Mental // 5sos [ A.U. ]

Meeting Ketchup and Luke's Scar

"Just so you know," Calum says sitting back. "None of us are actually insane." Ella laughs slightly, but doesn't say anything.

"Then why are you here?" I ask curiously. Calum looks to Luke and Luke looks to Ella. Luke continues to cover his face. Maybe that's why he's here...

"They don't believe any of us," Luke answers quietly. His hand never leaves his cheek. 

"What's your story?" I ask leaning foreward. There should be a reason why they're all here. Calum sighs and stands up, pushing his chair back.

"I'm going to go find Ketchup," he says and walks off, leaving me with Ella and Luke. The two fall into an awkward silence. Looking around, I see Calum walking back to us, but there's something in his arms. He sits himself back in between Luke and me and smiles brightly.

"Here boy," he coaxes the item in his arms. It looks like a styrofoam version of a dog. Is this why he's here? The boys looks up at his with a bright smile. "This is my dog, Ketchup. Don't worry if he doesn't say anything. He's just really shy."

Yep, this is why Calum is here. Knowing that these guys are most likely going to be my friends, I return his smile. "Your dog is awesome, mate," I say brightly. Calum's eyes light up and Luke and Ella look at me with astonished faces.

"No one's ever acknowledged Ketchup before, well accept for Michael, Luke, and Ella," he says quietly. Ella smiles slightly and rests her hand on my shoulder. She doesn't say anything, but I know that silently, shes saying "Thank you".

I look over to Luke, who is still holding onto his face. "Ella?" he asks. "Can you get the bandaids? My arm is getting tired." Ella nods and heads off. Luke looks back at me and smiles faintly.

"Two years ago, I got into a car crash," he explains. "The crash left a nasty scar on my face." Luke still doesn't let go of his face until Ella gets back. She leads him back to his room and wraps up his cheek. The two return slowly.

A loud ringing sound echoes through the room. "Looks like it's time for bed," Ella says sighing. We all stand up and head to our respective rooms. When I enter, I finally see my roommate. It's Michael. He's sitting on his bed reading a large book.

"Hi Michael," I greet as I change into my pajamas. He doesn't say a word. Before I can attempt to say anything else, a knock comes from the door. Michael doesn't bother getting up, so I make my way there.

Ella stands in front of me as I open the door. She's small, so I tower over her. "Hi," she says quietly.

"Hey," I greet with a smile.

"I just want to thank you for not dismissing Ketchup. It means a lot to Calum," she says to which I nod and smile.

"No worries, but can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"When Luke said he got into a car crash that left the scar, did that really happen?" Ella falls silent and looks down at her hands. Looking around first, she nods her head.

"Yes and no," she answers. "Luke did get into a car crash two years ago, but he managed to get out with only few bruises, but suffered a trauma which led him to believe that he received a scar on his face. He's ashamed of it and believes it makes him seem like a monster. Please don't tell him I told you." I slowly nodded and held up my pinky.

"I pinky promise," I say causing her to laugh as she linked pinkies with me.

"You have really big hands," she notes, leaning against the door frame. I chuckle and nod.

"I've been told. Goodnight Ella."

"Goodnight Ashton."