Mama won't take long

Chapter 5: Mama won't take long

Ashley's world spiraled as she tried, in vain, to explain to Maddy that it was Fred who had come at her. But Maddy's eyes, filled with confusion and tears, told Ashley everything. She didn't believe her.

Fred had twisted the whole story before he gave her a chance to speak anything.

Maddy's confused gaze burned more than any accusation. "I trusted you, Ash... How could you...?"

"I've been your friend for years, Maddy. And I've never lied to you. Why would I start now, huh?" Ashley snapped, unable to contain her frustration anymore.

But Fred seeing how Maddy's demeanour cracked at that immediately stepped forward, his tone calm, almost too calm, like he had the situation under control.

"You're seriously not going to believe her over your husband, are you?" He sounded wronged. "I've told you everything. She's been throwing herself at me, Madison. What was I supposed to do? I've tried to warn her severally, reminding how that I'd never do anything as such to hurt you, but today she came..."

Ashley felt her blood run cold. "That's not what happened, Fred! You know it, you..."

"Enough," Fred interrupted, his voice laced with a forced calmness. "I've been more than generous. All I've done is try to help, and this is how she repays me? You're the one who's let this go too far, Maddy."

Maddy's confused gaze flickered between them, her breath shaky as she tried to process what she was hearing. If not that Ashley could see behind his layered mask, she would almost be tempted to believe him, seeing how convincing Fred sounded. She'd almost question her sanity, to think she was making things up.

"I've told you before now, didn't I?" Fred continued. "We can't continue accommodating and feeding a grown lady and a child we didn't ask for."

Truly, Fred had tried to convince Maddy severally to send Ashley and her child away, but she always managed to talk him out of it. Now, she couldn't tell if that had been a mistake on her part.

Ashley's world trembled. "Maddy, please," she begged, her hands shaking as she reached for her. "You can't let him do this. You know me. He's lying—he's always been lying. Don't let him turn you against me."

But Maddy pulled away, and Fred smirked, the victory already in his eyes.

"I—Ashley... I don't know what to believe anymore," she whispered, her voice small and broken, her gaze downcast.

She couldn't look at Ashley. She couldn't look at anyone.

Maddy's confused expression before she walked away, left Ashley feeling utterly defeated.

*******

"Please, Fred, don't do this," Ashley begged, her voice desperate. "Please, just allow us to stay a few more days to find a place."

She turned to Maddy, who, despite her anger, had been trying to talk to Fred.

"Baby…" Maddy tried again, but Fred struck her, causing her to stumble to the floor. Ashley flinched, holding Vanessa tightly to her chest.

"You say another word, and you're leaving with them," Fred warned, his voice venomous.

Maddy held her cheek, refusing to meet Ashley's gaze, and Ashley pitied her. Fred was a monster, yet Maddy endured his abuse. Ashley had witnessed him hit Maddy on multiple occasions during her stay.

It broke her heart, especially because she had never known the extent of Fred's cruelty because Maddy always spoke so highly of him back when she was still married to Christian.

Ashley had urged Maddy to leave, to escape him, to take whatever she could and run. But Maddy refused, and Ashley couldn't understand it. How she could still love a man that constantly forgets his temper, as well as his hands on her. But Ashley wasn't in a position to judge—her own blind love for Christian had also ruined her life. Maddy always defended the fact that unlike Christian, Fred would never cheat, but he almost did today...with her.

Now she was tempted of the possibility that he cheats with other women, but...

Another bag belonging to Ashley flew past her interrupting her thought. She watched in horror as Fred tossed more of her belongings outside.

She held Nessa closer, her heart aching as she gazed at her angelic face. Nessa was her light, her hope...her reminder that something good could still happen to her miserable life.

Ashley pressed a lingering kiss on Nessa's forehead, pouring all her emotions into that single gesture. Nessa didn't deserve this chaos. She deserved better— good care, happiness, and a stable family. But she feared she'd never be able to provide that.

She felt inadequate, weak, and unworthy of being a mother. As Nessa stirred, Ashley rocked her back to sleep, watching her features through blurry eyes. She was tiny, too beautiful and too perfect that she could almost doubt her ability to reproduce such loveliness.

The chaos around her faded as she planted another kiss on her daughter's sleepy face.

"I'm really sorry, sweetheart."

'Sometimes we must take risk in order to survive.'

Hours later, Ashley stood in front of an old orphanage, its long, brown building standing as a stark reminder of her desperation. Clutching Nessa tightly, she stared at the enormous black gate, her heart pounding. The distant sounds of children's laughter, talking, and crying echoed in the air.

This was her last resort, and she wished she had another option. She hated feeling weak and helpless, but she had no choice.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and pushed the gate open.

A week had passed, and Ashley still hadn't found a job despite her tireless searching. She was beginning to wonder if it was just bad luck or something more. She had to act fast, especially with the one-month deadline looming. The thought of Nessa being put up for adoption terrified her, and Ashley was willing to do anything to prevent it.

After several failed attempts to reach Maddy, Ashley stopped trying. Life was difficult–surviving on the few dollars Maddy had secretly given her. But Ashley couldn't more grateful for it.

Arriving at Aviso Restaurant, Ashley approached a chubby lady in a lemon and black uniform, assuming she was staff. She'd seen an advertisement online yesterday for a chef position. The company was a big brand, and Ashley knew the chances of them hiring someone without a culinary certificate were slim, but she had to try.

"Good morning, ma'am," Ashley greeted her.

"Good morning," the lady replied before returning her attention to an elderly woman she had been speaking to.

"I'm here for the job interview today. I saw the advertisement online. The company is looking for chefs," Ashley explained quickly.

The lady seemed busy but turned back to Ashley. "I'm sorry, but I think that's an old post. The interview happened last week."

Ashley's heart sank, but she didn't give up. She couldn't give up. "Are you sure, ma'am? I can do anything—clean, wash…"

The lady pointed impatiently toward a man in a suit, speaking with a young woman about Ashley's age. "He's the manager. Talk to him."

Taking a deep breath, Ashley hurried over to him, but Just as she started to speak, he began walking away.

She followed him, still talking even though he didn't appear like he was listening. He glanced at her briefly but kept walking. Ashley was determined to follow him, until he listened to her. She'd no other choice. No hope for another job.

They both made a turn, but then, Ashley collided with a waiter carrying a tray of wine and glasses.

Everything crashed to the floor, drawing attention from everyone, including the manager.

The waiter's horrified expression mirrored Ashley's. "Where's your mind, ma'am?" he snapped.

"I… I'm sorry, please," Ashley stuttered, her gaze bouncing between the angry waiter and the manager.

The manager turned around and left, just at the same time that the waiter spoke. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but you'll need to pay for it. It was a customer's order."

Ashley's heart sank, but before she could respond, a deep, authoritative voice intervened from behind her.

"There'll be no need for that."