This is my pathetic attempt at a serious fic. I know, right? I should just quit while I'm somewhat ahead.
This is dedicated to both Mel and Ashlynn. They know why.
And don't worry those of you who may read my other stories, I'm not abandoning them, I will still update all of my fics going. I don't plan to quit any of them.
Hope you enjoy!
Prologue
The shot rang out and I collapsed on the floor, gasping for air. We’d never seen this coming. It was such a great day outside, the sun brightly shining and a cool breeze making its rays bearable. It caused me to be in such a great mood that I was even able to bear the co-worker I always disagreed with. You knew things were going great when I could stomach Ashlynn’s whiny, grating voice.
It was a swift and sudden opening of the door that got my attention. The store had been mostly empty today, as it was now except with the sudden intrusion of two men. Their faces were covered and they seemed angry. Ashlynn was in the back of the store, stocking (though probably texting) so I was the only one who saw them enter.
We didn’t have a panic button, but I doubt I would have been able to press it as they walked up to the counter. “Give us the money,” one growled, and I saw a gun pointed at me. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I turned slowly to access the safe. I’d almost had the combination entered when I heard a noise from behind. It was Ashlynn.
“W-what’s going on?” she stammered, afraid. We were in the same boat, and for once I actually cared about her and wanted her to feel like everything would be okay.
“It’ll be okay, Ash,” I said, trying to reassure her and myself at the same time. I finished entering the combination.
One of the two men was leaning over the counter, watching my every move while I didn’t know where the other one was. I got my answer soon enough when I heard his gruff voice exclaim, “G, the girl’s got a phone!”
I stood frozen to the spot. Ashlynn wasn’t dumb enough to try to call out for help, was she? She could get killed!
“Hand it over.” The man who was at the counter said, snarling. I couldn’t turn around to see what was going on. I was afraid to do anything.
Ashlynn must have shaken her head no, because I heard a scuffle and a few seconds later a scream escape her lips. I started praying, hoping that everything would work out.
Then I heard a loud grunt from one of the men. Obscenities flew in the air as he tried to regain his composure, and I immediately knew what Ashlynn had done. I heard another scuffle as Ashlynn tried to break free, and then a gunshot.
I screamed loudly and hid behind the counter. I heard the men yell at each other before the bell above the door rang, signaling their exit. It was too frightened to move, but worried about the condition Ashlynn may be in.
“Ash?” I called, hoping for a response. Her annoying voice would be soothing at this moment. I got no answer.
“Ashlynn?” I called again. Standing up, I looked over the counter and gasped.
“Ashlynn! Oh my God!”
