You Can't Save Me..

Chapter 50

Ashton's POV

I begin writing.

I'm falling behind. I need a checklist of shit I need to do when I get back home because there's no way in hell I'll remember it all.

Okay.

Talk with Sky.
Luke.
Jake.
Addi.
Evan.
Luke's mom.
Dinner with Luke's family?
I need to do some more laundry as well.
I'll probably need to shop when we get home.
There will be some cleaning to do.
I need to get back in touch with work.
Get back in touch with my mother.
Return calls and emails for colleges.

Anything else?

I'm not sure. That's a good place to start. I need to get myself back on track. I'm falling back and it's making it worse for everybody.

My problems come last. It's that simple.

Focus on breathing and get your shit together.

Do what needs to be done.

You can rest when you're dead.

I slowly put the pen down and close the book. I rest my head back on the couch and focus on breathing.

I've been having insanely bad headaches recently. I would say migraines, but I don't think it's quite there yet.

I used to get those all the time, but they stopped not long ago. This one isn't that bad.

I check the time before realizing Luke won't be up for a few hours. I need some fresh air. I guess I'll go ahead and get dressed before I go out.

I tip toe over to my bad before pulling out some shorts and a top along with a couple necklaces and a few bracelets. I slip out of my clothes and into the new ones before writing a note and leaving it on the counter for Luke.

"Luke
Went to get some air. I'll probably be back before you get up, but if not text me. Love you ❤
Ash"

Then I grab my phone and room key and put them in my back pocket before walking out the door and closing it lightly behind me.

-

After the short walk to the beach, I walk toward the water, making my way to the edge. I look out at the eater where the sun is rising out past and breathe in deeply.

I close my eyes and relax to the sound of waves crashing only feet in front of me. Taking a step back, I remove my sandals. I feel the sand beneath my feet and step forward so the water is hitting my toes.

"Hey love." I hear a voice behind me and cringe at the name, but decide to still be polite.

"Um, hello." I say awkwardly as I turn around.

Before me stands a rather attractive boy, around the age of 19. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

"What are you doing out so early in the morning?" He asks, stepping closer.

I step back, letting my feet be submerged in the water. "Just getting some fresh air." I respond, only wanting this conversation to end. I casually turn around, facing the water again, hoping he'll take the hint and leave.

Of course he doesn't. He comes and stands beside me. Too close for my liking. I step away a bit again and look around. The beach is entirely empty. Great I think with sarcasm.

"I'm Zach." He says, turning toward me with his hand held out.

"Ashton." I reply softly, taking his hand for a moment and given a short shake.

"That's a beautiful name. You also have an amazing accent. Where are you from?" He asks with am flirty tone.

I mentally roll my eyes. "America." I answer shortly.

"Are you okay? You're being kinda short." He asks, stepping in front of me, again to close.

"Fine. You're kinda just in my bubble." I say stepping back once again.

"Oh, sorry. You, um, got a boyfriend?" He asks.

"Yes." I say, feeling a smile twitch at my face.

"Oh. Well, he's one lucky man." He says with a sigh.

I chuckle coldly with a shake of my head, but don't say anything.

"What?" He asks, looking over.

"Lucky isn't the word I would use to describe our situation." I say, staring ahead of me.

It's silent for a few moments as we stand, looking out at the water. It's not awkward though. Just comfortable. "You're kind of mysterious, aren't you?" He says lightly.

"That's a nice way to put it." I counter.

He chuckles and shakes his head a bit.

"I should get back to Luke. He's probably awake now." I say, before checking my phone.

Nothing. Oh well. He'll be up soon. I'll start walking.

"Hey, wait." Zach says from behind me.

"Yeah?" I ask.

"Could I maybe, um, get you're number?" He asks.

"Umm, I guess. Why not." I answer. He hands me his phone and I add my number, leaving my contact name as, 'Mysterious Bitch 🙈👌' and handing his phone back. He'll probably forget about my number before he even has a chance to text me. What harm could it do?

He looks at the new contact and laughs a bit before waving me off. "Luke's waiting, mysterious bitch." He says with a light laugh.

I nod with a smile before starting the walk back. "Bye Zach."

-

As I enter the hotel, my phone buzzes. I open the message.

Hey baby. I'm awake. Want me to come to the beach or are you coming back?

It's from Luke. I smile a bit before responding.

I'm in the lobby. Be up in a couple seconds.

-

I reached the top of the stairs and started down the hallway and to our room. Opening the door and walking in, it set my things down and see Luke sitting on a stool near the bar.

"Hey doll. You okay?" He greets.

"Yeah, just needed some fresh air." I respond. Do I tell him about Zach or does that even matter? I mean, I don't think it matters. He was flirting with me, but it's not like there's an interest there or anything.

"What are you thinking about?" He asks, his eyebrows furrowed together.

"Nothing important." I respond, deciding it doesn't matter.

"Okay. You want breakfast?" He asks.

"No. I already ate." I lie out my teeth.

He gives me a sad look. He knows. "Baby, you ate 2 meals yesterday. If you aren't hungry right now that's fine, but please don't lie to me."

"I'm sorry." I say. I know I shouldn't lie. It just comes so casually now. "Hey, um. We need to talk." I add softly.

"Sure. About what?" He asks.

"Your mom." I say more strongly that before.

His breath hitches, but he nods softly, not looking me in the eyes.