Home Away From Home

Chapter Nineteen

DAY FORTY EIGHT

"Close your eyes!" Ashton commanded for the fifteenth time.

"I feel like you're going to walk me into a wall." I complained, peaking through the cracks of my hands. I can't tell where he is leading me, but I can see that I almost ran into something or someone.

"I'm not going to walk you into anything, but I might if you don't listen to me!" His giggle escaped through his voice, and I couldn't help but laugh.

I sighed, covering my eyes entirely, and listened to Ashton's directions. 

"Just a little frther..." His voice coaxed me one step at a time, and I was groing increasingly antsy.

"Where are you taking me?!" 

"Just sit down." I felt Ashton's gigantic hands press down on my shoulders.

"No," I protested, having mistrusted him since he called me this afternoon.

"Please. Just sit down." His voice was growing frustrated, but I have the hardest time taking Ashton seriously because of his stupid laugh.

I rolled my covered eyes and did as he said. I landed on a plush seat-- felt like a couch. 

"Aaaand open." Calum's voice caught me off guard.

I opened my eyes to what appeared to be a garage. In front of me was Calum, Ashton, Michael, and Luke-- each with instrument.

"A little unofficial birthday slash whenever you're going away gift." Michael explained that they were going to perform for me.

I felt like a giddy child, and a smile dominated my face. I scooted to the edge of the couch, waiting for them to begin. But no one moved.

"So, what are you going to sing?" I urged them to start playing, but they all stood with blank faces.

"Uhhh. You can choose." Luke nervously chuckled.

I racked my brain for a song but drew a blank until I remembered their youtube channel-- which I may or may not have stayed up all night watching old old covers from when they were just babies. "Jasey Rae?"

They all nodded to themselves and then to each other, and I enjoyed watching their musical gears turn. 

Pretty soon I heard the first chord being strummed, and Luke's voice rang through the garage. Uneasy to begin, it slowly gained strength, and I think I audibly gasped.

Calum joined in on harmony, and I didn't know where to look. They all looked uncomfortable, but I could visably see their muscles loosen as the song progressed. They're good. 
I recalled the conversation I had with Luke a while back, and my heart ached for their lost chance. 

The song finished, and I clapped wildly. "That was so good!"

"Hah, thanks." They all said in unison.

"No, thank you. Wow." I continued to revel in their talent, and they all eventually crowded me-- Calum and Ashton taking the floor while Michael and Luke found spots on the couch.

You know when you were younger and there was that one person that was just like the coolest person you knew, and you just looked up at them in awe every time because their presence was just that captivating? And they felt so important, and you felt so small, but it was okay because you got to just look at that person for a little while? That's what looking up at Luke feels like every time. 
Not that he's super cool or anything; it's just like you can't help but give him all of your attention.

"Thank you, guys." I said again, humbled that they would play just for me.

"Eh, we needed an audience member. It's been a while." Michael joked, but I could feel the solemn tension.