Where I Belong

Chapter 4

Ashton sat up and simply nodded. I couldn't help but notice the surprise on his face. I sat on the couch next to him. I probably should have given him some space but honestly I wanted to be close to someone as I opened up. I didn't have any friends. I didn't ever get to leave the house when I was with David.

I swallowed hard and spoke. "I.. um.. I just ran away this morning." I looked down, careful to avoid meeting his eyes. "I've been living with my boyfriend for over a year now. But he's abusive."

I could have sworn I saw him tense up.

I spoke again, "I just wanted to get out of there. I can't take it anymore." I started to tear up and I wiped my eyes quickly, not wanting him to see me break down. "I just don't know what to d-do.."

All of a sudden, I felt his arms around me and he held me close. "Shh, it's okay. I will protect you."

I thought he must be kidding. He doesn't even know me. Why would he want to do anything for me? But when I looked into his eyes, I knew he was serious. 

"I don't want you to get hurt, Ashton. Maybe I should just go home now before he finds out I left..." I stood up, my hands shaking.

"No!" He stood up and pulled me back down on the couch. "I want you to stay with me. I can't let you go back there now. You do not deserve to be hit. He should rot in hell for the way he treated you."

He hugged me close to him and I hugged him back. If this boy got hurt because of me, I would never be able to forgive myself. I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I sighed and cried softly into his chest. He stroked my hair and I blushed at the gesture.

"You're gonna be okay," he whispered. "I'm gonna keep you safe here. How about we try and give you a new look or something? I want you to be able to go out of the house and not be hidden here."

I nodded. "I always did wanna dye my hair blonde."

He laughed softly and tousled his hair. "Well, blondes do have more fun." He winked at me and I blushed, looking down quick. "I'll take you to the hair dresser's tomorrow, love."

I smiled softly and nodded, finally getting out of his embrace. I wanted to make sure to give him his space.

He stood up and smiled at me. "Are you hungry? Have you eaten anything today?"

I swallowed hard, thinking about how David would be getting home soon to find me gone. And he would have to make his own dinner. That's why he hit me last night. Dinner was late. There was too much traffic on the way back from the grocery store. 

I shook off the thought and looked back into his eyes. "No I didn't eat today. I am hungry, but I don't wanna be a b-bother..."

Ashton shook his head. "No more of this thinking you're a bother, love. I'll make us dinner."

I nodded. "Can I help?" I bit my lip nervously and smiled softly at him. 

"Please do." He laughed softly. "I really don't know how to cook," he admitted shyly.

I laughed along with him. "Well I guess we're gonna have to do something about that, won't we?," I playfully smirked at him. 

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Ashton and I settled on having spaghetti for dinner and after dinner, we were back on the couch and we just sat, talking, getting to know each other better. I found out Ashton was actually famous. If David had ever let me have a life, I might have known who Ashton was.

He was in a band, 5 Seconds of Summer. They just finished up a tour with One Direction. I had heard of them briefly. When I was at the store, I had seen their faces on a few things. 

I had never met a famous person before and now I was living with one. And he was actually down-to-earth and caring. Ashton and I finally went up to bed in our respective bedrooms. I really wasn't tired though. He let me borrow his laptop to look for some new clothes and I wanted to order a few things online. But I found myself watching 5 Seconds of Summer videos, laughing at Ashton in all of them. I also watched a few videos of them performing and finally, the image of the handsome drummer faded as I drifted to sleep.