Ashton's PoV

We left the classroom and headed to the front of the college to smoke. We all took big puffs of our cigarettes and blew the smoke out slowly, feeling the burn in my body as it relaxed for the first time in a while. Ever since Amber had shown up at my apartment to tell me it was over and how she'd cheated on me, I just couldn't be myself. The words she said had cut deep, blaming me and my friends for her betrayal. It was the lowest of the low. How I acted now was how I'd been for the last ten years. She knew exactly what she was getting herself in to when she went out with me. Then one day, she just decided cheating on me was better than sorting out what the problem was and when it came to telling me, it became my fault.

"Honestly, who even is she?" I zoned back into the conversation half way through, my cigarette had burnt half way without me even taking another puff. I'd really let myself go this time.

"Who knows? She literally doesn't speak to anyone." Michael said matter-of-factly. "She walks to college with headphones in, she sits in class with headphones in and she goes home with headphones in." Calum let out a laugh.

"Ultimate loner." He said as he took a quick puff of his cigarette before continuing. "Although she tried to have attitude with us. She's clearly an idiot. Why would you even try and mess with us?" Luke shook his head as he leant against the wall.

"She was soon taught her lesson though, eh Calum?" He let out a half laugh with Calum as they reminisced. "Surprised you didn't say anything though Ash." Luke nudged me with his elbow and I looked to the three guys who were all awaiting my answer. I hesitated for a second, trying to think of the best thing to say.

"Didn't seem worth it." I shrugged as I put out the end of my cigarette and blew the last of the smoke away. I flicked the butt away into the road ahead of us as I prayed they let this drop.

"When has Ashton Irwin ever said getting into a fight with someone wasn't worth it?" Calum said, a surprised yet angered look on his face. "She's a nobody!"

"So why are you all still talking about her?" I snapped, regretting it instantly. The three boys exchanged looks, sizing up which of them was going to say what they were thinking.

"Are you going soft?" Michael took the lead, flicking his butt at me.

"You don't fancy her, do you?" Luke added, his face screwed up in disgust. The anger I'd felt with Amber built up again, fire coursing through my veins as I glared up at them, my jaw clenched and nostrils flared. I stood up and shoved Michael backwards with all the energy I could muster up. He stumbled back, surprised.

"No. I'm not fucking going soft and I don't fucking fancy her. I couldn't even tell you what she looked like to be honest. There was no point in screaming at her for walking into me, she's scared enough of us from last time. If she does anything else then I'll be mean but that was a fucking accident. Now just drop it." I said before I stormed away from them, needing a desperate few minutes to myself to calm down. Amber had really fucked with me and my emotions and now I was stuck having to pretend to be fine with my mates and for the college but really, all I wanted to do was just sit on my own and let all the emotions out. Let them out so that they were released and could be drained away. For every day I was holding them in, I felt like I was cracking under the pressure. The smallest things seemed huge and there was no way I could control it.
I shoved the men's bathroom door open and kicked a nerdy kid out so that I could be alone in there. I sat down on the toilet lid and ran my hands through my hair, letting out the biggest sigh my lungs could muster. Why did life get so shit? How long could I carry this on?

BZZZ

I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check who it was. If it was one of the boys they could wait until I'd calmed down and if it was a girl she could fuck off - but to my surprise it was none of those. It was weirdo.

Weirdo: okay I know you think I'm a weirdo stalker but heads up Amber told Hannah about the break up and she's been spreading it to her friends. They think you're soft and adorable now. If that's the reason you're upset the whole college will know by lunch time. Also, they're all gonna ask questions so watch out if you come to any classes with your mates and they don't know. Sorry to pester you just wanted to let you know.

I read the message a few times before it had sunk in. That bitch. Why the hell had Amber decided to spread the news? Did she want to ruin me? I sighed. Of course she did. According to her, I'd ruined her reputation and now she was going to ruin mine. However this weirdo found out this information, for once I was grateful. I still needed to tell them to leave me alone and get out of my business but right now, I was going to use this to my advantage.
I had an awful picture of Amber on my phone, one that she'd thrown a strop about and told me to delete, but I'd kept it as leverage. I quickly typed out a message and attached the picture, sending it to everyone in the college. I sighed as I stood up, plastering a fake smile on my face as I strolled out of the bathroom and into the registration room, taking in everyone's shocked face as they read my message and saw the awful picture of Amber. I slipped into my seat next to Luke and waited, I was about to act my heart out.