The autumn pasted in a blur of lights and makeup. Soon, the first signs of winter began to rear its head, and Ashley couldn't have been more excited. She had spent three long and exciting months as both Parr and Boleyn, with the occasional Howard. She still hadn't told the Queens about her past, but Erin reminded her that admitting ones fears was often the first step to healing.

She just kept telling herself that she would tell them soon, but soon became never. Ashley also postponed her visit to Josephine, since she wanted it to be a good time to talk to her.

One day, in late November, Ashley worked up the courage to get her butt up and go over to her house. Writing a note to Erin, she left and followed the directions and walked over to her house. She was surprised to see a woman sitting on the front porch.

She had long, dark hair, in a long braid, and bronze skin. Her eyes were deep brown, and she was reading a book. She looked up and smiled.

"Hello. Are you Ashley Sanderson?"

Ashley nodded. The woman - who Ashley believed was Josephine - stood up and gave Ashley a small hug.

"You look just like your mother when she was your age."

Ashley smiled. She did indeed gain most of her looks from her mother, but it felt good to talk about her.

"So you're Josephine, I take it?"

She nodded. "I am. I have some things I'd wish to tell you. Perhaps over some tea?"

Ashley nodded. They walked inside a charming house, and Josephine put the kettle on.

"So," Ashley started, "You really knew my mom?"

Josephine nodded. "We were close in high school. In fact, Emily moved to the UK for high school to learn English. She was very proud of herself when she learned it."

Ashley nodded. "My mom taught me Greek and English when I was little. She told me being bilingual was a skill that helped your brain. Do you know another language?"

Josephine smiled. "I do. Your mother taught me Greek as well, but I'm fluent in French, Spanish, and other languages. I'm a teacher at a nearby college actually."

Ashley nodded again and took a sip of her tea. "So, what did you want to tell me?"

Josephine smiled again and nodded. "Yes. Your mother had an old bank account that she said to give to you in case something happens to her. She also wanted me to give you this."

Ashley took the letter in Josephine's hand. "This one?"

Josephine nodded. "She sent this over two months before her passing."

Ashley opened the letter and read it.

Ashy,

Hey. It's Mom. I know that if you're reading this, I'm dead at this point. Wow. Anyway, if you have this letter, move to the UK. There are some things in that country I never told you.

One. Your grandfather once made a fortune there, and he pasted it on to me. I never used it, so it's now yours.

Two. My old friend, Jo Stuart, lives there. She'll give you the access to the account under my name.

Three. I know I've done some pretty terrible mistakes, but I want you to remember something. That I am so proud of you. Remember when you were little, and I would take you to a Broadway show every year? Remember how you only requested musicals?

From the first time you watched "Annie" when you were six, you've wanted to be on Broadway. If I died before that, then I sure as hell am coming back to watch you perform!

But regardless of whether I was there or not, what matters is that you made me the happiest mother on Earth. Even after your father left, you stayed strong. In high school, I noticed some shifts in you personality, but I still saw the light.

That's what's special about you, Ash. You never let anything bring you down, and I want you to never stop doing that. It's what makes you shine.

And finally, I'm sorry. For your father. You might not remember it, but there was a time when things weren't so great. I just hope you can forgive me, and move past that.

Just remember that I love you so much. I always have, and I always will. Keep that in your mind, and things will always work your way.

Love, Mom.

Ashley smiled and sniffled. Her mother's last written words were to her, they were a letter of encouragement for her.

She turned to Josephine. "Thank you."

The woman nodded and gave Ashley a card.

"This is the name of the bank, and the number of the account. Use it well."

Ashley nodded and took the card. She thanked Josephine, and left. On the way back, she called Erin.

It went to voicemail. Ashley sighed.

"Hey, Rin. It's Ash. I went over to Jo's house, and it looks like her story checked out. She really was the one my mom would talk about. Anyway, I'm heading home. Hope I'll catch you there! Love you!"

Ashley walked on home, and was surprised to see the door unlocked. She walked inside; her heart racing.

"Erin?" No answer.

Ashley walked through the house, and noticed the living room was a mess. Which was natural, as both of the teens would mess around on Mondays, but still no blonde.

Ashley was starting to get scared, but she kept walking. She found Erin's bedroom, and prayed she was sleeping.

A/N:  Sorry for the cliffhanger! I feel like theatresaxnerd