Brave (Sequel to Beside You)

Chapter Nine

Luke's POV
It was getting late and I and Arzaylea were watching a horror movie on the sofa 'A nightmare on Elm Street'. Arzaylea has seen it before and I know she hates Freddy. He gives her nightmares, but she was determined to watch it. Or at least listen to it as she buried her face in my chest. I wasn't keen on the film myself but obviously I was trying to act like it didn't bother me. The worst thing about Freddy is that no matter what you do, you can't get away from him. Even if you wake up he is still there.

Suddenly the door opens scaring the living daylights out of me and Arzaylea, I turn the lights on as fast as I can. Not that the simple turning on of the light switch would stop anyone from murdering us. I was relieved and slightly concerned to see that the intruder was in fact Ashton. I turn the telly off before addressing him.

'Ash, what are you doing here? It's nearly midnight.' I rant, wanting to ring his neck for scaring us.

'Sorry Luke, I thought you'd be in bed. Do you mind if I stay here for tonight at least?' he asks, sounding like he might cry.

'Of course mate, you know you are welcome anytime. What happened?' I reply concerned. He takes a deep breath.

'I've left Aria.' he announces, to mine and Arzaylea's horror.

'You did what? Ashton how could you she's grieving you both are. You need to go back now.' Arzaylea shouted angrily.

'I can't it's what we both need.' he says before explaining everything. He told us all about what had been going on with Aria, the conversation he had had with Dougie and the events that unfolded this evening.

We all agreed that for both their sakes that it was best they at least take a break. Spend time with other people and have the chance to grieve properly. Whatever happened they still loved each other. Even if they ended up with other people they would still hold some sort of love for each other and they would always have a connection to each other. Whether or not their little girl was here in the physical world or not she would always be the one thing that connects Ashton and Aria to each other.