Begin Again - A.I

eight.

I turns out in the last ten years Ashton had changed significantly, and not just into someone who was passionate about music. It turned out that during the decade long period, whilst I had changed to fit my surroundings in LA, Ashton had done the same to stop himself from getting bored in this ultimately boring town. But music certainly wasn’t his only passion.

“Who is that?” I ask Luke we stand in the corner watching Ashton dance and flirt and aggressively make out with some random girl. The thing that strikes me is that she isn’t even pretty, so, like, what’s the point? And whoever dyes her hair needs to be fired because her hair is shocking.

I was somewhat grateful for Luke’s company because 1. It meant I wasn’t alone in such a crowded place and 2. He knew things I wanted to know. Like, for example, Ashton. I was very intrigued to say the least. Because this girl was about the fifth one tonight and it wasn’t even midnight yet.

Luke leans against the wall and takes a sip from his beer. I had discarded mine ages ago. The stuff was horrible. “I’m trying to remember.” He winces. “I don’t recognise the face, so I think she’s a new one.”

“How many does he have?” I cry.

Luke shrugs. “Hard to count.” He notices my expression and laughs, readjusting himself so that he towers over me. “He gets really drunk,” he explains. “He has this kind of track record at parties.”

“What kind of track record?”

His eyes flutter towards Ashton again. “You’re about to find out.” He points and I turn to see Ashton pulling his ‘new girl’ away from the crowd and up the stairs.

“Where are they going?” I ask. “What’s he doing?”

Luke just laughs. “Hey, you want another drink?”

“You didn’t answer my question.” I frown.

“Because I didn’t need to. Where do you think they’re going?”

I didn’t need him to explain anymore because I had heard enough. And I suddenly realised what Ashton’s ‘track record’ was. I feel my stomach churn. He was one of those guys. “Oh.”

“So, that’s a no to a drink?” Luke questions.

“Uh, no. I’m okay.”

“Okay, I’ll be back.” He smiles. “Don’t go anywhere.” Then he disappears into the crowd.

I don’t listen to him and immediately move away from our spot. Being so suffocated in this crowd has made me desperate for air. I’ve just found a clearing and taken about two seconds to process my thoughts, alone, when someone interrupts me.

“Ella!”

I groan.

“Ella, hey.”

I look up to see a very tipsy looking Calum moving towards me. His eyes are red and his hair is messy, and he wears a crooked smile on his face as he holds a cup of unidentified liquid. He stumbles towards me and once he straightens up, which takes several years, he grins again.