The New Kid | lrh

Chapter 21

It was the afternoon after the incident at the hospital. Sat in the driver's seat of my car, I thought about what I had to do.

I needed to find a place to live but I had no where to go. Mikey and his family would let me stay in a heart beat. But I wouldn't overstay my welcome. I couldn't stay with Violet because her mom hates me. Luke would be the first to ask me to move in with him but I wouldn't allow him to make that choice. I had barely even met his family and I'm sure that wouldn't slide. "Oh hey can my friend come live with us, she doesn't have a place to live, and she's also my girlfriend." If I was a parent I wouldn't let that shit fly.

Ashton. He was my last resort. I had no where else to go and I knew I could come to him for some advice. I called him up and asked if he could swing by my house--former house. He said he had to shower but he would come by afterwards.

I started my car and backed out of Mikey's driveway and headed back to my former home to collect my things. I didn't own many things but I had some bulky furniture. I'd sell some of my jewelry and electronics, if I really needed the money. I had a part time job but that wouldn't be enough to pay for rent and bills and groceries. Having to handle a job and school was hard enough and having to find a place to live was just was the cherry on my sundae.

I unlocked the front door, surprised the lock wasn't changed, and quickly went to find the big blue tote bins. I brought a few up to my room and began packing my things. I started with the things on my bookshelf. Books, awards and anything else that was displayed was put into a box and set aside. Then, I took another bin and began filling it with clothes and shoes.

As I began filling up my third bin, a knock on the door distracted me. I ran downstairs and opened the door to a wet, long-haired Ashton.

"Ashton." I sighed in relief, throwing my arms around his neck pulling him close. "Thank God you're here."

He hugged me tightly and soothingly stroked my hair. "What's wrong Zo?"

"Everything in my life is falling apart."

He pulled away from the embrace and looked at me. "What do you mean?" Ash said stepping inside the doorway.

"I'll explain while I pack." I signaled for him to follow me to my room. I needed to cry and this might be the chance where I could.

Once I explained what was going on and he was all caught up, he was speechless.

"Where do I go, Ash? I have no place to live." I said, choking back my tears.

"You can live with me." He said seriously.

"Wait, what?" I didn't think I had heard him correctly.

"Live with me. I'm barely home and I barely use my apartment. I mostly spend time at my girlfriends place." He smiled.

"Ash, I can't do that. I need my own place and I'm not going to burden you."

"It's not a burden. I'd rather have someone actually use my apartment. I only live there during the summer. You can stay as long as you need." He placed a hand on my shoulder.

I hugged him tightly and buried my head into his chest.

"It'll be like having a roommate whose barely home." He chuckled.

He helped me bring down what would fit into my car and his, and helped me move it to his apartment. I only needed a few things to survive the day. I would collect the rest of my things later. I just needed to relax for once.

Ashton sat on the couch flipping through channels as I sat down beside him, eating from a big bag of chips.

We began to discuss the terms of me 'renting' out his apartment. I felt bad that he let me stay here, so I said that I would pay rent. Whatever I could afford to pay a month, I'd give to him. He objected but I begged. I would not take advantage of him.

"Why don't you invite some people over to help you take your mind off things. Or at least invite Luke over." Ashton suggested.

I nodded, "yeah, I'll call Luke and Violet."

"Good," he smiled."I'm gonna head back to my girlfriends dorm but call me if you need anything, 'Kay?"

"Thank you for everything, Ash." I said hugging him tightly.

"Anything for you, Hun." He whispered as he kissed the top of my head.

I dialed Luke's number and asked if he could come over. He asked if I could pick him up at Calum's house since he told his parents he was staying over there for the night.

I still couldn't believe that I was dating the dorkiest person in the world. He was probably the best thing to ever happen to me. I love that boy so much.

I love Luke Robert Hemmings.

A/N: I'm soooo sorry for the really late update! I'm getting back into writing but schools back in session and I'm super busy with that. Please comment and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading :)