A E S T H E T I C

Chapter 2: PT 2

I really don't know how I got here. 

I sighed as I leaned against Jace's bedframe, scrolling yet again through my playlists in search of something- anything- to drown out the two lovebird's conversation. 

"Hey Jace, we should meet up with some of our old friends, ya know, for old times sake!" Zoey squealed, shaking Jace's arm in excitement. 

"Yeah, I'll let them know you're in town," he huffs out. "Maybe we can plan something."

I glance up at Jace, who was staring at his phone intensely, ignoring the pouting redhead beside him.  I smiled a bit and glanced over at Sadie, Jace's younger sister, who was sitting beside me. 

She leans over and whispers, "Can they acknowledge that I exist, please?" I smile as she huffs in annoyance, resting her head on my shoulder. I frowned as I looked back at the two again, rolling my eyes at Zoey's efforts. 

"Hey," A familiar voice called from the doorway. "Desserts out."

Jackson, Jace's other younger sibling, stood in the doorway, clad in loose black sweats and a graphic tee, holding 2 bowls and a handful of spoons. He smiled at me and walked over, handing his sister a bowl and two spoons. 

"I thought that I'd be a decent human being today so there." He needlessly explained while me and Sadie dug into the tiramisu. I thanked him quietly as I savored the delicious dessert. 

"Um, that bowls for me right?" Jace asked, holding a hand out. 

"Oh hell no, its mine. Get your own." Jackson said, already digging in. 

Jace simply stuck up his middle finger. 

I rolled my eyes. "Shove that up your ass." I retorted, making Sadie giggle. 

"Language!" Zoey exclaimed, getting up to lecture me. 

"Fine." I snap back, glaring at her. "Jace, your middle finger is almost as big as your nose."

Jackson chokes from behind me and Sadie cackles, holding onto my shoulder as she laughs. Even Jace cracks a smile, while Zoey shakes her head in disapproval. 

"Fucking hell," Someone wheezes from the doorway. We all look up to see a tan, slightly buff 16 year-old guy, clad in a black tank top, grey joggers and thick rimmed glasses. "That was good."

I smile. "Learned from the best." I say, making him grin. Jace mumbles something under his breath, frowning at his phone. 

"Damn Ashton, you're looking like a whole man-whore." Jackson remarks, making the man in question smile. "How the fuck did your mom let you outta the house?" He questions. 

"My hoodie's hanging on the stairs." he replies, reaching for Jackson's spoon to taste the cake. Jackson rolls his eyes but lets Ashton take a bite. 

Ashton sits cross-legged on the bed behind me and Sadie, looking around at everyone in the room. He scrunches his nose in disgust when he sees Zoey pouting at Jace. 

"So...." he continues, making us all look up. "Who's dating who?"