Free Falling // Irwin

0.5

Two months later

"Are you sure it's okay with Leanne that you move in?" Kate asks Chloe as she carries up another box to Kate's family's guest bedroom.
After telling them about her situation, they instantly suggested she come live with them. Of course, Chloe readily accepted.

"She was really mad at first, but after I think she was glad that she could get rid of me early."

"Well, sucks for her!" Kate's mom laughs. "Now we get you all to ourselves!"

"Thank you guys so, so much for letting me stay here."

"Chloe, it's a pleasure to have you. You know we love you."

"I love you too," She smiles.

"Okay, that's the last box!" Kate's dad says as he walks into the door and sets the box on the bed. "You know what that means?"

"What?" Chloe asks.

"Family picture time!" He takes out his phone and puts one arm around his wife and one around Kate. Kate hugs Chloe and they all smile for the camera.

'So this is what a family is,' Chloe thinks as she smiles. And today, her smile is real.

***********

"Whatcha listening to?" Chloe asks Kate the next morning at breakfast.

"5sos again," Kate grins. "They're amazing."

"You need to show me more of their songs! I loved the two you were playing last night!"

"Sure!" Kate takes out her earbuds so Chloe can listen too.

They listen to the whole first album, and Chloe loved the whole thing. "They are so good!" She exclaims.

"I know, right?!"

"Show me the keeks you keep quoting!"

Kate laughs and shows her some, and halfway through the third one Chloe gasps and points at one of the boys. "Him!"

"Ashton?" Kate looks confused. "He's the drummer..."

"He's the boy from the bridge."

"Oh my gosh. No way, are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure!" Chloe starts to cry. "Look!" She pulls out her phone are shows Kate the contact name and number.

"Oh my gosh," Kate says again.

"It's him."

"They're coming here for a concert," Kate says quietly. "In the spring. Four months from now."

"Can we go?"

"Of course. We better save up our money..."

***************

*A few months later*

"We finally have the money!" Kate bursts into Chloe's room.

"Yes!" Chloe laughs. "I know!"

"Go to the site, hurry hurry!" Kate chants as Chloe opens her laptop.

"Just wait, okay?"

As she types in the website her bracelets moves, showing off a row of old scars.

"How long since?" Kate touches one.

"A month," Chloe announces proudly.

"Good," Kate smiles. "Proud of you."

Chloe smiles back. "Two concert plus meet and greet tickets!"

•••••••••••••••
So, Chloe is gonna see Ashton again soon. How do you think he's going to react?