AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Song of the Chapter: ILYSB - Lany.

Ashton and I shared a scan photo. My brother had one. Emily had one. Ashton's grandma had one. Which meant.. There was one left. I planned to give it to Jeff and Grandma but after hearing their conversation this morning. I'm not so sure. They continued to say that I was a great child. Obtaining my future plans by applying for uni. Going down a sensible academic route was the subject of their conversation. I know they are proud of me and that's what's stopping me. So, instead of telling them, I went on a walk. No one was going to disturb me anyway, since they all thought I was breaking the news and then going to work. I knew I wouldn't go far but it was just peaceful and it gave me something to do before work.

I walked along the street I lived on, towards my grans house. My dads black car wasn't there and it was rumoured that he was moving out. I stopped and glanced at the house. I do remember every feature of the house. Ever since I was kid, my favourite part was the garden. But since I had been back, I haven't had the chance to go behind the house and explore the garden as if I was a child again. I sighed and dropped my chin to my chest. On the pavement, I noticed a smiley face engraved into the path. I couldn't help but smile and look back up. My gran was obsessed with white; white house, white gate, just everything. The view was saddening me after a while, and I just had to get to work quick. I walked all the way over town to work and managed to make it on time. Well, a little early. The place was empty but I noticed a familiar brunette in a booth.

"Emily, what are you doing here?" I said whilst putting an apron on. I was behind the counter today. She stood up. I walked behind the counter and unlocked the cashier machine. Emily walked in front of the counter.

"Well, I was hungry and I needed to ask you something so I figured I'd just do both at the same time. Plus, Ashton wanted me to have a go at you for not telling Jeff and your grandma." Emily grabbed a sandwich and drink and put it on the counter. "Toasted please." I took the sand which, ripped the paper off and placed it into the toaster.

"How did he find out?" I glared at Emily. She was one to gossip, I knew her. This was probably her doing.

"Well I came downstairs and he was talking to them. He was like 'so did you hear the news?' And Jeff was like no so I had to butt in and say that the band is playing a gig this weekend." Emily explained. I grabbed the toasty from the toaster and placed it on the plate. She handed me money and took her plate and drink to the table. I followed her.

"Oh, man, he needs to learn to shut up." I laughed and she nodded. I watched her nibble away at her sandwich. "So what did you want to ask me?" Literally no one was in the cafe so I had time.

"There's a party at Luke's-"

"How do you know Luke?" I raised my eyebrow and she shrugged, with a smirk on her face.

"Shut up and listen. Luke's having a party and everyone's invited. Can we go? I know you won't be drinking and stuff but it will be really fun." Emily stopped eating and stared at me. I liked around, thinking. After my last incident, at a party, did I really want to do that again?

"Uh... After what happened, last time, I'm not so sure. Especially if I'm pregnant." I whispered as I noticed people walking in. I started to walk away but she grabbed me.

"Please. I know you won't do anything stupid. Plus, Ashton can go and it could be cute." Emily smiled and I sighed. I started to walk back to the counter.

"I'll think about it." I called back to get. She clapped loudly, gaining stares from people who just walked in. I rushed to the cashier machine and smiled. "What can I get for you, miss?" A lady was my first costumer. She smiled at me, whilst pulling out her purse.

When I got home, I was tired, it was surprising how much work you can do in a cafe. Emily went home early and did some house work with Jeff. They were painting and I think she offered to help. I went straight to my room and held the shower going. Probably Brad. I groaned and changed into some comfortable pjs. I noticed it was still early but I wasn't phased. I needed to be comfy. I pulled out my laptop and looked through my emails. University for the Creative Arts (UCA).

Dear Miss Montez,
We've looked through your application, portfolio and information. It is clear to see you are a top student, which is what we like. I'm pleased to announce your application has been accepted. You should be travelling to England around the beginning of September. If you have any issues or enquiries, please give the number below a call. Can't wait to be working with you.

Yours Sincerely,
Head of Fashion Study,
Lyndsey Tomms

My heart sank. September. London. I knew I wasn't going but the thought of going to London to study made my heart pick back up. This was my life and I wanted to do that. But now, I can't. I sighed and shut the laptop. As I looked up, I noticed Ashton opening the bathroom door. His hair was wet but he was fully clothed.

"What are you doing here?" I placed the laptop back on my desk and leaned on it.

"Well I was waiting for you, and you were taking forever, so yeah... I took a shower." He smiled and lightly shook his head. I nodded and got back onto my bed. "I know Emily told you that I was angry."

"Well she didn't say that, she just said that you told her to have a go at me." I laughed and he sat on the bed, facing me.

"Well that's true." Ashton agreed. He took my hand in his and came closer to me. "Why didn't you tell them Brooke?" I sighed and looked down.

"It's just they were saying how proud they are of me... I just can't deal with it right now." I stared at him and he nodded.

"Okay, we can wait a little longer... But you have to tell them at some point." Ashton gripped my hands tightly and I grinned.

"I will." I kissed him lightly on the lips and he smiled.

"So I take it you want to go to Luke's tomorrow night?" Ashton sighed, while standing up. I watched him grab a towel from the bathroom.

"It's not that I want to, just Emily wants to. We could all just go or something. Ashton I'm pregnant I'm not going to do anything like last time." I assured. He walked out the bathroom. He was drying his hair with the towel.

"I know you won't, but it's going to be hectic." Ashton watched me as I shrugged.

"Then we will go outside." I suggested. Ashton stopped drying his hair and focused on me.

"Okay we will go, but if you just so touch an alcoholic drink we will be leaving." Ashton agreed and I ran to him. I jumped on him so my legs were around his waist.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." I kissed his lips, cheeks, forehead and even nose. He chuckled and held me up. His forehead rested on mine.

"I love you."

"I love you too."