New Girl // A.I (completed)

nineteen

**Trigger Warning: mentions of military situations, abductions**

< Wednesday >

{ Ashton }

I got up early and started getting ready, sending a text to Payton telling her not to drive to school and that I'd pick her up and we'd get breakfast before. It was also our last day before Christmas break.

I threw on a pair of jeans and a white shirt with a flannel on top. I quickly grabbed my backpack, keys, and phone and started heading to my Jeep when Mom stopped me,

"Honey, do you know where Payton's dad is stationed?"

That was an odd ask,

"No. I don't even think Payton and them know" I shrugged, "Why?"

"Because some troops got captured"

My heart dropped,

"Payton may say something if she knows what's going on. I didn't want you to be blindsided and not know what to do"

"Thanks Mom. I'm going to go pick her up now actually"

"Okay sweetie. Have a good day"

I walked out to my car and got in, tossing my backpack into the backseat and checking to make sure the blanket was still there. I still haven't gotten the heat fixed yet.

On my drive to Payton's, I kept thinking about the possibility of her dad being captured. I hope it's not him. I'm preparing myself for if Payton says something. I want to be able to comfort her.

I parked in front of Payton's house and got out just as her mom and brothers were leaving,

"Good morning Ashton" Amy smiled as I walked up to the house, "She's up. You can just go in"

"Thanks" I nodded and watched as she closed the door once Evan and Jude were in the car. She then motioned me over,

"I don't know how she's going to be today. She knows there's a possibility that her dad has been captured" she told me,

"I'll keep an eye on her" I promised. Amy smiled then let me go.

I walked into the house and walked up to Payton's room where I found her sitting on her bed watching the world news on her laptop. She hadn't noticed me yet so I took a minute to just look at her. She looked cute. She was wearing leggings and one of my long sleeve Vans shirts she had stolen. I'm pretty sure most of my closet is here. She's always wearing my clothes but I don't mind.

"Hey Pay" I spoke up, walking towards her bed, leaning down and kissing her lips for a long minute,

"Hi" she giggled when we pulled away then looked back at her computer, "My dad-"

"I know" I sighed. She nodded and closed her computer,

"It just sucks because we don't know where he was to begin with"

"I know baby. And I'm sorry. You know you can come to me with anything"

"Thanks Ash" she smiled, making me lean down so she could hug me. I hugged her back then pulled away, kissing her again,

"Breakfast?" She asked with a small smile,

"Let's go" I laughed, grabbing her backpack for her and carrying it like the gentleman I am, "By the way, you look cute"

"Me? Have you seen yourself? I love this outfit on you" she giggled as she locked her house.

We walked to my Jeep and I opened the passenger door. I put her backpack in the back then let her get in,  closing the door once she was buckled. I got into the driver's seat then grabbed the blanket and put it over Payton's lap. She giggled then grabbed my hand, holding it in her lap,