Escaping the Cradle

by Karen Page

Part 13

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Part 13
DATE:FC+31

"What's your plan with Jenny?" Becky asked Tina.

"We're going to share a bottle of wine, and talk lecherously about men," said Tina with a straight face.

"Sounds ideal if Jenny were several years older."

"We're going to play monopoly," said Tina, not wanting Becky to really think she was going to corrupt her daughter.

"What's that?" asked Jenny.

"An old board game. I got us a modern updated French version. Nobody wanted to deal with paper money anymore. We will try to play the game using just French."

"Paper money?" queried Jenny, slightly confused. "Money hasn't been paper or coin for years. I remember it being talked about in history."

There was no query or panic about them playing just talking in French.

"When the game was created, it was paper. Electronic money didn't exist back then. But as I said, this is an updated version. Now say bye to your Ma and Mum. They need to get going or they will miss their meal reservation."

"Bye Ma," said Jenny, giving her a goodbye kiss and hug. She then repeated the process with Ashleigh.

"Now listen to Aunt Tina," said Becky.

"Yes Ma."

They were going in Becky's car and Ashleigh settled into the passenger seat.

"What a day," remarked Ashleigh as they set off. "I mean, who would have thought someone would be so nasty to Sam. Sam had done nothing to her."

"I think some people must still live in the time of dinosaurs. It never hurts to treat anybody with respect."

Ashleigh thought about asking Becky if she'd ever been treated like that but didn't want to bring up any bad memories.

Becky made that leap herself. "I've been lucky that I haven't been treated like that since I was small. Some thought I was gay. I remember how Tina was treated, and I tried hard for that not to happen to me."

Ashleigh got a lump in her throat, remembering that horrid time. She gently stroked Becky's leg, hoping it didn't disturb her driving. Roll on the days of driverless cars. They'd been promised for over a decade, but they just hadn't been able to perfect the technology, especially on UK country roads.

"And when I did transition, the people I was working with didn't seem to care. I worked from home a lot and then got involved in this project. People like Evan, Liam and Henry were more interested in the science."

There was a small gap in the conversation. Then very quietly Ashleigh asked, "Was it painful?"

"Was what painful?"

Ashleigh squirmed a bit, frightened to say the words. "The operation."

"What operation?" asked Becky, just getting over the canal bridge before the gates started to close.

"You know, your GRS," responded Ashleigh now getting a bit frustrated. She felt that Becky was toying with her.

"I ... I," stuttered Becky.

Realisation dawned on her. Shocked, she whispered, "You haven't had it?"

"I was too busy with the project. Hilda said I should make time, but I got scared."

"It's your choice," said Ashleigh, still reeling from that revelation. What an assumption she'd made. "If you stay as you are, that is just as valid as if you have that operation. I love you for you, not what is in your knickers."

"My knickers?" squeaked Becky. "Nobody says knickers anymore."

"Knickers," repeated Ashleigh, with a smile. Gently she asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was scared it might make you hate me. Sort of someone that's in-between. And it makes no difference in our relationship unless we—"

'Slept together,' concluded Ashleigh in her mind.

"You are you. I think I've told you before that I love you for who you are. The love you give, and the life you've lived. If you've not had the final operation, it makes no difference to me. If you have, the same. You are still you; the woman I love. Just so you know, I would have no issues in bed if you've had the op or not. You are still Becky, the woman I love."

Gentle tears rolled delicately down Becky's cheeks. The worry and fear masked by the love she felt for Ashleigh. She didn't flinch as Ashleigh's fingers gently skated across her cheek, catching the tears.

"You're a siren," whispered Becky.

Ashleigh grinned. "Your siren."

"So, are you keeping any secrets from me?" teased Becky.

Ashleigh stilled and her heart sank. "Yes," she replied, all the happiness draining from her heart. "But I have a promise to keep. If it was bad, I would tell you. But—"

"A promise to Tina?" asked Becky after thinking long about who it might be.

"Yes. I worked something out and confronted her. I said I would tell you if I thought the details she gave me was bad, otherwise I'd keep it quiet. She told me, and it wasn't awful. I confronted her about something else too, something about her she explained why what I was asking could impact a lot of people, not just her. The things she has dealt with are huge, and I wouldn't want to impact what she can do."

"I'm sorry I've dragged you into this project. I thought it was a simple science question. I was surprised when the idea was taken seriously. It made me feel wanted and able to do something fantastic in my life. Be extraordinary. Don't get me wrong, I've loved every minute of it. We have achieved something wonderful, but at what cost? Hilda and Ryan are dead. We've been under attack twice. What is this doing to Jenny?"

"Jenny doesn't know any different. She's been brought up in a life where she's treated almost as an adult. You never stop her listening or trying to help. You all give her extra lessons, and she pushes herself. I've never heard her complain once about her life. She never moaned while we were on the run apart from missing school. The only issues she really seems to have, is her missing Hilda and Ryan, which is perfectly understandable for anybody. You've been a model mother to her."

They drove slowly down a side street in the Montpelier area of Cheltenham. There were little restaurants, down the street that ran parallel to the main road into the centre. It had always been full of quaint establishments, and that still continued. They were unfortunate there weren't any free spaces, so they carried on towards the centre before finding a spare space.

