You're Not My Babysitter

Chapter 7

Ashton

I woke up this morning to the lovely sound of my phone alarm. Please note the sarcasm. A groan leaves my body as I read the time of 6:15 am from my screen. I also take in the 500 texts from my brother. Yeah, given certain choices of mine I can't really blame him for wanting to know what I'm doing every second of every day but, he could at call instead- oh ok that's better

"Hello brother dearest," I said sweetly into the phone, "what can I do for you?"

"I mean you could start by answering maybe just one of my messages!"

He sounded tired.

I guess the combination of touring the country and being responsible for your little sister who recently tried to kill herself can bring that out of someone.

"You're scaring me Ash."

"I know but I promise I'm fine. Besides, why didn't you just text Andy?"

"I did and he told me you were fine but," he sighed, "I wanted to hear it from you ya know?"

I started to tear up a bit as I thought of what I've put him through. Adrian had been probably my biggest supporter since, well- forever and, how did I repay him? By putting myself in the hospital because apparently my life isn't good enough.

"I'm sorry." I finally breathed out.

"It's ok Ash I know you didn't mean to make me worry."

It would've been obvious to anyone that neither of us were talking about me ignoring his messages but, we both seemed to skip over that part.

"Hey I love you and miss you but, I gotta get ready for school." I sniffed finally being able to compose myself.

"Oh yeah, it's your first day back today," He started as I heard a knock on my bedroom door, "you sure you're ready?"

"If I'm being honest, I don't think I am but-," the knock sounded again, "I have to go back at some point-"

And there it was again.

You've got to be shitting me.

"I gotta go Dee but, I'll call you later, I promise."

As Dee and I said our I Love Yous the knocking sounded again causing me to hang up the phone and pull my bedroom door open.

"Good morning sunshine!" Andy said with a bright smile on his face.

Of course he's a fucking morning person.

"Ready for your first day back?"

I ignored him completely as I grabbed my outfit for the day, headed to the shower, and got ready for the day.        

The shower was refreshing but, I found myself thinking about my conversation with Adrian. I didn't just hurt him with my stupid decision. If I would've been successful I would've hurt him, I would've hurt my friends, my parents- the truth is so many people cared about me and I let them all down. I can't believe I could be so stupid and weak.

Before I know it there's another knock but, this time it's on the bathroom door.

Jesus, I can't even be alone with my thoughts anymore.

Maybe that's a good thing.

I turned the water off to listen for a response, "Uh, just so you know it's 7:15"

Fuck.

"Ok thank you!"

After I hopped out of the shower, dried my hair, and got dressed I pulled out my phone and clicked contact for the group chat I was in with my friends.

Ashton: so hey guys!

Syd: Holy SHIT UR ALIVE?!?! 💀

Riley: ms.girl where have u been?

Ashton: yeah I just had something go down um but, I'm coming back to school today and I didn't know if you could squeeze me back into your route?

Gracie: Absolutely I just picked up Pres so I'll be there in 2 minutes!

Ashton: Gracie I fucking love u

Syd: Ayo that's my line thanks very much :)

Ashton: 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽

Syd: ✨💞🧚‍♂️🌈❤️

I chuckled at the messages as I slid my phone into my pocket. I then grabbed my navy green jansport bag, and without thinking, slipped out the door.

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"Ms.Wright, do you need to step out and take that call?" my history teacher called out as my phone finished vibrating for probably the 50th time in the last 5 minutes.

People were starting to get irritated and by people, I meant me.

"No it should be ok-," I'm interrupted as my phone rings yet again, "maybe I should. I'm so sorry."

"It's alright," she sighed, "just try to make it quick?"

"Absolutely. Thank you."

I was sure that every teacher at my school knew about my attempt. I mean the school kind of has to know why you haven't been in class for a week plus, that's really the only explanation for them being so lenient with things like my phone blowing up in the middle of a notes session.

I looked for the caller ID and ignored the call since there wasn't one but, less than a second later my phone rang again.

"Can I help you?" I snapped immediately after picking up the phone.

"Ashton?"

"Um, yeah?" My anger faded to confusion

"Oh thank god," whoever was on the other side of the line let out a shaky breath, "why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"

Who the fuck- oh shit.

"Andy?"

"Yeah!" He sighed.

"I'm sorry I wasn't thinking-" I started before Andy cut me off.

"No, I don't think you were," He muttered making me feel even worse, "Ashton I'm supposed to be looking after you and I can't do that-"

"Wait, how'd you get my number?"

There was a moment of silence, "I texted Adrian."

That anger that faded away a minute ago? It was back now.

"You. Did. What," I asked then, proceeded to cut him off before he could answer, "Andy what the fuck were you thinking? He's worried about me enough as it is!"

"He doesn't know why I asked he just knows that I didn't have it and wanted to be prepared."

He paused for a second waiting for a response but all I could do was hang up.

This guy is really starting to piss me off.