Chapter 23

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Chapter 23

**

Both Ashton and I thought about what to do in this situation. And guess what we came up with. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Everything came blank to us. We were still in school so I suggested we'll have to meet later. We parted ways and continued our day in school. I was still thinking what to do. I mean if Dad comes to know.... I don't know what will happen. I hate Ashton so much right now.

I sighed and made my way inside. I reached home a few minutes ago, but have been sitting in my car ever since. I ran up the stairs and opened the front door. I took a few steps in and then froze. Ask why?

Because there in front of me stood Dad, Mom, Will, Nate, Ethan, Blake, all had their arms cross against their chest. Two more devils are yet to know.

I swallowed and chuckled nervously. "I see, we are having a family reunion. But I have homework so..."

I did the most obvious thing. I ran. I ran upstairs towards my room. Running upstairs wasn't the best idea. It slowed me down and I'm not an athlete either.

Within a matter of time, I was thrown over a shoulder. "Oh my god. Put me down, Will." I yelled, balling my hands in a fist and hitting his back.

"You are in so much trouble, Gwen." He said, his voice hard.

My eyes wide. "Come on, Will. Please!"

"I suggest you shut up." Will growled.

I shut my mouth. I was suddenly thrown on the couch, not roughly, but rather gently. I sat back comfortably, ignoring the looks send my way.

"Is there something you want to talk about or rather we should know about?" Dad asked.

"No?"

"No?" Nate asked.

"Yes?" I questioned.

"Yes?" Blake asked.

"You guys are confusing me," I said, frowning.

"Gwen-" Will started, but was cut off.

We all looked at Ryan and Max who looked at the crowd standing near me. They came and stood near Ethan who was staring at me. I moved uncomfortably.

"What's going on guys? Why are you staring at Gwen?" Ryan asked. He turned to me. "What did you do?"

"Yeah, Gwen. What did you do?" Ethan asked, mimicking Ryan.

"I'll tell you what she did." Dad said, firmly.

We all looked at him waiting for an answer. "Dad.."

"Well, my daughter here has a boyfriend that we don't know about," Dad started. "Want to know who he is?" There was a complete silence. "Ashton Carter."

"What!?" Ryan shouted. I winced and shriek back. "Ashton, he is your boyfriend. That son of a bitch."

"Ryan." I warned. I don't like him cursing.

"You better not speak." Ryan said, angrily.

"I will." I stood up. Don't ask me how I got a boost of confidence. "So what if he is my boyfriend?"

"He was suppose to be my best friend," Ryan said. "Bro code, remember?"

"So what? Amy is my friend too. Am I saying no to date her?" I asked, crossing my arms. I should have known about that bro code shit.

"You're dating Amy?" Mom asked. Before Ryan could answer, Mom squealed loudly. "Oh my babies are growing up. Finally Ryan has a girlfriend and Gwen has a boyfriend. I want to meet them. I already know Ashton, but I want to meet him as your boyfriend."

"No, Mom. She has to break it up with him." Max said, shaking his head.

"No, she won't," Mom said, firmly.

"But-" I began.

"Mom, I'm not allowing her to be with anyone until she is 30," Will said.

"I-" I was cut off again.

"She will date anyone she wants. She is young. I'm not going to allow her six over protective brothers and Dad to ruin it." Mom said, sternly.

"Listen-" again.

"But baby, she is still too young." Dad whined. I just sighed and sat down on the couch as the argument about me dating began. I just stared at them as they argued.

Blake sat next to me. "So were you on a date that day?"

"Nope." I said, shaking my head.

"I don't mind you dating as long as he doesn't hurt you. Once I see a single tear, he won't live to see the next day." Blake said, a look of determination on his face. How cute!

I nodded and went upstairs, leaving my parents and brothers to argue. I went to the fourth floor and sat down painting the wall with the picture of us.

I knew from the time they know about this dating thing, all hell will break lose. But to think of it, the dating troll didn't end up as ugly as I thought it might. Though, it's ugly for me, after all it's me who has to deal with Ashton. The only thing that I'm worried about is the fact that Ryan might not take it well. I don't have a problem with him fighting with Ashton about breaking up. In fact, I think it'll be great. Hope, it happens.

**

Next day was quite eventful if you ask me. Will was pouting, Dad was grumpy, Nate and Ethan were busy eating their food as if it were their last day. Blake was buried in his book. Ryan looked....well that's something weird. He kinda looked satisfied, smug even?

"Ryan, is there a problem?" I asked him as we were leaving for school.

"Nope." He said, happily.

"You're happy?" I asked, surprised.

"Why won't I be?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You aren't going to throw a fit about the whole dating thing, like I predicted?" I asked, a little unsure. He might lash out.

"No. I called Ashton last night. Said few colourful words, even went to his house for a good punch. But then he explained me about the situation. He blurted out your name and his Dad is hell bend on meeting you, the girlfriend that changed him, according to him." He said, shrugging. "As long as it's fake and until I don't hear from your mouth that you actually like him and when I'm sure he won't hurt you, then I might think about it. If I give permission that is."

