Falling [5sos] ON HOLD

✨Chapter 4✨

The ride to the city was quiet and awkward, but I didn't mind. It was gloomy out, and it was only a matter of time before the sky above cried its heart onto the dying earth. I turned on the radio and tried to think about how I would get my phone back. When Kendra found a place to park, we strolled around town and ended up entering an ice cream shop.

"Hey look! These people are hiring...this place would be perfect for you!" Kendra smiled and clapped her hands together while looking for the manager to get hiring information.

I rolled my eyes and ordered. I didn't want to eat anything because I wasn't hungry. I never was hungry. But Kendra didn't know that. We walked out with two dishes both filled with vanilla ice cream topped with sprinkles and some application papers.

The city itself wasn't so bad, but the views were so saddening that it could make your heartbreak. There was graffiti everywhere, broken windows, homeless people, you name it. We passed by this one man who had nothing but a torn, baby blue blanket and an empty pizza box. I immediately felt tears come up in my eyes because in a way I knew what it was like to have nothing. With sympathy, I walked over to the stranger and handed him my ice cream. The man, most likely in his early 30s thanked me and then devoured what little he had before presuming with staring off into nothingness.

"That was sweet of you sis..I'm proud." Kendra said in awe while giving me a small hug. I smiled, and we continued our little stroll. It didn't take long though before Kendra spotted a store full of clothes and freaked out.

"Hey let's split up and meet in an hour!" Kendra shouted as she headed towards the store. I let out a laugh because she looked like a penguin trying to run but failing as she crossed the street. Before I could protest though...she was gone.

Sighing, I continued on my path to nowhere. I secretly missed my home and all the animals I took care of back at the farm, but I had to move on. As I walked, I noticed some pebbles lying in front of me. I kicked it not thinking much and was interrupted with a soft shriek.

"Ow." The stranger said rubbing his head.

I looked at the mysterious man and realizing what I had done began to apologize. He then burst out in laughter, and I couldn't help but ask why.

"It didn't hurt that bad. I don't know why you're freaking out. If it makes you feel better," he giggled, "I forgive you."

I sighed in relief. "I didn't even notice you were here. I just saw some pebbles and bam now we are here." I rambled on and on. Then my cheeks turned ten different shades of red as I looked down in embarrassment.

"Listen cutie. It's ok. Really." He stood up and reached his hand out. I looked at him, and my jaw dropped. He had short curly hair and nerdy glasses. He seemed to be around 6'0, and his clothes were a little torn and dirty. His eyes were the most beautiful shade of brown combined with some green here and there. He must've noticed I was staring at him as he chuckled.

"What? Cat got your tongue? Or do you just like what you see?" He said with a grin forming across his face and pulling his arm back.

"Sorry! Its just..your eyes are intriguing, and you're just-"

"Horrid? Gross? Disgusting? Yeah yeah, I've heard it all." He sat down with a frown on his face.

"-Handsome." I blurted out. I then turned a bright shade of red again after realizing what I said.

He looked at me with disbelief. "Uh, thanks...I've never really received a compliment before." He twiddled his sticks shyly.

I looked at the pots and boxes in front of him. They seemed to come from trash or abandoned apartments around the area. There also was a small black hat sitting nearby. "So what do you have here?"  I asked innocently.

"Homemade drums. Can't afford real ones, so I improvised. It keeps my mind off of things." He said forcing a smile.

"That's cool. Are you good at playing?" I asked.

"Hear for yourself and decide." The kind voice said and started to play. The way he moved his sticks while playing was so unbelievable. I would've never guessed with what things he was using, that such a beautiful sound could be created.

"Wow..I'm impressed." I said in awe. I had little experience with anything in arts.

He ran his hand through his hair and smiled a genuine smile. "Thank you! You're so sweet. Hey, I never asked..what's your name?"

"Evelyn, what ab-" I started to say but was interrupted by Kendra walking out of the store she had been inside.

"Fuckwhistle let's go! Come over here!" Kendra shouted, waving her dozen bags everywhere almost spilling what she had just bought.

I stood up and sighed. I had enjoyed his company and the small time I had away from Kendra and the real world. I started walking away when suddenly I felt a warm hand grab my wrist. I winced at my cuts being pressed.

"Wait!" He said catching up to me, panting. "My name is Ashton...Ashton Irwin."