Stay With Me || Lashton ||

50

I can't think like that now, not on this very important day in my life. I took a shower and stood under the water until it turned cold. Time can play tricks on your heart to make you feel as though love can never return but it can. Damn I wonder what Ashton looks like now. If his hair is short or long as curly like I always loved it. He's near 20 now I wonder if he finally grew some facial hair or got anything pierced like I had. I just hoped the hazel in his eyes is the exact same that it was before he left.

I was forced into a smile as I shut off the water and wrapped a towel around my waist. A couple of minutes drying my hair then I was forced to get dressed in something nice. I chose my best pair of skinny jeans and the dress shirt I wore on my last date with Ashton. The material was soft against my skin as I buttoned up the front of the shirt. It still felt the same it had all those nights ago, throwing me deep into memories.

When I close my eyes he's right there like he's never left. Feeling this familiarity only excites me that today could be the day I see him again. I missed the way his arms wrapped around me and the way his cologne smelt against his skin. I just can't stop thinking about. I guess this how it's supposed to feel when your world has changed but it could go back to being the same at any moment.

I can't believe I lived all this time without him. Never once did I let him slip too far away or lose him. Things are strained now but I can't get him out of my head anymore. I gulped with nerves as I tucked in my shirt. What will I do when I'm able to feel him again? Hold him against my heart and never let him leave me again. This was it, but first I had to get through graduation.

I fidgeted under my own reflection and tried my best to perfect my hair. I took a deep breath and looked over myself one last time before grabbing my gown. As I was returning to the mirror there was a knock at my door. I tugged the gown over my shoulders and straightened it out over my shirt before I caught my moms reflection in the mirror next to me. I smiled through the glass then turned around to face her.

"Big day huh?" She asked with her hands holding something.

"Yes." I nodded and looked down to the floor. My mom walked closer to me until we were inches apart and she brought her hand up to stroke my cheek.

"I brought you this," she said holding up a black and grey tie. "It was your dad's favorite, the only one he wore." She chuckled and held it up to me for approval. I nodded and she began to tie the tie around my neck finishing with a smile.

"Thanks mom." I smiled but I could tell my mom was holding in her tears. When her glossy eyes met mine I wiped a tear away from her cheek.

"He would've been so proud of you Luke." She choked out and I wrapped her in a hug refusing to let my own tears fall.

"He would be so proud of you too mom." I offered and felt my mom shake in my arms. "Thank you for everything." I said quietly and let her arms squeeze me.

"Okay enough of this, we've got a ceremony to get to." She chuckled and furiously wiped her cheeks before hurrying out of my room.

I grabbed up my cap from my bed and turned to follow but I paused to look out of my window. With a sigh I stared out of it to see Ashton's old room. So many memories made between our two windows. My favorite was the cheesy way he asked for my number. I couldn't help but laugh at that memory as I turned away from the window and headed down the stairs.

Calum and his family were waiting with my brothers and mother when I walked into the living room. Calum looked as dorky as I did and we both hurried towards each other for a hug. I couldn't help but laugh at my best friend at how he looked in his cap and gown.

"You look so dumb." Calum giggled and I slapped his shoulder while I laughed.

"You do too hot stuff." I teased and he rolled his eyes at me.