Lost Without Them (Ashton Irwin Story)

A new start

Storms POV

I haven't seen Mikayla or her minions so far for the rest of the day but the guys have still stayed pretty close by at all times. I know they want to ask questions but they also don't want to invade my privacy at the same time. By lunch, I've had enough of waiting for one of them to start the conversation so I bring it up.

"I know you guys have questions. Just ask and get it over with." I mumble as I play with my sleeve.

The guys look to each other reluctantly before Michael seems to come to the decision to go first. "Where are your friends, Storm?"

I sigh, "They left when they found out that you had gone away. All along it was all for you..." I trail off.

"All of them?" He asks reluctantly, to which I nod softly. He sighs and mumbles an apology that I brush off – it's not his fault that I am useless and couldn't see it all along.

"So, you're on your own. No one helps you with that?" Calum asks.

I laugh bitterly, "Who helps the girl that can't even get her own brother to stay? I'm a lost cause; the only thing that I'm good for is their entertainment."

Luke, Calum and Michael wince and look away sadly; Michael looks more ashamed of the first part of the statement than the last part. Ashton, who has been pulling chunks out of the grass since this conversation started, mumbles distractedly, "Come with us."

"What?" I ask, confused at the sudden change in subject.

"When we go back, come with us." He says louder as he raises his head to meet my eyes.

I break the eye contact and sigh sadly; I know he means well but I am enough of a burden here, they don't need Michael's clingy little sister on tour with them as well. "I can't, Ash. I have school to finish and besides, this is your dream. I can't just appear out of nowhere and get in the way-" Luke cuts me off.

"This may be our dream but we have always wanted you to come with us. When we first left we asked if you could come with us. Management was fine with it but your mum wasn't so sure that you would be so happy with the constant travelling. She didn't want you to feel forced to leave your friends behind-" I cut him off with a scoff but he continues. "- You would never be in the way. It's not the same without you around; you're just as much a part of all of this as we are; after all, you were the one who helped us in the early days. Think of this as your escape from all of this. Please, Storm." He pleads.

"What about my schooling?" I point out.

"Do it online. Luke does his like that so why can't you?" Calum argues.

I sigh, defeated, "No promises, but I will think about it."

Ashton wraps his arms around me before the other guys jump on us to form a pile. "That's all we ask," He mumbles into my ear before pressing a kiss to my cheek then resting his own cheek against my temple.

Maybe they're right, this is my chance to escape it all. If I go, as long as I am careful, nobody will know.

This could be a new beginning.

A fresh start.