"It's like everybody has come to Cheltenham," said Ashleigh as they got out of the car.

"I know. We still have time before our reservation," said Becky, looking at her watch. "I remember what Gold Cup week used to be like. Yikes. Cheltenham became so crowded."

The evening was pleasant. The restaurant small and appealing, with gentle music playing in the background. A Saturday night experience that for many was a treat. There was no talk of work, just the things they'd done over the years. Becky was most intrigued to know what Ashleigh had done since her childhood.

It was while they were waiting for their pudding to arrive, that Becky suddenly said, "Ashleigh, since you've arrived, you've made me look at life again. You have given me a new zest in life. You make me look forward to waking up so I can see your smile and the way you look at me. You've become so much a part of my life. Not just for the project, but in life as a whole. I could never imagine us not being together. It would be like the sun setting and never rising again."

Ashleigh was stunned at this declaration. This wasn't something she thought she would hear.

"I don't want to ask you to marry me," added Becky.

Ashleigh couldn't believe that last bit. How could Becky say that after such romantic words? If that wasn't a declaration of love, Ashleigh didn't know what was. Her heart had gone from soaring to the pits of her stomach.

"Asking you to marry me sounds so possessive. I would like us to marry."

Ashleigh just stared at Becky, dumfounded. This was such a rollercoaster of emotions. There were those words. Those sweet and delicious words. Then not wanting to ask her for marriage. That devastation after those words. Oh, those words. And now this. The mutual way she phrased it. She'd never thought of it like that. A marriage of equals.

"You'd like us to marry?" eventually asked Ashleigh, wanting to confirm. She still couldn't believe this.

"Yes. I want us to be partners in life. Forever together."

Ashleigh wanted to scream "YES" at the top of her voice, but something stopped her. "If Jenny agrees, then yes."

They both leaned up across the table and they kissed. It wasn't a long deep kiss, but a gentle kiss that spoke of desire. They broke apart by the sound of applause from neighbouring tables.

Their romantic meal had turned into something a lot more and other patrons in the restaurant had noticed.

"Congratulations," said their waiter, a big grin on his face. "A gift from the restaurant. It isn't often we see proposals like that."

He produced a bottle of champagne and opened it up. A waitress appeared with two champagne flutes and two sealed Drive Safe pills.

"This was wonderful," said Ashleigh as they walked arm in arm back towards the car.

"I've not been out like this for years. Thank you for encouraging me."

"We're fortunate that Tina is still around to look after Jenny. Though I'm sure one of the others would have been willing to do so."

"Do you think she is going back on investigations?" asked Becky.

"I don't know. She doesn't appear to be suffering like she was. She's finished at the school, so is available. Perhaps you need to organise some permanent increase in security for the factory and at the lab. Storm knows where we are."

Becky stopped walking and rubbed her forehead. "Storm knows the location of the factory. If she will spill that information or not, I don't know. I'm sure there are lots of people who want to know Aurora's secrets. The Yvestigans already know where the factory is. Governments will want to know. I'm surprised they haven't got in."

"Will they be able to get it if they do?" asked Ashleigh, stroking Becky's cheek.

"The drive is part of the ship. They might try to fly the ship off, but it would be dangerous without knowing how the coordinates work. They could get that from the computer systems. Nothing is impossible. The physical drive will give them some clues, but a lot is in how the commands are sent to the drive. They would need the control software too."

They started walking again. A slight sprinkle of snow started to fall. It wasn't heavy and wasn't settling, but it made a picturesque sight. It made a magical end to a perfect night out.

* * *

Becky and Ashleigh crept quietly into the house, so not to disturb Jenny, who would be in bed. Instead, they found Tina and Jenny still playing monopoly.

"Ma," said Jenny, with no concern at being caught stopping up way past her normal bedtime. "This is a really fun game. We've still not finished it."

"Who's winning?" asked Becky, no rancour for them still being up.

"Aunt Tina nearly won but then landed in jail and came out and got assessed for street repairs."

"Ouch," laughed Ashleigh.

"But then I got stronger, and now it's a draw."

Tina was gazing at her sister, with a puzzled expression. Ashleigh caught sight of it and gave her sister a wink.

"Jenny, before you go off to bed, we have a question for you," said Becky, sitting on the settee, and patting the seat next to her.

Jenny scooted across, sat down and looked at her ma expectantly.

"I asked Miss Thompson if we could marry. She said you needed to be involved since you are family."

"YES!" called out Jenny with delight.

"Then I say yes too," added Ashleigh, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Will you be my bridesmaid?" Ashleigh asked Tina.

"I might not be around," said Tina sadly. "I got a call while you were having your meal. Luke and I have an investigation."

Ashleigh's heart sank. She'd enjoyed the time with her sister, but then mentally pulled herself together and told herself not to be selfish.

"You have your job to do," said Ashleigh, giving her sister a hug. "When do you leave?"

"First thing Monday."

"It will be a few months for us to arrange everything," said Becky. "By the time we've sorted it, you'll probably be back."

