Banner by @jackie_pal12

Once we reached the top floor, the two boys led the way down the hall which was carpeted and had light yellow paint on the walls with white stripes running across them. Overall, it was a cozy yet modern building.

We all stopped once we reached the only door on the floor and waited for Cash to unlock it.

"Welcome to the crib roomie." Austin grinned as he stepped in after Cash, letting me get a full view of the place.

It was really nice and well kept for two guys. It was a large open space with a nice modern kitchen up ahead. The floors were a laminated cotton-white, blending nicely with the light-yellow shade on the walls, making it look bright and modern inside. There was a spacious living room before the kitchen with white and black comfy looking couches and a large flat screen stood up on a stand across from it. There was a hall off to the right of the kitchen which led to a door, and on the other side of the kitchen was a large, modern staircase with only a few steps, leading to a higher spot with two separate doors facing each other, probably being the other two rooms.

"So, you like it?" I turned to see Cash looking at me expectantly.

"It's beautiful." I said aloud honestly.

"Here, I'll show you the view." Cash said, before grabbing my hand without warning and tugging me down the apartment, stopping by a large window.

I stepped close to look out and gasped in awe. You could see the whole downtown area from up here. The buildings and shops all illuminated bright colors which lit up the dark sky, making the city look lively.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Cash said to me with a grin.

"Yeah." I agreed, taking my eyes off the pretty scenery and focusing on him.

I was surprised at how close he was when I looked up. His face was a few inches away. I peered into his grey orbs that were so inviting and interesting. I could definitely get lost in them. My hand started to tingle as I realized it was still in his. I watched as Cash opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Austin.

"Are you guys coming to eat or what?" He called out from the kitchen, snapping me out of whatever trance I was in.

I took a step away from Cash, releasing my hand from his, before heading over to the kitchen. My head felt too fuzzy. I heard him let out a small sigh, before following me.

As I entered the kitchen, I suddenly sneezed. Three times in a row. Great.

I looked up to see Cash and Austin both looking at me with concern.

"I think she's caught a cold." Austin muttered, before taking three big steps away from me.

"Whoops." I said sheepishly. It was probably all that rain.

"I think you should take a nice hot shower and change into some dry clothes." Cash told me, before putting a hand on my still damp back and leading me out of the kitchen and up the staircase.

"Would that be okay?" I asked hesitantly as we reached the upper level, biting my lip.

Cash turned to me, his eyes moving to my lips for a split second, before answering. "Of course. You live here after-all." He shook his head.

I gave him a sheepish look. "Right. Sorry, it just all happened so fast."

"You'll get used to it." He offered a small smile.

"How am I going to afford this place?" I asked in wonder now, looking to Cash seriously. "One room must be, what, two-thousand a month at least?"

"No, seven-hundred actually." Cash shook his head.

"I don't believe that." I said right away, looking at him suspiciously. "That's how much your previous tenant paid?" I raised a brow.

"Well actually, we never really had any previous tenants. I've never rented out the third room, Austin and I usually keep it as a guest bedroom for when our parents want to come visit. But they rarely ever do now. We came up with the decision before I stepped out of my truck. Having a third person help out with rent and keep the place clean wouldn't be so bad, and I would love to give you that opportunity." Cash answered truthfully.

"Why?" I asked now, crossing my arms uncertainly.

Cash simply stared at me silently, before answering. "Because I think a girl like you deserves a lot more in life. I think you have a lot of potential, although I barely know you. I could at least help you get set up. You don't have to stay here if you don't feel comfortable. But I'd at least want you to get up on your own two feet, so you can have the opportunity to make it in whatever you want. Why wouldn't I want to help someone have a chance in living their best life?"

"So if I had been some old, strange homeless man with a long beard, you would have still taken me in your truck, brought me to your home, and told me I could live here?" I asked now, raising a brow.

Cash chuckled at that. "Well, there actually was this one time Austin and I took out a homeless man to a nice dinner, then invited him to sleep here. Long story short, he robbed us of around five-hundred dollars worth of antiques and personal items and was gone before we woke up the next day, having only left a trail of cocaine on our table. Austin told me that I had after-all accepted a risk in losing everything as soon as I invited him in. But you, Ashley, I'm willing to risk everything for. Because you're not some strange weird old man on drugs with mental health problems. At least, I don't think you are." Cash finished with humor in his eyes and a light smile.

He was, undeniably, charming.

I chuckled at his story. "No, don't worry. No drugs or beard on me."

"So you're okay paying seven-hundred a month here? You don't feel uncomfortable about it?" Cash asked me now, looking at me seriously.

"That's more than comfortable. I really appreciate it, Cash. I do feel like a bit of a freeloader, but I'll be working my ass off to repay you for literally saving my life." I promised him.

"Focus on building yourself up, this is all my pleasure." Cash smiled softly.

"So do you just have a big heart, or are you looking for a charity case to help fix some past karmas?" I asked now with slight humor.

