The Only Reason (5SOS)

IX. Discarded

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Copyright © 2014 Makayla B.

discarded (noun): thrown away because something was regarded as useless or undesirable

-Ashton's POV-

Jess's arms wrapped around my neck as she nested her face in my neck. Being caught off guard, it took me a minute to loop my arms around her waist. Only then did I realize that she was sobbing. I held her gently under the covered area that shielded us from the pelting rainfall. I stroked her silky soft hair, assuring her that I'd be there to comfort her. I inhaled her toxic perfume which reminded me of spring.

I pondered over what could've happened. I was sure Dylan screwed up, it wouldn't be the first time and it definitely wouldn't surprise me. I felt extremely guilty for not warning Jess about him and his playing tendencies. The boys and I thought it would be better if she fell for anyone other than Luke, or any of us for that matter. I realize how selfish and cruel that was but opening for One Direction seemed like a big deal. We were finally going to get out of our garage and away from playing small gigs to holding actual concerts. However, none of that eased my guilty conscious.

"Thank you, for everything." Jess breathed into my neck, her breath grazing my skin and sending little electrodes down my spine.

"I'm taking you to Starbucks, then we'll talk about everything." I said sweetly and led her to my car. Once we got comfortable, I started the engine.

-Jess's POV-

The coffee shop was pretty much empty, except for a group of high school kids sitting in the middle of the space. Ashton ordered our drinks as I occupied a booth in the back. I had a habit of sitting in the corners, away from other people when I planned on having intimate conversations. I picked my brain, wondering how I could explain everything.

"Cheer up, smiling suits you." Ashton said as he slipped into his seat, handing me my latte. I smiled at him and took in the dimples in his mirrored grin. "So, tell me."

"I'm going to start off with the part where I came back home with Jade." I quickly thought about what I was going to say because I couldn't tell him about my experience.

"I told her what happened between me and Luke. And yes, he was the reason behind my tears. We kissed in his car, only for him to tell me that I was off limits and that he wouldn't want to risk his friendship with Harry or any if you guys." I rambled on and on, tears building up in my eyes as I barely stopped to take a breath of air into my lungs.

"You kissed?" Ashton blurted, his eyes wide and shock radiating off his hazel irises.

"Yes, but that's not the point. He said I wasn't worthy of the risk." I sighed heavily. "He didn't exactly say that but his words did and I'm sure he meant it."

"Luke is a complicated guy, Jess. I wouldn't get involved with him if I were you." Ashton stated. I looked at my hands, trying to comprehend everything he was saying.

-Ashton's POV-

They kissed. They. Kissed. What the hell? I don't know why I felt like a knife just tore through my heart and created a wound, but deep down I was very well aware. I started developing feelings for Jess, ever since the moment I laid eyes on her. She was always so open to me and Michael, but Michael didn't seem like her type. For a while, I actually believed I had a chance with her. But no, she wanted Luke. What was so attractive about him that made girls go nuts? I felt terrible for telling Jess that she shouldn't get involved with him but I wouldn't have been able to handle it, not ever.