Days roll into weeks, I haven't seen mom in two months. I refused to go see her. My parents dedicated themselves to their work, things were definitely less tense at home with just dad and I. I can tell he misses her, though. I hope she misses him just as much. I hope this was a good decision. I hope they work their shit out. Today's the day mom and dad go off on vacation, and I'm going to spend the week with Ashton.
"Take care of yourself, call me if anything happens. Ashton, don't touch my daughter," dad tells us.
Ashton presses his lips together, "Um..."
"Bye, dad," I shove him to the door.
"Wish me luck," he groans. I smirk, "Good luck. Win her back. Snap some sense into her. You're soulmates. Just remind her of who she is."
He nods and plants a kiss on top of my head before darting out the door.
"Alone at last," Ashton coos.
I cock my brow at him. "Nuh-uh. You heard my dad. Don't touch me," I shrug as I brush past him, towards his bedroom.
"... You're joking, right?"
I snort, "Totally. You gonna come undress me or do I have to do that myself?"
His eyes pop and I grin as he runs towards me.
___________________
Ashton's head rests on my stomach as I stroke his hair. There's this nagging sensation overwhelming me. I need to ask him about his plans for university.
"Ashton..?"
"Mhm?"
I clear my throat. Ease into it, Clem...
"What are your plans for university?" I deadpan.
Great. Super subtle. Way to ease into it, Clementine. It seems like he's holding his breath forever.
"I don't know yet," he finally says.
Okay, recover. Be casual, suggestive, noncommittal.
"Um, well I was thinking... Maybe you could apply to New York. Because they've got great schools, and New York is great. And that's where I'm going, and we've been together for a while now, and things are great between us. And don't like freak out or anything but I can see a future with you, you know? I don't mean to pressure you or anything, I just—"
"Clementine."
My cheeks blaze as I realize everything I've just blurted out. I shake my head, "... Sorry, I got rambly..."
He sits up and shakes his head, "I'm not going to university."
I sit up and tuck my hair behind my ears, "What..? Why not?"
"I don't have the money, Clem. I have the twins to take care of. I found a job at a car shop, it's not much but I'll take extra shifts and stuff. I—I don't have money or time for university if I want the kids to have a future."
I frown, "No... Ashton, no. If money's an issue, my parents will gladly lend you some—"
"No fucking way in hell."
"Why not—"
He scoffs, "No, Clementine. I'm not letting your parents pay for my fucking tuition!"
I purse my lips. Why are men so damn proud and annoyed at this shit? I sigh, "Okay... Then apply for a scholarship."
He gives me a weird look.
YOU ARE READING
Broken
Teen Fiction"Clementine..." his voice is gentle, as though he's reading my mind. He searches my eyes, concern seeps through his features. I swallow the lump in my throat. I don't like this display of affection. I can take care of myself, I don't need his or any...
