The Boy Next Door

Chapter 43

Lyric's pov

I stare at my phone as it rings. My mother's picture was on the screen. She was calling me again. And I didn't know what do to. Against my better judgement, I answer the phone. I involuntarily wince when she starts to speak.

"Lyric? Baby girl?" My mother's voice calls out loudly.

I clear my throat, "What do you want mom?"

"I've missed you sweetie," she starts.

"I've haven't missed you," I lie. I'll admit it. I did miss my mom every once in a while.

"I can see why. I just want to say I'm sorry Lyric. I know I was awful. I'm very sorry," she apologizes. I stay quiet. The door swings open and the boys starting shoving each other, laughing and talking loudly. Calum notices I'm on the phone and shushes the other three. All four of them give me a questioning look. I hold up the phone screen, showing them who it was. Their eyes widen in shock. I resist the urge to giggle.

"Lyric? Are you still there?" Mom asks.

"Yeah," I reply, "but I have to go. We have to go to the venue. The boys have a show tonight." I send a pleading look at the band. Michael catches on.

"Lyric! Let's go!" He shouts. I mouth thank you and he flashes me a thumbs up.

"I won't keep you then. Have fun baby. I love you," she says. Then the line goes dead. I sit there, extremely confused.

"You and your mom sound like you worked things out. Or are at least trying to," Luke states, sitting on the floor beside me. Ashton sits on my other side, then pulls me onto his lap, resting his head in the crook of my neck, his arms wrapped tightly around my torso.

"I don't know. She's been calling me. I answered and she started saying she was sorry and that she loves and misses me," I explain, confused.

"Women are so hard to understand," Calum complains. I laugh, making Ashton smile.

"So why did you two decide to sneak away earlier?" Michael questions, smirking. I make a disgusted face, wrinkling my nose.

"You are nasty. We went for a walk to the park near here," I say, mortified. Luke, Calum, and Michael all snicker. I roll my eyes at their immaturity.

"Ashton, help me out here," I tell my boyfriend.

"Yeah, park," Ashton replies, giggling. He was messing with me too. I roll my eyes and smack his arm. The boys laugh, then it dies off and it's quiet.

"Hey Lyric? Can we ask you something?" Luke questions.

I nod, "Of course. What's up?"

"If you and your mom make up are you going to leave us to go back to her?" He asks, his voice soft. I look up and see the serious expressions on all four faces.

"No," I assure them, "I'm happy right here. With my four best friends, one of which happens to be my boyfriend. I don't want or need to go back."

"Good. Because we don't want to have to break you out of that house again," Ashton jokes. I smile and kiss him, earning loud groans of protest to come from the other three. Ash and I ignore them though and continue to kiss.