Project Daddy || a.i

Chapter 41 || "I really like you."

- Pandora -

Michael didn't seem to understand the severity of his words, and for the rest of the period acted as if everything were completely normal. He chatted to me about the weather, drew a penís on my hand, and cracked an extremely awkward knock knock joke. I laughed anyway - because in all honesty, it was pretty funny - but I didn't feel amused. I didn't feel anything except disgust.

I had seen what he was attempting to do, even in my extremely flustered state. He was attempting to split me and Ashton up by allowing me to question how healthy our 'relationship' was, when in all honesty I couldn't give a shít.

I didn't care if he used to bully me and I didn't care if he still continued to fück up. All I cared about was him, and I just wished he could care about me with the same amount of emotion.

I couldn't deny the amount of relief I felt as the final bell rang, signalling the end of class. I didn't even bother to say goodbye to Michael as I raced out of the classroom, heading straight towards the front doors. I just needed to get out. I needed to leave-

"Pandora!"

Shīt.

I quickly spun around to face that beautifully familiar face, my lips tugging upwards into the best smile I could muster. I didn't want to speak to him, but I couldn't just ignore him. I would not allow myself to push him away, just as he had done to so many others.

"Hey Ashton."

"Where you going?" He softly questioned, taking a small step towards me.

I shrugged, taking a shaky step backwards. A look of pain flashed across his face, but was gone a second later, replaced by a hesitant smile. He studied me nervously, unsure of what to do.

"Don't you have Art?"

"Yes." I replied, my voice clipped and impatient.

I felt a flicker of sympathy spark inside me as Ashton slightly recoiled, taken aback by my sudden harsh tone. I didn't mean to snap at him, but I had to go. I needed space to think over Michael's words, or someone would be getting slapped.

"Well, why are you leaving?"

"Does it matter?" I spat, wincing as his lips tugged downwards into a confused pout.

I felt as if I had just kicked a puppy, and it wasn't a good feeling.

"I'm sorry," I quickly gushed, going against my better judgement. To hell with my anger and rage, I wasn't going to let myself hurt him just because Michael had píssed me off "I didn't mean to snap at you."

"Its fine," he assured, his usual soft smile returning to his lips. I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for his forgiveness "I get that I upset you earlier, but if you could just let me explain?"

I frowned, slightly confused by his request. What did he need to explain? Then suddenly I was returning to our extremely awkward encounter in the cafeteria, watching as he walked away from me. He seemed so calm, so confident in his actions. If only he knew how much he had just hurt me, if only he could turn around to see the crushed expression on my face. Would he reconsider his actions? Would he care?

"Ashton, I really don't want to talk about it." I lied, shooting a desperate glance towards the front doors "I just want to go."

"Go where?" He questioned, taking another small step towards me. This time, I didn't withdraw myself, allowing him to approach me. "I could drive you?"

"Its fine," I muttered, gritting my teeth in a desperate attempt to relieve some of the annoyance rising up inside me "I can walk."

"Oh come on," he sighed, shooting me a playful smirk "we could go anywhere! I don't mind missing last period, it's only English."