Stay With Me (On Hold)

Chapter 7

I didn't really re-read through this, so it might be pretty awful lol

I've been trying to figure out how to add more detail to my writing because it's usually pretty brief and lacks a lot of detail. At least I think so

Anyways, I tried my best with this chapter. I don't really know what I think about it but enjoy

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Ashton pov

The rest of the day was kind of quiet. Owen is working late again which just leaves Bowden and I by ourselves.

We got home at around 1pm and Owen saw what state Bowden was in. He took an hour off of his shift so we could tell him what happened. He was a bit disappointed when I told him that I hurt someone but he understood.

Bowden hasn't left my side either. I mean, he usually stays close to me, but he's been clinging onto me ever since we got home. Whether it's holding my hand or wrapping his arms around one of my own and leaning against my side. He's basically been glued to me ever since we got home. It worries me, though. He flinches every few times that I touch him. I saw the look he gave me after Bryce pulled me away from Nate. And I didn't like it. He looked terrified.

Bowden sat down beside me and grabbed my arm, wrapping his own around it from underneath. He leaned against me, resting his head on my shoulder. A faint smile pulled at my lips. "Hey, Bowden?"

He hummed, keeping his focus on TV. The volume wasn't that loud, more like small murmurs.

"What happened the other night when I was drunk?"

His body stiffened. He looked up at me then looked back at the TV. "You said you liked me..." He trailed off. "...and kissed me."

My eyes widened. "I... kissed you?" My gaze fell to the floor as I felt my face heat up.

Sh*+. Sh*+. Sh*+.

"Ash?"

"I must have made you so uncomfortable. I'm sor-"

"Do you really like me?"

Yes.

"You're my best friend, of course I like you."

"But, I mean really like me."

Yes..

"I... don't know."

F**k you, Ashton...

I didn't miss the small frown that pulled at his lips. He nodded slowly, keeping his head pointed to the ground.

I sighed. "Bowden." He looked up.

"I have something I need to tell you."

"Okay."

"I went to your house a couple of days ago."

Why am I doing this.

"My... house?"

"I wanted to see if I could find anything you might want that belonged to your family."

He tilted his head, knitting his eyebrows together. The frown stayed plastered on his face. I sighed and went upstairs. I entered my room and grabbed the bag that was sitting in my closet before heading downstairs.

This is a bad idea.

He unzipped it. The first things he grabbed was his sister's stuffed animals, then her notebook of drawings, and then the family album. He smiled softly as he looked at everything. "Thank you..." His voice came out as a whisper. His eyes were glued to pictures inside the album. I inaudibly sighed in relief and sat beside him, grabbing the envelope that was stuffed in my pocket. I was hesitant to hand it to him. But I did.

He looked at me with a confused frown, his eyebrows knitted together. "I found this on your dad's desk. It had your name on it."

He lifted the flap of the envelope and grabbed the folded paper inside of it.

He read the note slowly. I could see the tears threatening to make their way down his face. His whole body froze.

He turned to me, fear written all over his face.

"Bow?"

He handed me the note. His hands were shaking.

I looked at the paper, skimming through the words.

Dear Bowden,

I'm sorry for what I might have caused. There's not much time left for me, and possibly not for your mother either. We've kept this a secret from you for too long. You deserve to know what I actually do for a living.

I guess I'm part of some sort of Mafia. Your mother wanted me to keep it a secret because she thought you and your sister would be safe. But it was the exact opposite.

They're coming as I'm writing this. I don't know if you'll see this, but if you do, please. Take your sister and run. And if it's too late to take her, just run yourself. They might be after you.

You're in danger, and it's all my fault.
I'm so sorry, Bowden. I never wanted this to happen.

I love you, Bowden. And whatever happens, don't let them figure out how to get to the basement.

O

h, f**k...

I look up from the letter to see Bowden. He seemed paler than usual.

"Bow?"

"He knew they were coming. He didn't do anything except write a letter that I clearly wouldn't find! A-And he was part of a Mafia..?"

"Bowden, calm down."

"What? Calm down..? The note said I'm in danger... How can I-"

"Bow, this was four years ago. They probably gave up by now."

Liar. They were at his house.

"O-Okay."

He really isn't safe. Is he?

"Ash?"

I hummed. He stood still, our eyes were glued together for what felt like hours. "Nevermind... I'm going to bed."

"Okay."

"Will you stay with me?"

"Of course." I smiled.

We both entered my room and walked over to the bed. Bow waited until I got under the covers so he could lay his head on top of me. I wrapped one of my arms protectively around him. I used my free hand to run my fingers through his fluffy blonde hair. He fell asleep rather quickly. His soft snores becoming the only thing I'm able to focus on.

He's so innocent and kind. Why would anyone want to harm him?

...I have to tell Owen about the note.