Lost Boy (5sos)

Chapter 23

Ashton’s Point of View

          Michael and I had narrowly escaped a boring lunch with some of the label executives. They are nice and all, but I always feel like a kid on his best behavior every time they are around which gets old after a while. “Hey Mikey have you heard anything from Luke or Cal yet?” I ask Mikey as he swallows a mouthful of taco.

          “No, why?” he asks casually.

          “Well he seemed close to finding Sydney, but he would have called if he had found her, right?”

          “Well maybe he didn’t find her. I would have thought he would have though according to what he was saying last night”

          “What if he never finds her? I mean, when do you just give up? He needs to hurry up though. He and Calum have songwriting coming up soon.” I say remembering we have a career to deal with.

          “Here, let’s call Calum and see how things are going. That way we don’t disturb Luke if he happens to have had any success finding Waldo.” Michael suggests. He pulls out his phone and Calum answers on the third ring.

          “Hey Mikey” Calum says answering.

          “And Ashton!” I chime in just a little too loudly for being in a restaurant, but then again it’s just Taco Bell.

          “Hey Ash” Calum says, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.

          “Cal are you alright? How are things going with Luke?” Mikey asks.

          “I’m fine, although I’m not so sure about Luke. We were right on her heels before she caught a flight to London.” He explains.

          “At least it’s London. I mean she will be in the same city as us. That’s got to be a plus.” I say pointing out the bright side.

          “True, but London’s such a big city and it’s not like we will have much time for girl chasing once we get back.” He says pointing out the harsh reality.

          “When are you coming back?” Mikey asks.

          “We have a flight late tonight. We’ve been visiting our families and even dropped by to see both of you guys’ parents. They were happy to see us. Luke’s a mess when everybody is gone, but he keeps himself together for everyone. When we get back, you’re on Luke duty, Mikey.” Calum explains.

          “Why me? Why can’t it be Ashton’s turn?” Michael whines as a smirk spreads across my face.

          “Because I said so” Calum says sounding a bit like my mum. Michael catches a glimpse of my smirk and glares at me.

          “Oh stop your smirking, Ash!” he gripes before he shoves my face away with his taco juice covered hand. I do what any respectable friend would do and wipe my now greasy face on his jumper.

          “I have to go. Mali is taking the lot of us bowling. Wish me luck” Calum says.

          “I really hope Mali whops your butt” I say.

          “Thanks Ash” Calum replies before hanging up.

Sydney’s Point of View

          Maggie’s new house is significantly smaller than her one back in Australia, but every room seems to be filled with a sense of opportunity. All the walls were painted the same off white color and were only beginning to be decorated. Mrs. Wood has a thing for knick knacks and wall decorations so I’m sure the walls won’t be bare for long. Maggie’s room was slightly smaller than her other one, but now there are two people going to be living in it.

          “Where are the beds?” I ask looking around at the room.

          “That’s the surprise mum was talking about. Supposedly it has something to do with the beds. Who really knows when it comes to my mum though?” Maggie says flopping down on a pile of blankets and pillows on the floor. I assumed this was the makeshift sleeping arrangements and I wasn’t going to complain.

          “Maggie we tell each other everything, right?” I say sitting Indian style next to her. She looks at me for a long moment and the mood in the room shifts from lighthearted to serious.

          “What brought on a question like that?” she asks studying my face.

          “Well I have something I should have told you earlier. I thought it wasn’t really anything but I can’t stop thinking about it.” I start.

          “Well you needn’t apologize to me. I have something I haven’t told you either.” I raise my eyebrows at her. Maggie never has secrets, like ever.

          “Okay well you first,” I say.

          “No way! You brought it up so you should go,” she says.

          “Flip a coin?” I ask. After searching around for a coin for two minutes with no avail, we decide to play rock paper scissors to decide who has to go first.

          “Okay, I won so you go first,” I state trying not to brag.

          “Oh alright,” she says letting out a deep breath.