Run // Ashton Irwin [AU] [Sequel To TTS]

7.

A/N: I just want to say, for a really long time, I thought it was sort of pointless to be updating my stories. I haven't updated in a year now. But if 5SOS can make a comeback after not releasing music for almost two years, then I think I'm good. If this flops, then it flips, but I'd really like to continue my stories in my free time.

In the past year I broke up with my boyfriend of a year and a half, went to 5SOS3 Live and began a new relationship this past month. I am happy.

I can't wait to continue this for you guys! So, if you remember the drill...

Vote, comment, and spread the word! I love you.

Callie

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"My mom and dad brought me and my sister here a few years ago on a family vacation," I explained, sitting down at the booth. I had insisted on requesting the booth in the corner of the diner, right by the window that overlooked the Redwoods. Ashton didn't argue, agreeing that the view was breathtaking. He sat down directly across from me. "I honestly can't believe I remembered how to find the place. They have the best apple pie and strawberry milkshakes ever if you're wanting something sweet, though."

Ashton's hair stuck to his forehead, still damp from the lake water. He'd done his best to dry it with a spare shirt since we didn't happen to have any towels in the trunk, but it didn't quite get the job done. I didn't have much room to talk, unfortunately. I'd done my best to wring the water out of my locks before piling it all on top of my head in the world's tightest bun to prevent any more water from escaping, but everyone could tell we'd just finished swimming, or for all they knew, showering. We probably didn't look the most well put together.

At least we'd had a spare change of clothes laid out.

"Hi, my name is Lacey," A bubbly, youthful girl introduced herself. She couldn't have been much older than myself, but she seemed much more put together, her makeup flawless and her hair done. I couldn't help but feel a bit inferior in her presence. Whether she was new or just really enthusiastic about her job, I couldn't tell, but her voice was high pitched and excited. "I'll be your waitress. Here's your menus. If you have any questions, flag me down and I'll be right over."

"Talk about attending to customers with a smile. Her cheeks must hurt." Ashton giggled once she was out of earshot. He folded out his menu in front of him to examine his options.

"She looks like she secretly hates her job," I commented, but decided to change the subject, opening the menu myself. "Their burgers here are huge. My dad got one when we came. I personally think their salads are fantastic. They have some fish specials too, I think."

"We could always ask Happy Face." Ashton joked. I assumed he was referring to our happy-go-lucky waitress.

"No, thanks," I laughed shortly. I am all about good customer service, but Lacey just seemed annoyingly happy. "I think I can figure out a menu on my own."

"If you say so, Miss America." I jokingly kicked him under the table and he jokingly whined in reply. I'd known Ashton for four and a half months, and I wondered if he would call me that throughout the rest of my lifetime, even years from now. I groaned at the thought alone. We sat in silence until I noticed Lacey coming back towards the table.

"Are you ready to order?" She asked sweetly, pulling a pen and paper out of her apron pocket.

"Ladies first." Ashton stated, not looking up from his copy of the menu.

I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted almost instantly.

"Aw, how sweet. What a gentleman! I could use a man like you in my life," I rolled my eyes when she batted her lashes in Ashton's direction. He was too intrigued with the menu to even notice, but I still cleared my throat anyways, feeling myself being taken by jealousy. For God's sake, I was sitting right across from him! "Right. Anyways, what can I get you?"

"Can I just get the house salad? And maybe the soup of the day. What is it?" I didn't bother making eye contact. I wasn't trying to be rude, but I just couldn't convince myself to look her in the eye.

"What is today? Monday? Tuesday?" She thought aloud. I wouldn't have even been able to tell her myself. Since Ashton and I had hit the road, my days were all screwed up. "I think it's chicken noodle, but I can double check for you?"

"No. Thanks. That's fine. I'll take whatever it turns out to be." I shrugged, giving her the menu back.

Ashton ordered a cheeseburger and fries, along with one of the strawberry shakes I'd recommended to him. I beamed, more than happy that he'd taken my advice.

"So," He folded his hands on the table top. "We saw Yosemite and it was gorgeous. Where are we going next?"

"Its a bit out of the way, but we can head to San Francisco. It's three hours away from here, but it's back towards the ocean," I suggested. "Or, we can hit up Lake Tahoe, or Las Vegas. Those are both East."

"I've always wanted to go to San Francisco," Ashton beamed. "Sure, it's backtracking a bit, but I think it's a good idea. Better than driving back over six or seven states to see the Golden State Bridge, right?"

"Right." I confirmed, tugging the sleeves of Ashton's hoodie that I'd found in the backseat. It smelled like him and helped calm me down. I don't know why I was beginning to feel anxious, but a sudden nervousness had taken over the room. I felt small, squished into a corner, and from where I sat, I could see the table that I'd been sat the last time I was here with my dad, my mom, and my sister, Ashley. I missed the days that we were an actual, normal family that took actual, normal getaway vacations and ate in actual, normal diners. I was somehow afraid that I'd never truly experience something like that again, and the fear felt like a brick on my chest.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ashton's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Yeah, yeah," I stuttered, trying to reassure him. Get a grip, Natalie. "I'm fine. Just a little lightheaded, that's all."

"You probably haven't eaten enough today," Ashton frowned. "We swam a lot. Speaking of, your cheeks are kind of red. We should buy some sunscreen."

"I'll be fine. I'm just going to step out and get some fresh air." I whispered, more to myself than my concerned boyfriend. I knew if I stayed away for too long, he'd come looking for me, but I needed a minute to calm myself down, or I knew I'd end up having a breakdown in this very booth.

I got up and walked outside calmly, suddenly feeling homesick, but sadly, I knew there was nothing I could do. Going back to Australia now wouldn't fix anything. Ashley wouldn't be there waiting for me. The familiarity of California should have been comforting, but in a way, all it seemed like right now was one giant trigger, and it frustrated me. I missed my sister more than anything. I would have done anything to have her by my side.

I needed a distraction. I needed to sit outside for a minute and just find something to get my mind off of the past. Doing the only thing I knew of, I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

"I wonder if they have Wi-Fi here." I muttered to myself. In front of the diner was a cozy, homey porch with some chairs and even a wooden porch swing. I sat down on the stairs and searched for Wi-Fi on my phone, automatically connecting to the only one that was open. I was surprised. Most diners like this don't have public access to Wi-Fi. Still, there was hardly any signal here, so I suppose it made sense. As soon as my phone was connected to the diner's Wi-Fi, my phone went crazy. Since nobody could contact me by text while I was in the states, my social media apps flashed across the top of my screen, displaying Snapchat, Facebook, Kik, and Instagram. 

Most of it seemed pretty general. A few DMs thanking me for a recent follow, people liking my most recent post on Facebook and photo on Instagram. Kik caught my attention, though. Nobody ever messages me there.

A quiet gasp escaped my lips when I noticed the only message request I had.

Luke Hemmings: Natalie, where the hell are you?!?