You Can't Save Me..

Chapter 19

Ashton's POV

My alarm went off a few minutes ago. Meaning it's 5:30 and I really need to get up. I would say wake up, but I never really fell asleep.

I climb out of bed unwillingly and pad over to my closet. I pull out a sports bra and a pair of spandex, picking up my phone and headphones before walking down the stairs and out the door silently for a run.

I love running. It's the kind of self harm that doesn't do harm. I love getting short of breath and feeling my heart pound in my chest and I love the feeling of my legs being sore and achy all day. I love the pain I get from it.

That's not something you normally hear about exercise, but that's how I feel about it.

I run while listening to my music on shuffle. After about half an hour, I return home, hopping in a cold shower to wake me up and stop the sweating because ew.

After getting out of the shower, I wrap one towel around my body and another in my hair.

I walk to my closet and decide to wear on of the skirts I got when I went shopping with Megan.

I wear the orangey red one with a white shirt and a dark sweater over it (outfit at the top cause I described it so well *note the sarcasm*).

I walk out of my closet and over to my vanity. I dry my hair and put on the same makeup I wear everyday, not wanting to over do it. I put on mascara and a thin layer of eyeliner. After that I straighten my hair. When I'm done, my hair reaches almost all the way down my back.

After I'm finished getting completely ready, it's 6:45. I walk into Jakes room to make sure he's awake and of course, he isn't. I wake him up with the air horn in my hand and see him jump out of bed.

I giggle softly before walking out of the room with a little, "Morning! Breakfast in 30!"

After that I walk to the girls room and wake them both up, a little more nicely than what I did for Jake.

They crawl out of bed, rubbing their eyes before going one to the bathroom connected to their room and one to the hallway with their pile of clothes.

I smile and walk down the stairs, preparing some fruit, eggs, toast and sausage for everyone.

Soon after the food is done, I prepare a bottle for Court and make sure she's all taken care of. After a few minutes, I am on my way to her new day care. I met with the people and they agreed to help with my 'special situation.'

When I arrive back home only 10 minutes later, the girls and Jake come down the stairs, more awake than they were at first and sit at the bar, each making themselves a plate of food.

My stomach growls and I think about my promise to Luke. I decide to eat one piece of the cantaloupe I cut up and leave it at that.

After that I walk into the family room to see 3 bags fully packed and 3 pairs of shoes ready by the door. I smile before checking the time.

"The bus comes at 7:20. I have to go pick up Megan this morning, so Jake make sure everyone's on the bus in 10?" I ask picking up my bag and keys.

"Sure thing." He says, not looking up from his plate.

"Text me if there's a problem?"

"Yep."

I walk out the door and get into my car, driving off to get Megan. I text her telling her I'm here and I see her coming out of the house dressed in a black skirt and a blue top. Her hair is curled and she looks perfect, as always.

She gets in the car, informing me she loves my outfit, considering she picked it out. I laugh and roll my eyes, turning the music back on and driving us both the hell. I mean school.

-

Megan and I walk over to the group standing by the tree at the end of the school yard, making small conversation along the way.

"Hey guys." Megan says as we get close. She walks immediately over to Ashton's side, while I walk over to Luke.

I notice Mikey and Cal standing a little closer than normal. I smile, I knew it.

"You look amazing." I hear Luke whisper in my ear.

"Thanks." I blush, looking down, not believing a word he said.

"I mean it." He says with a sigh.

Eventually the first bell rings and we walk off to class hand in hand.

-

Once entering the classroom, I pull out my phone, sending a quick text to Jake asking if they all got to school okay.

He replies quickly telling me everything was good. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. First days never go well for them. But it is Friday so that makes it all better.

-

We slide through the day more quickly than normal and before I know it, it's time to pick everyone up.

I hurry to my locker, throwing everything in and turning around to leave, when I run into a chest. I look up to see Luke.

"Why are you is such a hurry babe?" He asks casually.

"I have to pick the kids up. You can come with if you want, but hurry up." I reply quickly, but with a smile so I don't seem like a jerk.

Sometimes I come off that way because I'm always busy, but I don't mean it.

"Sure. I'm ready." He says with a smile, seeming un-phased by my unintentional demand.

We walk to the car quickly before driving to the middle school and picking up Jake, then moving on to the elementary to pick up the girls.

They climb into the car telling me all about their teachers and their new best friends. I smile and nod along, but keep my eyes on the road.

We make our way to pick up Court. I thank the lady there and pick up the smiling baby and carry her to the car along with her diaper bag and seat.

I place her in the chair and buckle her in, all while she giggles. Spit dribbles down from her mouth as she pulls a teething toy into her mouth. I smile and make my way back to the front of the car next to Luke.

We pull into the garage and I tell the girls to go start on their homework while I find out where my mother has been.

Work called my phone, as she puts my number down for her home phone, and told me she hasn't shown up in 3 days. I assured she was very sick, but would be back tomorrow.

I walk up the stairs calmly, not wanting told scare the girls or Jake or let them know anything was wrong. I knock on my mom's door and wait until I hear her tell me to come in. I then enter the room, closing the door behind me and...