AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER FIVE

Song of the Chapter: I Know You Care - Ellie Goulding.

A old burgundy truck pulled up by the sidewalk. Ashton hopped out of the car and ran to my side. I could barely see him because I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Ashton panicked and ran to the truck pulling out his cold water.

"I'm sorry about this." Ashton poured the cold water over my face, leaving me feeling a little bit refreshed but freezing cold. Ashton looked down my body. "Stand up. Let me zip you back up."

"It's too tight. I need to change. Take me somewhere Ashton." I cried into his chest. I felt his embrace warm me up. His hand rubbed my back, trying to raise my temperature. I felt him let go of me and remove his hoodie.

"Get in the truck and put this on. There's some sweatpants in the back I think. I'll turn this way." He picked up my heels and helped me up. I took the hoodie and shuffled to the truck, my leg slowing me down. Once I was in the truck, I removed my play suit and put on Ashton's hoodie. I looked to the back and seen the old sweatpants Ashton mentioned. I slipped them on, wincing in pain when I touched my upper leg.

"Okay, I'm finished." I sighed. Ashton got in the truck and pulled the seat belt around me. I watched him throw my heels into the back seat and drive off.

"Where do you live Brooke?" Ashton grabbed my hand. I didn't expect him to be this caring.

"I don't want to go home Ashton. I want to go somewhere other than home. Please." I clenched onto his hand and he nodded.

"I'll take you back to mine, you can sleep in the garage bedroom." Ashton tugged on my hand.

"Will you stay with me?" I looked at him and he smiled, reassuringly.

"Brooke. What happened to you? What did he do?" Ashton finally asked. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't help but find it weird that even though I hadn't mentioned it, he already suspected it to be Zac's fault.

"He must of thought I liked him. He kept kissing me over and over. Touching me. He was undressing me and I couldn't take it. I tried to open the door but he slammed me against it harder, that's when I hit my leg and head. I kneed him Ashton and just ran. I was so scared. I'm so stupid." I looked away from him, and cried against the back of the seat.

"Hey, Brooke, none of this is your fault! I promise you. Don't blame yourself, don't put yourself down okay? You aren't the first girl he has done it to. I'm pretty sure your brother has been in my position before." I turned in shock. That's why everyone hated Zac so much.

"Who knows he's like this?" I stuttered.

"A few... I walked in on him trying to have sex with a girl, but she wasn't ready for that commitment and I pulled him off and ever since then we've hated each other." Ashton explained.

"I should of listened to you." I felt Ashton's arm drape around me pulling me into him. I rested my head upon his shoulder and closed my eyes.

"You didn't know Brooke, nor do any of your mates. I'm the one whos stupid. I should of made sure you didn't go to this stupid party." Ashton took hold of my arm and noticed the bruise on my wrist from where Zac grabbed me. I felt his body tense.

"You really care, don't you?" I started to drift into a sleep. I knew I shouldn't sleep after banging my head but, I was fine. I was with Ashton.

"I truly care." He whispered as I fell asleep.

"Hey, Brooke, wake up." Ashton gently shook me. I opened my eyes slowly. I winced as pain shot through my leg. I felt Ashton cup my body and carry me out of the truck. He closed the truck door with his leg and started walking to a garage type place. "Are you okay to walk?" I nodded as I started to wake up a little. He placed me to the ground carefully and unlocked the garage door.

"What is this place?" My voice was croaky, it always is when I wake up. The door pulled up. We stepped in and it was beautiful and authentic. Once switched on, the fairy lights were the only light resource, but it made it homely. There was a desk, a mattress (with a duvet and loads of pillows), and a few instruments here and there. Ashton pointed to the mattress. I walked over and crawled onto the 'bed'. I tucked myself under the duvet. I watched Ashton close the garage door by pulling it down. His feet dragged along the ground and he sat on his desk chair. Disappointment ran through me.

"Ill sleep in my actual room, but I'll stay here until you sleep I promise." Ashton smiled, looking me dead in the eye, for the first time. I sat up.

"Can you not stay with me for tonight?" I asked.. "I know it's stupid but.."

"No, of course I will. I would rather that, then you be alone but I just didn't want to do anything you felt uncomfortable doing." Ashton walked over to me and crawled under the duvet. The few spaces between us closed when I turned to him. "Are you cold?" His voice was smooth and kind. I nodded. I wasn't but I just wanted to feel his embrace, because it sent good shivers up my spine. And... I felt safe with him. Ashton's arm slipped around me, pulling my face onto his chest. I heard him ask if this was better.

"Perfect."I smiled, holding onto him. Ashton reached over and switched the lights off. Leaving just the ones around the mattress on. "Thank you Ashton, you didn't have to do any of this... I didn't expect you to either. You are so different to what everyone sees of you. So thank you.." I looked up to his face and he smiled.

"I did what I was meant to do, and I would do it again in a heart beat, just to keep you safe." Ashtons eyes locked with mine and I felt a burning sensation in my stomach. It felt good.

"I feel safe...with you." I leaned closer to his lips. I could feel his breath against my face. He flipped me on to my side so we were face to face.

"Are you sure you want this?" Ashton checked and I nodded.

"More than anything." I breathed out, nervously. I wanted this. I wanted his touch against me. I wanted to forget everything else and live in this moment. His lips forcefully pressed against mine. But the good force, the force that you need, the force that keeps the fire burning. I couldn't control my feelings. I kissed back. This was what I had been needing. Ashton was what I had been needing.