Ghost Of You *SLOW UPDATES*

Chapter 15

I sit calmly on the sand, the waves crashing against the sand as it blows delicate salt mists through my loose waves. My hands clasp tight against my knees as I curl them up against my chest. The beach is gentle beneath my bare feet. Tips of shells peek from holes, made by little creatures, seeking shelter in the soft sand. Mini dunes of beige dust soon to be soaked by the sea, gradually creeping its way further onto shore. The sun's rays peacefully float, resting on the warm waters. Timid clouds are rarely exposed, leaving the sky to beam blue. A white ribbon of cliffs and rocks surround me and the bay, guarding us from what lies beyond. My ears invite in the quiet whisper of waves, sharing the ocean's secrets. A graceful song, when birds calm calls break the silence in the settled scene. The fresh air's salty smell tickles my nose. Light kisses from the occasional breeze send tingling sensations through me as I hear slow footsteps approach me.

"I was wondering if you were going to come back up to the house for dinner. You've been out here for hours." Ashton says gently as he sits down beside me and kicks his thongs off.

I don't respond and continue to stare out at the sea blissfully as seagulls soar through the air on a soft breeze. I hear him release a soft breath as he says, "I know you're not in the mood to speak, but we're concerned Shay. We only want what's best for you and your mother isn't the best option."

"But she's my only option Ash. At least you have places to go. You can travel the world and tour non-stop for all you care. What do I have?" I explain desperately, my throat hoarse from the salty air I've been swallowing all day.

"You have us. We've discussed this as a group and we want you to stay with us, look after the villa while we're gone or whatever. Better yet, come on tour with us. Whatever the outcome, you can't go back to her and you know it." He says as he wraps an arm around my waist and I instantly rest my head on his shoulder.

"You're the best Ash. You may as well be my brother." I chuckle weakly as he too laughs and says, "I'll always be here for you Shay, you know that now better than ever. Luke's here for you as well and cares for you immensely, as do the rest of the boys. You are our best friend and without you, we were nothing but lost boys in a crazy world."

I go back to looking out at the rolling ocean as Ashton to looks out at the white capped waves. We get so lost in the moment that I can't help myself when I say, "I don't want to go back to her. I want to stay here. I want to stay home."

I feel him look down at me as he says, "I think the boys will be ecstatic but the thing we need to understand, is why the heck you have stayed out here all day."

I don't reply as tears spring into my eyes at the memory that has forced it's way too the surface, as I flop down in the sand, pulling Ash down with me as I stare up at the coloured sky above.

Through teary eyes I watch the sun fall behind the horizon, painting the sky shades of red and pink, and I thank God that this day has come and gone. All the pain I suffered. All the hurt I've felt. Everything. Gone. Just because I've agreed to stay with my real family.

"Dad always brought me to the beach. We would lay here for hours, watching the waves perform their dance as the sun dipped below the horizon and the day rolled into night," I explain wistfully as I feel the chilliest of all the breezes brush against my tear stained cheek.

"What happened to him?" He asks gently as he reaches my hand and squeezes it comfortingly.

"Mum never told me what it was I experienced that day," I choke out as I try to control the onslaught of tears. "But now that I've grown older, I realize that he didn't just slip while he was shaving and cut his neck."