Brave (Sequel to Beside You)

Chapter Twenty Two

Ashton's POV
I can honestly say that this is the most I have smile, laughed and just had fun in four plus months. It was all thanks to a girl I had met just that morning too. Ebony was like a breath of fresh air. It was clear to me that she must know or have heard some of what has gone on with me lately, it was all over the news and so many people were twisting different things. It became obvious to me that she knew something by the way she hugged me when she first met me. It's like she could sense something wasn't right. By now everyone knew the basics of what had happened, but no one truly knew in great detail. She never questioned any of it.

We all stopped for a toilet break before we headed back to the venue for rehearsal and sound check. This left me and the guys alone for a few minutes as we headed for the urinals.
'Hey Ash, you seem like you're enjoying yourself today?' Michael said cheerily.
'Yeah you seem a lot happier today. You've got a genuine smile on your face.' Luke smiled.
'I have really enjoyed myself today. I haven't given myself time to think about what is happening in reality.' I admitted.
'Maybe you need to stop looking negatively at reality and start focusing on the future.' Calum interjected.
'I know you're right. I know I need to move on so i'm not stuck in this pit of misery forever. I have however just lost my child and the girl I thought as the love of my life. I just can't help but wonder 'what if?'' I explained.
'Ashton, as much as we love Aria, you haven't spoken to her since you split and she hasn't tried to get in contact. You need to move on from her. As we keep saying and you kept saying yourself, if you two are meant to be together you will find your way back to each other. For now though you have got to move on. Also you can't focus on the what if's they will drive you insane.' Luke sympathized.

'Maybe your first step forward could be to ask Ebony out on a date?' Michael suggested.
'Yeah, it's obvious she likes you, and I know you like her too. I could see that you felt something when you saw her in person for the first time this morning. Almost like the way you looked at Aria.' Calum says reminiscing.
'But we only met this morning. I'm not sure lads. It feels like it's too soon' I reply uneasily.
'Ash, it's one date. If it doesn't feel right then you don't have to go out on another. But then again, if it goes well, who knows where it will lead.' Michael said winking.

We headed back outside as I gave their suggestion some serious thought. Ebony was stood outside waiting for us, with a smile on her face and five coffees in a cup holder. One balanced precariously on top as there was only four holes for the cups.
'Hey guys, I thought we could all do with a coffee.' she says enthusiastically. We each thanked her and grabbed a cup. We started walking back to the car; me and Ebony lingered behind a little and engaged in small talk. Once we reach the car we all clambered in and off we went to the venue.