Prologue: Meet and Part

Asher's POV

He found her late one stormy night in the dead of Summer, sitting underneath an oak tree in a torrential downpour. Her tiny frame shivered as she stared blankly straight ahead unaware of anything around her. 

He noticed that her pale white arms that wrapped themselves protectively around her knees were covered in dark red marks that resembled the shape of fingers, almost like someone had grabbed her much too hard. Her blank face sported nasty red welts that looked to be made by an object rather than a hand.  Her long blonde hair that hung around her face and body had hints of blood in it from a wound just above her eye that hadn't quite been washed away by the rain.  

Looking into her big blue eyes that held not the single semblance of life Asher felt immediate sorrow.  At such a young age she looked years older as if she had experienced so much more than someone her age should have.  It was so much more than he himself could fathom. 

At the age of eleven Asher Roth had lived a pretty peaceful life alongside his older brother Mason and his parents Kathy and Clinton.  Being the sheltered child that he was he had never experienced anything bad.  His parents deeply loved one another and could hardly keep their hands off each other, while his brother was a typical over achieving high school student with outstanding grades and many awards from sports and academic competitions.  His family was well known in the neighborhood and well loved.

That was why earlier in the night when he heard the screams and crashes from his new neighbors he became curious instead of fearful.   He had snuck out of his room being sure to remain silent to avoid waking his family as he crept into their living room and made his way to the front door. 

Opening the door to take a look at what was going on Asher was hit in the face with large drops of rain being swept around by strong wind.  Lightening flashed just in time to illuminate a tiny figure stumbling out of the house next door. As quickly as it could it leapt every step that was blocking its way from the lawn ahead.  Not stopping to look back the figure raced towards a very large oak tree sitting in the middle of the lawn before collapsing on its hands and knees.

Too shocked to fully process anything Asher watched as the figure fully collapsed and curled into itself.  Snapping out of his trance Asher grabbed an umbrella hanging beside the door and rushed out towards where the figure was now curled in a tiny ball.  

Standing directly in front of her and already coming to the conclusion this person needed someone, Asher slowly reached out a hand ready to place it on the girl's shoulder to draw her attention.  He didn't quite know what he would do after, but his heart and mind were screaming at him to comfort her somehow.

As if only now realizing she wasn't alone the girl snapped her head up to look at Asher and his outstretched hand.  

Ashers heart clenched at how empty and dead her eyes looked as she examined him silently.   Pursing her lips as if trying to decipher something she slowly unraveled her arms from around her knees and used one hand to push her soaking wet hair behind her ear.

"Who are you?" She quietly asked her tiny voice not wavering despite the shivers rolling through her body.

Shocked by the hollowness of the girls voice Asher remained silent. 

Frowning the girl spoke again.  "What are you doing?"

Confused Asher looked in the direction of her stare.  She was watching his outstretched hand most likely wanting to know what he planned on doing with it.

"Sorry, I just..." Asher sputtered and stopped.  He just what?  What was he wanting to do exactly?  

The girl raised a tiny eyebrow, "you just what?"  She asked cautiously flinching away ever so slightly. 

Just the sight of her flinching farther away from his touch finally made Asher understand why she was so heavily injured.  Even being well protected from the horrors of the world and well loved Asher was aware not everyone was lucky enough to have a family like his.  Some kids lived in homes where drugs and alcohol were abused, some resided in ones where violence was a normal occurrence.  From the girls appearance he could deduct she came from an abusive one.

"What's your name?" She asked now locking eyes with Asher.

Feeling a blush run up his neck Asher responded.  "Asher Roth."

Nodding the girl slowly began to rise. "Asher Roth." She repeated slowly as she fully stood. "Please forget everything you saw tonight."

With that she turned and ran away heading back into the place she had been so desperately trying to escape only moments before.

Asher with his hand still outstretched watched in confusion until finally she was gone slamming her front door behind her. 

