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The day quickly passed as each chose to work. Ali and Ashlyn were going about their nightly routines when Ali decided to converse. “Kelley & Ann..” “Yeah.” Ashlyn questions in a disinterested tone. “We used to be like them...” Ali chuckled sadly. “Not anymore..” she continued ruefuly. “I don't think this is working.” Ashlyn whispered. “Wh-what.. that's not, that's not what I was talking about.” Ali answers in a flustered manner. “I know, but come on Al, it-it's just not working.. I think we should separate..” “So you want a divorce?” Alex asks accusingly. “No that's not what i-” “You said you wanted to separate..” “Yeah meaning I'll look for an apartment around my work and-” “Majority of couples that separate try counseling yet end up divorced.” Ali interjects with a business voice. “We'll talk about it tomorrow morning.” Ashlyn said as she finishes up, walking out of their bathroom and down the hall towards the guest room.
Ali finishes dressing before she settles in bed, turning on her bedside lamp while pulling out her novel. In the room down the hall Ashlyn settled in the squeaky bed, tv turned on to the current soccer game while she shuffled through her work.
“Hello?” A girly voice yelled. “Mom, Mama are you here?” She asked. “Hello?”
Ashlyn And Ali pop out of their rooms, “What is she doing here?” Ali questions in shock. “I have no idea-” “Mom, Mama?” The daughter questions. “Be right down!” Ashlyn yells. They look at one another for a moment before plastering on smiles and heading downstairs where their unexpected visitor waits.
Ashlyn wraps their daughter in a hug as soon as she's in sights, Ali falling quickly in suit. “Wh-what are you doing here sweetheart?” Ali asks. “Is everything okay?” Ash questions. “Are you sick?” Ali asks looking over her. “No, no..” Leah answers casually. “Where's Micah? Did something happen? I swear if she broke your heart..” Ashlyn says protectively, wrapping an arm around Ali. “Ma, slow down. Micah just outside, we're fine.. we're better than fine actually.” Leah says.
Micah finally enters carrying in a small bag that she immediately puts down one she catches sight of Ali and Ash. “Hello Mrs. & Mrs. Harris!” She greets cheerfully, reaching out her hand to Ashlyn who takes it easily. “Hey! No more of the Mrs. and Mrs. Harris stuff.” She reminds. “Its Ash and Ali. Okay?” Ali adds as she wraps Micah into a quick hug. “Or…… Ma and Mom?” Leah says dragging out the r. Ash and Ali look on puzzled at their daughter's statement. Leah quickly turns to Micah and kisses her swiftly before jutting out her left hand. “We're getting Married!” Leah admits excitedly as Micah looks down at her adoringly.
Ali quickly recovers from her shocked state, “Oh my goodness, con-congratulations.. We- we couldn't be happier.” She states nudging Ashlyn. “So happy!.. This such amazing news!” Ash adds trying her best to act enthusiastic.
“I hope you're not upset with me not asking for your blessing.” Micah speaks with a shy smile. “W-we just really wanted to surprise you both.” Leah admits. “Yeah, well you sure did that.” Ashlyn chuckles as Ali tries her best to keep a smile present. “I know we're still young, but so we're you two when y'all got married and look at y'all now.” Leah states switching her gaze from her fiancée to her parents. “Yeah, look at us now.” Ashlyn whispers as she pulls Ali closer to her. Ali's emotions finally catch up to her as her eyes begin to moisten. “Mom don't cry!” “No I'm fine… You know we have a vintage wine in the cabinet that's just perfect for this occasion… I'll go get it and you guy just sit down.” She tells Leah as she ushers the couple to the living room.
Ali walks hastily to the Kitchen, where she leans against the counter effectively getting herself under control. A few steps behind her is Ashlyn who asks Ali worriedly if she was okay. “Yeah.. Yeah just life's funny isn't it? We're falling apart and they're just starting.” Discretely wiping her tears away she reaches above her for the specific bottle of wine. “We should probably tell them about us.” Ashlyn suggests. “What? No, no and ruin the happiest moment of their life.. No.” Ali responds. “What should we say?” Ash asks, leaning up to grab four crystal clean wine glasses. “Nothing, we say nothing.” Ali says, eyes downcast. “Are you sure?” “Yes, yes we say nothing.” “Okay! Okay here we go!” Ali says in a bright, loud voice carrying out the wine with Ashlyn in tow whom carries the glasses.
Once settled Ash poor's them each a glass, raising hers as everyone follows suit. “To Micah and Leah.. Cheers.” Ash grins, clinking her glass with everyone's. Everyone brings it to their lips tasting it before quickly setting it down, a horrid expression present on their face. “I guess 01 was a bad year.” Ash jokes. “That was the year we were married.” Ali whispers but plasters on a smile when she looks at Leah who shows an unamused expression.
“You know what I have a great bottle of wine.” And with that Ash leaves the room. “I'm so sorry about that I don't know what happened.” Ali admits with a forced chuckle. “So tell us how this came about.” She gestures to the newly engaged couple. “We'll we've been in love for a few years, best friends for many.” Leah says earning a giggle from Ali. “She proposed a few days ago at Penn State's soccer field.” Leah adds with a wink knowing that's where her parents got engaged as well. “And she said yes of course.” Micah finishes, she smiles happily as she gazes into her fiancee's eyes. “Oh! It reminds me, I'd love to use your wedding dress. I-it brought good luck for you and Ma.” She finishes just as Ash sits down with a fresh bottle of wine and glasses. They each grab a glass of wine sitting back in their chair. “So when's the big day?” Ash questions. Leah eyes go wide, “Uhm..” Luckily for her Micah takes over. “With our schedule being so hectic and the new season being just around the corner… The wedding's next weekend!” She answers with a huge, shy grin. “What?” “Next weekend?” They each question. “Wait a minute what about planning and invitations?” Ali asks being ever the planner. “No invitations, we decided we just want our families.” Micah speaks. “Look I already planned everything!” Leah says reaching into her purse and pulling out her tablet. “We're getting married in Hampton Bay” She adds as Micah pulls out four airline tickets. “Isn't everything perfect?” She asks excitedly. Ali pause before mustering up a giddy expression as she says perfect.