Beauty and The Bad Boy

Chapter 12

*Aubrey's P.O.V*

I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and placed them on the hardwood floor beneath me. I stood up and stretched, glancing at the clock. 6:00. I was starting to get used to getting up every morning and going to work.

Carter and I had been texting for a couple days. I felt bad because I still felt like I was betraying Ashton, even though we weren't a couple and neither were Carter and I. But still, u showered, got dressed ( http://www.polyvore.com/bestie_It/set?id=134144052 ), and did m hair and makeup.

When I arrived at the bookstore, Carter wasn't there yet. I took my place at the counter and turned on my phone. The store didn't open for about fifteen minutes. I found myself scrolling through Ashton's Instagram. I missed him and I wondered what he was doing. I heard the bell on the door jingle as Carter walked in.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Nothing," I shoved my phone into my back pocket. He walked over to the counter an wrapped his hands around my waist. I stood stiffly.

"Hey beautiful." I smile to myself but didn't reply.

"You wanna open early?" I said, changing the subject. He shrugged.

"I guess. How long are you working today?"

"Till five thirty."

"Diddo." I liked it when Carter stayed late like I did. When I was the only one working at the store, I got scared. It reminded me of the feeling I got whenever I saw Cameron. Like something really bad was about to happen.

Whenever Carter stayed late, he would lock up for me and he would walk me to Kayla's place It made me happy.

He reminded me a bit of Ashton. Sweet. and kind.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" He asked suddenly, interrupting my thoughts.

"Um.. no. Not really." I looked down.

"Oh." Carter walked to the door and flipped the sign so everyone would know that the store was open. He came behind me and placed a hand on my lower back  It sent shivers up my spine but I didn't think anything of it.

About an hour later, the store was busy. Carter was helping some guy find War and Peace. I drummed my fingers on the counter waiting for someone to purchase books. Carter walked up and leaned over, toying with my hands.

"Are you doing anything later?" He asked. My breath caught in my throat. Was he asking me out?

"Actually, I um, was gonna watch movie with Kayla tonight. But maybe some other time." It was true. I was gonna watch movies with Kayla. I could have easily cancelled but I was really confused.

Carter seemed mad at first but he seemed to soften throughout the day. By five, most of the costumers had clears our. Carter stepped behind me and kissed my neck. I froze it reminded me of...

I couldn't breathe. 

"Stop," I said, stepping away. "Please stop."

"What?" He said angrily. "I thought you liked me!"

"I do," I said. Then I paused. "Sort of. It's just.... I can't really..."

He looked away. Irony dug into my chest. He wouldn't understand if I didn't tell him. And I wasn't going to tell him. "I'm sorry." I said. He walked into another room. Tears filled my eyes. This sucks. My life sucks so bad.

I turned my head, and looked out the store window. There, walking into my view, into my life, was Ashton.

Oh my god. I looked at home, and he looked at me. How did he find me? He didn't walk in the store for a long time. And when he did, I saw he was pushing a wheelchair.

She was beautiful. She had the same hair. same eyes as Ashton. I realized it was his older sister, Bethany, who he had told me about before.

"Aubrey?" He asked.

"Yeah," I squeaked, as a tear fought its way over the brink of my eyelid.

He hugged me, squeezing so tight I could barley breathe. When he finally pulled away, he smashed his lips into mine.

"Please come home," he said when he pulled away from me.

I shrugged. "I don't know if I want to."

"Is it because of Cameron?" He asked. For a moment, the world stopped. He knew. He knew.

"Who told you?" I growled, barley able to control myself. I was shaking with fear and anger.

"He did," Ashton said. "Don't worry. I'm not mad. I just want to help you."

"I can't go back," I mumbled. "He might start hurting me again, or even rape me again, and I-" a sob escaped my chest.

"Wait, what?!" Ashton said. "He raped you?"

Oh my god. What have I done?

"I thought you said you knew," I retorted.

"I knew you were dating, but I never knew THAT!" He was angry. So was I. I had just given it away. Ashton knew. There was no turning back now. I couldn't go home.

And then I was running. I was out the door and down the street, my heart thumping with every pounding footstep. I threw open the door to the apartment building and let myself in. I locked myself in the bathroom and sank to my knees, crying.

Things would never be the same.