Something Beautiful

↠f o u r t e e n ↠

Song of the chapter
My Type by Saint Motel

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"Where are we going?" I asked Ashton as we drove down the road. This was the first time we'd actually spoken since we left the church.

"Well, since we haven't had any breakfast or lunch, I decided to take you out for some breakfast for lunch." Ashton said. Both of his hands rested on top of the steering wheel.

"Like a late brunch?" I asked, laughing at the thought, although it really wasn't that funny.

Ashton laughed along with me and my heart started to beat fast. "Yeah, I guess it is."

When we got there, Ashton parked, and followed close behind me into the restaurant. It was called IHOP. I'd never been there before because my mother loved the old-fashioned style. She made home cooked meals almost everyday. We only ate out every couple of months, which usually was only my father and I. I was actually surprised that I had my own car, Macbook computer and iPhone. Then again, I had gotten those things only a few months before I moved to Vancouver.

A waitress with blonde curly hair that had way too much hairspray, took us to our table which seated two. "Welcome to IHOP. Here are your menus." She handed us each a menu, all the while staring at Ashton.

When she walked away, I murmured, "Wow, she was sure drooling."

Ashton stared at me in confusion. "At what?"

I rolled my eyes. "At you! She couldn't stop staring."

"Well, can't say I'm surprised." He grinned.

I snorted. Typical teenage guy.

"Although she's not my type." He shrugged.

"Oh? And who is your type?" I asked. I opened my and looked at the selections.

"Other people." Ashton stared at me meaningfully and winked.

My face became hot and I quickly stared down at my menu. "There's a lot to choose from." I said, changing the subject. I hated awkward moments more than anything.

"There is." He agreed. "But I already know what I'm ordering." He set his menu on the edge of th table for the waitress to grab.

"And what would that be?" I decided that if what he was getting sounded good, I'd probably just get that. There was honestly way too much to choose from. I'd be here all day.

"Pancakes topped with strawberry whipped cream, and a side of bacon."
That sounded so good it actually made my mouth water. "I think I'll get that too then." I said, "That way I won't get food envy." I dropped my menu on top of his.

"Now you're drooling." He said, laughing.

My heartbeat quickened yet again. God, stop it, Ashton! I thought.

He saw me staring at him in awe. "What?" He asked.

I shook my head and looked down. "Nothing."

He groaned. "Hazel, just tell me. I don't like it when you lie to me."

"Fine, I like your laugh." I murmured. "It's cute."

He grinned. "Do you? Well, I like you, Hazel."

I shook my head and glared at him. "Stop that!"

His face fell, which made me feel bad. "Hazel, why do you do that? You always act as if you can't trust me. I'm trying to get to know you and you always shut me out. Why?" He asked.

"Why? Because, Ashton, all my life, people have acted like I'm not worth it. I already told you all this. And then, here you are, and besides your mother having cancer, you have the perfect life. Everybody loves you, Ashton. Yet you insist on being around me. I have so many problems in my life. Just stay away from me! I'm gonna end up just dragging you down with me!"

He only stared at me.

The waitress came back to our table, and asked, "So, what would you guys like today."

"I don't think we're getting anything today." Ashton said, still staring at me, his face blank.

"Okay?" She said, confused. "Well, have a nice day." She said and walked away.

"Come on, Hazel. We're leaving." Ashton said and stood up.

Great. Now he's taking me home. Good going. Now he hates you. I thought.

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