Not knowing what exactly to do and feeling useless Asher turned and headed back home with the sense of dejection weighing heavily on his young shoulders.

After that night Asher did his best to try to befriend the girl who he had discovered was named Summer Freeman.  The Freemans were seminew to the neighborhood and lived shrouded in mystery.  Mr.Freeman owned some online company that was just starting to quickly take off, while Mrs.Freeman was a professional home maker.  For someone who didn't know better they seemed like a pretty normal family.   However, from what Asher had seen that night he knew otherwise.

Everytime he would awaken to the sound of screaming and crashing he would quickly run out of the house wondering if he would find Summer in the spot he had first found her.

The first night proved useless, as did the second and third.  By the fourth she appeared again and just like the other time Asher hurriedly ran to her.

This time along with having marked up arms and face she sported harsh finger marks around her thin porcelain neck.  Her eyes were closed as her head lay against the trunk of the tree behind her.

"Hey." Asher tried carefully.

"God?"  Summer asked keeping her eyes closed.  "Are you finally here to take me away."

Feeling his heart lurch Asher frowned.  "Do you want to die that much?"

Smiling Summer nodded, "it would be a beautiful escape."

"Are things really that bad?" Asher asked shakily.  His eleven year old brain was having a very hard time processing just what type of pain the girl before him could possibly be facing.

Finally opening her eyes Summer squinted up at Asher.  "Why is it you again?"

"Because you deserve to know there is someone who is aware of what you're going through. "

Laughing Summer gave a cold smile.  It still shocked Asher how much older this tiny little girl seemed than himself.

"Do they beat you?" Asher asked outright now.

Summer shrugged, "only when he gets too drunk and tired of hitting her."

The way Summer spoke made it out to seem like the beatings were no big deal and something that was completely normal.  This alone shattered Ashers too innocent heart.

"Is the he you speak of your dad?" Asher pushed.

Frowning Summer's already lifeless eyes flashed with some emotion that was much too quick for Asher to make out before it was gone.  

"That man is not my father." She growled.

Caught off guard by the venom in Summer's voice Asher flinched ever so slightly. 

"Who is he then?" Asher knew he was probably pushing his luck but something deep down in him wanted to try to get this girl to open up to him.

"Just a useless bum." Summer responded matter of factly.

Unable to speak Asher just nodded before slowly lowering himself to the ground to sit in front of Summer who was still watching him coldly. 

He hoped his presence would bring some type of comfort to her even if just the tiniest bit.  He didn't understand it himself, just why he wanted to bring her comfort, but the urge to do so grew with every minute.

Looking at Asher with eyes narrowing Summer's lips which tonight were busted pressed into a thin line.

"What are you doing Asher?" She asked scooting slightly away from him.

Fully sitting Asher shrugged, "keeping you company."

Summers eyebrows furrowed delicately. "And who said I wanted company?"

"Your lonely figure." Asher responded smiling slightly.

Shaking her head Summer went to stand only to be stopped by Ashers hand wrapping around her tiny wrist.

"Let go." Summer growled her face darkening. 

Realizing what he had done Asher quickly released her.  "I'm sorry!"  He said red flush forming on his ears and freckled cheeks.  "I just.." again the words caught.  How exactly could he explain to her that someone who was basically a stranger wanted to help her.

"Whatever it is you want to do just don't. " Summer warned before turning and leaving Asher all alone once more.

As time continued to push forward Asher's want to help Summer continued to grow.  Everytime he found her alone under that large oak tree he would go out and sit with her.   He would ask his questions and greedily take in anything that she was willing to give him, even the most miniscule bits. 

Something he did realize was that with each meeting they had Summer's bristles became less and less, as her strongly built walls slowly began to weaken against him.  

Despite knowing he shouldn't, Asher began to feel himself becoming more and more attached to the cold and aloof Summer.   As they grew older from young children to blossoming teenagers he felt his feelings of wanting to help shift to something more, something much stronger.  A feeling Asher couldn't quite put into words.  

