The Ex-Boyfriend Benefits // 5SOS

Chapter 15

When we get home, my mom is already waiting for us outside. She immediately hugs me but hugs Ashton more and cant stop smiling. Until I notice that the other guys still arent here, though they left first. I decide to call Luke since Michael's driving and maybe they get lost on the way here.

"Hey, glad you called! I was about to--" (Damnit Luke, just tell her!) Luke says and Michael in the background.

"Hi, where are you guys?" I ask, then signal Ashton to sit on the couch first. Mom is now talking to him. I leave the house again to see if theres a car.

"Hey, okay. We're kinda lost." Luke answers.

"What? Wait. Thought you're following Cal?" I kinda panic.

"We were. Then, he disappeared and now, I reckon we're lost." He says calmly but Michael sounds pissed.

"Can you tell Michael to stop driving then look around you to see any sign and im gonna go get you?" I say and I hear Luke tell Michael.

"Yeah. We just stopped now. Wait." Luke says. "There's a Daistar sign here. And a small park behind us. And I see ducks." He continues.

"Got it. Wait for me." I say then hang up.

When I go inside, I see Ashton laughing with my mom and looking so comfortable which makes me smile.

"Hey" I start. "The guys are kinda lost. Im gonna go get them" I announce.

"Im coming with you" Ashton offers. And I immediately shake my head. "No, its okay. Its just near. Give us 5 minutes" I smile at him then go outside to start my mom's car. Glad I've got a duplicate key.

The park they're talking about is the one where Ashton and I stopped by before after our first date, and where we had our first kiss. I cant help to smile when I remember it. But then I wonder about Calum. Like, where he is now and why he suddenly disappeared. I'll just call him later.

I stop when I see Michael's car and Luke leaning against it. He waves his hands up in the air when he notices me, as though his height isnt enough for me to notice him.

"Hey, so what exactly happened?" I ask Luke and look at Michael who doesnt even bother to go outside but he smiles at me.

"We're following Calum and theres a short traffic then we couldnt find his car anymore. We just kept driving, though, hoping to see Ashton's car but then we realised we left first so we stopped for a while to wait for your car but its like we went the wrong way and then we realised we're lost." He explains with all seriousness and feeling that makes me want to laugh but I manage to stop myself.

"Glad you're not so lost, though. Lets go?" I say and he nods. I start mom's car again and wait for them to see if they're ready as well. As I drive, I cant stop looking on the mirror to see if they're still driving behind me.

We come to our house in less than 5-minute drive, I guess. Ashton and mom are waiting for us outside. When she sees us, she's so excited to hug the other guys, even though she has no idea who is who.

"Okay, mom. So, this is Michael and Luke. Michael, Luke, this is my mom, Jane." I introduce. Michael doesnt seem pissed anymore and Luke seems happy. I stand beside Ashton as they greet each other. I look up him but he's already looking down on me. I grin, so does he.

"By the way, where's Calum?" Mom asks loudly but only looks at me.

"No idea. Will call him later." I say and giving mom a warning look. Like, I dont want her to mention Cal when Ashton's around. I dont know why.

"Okay. Lets go inside! I cant wait for you to taste my masterpiece! Which is, every dish." Mom jokes, so we all come inside, directly to the dining table. I'm still thinking about Cal. Where is he?

"You may or may not see these dishes somewhere but these are absolutely unique in taste!" Mom says proudly and I want to, like, tell her to chill. We start to get our food.

"Btw, mom, so what job did you just get accepted to?" I ask.

"Well, you know, its the easiest 10 dollars per day! Its insane, actually. All I have to do is check a website, answer basic questions and update it. Its sick! I cant believe it and Im so excited! I can even do it at home." She says happily.

"Wow, thats really cool! I want that job!" I say seriously.

"Let me quit this band and get that job, too." Michael says which makes us all crack up.

"Me too. Lets disband already" Luke agrees. And we just laugh. I notice Ashton texting so I just let him.

"Mom, can I drop out already and have your job instead?" I ask dramatically.

"Omg why didnt I think of that? Shouldve said that instead of quiting the band!" Michael laughs. We all do.

"You guys finish your school and soon you'll find a job you love!" She tells us. Very motherly.

"Excuse me. Will you please give me a second? Just gonna get this call." Ashton interrupts. I look at him, he smiles at me and squeezes my hand before he goes outside.

"Hey, will you please excuse me too?" I ask when Ashton is already outside. "Just gonna check on Cal." I continue. Michael smirks at me while mom and Luke continues talking.

I go to my room because Ashton is already outside then dial Cal's number immediately. He answers on the third ring. Why does people tend to answer on the third? Like, always?

"Hey, what's up?" I start.

"Hey, Judith.." He sounds cheeky. Like, he's laughing and at the same time, talking.

"Are you okay? Where are you?" I ask him.

"Why do you want to know?" He answers which kinda surprises me.

"I just thought you're coming with us. Here. At home." I say.

"Oh, right. Sorry, suddenly felt sleepy so I decided to go home instead." He answers, now in steady voice.

"All right. Did I wake you up?"

"Yeah, kind of. Tell Jane Im happy that she's got a new job and sorry I cant come. I need to sleep again. Bye, Judith." He says then hangs up. Im kinda left surprised and Im not even sure why. Its just he sounds weird and like, he doesnt wanna talk to me. He obviously doesnt get sleepy at this time. Its just past 9 in the evening and he never slept this early.

I go back to where I left them. Mom, Luke and Michael are still talking. I see no Ashton around.