Broken

• Chapter 59 •

The drive back to his place is quiet, in a good way. We're listening to calm music to settle down, the twins are fast asleep in their seats. My heart sinks when we pull in to his house, and odd feeling builds. It was kind of nice staying with them, and it's making me a bit sad to leave. I shake my head to myself and look away, meeting Ashton's eyes.

He's quiet, so I speak, "So... We're going back to school tomorrow."

He nods, "I guess we are."

I bite my lower lip nervously, "Um, could you drop me home? My mother's back from the hospital and I figured showing up to school together might give off the wrong impression."

He's hesitant, "Yeah, you're right. I'll put the twins to bed while you pack your stuff then."

I release a relieved breath, glad that he's not fighting me on this. It would look bad if we came to school together after both being absent for almost a week. I make my way out of his car to his bedroom, picking up my already packed bag and checking for anything I might've left behind.

I sigh and walk back to his car, putting the bag in the back seat and waiting for Ashton. My gaze wanders to the building, despite my will for it not to. Images flash vividly in my brain, I picture myself from Ashton's point of view. How I must've looked, how lucky and coincidental that it had happened right in front of his house.

Feeling a chill, I rub my arms subconsciously. My eyes are fixated on the damned wall, I can't seem to look away. The more I look at it, the more fury seeps inside my veins. I—

"Clementine?"

I snap my head towards Ashton, who's studying me carefully. I clear my throat and tuck my hair behind my ears, staring down at the floor.

"You okay?"

I nod as I get into the passenger seat and buckle up.

It's time for me to go home.

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"Thanks for everything, Ashton."

He nods as we pull up to my house. I glance out the window, and it feels like it has been an eternity since I've been here. I sigh deeply and unbuckle my seatbelt, preparing to leave. Ashton grabs my hand gently, causing my face grow hot and my heart to collapse.

"Hey. I want you to tell me right away if you ever see him again, alright?" his voice is soft, but his eyes are stern, cold and serious.

A chill runs down my spine at the deadly gaze, I nod my head silently and take my hand back, stepping out of his car.

"Thank you again, really."

He nods, "Are you sure you're going to be okay tonight?"

I know he means nightmares. I haven't slept alone since it happened, but I have a feeling I'll be okay.

I smile softly and nod, "Tell the twins I said bye."

He returns my smile, "They'll miss you. See you at school."

And with that, he drives off.

I'm going to miss them, too.

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The house is dark and quiet. I press my lips into a flat line as I make my way to mom's bedroom, but she's asleep. I sigh in relief that I don't have to face her tonight and quietly tip-toe to my room, shutting the door behind me.

I release a huge breath, I'm finally completely alone. I can do whatever I want in the privacy of my own room without anyone watching me like I'm a newborn baby, and it feels good.

It feels good to have this little bit of control over my life back.