Counterfeit - 5SOS 2/3

Chapter 30 - *A.I*

-Ashton-

It had been two days since we returned from Paris. I have to admit, nothing had really been the same since we got back. Alyce had been at work nearly all of the time, only coming back a few hours sleep. I definitely doubted whether she was actually at work or whether she was escaping the awkwardness of the penthouse. Since her huge argument with Michael, it had been like treading on egg shells. 

I had never realised just how close those two had got or shared. They both seemed to be a support system for the other and now that they were not on talking terms it was far from a happy atmosphere. That brings me onto L.P. She was gone. She literally was gone. She left a small letter for Michael but he wouldn't let any of us read it. While he want exactly steaming and storming around we knew he was hurting. L.P was his first proper girlfriend and to lose her was horrible. I am pretty sure he blamed Alyce for some of it, but at the same time I knew he couldn't hold her accountable for it. 

“Where are we going Ash?” Alyce yawned as she rested her head on my shoulder. 

My arm was snuggly tucked around her waist as I held her close to me. She gently pressed a kiss against my skin as she picked up one of my hands and played with it. Her delicate touch was beautiful. 

“I’m taking you on a date ducky. Just like Michael said” I smiled kissing her forehead.

Michael had suggested a while ago that we both took her on a date, and today was my turn. I had planned a whole day out and I wanted it to go perfect. I had organised a driver to drive us down to Bournemouth, which is a coastal town. 

Alyce looked exhausted and I am pretty sure she was, so for the car journey I just wanted her to relax. She deserved the rest and watching her snooze was actually peaceful. It had been a while since we were like this together. Whenever I could not sleep and we were together I would watch her. You could tell when she was having a good dream as she would smile. 

Before we had left Paris, Alyce spoke to Charlotte and explained everything. Alyce had not actually told her that she had dated Luke so how was Charlotte meant to know. I think Ducky and Luke have made up or were at least talking which was good for both of them, I just wanted Alyce and Mikey to make up now. 

By the time we arrived at the beach, Alyce was only just waking up. She rubbed her eyes carefully so not to ruin her makeup that she had spent nearly an hour putting on. 

“Hello sleepy head” I whispered as the driver stopped.

He came around to open the door and I helped Alyce out of the car. From the boot of the car, I grabbed the rugs and the bags. The sea breeze was gently blowing and Alyce had resulted to tying her hair up. Since it was December it was pretty cold now, but thankfully it was not raining. I did have a contingency plan though if it did.

Her hand was held on tightly to mine and I felt like a king. Alyce was my queen and I did love her dearly. She seemed to hold onto me ever more when we started walking along the path to the beach. Her blue eyes lit up when she saw the sea, there was something about the ocean that Alyce always loved. She said she couldn't remember why but that there was something about it. 

“Ashton are you trying to recreate our second date?” She gazed looking into my eyes.

We had stopped at the entrance to the beach, and she had turned around to face me. I slowly nodded biting onto my lower lip. 

“I am…unless you think that is stupid then I am not trying to recreate out second date” I nervously chuckled. 

I directed her to a spot on beach which looked perfect and I laid down the blanket. She had not said anything yet about my second date recreation but I suddenly felt really stupid for doing this. I could have taken her anywhere in the world, somewhere glamorous like her new life and I take her to the beach, what was I thinking?