AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER THREE

Song of the Chapter: Flaws - Bastille.

"Good luck with Ashton." Zac smirked as he walked my to third period. I looked at him and nodded. "Want me to wait with you until he gets here?"

"Um, no thank you. I think I will just get a head start you know. See you in Biology I guess." I waved and stepped back into the English quarter, shutting the door behind me. I sat near the front. I imagined Ashton to be "the bad boy" and honestly, I didn't believe he would even turn up.

"It's funny that isn't it? You thought I would be late. But I'm actually here before you." This was the first time I heard Ashton's voice, it was like music to my ears.

"Actually, I didn't think you would turn up." I corrected. "Very punctual, I see." I chuckled and took out a pencil.

"Right shall we get started?" Ashton seemed nice so I didn't entirely understand why Zac had to wish me luck.

After about 45 minutes, we finished my first catch up. It seemed easy and bearable. Ashton was kind, but he seemed like he could be an intrusive boy. I packed up my stuff and waited. There was no point walking to my next lesson because I had no idea where I was going.

"So, Brooke what made you come to Australia?" Ashton leaned against Mr Fowler's desk with his legs crossed over.

"Oh you know.." I sighed.

"Actually, I don't. But I wouldn't be bothered if you would explain." Ashton insisted.

"It just happened. I grew up here. I left. Something happened. Boom, I'm back." Our eyes met and we both paused.

"I know what you mean." Ashton bit his lip, looking down. This just made me feel awkward.

"You do?" I questioned.

"When I moved back here, everyone asked why I was back and I guess that's why no one really gives a shit about me anymore. I gave everyone a lot of hassle when people asked, but I get that's just how it goes. Something happening can effect so many things." Ashton explained. I think this is why I see Ashton as nice, I've seen the true side to him, others just see the mask.

"Would you mind if I asked you what happened?" I awkwardly asked and he shrugged.

"Maybe one day, I shall inform you." He smiled at me, I returned the favour. "Here, this is my number, give me a text if you want to chat, you know." I watched him throw a small piece of white paper. He grabbed his backpack, saluted to me and walked to the door.

"See you later Ashton."

"Pleasure meeting you, Brooke." I watched him as he left and sat quietly. I took the number and types it into my phone before walking towards the door. I smiled to myself as I left the room. It was loud in the corridor and I wasn't sure which way my Biology class was.

"Hey! Brooke!" A girl called me. I turned to see a girl, a little shorter than me, who had brown hair. The girl next to her was a little bit taller with blonde hair. I recognised the girls from my English class. "I'm Cassie... and this is Ana. We were just wondering if you know where Biology was, because we are in your class and we wouldn't mind giving you a helping hand." I chuckled and shrugged.

"I have absolutely no idea where Biology is, so yeah that would be lovely!" I smiled. They started leading me to the end of the corridor.

"How was free period with Ashton?" Ana politely asked. Her tone of voice was misleading. It sounded as if she was worried for me having to spend an hour with Ashton, alone.

"Well, but there's more than what meets the eye." I laughed and they didn't really understand.

"Oh my god, Brooke you should come with us on Friday to Zac's party. I'm sure he would want you there, if you know what I mean." Cassie smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Yes! You should, you could sleep over my house as well, and we can get to know each other. It would be so cute." Ana clapped as we walked into the science lab.

"Sounds like a plan. I shall have to check with my grandma, but it should be fine. I'll text you?" We sat together so I could I hand them my phone during class.

Jeff picked me up at the end of the school day and we ended straight for the mall. Jeff had to grab some groceries and I wanted to grab a drink. Jeff said it was okay for me to go the party on Friday as long as he can buy me an outfit. I agreed, after a lot of disagreement. As Jeff walked off, I went over to Starbucks and ordered myself an iced drink. While I was waiting for my order, I browsed the show beside, just looking through the window. But once I heard my name being called I quickly turned. Causing myself to clash with another body who just happened to be on a penny board. My foot slipped on the penny board and I lost balance, causing me to fall flat on my ass. I looked up to see Luke with his mouth agape.

"I'm so sorry Brooke, I didn't even see you there." Luke apologised, but I just brushed my leg off and ruffled my hair back into it's parting.

"Luke, the whole point of this game is for you to run as far so we can't catch up with- Brooke?" Ashton stopped next to Luke, looking down on me. "What are you doing on the floor?" He reached out his hand and I took it. His strength pulled me to my feet. But I couldn't help but feel tingles when we touched.

"Well. Luke here, practically pushed me over, when I was trying to get my Starbucks order which has probably melted by now." I chuckled, as I ran over to my drink, quickly apologising to the waiter. I thanked him and walked back over to the boys.

"Luke is the clumsy one, I apologise. Are you here alone?" Ashton looked around. I shook my head and smiled.

"No I'm here with my Grandmothers husband. We are actually buying an outfit for Zac's party on Friday. Are you guys coming?" I asked. Ashton's smile dropped, but Luke nodded.

"Nah, Zac and that, they aren't his crowd, but I'll be there. So I'll look out for you okay? Anyway we best be off, enjoy outfit shopping. See you at school." Luke hopped onto his penny board and Ashton awkwardly smiled and rode off on his penny board too. What was the problem with Zac? I wanted to find out?