AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER SIX

Song of the Chapter: Catch Me - Demi Lovato.

"Hey Brooklyn baby." Zac mimicked from across the hall. His body was inching closer to me. I tensed.

"Zac. Leave me alone." I replied, trying to walk away from him. His football mates gathered around and crowded me so I couldn't get out. Zac pulled me close to him, causing me to drop my drink in fright. "Zac! Leave me alone!!" I repeated.

"You know your mother... she never really wanted you, so in a way it's good that she's dead... I mean I would hate for her to be in any more pain." I knew she was in pain but I don't think he meant physical pain. I think he was referring to me as the pain.

"How did you know about my mother..." I looked down and he pulled my chin up so my eyes met his. Those blue eyes were now dark and daunting.

"Oh I know everything Brooklyn... Oh let's talk about your dad, shall we?" Zac smirked, holding me close to him, talking into my ear.

"Stop!"

"He didn't want you either, did he? He didn't want your brother or your mother either, did he? Oh yeah that's right he kicked you out. Left you on the streets. Oh yeah that's right as well, he abused you. Oh the memories, aye?" Zac chuckled. "As for Bradley, he couldn't wait to get away from him.... But he also couldn't wait to get away from his liccccle sishter." I turned my face to try and cover the tears that now stained each cheek.

"Please-"

"Aw was that the face you made when you begged your father to stop?"

"STOP! JUST STOP, PLEASE STOP. STOP!"

"Stop! Please stop!" My body shot up as I screamed into the garage. I gulped and held myself. Tears were repeatedly falling and I was shaking. Ashton sat up and held me. I flinched. His face saddened.

"It's okay Brooke. It's me, Ashton, I won't hurt you." His arm wrapped around me again and I didn't flinch, I relaxed. My lip quivered. It always did when I was nervous/scared/lonely. "Calm down, okay and then explain to me what happened." I felt Ashton graze his hand up and down my back. It calmed me down a lot quicker than anything would. I held his top tight and he kissed my forehead.

"Zac.. He was in my dream. I don't usually dream about anything other than the same nightmare I've had for the past few months. But this was different. His words they were horrible. I thought it was real Ashton, I've never felt so humiliated." I looked up at him and he smiled nervously. I pushed off of him and leaned next to him on the wall, resting my head on his shoulder.

"It's okay, it was just a nightmare. What was he saying?" The question I was dreading was asked. I hesitated. "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to." He leaned his head on mine and it made me smile.

"The reason I moved back to Australia was because my mother... She was ill for a while and well when it got worse I had to care for her and then eventually... Well 2 months ago, she past away." I sighed, fiddling with my hands, nervously. "My father, he wasn't the best dad growing up, myself and my brother were abused throughout our childhood. It wasn't until the past few years that we realised that it wasn't part of the normal childhood that everyone had required. He kicked us out. My brother moved back here. And that's when my mother fell ill. So in my dream, Zac was basically telling me it was mostly my fault. I was the reason for this. I suppose it's true. I don't know I just don't want this to keep occurring." Ashton lifted his head and turned to me. I moved my head and looked at him.

"Brooke, listen to me. None of that is your fault. I can promise that. Your dad is a huge bastard. And your mother did not deserve that, and you don't deserve this pain that comes along with it. As for the Zac part.... Never listen to a word he says, he's the biggest dick I've ever seen/met. Okay? I will do anything to make this nightmare issue go away, but I will not accept you putting the blame on yourself." Ashton wiped my cheeks and I smiled, biting my lip. "What?"

"Who knew? Ashton Irwin, would be the on to keep me sane." I chuckled. He rolled his eyes and dragged me down onto his chest. As we were lying down I felt his hands fiddle through my hair.

"Hey Brooke, about that kiss..." Ashton trailed off. My heart sank. I bit my lip and closed my eyes.

"Yeah it was in the heat of the moment.... It didn't mean anything right? Ha, I guess we were both just way too tired." I lied. Ashton's hand fell away from hair and pushed my forehead back, causing me to chuckle.

"Well I hope you're joking because that was not what I was going to say." Ashton looked down at me. I smiled and nodded, letting him know that he should continue. "I was going to say maybe we should get to know each other." I looked down and grinned widely.

"I'd like that." I took out my phone and looked through my notifications. 5 missed calls from Ana. 3 missed calls from Cassie. 2 text messages from Brad. 4 text messages from Luke. 1 text message from Zac. I sat up quickly. "Ashton, look."

Text message from Zac Friend:
I enjoyed last night, can't wait to see you again ;) x

"What an ass. Don't answer it." Ashton tensed. I nodded. I scanned through my phone again. "Did Luke text you? He texted me asking if you are okay?" I smiled.

"I like Luke, he's a nice lad." I looked at Ashton. He raised his eyebrows.

"As nice as me?"

"Of course not." I winked. I went back to my phone and checked through my text.

Text messages from Brad:
•I hope you are doing okay. Remember to tell me Anas number ;) x
•Brooke! Are you okay? Ana somehow texted me wondering where you are. Call me as soon as you get this!! Remember love you x

Text messages from Luke Hemmings:
•Brooke, are you okay? I seen you leave. Did Zac do something? X
•I will kill him if he did. Im sorry I wasn't there to stop him. X
•Well, I was there. But I was stupid and didn't think to make sure you were okay! Stupid me :(
•I hear you are with Ashton. I heard what happened. I hope you are okay Brooke.

"You told Luke?!" I exclaimed in shock. Ashton shook his head.

"No of course not. I just said Zac was being Zac. I promise I wouldn't do that." Ashton reassured. I breathed out and massaged my forehead.

"I know I'm sorry, I guess it's just all a bit much. You don't deserve this Ash, I'm sorry." I looked at him and smiled.

"You know I'd do anything to help you, so don't apologise." Ashton smiled. "How about we go out and get something to eat and you know get to know each other?"

"I would love to but maybe, we should do that tomorrow? Brad is worried and I think I should explain to Ana and Cassie what's going on. Plus at this rate, we are going to be married by next week." I chuckled and nudged him, cheekily. He laughed and nodded.

"I agree, actually. Come on let's take you home." He stood up and pulled me up. The pain from leg was oozing away.

"Wait so you mean I can have your hoodie and sweatpants?" I winked and he rolled his eyes, nodding.

"I guess." Ashton pulled me close to him as we walked out.

"Thanks Ashton." I kissed his cheek and he smiled widely.