eighteen ➳ punk a.i.

Chapter Five

I wake up the next morning on my cold hardwood floor in the same spot I left myself last night. Calum didn't hear Ashton screaming and banging last night, which was weird. I thought he was right behind me coming up the stairs...

I shake my head to get rid of the thoughts of the two boys and him and head to my bedroom. I'm terrified that he knows him, that this is all his plan to find me again. He took everything and tore it into pieces and left me there to clean up the mess. I can never forgive him and his actions and I wish I could forget those days, but I can't. They still haunt me with every breath I take.

I grab a change of clothes and stride over the bathroom. I turn on the shower and hop in, trying to wash away all the horrid memories with the soap and water down the drain.

I turn the faucet off and dry myself off and slipping my change of clothes onto my body. I walk out of the bathroom and I banging of pots hitting the floor. Now, most people would grab an object and ask "Who's there?"

But I am not like most people.

I poke my head out around the door frame trying to get a better look in the kitchen, but failing. I decide it's now or never and I quickly make my mind up.

I charge into the kitchen, jumping on the mysterious person's back. I tightly shut my eyes and starting hitting anywhere I could, which was about their back and head. "What the hell are you doing in my apartment?" I scream, hitting them some more. I don't know who the hell this is, but they aren't leaving here without some bruises.

The stranger starts to scream bloody murder and tries to flip my off, running in circles and knocking down items off my counter and tripping over their own feet.

"Jess, calm the fuck down! It's me!" I instantly recognize the voice and I jump off his back. My brother turns to face me, rubbing his head in pain and I jump into his arms. "Jesus, you can sure hit for not having any muscle," his deep laugh fills my ears and I roll my eyes. I untangle from his grip and lean agasint the counter.

"Shut up, Tyler! How did you get here without mom and dad..." I trail off and he knows exactly what I'm talking about.

"I told them I was going to the library. They were too drunk to even notice I had my arms full with bags filled with clothes."

"Oh..but how did you even afford a plane ticket? How did you manage to get into my apartment?"

"I've saved up for a couple months now and you gave me the spare key, remember?"

I do remember. I gave it to him in case he ever needs to come here last notice if anything got worse than things already are at home.

"Well, are you hungry? We can go get some breakfast if you want."

"Yeah, that'd be great. I tried to find the pan for the waffles but you have very little to choose from," he points to the nearly empty cabinet, showing I really do have very little dishes.

"Sure thing, let me just go finish getting ready and we'll leave," I give him one more hug and I skip to my bedroom. I'm so glad he's visiting me, especially since I just moved here. He's my best friend and I never wanted to leave him alone at home, but I had to. I didn't have a choice if I wanted to attend NYU.

"So, tell me how lovely or how boring this place is," he says as shoves another forkful of waffles into his mouth.

We found this cute little dinner driving around the city and it caught my eye. It's vintage almost, like those little coffee shops that are so unique and lovely.

"It's wonderful, just lonely except for Calum," I take a sip of my coffee, trying hard not to ruin the creamer art in shape of a cat.

"Looks like my big sister has a boyfriend!" He laughs and bops my nose, something I've hated ever since I was a toddler.

"Shut up!" I roll my eyes at my younger brother, "We met a couple of days ago!"

"Yeah, sure," he emphasizes "sure" and continues eating.

"Okay, whatever. Can you just tell me why you came here in first place?" 

"I..um..." He drops his fork on his plate and whips his mouth off with his sleeve and his hands grow shaky. I can tell he's nervous and the fear in his eyes tells me it isn't what I'm expecting.