New Girl // A.I (completed)

fourteen

**trigger warning: talks about assault**

< November >
< Saturday >

{ Payton }

I woke up surrounded by my friends and my boyfriend. Since Halloween, I haven't slept alone. The incident itself reminded me of my whole relationship with my ex, Logan. Ashton's hardly left me alone since. He comes over every day even when we see each other at school.

Once we had all woken up, we made our way into the kitchen where my mom had made breakfast for all of us,

"Thanks Mom!" Michael yelled as he stuffed his mouth with pancakes. My mom laughed,

"You're welcome" she smiled, "Now when you all are done, you're on dish duty"

We ate in silence. We were all still tired. Michael had the genius idea of watching every single Star Wars movie last night and if we fell asleep, he woke us up.

When we finished, Ashton and Calum did the dishes. Michael and Luke both had to get home,

"Hey, I have a soccer game at 3:00. Are you guys going?" I questioned,

"Cal and I can't. We already had plans made" Grace spoke,

"I'll come, but I have to run home first so I'll see you at your game" Ashton smiled, tossing the dishrag on the counter,

"Awesome"

****

I sat in front of my mirror as I braided my hair for my game. My mom slowly entered and sat on my bed behind me,

"We need to talk" she stated. I let out a big sigh and just kept braiding,

"Payton, you were assaulted. You were hurt and I know the only thing in your brain right now is Logan. I know you're scared now"

"I'm not scared" I scoffed,

"That's a lie" Mom shook her head, "You can't sleep by yourself. Ashton's been here just about every night"

I looked down,

"Baby why don't you just talk to me?"

"I was scared Mom. I literally was just using the bathroom. I had locked the door and when I was washing my hands, the knob jiggled. I thought it was Ashton because he was standing outside. I opened it without caring and then the guy walked in. Thankfully Ashton got worried and opened the door"

"Does this boy go to your school?"

"No Mom. I don't know where he goes. Hell, Ashton didn't even know who he was" I sighed,

"Payton I don't want you bottling everything up. This ain't the first time you've been hurt like this. I don't want you to slip backward and go back to what happened after Logan"

I looked down. After Logan, I didn't know how to cope. So, I got drunk and high every night. My parents were pissed of course but they also knew I was trying to work myself through the trauma. They helped me stop from getting drunk and high all the time and instead talk to them,

"I won't Mom because I have so many people around me that will help me. You, Dad, my friends, Ashton"

"I love you sweetheart" Mom kissed my head, "Just please talk to me whenever you need to. I will never turn you away"

****

My whole game, I was thinking about how much I appreciate Ashton and my friends for being there. It would have turned out differently if it wasn't for them.

As soon as my game was over, I ran to Ashton, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him right,

"Hi" he giggled, "You played amazing. Two goals is freaking awesome-"

"Thank you" I cut him off,

"What? Oh yeah of course. I love coming to watch you play-"

Once again I cut him off,

"No Ash, thank you for everything since the incident. I appreciate you a lot"

Ashton's arms tightened around me,

"Absolutely Pay"

****

Ashton ended up coming back to my house but left a few minutes ago. I headed back up to my room and got in bed. This is the first night one of my friends or my mom hasn't slept in here.

My door slightly creaked open and I saw Evan and Jude's heads poke in,

"Come in" I laughed. They both ran to my bed and climbed under the covers,

"What are you guys doing?" I smiled,

"I heard Mommy saying someone hurt you. We want to protect you" Jude explained. My heart swelled,

"Thank you" I kissed both their heads, "I love you all"

"We love you too sissy" Evan smiled, "And we will beat up everybody who hurts you"

Kids are just too good for this world.

My brothers were sound asleep in seconds, but I was not. I couldn't fall asleep. I groaned and grabbed my phone, texting the first person I thought of, that until I fell asleep.

-messages-

[ hey, r u awake? ]

Ash🥰: [ yeah! Are you okay?
Do you want me to come over? ]

[ No, stay home.
I just can't fall asleep ]

Ash🥰: [ I'm sorry.
I can stay up and text u
until you fall asleep.
I'd call you but Harry is
sleeping in my room ]

[ my brothers are in
my room too lol ]

Ash🥰: [ how are you feeling?
Like emotionally? ]

[ Better. My mom and I talked
before my game. She eased
up a lot of stuff for me ]

Ash🥰: [ I'm glad. Just know
that I'm always here for you.
No matter what ]

[ Thanks Ash ]
[ I guess I should let you sleep.
Goodnight ]

Ash🥰: [ Goodnight Payton ]