Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter nine

Rose's POV

I laid on my bed, doing my homework with no hope of progress. I had been staring at the same math question for ten minutes. I let out an audible groan, rolling onto my stomach. Since it was Wednesday my parents had left to go to church, and Russell left soon after, Luke picking him up. I feel like he's always doing something now. Luke use to come around along with his other friends, but I hadn't seen him in a while.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when I heard the front door, followed by swift footsteps up the stairs. I tugged my spiral notebook in front of me, kicking my feet in the air behind me, assuming that it was just Russell who had left something. I then assumed I was right after I heard someone enter his room, but only seconds after my door swung open. I quickly sat up in shock, relaxing once I saw that it was only Ashton.

"Holy cow," I mumbled, my hand pressed against my chest, "You almost gave me a heart attack." I expected him to make fun of me as I realized what I said, but something was wrong. He wore a nervous expression, his eyes wide and his bottom lip pulled between his teeth. "Are you okay?" I finally asked, my words slow and hesitant.

I hadn't spoken to him since Monday when I snapped at him. If he showed up to the classes we had together he sat in his usual spots far away from me. It was obvious that he was doing his best to avoid me. A few days already felt like weeks. I thought I was thankful but almost found myself missing his snarky remarks even if I wouldn't admit it. He left me confused every time I talked to him.

"I need to talk to Russell." He spoke rushed unlike me, tugging at his hair. His eyes darted down the hall as if my brother would appear.

"He just left with Luke." My brows furrowed with confusion as I climbed out of bed. I had never seen him like this before, this vulnerable. It's strange to feel like I have the upper hand with him for once. "Have you called him?"

"Of course." He said sharply before letting out a sigh, "He didn't answer. That's why I came here."

"I could try to call him..." My voice trailed off as I shifted on my feet awkwardly. I wasn't sure how to act around him in this situation. My eyes followed him as he moved to my bed, sitting on a couple of scattered papers. I cringe but don't say anything.

"It's fine." He mumbled. It looked as if the realization set in with him as well, now unsure of what to say next.

"You could have texted me to see if he was here." I point out, knowing that he had only texted me twice due to emergencies. I doubt he usually remembers he has my number. After he doesn't respond I decide to stay quiet. I know that if Ashton doesn't want to talk, he won't.

After a moment of silence, I slowly moved to sit next to him, pushing my papers out of the way first. "Do you want to talk to me about it or no?"

His head snaps up to me, so I divert my attention to my hands in my lap.

"I usually talk to Russ about it." He said under his breath.

"Oh."

We were both silent now, the air so thick I felt as if it was getting hard to breathe. If I couldn't help him I wasn't sure why he hadn't left yet. I'm not sure why I offered in the first place, knowing he would decline. We aren't friends, of course, he wouldn't trust me.

As we sat I began to think about what I would do if it wasn't Ashton who had come into the house. I mentally scolded myself and made a promise to check if I hear something next time. I want to ask how he got inside the house but I can't form any words. He's lucky my parents aren't home, and won't be anytime soon.

He finally let out another sigh, placing his head in his hands, his elbows resting against his knees. My hand hovered above his back before I gently placed my palm against him, rubbing up and down in what I hoped was comforting. This is exactly what I meant Monday, his emotions were a rollercoaster that I felt like I involuntarily rode. Always up and down.