"You're not a charity case Ashley. You're amazing and I'm just giving you what you deserve. If it means having a big heart to not let some stranded girl die of hypothermia on the side of the road, then sure." Cash gave me a small grin, before placing a hand on my back and leading us down the hall.

We reached a door at the end of the hall and Cash opened it to reveal a large spacious bedroom with a balcony and washroom. There was a king-sized bed placed in the center of it and a flat screen TV across from it. The walls were painted a calming shade of blue and a few picture frames were hung up on the wall.

"Here's a towel. Now go take a shower before your cold gets worse." Cash ordered, before pushing me into the direction of the bathroom.

I stepped in and turned to face Cash, thanking him before shutting the door and facing the mirror. I stopped in horror and didn't even appreciate the beautifully large modern bathroom with a Jacuzzi, two sinks, and a large shower. My hair was matted down to my head, still drenched, and my eyes looked wide and hollow. My skin looked quite pale and my lips showed a small hint of blue. I looked like the Corpse Bride.

It was a wonder that Cash and Austin had let me sit in their truck.

Letting out a defeated sigh, I peeled off my cold wet clothes, before stepping into the hot shower. It was instantaneous relief and I didn't want to get out.

After letting the hot water relax my shoulders and scrubbing myself clean, I shut off the faucet and stepped out, wrapping the towel Cash had handed to me around myself. I turned to change into my dry clothes but froze when I realized I had left my bag in the living room. Great.

Now what was I supposed to do? I couldn't put my original clothes back on, unless I wanted to worsen my cold. So tugging the towel up higher, I slipped out of the washroom and turned around.

My small panic suddenly diminished once I saw my bag sitting there on the bed. I grinned to myself as I realized that Cash or Austin had had the decency to leave me my dry set of clothes.

After making sure the door to the bedroom was locked, I changed into my dry clothes, thankful that my backpack was waterproof. I had pulled on my comfy pair of black sweatpants and had thrown on a thermal full sleeve shirt over it with a picture of Micky Mouse on it. I quickly shook out the wet droplets from my hair and hung the towel in the washroom.

I walked over to the door but stopped once my eye caught a picture of a younger version on Cash smiling brightly at the camera with who I assumed were his parents standing behind him. They looked like a happy family. I smiled slightly. No wonder he was so happy and generous. His parents must be amazing people.

Finally pulling the door open, I stepped out and down the hall, thankfully not getting lost. I found my way to the kitchen, spotting Austin and Cash sitting at the small bar in front of the kitchen sink.

"You look much better! Like you were revived and came back to life." Austin commented with a grin.

I chuckled as I took the empty seat between the two as Cash reached over me to smack his friend.

"Thanks. And also you two might not want to get too close to me because I might still have a cold." I muttered as I grabbed my food, trying not to seem too eager.

"Don't worry. I'm making my famous hot chocolate after which will surely cure you." Cash stated with a proud smirk.

I gave him a doubtful look. "So you don't have any Tylenol?" I asked as I popped a fry into my mouth.

"Nope. Never need it because his hot chocolate basically cures anything." Austin answered.

I looked between them unsure, before shrugging and starting on my burger. I had polished up the last of my fries before standing up and going to toss out the garbage.

"Thanks for this, Chick-fil-A is truly heaven." I grinned at the two of them who were still finishing up their fries.

I was feeling more and more comfortable around them as the reality of me living here with them soaked in.

"Preach it sister." Austin grinned through a mouthful of fries.

I laughed.

"You can go unpack all your stuff. I'll show you to your room." Cash said quickly as he stood up and quickly shoveled down the rest of his fries.

I stared at him in amusement as he quickly threw away all the trash and gestured me to follow him up the stairs.

We reached a door to the side and he pushed it open, before stepping to aside. "I'll grab your stuff." He said quickly, before leaving.

I stepped into the room and looked around in awe. There was a single bed in the corner with a matching night stand and a dresser up against one wall. A full length mirror was propped against another wall and there was a soft white rug in the middle of the room. I stepped in further to see a walk in closet with hangers already on the bars. The whole room was themed light blue and white, sort of like an underwater theme. It was beautiful.

"Sorry if the room's too boyish." Cash's voice from behind me caused me to turn and see him stood near the door.

"Blue's my favorite color." I said honestly. I didn't mind it at all.

"Really? Mine too." Cash grinned at me, before walking in and dropping my bag near the bed. "And the washroom's out in the hall, or you could use mine, sorry there's not one in here."

"Cash, it's perfect." I said sincerely, smiling up at him.

He seemed to slightly relax and smiled back. "I'm glad. Make yourself at home, and don't hesitate to ask for anything." He said politely, before turning to leave.

"Wait!" I called out, running to the door.

He stopped his way down the hall and turned to walk back to me.

"Thank you." I said, not being able to stop myself as I threw my arms around him and pulled him into a hug. "For saving my life." I added softly, feeling tears start to surface.

As I thought back to where I had been just two hours ago, I wanted to break down. I had already accepted death at that point. I had lost all hope, and I was truly helpless. Him driving down that road had truly been a miracle.

