Chapter 121: The Past Revealed

"You were overwhelmed, Ashley. It's okay."

We all have times when it feels like the world is hitting us at once. I understand. Ashley and I have both been fighting our own battles in separate war zones.

"I haven't studied for the bar since May."

I grab Ashley's hand, squeezing tightly. She always thinks the worst of herself. "Yes, you have. You're always at the library." How many nights have I come home to an empty apartment when Ashley's been off studying? She's always too hard on herself.

She shakes her head. "No, I lied. I've been going to Harpers for lunch every day and staying until dinner."

I blink, stare at her, and then blink again. Did I hear her right? Harper's is a corner stone of college life. Located less than two blocks from campus. We'd spent many nights there.

"What were you doing the whole time?"

She shrugs and her gaze falls to her lap. "Playing on my phone."

What? Why would she admit this to me now? "For how long?"

Ashley lifts her shoulder again as