It had been almost ten years since I've seen Ashton, and yet there he was sitting next to me at a random party in the middle of Manhattan.
"Ashton? Is that really you?" I said nervously
"Emily?!" He responded. "Emily caraway?"
Despite the fact that we don't talk anymore, I have known Ashton since I was eight. I met him when he begged his mom to let him come to America for one of the most prestigious guitar lesson camps in the world, which happened to be located in my hometown of Commack, New York. We were only in fourth grade but we immediately hit it off. For the whole summer the two of us were inseparable, we even had a fake wedding. Our moms were nice enough to buy us a real cake and everything for it. It definitely was one of the most memorable summers of my life.
After that summer however, Ashton and I never kept in contact. It wasn't until a year ago when I went to a One Direction concert that I even knew he was in a band. When they first came on stage, I didn't even recognize Ashton. It wasn't until he started talking that I realized who he was. Nobody in the world had a laugh quite like Ashton did. As soon as I heard it, I ended up fainting, and Hanna had to call my mom to take me home. It was one of the most embarrassing nights of my life. It wasn't until a month after the concert that I came to terms with the fact that my fake husband was now in a world famous band. I even started listening to their music and was surprised at how amazing they sounded.
"Oh my god, Emily! How have you been? I haven't seen you in what, ten or so years? Tell me everything! Wow I can't believe I’m talking to my long lost wife!" Ashton beamed. He even laughed his same lovely laugh. I loved the way he laughed. This was all so surreal.
"I'm great!" I giggled. Today I even started my first day at Columbia University! What brings you to a college party?"
"Well" He exclaimed, "I'm in a band with this guy named Calum who is friends with the guy hosting this party. So now here we are! It's cool, I've met a ton of awesome people!"
The way he failed to mention how big his band was, was astonishing to me. It was almost as if he were saying, "yeah, I’m in a band who opens for One Direction, but it's really no big deal."
"Oh yeah, I've heard about your band! 5 Seconds of summer right? Actually, it's quite embarrassing, but I went to the One Direction concert last year and was so shocked when I saw you on stage that I ended up fainting! Crazy right?" I gushed. I never have been good with talking to boys, and apparently Ashton wasn't an exception.
A look of confusion struck his face after I spoke. After a good 10 seconds he finally responded. All he said was, "Really? You saw us live? That's so awesome! What did you think? I mean I'm sorry that you fainted and all, but the New York show was one of my favorites! Did you like my drum solo? I had to convince Luke to let me do it that night considering it would replace his guitar solo, but he eventually came around."
That was the thing I loved about Ashton. I could say the stupidest thing yet he always managed to put a positive spin on everything.
"It was great! I chuckled. "I'm so proud of you, Ashton!"
I spent the next 2 hours talking to him about anything and everything. Luckily, Ashton's friend Calum kept the girls busy so that he was able to talk to me. By the time the clock struck twelve I knew it was time to head back to the dorm, especially considering I had school again tomorrow.
"I'm so sorry Ashton, but I have to leave. I have another long day of classes tomorrow."
"Aww, that's okay, Emily." He replied. "But at least let me get your number! It's the least I can do after abandoning you for ten years." He laughed. "Plus the boys and I are going to be in town for the next month or so recording a new album. I would love to hang out with you while we are here!"
"I would love that!" I beamed. I gave Ashton my number, gave him a hug goodbye, and went to find Hanna. As it turns out, she also had an eventful night. As we walked back to the dorm she explained how she met the love of her life on the dance floor. That was the problem with Hanna; she always thought every guy she met was going to be the one. I always felt bad because she always managed to get hurt. Hanna likes the bad boys, and they never fail to disappoint her.
"I'm telling you Emily, he is THE ONE!" She stated. "He's a hell of a dancer, not to mention he's super hot! He gave me his number and even asked me out on a date this Friday!"
"That's great." I claimed. "I'm really happy for you."
Once we finally got back to the dorm I was so tired, I didn't even have time to tell Hanna about the events of my night. Right before I drifted off to sleep my phone went off.
Hey Emily! I had such a fun time tonight; I've missed you so much! My band members and me have a small gig this Saturday at the Bowery Ballroom and we would love it if you came! Tickets on me! Oh, and bring friends! Love ya, Ash xx
I couldn't believe it! I was finally going to get to see Ashton and his band play a show! Maybe this was going to be a good start of the school year after all.