I blinked and processed his words. "I don't want your permission, by the way. I'm capable of doing things on my own."

"That's what you think."

"So you're fine with it?" I asked.

"Yeah." He nodded.

I should be sad about it....right?

**

All the way to school I thought about what Ryan told me. I might have feelings for him? No, I won't. Not even when heaven and hell are one. He would just use me and trash me like my ex best friend did. If a friend who I grew up with can hurt me then why can't Ashton.

I was cut off my thought when I heard my phone ringing. I checked the caller ID before placing my phone in the phone holder and putting it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"Baby doll, where are you?" I heard Ashton answer.

"I'm on my way." I said and turned at the corner.

"You do know that accidents happen while people talk on the phone, right?" He said, teasing with a hit of seriousness.

"I know that, Sherlock. But my phone is in the holder, so it's not a problem." I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, well whatever. I don't care either way. Just get here fast," he said in irritation. Before I could say anything, he hung up.

Looking at the phone, I just a made a face. He is such a jerk. If he doesn't treat me good, I won't help him. Deal or no deal. I clenched the steering wheel and drove fast to school.

Reaching the school, I parked my car in my parking sport. My eyes scanned the parking lot for a familiar face and saw him near his car, shades covering his eyes and girls surrounding him.
I mentally rolled my eyes at the crowd around him. He's not a celebrity, for god sake. I rolled my eyes and slammed the door shut after me.

I walked and leaned in the front of my car and continued to look at Ashton. Crossing my arms, I thought about all our encounter. We never were civil with each other. One day we're talking and the next day we are fighting. The dating thing is not going to work. We can only hope that it doesn't turn out to be ugly.

"Are you dreaming about me?" A voice startled me.

I quickly stood straight and stared in front of me.

"Are you dreaming, little child?" His voice was like venom to my ears.

"No!" I whispered.

Suddenly, I felt a hand connect with my cheeks. I stumbled back. "Speak loud."

I blinked back the memories which won't leave me no matter what I did. "Hello?"

Again startled, I looked up to see Ashton standing there, arms crossed. I blinked, twice to clear my blurry vision. "I-I have to go." Without waiting for his response, I bolted towards the entrance. I walked fast to the washroom and locked the door behind me. I was alone in the girls' bathroom. I checked the stalls to see if anyone was there and to my relief, all were empty.

I slumped against the wall in front of the mirror and stared at myself. This was not the Gwen I knew. No matter how much I try to be carefree, memories always come back. I ranted the mantra 'I'm strong' but this time it had no effect.

Suddenly, I jumped when I heard banging on the bathroom door. "Gwen, open the door." I heard Ryan's voice.

I gulped. It's only Ryan. My brother. He will protect me. I heard the banging again and slowly made my way towards the door. I unlocked it and opened. Ryan stood there, concern etching his face. He took a step towards me and pulled me into a bone crashing hug. I hugged him and slowly water works started from my eyes. I buried my face in his neck, silently crying. My hands fisted against the back of his shirt. I felt a hand on my hair, rubbing them in a calming manner.

"You're fine." I heard Max whisper. "Ryan, I'm calling Will."

I felt Ryan nod his head. Hearing the footsteps fade, I pulled back a little, sniffing. "Sorry.." I muttered.

"Don't worry, okay." He assured. "I'm your brother. I'll take care of you."

I just nodded. Going home is not the best option, but I can't be here. Today it seems like all the memories are coming back. Maybe the date is near. I am unable to come to school when that date is near.

I noticed a presence next to Ryan and looked up to see Ashton standing there, frowning. His hands were in a fist, but he didn't utter a word.

"I'm sorry. Can we take tomorrow?" I asked, softly. He nodded and forced a smile. I smiled back when Ryan took my hand and we made our way out. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Alex and Chris coming this way, but a quick move of Ryan's head, they stopped dead in their tracks.

Reaching outside, I saw Will's car already waiting for me. I saw Will and ran into his arms. He kept me close to him and inhaled sharply. Without a word, he placed a hand on my back and guided me towards the passenger side of his car. I buckled in and waited for Will who seems to be talking to the Ryan and Max and glaring at Ashton. My boyfriend, of course. I pulled out my phone and texted Amber to postpone the meeting about the football event for tomorrow. Will came after talking to them and pulled out of school. I took a deep breath and calmed my heart down.

"Do you want to go home?" He asked.

"No." I whispered. But soon cringed, waiting for the impact, but none came. I hesitantly looked at Will to see his hands clenching the wheel and his jaws set. Realising my mistake that it was only Will, I stared at my lap. I know Will will never raise a hand on me, but my past screwed me bad to think anyone will. "Sorry."

"It's fine." He answered, coldly. I sighed as exhaustion took over me. The day hasn't even begun and the drama never seems to stop.

**

Guys, I'll make this clear since most of you think Will is abusive. Will is not abusive. Something from the past made Gwen believe that if she whispers, someone might hit her. That's why she waits for the impact, but in reality it's not like this. And Will is angry since he can't protect her from all this.

Read vote comment. :)

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