Second Chance || Luke Hemmings

|| 17 ||

"Hey, kiddo. Wake up." I feel a gentle nudge on my arm, but I only squirm to shake whoever it is off.

"Al," he whispers again, but I still don't budge.

"I've got a bucket of ice water right here," he says and I snap my eyes open, sitting up quickly but bumping my head into his. I rub the now throbbing area with my hand.

"What the hell, ash," I groan in pain, as does he, but he laughs too.

"I just wanted to say goodbye," he slightly pouts.

I turn to my left to see my alarm clock.

4:34am.

"You're leaving so soon?" I fold my legs up on my bed, making room for him to join me.

"Yeah, my classes start next week. I still need to get everything ready for them." I faintly see his half sympathetic smile, but it's still too dark to clearly see.

"I thought you were staying until my birthday?" I feel saddened. I haven't spent a single birthday with Ashton in almost 4 years now, because he's been off at school.

"I know kiddo, but there's been a change of plans," he sighs, and I feel a sudden urge to cry.

"Come see us off," he says, motioning towards the hallway so I can say goodbye to him and Janelle.

I don't know how he's going to do it, an 8+ hour car ride to San Francisco with his recently broken up ex.

I stand up along side him, grabbing my white comforter and wrapping it around me, making me look like one of those Russian dolls.

I waddle down the stairs to find his luggage sitting by the door, just ready to be taken out to his car, which Janelle was doing.

I sat there and watched as they took the last of it and put it in the back of his trunk, then slowly made their way back to say goodbye.

I said bye to Janelle first, telling her that it was nice to meet her, and it kind of was. I mean she was sweet for the most part. But the hardest thing was saying goodbye to Ashton.

I didn't hesitate to go in for a hug, going full force into his chest. I squeeze him tightly, wishing I didn't have to let go, and he hugged me the same way back.

Am I the only one who wants to cry here?

"I'll be back in a few months ok?" He says softly to me, rubbing my back gently.

"Don't be a stranger, please," I felt my voice crack a little, and I know he had heard it to. He pulled away and put my face in between his hands, forcing me to look at him.

"I wouldn't count on it," he genuinely says, and I sigh, going back in for one final hug.

I walk with him and Janelle out to the curb where it meets their truck.

"Oh, and I gave Michael your birthday present. I told him to give it to you when the day comes," he nods his head, a big smile back on his face.

"Have a safe drive, Ash. Call me when you get there," I pull a smile on my face, hoping it would help me feel ok, but it didn't. My best friend is leaving, yet again.

"I'll see you soon, kiddo. Love ya," he smiles from inside the truck and turns on the engine. It startled me a bit from how loud it was compared to the quiet street.

"Love you too, Ash," I wave him and Janelle goodbye, and watch as his car drives off and disappear down the street.

It was pitch dark outside, so I hurried back into the house, turning on the living room light. I picked up the house phone and dialed the first number that came to mind.