Free Igniting Ash by M.A. Stacie

around as announcements were made loudly. A child cried while her mother attempted to soothe her, pushing her in a stroller. There was so much going on it made his head hurt, however he still felt the urge to keep talking. He cleared his throat, unsettled by the way it constricted. “So, um…The shelter? You work there?”
    “Yeah,” she said softly. “Guess I glossed over that when we talked the other night.” She shot him a small smile. “Thought I’d be relying on Daddy and his bank account, didn’t you?”
    She had him there. It was certainly a revelation knowing she wanted to make her own way in life. His attraction to her grew with each new discovery. Emma wasn’t the person he’d thought she’d turn out to be.
    “Miss Carnes?”
    Both turned their heads, taking in the doctor standing in front of them. Emma clenched Asher hands tighter, her acknowledgment little more than a whisper. “Yes. How’s Gabe?”
    “Hello, I’m Doctor Phelps. Gabe is doing well, but I really need to speak to his parents.”
    Asher winced. Gabe was still a child and knowing the system as he did, it was doubtful whether the doctor would confirm anything to Emma. No matter what the circumstances or where she worked. From the expression on her face, it appeared she already suspected that.
    He moved his hand to hers, linking their fingers in a show of support. His head didn’t even accept what he was doing until he felt that buzz when their hands connected. Emma squeezed his hand softly, still looking at the doctor.
    “I’m sure the receptionist told you the circumstances and where Gabe has been staying.”
    Doctor Phelps’ lips tightened as he nodded. “I completely understand, but I’m sure you do too. We have to work within the parameters of the law. Exactly how old is Gabe?”
    “He told me sixteen.”
    “Have the authorities been contacted?”
    Her hand tightened around his. “He hasn’t been at the shelter long. But to answer your question, yes, they have been and we’re working with them as we do with any child coming through our doors. I’ve contacted his allocated social worker.”
    Exhaling loudly, the doctor shoved his fingers through the unruly, dark curls on his head. He scowled seconds before he whispered, “I can tell you his cut has been sutured and he’s had medication for both the pain, and to calm him down. Gabe was not an easy patient.”
    “Thank you,” Emma replied, her shoulders sagging in relief. “Can I go and see him?”
    “As I said, he is sleeping but I doubt a few minutes would hurt.” He raised his clipboard, jotting something onto the paper that Asher couldn’t decipher. “Make sure it is just a few minutes, Miss Carnes. And please make his social worker aware that I’m his doctor, and I need to speak with them.”
    Thanking him, Emma dragged Asher through the waiting area toward the door.
    “Em? Emma, wait,” he shouted, pulling her to a stop. Turning to face him, she looked annoyed causing him to hastily say, “I don’t think I should go in with you. I’ll wait out here.”
    “What? Why?”
    “Doctor Phelps said he’s sedated because he wasn’t calm enough for him to treat. I’m a stranger to him. It would make him worse if he woke to see me. Trust me, I know.”
    “The doctor didn’t exactly say that,” she responded her top lip curling.
    “He inferred it. Same thing.”
    Letting go of his hand, she adjusted her bag strap on her shoulder. “You’ll wait for me?”
    His chest tightened at the sound of uncertainty in her voice. Why did she get to him like this? Why her and why now?
    “Yeah. Yeah, I’ll wait right over there. Take your time.” He needed the space to think anyway. “Need me to call anyone?”
    “No.” She started to push the door open, but paused and turned back toward him. “Asher?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Thanks for coming. You were my knight in shining armour today. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Never.”
    Asher swallowed