By this point Summer had fully started to let him in and on the nights her step father's rage was at its peak she would seek him out directly for a safe haven.  On those nights Asher would be awoken to the sound of tapping on his bedroom window and find Summer standing there her blue eyes staring into his own golden ones pleading. 

As quietly as he could he would open the window so she could climb in and collapse on his floor with her back leaning against his bed.  There she would release everything to Asher who would quietly listen and comfort her.  Once she no longer had anything to say she would crawl up on his bed and curl into a ball before falling peacefully asleep.  

These nights were the ones Asher lived for.   He would take pride in the fact Summer felt so open and comfortable with him now after the years he spent trying to break down her walls.   He also relished in the fact he was the only one who got to see this side of her.

Around their fellow peers Summer was considered an aloof beauty that stayed to herself and didn't let anyone close. 

Despite openly having boyfriends she never let them in like she had let Asher. 

Although her beginning to date poked at Asher's heart he would remind himself that he was the only guy Summer was truly close to and that whoever was her flavor of the week would be gone in no time while he would still be there.  This constant reminder was the only thing that kept him sane when he would see Summer walking around school hand in hand with some new guy or he would accidently see her kissing someone on her front porch before turning and heading inside leaving her current fling alone and looking forsaken. 

In the blink of an eye nine years had passed.

"What are you smirking about?" Summer asked Asher one day as they were heading back from Summer's school. 

Asher had already graduated and was attending a local college, while Summer was in her final year of high school.  On the days he got out of class early he would rush to meet her so they could spend just a little time together.

As always Summer wore long sleeves and turtle necks to hide the marks her step father had left on her and had started to use just enough makeup to hide the bruises that were left on her face.  At the moment just enough concealer hid a bruise that Asher knew all too well hid on her right cheek.

Startled Asher stopped to look at Summer.  "Was just thinking."  Was his simple response before flashing her an innocent smile.

"About what?" Summer pressed continuing to walk forward.

It was a nice fall afternoon.  Red, orange, and brown leaves crunched under their feet as a brisk breeze kissed their faces. 

Summers blonde hair was up in a ponytail swishing ever so slightly in the wind as stray baby hairs danced around her forehead. 

Continuing to smile Asher just shook his head causing one of his long auburn locks to fall into his eyes. 

Even though he didn't quite like his hair being long he had grown it out after Summer commented on how she likes men with long hair so that she could play with it.  Usually he would pull it back in a ponytail at the base of his neck, but after oversleeping that morning he had left it down in his haste to make his classes on time.

Not saying a word Summer stepped forward and pushed the loose hair out of Ashers face.  

Silently Asher thanked the universe that he had overslept. 

"Weirdo," She said giving one of her rare smiles before turning and starting to walk again. 

Feeling a surge of warmth run through his veins Asher rushed to catch up with Summer who was already making a good distance between them.  It didn't take long for him to be by her side again. 

At the age of twenty Asher was already six foot even while Summer who was seventeen was five foot four.  

"Giant."  Summer would grumble at him often as he towered above her or she struggled to keep pace when they would walk together from school or after running errands for their mothers.

As they reached home they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.  Even though Asher would have loved to spend more time together he knew that Summer was the one in charge of cooking and cleaning in her household ever since her mother had grown sick and was bedridden. 

Despite many doctors checking her out no one could determine what exactly was wrong with her.  Summer had insisted it was her body finally giving out after the years of beatings she endured from her husband, and no matter how many times Summer pleaded with her she refused to leave him.

Watching as she disappeared inside Asher felt the all too familiar tug at his heart from having to watch Summer go into that living hell of a home. 

After years of waiting she was almost to the age of being able to leave this place and start over somewhere new.  Even though he hadn't discussed his future plans with Summer he was determined to convince her that she was better off leaving with him over staying put under the same roof as her step father. 

Then, when she fully agreed he would confess his feelings to her, every single one that he kept well hidden in his heart. 

Sighing Asher turned and headed towards his home.  

