Control » l.h

Chapter Twenty-Six

Walking back into the house, the smell of cologne, bleach, smoke, and sweat filled my nose. It was the best smell ever. I was finally home and safe with the four - maybe only three - boys that would do anything to protect me. I flopped down on the couch in the living room, smiling to myself. Until I remembered I was still in a fucking straight jacket and huffed.

"Can I get some clothes or something?" I asked in an annoyed tone.

"One step ahead of you," Michael smiled, grabbing clothes from the opposite couch and tossing them to me. "We pulled these out before we went to get you."

There was a pair of cotton shorts, a sports bra, and a Sex Pistols t-shirt. Luke helped me out of the jacket, the three boys turning around. I quickly tugged on the sports bra before I hurried into the bathroom to change. My face looked pale and the bags under my eyes were dark. I looked like absolute shit. How did none of the boys point this out to me? I could've passed for a walking skeleton.

I exited the bathroom after changing to see the four boys lounging around the living room. They were actually getting along, too. Even Ashton was smiling along with the boys. When they saw me enter, they looked up to smile at me too. Luke held his arms out for me and I sat in his lap.

"I missed you." he said, kissing the top of my head.

"I missed you too," I told him, nuzzling into his neck. "I missed all of you."

"Including Ashton?" Michael asked skeptically.

I moved my head away from Luke to look at Michael. "Even Ashton."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Ashton smile. It was nice to see everyone getting along like when I first came into their lives. I was just happy to be home. It was like everyone was in this warm glow. Wow, I really had to get some sleep.

As if he read my mind, Luke began putting an arm under my legs, ready to lift me. "I'm thinking it's bedtime."

I nodded. "I'm thinking you're correct."

"Actually," Ashton chimed in. "I was wondering if we could talk, Jemma."

"O-okay." I nodded, getting up from Luke's lap.

I followed Ashton as he walked down the hall toward his room. He allowed me in before shutting the door. He motioned for me to sit on his bed, so I did. He sat down in his computer chair, swiveling it over in front of me.

"Look, I'm really sorry, Jemma," I said, staring intensely into my eyes. I could tell he meant it. "And I guess I was a bit jealous, but it wasn't just of you. I was jealous of Luke too. Not because I want to be with you, but because I used to have that. I used to be in this relationship and I was happy. But she couldn't handle being around all this and she left. I guess seeing you two all loving all the time just made me angry. But I shouldn't have taken it out on you, Jemma, and I'm really, really sorry."

Although Ashton possibly caused the worst few weeks of my life, I did feel bad. I didn't really know what it was like to love someone so much just to have them pulled out of my life - well, not until a few weeks ago - but I could see why seeing Luke and I together would drive him up the wall. Seeing my friends' loving families always pissed me off too because my family never treated me like I thought they should.

"I forgive you," I nodded. "And I'm sorry about your girlfriend."

He shrugged. "I need to get over it. She was long gone before you showed up anyway."

"I don't have much experience, but I hear that it takes a while to get over someone you loved." I told him.

He nodded. "I know it does. Trust me."

"But hey," I gave a light smile, punching his knee playfully. "You're a good looking guy. I'm sure you can find someone else. Someone who will actually stick around and won't be afraid of your lifestyle."

Ashton gave a half-smile. "You really think that?"

I nodded. "'Course I do."

"Thanks, Je-"

"Ashton!" Michael burst into the room, out of breath from running. "We need you out here."

He shot out of his seat. "Why?"

"The police are here."