In Every Picture. (5SOS fanfic)

006 - ready

Today was a typical, suburban, household Saturday. And of course, Ben wasn't home. He's out there in the studio doing his dream job, producing music. Unfortunately, my mom was in the master bedroom, screaming sarcastic remarks to someone over the phone.

"Sure, Greg! Continue fucking up my forms, and passing them to Dr. Reed without my fucking consent!" her voice reverberated off the cemented walls. The crass outburst of 'f' words rang a sudden headache in my head. I hate that word.

I rolled to the side of my four poster bed and grunted. Is it even possible to have this much homework? I still have to study for finals. Plus, that godforsaken essay Mr. Grant assigned to us about love. The essay where Erin smudged her elbow to.
Erin. How could Luke even like that girl? In fifth grade, Luke used to make fun of her sparkling dancing shoes and now, they're being all over themselves.

I shook my head at the absurd mental image and climbed off my bed, my grumbling stomach leading my feet to the kitchen.

I opened the refrigerator door and snatched a full pack of oreos, gobbling them down the moment I had them. A string of footfalls interrupted my eating. I looked at the door to see him, eyebrows raised, eyes narrowed.

"What are you doing?"

"Uh, eaffing," I mumbled through my cookie-abundant mouth.

"Okay." Ashton plopped himself on the kitchen counter and took out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket.

I scrunch my nose at the sight of the box. "Mom doesn't like it when you're smoking, Ash."

"She's not my mom. She's yours." he rolled his eyes and balanced the lit-up cancer stick.

He inhaled a lungul of the cigarette and looked at me."I know what you're doing."

"What?" I let out a shaky laugh and popped another oreo in my mouth.

"I know you're going to Italy, Gwyn." he smirked and puffed out ashen smoke.

My eyes bulged out of my sockets."They told you? Those bastards."

"Yeah, and I'm sure Meredith's not going to be happy 'bout it."

"Please don't tell her." Panic soon flooded the corners of my eyes but Ashton looked unpleased still.

"I'm not gonna tell her because she, herself is gonna find out and murder you for it. I'm just telling you the upcoming storm you're facing." Ashton tipped his cigarette into the sink, gray flecks lightly falling.

Ashton was lying. I can see it in his eyes. He never talks to me in a civilized manner unless he's throwing things and screaming his head off. He wanted something.

"If you don't tell mom about the trip, I'm gonna stop giving you pills."

"Deal," he smiled triumphantly.

And in a purple satin bathrobe, Meredith swooped in carrying a glass of chamomile in her hand. She eyed the both of us curiously.

"If it isn't my two beautiful children," she spoke sweetly as she stirred honey in her teacup.

"Yeah, uh," I muttered anxiously,"I have this student seminar to go to next week and I'll be gone for ten days. And also, I'll be needing my passport," I waited for a litany of her curse words and dagger-like insults. But nothing came. I felt my throat swell and constrict, I stilled myself.

"Sure, darling, you can go." As those words came out of her mouth, Ashton sniggered behind me, pinching the bridge of his nose. Nonetheless, a surge of satisfaction wafted over me. I inwardly thanked whoever invented chamomile tea. It must've lulled her nerves down like a drug. I guess I should just make her drink chamomile before I ask permission for something.