You Again?

Chapter Twenty Four

It's a short one, but it's a necessary one :)

Chapter Twenty Four

Look after him… he needs it. Those six words were swirling through my head for much of the rest of the day. 

Why would Ashton of all people need someone to look after him? I thought he was doing a fine job,  I mean he practically has impenetrable walls up 24/7, blocking everyone out. 

So why would he need me?!

Or maybe James didn’t mean for me specifically to look after him. That would be kind of weird, considering we weren’t actually friends.

Or were we? 

It was so confusing, this relationship of ours. One minute we’re at each others throats and can’t even stand the sight of each other, and the next we’re laughing and joking like friends. I mean, I know we agreed to be friends, but it seemed like that didn’t really change anything. 

I just got the feeling that deep down, or maybe not so deep down, that Ashton really, truly didn’t like me. Sure, sometimes he could put on an almost nice facade, and act like we get along. He even saved my life, which has to mean he didn’t want me dead. But I really don’t get it, and to be honest, I don’t think he does either. 

The others all think I hate him, and he has an equal dislike for me. But I think there’s more dimensions to it than that. Because I don’t hate him. I don’t think. I just… Gah! 

Since when did making friends get so hard?!

Nonetheless, I followed Ashton back to the ferry building, and by the time we got there, it was almost time to meet up with the others. Not wanting to sit in a tense silence, I made my excuses and went off to freshen up in the bathroom. By the time I got back, Brooke and Blake were chatting with Ashton. Or rather, Brooke was talking, while Blake gazed at her and Ashton did a bad job at pretending to listen. 

Sighing, I made my way over to them, and forced a weak smile onto my face. 

“Lexi! Hi!” Brooke grinned, throwing her arms around me. I staggered slightly and chucked, hugging her back. 

Blake greeted me, and Brooke talked for a while about their day. They’d gone to do cute couple-y things, which I assume included a lot of making out and gazing into each others eyes.

Sky and Tobias showed up not long after, and recounted their exciting adventures, then we all got on the boat and headed home. 

Ashton and I were silent for most of the ride home, me because I was overthinking, as usual, and Ashton because, well, I don’t even know. Which made me think even more. Brooke and Sky soon noticed that something was up, and they kept giving me weird looks, but I just shook my head and looked out the window at the darkening sky. 

We all walked home, collectively exhausted from our long day out. I was annoyed, and short tempered, snapping at anyone who talked to me. I know it wasn’t fair, but I really couldn’t help my grumpy mood. Thanks a bunch Ashton. 

When we reached our house, I said goodbye to everyone, then headed inside. My arm was tugged, and I turned around to see Ashton. 

I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. 

“Whatever you’re thinking, whatever is going through your head, just don’t. I don’t need you doing that. Just…keep your distance, okay?” His voice was low and harsh, and sliced like a knife. 

Wow. Okay. So that’s where we stand. 

“Thanks for the clarification.” I tugged my arm out of his grasp and spun around, heading straight back to the house. 

Not bothering to wait for the other girls to come inside, I headed straight into my room and slammed the door. 

Who does he think he is, messing around with me like that? First he’s hot, then he’s cold… It was so freaking annoying!

I should be glad he wants to keep his distance, to not be friends. It would make things a whole lot easier, and maybe my initial impression of him was right.

So why am I so annoyed about it?!

The girls came to talk to me, but I apologised for being so grumpy, and told them I wanted to get an early night, so they left me in my room. I heard them turn on a movie downstairs, laughing along. 

They were so lucky, Blake and Tobias treated them so well today. Why did I get stuck with Ashton?! If Brooke or Sky were, they’d probably thaw him somehow and have him laughing and joking around. I’m just too hard to get along with, apparently. 

Grumpy and tired, I took a shower and got into bed, falling asleep almost immediately.