More Than a Teacher - Ashton Irwin

51

The familiar scent of the family home hits my nose, reminding me how long it's been since I last came here. I used to be here every second day if not ever.  It's a mix of vanilla and incense that supposedly purifies the house but I know Elle and Harry would burn it to cover up the weed smell. However today there's a hint of disinfectant

"Don't know if you can smell the cleaning product," Harry throws his bag to the side, leading me to the kitchen where I sit up at the large stone island bench. "But mum and dad were home on the weekend and scrubbed every corner of the house. I swear they never stop."

They truly don't. They work massive days at a hospital a few hours away and return once a month to check in on the kids, clean and catch up with friends. They never relax.

"You hungry?" Harry questions, loosening the tie around his neck as he raids the fridge for food.

I'm slightly nervous to be here so my appetite is completely crushed in addition to all my other stresses.

"Uh no, I'm good." I watch him pull some leftovers from a shelf, putting the bowl in the microwave to heat up.

He stands with his hand resting on the handle, glancing around like he doesn't know how to start a conversation with me. It's different with him now. It's got an odd feeling to it but maybe once he's able to prove himself and I can trust he'll never hurt me again, then things might return to normal.

I'm doubtful though.

"So about Elle. What has she told you?" I curiously ask and his attention snaps to me instantly.

I'm prepared to possibly have my head bitten off with the answer to this question. Harry and Elle do argue a lot but they have a brother and sister bond like no other. What is it with the strong brother and sister bonds around me?

"Well," He begins, taking the steaming bowl out of the microwave, holding it to his chest as he stands leaning against the bench opposite me.

"She came home very frustrated. Actually frustrated would be an understatement," He gestures his fork at me. "She said you never talk to her or hang out any more. She mentioned something like you were talking to Michael and Luke more. I don't know, she blurted out all this shit and I could barely understand." He shakes his head, bringing the pasta to his mouth, coughing a few times at how hot it is.

"I assume you finally told her about you and Ashton?"

Fuck, why does everything have to lead back to Ashton and I?

"Well yeah, I kinda let it slip but I can imagine Luke and Michael filling her in on it." I roll my eyes thinking of all the details Luke and Michael know that they would have informed her of.

She would be absolutely ashamed of me.

"Mm, she didn't seem happy about that." Harry monotonously says, watching his fork mix around the pasta.

Oh don't worry, I know.

I sigh, leaning my cheek into my hand, tracing my finger over the bench.

"I don't know if we will ever be the same. I've really hurt her."

It's so painful to say those words because it's the reality I don't want to face. The girl who has been by my side since day one is no longer there. She probably feels like she's been replaced and I can't blame her for feeling that way. Ashton has become my entire world.

"I didn't mean too, but I was so caught up with Ashton and I knew she was really against the idea of dating a teacher so that's why I kept it from her. If she weren't disgusted by it I would have told her and been open about it." I flatly speak, trying my hardest to keep my sadness to myself. The last thing I want is for Harry to try to console me.