Pieces of Time

29

Michael's POV

It's been 2 days since Ashton faced his mum and hasn't spoken to anyone. Winter says she spoke to him the night it all went to shit and he wasn't himself. Winter's been hoping that with the new tour, Ash will cheer up a bit.

I've tried talking to him, through the closed door, and I know he's listening to everything I'm saying. The guys and I feel like we failed him. It was as if all of our work, all our efforts, all the things we did so that Ashton wouldn't end up hurt, failed. We failed him and we cant find the words to apologize.

Today is also the day that, the week Winter promised us was over. She was going home today.

I didn't bother telling Ashton that she was leaving today because I knew it would just upset him more. Sometimes, when I would sit outside his door, I thought he was sleeping. He didn't sleep good for 6 whole days while he was watching Winter, making sure she didn't die in her sleep. I hoped he had been sleeping this whole time, it would do him good.

We leave for London in 24 hours and time has been moving too quickly.

I waited in the kitchen for Winter to finish getting ready. Luke, Cal and I were walking her over to her house and wanted to try and convince her to be our manager, since she had to give John an answer by tonight. We really didn't want to lose her in our lives because we have all grown incredibly close. But if she decided to stay, we agreed to respect it.

"I'm ready." Winter small smiled as she glanced up toward Ashton's room.

"He'll be okay kid." I smiled grabbing her bag. Winter seemed to pack light, lighter than us who only brought an extra shirt and underwear.

As we walked out of the house, Luke and Cal were walking up the sidewalk. "Hey!" Calum smiled.

"Hey guys, are you excited for London?" She smiled to us as we started walking toward her house.

"I would be but-" Luke started. "-but you're bringing Nicole so you cant have any fun?" Winter teased.

"Hey! Just so you know, Nicole and I have not talked yet and that's why she's not coming with us this time." Luke said proudly.

"I'm extremely happy about that one." I smiled.

"I can see why." Winter laughed.

"We want you to come with us." Calum said shyly.

"John really does need help. Without you, we will forever be seen as a joke band." I smirked.

"I'm giving John my answer in a couple hours. So you'll know eventually." Winter smirked as we continued walking.

As we approached her house, we all lingered. "I guess this is me." Winter smiled.

"See you tomorrow." Luke teased hugging her goodbye.

"Yeah, you cant be late to the airport or the plane will take off." Calum smiled taking her from Luke's arms into his.

I set down Winter's bag and took her from Calum. "It's my turn!" I pouted. "I'm sorry Ashton couldn't be here." I whispered into her ear as she stood shortly compared to my tall height.

"It's alright. I'll call him later." She smiled up at me.

She picked up her bag at the end of the hugs and goodbye's and started walking up to the house. We all walked behind her so her family could see that we brought her back safely.

Winter knocked on the door, but no one immediately answered. "I guess they don't want you. Let's go back home." I teased.

Winter knocked again. "Mom!" She yelled.