giving up Rich and her drug addiction are slim, just like my chances of becoming an all-star basketball player!" he jokes. "Look, I know she's your mom, but I really don't see her changing, do you?"

Deep down, I know what he's saying is true. But I've got to at least try to help her.

"I gotta go. You good with the cleanup?"

"Yeah, no worries. I'll handle everything. Keep me posted, okay?"

"Sure thing."

I hop in the van as Jace yells, "Be safe!"

Giving him a salute, I barrel down the dirt road to the hell that awaits me.