Betrayal

Chapter 16: You're safe for now Ashley.

"Wanna be my girlfriend?" Ashley stared at the girl, in pure euphoria.
"How could I say no to such a charming offer?" Jessica teased, cupping her face and pecking her lips. "Of course." 
"Yay!" the brunette pulled her closer to the point that the younger woman was laying on top of her. 
"I love this but we need to get up," Jessica sat up, straddling the older woman. "I can't miss my slot in the recording studio today." 
"And how exactly am I supposed to get up when I have you on top of me?" Ashley raised an eyebrow teasingly.
"Oh." the blonde giggled, getting up and going over to Ashley's closet. "I'm stealing your hoodie, no complaining." 
"But-" 
"Need I remind you, you're wearing my clothes from college right now?" 
"Touche." 
Jessica laughed and grabbed one of Ashley's hoodies, making her way to her own room to put jeans and a t-shirt on underneath. She brushed her hair out and just let it fall over her shoulders in small curls. Walking back to Ashley's room, she pulled the brunette out of bed and into the kitchen. 
"Food!" she grinned, going into the pantry and grabbing out some flour, sugar and other ingredients. 
"How are you so energetic at this time in the morning?" Ashley yawned and leaned on the counter. "Oh wait, you're Jessica. Anything is possible with you." 
"Thank you." Jessica giggled and started mixing up batter for waffles. 

Ashley admired as the blonde waltzed around the kitchen, serving up the waffles with great gusto and adding berries on top. The brunette shook her head, chuckling and took a bite- she still believed that the younger woman was a better chef than her. However, Jessica was on the other end of the argument, believing that Ashley was the better cook. The two constantly argued about it, until they finally decided to just shut up. 
She snapped back into reality when Jessica poked her shoulder. 
"You good?" she pushed her hair behind her ears. 
"Yeah just zoned out, that's all." Ashley smiled. "You looked adorable up there. Great little show." 
"I was just dancing." the blonde pouted. 
"Yes and it was incredibly adorable." Ashley laughed. 

"These are really good." she murmured, taking another bite. Jessica smiled appreciatively and dug into her own. She looked over at Bonnie, who was eating her own food by the sofa. Ashley finished her food and cleaned her plate, stowing it in the cabinets. 
"I have work today." she groaned, leaning against the counter. 
"According to the planner Aubrey gave you, you meet up with friends after?" the blonde stared down at it. "Why haven't I noticed that?" 
"Because I haven't been doing it," the older Bella shrugged. "There was too much drama, too many fights and it was becoming mentally draining. So I stopped going." 
"Makes sense." Jessica got up and wrapped her arms around Ashley. "And you're officially now my Teddy bear and heater."
"Am I now?" the brunette picked her up so the younger woman could wrap her legs around her waist. Jessica nodded and grinned mischievously, laying her head on Ashley's shoulder. Normally she wouldn't let anyone pick her up but this was different, this was Ashley Jones, the girl she'd been hopelessly in love with since they met in their freshman year of college, the girl she'd spend hour after hour losing sleep just to watch her in their room within the Bella house, the girl she'd sworn she'd marry someday even if it seemed impossible. She fell into a daze, intoxicated by the brunette's beauty and aroma. It was like the gang leader side of her had completely left and she now was just Jessica again, the hyperactive blonde who was in love with her best friend. 
Ashley spun her around a couple times before setting her down and laughing at her. 
"You good there Jess?" the brunette poked her nose. 
"Of course I am." Jessica scrunched her nose up, pulling her girlfriend in for a hug. Ashley hugged back and smiled. 
"Right, don't you have a slot in the recording studio?" the brunette grabbed her coat. "If you're quick, I'll drop you off." 
"Yep." Jessica grabbed her coat and bag and following Ashley out to her car. They made their way out and to the studio, Ashley dropping the blonde off with a kiss and continuing with her journey to work. 

"Hey Ash." Ellie smiled, seeing her walk in with a smile on her face for the first time in months. 
"Hey Ellie." Ashley sat down at the desk.
"What's gotten you so happy?" 
"I finally started dating Jessica." 
"That's awesome." the two high-fived and exchanged gratifying looks.
"There's a rumour that someone's getting a promotion today." Ellie continued. "I wonder who it is." 
"It should be you. You deserve it." Ashley smiled. 
"Nah should be you." 
"It's probably Ani." Ashley looked over at the pile of forms by her desk. "She always gets the promotions."
"True." Ellie leaned her head on her hand and sighed. "It's annoying as fuck." 
"I know right." the brunette straightened out the papers and leaned back on her chair. "This has probably been the most boring day by far already." 
"Agreed. I have cards if you wanna play?" Ellie rummaged through her bag.
"Yeah." 

The day seemed to fly by, with easy patients and lots of laughs. She drove home feeling rather proud of her achievements for the day. 

"Jess I'm home!" Ashley looked around, dumping her bag on the counter and looking around.

No reply. 

"Jess?" 

No reply.