Lashton's View

Pt. 6

I opened my eyes and looked around, trying to get used to the light. I blinked until my vision was used to it, then got up. I walked over to Ashton's bunk and peeked inside, but he wasn't there. 

His sheets weren't folded up like it normally was every morning. His pillow was planted somewhat in the middle of his bed, which was more odd than the sheet. Half of the pillowcase was off of the pillow and hanging freely over the edge.

It worried me to see his bunk like this, but it got worse when the questions and thoughts came rushing into my head. What if he was kidnapped? Someone could've taken him somewhere. What if he was pulled out  of his bunk and taken somewhere to be murdered? What if I never see him again?

I rushed around the bus, searching in every little spot I knew he'd fit and even some places where he definitely couldn't fit, but he wasn't there. I looked inside of the restroom and all around the bus, but still I couldn't find him.

I went back inside and sighed, trying to catch my breath from all of the running. I looked around and saw that there was no sign of him anywhere. Nothing else was ruined or taken. Calum was here with me. But Michael wasn't. Maybe Cal would know where either of them were.

"Calum!" I shouted, not caring if I scared him. "Do you know where Ash or Michael is? I'm getting kind of worried about them!" Correction; I'm getting kind of worried about Ash.

"Yeah. Michael took Ashton to go shopping. They'll be back sometime today. And don't worry, they're safe," he replied and handed me my phone. "Now go text or play some games, or do something. I don't want you to have today wasted worrying."

"Oh, okay," I whispered as I took my phone. I pulled out my earbuds and slid them in, then turned on Just Saying. I have a habit for listening to our own songs when I'm sad. 

I made my way back to my bunk and slid inside, pulling the sheet up to my chin. I pulled my penguin against my body and rubbed my cheek against its fur. Almost immediately, I relaxed and began to calm down.

Calum had told me that they're safe. Besides, Ash is out shopping with Michael, which means he's protected and cared for. But he's out with Michael. And not me. Since when did he love Michael! 

Tears filled my eyes and began to roll down my cheeks. They soaked my penguin's body, but I didn't care. I laid in my bed and listened as the final chorus of Just Saying.

When you change your mind I'll be waiting
'Cause I'm better than him
Just saying
When you change your mind I'll be waiting
Just saying
Just saying

The song transitioned to Amnesia, my favorite sad song. 

Are you somewhere feeling lonely even though he's right beside you?
When he says those words that hurt you, do you read the ones I wrote you?Sometimes I start to wonder, was it just a lie?
If what we had was real, how could you be fine?'Cause I'm not fine at all

I lied down in my bunk and closed my eyes, hoping that I'll somehow fall asleep. I listened as the music changed from one song to the next, the different beats quickly luring me to sleep. 

~~

I opened my eyes and looked around. It seemed as if I were on a cloud. Everything was foggy and white, and somehow it reminded me of something, something I've been through but I didn't know what.

Something flew past my vision, so I leaned over the edge to see what or who it was. It was Ashton falling, losing distance to the ground.

I jumped off the edge and fell down, closer and closer to him so I could catch him before he hit the ground, but I was far too late. Just a millimeter out of my grasp, he hit the cement. 

I landed on my feet and fell to my knees next to him. Tears rolled down my face as his blood began to flow down the concrete, creating soft yet painful patterns. My chest ached as my heart began to burn. 

~~

My eyes opened. I could feel the tears falling down my face, soaking my poor penguin. I pushed it aside, along with the sheet, and stood up. I made my way to the bus' restroom and closed the door. 

I pulled out a tissue from it's box and wiped away the tears. From the outside, I heard Michael talking, then shouting. 

I smiled and shook my head, then tossed the tissue into the trash. I opened the door and made my way back to my bunk. I looked inside.

There was a new penguin laying on my bed, with a note sitting on it's torso. Of course, out of curiosity, I picked it up and tore the tape, then opened it.

Your other penguin's been through alot lately, so I got you a new one! I hope you like him. And I want you to know that I miss it when you talk to me. I want you to be happy. ~ Ash

I smiled, set the paper onto my desk next to my bed, and entered my bunk, curling up with my new penguin. I closed my eyes and fell asleep once more.