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Chapter Twelve : "Your family has good genes."

Aria 

A week later and I had managed to only slightly get over her heartbreak. A week, seven days! It has taken me seven days to start feeling a little bit normal again. I'm not used to this. Things had only slightly gotten better for the band as well. Management wanted the band to go to a number of interviews around the country to promote their upcoming album, the one they had created before Luke and I happened and because of this my father and Luke had to talk. 

Great.

The day of their talk had come and I was waiting nervously in the living room, butterflies were swarming in my stomach and I just wanted them to stop. I tried not thinking about Luke but that made me think even more about him and how much I hated him. Dad was doing something on his phone when I had last looked at him and I couldn't get rid of the repulsive feeling in my gut never mind occupy myself on my phone and believe me when I say that this is a strange occurrence, usually my phone is my saviour in awkward or anxious situations. The doorbell rings the butterflies in my stomach start moving around even more and I look at Dad again with wide eyes.

"You should go to your room." Dad says and I shake my head at his stupid statement

"I need to make sure you don't strangle him." I whisper and I watch as Dad cocks his head to the side

"Why are you whispering?" He asks and I shrug before folding my arms across my chest

"Because you're whispering." I reply and Dad narrows his eyes.

What? It was true.

"Okay. But seriously, you don't need to be anywhere near him. I don't want you anywhere near him." Ashton admits and I can't help but sigh before standing up

"Promise me you won't hurt him. I know he deserves it but I don't want you going to jail." I pout and Dad nods, quickly giving me a tight squeeze. The sound of the front door opening makes both of us jump and I looks at the man in front of me.

"I mustn't have locked it." He whispers and then the door into the living room opens revealing Calum's face. I breathe a sigh of relief. I hadn't braced myself yet to see Luke's face.

"Michael, Jess and I decided we would come along to make sure you both actually try to work out your problems." Calum says and I assume Dad nods because Calum smiles. My heart quickens as the voice in my head reminds me that Luke is just behind the door. "Hi Aria." Calum says as he makes his way into the room, he gives me a quick hug, followed by Jess doing the same thing and then Michael. I smile at them all feeling comfort and a sort of calmness in their presence.

"Aria." Luke says and my eyes snap towards his.

Okay Aria, time to put the glare you practised to good use.

I narrow my eyes at him, my lips pressed in a tight line. I glare at him for a few seconds longer than I should have, taking in his appearance. His stubble had almost grown into a beard and the bags beneath his eyes were prominent. He mustn't have been getting enough sleep.

Stop it. You don't care about him. I remind myself

I look back at my father and the rest of the guests before opening my mouth to take a deep breath, their eyes are on me and I know it's because they want to see how I will react.

"I'll just be upstairs." I mumble quickly before leaving the room, my stomach drops as I smell Luke's familiar aftershave, the one that I had once loved the smell of, the one I found comfort in and I quickly shut the door and then shut my eyes.

Breathe Aria. It's okay. You're okay.

My phone suddenly vibrates in my back pocket making me jump about a mile and I quickly retrieve it.