Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter twenty six

Rose's POV

My head is throbbing from the lack of sleep I got from the night before. I couldn't sleep, tossing and turning until sunrise, only drifting to sleep to wake up shortly after. It only got worse when I tiptoed down the stairs to see dad asleep on the couch. I gently pulled the blanket over him that had fallen on the floor, my heart still heavy from dinner.

"Hey!" Penny happily chirps as she approaches my locker, Calum by her side. I offer the biggest smile I can as I mumble a hello, but it still feels weak. It must be convincing enough because she turns back toward Calum.

"Please tell Calum to come to the party with me Saturday night." She begs, clasping her hands together. Her bottom lip juts out as she bats her eyes toward him. "You had fun last time- I just don't get why you won't go."

"Because I had too much fun last time." he chuckles, rolling his own eyes, "I have to work Sunday and would prefer to not go in with another hangover."

She tugs on his arm, shaking him gently and whines. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? Come ooooon. You don't have to drink a lot."

"I'll go." I blurt, surprising them both. Penny cocks her head to the side, raising a quizzitive brow.

"Oh really?"

"What's gotten into you miss party girl?" Calum teases, smiling.

I gulp, shrugging my shoulders. "What's the harm? It was kind of fun last time." I lie.

Penny scans my expression before letting out a loud squeal, obviously happy with my agreement rather than my lousy reasoning of why. "See Calum now you have to go!" She turns back toward him eagerly.

I sigh as I close my locker, head hanging. Another stupid party that I know I will regret. No matter how bad the idea sounds, the idea of spending all weekend at home with my parents sounds worse. Anything seems worth it if I can get my mind off of the ache that's thudding in my chest and the thoughts swirling in my head.

"Fine!" He finally gives in and throws his arms up in defeat, just like I knew he would. We've had the same conversation over so many different things, and Penny always wins.

"I knew you couldn't resist." She grins devilishly and bumps his hip with hers, giggling.

His cheeks flush as he turns away, rubbing the back of his neck, "Whatever. As long as you don't force me to drink too much okay? I'll drive."

The bell rings through the halls, telling us it's time for class. Calum and I part ways with Penny as we head toward history. "Time for our favorite class." Calum groans as we step inside, his eyes landing on Coach B sitting behind the desk.

"Ready for the test?" He asks the students walking in.

As we take our seats my eyes widen, my jaw dropping, "We have test?"

"Uh, yeah?" He chuckles before tilting his head to the side, "Wait you... forgot? That's not like you."

I force out a nervous laugh, pulling out my book to scan over any material I can cram in. "I was just busy and it must have slipped my mind." I admit, which is partially true. With everything going on I had completely forgotten to study.

"Are you sure? Everything okay?" There is a hint of concern behind his voice, so I wave my hand and shrug my shoulders.

"I promise. I just had other things to focus on, no big deal." He hums in response but lets my study while I can. I flash him a smile as Coach B passes out the stapled papers, but I can't hide my nerves as I prepare to fail.