Change Your Mind

Chapter 2- Deeper meanings, twisted truths

Ashley’s P.O.V

I’m dizzy, really dizzy, and I think I might fall over. I feel a little sick and lightheaded too, and the shocked tears continue to stream down my face. I duck my head, wiping my eyes and hold onto Zayn’s tie up for support. I totally forgot about Zayn, actually. May as well introduce him, see if he likes the boys.

“Okay guys, I’m gonna bring this boy here out so you can all meet him, I think he's the world’s only directioner horse, probably my fault but anyway.” I say, ducking under the wooden pole and untying him. Moving to his left side, I back him out of his tie up into the carpark, where the rain has slowed down to the point where it’s only drizzling. Thank god for my sweatshirt, it’s white and has all Harry’s tattoos on it in the exact places he has them, and it’s super warm.

“Ugh, it’s so coooooooold!” Sarah complains.

“Haha, I’m not cold, check out my amazing sweatshirt.” I say, smirking at her and dancing around her. She laughs and ignores me.

“Guys, this is my horse.” I say, leading Zayn closer to the boys.

“What’s his name?” asks Liam, stroking his nose. Zayn- the horse- sneezes and Liam jumps back in alarm, making Hailey, Sarah and I laugh.

“Busted, Ashley.” laughs Sarah. Well, this is awkward.

“Okay, in my defence, I never thought I’d be introducing him to you guys, but Liam, this is my horse, Zayn. Zaynie, this is my brother Liam. Don’t sneeze on him again, it’s scary for poor little Liam.” I say. There’s a moment of silence before everyone in the group starts laughing, except for the real Zayn, who smiles and walks up to horse Zayn, and pats the side of his face. Zayn the horse lets out a loud whinny, but person-Zayn isn’t deterred in the slightest and moves his way up to his neck, rubbing underneath his mane, Zayn the horse’s favourite place to be patted. He rubs his head on Zayn the person’s arm, making me smile.

“Aw, he likes you.” I grin, holding out the end of the lead rope. “Do you wanna hold him?” I shyly ask real Zayn. He shakes his head and continues patting horse Zayn.

“You don’t say much, do you?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I do.” he says, surprising me.

“Anyway Ashley, I’ll explain why I'm here now.” says Liam.

“Go ahead.” I say, anxiety bubbling up in my stomach. I push it down, refusing to give in.

“Okay, so first off, I’m your brother.” he pauses to let the information sink in, how could something like that ever, ever, sink in?

“Woah.” I say. That’s all I say, just that single word, but it sums up my feelings perfectly.

“Anyway, I knew you were here for a while, but today’s our free day before rehearsals and shows and stuff. I’ve got this bag of stuff, it explains things a bit better.” he says, walking over to the crookedly parked van and pulling out a pink Sportsgirl duffle bag with white dots on it. My duffle bag.

I hand Zayn’s lead rope to Hailey, and I unzip the duffle bag with shaking hands. On top of all the paraphernalia inside, there’s a letter. As I open the envelope and pull out the paper, a wad of cash falls out. I pick it up, counting through the notes. In all, there are ten fifties.

“Holy crap.” breaths Sarah

“You have to keep that somewhere secure.” says Hailey. Sensible, mature yet childish at times, Hailey. I tie the notes together with a hair tie on my wrist and put them in my bra.

“Ashleeeeeeeeey.” she half groans, half laughs.

“What? No-one’s going in there.” I point out, laughing. Hailey tries to act unamused, but laughs seconds later. “Read the letter.” she says.