It's Ashton Not Ashley

22.

~Luke's POV~

"Ashton, I'm really sorry."

"I know, you keep telling me this. I'm afraid that if I forgive you, I'll get hurt again. Now please, let me get to class!"
I nodded and backed away from him, trying to not notice the fact he lost so much weight.

"Go ahead. Maybe I'll see you later," I said as he turned his back and left for his class. I sighed and put my hands in my jeans pocket and went into class.

"Good morning!" The teacher said in a loud voice that made me wonder what he could be so happy about on a Monday morning.

"We have a quiz today!"

I groaned and mentally cursed myself for not making time to study.
He started to pass the papers around and immediately my stomach had dropped.

I picked up my pen and aimed it at the chalkboard. I only had one try to get this right and as I threw the pen, it bounced off the chalkboard and onto the floor making a loud drop.

The teacher had looked at the direction of the chalkboard and I took that as my chance. I got up quietly and jumped out the school window. I fell onto my stomach and whimpered in pain as I got up and ran back home.

----

"Luke, how come you're not in school?" My mom asked as she came into the kitchen, looking at me.
I shrugged.

"I needed a break. School's too much for me."

My mom came over to me and kissed my forehead. I smiled up at her. I had to give her credit. She was officially trying to stop drinking and turn her life around.
"How was your AA meaning?"

"It was great honey. I think it's working. Hell, I haven't even thought about drinking in a month."
I smiled again.
"That's great. I'm really proud of you, mom."

She nodded and started taking out some ingredients she needed for what she planned on baking. She had started baking more when she started drinking less. It kept her mind off of the alcohol. But I didn't mind, she was actually a decent baker.

"I'm making brownies from scratch," her sweet voice said and I nodded.

"I want some when they're done."

"Of course sweetie," she replied and started preparing everything.

----

"Luke, do you want a brownie with peanut butter icing?" My mother asked as she carried the plate to me. I nodded happily and took a bite.
"I love these!" I said and took another off the plate.

She smiled and sat down at the table. "Tell me how you and Ashton are. Are you two dating yet?"

"Mom!" My face flushed bright red and I shook my head, a blush forming on my cheeks.

"Well are you?" She looked at me, waiting for me to give an answer.

My face turned to a frown and I thought about how cute Ashton had looked. I missed the way he would smile and jump onto my back. I missed how Ashton would kiss my cheek and cling onto me.

I missed all the happy times that we would have together like that time we played tag in the park. That moment was ruined when I opened my mouth and called him an awful name all because I was afraid of getting too close to him, afraid of opening up.

"N-No. We aren't. He still won't forgive me and I've done everything I could. I saved up money for a chest binder for him to feel comfortable. I bought him a bouquet of flowers with a note and even tried to apologize in public."