Monster | ashton irwin

ch. 10

10

Six days had passed, and I hadn't heard a word from Ashton, let alone seen a glimpse of him. I was kind of worried, worried if it was because of me, why he hadn't called, I doubt it, though. Maybe he was avoiding my crazy mother, who didn't even know I was gone that night I was with Ashton. She thought I was in my room watching netflix all night, didn't even bother to actually check. Typical, for her. My mind never stopped churning with questions about Ashton, I still needed to figure him out, amd I had made it a goal that today right after school I would call him as soon as I got home, and ask him to hang out.

I was distracted all day, and once I stepped off of the bus, I pulled out my cell phone. I scrolled through my many contacts, skipping over Ashton's number a few times. I caught myself staring at my phone while furiously biting on my lip as I stood in my front doorway, yet to make a decision. Maybe I shouldn't call him, maybe this was a test, maybe this was just a one time thing. He's seeing if I'm into him, yeah, totally. I rolled my eyes, I'm such a pussy when it comes to boys. Grow some balls, Charlotte. After ten minutes of contemplating, my thumb hit the call button, and I set my phone on speaker, and ran up the stairs and dove onto my bed, setting my phone on the bedside table. I bit my nails subconsciously, staring at the screen.

One ring, no answer.

Two rings, no answer.

Three rings, no answer.

Just as I was about to pick up my phone to hang up, I hear a rustling crackle on the other end as Ashton answers. He seems out of breath, as if he had just finished excercising. I sat in silence, waiting for him to speak. There was more rustling on the other side, some hushed yelling, the slam of a door, and then an exhausted sigh as I heard the familiar sound of Ashton laying back in one of his bean bag chairs. The thought of seeing him get all comfortable made me smile, but that smile quickly disappeared when Ashton finally spoke, his voice was very unenthusiastic, it gave me instant goosebumps, and a slight rush of disappointment.

"What," he said, his voice monotone. It wasn't even a question, but a statement. I inhaled, trying not to think too hard, I just wanted to let a conversation run smoothly.

"Hi," I breathed. I heard more rustling on his end, then the creaking of springs, as if he moved from the bean bag to his bed.

"Oh," I heard him inhale sharply, "Hey, Charlie. Didn't know it was you..." He sighed, instantly relaxing, I could tell by the slurring change in his voice. I chuckled half heartedly.

"Didn't you save my number?" I asked slowly, not wanting to sound too disappointed, I don't think that worked though.

"New phone," he muttered, his voice changed again, he was almost whispering. " 'Sup?" He strained his voice into sounding interested, but I immediately knew he wasn't.

"I was just thinking about you," I said with a smile, trying to lighten up the room, "Do you want to come over?" He immediately answered, barely giving me time to finish my question.

"With your crazy mother," another statement that was meant to be a question.

"Yes," I sighed, looking down at my crossed feet, playing with my toes, "She doesn't have to know you're here.." he cut me off again.

"She comes home in ten minutes," I was slightly startled, glancing at the wall clock in my room, he was right, it was ten minutes until 5. But how did he know what time she came home? The question buzzed around in my head, I fought myself to not ask it.

"Yeah, just, come in through my window." again, as if he knew every sentence I was going to say, he began to cut me off as I said the last word.

"Your second floor window?" He laughed in amusement, "There's not even a tree to climb by your window." I was beginning to get a little creeped out, how the hell did he know this?