Ash

Chapter 16

Aaron's POV

I was at a loss for words. I was so happy that Ash was finally awake, but at the same time, I couldn't help but be upset? Why, you ask? Because she woke up but she isn't herself. It's upsetting.

"Do you know where you are?" The doctor asked, "Yes, a hospital." I took a deep breath, for I knew what would come next. "Do you know who these people are?" She shook her head and my heart stopped. She doesn't remember us. I could literally see Jade's heart shatter as Erik and her exchanged glances. Penny sat, looking emotionless, but I could tell she was upset. She was hiding behind a mask, being strong for the rest of us.

A few minutes later the doctor motioned me into the hallway. "Well, I hate to say this, but Ashton has amnesia. When she was hit her head struck the ground, which caused the amnesia. Now, she should come around within the next couple of months, but if she doesn't then she may not get her memory back." I nodded silently, looking down, "Thanks doc. When will she be released?" "You can take her home today, just check her out. Start slowly and just let her know who you are." I nodded and reentered the room.

Ash looked at me and smiled, "Can I go home now?" I nodded. "Hey, I'm Aaron. You live with me." She smiled. "Let's go get you signed out, yeah?" She nodded eagerly, standing up and taking hold of my arm to steady herself. I looked at her with a worried smile, but she sent me a reassuring smile. Off we go.

The check out process was rather short. Ashton, Penny, and I all got into my car, while Jade and Erik got in Erik's car. I saw Seth about to go in the building so I blew the horn. He turned and saw us, so he jogged over.

"Ash! You're okay!" He beamed, shuffling into the backseat. "Who are you?" She asked, making him laugh. "Aw come on, I know you're mad at me, but you don't gotta be like that," she gave him a very confused look. "Seth, she's not joking." It took him a moment but then it dawned on him, and his face fell. "Oh."

"Jade texted and said Erik wants to know if we all wanna meet up for pizza," Penny said. "Ash, you want pizza?" I asked her. She nodded. "Let him know I'll follow him there." Penny nodded and began typing back. It's gonna be a long couple of months. Ash looked out the window the whole way to the pizzeria and I couldn't help but smile. Seth was in the backseat with Penny and I could hear their hushed conversation, but only a few words, "baby....pregnant...Ash" and then I tuned out. Ash can't be pregnant, the doctor would have mentioned it.

We arrived and I put the car in park, turned off the engine, and stepped out. I opened Ash's door and walked inside with her, Penny and Seth following closely behind. I can't help but wonder who the hell Seth was talking about. I can't tell if he's happy about it or if he's upset.

Erik and Jade were already inside and had ordered for themselves. Ash decided she wanted a meat lovers with stuffed crust, Penny got a plain cheese pizza with stuffed crust, Seth got a pepperoni with bacon and extra cheese and I just got a sausage pizza. I laughed when I noticed Erik had ordered the same pizza as Ash, and Jade had ordered the same one as Penny. We sat down at a large table and waited for our pizza.

"Wait, don't we need drinks?" I asked, looking at the group. Everyone nodded. I went back to the counter and ordered 6 large drinks. After paying they handed me the 6 cups and a cup carrier big enough for 6 drinks. I asked for a sharpie to label the cups. I walked over to the drink fountain, filled a cup with ice and rootbeer, then wrote a P on it. I filled the next with coke, writing an S, filled another with water, then writing a J, filled another with Mountain Dew, then wrote an E on it. I filled the last two with Sprite and placed them all in the carrier.

By the time I got back and passed out the drinks, the pizzas were all brought to our tables. I handed the guy the sharpie and he thanked me. I could smell the sausage and I think I may have drooled a little. We all dug into our pizzas. As I went to eat another slice, my phone began ringing. Fuck. I answered without checking the caller ID. I heard my girlfriend's voice and smiled. "Hey baby, what's up?"

A/N: not sorry.