Cash's strong arms wrapped around me now as he held me. "I'm so glad I did." He replied.

I felt safe and secure in his arms. Although I didn't like feeling weak and vulnerable, that was unfortunately the situation I had ended up in. I could not let my pride get in the way of turning down a miracle. I knew I'd work hard in making money to pay him back for his enormous acts of generosity. I could get a life started for myself in this new town. For the first time in a long time, I had a feeling of unwavering hope. And I had never felt so excited and sure.

As we both said goodnight and he left me to my new room, I knew I was going to be okay. Because for the first time in forever, I had someone who cared about me. And damn did it feel good.


* * *

"You undeserving brat."

The look in his eyes was murderous and brought shivers all over my body. It was hard to believe that this was the same guy who used to look at me with such adoration and care. The guy who used to beat up anyone who dared to speak to me like that.

And now he was gone. Consumed by despair, anger and greed.

My cries became louder as he drew closer, that animalistic look in his eyes never wavering.

I was screaming my heart out by the time he reached me and baked myself further into the wall. There was no escape. His presence was too big and demanding. I was trapped. I was drowning.

"Ashley! Ashley please wake up!"

I snapped open my eyes when instead of feeling a blow to my face, I felt strong arms pulling me towards a solid chest.

"I heard your screams and came in, I wanted to make sure you were okay." Cash's soft voice spoke through the silent dark room as he pulled away from me and rested his hands on my arms.

"I- I'm so sorry." I stuttered out in shock and embarrassment.

"You don't have to apologize. I used to get them too. Pretty bad nightmares." He comforted me.

"It's just all so fresh, I didn't have time to process..." I trailed off, before realizing how crazy I probably seemed.

He had just saved my life and given me a place to stay, and here I was screaming in the middle of the night like a madwoman.

I was worse than the hobo...

I took in a deep breath, before shaking his grip off of me and wiping my tear-stained face, before reaching to the side to switch on the lamp by the bedside.

"Do you want to talk about it? Or are you okay now? I didn't mean to intrude, but it sounded pretty serious." Cash spoke, looking over me with concern.

I glanced at him, before looking down at my hands and sighing. "I'm okay. I'd rather not talk about it. Thanks for checking up on me, I promise it won't happen again." 

"Can I make you some tea? It helps with the nightmares and will help you have a deep, peaceful sleep." Cash offered.

"That's very sweet of you Cash, but I can make it myself. I'm your roommate, not your girlfriend." I laughed awkwardly. "You've already done so much for me and I really am trying to stop feeling like a burden to you, whether you think so or not, it would help me more if I can help myself." I told him honestly.

Cash stared at me, before nodding and giving me an understanding smile. "Of course, I can respect that. But just know if you want to talk, I'm always here. The kettle's out on the counter and the teas are in the cabinet next to the fridge." Cash gave me a small smile, before standing up now. "Goodnight, Ashley."

"Thanks Cash. Goodnight." I smiled tiredly back up at him, watching him leave and close the door gently behind him.

I was beyond embarrassed of my outburst, and I felt more weak every time Cash seemed to swoop in and try to help. He truly had done more than enough, and I didn't feel comfortable taking so many favors from him. Even if he had a good heart and was purely trying to help, he didn't know me and I didn't know him.

Sighing, I got his entrancing grey eyes out of my head and stood up to go make myself some tea.

Ten minutes later, I was sat in bed with a steaming cup of chamomile tea, and my favorite book in my hand. I had barely managed to grab it before I was thrown out of my own place and stuffed in a van.

I closed my eyes and shuddered as flashbacks flooded my mind. I shook my head, focusing on my breathing which helped me instantly relax. I definitely was not ready to talk about this with anyone, I still had to process it all myself first...

After I had read about half of the book, I let out a yawn and set the book on the nightstand, next to the empty mug of tea.

I switched off the light and snuggled under the covers, instantly falling asleep.

Cash had been right, the tea helped with the nightmares.

_____

A/N

HAAA-LO! *marcusbutlervoice*

I FINALLY UPDATED! I know I finished MSK a little over a month ago, but I needed a little writing break which helped me figure out a lot for this story! I'm so excited that I'm starting the process now and can't wait to write the next chapter! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for being so lovely and patient, I really do appreciate it! Now the frequency of the updates is really hard to tell, aha, because I will be starting my last year of HS soon and will be freaking out with applying to Unis and doing mature stuff because holy crap I'm not exactly ready for all this BUT OH WELL!

SOOO PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS AND UNICORNS AND I SHALL BE SEEING YOU SMEXY MAJESTIC BEINGS SOON ON THE NEXT UPDATE! THANKS!

Sorry for the short chapter, the next chapter will be way longer :)

PLEASE VOTE IF YOU THINK THIS CHAPTER DESERVED IT, IF NOT THEN SEND ME ICE CREAM SO I CAN CRY OVER IT WITH SOME COMFORT FOOD

~Ghostface