Inside his mother was already in the kitchen starting dinner while his father was sitting on the couch reading a book about programming.  

Hearing the door shut his father looked up at him over his square reading glasses.  

"Welcome home." He huffed before turning his attention back to his book.

Asher nodded before slipping his shoes off by the door and then headed to his room.  There he collapsed on his bed once again feeling guilty that he got to enjoy such a warm and welcoming home while Summer had to endure a broken one.

Many times Asher had begged Summer to tell someone other than him to try to get out of the situation, but she had declined refusing to leave her mother alone with her step father.  This had absolutely crushed Asher because it meant he would have to continue to watch the girl he loved be tortured and beaten until she at least turned eighteen and could leave. 

Until then all he could do was be there for her and give her a place to feel safe.

Later that night Asher laid in bed listening to a storm brewing outside while trying to ignore the swirling thoughts of Summer in his head. 

Storms in particular brought on his memories of her given that the first time they met was on a stormy night nine years prior. 

Just as he was about to drift to sleep he heard a soft tap on his bedroom window.

Filled with excitement he jumped out of bed and rushed to the window not surprised to find Summer there staring through the glass at him.  

Putting on a mask of nonchalance he pulled his window up and moved aside as she climbed in and then shut the window behind her. 

Drenched from the rain that was already pouring outside Summer stared at Asher, a look of desperation shown in her eyes. 

Not speaking she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him burying her head deep into his chest.

Shocked Asher stood there doing nothing until he noticed how badly Summer was shivering.  Coming back to his senses he wrapped his arms around her to give her a sense of security.   

"What happened?" He murmured laying his head against her hair.

Summer remained silent as she continued to cling to Asher like he was the only thing keeping her secure.  She shook her head ever so slightly before tightening her grip.

"Talk to me." Asher said gently.  "What has you so shaken."

Taking a shaky breath Summer let go and took a step back leaving Asher with a sense of loss without her in his arms. 

She stared at him with her big blue eyes captivating him momentarily before looking to the bed behind him.

"Can you just lay here with me for a while?" She whispered.  The slight hint of insecurity in her voice made Asher's heart flip uncontrollably.

Nodding he sat on one side of the bed watching as Summer made her way to the other side crawling onto the mattress she quickly pulled his blanket up to her chin.  Asher could hear her taking deep breaths before closing her eyes.

"Will you hold me?" She asked closing her eyes and letting out an exhausted yawn.

"Sure." Asher responded laying down beside her.

Hesitantly he moved closer to her before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer to him. 

Turning over Summer buried her face in his chest again not saying a word as she nuzzled closer before letting out a long sigh of relief.

Neither of them spoke as Asher laid and listened as Summers breaths grew slower and steadier indicating that she had finally fallen asleep.  

"Goodnight." Asher whispered softly kissing the top of Summers head before allowing himself to fall asleep as well.

A gentle touch on his cheek slowly roused Asher from his dreamless sleep. Confusion was the first thing to register in his head.  What time was it and who was touching him and why. 

Slowly opening his eyes he was met with Summers intense stare.   She had her hand raised brushing her fingers lightly down the side of Asher's face then drifting to his neck and finally down his shoulder and arm.  

Shivering he remained immobile studying the face of the girl before him.  Despite the room still being dark her blue eyes shone brightly and he could make out an unknown emotion brewing behind them. 

"I'm eighteen today." She whispered finally breaking the silence.  

"I know." Asher responded.   

Of course he was aware of when her birthday was, especially with this particular one.  It was the birthday he had waited nine years for.

"Do you know what I want for my birthday?" She asked not breaking eye contact with Asher.

Something about the way she spoke and how she continued to lightly brush her fingers against his skin made Asher's heart begin to pound.

Pulling her closer he whispered, "What do you want?"

Smiling mischievously Summer leaned in and kissed him.  "I want you, all of you."  She responded pulling away enough to stare into his eyes.

