Challenged

Chapter Sixteen

Adeline's P.O.V.
I sat in the waiting room. I think I've been sitting here for a good hour, it could be shorter, I don't know. I've lost track of time.

I haven't been able to get any update on Luke since I'm not family. Which is weird because when Ashton was here, not to long ago, Floyd and I both got updates, and we're not family.

Anyway, I haven't gotten any updates, but I still haven't left. I need to know he's okay, the only reason he's in this mess is because of me.

Luke saved my life. He literally saved my life. I don't know what to say.

"I'm looking for an Adeline Grace." I hear a thick accent voice say my name and I turn, some how, for some reason feeling nothing but safety.

"She's sitting right over there." The receptionist points over in my direction.

Ashton rushes towards me, with Floyd behind him, and Violet behind him.

Ashton pulls me into his warm embrace, holding me tightly, and not letting go.

I let myself sink into him and hide in his chest. I can't help but let out a soft cry.

"Shhh shhh shh. I got you." He rubs my backs gently and kisses my head.

"Adeline, where's Luke?" I hear a soft voice. Violet.

"They won't give me any updates because I'm not family." I wipe my tears and look up at her.

She stays quite, she takes a moment to process the words I've just said, then nods.

"Addie, what happened?" Floyd looks in my eyes, searching for something.

"I called Luke to meet up with him. I wanted to help him and Ashton. While we were talking Calum showed up. Calum was saying things to Luke and Luke was over it, he was already leaving till Calum had wrapped his arm around me. Luke looked angry and shoved Calum, then punched him. Then Luke pulled me onto his motorcycle to get me away before Calum got up, I swear we had gotten away from him, but next thing I knew we got hit from behind. I should have went flying. I should have been in Lukes position. I don't know when Luke found the split second to grab me or I don't know, but we hit the floor, but Luke hit his head on the floor, hard. I rolled off of Luke and sat up, I saw Calum, I saw him smile or laugh, then drive off." I finish speaking and the room is silent.

"He saved my life." I turn to Ashton and look him in the eyes.

His eyes seem a bit watery. He looks away from me and lets go of my hand, that I didn't even know he was holding, he lets out a long breath.

After a few moments of silence and everyone processing my words, Ashton stands up.

"I can't just sit here and wait. I can't. I'll be back." Then he begins to walk away.

Really? Just like that?

I get up without a word and follow him outside.

"Ashton!" I yell and he stops in his tracks, but he doesn't look back.

"You can't just leave, despite everything he's your friend. You're here for him amd you're just gonna leave like that. Really?" I cross my arms at my chest trying to keep them warm as a chilly air hits my body.

He turns and walks towards me.

"Do you know how worried you've had me? You left, without a word Adeline, I was sick out of my mind." He looked me in the eyes, pain written all over his face.

"You told me to leave Ashton. You said if I couldn't handle it, then leave." I speak calmly.

"You know what, I think that's what you wanted all along. I think you wanted to just set me off and tell you to leave, make me seem like the bad guy. You've been using me for a way out that's all." He speaks, his voice raising slightly.