Ashton's Baby

Chapter One

Luke's Point of View

  Yesterday was rough. It wasn't one of the worst days ever, but I was back to square one and sort of lost in the city. Walking in random directions to burn off some steam was probably not one of my better ideas.

  There was a grocery store to my left with lines and lines of cars parked out front. Several trash cans stood outside the doors. My stomach was making disgruntled noises. I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. I was feeling sort of fatigued too.

  With very little options left, I scurried over to one of the trash cans and started looking to see if anything there was slightly edible.

  People walked by, making disgusting faces as they passed.

   "Hey, kid?" Someone tapped me on the back, causing me to flinch. I quickly removed myself from the trashcan. Thinking I was in some sort of trouble. "Where are your parents?" Asked a very tall, very lean man. He has his arms crossed over his chest. I felt very small compared to this well put together man.

  "They're, uh, inside shopping." I offered.

   "I see." The guy said in a tone that sounded very disbelieving. 

  "Yeah," I replied feeling stupid.

   "How old are you?"

  I shrugged, trying to go back to what I was doing. He grabbed my arm and turned me to face him. "If you're under eighteen, I could call the police and have them put you somewhere safe."

   "I'm nineteen, I don't want or need your help, thanks." I snapped.

   "Uh huh. Well, my name's Ashton. If you want a warm place to stay, feel free to come with me. Otherwise, have fun with whatever it is you're doing."

  I pretended not to care as he approached his car. I tried to stop taking glances at him. With a lot of reluctance, I found myself approaching his car.

      ***

   Three chesseburgers, two piles of fries, two salads, and two extra large sodas kept the distance between Ashton and I. He declared that the first thing we would be doing is finding me some food.

  With my nerves being the way they were I could hardly eat anything.

   "So, what's your name?"

   "Luke."

   "How old are you?" 

   "I'm twenty-five." I was surprised by that. Ashton appeared so young, but yet so sturdy. His looks were ones that could make even women envious.

   "Are you really nineteen?" Ashton asked me, "you look so young. I would have guessed fourteen."

   "You don't look like you're twenty-five." I countered.

   "Touché" Ashton smirked. "You haven't each much."

   "I'm not hungry."

   "So you were digging through the trash earlier for what?" Ashton's curly locks bounced with his words. I shrugged. "I didn't buy all of this food for myself, Luke."

   "I didn't think so," I muttered, picking up a fry. My stomach was too nauseas for anything; I set it back down.

   "Luke, eat." Ashton scolded. I forced myself to eat a little. As the older man became more agitated. I felt awful, but I was doing my best. I wasn't used to all the food we had. Eventually Ashton decided we could leave.

  Ashton's Point of View

  I really wanted to help this kid. I was determined to change his past behaviors and have him living a life he could enjoy and be carefree in. I remember being ninteen, starting college, meeting new people, enjoying freedom. Luke probably considered it to be a good day when he found half a hamburger in the garbage. I shuddered. Nobody should live like that. Especially not a young kid like Luke.

  He didn't eat much earlier, but I let it slide. Luke probably had a lot on his mind and trusting a complete stranger is a bit weird. I showed him to my house. He was in awe of the long driveway, and four story exterior. His face took on an "o" shape. Somehow this situation reminded me of the movie Annie. I wouldn't mention that to Luke, he would probably take offense to that.

  Once out of the car, the two of us entered. Luke stood staring for a while. "What do you do for a living?"

  "I do accounting. I'm okay with numbers, I guess."

   "Jeez." Luke wandered off slowly.

   "How many towels do you want?" I asked, beginning to make my way upstairs towards the linen closet.

  "For what?" Luke asked.

  "I figured you'd want a bath." Luke nodded and followed me upstairs. I showed him to the bathroom which seemed to also take him by surprise. Atleast five people could fit comfortably in the tub. I showed him the different dials and settings before leaving.

  This will be just like having a roomate. It can't be that difficult.