Starless Eyes Remain

I took deep, heavy breaths as the phone rang.

Pick up, Ashton...pick up...

"What?" I heard Ashton snap into the phone.

"Ash? Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fucking dandy."

"Are you...mad? At me? For being fucking raped?"

There was silence on the other end as Ashton contemplated how to respond.

"What the fuck's wrong with you, Ash? I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry that I was raped. I should really be more careful the next time some strange man attacks me--"

"I'm not mad at you for being raped, Dani--that's ridiculous. I'm mad at you because you stole my father away from me. He hasn't said a single word to me since that night. I know it's wrong and completely irrational, but I miss my father. He cares more about you than his own daughter. So, it would really rock if you could just fuck off and leave us alone."

"Ash... I'm so sorry. I didn't know you felt that way... If that's what you really want, I'll leave you guys alone. I really am sorry. I didn't realize I was affecting your relationship."

"Dani, I--"

"Tell your dad I love him. And I love you, too. Bye, Ash."