Chapter Eight: Ashley

Ashley trudged through the front door, the familiar silence greeting her like an old friend. Her mom was nowhere to be found, just like every other day.

She was always at work or with her lover, and Ashley had grown accustomed to her absence.

But that didn't make it any easier. A pang of jealousy pricked at her heart as she thought about her friends,

whose mothers showered them with love and attention.

"Ashley, sweetie, how was your day?"

Mrs. Jenkins, her nanny, asked, breaking the silence.

"It was fine, Mrs. Jenkins,"

Ashley replied, her voice flat.

Ashley's mom would return in the evening, exhausted and distant, with barely a glance in her direction.

It was as if Ashley was a mere afterthought, a reminder of a painful past. But Mrs. Jenkins was different. She showed Ashley love, care, and attention, making sure she felt seen and heard.

"Hey, kiddo, I made your favorite dinner tonight. How about we eat together and talk about your day?"

Mrs. Jenkins suggested, trying to lift Ashley's spirits.

Despite her difficult home life, Ashley had grown into a kind and compassionate person, thanks to Mrs. Jenkins' influence.

"Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. You're the best!" Ashley said, smiling slightly.

"I know your mom isn't always around, but that doesn't mean you're not loved, Ashley. You deserve all the love in the world, and I'm here for you, always,"

Mrs. Jenkins said, giving Ashley a warm hug.

Ashley felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged Mrs. Jenkins back. She knew she was lucky to have her nanny in her life, and she was determined to make the most of it.

But something was different about that day. Ashley's mom came back with a man, a stranger who smiled too much and looked at her with eyes that made Ashley's skin crawl. Her mom introduced him as her husband-to-be, and Ashley's heart sank.

"Hello, sweetie,"

the man said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "I'm so glad to finally meet you."

Ashley didn't like him one bit. He looked like a womanizer, and the way he kissed her mom made her feel uneasy.

When he tried to touch her in a fake greeting, Ashley shifted away, her eyes fixed on her mom's angry face.

"Ashley, what's wrong with you?"

her mom shouted.

"Can't you see I'm happy for once?"

"You're not happy, Mom,"

Ashley said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You're just desperate."

Her mom's face turned red with anger. "How dare you! You ungrateful child! Your father dumped us when I was pregnant with you,

and you are so lucky I didn't abort you! And now that I've finally found someone who loves me, despite having a child,

you're giving me attitude? Go to your room!"

Ashley felt a lump form in her throat as she turned and walked away, her heart heavy with the weight of her mom's words.

She remembered the countless times her mom had told her how her father had left them,

And how she was a burden, and how lucky she was to have a roof over her head.

And now, her mom was willing to sacrifice her own daughter's happiness for a man who made Ashley's skin crawl.

As she climbed the stairs, Ashley felt a sense of dread wash over her. Life was about to get worse, and she knew it.

Ashley cried herself to sleep that night, her small body shaking with sobs.

Her face was wet and her eyes red, her tiny hands clenched into fists as she lay on her bed. Her nanny, Mrs. Jenkins, found her like that, and her heart went out to the child.

"Oh, poor baby, what's wrong?"

Mrs. Jenkins asked, her voice soft and gentle. She knelt beside Ashley's bed and stroked her hair, trying to comfort her.

Ashley sobbed harder, her body trembling with emotion.

"M-mommy doesn't love me,"

she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Mrs. Jenkins' eyes welled up with tears.

"Oh, Ashley, that's not true! Your mom may not always show it, but she loves you in her own way. And I love you, my dear, with all my heart."

Ashley clung to her nanny as she slept, seeking solace in her warmth and love. Mrs. Jenkins stayed by her side, holding her close, until Ashley's tears finally subsided.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Ashley's mom and her boyfriend laughed and danced, their voices and music filling the air. They drank and flirted, lost in their own world.

"Come on, baby, let's go to bed,"

the boyfriend slurred, his eyes fixed on Ashley's mom.

"Yeah, let's go," she giggled, her voice husky. "I'm tired of being a mom for tonight."

They stumbled into the bedroom, arm in arm, and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from their revelry.

"I love you, Ashley," Mrs. Jenkins whispered, her voice a gentle breeze in the darkness. "And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

The contrast between the two scenes was stark. One was a picture of love and comfort, the other a scene of neglect and abandonment.

But Mrs. Jenkins' presence was a beacon of hope for Ashley, a reminder that she was loved and valued, no matter what her mom said or did.

Ashley woke up the next day feeling a mix of emotions. She expected to see her nanny by her bedside,

but Mrs. Jenkins had already risen and was busy in the kitchen. Ashley was an independent nine-year-old,

so she took care of her morning routine on her own. She bathed, brushed her teeth, dressed in her school uniform, and fixed her hair.

Downstairs, the breakfast table was already set. Her mom and Johnny, her mom's boyfriend, were seated,

sipping their coffee. Ashley sat down, trying to avoid eye contact, but her nanny caught her attention and signaled her to greet them. Ashley reluctantly said,

"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Mister."

Her mom replied,

"Good morning, Ashley baby,"

as if nothing had happened the previous day. Johnny, trying to sound friendly, added,

"You can call me Dad, you know?"

But Ashley pretended she didn't hear that and continued eating her breakfast.

The breakfast table was noisy, with Johnny telling jokes and Ashley's mom laughing loudly.

"Hey, Ashley, why was the math book sad?"

Johnny asked, grinning.

Ashley shrugged, not interested.

"Because it had too many problems!" Johnny exclaimed, chuckling.

Ashley's mom giggled, "Oh, Johnny, you're so funny!"

Ashley felt uncomfortable, her nanny's presence the only comforting factor. Mrs. Jenkins gave Ashley a gentle smile, trying to support her through this difficult moment.

The breakfast continued, with Johnny dominating the conversation and Ashley's mom laughing and flirting with him. Ashley was relieved when it was time to leave for school, eager to escape the tense and overwhelming atmosphere at home.