Demons (hemmings au)

Thirty-Two

Ashton’s POV

I’m doing this. I know it’s something I should have done long ago. I need to do this for Ellie. I need to do this for myself. Suddenly my phone breaks me from my internal battle, an incoming text setting off the notification alert. 

Hey mate, party tonight. You in? - Calum

Yeah sure, need me to pick you up? I reply quickly before throwing my phone back down on the bed. Having to pick it up two seconds later when Calum replies. 

No. Michael, Ellie, and I are going together. Just pick up Emma and meet us there.

I read the message a few times before groaning out loud. Why is Ellie going with him and Michael? Why can’t she go with me? I also know that I need to tell Emma the truth. It’s not that I don’t have feelings for Emma, it’s just that…well she isn’t Ellie. I’ve known since eighth grade that Emma has had a crush on me, and I continued to try and show my affections for Ellie, but after years of being rejected I decided to give Emma a chance. And it isn’t that Emma isn't an amazing girlfriend, my feeling for her could just never compare to my feelings for Ellie. 

I sigh before getting off of my bed and grabbing some clothes to change in to, sending a quick text to Emma telling her that I will pick her up in around thirty minutes so we can head to this party. 

“Hey babe,” Emma greets cheerfully as she hops into the passenger seat of my truck before giving me a kiss on the cheek. 

“Hey,” I reply quietly, feeling guilty for everything I’ve done and everything I am going to have to put her through in the near future. Most of the car ride passes in silence, both of us just listening to the radio while I make the short drive to the barn in the center of town. 

As we park in the large field I see that Ellie’s car is already here meaning the others are inside. As Emma and I make our way through the crowd I see her sitting by herself on one of the tables in the back with a cup in her hand, a sad look on her face. 

“Ellie, I’ve missed you!” Emma yells, obviously she doesn’t see the pain Ellie is going through right now that is so clearly written all over her face. I watch as Ellie replies, getting off the table, with a stumble and slur of her voice indicating that she has already drunk a couple of beers. I decide to stand a few feet behind Emma, not really sure how Ellie will take seeing me after the other night, but when she gives me a small smile and wave I can’t help but exhale in relief. 

“So you came here with Michael? Where is Luke, don’t tell me you’re cheating on Luke with Michael?!” Emma speaks excitedly, trying to tease her but failing. 

“Luke and I broke up,” Ellie replies, and I quickly step in before she breaks back down into the fragile girl I saw just a little over twenty-four hours ago. 

“Emma, why don’t we go talk to some people over here,” I speak up, gently taking Emma’s arm and leading her to a group of girls I know she talks to often. Emma quickly gets involved in conversation with the girls, forgetting about Ellie’s problems and leaving me to my own thoughts. 

As Emma talks I can’t help but keep glancing back and watching Ellie, just making sure she is alright. I’m pretty sure she didn’t want to come voluntarily to this party, and if she did agree to come I know it is just to drown her sorrows in alcohol, and I don’t want her to get hurt. 

“Ashton, do you hear me?” Emma shouts, hitting me in the shoulder to get my attention. 

“Uh what? Sorry I wasn’t paying attention,” I reply, turning back to give her a small smile.