Club of Misfits [Lashton & Malum]

Chapter 7

It was study hall time for Ashton. It's a free class where he can make up tests, do extra credit, homework or simply do nothing but look like he's being productive. Considering he was failing (to his mum) Science, he was working very hard on studying while in the library.

When he has study hall, there's a required classroom to go to but he asked his teacher if he could go to the library. It's his place where he likes to focus on his work and not be bothered by annoying, loud and barbaric teens that give zero shits about their grades unlike Ashton.

He tries his best, that's what Ashton does. He likes to make everything perfect, to control anything he can without failing himself. He doesn't like getting B's, maybe because he grew up in a place where a B might as well be the same as getting shot in the head. If he gets a B, he can't eat or go to bed until he's studied and gets an A on his practice online tests.

To others it seems ballistic, and to him it is as well but he wants to do it. He wants to pass and do the best he can because some people are better than him and he's jealous. He hates how people can do sports, join clubs, and still have straight A's while he's struggling with his getting them while not being in any club.

He use to be in a lot a couple years ago. He use to be at a different school, be decently popular (no where near as much as Calum) and be in a lot of clubs. He's glad they're sill on his records. He use to be so friendly and outgoing, but well, all he can say is things change.

Reliving the past won't help his future and Ashton knew this. He didn't like thinking back to his old life. So, he stuck with in the 'now' and tapped his finger while writing out formulas he needs to memorize on flashcards. He pushed his glasses up, biting his lip and mouthed the formula to himself as he went through the cards and answered them to himself.

It was a technique for him. Flashcards are the only way he can memorize things. Otherwise they go in one ear and out the other. If people saw how many he had, they would think he was selling them. His mum always buys him flashcards and makes him study an hour a day with them.

Suddenly there was a tap on his shoulder and he jumped, sighing in relief when seeing Calum and asked in confusion,"What are you doing here?"

"I'm getting a paper from the printer," He held up a paper that wasn't double spaced and the paragraph were not indented. It made Ashton cringe and Calum casually sat down next to him. He saw all the cards and papers sprawled out neatly on the table and decided not to ask about it.

Ashton hesitated before questioningly quietly,"Are you okay? I mean, you know, after passing out the other day. You weren't here the last couple days, the boys and I we - we were pretty worried."

Surprise was clear on Calum's face,"Really? I didn't think anyone would really care, to be honest. I actually thought you would throw a party if I was dead or something."

Ashton glared, saying hastily,"Don't ever say that. I - I don't like you, well I don't hate you. But, I would never want you dead or hurt. You're...a jerk and you hurt me a lot and of course I think you're an annoying shit. That doesn't mean I won't be sad if something happened to you."

Calum's eyes casted down, there were still dark circles under them and Ashton knew why. Hell, the other boys probably do too and it made Calum feel so insecure all of a sudden. He didn't like them knowing he was becoming weak. That his body was against him and causing him to not sleep, to pass out and basically ruin his life.

However, he then realized what Ashton said. His words permanently in his mind. He never had anything against Ashton, but he did think he was a nerd and it's not like Ashton cared. He even admitted it himself. But, nerd is an insult now-and-days and he hated hurting the boy when all Ashton did was be nice to him before he started making fun of him.