AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Song of the Chapter: I Can't Stop Drinking About You - Bebe Rexha.

Note: This Chapter is in Ashton's point of view.

I parked my truck in front of Cassie's house and got out. I was annoyed, I didn't want to be here, but this wasn't about me. This was about my girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend. I ran my fingers through my scruffy hair and sighed. The house was full of drunken idiots. Alcohol was in everyone's hands and it was manic. Suddenly, someone's hands jolted me. I was about to turn and knock them out, but I noticed it was Luke and relaxed a little.

"Jesus, you nearly knocked me out." Luke held his chest and I nervously laughed, I just wanted to see Brooke. See how bad she actually is. See how hurt she was. And more importantly, find out who fucking hit her. "Look, dude, she's really drunk and I just want you to prepare." What was he even saying?

"Luke, don't get me wrong, I love you man, and you are my best friend. But sometimes I wish you would shut the fuck up and get to the point." I patted his back and he nodded, walking through the house, me following.

"She's there." Luke pointed across the garden to the sofa on the side of Cassie's pool. My heart dropped. By the way she was swaying out of time to the music, I could tell that she was more than drunk. I ran past everyone, pretty much knocking over every dickhead in my way and made my way to her. Calum sat beside her, and Cassie was crouched over to her level. Calum's eyes landed on me and stood up, allowing me to sit next to her.

"Brooke... It's me." I grabbed her hand and Cassie glared at me.

"Ashton, she's fucking drunk, she's not in a coma." Cassie was angry. I ignored her and Brooke swayed from side to side.

"You know Ashton, Calum's a lovely lad. I like him, he's a lovely lad." She stirred. I looked at Calum, who obviously couldn't help but smile. I glared at him and he stopped. Brooke's laugh filled everyone's ears. "And Luke, with his little lip piercing, he's so cute. Oh and Michael, where's Michael?" She looked around and fidgeted. In my whole lifetime, I've never been this drunk and that's me. This is her.

"Michael's at home, sweetie. But I'm sure you can see him another time." Cassie rubbed Brooke's knee and Brooke continued to laugh. So much for the coma thing. I looked at Cassie and she rolled her eyes. Brooke looked at me and smiled. My face dropped. The cut on her cheek.

"Brooke, what happened to your cheek?" I placed my hand and ran my thumb across it. She winced in pain and laughed. My heart broke.

"I have a little sister, Ash, my god I bet she's sooooo pretty." Brooke closed her eyes and swayed. Cassie looked at me and I looked at Calum, who shrugged. Then it hit me.

"Your dad." I squeezed my eyes shut in anger. I swear I'm gonna kill him. I stood up but Calum pushed me right back.

"Not now, man, not now." He spoke quietly. I nodded and turned to Brooke who smiled.

"You're so attractive Ashton.. I don't deserve you." She smiled and swayed more and more. I swear if this girl isn't sick tonight, I'll be surprised.

"Why did he hit you, Brooklyn?" I made her look at me. Her dark eyes couldn't focus. Her cheek was sore and her lips trembled, but she still managed to laugh.

"It was nothing I don't deserve." She chuckled and I could feel my heart sink. "Oh hey, Ana, how's my brother? Did he tell you about my little sister?" Ana walked towards us, confused. Her little sister? My mind was full of questions that needed to be answered, but fuck, she was in a state.

"Why is she so drunk? Do I need to get Brad?" Ana asked Calum and I shook my head.

"Don't. You can tell she's angry with him. I don't want anyone adding fuel to this fire." I said to her and she nodded. In the corner of my eye, I could see Luke smirk.