Long Way Home

Chapter 8

"Mikey and Luke are in the car."

My head snaps up.

Calum looks at me , expectantly.

"Are you alright?" He asks in a soft voice.

I shudder. "Yeah. Let's go."

I slowly stride over to the door.

I crack it open and slip out, taking one last look before everything changes.

But I'm not sure is the change is for the better or worse.

I tug the door shut, and turn my back on my hellhole, and strut away.

***

I pull the car door open, and nearly get tackled by Michael.

I hear Luke whining in the background, complaining he wants to hug me too.

I almost expect Ashton to pipe up, laughing, and say something about me being

off limits.

Of course it doesn't happen.

Dread fills me as I hug Mikey back, smiling into his shoulder.

Michael pulls away, and Luke jumps onto me as soon as he let's go.

I laugh as Luke spins me around.

"I missed you Avery!" He cried.

"I missed her more!" Michael objected.

I wrap my arms around Luke's neck, his arms around my waist.

I'm suddenly aware of how Ashton would have never let this happen.

But he's not here now.

Not here for me.

My heart flutters in my chest, and Luke puts me down.

When I climb in the car, I can just imagine Ashton in the drivers seat.

Turning around and giving me a toothy grin.

"I've missed ya sis!" He would say, and a giggle would follow soon after.

I would laugh along and reply with something along the lines of,

"I miss you too. "