to the moon. /m.c./

t h i r t y t h r e e

"Ashton, when did this start?"

He sighed and once again, ran his hand through his hair, a sign he was nervous.

"I know it was more than once, Ash. When did you start sleeping with her?"

"Michael's birthday party."

"Oh my God," I said, slightly mortified.

"Did you stop after they broke up?"

He buried his face in his hands, sobbing. "No. I didn't."

That's when I stood up and walked out. Tears fell from my face as I ran across the street to the nearest bus stop, going as fast as possible to my home.

I opened the door to find my mother and father sitting on the couch together, watching television. I began sobbing and collapsed into the arms of my mum.

"Josie, honey, what's wrong?"

I cried out again in anguish, letting my tears fall freely. "Ashton cheated on me."

She rubbed my back soothingly, kissing my cheek. "At least you know now, honey, now you don't have to be around the damned cheater."

"But mum, you don't get it."

"What don't I get, love?"

Her term of endearment stung, reminding me of Ashton. "Nothing." I just let myself cry until I felt like I had no more tears. Then, I went up to my room and laid in my bed, sending a text to Michael.

"Hey."