The Only Reason

Chapter 12

Ashton's pov

My eyes were burning from trying to hold back tears. I don't want anyone to think I'm weak.

"Leave" was the only thing I could say. I didn't wanna look her in the eyes because i knew I'd fall apart if I did.

I heard the sound of the chair being pushed out and then saw her making her way towards the front door. Before she left the room she faced me.

"I'm sorry Ashton. I really am." Jade said and then disappeared.

She came to tell me about her and Calum kissing. I knew from the beginning something like this would happen. Not because I thought she's a player, I know she isn't. But because I can see their connection. They're just too afraid to say it. And I, I decided to try. I really like her. Maybe she could forget Calum, fall in love with me. Deep down I knew that wouldn't happen, but her smile makes me weak and I forget about everything else.

Right now I just need time to think. To be alone. But I'll forgive her soon enough. I know myself and I know I can't stay away from her. Even if it means being stuck in the friend zone.

///

Jade's pov

"Leave" He whispered so I could barely hear it. I didn't expect him to forgive me but I could always hope right?

I stood up and walked away. Before I left I just had to make sure he knew, "I'm sorry Ashton. I really am."

I cried on my way home. Why did I hurt him? He's such an innocent person. He deserves nothing but love. Why did I have to kiss Calum and fuck everything up?

On Monday afternoon I was dragging myself home from school. I was so tired. I looked down at my feet every step of the way. And I was surprised to see a pair of shoes in front of me all of a sudden. I looked up to see Ashton sitting on my door step, with a sad smile on his face.

"Ash"

"I really like you Jade," he stood up and smiled at me, "and I don't wanna let you go after one mistake." he paused, " but I need to think of myself sometimes so if you want to, we can still be friends?"

I stared at his beautiful eyes for a moment before nodding. He opened his arms and gave me a warm hug.

"And I think it's time for you to realize that you belong with Calum" he whispered under his breath before pulling away.

I stayed quiet and pretended like I didn't hear him. To be honest I didn't know what I should have said.

"So, would you like to stay for dinner?" I asked hopefully.

Before he could answer his stomach growled which made us both laugh hysterically.

"Let's go inside, Ashley"

"Heey! I'm a man!" He defended himself.

"Your chuckle sounds more like a little school girl though" I said and stepped inside with him smiling right behind me.

It was a little weird and awkward during dinner. I'm happy he still wants to be friends but now I feel like I'm torturing him.

///

I woke up on Tuesday my grumpy like always. Like usual I hit the snooze button just a few times. I groaned once it rang for the fifth time and got out of bed to put on my favorite oversized hoodie and ripped jeans.

I grabbed an apple and hurried out the door so I wouldn't be late but bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry" Calum said with his hand still ready to knock on the door.

"Calum?" I looked up at him.

"Yeah that's what they call me. Calum Hood. Calum Thomas Hood. Also known as cool guy Cal or C-Dizzle Swizzle."

"Are you done yet" I say and chuckle.

"Gotta let the people know" he said with a straight face.

"So why are you here?"

"To pick you up duh" he said emphasizing the duh.

"O..kay. Thanks. But why?" He took my backpack and started walking to his car. He opened the door for me and gave me my backpack again once I was sitting down.

He got in and headed towards the hell hole people call school. "I wanted to know how it went with Ashton?" his voice was soft and kind.

"Uhh, it went better than I expected."

He looked at me in panic when we hit a red light. "He won't be mad I picked you up right?"

"No actually..we decided to just be friends" I said quietly and looked out the window.

"Oh. I'm sorry for breaking you guys up" he said but something tells me he didn't mean it 100%.

We'd almost reached the school's parking lot when a car sped past us.

"Wow who was that?" I question, not expecting an answer.

"Luke" Calum sighed.

Calum parked his truck and a police car suddenly passed us. My gaze followed it and saw them stop by a car i now recognize. Luke's car. People started gathering around him and I heard what they said when we got close enough.

"Lucas Hemmings-"

"It's Luke" Luke cut off the policeman with an irritated voice.

"Luke Hemmings" the policeman started again just as irritated as Luke, " you are under arrest for DUI and possible illegal drug dealing. Everything you say can be held against you in court." He finished and pushed him in the backseat after putting handcuffs on him.

I turned to Calum speechless.

"I'm not surprised to be honest" he shrugged, I just kept staring at him.

"He's done many illegal stuff. He has a lot of enemies. It was bound to happen one day."

"I knew he was a dick and an asshole and a-"

"Get to the point" he said.

"But I didn't knew he would do anything illegal." Calum looked at me with an expression I couldn't read or understand then he took my backpack from my hands and started walking. Hopefully towards my locker.

——————————

Comment and vote❤️

DUI stands for driving under influence for the people who didn't know.