Broken

• Chapter 97 •

"Hey, you made it!"

Ashton's eyes snap from my head to my toes. He looks surprised, in a good way.

"Hey, yeah. The twins really wanted to come," he clears his throat. I nod, "I'm glad..."

"You look so pretty!" Vanessa tells me with a smile. "Aw, thank you. I really like your dress, Vanessa. You look like a princess."

"A princess?" she laughs, I nod. Her cheeks flush as she tries to hide a smile, I turn to Zach, who's dressed in a tuxedo.

"Look at you, Zach. I almost didn't recognize you, you look like a grown man."

I get a hint of a smile from Zach, and I take it with gratitude. He's a lot more like Ashton than Vanessa is. "You guys can go straight to the living room, I think Santa dropped off gifts for you cause he knew you were coming over."

Vanessa and Zach's eyes light up like fireworks. "Really?" they exclaim at once.

I smile and nod my head, and they sprint off towards the living room. "You didn't have to get them anything," Ashton tells me.

I cock my head and act stupid, "Me? I didn't get them shit. Santa did. I just said it, duh."

He rolls his eyes at me and I smirk, "Let's go, I wanna introduce you to some people. Well, I'd hoped I would've introduced you to more people, like Emoni and Benji, but they're out of the country for Christmas. Which is annoying—"

"Stop rambling," he shoves my shoulder. I laugh and shake my head as we make our way to my room. He stops me before we walk in, "Wait."

I turn to him in confusion, "What's up?"

He scratches the back of his neck nervously, "Just wanted to say you look nice. In case I forgot to, later..."

I try to hide my smile, but I can't. He smirks. "You don't look so bad yourself," somehow, classical Ashton is even hotter than usual. I shake my head to myself for thinking like that, "Come on."

"Guys, this is my friend Ashton. Ashton, this is Tony and Dorito."

Ashton's brows furrow, "Dorito? What an unfortunate name. Was it birth-given or are you like Miss Noodlemort over here?"

Tony smirks at Dorito's distaste. Mikey frowns, "These two assholes decided it would be funny to give me that nickname. Personally, I find it appalling. At least call me créme brulée. Doritos suck."

Tony and I burst into laughter as Ashton and Dorito shake hands. It's Tony's turn to shake his hand, and he makes sure to look like an overprotective brother.

"So, Ashton. We've heard a lot about you," he tells him.

I blush as Ashton gives me a look, "Really?"

"No! They haven't!" Tony gives me a weird look for my defensiveness. I clear my throat, "I just told them about you—all of you—this school, and stuff now," I correct him. Don't want him growing a big head. He's just as important a friend as everyone else. Ashton smirks, "Yeah. Clementine's mentioned you guys a few times as well. You worked together?"

Tony nods. "Yup. And we're pretty strong and skilled," he says threateningly.

My jaw drops. "Tony," I warn. Tony shrugs. "What? I'm just saying we're good with tools. If your car ever breaks down, she's your girl," he nods towards me.

I roll my eyes, "Whatever. Come on, let's go join the others."

___________________

"The new Star Wars Legos?" Nessa shrieks. "They're not even out yet!" Zach exclaims.

I shrug at them as we all sit in the living room, "Santa must really like you."

"Ashton. I got you tickets to see The Dark Knights," dad tells Ashton with a huge smile. Ashton's face drops, "You're fucking with me."

He shakes his head as he gives him the tickets. Ashton's jaw drops, "No shit. That's amazing! They were all sold out. I don't know what to say—"

Wow. What the fuck? Ashton actually sounds excited about something for once. Like a little boy. How adorable.

"Taking the damn tickets and saying thank you will suffice," Brandon laughs.

Ashton looks baffled, he rubs the back of his neck, "Thank you so much, sir."

"It's just Brandon, buddy."

Ew. Ew ew ew. He is not calling him buddy! I stare at Ashton with curiosity, he seems so taken aback by this. They're just tickets to a stupid concert. Woops. I'm so happy these are my inner-thoughts. The Dark Knights are one of my dad's best artists. I'm startled out of my trance by someone clearing their throat. I look over at Tony aloofly, who's giving me an expectant look. I frown and mouth what?

He raises his eyebrows and rolls his eyes at me. I roll mine back and flip him off.

"Tony and Mikey, I need your help in the kitchen. Tony, you still know how to make your mom's famous roast beef recipe?" mom inquires.

Tony nods, "Of course."

"And Mikey... Well, you can make whatever you like. You're a genius in all things food-related. I need to get started on the potato salad and desserts."

Dorito beams at her compliment, "Right on it, Aurora!" They rush off to the kitchen.

"I gotta go on a liquor run," Brandon tells mom before kissing her cheek. Mom nods and looks towards Ashton and I hesitantly. She studies us then sighs, "Minty, Ashton... I'm gonna need you guys to make cookies."

My brows furrow. She wants to include Ashton in cookie-making? That was always a me-and-her thing. Maybe this is her trying to play nice with him. I give her a thankful smile before motioning for Ashton to follow me.

"Hun, you're gonna have to use the other kitchen. Tony, Mikey and I are using this one," she tells me.

My heart sinks into my stomach. I can feel the color draining from my face, "T-the one in the basement?"

Mom's eyebrows furrow. "Yeah. Is that... Okay?" she stares at me suspiciously.

I clear my throat and shake my head, "Of course it's okay."