The Therapist's Son // Ashton Irwin [AU] ✔

9.

Quick warning. If you have not seen or read The Fault In Our Stars and you want to, do not read this chapter! There's a big spoiler! Other than that, read on, my lovelies.

*****

"So," Luke said, walking beside me after the final bell. Turns out, we had almost every class together, except for math. I guess Luke was some sort of math whiz and had been placed in an advanced class.

I also learned that Luke is very persistent. I wondered if he had any friends of his own, considering the fact that he followed me around all day like a lost puppy - Walking with me to classes, sitting with me at lunch...Hell, I was surprised he didn't follow me into the bathroom at break.

"Do you want to do something? We can go see a movie, or you can come chill at my place for awhile."

I shook my head, remembering that my mother was probably already waiting for me in the parking lot.

"I have somewhere I need to be."

"Not buying it," Luke said, still hot on my heels.

"Look," I said, finally getting fed up. I didn't know what I had to do to get him to realize I was not interested in communication with him or anyone else. "You seem nice, but I don't need whatever you're trying to give me here. So, go with some of your friends, because I'm really not interested."

"They told me this would happen." I heard Luke sigh as I turned to walk away.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"It was my job to show you around campus, make you feel welcome. The counselor called me in the other day asking if I would be willing to do that, and I said sure. I didn't think you would be so desperate to push me away." He explained shyly.

I sighed, suddenly feeling slightly guilty. After all, all Luke had wanted to do was help.

Suddenly, I had an idea. If I could convince my mom that I made a friend, maybe she wouldn't make me go to therapy so often, or at all for that matter.

Plus, if I went somewhere with Luke now, I would get to 'ditch' therapy, so to speak.

"Do you still want to see a movie?"

*****

"I don't understand," Luke sniffles as the credits began to roll. "How could he just die like that?"

I rolled my eyes. I found it ironic that Luke was crying at The Fault In Our Stars, and I hadn't shed a tear during the whole thing. I had teared up, sure, I just don't really cry at movies.

"How are you not crying? You're a girl! He died for crying out loud!" Luke exclaimed, and I let out a short, half-hearted laugh.

"Dying is just a part of life that everyone has to deal with, unfortunately." I muttered, a sudden sick feeling washing over me. Luke looked at me, concerned, but before he could open his mouth to speak, I quickly stood, realizing we were the last ones left in the theater.

"Ready to go?"

"Uh...Yeah, sure," He stuttered, standing up. I laughed, looking up at him. "What?" He asked.

"Are your parents tall?" He shrugged.

"Passed my mom awhile back." He said, and I nodded in understanding, walking back outside. I was practically blinded by the afternoon sun, blinking my eyes several times to adjust.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"About five. Do you need a ride back home? I can call my mom to come pick us up, I'm sure she'd be able to drive you." I shook my head.

"No, I think I'll be fine. Thanks, though. See you tomorrow?" He nodded as I turned to walk in the direction of home, but I heard his voice call after me one last time.

"Natalie! Wait a minute, can I see your phone?" I looked at him, skeptical of what he had planned, but I unlocked the phone for him anyways and placed it in his hands. I watched him type something out, and a minute later his phone vibrated in his pocket.

He handed the phone back, smiling at me.

"See you tomorrow, Natalie."

I looked down at my phone only to find a new contact in my phone, and a sent text message to 'Luke :)'. I smiled, shaking my head, letting out a small laugh.

"Have fun?" A voice from behind me caused me to jump, and I turned around to find a familiar figure.

"Jesus, Ashton, you scared the shit out of me," I giggled, but my smile fell when I noticed him scowling in disappointment. "Are you alright?"

"Did you have fun with him?" Ashton repeated, arms folded across his chest. If looks could kill, I would have just died, no questions asked.

"Yeah, he's nice. The movie was good too." I shrugged, but that didn't seem to be the answer Ashton was expecting.

"You didn't come to your appointment," He said. I rolled my eyes. Since when was he the therapist's secretary? And since when did he have any say in what I do or where I go? "Your mom is worried. She asked me to help her look for you."

"Well, you found me. What now?" He simply blinked, anger leaving almost immediately as his arms fell back by his sides. "Now that you've found me, what are you going to do?"

"It doesn't matter. Who was that guy?" Ashton demanded to know.

"Why? Are you jealous?" I joked.

"To be fucking honest, yes! You were supposed to come to your appointment today after school. I wanted to hang out with you afterwards, and instead you just go see a movie with that guy! What did you guys see, anyways? The Damages In Our Galaxy?"

"The Fault In Our Stars," I corrected rolling my eyes. "First off, that was Luke. And second of all, you never told me you wanted to hang out with me again!"

"Well, Luke can kindly fuck off." Ashton spat, grabbing my hand, but I yanked my arm back.

"Don't touch me," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "You know what, he actually made an effort right away. Unlike you the first night we met in that damned coffee shop! You were just a dick from the start!" I ranted.

When I was done, Ashton merely stood there, eyes wide, almost looking glossy, as if he was going to start crying. I felt a tug at my heart, regretting my words.

"Ashton, I-"

"No, Natalie," He interrupted me, voice giving out for a split second. "If that's the way you feel about all of this, fine. But I'm trying now. I thought I explained that last night, but I guess I didn't do it well enough. Have fun with Luke." Ashton spat his name like it was poison in his mouth.

But, he didn't allow me to protest before turning around and storming down the street.

And I didn't bother to go after him.

*****

A/N: Ooh, some drama! So, jealous Ashton...What do you guys think?

I think tonight was a really long night and that I need to sleep it off, so I'll be back online tomorrow.

Please remember to vote, and comments are recommended! I love reading your feedback or hearing what I should change or improve!

Callie x