Chapter 19- The Great Reunion

Thank so much for reading.

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        Somehow, Calum and I convinced my dad to let me go with him to visit Ashton's house. The rest of the boys were coming, and I was excited as hell. I would get to meet Ashton's family, which judging by how awesome he was, would be pretty cool, and I would get to NOT be harrassed about my lip peircing for an entire week.  I would get to do whatever I wanted, and for an ENTIRE week, Calum didn't have to hide... us.

        I was packing one night, when Jade came into my room, and sat on my bed and watched me fold my jeans and sweatpants, and stack them into my suitcase.

        "What?" I asked. Not in a rude way, I just didn't like pussy-footing around with her. I knew she had come in with a very specific purpose.

        "Well.. I just want to talk to you about this trip." She sounded very motherly. I hated when she had those moments.

        "Yes?"        

        "I just... I'm not stupid, Raven. I know you.. I know you like of the boys. And.. I just.. You may not understand this now, but it would be very.. Unwise for you to date one of Calum's best friends."

        God, was she off. I laughed, and then looked at her. "No, I don't like any of them. You don't need to worrry. They're just the only friends that I really have now. And I want to see them again."        

        She didn't look convinced. "Well... Alright. But on a totally different note, I happen to love your lip peircing. Just don't tell your dad." She laughed, standing.

        "Thanks. I like a lot."

        "Do you need any help packing?" She offered, spreading her arms.

        "Nah, thanks, I'm good."

        "Great." She walked out of my room, and I watched her go. She did suspect something.. But luckily, she was very off. Hilariously off. 

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        We had to leave early in the morning, so we would have maximum time at Ashton's. I wasn't to happy with the early leaving arrangement, but I agreed to it. I made Calum stop for tea and donuts for me. The drive was about five hours, and I wasn't a car trip person, so I could antsy within about an hour.         

        "Are we THERE yet?" I asked Calum, bouncing slightly. It was mostly the caffeine in the tea, and the excited energy that made me so bouncy.

        "No, babe, we aren't there yet." He laughed, patting my arm gently.

        Pouting my lip slightly, I punched on the radio, and pouring the speakers came; "....Looks so perfect standing there..."  I had to laugh at Calum's awkward smile.

        "Its always awkward when I listen to my own music." He cringed.

        "It sounds great." I encouraged.                 "If I knew you werent just saying that, I would be flattered."

        "Just because I'm your girlfriend, that means that my opinons about you are invalid?"

        "You got it, Raven." He winked.

        "Well, I for one, am greatly offended. I won't be speaking to the likes of YOU anymore."

        Rolling his eyes, he pulled his shades over his eyes. "You are so weird, babe."

        "Would you like me if I was any other way?"

        "Probably not." He admitted.

        Poking him in the side, I changed the radio station. On came Black Widow, by Iggy Azalea. I turned it up, jokingly dancing to it. "THIS BE MY JAAAAMM."

        "YEEEAAAH BUDDDAAY." He joked along with me, pumping with one of his fists.

        We scream-sang together, and I head-banged to the beat.

        Eventually, I was out of breath, and my head throbbed from the banging. I collapsed back into a relaxed position. "Wow. That was a good workout." I laughed.

        Calum nodded in agreement. "That was pretty amazing. Never rocked out with someone so talented."

        "I ain't no basic white girl, I can dance with the best of them." I defended myself, still laughing.

        The drive passed pretty quickly, since we were laughing and talking through all of it. We pulled up in front of Ashton's house at about lunch time.

        We were greeted by Mikey, Luke, and Ash, who were sitting on the porch of Ashton's house. His house was very nice, and had a huge wraparound porch, complete with rocking chairs, and a swinging bench. As soon as Calum came to a stop, we both jumped out, and ran out to join them

        Whooping, I got swept in up in a huge hug by Mikey. "SHE SURVIVED DATING CALUM FOR AN ENTIRE THREE MONTHS!!!!" He said it like I'd achieved the impossible, like slaying the kraken or surviving the plague. I knew he was hugging me so tightly mostly to annoy Calum, but I didn't care, honestly.

        "I think she deserves an award." Luke agreed with a laugh. Mikey released me with an extra-tight squeeze. I walked over Luke, and he hugged me. "And good to see you again, Raven." 

        "Thanks, Luke." Then I turned to Ashton, and grinned.

        He swept me up like Mikey, but it wasn't so dramatic and faked. I smiled and hugged him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He lifted me slightly, so that only the tips of my toes were grazing the porch. "Missed you, Rave." He was the only one who had picked up on Calum's nickname for me.

        "Missed you to, Ash." I smiled, but pulled away. I knew Calum wouldn't appreciate so much affection.

        I was right, too. Because when I stepped back and looked at Calum, he looked slightly disgruntled. He'd been greeting Mikey and Luke, but he'd stopped to watch, not exactly thrilled with the situation. I wasn't worried, however, because Calum wasn't an insecure, jealous brat.

        I think that Ash picked up the vibes, and he cleared his throat. "Here, come in guys. I hope you don't mind- we have you two sharing a room."

        "Oh, that's fine." I agreed, looking over at Calum, who nodded.

        "That'll work."

        "Just one thing I have to ask of you guys. Just try to be quiet at night. I do have younger siblings. They're at school now, but you'll meet them later."

        I glared at him when he told us to be quiet. As if we would have sex while everyone was sure to be eavesdropping. 

        He just sheepishly smiled, and led us into his house. It was very homey, and beautiful. The entry led straight into the living room/kitchen/family room. On the right was the living room, where their was a large sliding glass door, pouring light into the room. A large wide screen TV sat in the corner, and two tan faux leather couches were on the opposite walls. Their was a large coffee table, with a small stack of magazines. A vase of marbles sat in the center. Just across to the door was the kitchen. A large, circular table, was in the center, and one side of the wall  was just cupboards and shelves. Behind the table was another sliding glass window, that lead to a balcony, with another table. Then, on the left was, I guess, the family room. There were several bean bag chairs, tan to match the couches, on the floor, and several bookshelves with card games and board games. On the far side was a short hallway, with two doors. One was a bathroom, and the other apparently was Ashton's parent's room. On the far-side of the hallway was a spiral staircase, leading to the upstairs. Upstairs were six rooms, all with closed doors. On one wall, their were three rooms. One was marked with a hanging that said 'LAUREN'. Another had a bunch of superhero cutouts and posters on the door. I assumed that was his little brother's room. The other closed door was the bathroom. On the other side were two closed doors, and they were the guest rooms. On the far side of the hallway upstairs lead to the attic, where Ashton's room was. He showed it to me. Besides the fact that it was an attic, it really only had one unique thing about it, and that was the huge drum set.

        After being given the tour, Calum carried our bags up to the guest room we were staying in, and we got settled in. I sat on the bed to text dad that we'd gotten there safely. I couldn't help but smile as I did so. I was looking forward to this week. Nothing could ruin it for me