But I'm Alright Though

12. Friends

> I really don't like Meagan Trainor at all but I love this song so.... <

There's a knock on my bedroom door. I wipe my eyes and get up hoping it doesn't look like I just cried. I open the door an inch just to see who it is. Ashton's sees my one eye and automatically pushes the door open all the way already knowing something's wrong. He pushes his way into the room and goes straight to the bed, patting the spot next to him.

"I don't want to talk about it, Ash," I protest but sit next to him anyways.

"I'm not asking you to explain. I thought you'd like company," he shrugs like it's obvious. "You live with me now. There's no reason for you to deal with things alone like you've always done."

"I don't like telling people why because I know I'm just being pathetic," I try to explain to him but he's not buying it.

"If it makes you sad and physically down, it's not pathetic," he states and I frown.

"I have no reason for crying though," I remind him and he just shrugs.

"It's about your parents right?" I nod, "that's a reason."

"I guess that's not wrong," I acknowledge and he chuckles.

"Don't downgrade your feelings just because someone might have it worse. Come on, Mike. You aren't like that," he says and I just frown again.

"I think I like giggly Ash better than serious Ash," I state and he punches my shoulder. "Ow! Why are you even here?"

"Oh right," he giggles that famous giggle of his, "I ordered pizza."

"Ash," I laugh looking at the clock, "it's 11:38."

"So? I want food," he shrugs. "Why don't you call Louise and have her come over. It is Friday," Ash suggests. "Calum's coming over in a bit, but I'm not sure about Luke. I think he's with Asparagus again."

"I don't see what he sees in her. Like I know she's hot but she just kind of seems desperate," I announce before I can stop myself.

"Luke says she's different when they're alone," Ashton states.

"I guess," I nod. "I'll call, Lou."

"You do that," Ashton chuckles standing up and leaving my room without another word.

I shake my head and jump across my bed to get my phone. I hope she's not asleep. We were texting earlier but she said she had to go so maybe she's asleep or something like that.

Lou
Louise
Are you awake?
Wanna come over?
I have pizza
Read 11:40 pm

Yeah I'm awake
Can I bring Toby?
Read 11:40 pm

Sure.
Who is he?
Read 11:40 pm

Toby is my gay friend.
The one I'm "dating" because his dad is very homophobic
Read 11:41 pm

Oh right!
Sure
Read 11:41 pm

Okay! Send me the address
Read 11:41 pm

I send her the address of Ashton and my apartment plus the room number and put my phone back on its charger. It was at five percent. I leave my room and find Ashton on the couch. He's watching tv. He smiles at me before looking back to his show.

There's a pizza box across from him. He must be waiting for Calum. Does that mean I have to wait to eat pizza? I hope they get here fast.

"What are you watching?" I ask hopping over the couch to sit next to him.