In The Midst Of A Crowd

Chapter 10

I am currently sitting in Peter's with Katie across from me, Jake next to me and Tyler next to Katie. You're probably wondering how we got here, so please let me explain.

After my heartbreaking conversation with Austin I went to the office to lay down. I told the nurse that I had a migraine and that my next period was gym class, so she immediately made a bed for me and told me to stay there until the end of the day. I texted Tyler and told him I'd meet them in the parking lot. I had also texted Peyton to tell her I was in the office and if there was anything to send it to me, but being the first day of school there was nothing so my books stayed in my locker. I left the office about five minutes after the bell rang so that way there I'm wouldn't be anyone in the hallway to see me or ask questions. As expected, Tyler was waiting for me in the parking lot. I quickly got in the passenger seat, as Katie and Jacob were in the back. Mrs. pierce picked up Chase and James to get the house ready for me to come over. When I got in I didn't say anything which probably set Tyler off, but when my favourite song came on and I didn't sing along they all probably figured out something was up.

And that brings us to the present.

"Are you going to eat anything Ash?" Jake asks me and I shake my head.

"Okay. So you really need to tell me what happened today Ash because I'm very confused. First I'm told that we are together pretty much all day, and then next thing I know Peyton texts me telling you are with her all day. What the heck happened?" Katie asks, almost yelling. I can tell that she's pissed and confused because she never raises her voice. I look at her, then Jake and finally I turn to Tyler. Jake and Katie look sad but Tyler has a poker face on.

I sigh. "Okay. You deserve to know the whole story. Here goes nothing. It all started back in Calgary..." I tell her everything. I told her about how Austin and I used to be best friends, but when he got a girlfriend she started spreading rumours about me and how I started getting bullied by everyone. I told her about us moving to Los Angeles and joining the school and because she spends all her time with me she knows what happens after. I also tell her about this morning and my reason for switching classes. I finish by telling them about my conversation with Austin in the hallway and not going to last period. When I'm done their mouths are open in shock but Tyler's eyes show his pain and anger. We sit in silence for a minute until Katie decides to speak up.

"You are amazing Ashlynne. You all are amazing."

"Pardon me?"

"I said that you guys are amazing. You've all been through hell, especially you Ash, but you've all made it out alive. You are so brave Ashlynne and I couldn't be any prouder."

"You are?"

"Yes. I am. You finally told someone about what happened and not just parts, the entire thing. I am honestly so honoured that you told me. Me, of all people."

"Thank you Katie. But you need to promise to never talk about this with anyone else. What we've talked about is private and personal and I don't need everybody knowing." I say and she nods.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Leaving Peter's I felt better. It was like a weight had been lifted off my chest. I had finally told my best friend and brothers everything that happened.

The ride to Katie's was actually quite enjoyable. We blasted the music and joked around about random things. When we got to the Pierce's, Tyler told me that him and Jake weren't going to stay this time, but probably next time.

Katie opened the front door for me to see Mrs. Pierce standing there with her arms wide open. I quickly run into them and give her a kiss on the cheek. Daphne Pierce is like a mother to me. She's always there for me to talk to and hang out with and because I practically live here, plus she sees me as another daughter. She has always wanted me and James to get together but she understands that he only sees me as a friend. She is the most kind and generous person I have ever met.

"Ashlynne! It's so wonderful to see you. Are you hungry? We just finished dessert but there is some pasta and cake left over." She says after pulling away from me.

"I'm alright Mána. Thank you though. I'm just going to go upstairs and have a shower if that's alright." Mána means mother in Greek and because she is so much like mine she told me to call her that. She nods her head and leaves towards the kitchen with Katie, leaving me alone. I quickly go upstairs and to the end of the hallway. I pretty much have my own room in this house, it's actually just a guest room but they have like five so I got to decorate this one, and it just so happens to be across from James's room.

I pass by his door and see him laying on his bed typing on his computer. He has his glasses on and notebooks around him. I'm one of the few people outside of his family that knows how hard he works and that he needs reading glasses. Personally I think he's really hot with them on but that's just me. I quickly walk into my room dropping my stuff off on the bed and grabbing my towel and pj's. I have a twenty minute long shower where I wash my hair, shave and do a face mask. After I wash the mask off I put on my tank-top and shorts and brush my hair and put it into a bun. A walk out of the bathroom I see James leaning against the wall. Once he sees me he wraps his arms around me and gives me a big hug.

"What are you doing James?" I ask hugging him back.

He pulls away and looks at me. "What? Am I not allowed to give my best friend hugs?"

"You're allowed I just don't know why you're giving me so many hugs. And I'd love to stand in the hallway and talk but I have reruns of Gilmore Girls to go and watch."

"Mind if I come and watch with you? I'll bring ice cream up." He pleads.

"Hahaha sure. It had better be cookie dough! I'm just going to go and say goodnight to your parents."

"Alright. Meet me in my room when you're done." He says and I nod walking towards Daphne and Jonas's room.
This is going to be fun.
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A/N:

There you go guys! Brand new chapter. Honestly, I originally wasn't planning on updating today but I thought that because it's my birthday I would treat you guys to a surprise.

The song at the top is currently my favourite song in the whole world and I hope you guys listen to it.

So anyways thanks everyone for reading and for all the birthday wishes and I will try and update as soon as I can!
-Cae❤️