[short chapters mean quick updates.]
we eat in silence. just like every other meal.
i stare at ashton.
he stares at his plate.
calum and michael stare at me.
when i finish, i leave the table, heading back to the room to get dressed. in the pockets of my skinny jeans, i hide a box of cigarettes and a lighter along with my phone.
when i walk back out, everyone's in the living room watching the football match from last night.
"i'm going out," i say. michael gives me a weary glance, calum ignores me and ashton stands up. he walks over and pulls me into a hug. i hug back.
"don't be gone too long," he whispers. i nod. when he releases me, i turn to leave. i'm halfway out the door when my heart stops.
"luke, what's in your pocket?"
my eyes go wide and i ignore it. let ashton think i didn't hear.
i walk out and start heading down the street towards the park. when i'm enough distance away, i pull out my lighter and pack, taking one out and lighting it. i place it between my lips and inhale, letting out a puff of smoke when i take the cigarette out of my mouth.
it's funny, how something that makes you so calm can kill you.