She's Not Afraid

73 Miles

***Chapter 34***

            I had so much fun Ashton that afternoon. We went to see the new James Bond movie at the cinema, but left halfway through because we were uncomfortable with the couple making out in the seats in front of us. Talk about awkward.

            We then went to a thrift shop similar to that little boutique Harry, Niall and I walked into earlier. We tried on everything that looked expensive to a point or just plain stupid. There was a super size faux fur coat that we of course tried on. It looked great on me just because I’m naturally amazing (as if), but on Ashton it looked hilarious. His unruly curly hair and robin superhero costume just added to the whole thing.

            Turns out while we were doing all this, Niall and Harry called me 24 times until I picked up. TWENTY FOUR. It really got annoying after the third call. Thank goodness I answered or who knows how many more times they would be calling me.

            “WHERE ARE YOU?” Harry’s voice rang angrily through the phone. I pulled it away from my ear to make sure I don’t go deaf.

            “I told you. I’m with Ashton because you guys ditched me.” I say, clenching my teeth. I look over at Ashton as we continue to walk down the street. He smiles at me and I return it. It was getting pretty dark, maybe It was around 7:30 or 8ish.

            I hear muffled remarks on the other end of the phone, as if someone was taking it from Harry. “We didn’t ditch you.” I hear Niall’s calm voice say minutes later. “We were actually getting you another coffee because you spilled the other one all over yourself.”

            “Ehem…I spilled it?” I state sassily.

            “Whatever. That’s not the point right now. You guys are so late!” He says hastily. I glance at my watch and see we were supposed to be at the O2 arena an hour ago to get ready. My mouth forms the shape of an o and Ashton face palms. I start running down the sidewalk towards the arena and Ashton follows.

            “Damn it, sorry.” I mutter unevenly because I running.

            “Where’s Ashton?” Niall asks nervously.

“Right next to me, why?” I ask him, getting kind of suspicious.

            “Give him the phone.” Harry’s voice is back on the other end. Harry’s angry tone makes me miss Niall’s cute calm one.

            “But I—“

            “Give him the phone!” He says louder this time. I haven’t ever heard him this mad since our ice cream date when he almost killed that pap. But then, he was just trying to protect him and I. Now what? He’s yelling right at me and I will not stand for it.

            “SHUT UP! Don’t yell at me, you bastard! We lost track of time, Styles. Why are you so mad anyway? I was having a good time with my friend, more fun than I’ll ever have with you! It’s not like I volunteered the concert tonight, I’m doing this for you, ok?! SO SHUT UP!” I shout back and then hang up and continue running down the side walk with Ashton.

            People were giving us strange looks but I didn’t care. I told them I would play tonight and I wasn’t going to let them down. No matter how much I hate that bastard right now.

            When we finally reach the arena, we are completely out of breath. Ashton’s legs turn to jelly, but I catch him. That only makes me fall too. Now we’re just in a heap on the ground in front of the O2 arena.