ASHLEY’s POV
“Ashley?” I snapped my head to the main door from watching a movie in the living room when I heard Vernon’s voice. “You’re still here?”
I swallowed the popcorn in my mouth before I answered. “I’m still allowed to stay here, right?” My eyes watered as I said those words and looked at him, pleading.
He took a deep breath and sat beside me. “Of course.” He said, patting my head.
I gave him a small smile and scooted closer to him.
“What happened? I thought you went home with him?”
I blinked and a tear escaped. “He left me. Again.” And I choked. I leaned my head on his shoulder and he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Vernon… What did I do to deserve this? Everyone left me. Everyone forgot about me.”
“You fell in love, that’s why. And that’s not a reason to leave you. It’s their loss, not yours, Ash.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m still here. I will never leave you.”
“Vernon…”