Deeper (5SOS Ashton Irwin Fanfic)

Chapter 22

Ashton's POV:  

My alarm sounds at 10:30 in the morning, & for once I'm actually happy to be awake. Today's the day. The day of Alice's play.  

I hop out of bed & walk out of my room to my bathroom. Turning on my shower, I clean up a bit & shave my face. Need to look good because my sister would have a fit if she was embarrassed by me. Heading back to my room, I scan through my closet for my only pair of dress pants. I find them in the dark & dusty back part of my closet, & I'm so happy to see they aren't too wrinkled. Putting them on, I grab a button up shirt from my drawer & sling it on my back. I look in the slightly cracked full length mirror & tug on the fabric lining my neck.  

I have to admit, I clean up pretty good.  

Heading out my bedroom door, I tiptoe over to Alice's door. It's slightly cracked, as always, allowing me to see her peach colored walls. Pushing her door open farther, I quietly pad over to her bedside. Alice's comforter is white with pink & orange flowers littering it. It blankets her tiny frame, wrinkled lightly from years of wear & tear. Brown, loose waves fan out across her pillow, strands catching in the light flowing in from behind her blinds covering the window. A smile stains my face. She's the most perfect little angel. She usually can wake up with an alarm on her own, but I told her I'd wake her up today as a special treat. She always tells me how she loves it when I wake her up, saying its the perfect way to start off the day.   I lean down & press a firm kiss to the crown of her head. A weary groan escapes her lips as she stirs ever so slightly.  

"Alice," I whisper. "time to get up sweetheart."  

She turns over towards me, eyes fighting to open. I squat down to her size as she eases her eyes open. Once open, they come into focus with mine. The sweet, early morning hazel color is enough to make my heart soar. Her lips form a soft smile, as her hand slowly strokes the blanket covering her.  

"Today is going to be amazing," she attempts, her voice soft & weak. I offer a small laugh, & nuzzle her hair before standing back up. Alice throws back her sheets & outstreches her arms, a few bones popping & waking up.   

"We're leaving in about an hour, so get in the shower & get your costumes together okay?" I say as I walk out her door. With a yawn, she nods her head & gives me a weary thumbs up. I smile & walk out into the living room.  

While I'm waiting for Alice to get ready, I sit on our moth-eaten couch & text Lily. I have to drop Alice off at school at noon, even though the play doesnt start till 1 in the afternoon. I tell Lily that after I drop Alice off, I'll stop by her house & pick her up. She says thats fine, & tells me endlessly about how excited yet nervous she is. I just smile at my screen, absolutely intruiged & entranced by this girl who I call mine. Reassuring her that Alice will love her, she eventually calms down. But, soon enough, my little sister is coming out of her room with her hair in damp pigtails & the biggest smile plastered on her face. Two hangers are in her hands, holding her costumes I assume. Getting up off the couch, I grab my keys & head out the door.  

Lily’s POV:  

The mascara brush swipes over my eyelashes, coating them in dark black & stretching them far out to accent my eyes. Blinking once, I check myself in the mirror. Its a good face day, thank God. & with just a dash of blush & a thin line of eyeliner, I should be more than ready to meet the light of Ashton’s life.    With a satisfied sigh, I finish my face makeup & go back into my room. My full length mirror stands upright on the back of my bedroom door, so I go to stand in front of it. Twirling around once & fluffing my hair, I decide I look actually pretty good. I hope Alice will love it.  

Checking my phone, I see Ashton texted 10 minutes ago saying he’d be here in 15 minutes. I jump, & search around for my white converse. After what seems like forever, I find them stashed under a bunch of dirty clothes. I slip them on & pad down the carpeted stairs. Dorothy is already put away in her crate, so I go to my front door & stand there for a few seconds before I see Ashton’s silver car. Opening my front door, I skip out to where he’s parked. His smile is plain to see, even from so far away. My hand reaches out to open the door & I hop into the passenger’s seat.  

“Hey there,” I greet, pressing a little peck on his lips. When I pull away, I see his ever present & cheeky smile.  

“Hello, how are you today?” he returns, adding a little jumpy beat to his voice. Laughing a bit, I easily get into mindless conversation with him. He drives & talks to me about Alice & how she’s so excited for today. This alone puts a smile on my face.  

I always liked little kids. From their chubby chins to their playful eyes, they always find a way to make my heart swell. & the fact that she means so much to Ash makes me even more anxious to meet her & make a good first impression.  

He pulls into a parking lot & parks the car. We get out & follow all the people walking into the front doors. When we walk in, the rooms are filled to the max it feels like. Taking my hand, he guides me through the chatter & flood of people into the auditorium. We take a seat towards the front & continue our random conversation. It’s not until the lights dim & kids swarm the stage do we quiet down & watch the performance.  

The first few minutes are just a bunch of kids dressed up as animals. I have to say, its pretty adorable. Ashton & I are both ‘awh’-ing & giggling quite a bit.   

I’m hoping I haven’t missed Alice, but then a little girl in a yellow sundress with curly & bouncy pigtails comes on stage. Her smile is unmistakeable & familiar. Dimples protrude from her pink cheeks as she flashes her pearly whites. & thats when I know I’ve seen Alice Irwin.  

I look down & smooth out my shirt, only to realize that she isn’t exactly focused on me. Kicking myself, I look at Ashton. His eyes are full of love & care, shinning as they peer up at his little sister. Mouth wide open & parted into a smile, he looks more beautiful & breathtaking than anything I’ve ever seen. I poke his hand & he looks down at me for a second.  

“That’s her?” I point. He smiles big again & nods quickly. His eyes dart back, not wanting to miss a second of Alice’s chance in the spotlight. I place my hand over his, & the play continues.