One of the Guys

Chapter 38: It's a Crazy Life

Ashton's POV:
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I keep staring at the same blue tile trying to ignore the persistent voice at the back of my mind. I wish I could just turn my mind off for a while. I keep asking myself all these questions that I don't have the answer to.

I cock my head and look closer at the blue tile. I jump when somebody drops into the seat next to me. For the most part, people have left me alone. They could tell I didn't want company and only came up to me when they needed to.

"You have been staring at the same damn blue tile for the two hours you've been here," the annoying person beside me says. I should've guessed it'd be Emmet. "You do realize it will not be changing anytime soon, right?"

"I know that dumbass," I grumble and continue staring.

"Why don't you come with me to get something to eat? Drink?" He asks.

"Hospital food? No thanks," I decline.

"C'mon," he begs.

"I'm not that hungry," I reply on a sigh.

"Then watch me scarf down the disgusting food," he fights. "You need to get out of this fucking room. It's depressing."

"Of course, it's depressing. It's a hospital," I retort and finally swivel my head towards him.

"There he is!" Emmet exclaims joyfully, but I can see he's tired.

"Let's see how bad the food is," I resign and stand up.

"Finally," he cheers. "I bet the pudding is delicious."

"I doubt that, but having hope is good," I offer.

We fall into a comfortable silence as we follow the signs to the cafeteria. I just get more depressed as we pass by open rooms. Some have visitors and others are alone. I turn my head and focus my eyes on the floor.

The cafeteria is practically empty as we enter. There are only a few scattered sparsely throughout. We enter and walk over to the counter where some things are laid out. I scan the options with disinterest. I grab a bag of chips and pudding to appease Emmet. Meanwhile, he is practically taking everything.

"I hope that you don't plan on eating all of that," I tell him as we pay and sit down.

"Don't be ridiculous. Some of it is for your parents and Caroline. I would've got some for Archer, but he completely passed out," he informs me.

"Caroline?" I ask suggestively.

"Please," he scoffs. "I have zero chance with that girl. I mean, I'm a catch, just not in her pool."

I laugh so hard I choke on the pudding I'm trying to consume. I take a deep breath and wipe the tears that have formed from laughing and choking. He shrugs sadly and viciously bites into his Twinkie.

"You know, I haven't seen her with anyone before," I comment.

"Me either," Emmet hums. Then he frowns. "That doesn't mean anything, though."

"Maybe it doesn't. Maybe it does," I say with a shrug.

He shrugs and shakes his head. I don't think he wants to get his hopes up, and I don't blame him. I finish my two items and stretch out in the chair. I check the time to see it nearing midnight. The doctors said the surgery should only take a few hours. It's only an exploratory surgery, but it doesn't make me worry any less.

I wait for Emmet to finish eating and then help him gather his pile of food. We pass it out and  I resume sitting in my original chair. I almost get to look at that damn blue tile, but Caroline drops into the seat beside me. I send her a glare, not even trying to hide it.