Rhythm || Ashton Irwin

Chapter Nineteen

Lauren’s P.O.V 

I woke the next morning with a slight headache and a serious case of not giving a damn.  Nonetheless, I dragged myself out of bed and managed to get dressed, ready, and out the door without being stopped by my parents.  Chances were, they had spent the time I wasn’t home arguing with the other about the way things had played out.  I’m sure there was harsh words said from both ends and by tomorrow, they will both suddenly have to go back to work days before they planned as an excuse to get away from the other.

I pulled out my phone and texted Cassie, hoping she would be up and willing to give me a ride this morning.  After a few seconds my phone vibrated in my hand, signaling a new message.

Bae: Give me five minutes and I’ll be there 

Sighing happily over the fact that I didn’t have to ride into school with one of my drivers, I sat on the steps that led up to my front door.  I wasn’t looking forward to sitting in class with Ashton today.  I meant it when I said he wasn’t off the hook.

I will admit however, that he surprised me yesterday.  I didn’t expect him to follow me or walk me home for that matter.  He apologized to me.  Replaying his speech in my head, I felt a smile creep onto my lips.  “You’re smart, and funny, and actually really awesome… I don’t want to go back to the way we were…”  As angry as I was at him, I knew he meant what he said.

Hearing the sound of One Direction’s latest hit, blaring from a car coming down the street, I knew Cassie was close.  Standing up slowly, I threw my bag back onto my shoulder and walked towards the curb as she came to a quick stop in front of my house.

“Morning sunshine,” she beamed, leaning over to unlock my door.

I slid into the seat and threw my bag in the back before finally speaking.  “Good morning,” I said, giving her a small smile. 

“How did you sleep?”  She said, pulling out of her spot and cutting off a car behind us, causing them to honk their horn.  “God, I hate people sometimes,” she scoffed shaking her head. 

“I didn’t get a lot of sleep,” I shrugged as a yawn escaped from my lips.

“When do you ever get a decent amount of sleep, Loz?” she grinned, patting my knee lightly.  I knew she was right.  I haven’t had a full nights sleep in a long time.

“Never,” I grinned as I rolled down my window sending my hair flying in different directions. 

“So,” Cassie said, suppressing a small giggle.

“So?”  I let out a breathy laugh, looking over at her now red face.  “Are you okay?”

“Do you remember the guy I hit on at that party?”

“Calum?” I grinned.  I knew exactly where this was going.

“Yeah!  Calum!” she giggled, throwing one hand over her mouth, trying to hide her smile.  “He texted me last night,” she said, uncovering her mouth and started tapping my leg excitedly.

“Ohhhh,” I cooed, wiggling my eyebrows in her direction.  “You gunna shag it and bag it?” 

“Oh my god Lauren shut up, that’s my saying,” she laughed, shaking her head.  I shrugged, laughing along with her as we pulled into the campus and up to my building. 

“Thank you,” I smiled as I pulled her into a hug once we were parked.

“No, thank you,” she said pulling away from me slowly. 

“For what?”

“I know you gave him my number Loz,” she sighed, rolling her eyes at me. 

“Oh that,” I smirked, running a hand through my tangled hair.  “Well you’re welcome.  I like him.  I think he’d be good for you, and I want only the best for my best friend.”