Best Shot

Chapter 41

(Iz's POV)

I really needed to sleep. It's the obvious solution, and sounds like an excuse to get away from everything, but I really needed to sleep. Just a few hours of nothing but my dreams and the backs of my eyelids.
Waking up today felt so different from wakaing up before. I felt like I was just cured of a terrible cold or something. I could hear raindrops pattering on the roof of the little trailer, a noise I could fall right back asleep too. It's early, not even 10 am yet. When I walk into the small living area I expect to be alone because of the time, but sure enough Ashton is sitting on the sofa with his phone's glow projecting on his face.

"Good morning little drummer boy." I say softly, trying to keep my voice down.

He smiles like a 6 year old, his adorable dimples embedded into the side of his mouth.

"Morning lovely. Did you sleep well?"

"Great actually. I feel alot better considering everything that happened." I sigh.

He gets up from the sofa and makes his way to where I'm standing near the refrigerator. His eyes change a bit, more concerned. He rests his hands on my waist, and ducks his head slightly. When he brings it back up, he speaks softly.

"Are you okay?"
His sincerity is apparent. He's truly concerned, not just asking out of obligation. I smile, for real, and nod my head.

"Yes. Surprisingly." I laugh lightly.

He moves his left hand to my cheek, leaving the other resting on my hips. He pulls me close to him, his lips ghosting his breath against mine. Our lips collide, and I swear as many times as we do this it still makes my stomach erupt in butterflies. I entangle one hand in his curls and let the other rest on his chest. The warmth of his lips felt like lightning through my veins.
We pulled away just as a roar of thunder boomed in the sky. I stared at his face, taking in every detail. All these little scars, some tiny freckles, all of it. He's such a beautiful human being that I definitely do not deserve. But I'd never let him know that.
"I'm okay Ash. Promise."

He smiles again. "Of course you are."
I laugh again.
"So what are we doing today?" I ask.

"As of right now I think everyone is off doing their own thing. We think we should be having band practice, but Calum hasn't responded to any of our messages since yesterday."

"You guys are getting really serious with your music. Have you found any more gigs?" I ask.

"Not really. But there's a summerfest downtown in two weeks looking for local bands. Luke went to go sign us up today." He smiles proudly.

It's beautiful to watch them work so hard for something they love.

"Quite proud of that aren't you?" I taunt him a little.
He laughs just as my cell phone rings.
"It's Cal."

I press answer.
"Hey Cal!"
"Hey Iz, I uh, I need to ask you something."
I start to get worried.
"Uh, yeah? What is it? Is everything okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, yeah. I just...I need you to come on a trip with me."
What?
"Um, why?"
"Well, it's a lot to explain, but it's nothing too important and it's kind of embarrassing. And I'm asking you because I don't want Kelly or the guys to worry and you and I are close right? Yeah and I just need your help."
"Okay Cal, calm down. Sure. When do we leave?"
Ashton is trying to ask me what's going on, but I hold up my finger to signal him to wait.
"Um, how does noon sound?"
I look at the clock. 9:12 am.
"Sure. I'll be ready then."
"Thanks Iz. It means alot."

I hang up.
"What the hell was that?" Ashton asks. "Calum needs my help with something. It's probably nothing."
I walk down the narrow hall to the room where the room Ashton and I share is to pack. The two cots we're supposed to be sleeping in are pushed far up against the wall, and they're stripped of all sheets, blankets, and pillows. All of which are spread across the floor to form a giant makeshift bed on the floor. It's great for the nighttime when Ash and I fall asleep in each other's arms but not so great when I'm trying to walk across the room to my giant suitcase of clothing.
"Where are you going? And why with him?" Ashton asked. He was being a bit pushy, and frankly it was a bit annoying, but to be fair his girlfriend is packing for a spontaneous road trip with one of his best friends.
"He didn't want you guys to worry. It's alright! I'm not leaving for a couple hours so we still can go get breakfast or something. I'll be back before you know it. Okay?" I kiss him quickly before grabbing a few outfits and putting then into a smaller tote bag. Ashton exhales slowly.
"Kind of ironic how you're taking stuff out of a suitcase to put in another suitcase isn't it?"
I roll my eyes. He's not being pushy anymore at least.
"It's a tote bag actually." I retort.
He rolls his eyes.
"Let's just go get coffee." He sighs.
"Deal." I say.
He grabs my hand and we walk to the car.

(Kelly's POV)

"Good morning sunshine." Calum says into the phone.

"Calummmmm it's so early why'd you call?"

"I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. And that I'm going to be out of town for a couple days."

I sit up.

"What? Why?"

"Just some family stuff. I know you're a little under the weather right now and I don't really want you to worry, otherwise you'd be coming with me. But it's short notice too. I'll be back soon."

"Well...as long as you're home soon. I'll make other plans though. Maybe I'll invite Luke over for video games or something."

He's silent.

"Why Luke?"

I roll my eyes.

"Because Luke is one of my best friends? Don't tell me you're jealous."

Silence on his end of the line.

"Calum come on it's just Luke. It'll be okay. You have fun on your road trip."

"Are you sure? About Luke I mean."

I laugh this time.

"Look Cal, I could spend 15 minutes choosing an outfit, or read a menu twice and still not know what to order. You know I'm never sure on anything. But I'm so fucking sure of you, and you don't need to worry about Luke. Alright? I love you."

I can hear his giggle.

"You're right. I'm sorry. And I love you too."

The call ends. He's a paranoid dork.

I decide to call Luke and ask him to hang out. He's always the odd one out, and I feel bad for him. He says he doesn't mind but I can't help it. But don't get me wrong, I'm not hanging out with him for pity. Luke is like my brother, and I miss hanging out with him and just him.

"Luke!" I yell into the phone.
"Kelly!" He says groggily. He must've just woken up.

"How would you feel about hanging out with the raddest redhead you know today?"

"Sounds like a plan. But what for?"

"Cal's got some family stuff to deal with so he's gonna be out of town. I thought it'd be a great excuse to hang out with you."

"Alright! Can I head to your place in about an hour?"

"You read my mind. Bring some video games with you."

"One step ahead. See ya in an hour."

(Iz's POV)

"Okay, that cloud looks like a dick." Ashton says. We're laying on a hill beside the coffee shop, cloud gazing.
"Really? I thought it looked like you." I say.
He nudges my arm and I laugh.
"I'm kidding. You're gorgeous." I giggle.
"Thank you." He kisses my nose.

I get a text from someone.

"Is it Cal?" Ashton asks.

"Probably." I say.

Calum: I'm here at the trailer. Where are you?

I check the time.

"Shit Ash it's 12:15." I say hurriedly, rushing towards the car.

"Let's get going." He says, running behind me.

Once we're in the car I text Calum.

Sorry lost track of time. Be there in 10 minutes.

Calum: Alright. See you then!