I sit outside in the cold on Luke's front steps, awaiting the ride of Ashton. I sigh and stare down at my phone.
Me: Can you come pick me up? 7:58pm
Ashton: Oh? Are you okay? Where are you? 7:59pm
Me: Luke's house, I'm sure you've been here in the past? 8:01pm
Ashton: Yeah, I'll be there soon. 8:02pm
I've been staring at my phone for quite some time now, awaiting his arrival. It's only been ten minutes since that last text but I'm anxious to leave. Suddenly, Ashton's black jeep pulls into the driveway and I sigh in relief. I sigh too soon.
"Alice." I hear Luke's voice behind me. "Please don't go, let's talk." I frown.
"Luke, I'm leaving, I've made plans and I'm sticking to them." He bites his lip, avoiding eye contact for a moment.
"Please, Allie." I hear Ashton's car door slam and I look over to the sound. He peers over his car at us and frowns slightly.
"There a problem, Alice?" I shake my head.
"No, we can go now, I was just telling Luke." Luke turns his gaze to Ashton and if it was possible to burn people with looks, Ashton would be in flames.
"Okay," Ashton moves beside me and smiles. "Luke." Luke just continues observing him, giving him nasty looks and it made me feel awkward.
"All I have to say to you Ash, is don't fucking hurt her." Ashton smirks and looks over at me.
"Luke, you're truly sad," I bite my lip and frown. "She's fine, nothing to worry about."
"I'm serious, Ashton. Don't play with me." Ashton rolls his eyes, looking bored.
"Come on then, Allie." I follow Ashton to his car and we get inside. From out the window I see Luke still standing, Calum comes out and stares at us. After, Luke says something to him. As we drive off, I watch Luke shake his head and Calum pat his back before both walking back into his house.
* * *
Ashton parks the car in front of his house. He sighs deeply for a moment and looks over at me. He looked genuinely concerned.
"Are you alright?" I give him a fake smile and nod.
"Now I am."
"What happened?" I shake my head.
"Nothing important." I didn't want to tell him Luke told me he loved me, it was personal and it still shocked me to be honest.
"Your eyes are kinda puffy." He moves a hand to touch my cheek and I move away a little.
"Should we just get inside? Aren't people here?" He nods.
"Yeah, people are already around the fire." The fact that he left his own bonfire to come pick me up on a last minute's notice made my heart swell... just a tiny bit. I nod and smile as we get out of the car.
We cross the street and go to the white gate on the side of his house. He opens it, leading me to the backyard. When we come into view of his guests, he moves his arm back to grab my hand. I'm surprised but I don't object, I just tighten my hand around his.
When people begin to see us they cheer and clap for Ashton, and it's clear that some are already drunk around the fire. I didn't really see anyone familiar but I smile anyway.
Ashton and I walk up to the fire and immediately people try to speak to him. I let go of his hand and suddenly, I feel someone poke my back. I look to see who it is.