"I hope you have a great birthday," said Tina to Jenny. "I'd have loved to have been here for it, but work calls."

"Can we have a birthday party tomorrow?" Jenny asked her Ma.

"I think we might be able to do something," smiled Becky. "Now, off to bed. I wouldn't have been happy with you staying up this late if there had been school the next day."

Jenny jumped up, gave Tina and Ashleigh a hug and rushed upstairs.

"I better be going," said Tina. "Again, congratulations on your engagement."

"I better be off too," said Ashleigh seeing no sign that Becky was going to invite her to spend the night.

"You can stay," said Becky, after a moment's hesitation. "If you want to."

"I'd love to," said Ashleigh. "But not tonight. You are only asking me to stay because you think you should."

"I'm sorry," whispered Becky, not knowing what else to say.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," said Ashleigh, folding Becky into her arms. "Take it slowly. When we're both ready, it will happen. I know you love me, but you aren't ready to share a bed with me. You've got to work through your demons first. Remember, I love you for you. I don't care what's beneath, but you do."

"I'll see you tomorrow?" asked Becky hopefully.

"Count on it," said Ashleigh fiercely, and they kissed. And then they kissed some more.

When they eventually separated, Becky saw her to the door, their hands clasped together. "Dream of us."

A tingle went through Ashleigh as she heard those words. She donned her coat and went home. Ashleigh had thought Tina would have been waiting, but she'd quietly slipped out, leaving her to have some privacy. When she got to her house, she found Tina and Luke waiting in the lounge.

"I hear congratulations are in order," said Luke as Ashleigh came in, and hung up her coat.

Ashleigh was glowing with happiness. She'd never felt like this before. It was like her world had realigned on a different axis. The future seemed to open in front of her, giving her possibilities she'd never entertained.

"We went for a meal at 'La Lumière Douce' in Cheltenham. She said—"

Ashleigh tailed off in sobs of delight as the event replayed in her mind. It had been an amazing day.

Tina came across and sat next to her while Luke said, "Let me go make some hot chocolates."

Tina listened as Ashleigh recounted the proposal. Luke arrived with the drinks quickly, and perched himself at the edge of his seat, listening in rapture to the tail.

"What a magical evening," said Tina. "Is tomorrow ring shopping?"

"A ring?" said Ashleigh, getting giddy again. "I'd not thought of that."

"Perhaps matching rings?" suggested Luke.

"Does Lisa have a ring?" asked Ashleigh, a little curious.

"Of course," said Luke, sounding rather indignant.

Tina just smiled.

"Tuesday isn't just Jenny's birthday, it is also her friend Kelly's. Kelly is having a party, so Jenny is invited. Kelly's parents are hosting it," explained Ashleigh. "So, tomorrow is a way for us all to wish her a Happy Birthday. Perhaps we should go shopping for a ring on Monday."

"Leave it to us," said Tina. "You can join in the preparation when you're back."

"Aunt Tina and Uncle Luke to the rescue," said Luke. "It will be nice for us to do something like this rather than thinking about the next few weeks."

Ashleigh wanted to ask about where they were going but knew they wouldn't tell her. Where they were going, and what they would be doing is something that she knew they had to keep to themselves. Heck, Tina wouldn't even talk to her about it when she got back from her last investigation and she had no clue about where Luke had been.

"I'm going up," said Ashleigh, getting up to take the empty mugs back to the kitchen. "See you tomorrow."

Ashleigh hadn't been in her room long, when there was a gentle tap on her bedroom door.

"Come in," called Ashleigh.

It was Tina. There was a fifty/fifty chance it was going to be her. Well, it was almost certainly going to be her sister, concluded Ashleigh. It wasn't likely that Luke, even when dressed as Lisa, would do that unless it was an emergency.

"What an evening you've had," said Tina, shutting the door behind her.

"I'm going to get married," squealed Ashleigh.

"I'm worried," said Tina in a voice that sobered Ashleigh.

"About?"

"There is a big elephant in the room. You haven't resolved your issue with Becky."

"She offered for me to spend the night. You probably had slipped out when that happened."

"So, why are you here?" enquired Tina, not backing down.

"Because she isn't ready. She offered because she thought it was the right thing to do. I didn't want her to regret it."

"Don't you think it would get her over the hump, if you had spent the night?"

"It might, but it might cause more issues," stated Ashleigh, flopping down on the bed. "And I'd prefer to wait rather than lose her. At least I know what the issue is. I just don't know what to do to help."

"Can I help?" asked Tina.

"Help Becky? Er, no."

"No, you nit. Help you. Give you some of my sage advice."

Ashleigh sat there a moment, and then asked, "When you had your GRS, did it hurt? How long did it take to recover?"

"Yes, there is pain afterwards, but it is managed by ..." Tina trailed off, realisation dawning on her. She then whispered almost theatrically "She's preop?"

"Shush," said Ashleigh. "I didn't say that. I don't care if she is preop or postop. She does though."

"You didn't tell me anything," said Tina. "And if you had told me something, you know I wouldn't say anything. But to answer your theoretical question. Someone having the op will need a few months recovery."

"Thanks."

"Now go to bed. Sleep if you can. You've certainly had a day to remember."