Best Friends // lrh

12. Now or Never. (Pt. 1)

"You need to find a way to to block her out, push her out of your mind. You did it before when you were with Ashton, now you need to do it for yourself in a not so tense situation."

"I'm trying, Calum, believe me," I swallowed the lump in my throat, "She brings it back, all of the memories and reminders of how wicked I've always been. How much I deserved what happened to me, how I'll rot after this, she reminds me of these things every fucking day."

He sighed, grabbing my hands in his, "Lacy, I believe in you, your dad believes in you, Luke, Ashton, and Mikey believe in you. All you have to do is believe in yourself, no matter what Lavender puts in your head."

I couldn't help it as I pulled him into a tight hug. I could feel him shaking, both of us scared for what could happen. He was meant to protect me, but I needed to protect him in order to keep Luke alive. I need him more than anyone and I'll do whatever it takes. 

"Um, guys?" Michael called from my basement door. 

I pulled away reluctantly, "What's up?"

"Ashton's waiting for you, Lace."

"Right." I smiled, getting up to leave.

"Lacy," Calum called, "Don't forget what I said."

"I couldn't even if I wanted to, Cal."

*Ashton POV*

I watched Lacy effortlessly flow into the room, bringing light and life. 

"Hey, you were supposed to text me when you got here." She smiled, wrapping her tiny arms around my torso.

I circled my arms around her shoulders, "I felt like surprising you."

I nuzzled my face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her so familiar scent; fresh linen, damp grass and lemon. Such an odd combination for this beautiful girl, but I couldn't get enough of it. 

"Do you have everything?" She asked, making me pull away.

"Of course I do, darling." I kissed her cheek. 

We were going on a bit of a road trip, borrowing her dad's truck to sleep in. I was taking her to a valley I found with my mum about 6 years ago. It was sort of a safe place for me once I got my license. I would drive there every weekend just to escape, and now I wanted to share this place with Lacy.

"Let's go then." She grabbed her duffel bag and pillow, carrying them out to the truck.

***

I had timed this perfectly, we got to the valley right before the sunset. 

"Ash, this place is beautiful." Lacy hopped out of the truck, spinning in circles. 

Her eyes landed on me and I felt the breath being pushed from my lungs. Her blue eyes glowed against her dark lashes, pale skin and blue hair. Absolutely breath-taking and all mine. 

We set up the bed of the truck before settling in to watch the sunset.

I took a deep breath, "I love you, Lacy." 

Her lips rose into a smile, "I love you, Ash."

I smiled to myself, for the first time in forever I felt loved. 

I watched her as she watched the sunset. I could tell she was blinking back tears, but fuck if I knew why she was sad. Carefully, I pulled her into me and she curled up on my lap. My hand rubbed circles into her back; I don't know what made her upset, but I didn't want to see my princess hurt.