You Can't Save Me..

Chapter 30

Ashton's POV

I look around the room to see everyone I love and care about. Jake, Addi, Sky, Court, Evan, Luke, Ben, Jack, Liz, Megan, Ashton, Calum, and Micheal.

I could never be around anyone I care about more than them.

I start handing out the presents I got while everyone else does the same. Finally, everyone had handed out their presents and we all sat down.

We took turns opening presents and thanking the giver until everyone was done. While the kids were playing with their new toys and whatnot and everyone else was talking, I began cleaning up the wrapping paper.

After that was cleaned up, I made my way to the kitchen to finish cooking the last of dinner. Moments after I reached the kitchen, Luke was behind me. I smile at him, "Go back and enjoy your family. There's only a little bit left to do." I say, that's a full blown lie though.

"Don't lie to me." He says with a little smile.

"How did you know?" I ask, really wanting to know how he does that all the time.

"Your eyes. I'm not exactly sure." He says, with a smile.

"So, what else do we have to cook." He asks with a smile. "That room is to crowded anyway. I'd rather be in here with you."

I just smile, allowing him to help me.

"How are you doing? With the crowd I mean. I know you don't like crowds." He says as he prepares boxed stuffing.

"I was in a room with everyone I love. I couldn't be doing any better." I say, sighing happily at the end.

He smiles and we continue talking as we finish the meal.

After everything is finally done, we move the food to the dining room table and call everyone in.

We take our places around the table and I say the blessing before everyone makes themselves plates and begins eating. I make myself a tiny plate, but I only push the food around. Smiling and interacting in the group like nothing is wrong.

Minutes later, I feel Luke's hand on my thigh. He gives me a pleading look. I sigh, but eat a small amount of the food.

We are all sitting at the table happily talking and enjoying the day when the front door slams open. Suddenly, my drunk mother bursts into the dining room.

"Who the fuck are all these people?" She says pointing at me and gesturing with her eyes all around the room.

"Mom. You're drunk. Let me take you to bed." I say, really not wanting to ruin this day.

"I leave for 10 minutes and you throw a fucking party! Damn whore!" She screams, almost falling over.

"Let's go talk in the hallway." I say, standing up.

"Ashy? Is it gonna be okay?" Addi asks me, tears forming in her eyes.

"Yeah baby. It's all going to be okay. I'm just gonna go talk to mom. It will be okay." I say, pulling her into a hug. I don't want her to cry. I hate seeing her cry. She rarely ever does.

Slowly, she's pulled away from me and I see Luke pulling her into his arms. I look and see Evan holding Sky and Jake sitting silently in his place at the table. Thanks. I mouth to Luke before walking over to my mom and leading her calmly into the hallway.

"Mom, it's been 3 days, not 10 minutes. It's a Christmas party. It's civilized. No one is drinking here except you. There are adults here. It's all okay. Why don't you go upstairs and I'll get you a glass of water and some advil." I say, looking at the ground.

"You don't tell me what to do you bitch. Go back and fuck Luke you whore." She says loudly. I cringe.

"Mom, we have guests. Please keep it down." I say.

Suddenly, she picks up a picture hanging on the wall and smashes it to the floor. I gasp, seeing the glass shattered everywhere, knowing exactly which picture it is.

She then stomps off, leaving me stunned in the hallway. I pick up the picture, looking at the remains of my dad's face. Tears form in my eyes and I collapse.

Luke hurries into the hallway. "What happened? I heard a smash." He asks, extremely worried, crouching down to my level.

I show him the picture and he sighs, knowing how important my dad is to me.

I remember the group in the dining room and dry my tears and begin cleaning up the broken glass. "It's okay. I'm not going to let her ruin this day for me. It's been great so far. She's not worth it." I say, putting on a fake smile.

After everything is cleaned up, I walk to the kitchen, getting my mother a glass of water and 2 advil tablets.

I walk to her room. "Take these. It'll help." I say, setting them down on her table and leaving. I walk back down the stairs, taking a deep breath and smiling before I entered the dining room.

Everyone is sitting silently. All eyes turn to me and I smile. "It's all good. Addi, Sky, are you okay?" I ask, turning to the girls who are now back in their own seats.

"What's wrong with mommy?" Sky asks with a wobbly voice.

"She's just sick. She'll get better some day. We can only hope." I whisper the last sentence, but smile at her anyway.

I take my seat and everyone I still looking at me silently. "Guys, it's okay to talk. She's sleeping in her room, it's all good." I say, faking a little laugh.

Evan laughs along with me, trying to ease back into conversation. Eventually everyone is talking again. I keep a smile on my face, but I can still hear her words floating through my head, "Go fuck Luke you whore."

I hate those kind of insults. They hurt. Don't focus on it. Just let it go. I think to myself. I smile again and join back in the conversation. Luke sets his hand on my thigh and gives me an apologetic smile.

I shake my head, signalling that it's okay and enjoy the rest of dinner the best I can.