At her words Asher pulled her to him placing his lips on hers urgently.  With a sudden gasp Summer reciprocated meeting his urgency with her own.  

Neither of them had any experience. It was awkward and fumbled, but to them it was nothing short of perfect as they became one.

Summers POV

Asher was still sleeping soundly when Summer woke from her peaceful slumber.   Smiling she carefully leaned over and kissed his cheek before getting out of bed and finding her clothes.

Fully dressed and ready to leave she pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and gently placed it on the table beside Ashers bed. 

Giving him another kiss she quickly hurried out of his room terrified of what would happen if her step father realized she was gone.

Lately his anger had increased tenfold and because her mother was still unable to leave the bed he focused all his anger on her.

'Not much longer.' She assured herself as she quietly entered the house praying that everyone was asleep.

"Where have you been?"

Gasping she jumped back finding her step father sitting on the couch a beer bottle dangling from his hand.

Bloodshot eyes looked up at her.  "Where have you been you little bitch?" He growled standing up.

Fixing her gaze she defiantly stared back, "none of your business."

Not happy with her response her step father hurled his beer bottle aiming directly for Summer's head.

Unable to move quick enough Summer felt it connect with her temple before hitting the ground and shattering. 

Eyes wide Summer turned ready to run out the door only to have her hair grabbed before she could take another step.  With much too much strength for a drunkard her step father threw her on the ground before aggressively kicking her in the stomach.   

Summer could taste blood in her mouth as she coughed trying to catch her breath.  Desperate to escape she fumbled around her trying to find something anything to use as a weapon.  Finally her hand connected with a piece of the broken beer bottle.  Eyes full of tears blurring her vision she slashed at her step father who was preparing to kick her again. 

"Shit." He growled drawing back his leg to kick again.

She had managed to dodge the kick this time before jumping up and running upstairs to her room where her cellphone was.  With shaky hands she dialed 911.

"Help." She managed to squeak out as the operator picked up.  "Please help me."

Just as the words left her mouth her bedroom door was violently yanked open wood chips flying as the whole thing was ripped from the frame.  

Screaming Summer dropped her phone and held the piece of glass she was still carrying out in front of her.

Laughing her step father stepped forward easily grabbing her wrist and twisting trying to force her to release the glass.  When she didn't he became more violent flinging her to the floor once again. 

As she hit the ground she felt sharp pain rip through her side.  Gasping she rolled over realizing the glass she had been holding for protection was now sticking out just above her right hip.  

Blood oozed from the wound as her step father came forward cackling.   The last thing Summer heard before losing consciousness was the sounds of police cars.

Ashers POV

Asher was startled awake by the sound of police and ambulance sirens, and the red and blue flashing lights outside illuminating his room.  Heart in his throat he looked beside him where Summer had last been to find that she was no longer there.

With a feeling of foreboding he jumped out of bed and threw on some clothes before rushing out of the house.

"Summer." He shouted realizing his worst fear was reality.

The scene before him was like something from a movie.  Two police struggled to lead Summers step father out of the house and to a waiting police car.  All the while he cackled and thrashed.

"You're too late anyway." He yelled while laughing hysterically.

His words sent a shiver down Asher's spine.  Rage building up within him he began to move forward only to be stopped by two officers.

"You can't move any closer." One ordered holding out a hand.

"My friend lives there." Asher yelled unable to contain his emotions.  

"This is a crime scene son you can't go any further."  The other officer insisted irritation plain in his voice.

Crime scene, the words shot daggers through his heart and as if to prove a point paramedics came rushing out of the house with a stretcher.

Asher could feel his legs give out as he recognized the figure laying motionless on top of it immediately.   

"Summer." He stuttered trying to stand up.  "Summer!" He yelled this time scurrying to get to her to see how she was.

"You can't go any further." Now the first officer was irritated.

Huffing he continued to hold Asher back as Summer was lifted into a waiting ambulance.  

His world crashing around him he watched as the ambulance sped away carrying his heart with it.