AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER FOURTY-THREE

Song of the Chapter: Shut up and Dance With Me - Walk The Moon.

Ashton set me an alarm for 9am. He stayed the night, but when I woke up, he was gone. I had to admit, I felt a little lonely, but I suppose he didn't want my grandma to notice him when I left. I sat up in my bed and stretched my arms out. I had no clue of what we were doing today but, apart of me wanted to just stay in bed. As much as I loved the idea of 7 days straight with Ashton, there's no space for me to relax and rest before I have to then study at uni. I eventually opened my eyes, after yawning, and noticed a note stuck on the mirror, on my wardrobe. I slowly dragged myself to the mirror and read the note.

I want you to walk up to where we had our first date. I know that this is hard because you are never going to have any alone time, so this is your chance to take a walk and relax, take your time. Brad will drop you off into the town, I love you. X

I smiled and ripped the note away from the mirror. I checked the time and rushed into the shower. I wanted to get there as soon as I could, so I was super quick in the shower. I washed my hair and then got out. I changed into black ripped skinny jeans, a white baggy tank top (that had some brand name logo on the front), and a leather jacket. I checked out the balcony door before I threw on my black ankle boots. It was pretty cold outside, the storm was still lingering, so I didn't want to wear loose clothing. I grabbed a hair brush and hair dryer. I dried off my hair as much as I could, before brushing it through. I groaned and realised I couldn't leave it half dry. Therefore, I dried it until it was completely dry. I left it down and naturally curled. I just wanted to walk. I grabbed my phone and walked to Brad's room. Before I knocked, I heard whispers.

"Brad, you need to tell your grandmother, and your sister. I'm not agreeing to this until I have their consent. I could never be apart of this family, come on, you're grandma doesn't accept Ashton, so why would she accept me?" I heard Ana explain. My mind wondered to her comment. Grandma didn't accept Ashton? Now that explains it all.

"Babe, I don't care what they think, I want you to be my wife someday and asking you now seems perfect timing ." Brad blurted out. My mouth dropped open. Brad proposed.. but he didn't tell me. What was it with secrets these days.

"Brad, we've been dating for less than what? 4 months. You don't know that you want this." Ana sounded frustrated. I could picture her standing in front of him, her head in her hands and him trying to look at her. I felt nosy but I kept listening.

"But you love me?" Brad questioned. I knew for a fact that she loved him. The way she looked at him, laughed with him, smiled at him, and acted around him. It just made sense. Sometimes I wondered if I was like that around Ashton or even so, if he was like it around me.

"Of course I do, I just.." She paused. That's where I came in. I knocked on the door and they fell silent.

"Brad could you drop me into that little town please?" I called and he opened the door. Ana was sat on the bed, looking up at me. Brad nodded and grabbed his keys. He looked at Ana and walked straight past me. I looked over to Ana. "You know, I'm sure he would be a great family man... Just think about it." She smiled and nodded. I shut the door and ran down the stairs. Brad went straight to the car, I, however went and got a flavoured water from the fridge. I quickly rushed to the car after slamming the door to the house. Brad sat motionless, staring into the distance. I got in and sent a text to Ashton, letting him know I was on my way. Once I finished, I left my phone in my lap and looked back at Brad. He was still stuck in a trance. I sighed and clapped my hands in front of his face. He looked at me and sighed. I started drinking my water as he spoke.

"Do you think I'm too much like dad?" Brads comment shocked me. I coughed a little and focused on him. I watched him start the car and reverse out of the drive. I thought of a sensible answer and looked down.

"Brad she didn't say yes.. That's because she's not ready, it's nothing to do with you being like our father. You are nothing like him." I assured and he groaned.

"You heard." Brad hit his head against the back of the seat. "I suppose you're angry that I didn't tell you." I looked at him like he was insane. I laughed and shook my head.

"I mean it would of been nice for you to let me in on it, but I'm only your sister you don't need to tell me everything, we both lead separate lives." I answered. Brad stared at me for a second and laughed.

"When did you grow up?" Brad cried and I chuckled. Since being in Australia, I had changed a lot, Emily noticed that too. I'm not sure if it was my surroundings, my family life or even Ashton. Ashton, I knew for a fact played a part on the new me. Ever since that one english lesson.. I changed. Imagine if that English lesson never happened, would me and Ashton still be me and Ashton?

As soon as Brad dropped me off at the bottom of the cliff, I looked around. No one was on the beach, which beside the cliff and the town was completely dead. I ignored it and walked slowly up the path that led me to the top of the cliff. I tugged on my pockets with my hands. It was cold but not freezing. I thought about what I would be doing this time next week. Setting up my dorm, attending my first class and missing Ashton was what came to mind. London wasn't going to be the same. I sighed and continued walking. The view, even though it was very cloudy, was incredible. I smiled to myself. Once I reached the top of the cliff, I was out of breath and I had to stop. Memories flooded back to mine and Ashton's first date. That night was perfect in my eyes. My eyes adjusted to the sight of a familiar truck. Music was being played softly through a speaker. I walked around the truck and noticed Ashton, looking over the cliff. He was dressed in a suit..suddenly.. I felt underdressed. I cleared my throat and Ashton turned. He had an all black tux on and his hair was neatly positioned. I smirked at the view of him.

"Was I meant to dress up?" I laughed and he hugged me, kissing my cheek. I hugged back and smiled. He smelt amazing.

"I figured since you're missing prom, I would bring prom to you." Ashton pulled back. I looked at him and grinned. Prom. That completely escaped my brain over these past weeks. His arms let go of me. He lead me to the back of the truck, which faced over the cliff. He sat on the end and patted the seat next to him.

"Well I don't know if this your way of asking me, but sure I'll be your prom date." I nudged him and he laughed. I sat next to him and swung my legs back and forward. Behind us were a few pillows and blankets, as well as, his phone that connected to the speakers. It wasn't long before I noticed little tea lights were around the cliff. I smiled widely and looked at Ashton. "This is so adorable."

"I really do try." Ashton winked. My attention fell from his as my favourite song came on. Clown by Emeli Sandé.

"I didn't put you down as a Sandé fan." I smirked. Ashton hopped down from the truck and turned the speaker up. It was pretty loud. Ashton stood in front of me and held out his hand.

"Brooklyn Ava Montez, can I please have this dance?" Ashton asked. I chuckled, helplessly and nodded.

"Well I don't know, it's a bit cold and my hair, it will get all messy." I teased.

"Brooke just shut up and dance with me." Ashton ordered. I chuckled and nodded. I took his hand and he helped me off of the truck. He took me to the side of the truck and spun me around before holding me close.

"I don't dance." Ashton confirmed. I chuckled and nodded.

"Just take one step." I showed him and he soon got the hang of it. "What do you mean you can't dance, you're one of the best." I smirked.

"Well... I do have a pretty good teacher." With that comment, Ashton turned me and pushed me backwards so I was held by just his arm. He leaned down and hesitated. "I'm really going to miss this." Ashton pressed his lips against mine. I kissed back and eventually we were standing properly facing each other. Ashton lightly pulled back.

"That was a very short prom, Mr Irwin." I smirked and he grabbed the backs of my thighs. I smirked and jumped up so he was holding me. He carried me to the truck, kissing me deeper.

You don't even want to know what happened in the back of the truck... But trust me, it was good.