In The Midst Of A Crowd

Chapter 12

Rehearsal was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. After the conversation between James and I, we stayed downstairs for about twenty more minutes for me to have a small jelly sandwich and to make some drinks and put some snacks in bowls for the others. When we walked upstairs, Colin, Lucas and Peyton looked a little weary of me but never once did they make me feel uncomfortable. We practiced for about 4 hours, only stopping to take little breaks and brainstorm. By the time we were done it was around 10 o'clock and we had to leave, well... James and I had to leave. Lucas said we could stay at his place if we wanted too, but we both declined.

James drove me home, because tonight I wouldn't be staying at the Pierce's. The ride was actually very nice. We talked about different food programs I could do (and he could do with me) to get me to start eating more, and different activities I could do as well. We spent the last few minutes in a comfortable silence, but it breaks when we pull up to my house.

"Ashlynne?" He says with a barely audible, hoarse voice.

"Yeah James" I say, undoing my seatbelt to look at him.

He takes his off as well and looks at me with emotions I can't decipher. "I am always, ALWAYS, here if you ever need me. If you are awake at two in the morning thinking, call me and tell me your thoughts. You have a script to memorize, find me and we'll rehearse. You feel like nothing is going your way and you want it to end, remember that you matter to me and I will miss you. You are my best friend Ash, and I love you so please trust me." He has tears streaming down his face and his voice is cracking.

I crawl over to his seat and sit on his lap in an almost straddling position, just not very intimate. I wipe the tears from his face with my fingers as he stares at me. I look into his ocean blue eyes as I take a deep breath and speak. "I love you too James and I trust you with so much. I will tell you everything just not right now. I need to start feeling more comfortable with my life and myself before I start letting anyone in again." I can feel tears staining my cheeks, but I refuse to acknowledge that they're there. We stare at each other for a minute before I decide to speak again. "You can stay here for the night. You're tired and it's not safe for you to drive when your in this state. I'll get you some of Tyler's clothes for you to sleep in tonight and wear at school tomorrow." He nods in response and we both get out of the car. I text Katie as well as Chase so they both know whats happening and to let them know we will pick them up tomorrow. James and I go in and head upstairs after I lock the door. James has stayed here before, so he goes to 'his' room to take a shower, while I go to talk to Tyler. I knock on the door before I go in, where I see both Jake and Tyler sitting on the bed.

"Hey guys. We're back from Lucas's. James is going to stay here tonight because he was starting to get really tired while driving so I figured it would be safer if he didn't drive home." It's not the whole truth but it isn't necessarily a lie either.

"Alright. So I'm guessing he needs some of my clothes?" Tyler asks and I nod. He walks to his dresser and pulls out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt for the night and some khakis, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt for tomorrow.

"Thanks. Love you guys. See you in the morning." I say giving Tyler a hug, then Jake one and leaving. I walk into the guest room and lay all the clothes on the bed, except for one of the t-shirts, and writing a quick note to tell James to get me if he needs anything. I walk back to my room and change out of my dress and putting the shirt on. I crawl into bed and read for a few minutes before I fall asleep thinking about what James said earlier.

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James POV
After my shower, I walk out to see a bunch of clothes and a note on the bed. I read it and put on the sweats wondering where the shirt went. I go over to Ash's room to ask her when I see she's asleep. I kiss her forehead then I walk to Tyler's room. I knock on the door and wait for a "come in." I open and see Jake and Tyler sitting on the bed.

"Can I talk to you guys?" I ask.

"Sure. Take a seat." Jake says, and I sit in the beanbag chair.

"What's up James?" Tyler asks.

"It's about Ashlynne." I say, and all signs of happiness disappeared from Tyler's face.

"What is it? Is she okay?" Jake asks, standing up.

"She's fine, at least I think so. She's asleep in her room right now, which is why I came to talk to you. I'm worried about her." I say.

"James. What's wrong with my sister?" Jake asks, sounding really worried. I glance at Tyler to see him stone faced and staring out the window.

"Well as you know, she's been having a tough week. Something's bothering her and I think it has to do with that Austin guy, but she won't tell me. She also hasn't been eating so I'm afraid she's sick. Can you guys please tell me what's happening?" To my surprise it's Tyler who answers.

"It's not our place to tell you what's happening in her life, but you are right about some of it having something to do with Austin. As for her not eating, thank you for telling us and keeping an eye on her. We will try and pay more attention to her habits, but if you could talk to Katie and both of you keep a closer eye on her it would be much appreciated. You guys are closer to her than we are and tend to spend a lot of your time with her. Thank you for being there for her when we've been... preoccupied with other matters. It has to do with our father, so we would appreciate it if you not tell her anything about this conversation. Okay?"

"Of course. Thank you for talking with me. Goodnight." I say and stand up. As I walk out I think I hear Jake say "I hope he won't break her heart." But I don't know for sure. I go back to my room and lay down on the bed. I fall asleep thinking of Ashlynne.

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A/n
Hey guys! I finally fulfilled my promise of updating on a Monday. I know it's not the best chapter and it's kinda boring but there's more to come! First of all I'd like to apologize for not updating before this. I've had a lot on my plate and unfortunately that meant no updates. Second I'd like to dedicate this chapter to rileaann It's a bit late (her birthday was last Wednesday) but it's the least I could do to repay her for all of her support and love and being one of my best friends. If you guys could check out her story that would be great. (The picture at the top is of the two of us)

The next like three chapters are already written so you guys will have updates for the next little while.

See you next week,
Caelen❤️