Want You Back

Chapter 4

Ashton had a good feeling. Zoe seems to be opening up more and more to him. The only thing he's carried around with him for 5 years was that one icky feeling. Zoe was so hurt and Ashton couldn't realize it until he matured. However, guilt still plays a big part.

Zoe had come back to band practice with him, after her long day at work. Those few hours Zoe spent in studio were always the highlight of the week. It gave her a good feeling. By now she could sing along with the songs, yet the music flowed through her body like the first time.

Zoe sat comfortably on a chair and watched the four boys. Her eyes wandered from Calum's fingers on the bass, to Luke's mouth movements, to Michael's hands, and finally to Ashton's body language. 

The last song was played. Which meant the rehearsal was over. "Hey Zoe. Ashton told me you can sing really well. You want to give it a try?" asked Luke. Zoe raised her eyebrows and looked at Ashton. "If not now, when then?" replied Michael. "All right. When you're ready." laughed Zoe. The comfortable chair was left behind and already Zoe was standing behind the mic. Ashton started playing a beat. Calum joined in with his bass. Zoe started singing her favorite song of the band. Want You Back. A classic.

Ashton could hardly take your eyes off the girl. Her voice was like an angel. Zoe had talent, no one could deny that.

Zoe enjoyed every moment. It was her dream. The song slowly came to an end. But Zoe was determined to continue. She was in her element.

"I didn't expect this." Calum grinned. "And you haven't signed a contract yet?" asked Luke. Zoe laughed. "One day I will have a contract. It just has to come at the right time." laughed Zoe. Ashton stood up and put his arm around her. Warmth went through Zoe's whole body. "I told you guys. A natural." said Ashton. He looked at Zoe. Ashton was proud. A step in the right direction.

"I have an idea. Is Steve here today?" asked Ashton to the group. "He should be in his office. Why?" replied Michael. "I'll be right back." Ashton said euphorically. "What's he up to?" asked Zoe. Everyone shrugged their shoulders.

Ashton had a plan. A very good plan.

Ashton knocked on a white door with the name Steve Barnett engraved on it. He entered the room. A man with black glasses sat there. "What's up?" asked Steve as he went through a stack of papers. "Hi. I have a request." "Ah... Ashton. What can I do for you?" the producer asked, raising his eyes in Ashton's direction. "A friend of mine just joined our rehearsal... Her name is Zoe Carter. She has a talent for singing. Could you give her a quick listen?" asked Ashton a bit shyly. "Actually, I'm really busy right now." replied Mr. Barnett. "Please. Just three minutes." begged Ashton. "Okay. Three minutes."

The two walked into the studio room. The first step of Ashton's plan worked. Now Steve Barnett has to like Zoe's singing.

Michael, Calum, Luke and Zoe turned around at the same time, as the two entered the room. "Hi Steve." "How are you?" "Hello." came from all around. Steve nodded in greeting. But his gaze was fixed on Zoe. "Hi. My name is Steve Barett. I'm the producer and head of Capitol Records. Ashton told me about you." said the strange man. "Hi. I'm Zoe. Zoe Carter." replied Zoe with a relatively confused look and shook his hand. "I'm here to listen to you. To listen to your voice." replied Steve. Zoe's eyes widened. Her gaze fell to Ashton, who was looking down at the floor.

Mr. Barnett had a look of expectation. Zoe didn't know what was happening. "Okay... um... I'll start then." said Zoe. The four guys from 5 Seconds Of Summer went to their instruments. They started to play the same melody from before. Zoe did the best she could. It was the moment she had dreamed of for a long time. Would her dream come true now?

Eyes closed and feeling the music with every part of her body, Zoe sang her heart out. The three minutes of the song felt like an eternity.

The last notes of the song were played and Zoe opened her eyes. Mr. Barnett had a neutral look on his face. A look that could not be interpreted.

Everyone looked expectantly. There was an intense tension in the room. "You have talent, I don't want to deny that. But is it enough for a singing career?..." Zoe widened her eyes. Her heart almost leapt out of her body. "In my opinion, you will go quite far. I'd love to record a song with you." Steve finished his sentence. The four boys clapped like crazy. "I'm speechless. Thank you." said Zoe with the biggest smile. Her eyes fell to Ashton and Zoe threw herself at him.

Did it really just happen? Was it that simple or is this all just a bad joke? Zoe is going to record her own song.

Ashton and Zoe were back in the beautiful vintage Ford. "Thank you Ashton. I can't believe it." Zoe said, looking up at him, beaming.

Ashton parked the vintage car in front of the apartment building. He turned in Zoe's direction, watching every muscle move. Zoe turned to Ashton and smiled broadly. She still couldn't believe her luck. Their eyes met in the middle. Ashton took Zoe's face in his big hand. The moment has come. He passed his thumb over her lips. Then he pulled Zoe closer until their lips met. The kiss was full of passion. He traced his tongue over her bottom lip and forced it in to Zoe's mouth. Everything was forgotten. Zoe grinned into the kiss. The two broke away from each other.

"Wow." Ashton uttered. Zoe smiled with satisfaction. "Thank you Ashton. Really." said Zoe and took his face in both hands and pressed a short, yet passionate kiss on his mouth. She got out of the car and went on her way. Now Ashton sat alone in his car and was left behind. As if ordered, but not picked up. He had many thoughts running through his head. Had it been the right decision? Was it really feelings or was it the pity he carried inside? But one thing was certain. He must not hurt Zoe again.