Truth - Lashton

Chapter 39

Michael's POV

This past week I haven't been home. My mum wouldn't understand the emotional turmoil I'm experiencing.

Me, Dr. Frank and Luke have met once while we were walking around and he looked so horrible. His eyes were grey and he looked really sad overall.

He's setting up Ashton's funeral with his wife and it's obviously putting alot on him as he's known Ashton for a while.

He said Ashton was in a relationship where he was getting replaced and it most likely caused the relapse, it was inevitable and I hated that.

I hated that no matter what, he was gonna die to this damn disorder.

Luke has stuck with recovery as well which was my main concern too, he said he wants to recover for Ashton.

Me and Luke were invited to the funeral and we said yes with no hesitation.

The funeral is tomorrow and I'm petrified. How am I gonna react to seeing his souless body just laying in a coffin?

I find myself now on the Hemmings household porch just gazing at the stars.

I'd never see him again, the school is just gonna replace him but he isn't replaceable.

He's fucking Ashton Irwin. A man who cared so much about kids and little about himself and now he's gone.

I felt tears well up in my eyes for the millionth time probably.

Luke was right, we probably could've helped him. He probably died thinking no one cared.

No one knew why he died but me and Luke did and that was daunting enough.

"Mikey?"

I looked behind me at the door and saw Luke. He walked out, closing the door behind him and sat beside me.

"I just.. miss him."

I choked out, wiping my eyes.

"I do too.. When I heard that he went through what I have, I felt like I could get through it. His death really opened my eyes.. That could've been me.. He told me that there are patients who just can't recover and.. that was him.."

"Luke, stop it.. Please.."

I held my face in hands and cried. I felt Luke lay on my shoulder and cry along with me.

"I just wish he knew that.. he saved me basically.."

Luke spoke, I could hear the teary voice in his tone.

"It's been a week already and it doesn't feel like it.. It seems like yesterday when he was offering us treats before breakfast."

I chuckled, Luke following along.

"On the first day of school, he sassed everyone saying he got Starbucks breakfast.. Everyone was groaning while he was laughing in such a funny way.."

Luke laughed at the memory that I wasn't able to share but I laughed along too.

"He believed in us, just some kids wanting to start a band."

"Oh my God.. The way he lit up at the band name!"

"Don't remind me! It was so heartwarming!"

Me and Luke spent a good 2 hours talking about our memories with him. It felt nice to not focus on how he was gone, just to appreciate that he was even here.

"Remember when he showed up at our first gig?"

I laughed and nodded, I remember that night clearly.

There were a few drunk guys, a few girls and of course, Ashton.

"He was beaming, huh.."

"That's an understatement.."

We both chuckled and I let out a sigh.

"It's so.. painful.."

"I know.. He was a beautiful fucking man.."

I nodded before sobbing again.

"I'm scared to go to the funeral."

Luke put his arm around me and sniffled.

"I am too.. but it's the last time we'll see him."

"That's all I want.. One last look to know he even existed."