Gotta Get Out (a five seconds of summer story)

Chapter 13

“So you think I’m attractive?” Ashton asks with a smirk on his face after class. “You had the whole class time to focus on what I said and your relationship with Violet and all you got from our heartfelt conversation is that I said you were attractive!” I say ranting a little. “So that’s a yes” Ashton says as his smirk grows bigger. I blush and try to think of something witty to say. “You have nice hands that’s all” I say trying to cover for myself. I probably just made it worse. “Nice hands what does that even mean?” Ashton says laughing a little at my comment. “Well they are big and strong.” I say as I take his hands in mine. “They are manly without being too rough. They are flexible and quick. You clearly have the hands of a drummer.” I say without really thinking.  We both look up from our hands and make clear eye contact. I pull my hands away quickly and he does too. Like some sort of shock pulsed through us at the same time. We both laughed a little awkwardly to ease the awkwardness now rising up. I gather my stuff and make my way to Spanish class.

          My mind is in overdrive trying to recall every detail of what happened with Ashton when I walk into the class and see the boys. My mind relaxes and a flood of thought is just washed away. “Hey we were just talking about you” Calum says as I join the conversation. “And what exactly were you saying might I ask?” I say giving them an overdramatic curious look. “Luke thinks you’re hot” Michael puts in quickly before Calum erupts with laughter and Luke makes attempts to punch him in the arm and cover his mouth while muttering a couple of shut ups. “Kidding, I’m kidding!” Michael says holding up his hands surrendering. “Actually we wanted to see if you wanted to join us up at Calum’s lake house this weekend. You know as a little back to school get together.” Luke says as the boys quiet down. “I don’t want to intrude on y’alls little tradition.” I say feeling like the newbie. “Nah, we’d love to have you. It’s nothing fancy or anything. We would just go up there hang out, chill on the lake, eat some junk food, and maybe sing some campfire songs.” Calum says and all the boys start to look excited. “I love campfire songs!” I say sounding like a total chick. “So I take that as yes” Calum says smiling at the other boys. “I will have to check with my parents, but I would love to go.” I say before they break out in cheers. Ms. Walters gives us a bit of advice concerning our group assignments and we break up into our pairs. “So what exactly are we planning on doing?” Luke asks as I scoot my desk closer to his. “We are supposed to do a slideshow and oral presentation on a Spanish speaking country along with a typed outline to be turned in.” I say looking at the assignment paper. “So what country are we doing?” he asks me. “I’m cool with whatever you want to do” I say hoping he will choose something. “It’s your call. I’m going to let you be captain of this assignment.” He says holding his hands up. “Okay then, how about we do Spain. It is the home of the language and I’m sure there is plenty of information easily available” I say finally choosing one. “Sounds good to me. Hey do you want to stay after band practice and work on this with me at my house?” he asks. “Yeah that sounds good. I don’t think we will be able to really work on it in class considering the lack of resources in the classroom.” I say looking around at all the groups working together and goofing off. Luke mumbles a yeah and lets out a small chuckle. He runs his fingers through his hair and adjusts it back to perfection. We talk for the rest of the class period and join the other guys for lunch. The day rolls on by at a steady pace and in Home Economics we made and presented our various dips that we had been working on developing.