Ashton and I swam for a bit. And that little fuck was a liar, it was freezing.
The air wasn't awkward to my surprise. It was still fun, he was teasing, constantly hinting at wanting to get into my pants again to which I'd just laugh. There was the occasional splashing, which was a move I found quite middle school.
Innocent attempt at flirting.
After about an hour, we walked back up the hill, where makeshift stone steps led us back to the cliff and our belongings. It was quiet for a moment but I didn't mind it. The sound of the night time wild life was calming to me.
"Didn't think you'd jump so fast." He speaks, pulling on his jeans. I watch and shrug.
"You were going to with or without me. Right?" He tilts his head.
"Right. I guess." I pull on my shirt after my sweatpants and look to him. I notice his attention rests on my covered thigh. I roll my eyes.
"Just forget about it okay?" He frowns slightly.
"It looks kind of serious, Allie."
"That isn't your business. Why are you bringing this up now? You didn't bring it up while we were in the water."
"I didn't want to ruin the fun," He speaks. "I wanted you to have a good time. So did you?" I watch him, nodding my head slowly.
"I did." He nods.
"Good, and that's why I didn't bring up something so personal while we swam," He sighs. "Let's go."
We walk back through the path and make our way down the mountain. It was still silent, but this time not good. I look over to Ashton, who just watched his steps as he points his phone flashlight toward the ground. He seemed in thought, but I didn't want to be nosy and ask about it.
"You got any cigs?" He looks at me, raising an eyebrow.
"Thought you were trying to quit?" I shrug.
"I kind of was. I only tried to stop because I promised Luke but what he doesn't know won't hurt him right?" He smirks and laughs softly. He shakes his head. I notice him dig in the pockets of his jeans.
"You sure you and Luke aren't a thing?" I stare at him, before moving my attention back to the ground.
"We're just friends, we've just kind of grown up together," I shake my head. "Plus his mum died of lung cancer so it's sensitive to him. So I told him I'd try." We get to a clearing and continue to walk.
"Alright, well if you don't have a thing for him, he definitely has a thing for you." Ash hands me a cigarette and lighter. I ignite the tip of the cig and take a long drag.
"He's just overprotective," I speak as I exhale. "It's more of an older brother to little sister thing." He shakes his head.
"You really are oblivious you know that?" I shrug and don't say another word.
We walk for a while longer, my feet begin to hurt as we continue and Ashton smokes a cig on the way. Just as I'm about to complain about the walk, he speaks.
"I hope you had fun." I nod as we make it out by the road, I spot Ashton's little black car.
"I did." We get to his car and buckle up, he starts the car and speeds off.
My mum is probably freaking out right now.
"You know Allie, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you," He glances at me for a quick moment. "Seriously." I look to him, hesitant.
"How do I know I can even trust you?"
"I haven't done anything to prove you can't, have I?" Well, I guess not. I shake my head and look out my window.
"We haven't known each other long you know, It's only been about a week and a half." He nods.
"Well I guess you're right." I turn to him again as he fixes his attention on the road. I smile a little.
"Thank you though, I appreciate it." He smiles without looking at me.
"Of course."
Soon enough we pull into my driveway. He parks the car and looks over at me.
"See you at school then?" I nod and smile.
"Obviously loser." I go to get out the car and he grabs my wrist gently.
"No goodnight kiss?" I smirk and lean in, right before our lips touch I pull away slightly.
"Goodnight, Ash." I slam the car door shut and he groans.
"Don't be such a tease, Alice." I ignore him as I unlock my front door, walking inside."
And right as I walk in, I hear someone laughing, familiar. I roll my eyes.
"Luke." Wait what was he doing here? And why was he laughing? With who?
Suddenly I'm confused and make my way to the laughter coming from the living room. The television blasts the sounds of gunshots.
"Fucker." Another voice speaks, one I haven't heard in a while.
"You fuckin' suck, this is why I always win."
"Calum?" Calum is my half brother. I haven't seen him in a while, not since dad had him move schools. The two boys both look behind the couch at me. Calum's large grin slowly turns downward. I look over to Luke.
"Where's my mum?"
"She went to pick up some food, at first I came for you but-"
"Mum's okay with you being here Calum?" He stares at me.
"I... yes. She is, it's a long story."
"I've got time." I cross my arms. Luke speaks up again.
"Why's your hair wet?" I look away from him.
"That's really not important right now," I look to Calum. "What are you doing here?"
"Can we talk about this later please?" I keep my gaze fixed on him and he sighs. "Fuck, fine. Dad kicked me out for... some shit I did. I called up your mum cause she's fuckin' nice and she let me stay for a bit. That's all."
"Yeah? And how long's a bit?"
"Alice will you just lay off him?" I stare at Luke and scoff.
"You're taking his side?"
"He hasn't done anything to you. What's the problem?" I go to speak, but then close my mouth. Why was I so upset?
Maybe you're just jealous that he gets to have your dad
"Fuck it, forget it." I leave the living room and go upstairs.
"Alice." I hear Luke but when I get inside my room I lock the door.
My thoughts are everywhere as I take a seat on my bed, and out of nowhere I begin to cry. I'm so fucking annoyed with myself. How could I be mad about Calum having a life with dad, when I'm the one that fucking got my parents to split up?
Maybe that's what I do. I blame others for the shit I cause, maybe that's why I'm always so hateful to my mother. I have a shitty attitude about everything and all I do is bring people down.
I don't even realize how loud I'm crying until I hear Luke again in the hall.
"Alice?" I go into my bathroom, shutting and locking the door just in case.
