Broken

• Chapter 136 •

"Glad to be back?" I nudge Eric.

He snorts, "Three months, Minty. We can do it."

I sigh deeply and take a bite of my sandwich, "Is it bad I actually don't want it to end?"

He smiles sadly and nods, "Nah... I totally get that."

Right. Isabella. The look on his face tells me they haven't spoken about it, not properly. Even though I know he's trying to play it off like it's fine and they have their shit sorted, I can tell he's still torn. But in the denial phase, where he's ignoring it rather than facing it. I feel helpless for him, and I silently hope the best for them. Both of them.

He shakes his head, "Anyway. How's Ashton?"

I shrug, "Better. He'll be back in school next week..."

"Where is he going to uni, by the way? You guys seem to be pretty serious right now, have you spoken about it?"

My stomach churns. Of course, it has crossed my mind, but everything is so new and intense all at once, I don't know when the right time is to talk to him about it. I've already applied to Columbia, and I have no idea where Ashton is applying to, or if he's even looking. I guess I've been in denial just as much as Eric has.

I shrug, "I don't know..."

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"Hello?"

"Hey, Minty. Don't bother coming to Ashton's, I'm taking him out tonight," dad tells me through the phone.

I frown as I get onto my cruiser, "Um? Okay? When will you be back? What about the twins? Where's mom?"

"Remember what I told you about guys not being able to process more than one thing at once, please. I just wanna spend some time with Ashton, he needs to get out of that house. Your mom's taking care of the twins, think she took them to Emoni's or something."

"Dad. Take care of him, don't let him hold anything, don't let him walk too much, don't—"

"Okay, mom. I promise I'll bring him back later tonight in one piece, byeeee!"

My jaw drops. My dad is a child.

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- ASHTON -

"Brandon..." my eyebrows knit together when I see Brandon at my door.

"Hey, kid. How are you holding up?"

"Fine, thanks," I nod, "What're you doing here?"

He smiles softly, "Come with me."

My eyebrows slam down in confusion, "But Clementine's coming over, and Aurora's bringing the twins—"

He shakes his head. "Told Clementine to go home. She'll be here tonight, but I wanted to take you somewhere. Aurora's taking the kids out with Emoni," he explains.

I purse my lips. What's this about? Did Clementine tell him something?

"What did she tell you?"

He shakes his head, "Nothing. I just know a lot more about you than you might think."

My face falls, fear envelops my body. Does he know? Brandon seems calm, he doesn't look like he wants to beat the shit out of me or kill me. I clear my throat, "Okay... Just give me a minute."

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"Um? What're we doing at a bar this far out of town? If you wanted to take me out for drinks there are closer places," I tell him.