AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Song of the Chapter: I Miss You- Beyoncé.

Family flew over to Australia for the funeral and they all greeted me, kindly. It was an emotional day but Ashton insisted he would be by my side and that, he was. As suspected, my father was at the funeral, trying to talk to me and Brad but we clearly ignored. We also cleared her house out the following day. She requested for me to keep the house, do something to it for myself whenever I wanted. She also left me a box which I declined. I wasn't ready to open it just yet, therefore I left it in the house for when I was ready. Brad booked us all to go to LA for 9 days and we were set to leave in a few days. Me, Brad, Ana, Ashton and Cassie. I was excited but nervous at the same time. Ashton was about to see everything I once lived.

Eventually, packing took over my Saturday and I tried to stop myself but I had to get it done. I was nearly finished, I just had to pack some more tops. I walked into my wardrobe and when I walked back out. I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in." I turned and noticed Ashton rush in. "Oh hey, I'm just packing for L.A." He pulled me to gave him.

"I can't come. I can't come to L.A." He blurted out, saddened. I looked at him and noticed he wasn't joking.

"What do you mean you can't come? You said it would be you and me. You said you wanted to Ashton." I rushed, dropping my vest top in my suitcase.

"No it's not that I don't want to. Of course I want to- I want to experience this time with you, but I can't." He sighed and I looked down.

"What do you mean you can't? Why?" I looked at my feet, and shuffled to the left a little, awkwardly.

"It's the band," Ashton sat on the bed and pulled me down next to him, holding my hand, "this management place want us to perform a few gigs around Australia in the coming week. I want to come with you babe, but-" I stopped him, instantly feeling guilty.

"No. This is great Ashton. I'd rather you do this. This is your dream. I can't mess with that, can I?" I smiled at him and he held my hand against his chest.

"You are incredible, Brooklyn. So incredible. Thank you so much." Ashton pulled me into his chest and I hugged him tight. I wanted him with me but this was a massive goal for Ashton and how could I deny that for him.

"That doesn't mean I won't miss you though." I sighed and he played with my hair.

"I'm gonna miss you too, like crazy. But I'll call you every night, I'll even sing you to sleep." He patronised and I rolled my eyes. "But Brooke, can you make me one promise?" I pulled away and looked up.

"Yeah. Sure, what is it?"

"You'll go back to your local bar and do karaoke one last time?" I almost choked at that suggested.

"What? Ashton, no, I can't." I shook my head and he looked at me causing me to stop.

"You heard your gran, Brooke, please do this for her." Ashton suggested and I looked down.

"This is so stupid. Fine." I nodded and he cheered, kissing me.

"I'm proud of you."

Ashton came to the airport with us, and stayed until we our flight was called. Ana, Brad and Cassie rushed off. I stayed and looked at Ashton. I breathed out heavily and he tried to smile.

"I wish I was coming." He held my waist and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I wish you were too but hey think of all those gigs you'll be playing. You're gonna be amazing." I nudged him and played with his hair. He nodded and sighed.

"Just remember your promise and call me every night." Ashton ordered and I nodded. I knew it was time to go when Brad called me. I leaned in and kissed Ashton. This would be the last kiss I will leave on him for the next 9 to 10 days. He let go and looked at me.

"I'll miss you." I sighed and he smirked.

"Oh I know you will, now go. Text me when you land. I love you." Ashton kissed my forehead and released me from his embrace.

"I love you more." I called as I walked away. He chuckled.

"You wish sweetie." And then I disappeared. My stomach turned and I was sad that I was leaving him. A part of me needed to go, but another part wanted to stay and go to all these gigs with him. Brad walked with me to the plane and that was that. L.A. here I come.