Bring It // EDITING

Chapter Twenty Four

"So, how has it been?" Ashton asked, stirring his greyish green peas on his tray with a plastic spork. He grimaced. "Hospital food is nasty shit."

I chuckled, focusing on the hem of the white sheets between my two fingers. "Schools been ok, I guess." I shrugged.

"That's not what I meant."

"What did you mean then?" I said, looking back up.

He gave me a look. "I meant you and Niall."

I sighed, looking at my fingers again. It had been a week since what happened, and since then, Niall and I haven't spoken. Cami and Sophia are wondering what is going on, but I haven't said anything. I haven't seen Niall all week, I don't know where he went, and no one will tell me.

"Not very good." I said. "Why is that?" he asked. I shrugged. "I'm not really sure. I mean, I don't see a point in me going after someone I can't have, why should I waste my time?"

"Who said you couldn't have him?"

"He told me that we were nothing but 'friends' twice already. He laughed at the thought of him and I together, so basically him." I said. He shook his head. "When I saw him walk in here, I could tell he cared. Did you not see his face when he saw you? He looked like he was about to ball his eyes out like a little girl,"

"Don't be mean." I mumbled.

"And were you not there when he was washing the blood off your hands?" he asked. I nodded. "He cares, Delaney. He cares a lot."

"That was one time. Now I haven't heard from him in a week and I don't know what to do." I said.

"You sound like you're in deep."

"I'm not 'in deep' Ashton. I just feel like I have a right to know..." I trailed off.

"That you are in deep?"

I groaned. "Oh god, I am in deep." I said, setting my face on the bed. He patted my shoulder. "I told you so."

"Fuck you, Ashton."

"Don't swear."

"FUCK YOU ASHTON."

"You are getting braver." he said. I leaned up. "Well, you're currently stuck in a hospital bed with an IV, I can basically do whatever because you can't stop me." I pointed out.

"I'll be out of this tomorrow, I can easily kick your ass."

"Don't swear." I mocked. He flicked my forehead, laughing. "When are you and Sophia moving into a dorm?" he asked.

"I've packed my things except for my bed stuff. We finalised everything and we're moving tomorrow." I explained. He nodded. "You should probably get home." he said. I nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow, Michael is coming to pick you up." I said. He nodded.

I left the hospital, catching a bus back to the campus. I sat near the back, texting Sophia.

How's it going over there?

Pretty bad. Everyone is giving me looks.

Don't worry, we'll be out of there tomorrow.

Thank God. This place sucks.

I laughed, locking my phone. I thanked the bus driver as I got off, walking to the house.

I walked to my room, shutting the door.

"I can't believe you're leaving me." Cami pouted. I smiled sadly. "Well, I'm apparently kicked out, there's not much I can do."