CHAPTER XIV

BROOKE’S P.O.V

Nathan was pissed at me for keeping Allie away from him for one lecture but it wasn’t my fault. His brother was the real culprit. Not that he had done something wrong but I just wanted to ignore him to move on from my feelings. I was just pushing him away. I knew it was wrong that I was keeping Allie away from Nathan but I was helpless as I didn’t want to be alone. I sighed and turned to Allie,

“Al, I’m sorry. I know I’m being a bitch and….”

“Don’t say it Brooke, I know what are you feeling and now as I’m with Nathan I know it’s difficult. I’m sorry.” She looked guilty and it hurt me seeing my sister thinking about me so much. I just pulled her closer and hugged her.

“I’m happy for you, Allie and don’t say it. I’m glad that Nathan is so serious and you are happy so that’s all that matters.”

“Thank you.” She mumbled.

Suddenly somebody cleared the throat and we looked ahead. Janet raised her eyebrow at us as I apologized. She just shook her head and continued the lecture.
As soon as the lecture was over, Nathan came and hugged Allie from behind kissing her cheek.

“Nathan, we’re in class in front of your mother.” She whispered and tried to pull away.

“Well, she knows. She was the one who advised me yesterday so don’t worry about her…”

I rolled my eyes and ignored him and at the same time, Asher took my hand and started walking out the class. I startled as I tried to pull back,
“What are you doing, Bolton? Let me go.” I yelled at him but he looked unfazed.

“Asher leave me.” I tried again but he kept walking towards the exit. He still didn’t react.

“Ash, stop.” I yelled and he turned to look at me. Due to force, I ran into his chest. He kept his other hand around my waist pulling me even closer,
“Not before you tell me what is going on and what have I done?”
I gulped because he was dead serious.

“I….”

“Not here. Make up your mind, we are skipping.” He said with the same stern attitude and made his way to parking. 

“Ash!”

“Don’t. You brought it to yourself by ignoring me so shut up and come with Me.” he sneered and we sat in his car. I sighed as he started the car. I just watched outside passing people and many more things. Soon he stopped and we were in front of a small café.

“Let’s go.” He said in clipped tone. I didn’t argue because of his serious demeanor and walked inside. As we settled down and placed our orders he let out a sigh.

“Talk!” he mumbled while rubbing his face with his palms.

“About what?” I asked and he glared at me.

“Tell me what have I done wrong? Why are you giving me cold shoulder?” he said through gritted teeth.

“N…Nothing!” I didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t play around, Brooke, I can’t fucking take it when you are ignoring me, Okay?”

“What?” I was surprised when he said that.

“You heard me well.” He glared at me.

“Why are you angry? Before you were so sweet and suddenly you have changed into hulk.”

He narrowed his eyes at me, “That’s because before this you didn’t ignore me and now you are doing it.”

“Why does it matter if I ignore you or not?” I was acting stubborn, I know.

“Well, it matters. Everything you do matters to me.”

“Huh???” I acted stupid because I had no intention of telling him how I felt about him.

“Drop the act, Brooke and tell me what have I done?”

“You have done nothing wrong. It’s just me.” I sighed giving up.

“Why did you say that you hate me?”

“It was just…. I don’t know.”

“Brooke, why aren’t you telling me everything?”

“There is nothing to tell.” I was getting annoyed.

“Okay fine.” He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry; Asher but I don’t know what’s happening.”

“It’s okay. I don’t have any say in your life anyway.”

That hurt. That actually hurt as I looked at him. He was staring at me.

“You are more than what you show, Brooke Davis.” He said nonchalantly and I swallowed hard.

“Why do you think so?” I asked him and he just shrugged.

“Can we go back? I don’t want to miss other lectures.”

“That’s the problem. You are definitely not the Brooke I met. You have suddenly changed so much. My Brooke was rebel and voiced her feelings unlike someone who is sitting in front of me.”

My Brooke? My heart swelled. Shit! I was acting like a love sick bitch.

“You won’t understand me, Ash. It’s complicated.”

He gave a small nod, “I don’t want to force you but I care so if you ever want to talk you can.”

“Sure.” I gave him a small smile.

“Are we seriously going for that movie?” he changed the subject and I chuckled looking at his sore face.

“Yes! Is Asher Bolton too proud to be seen in public with bunch of losers?” I teased him.

“Well, I am taking risk right now.” He smirked at me and I slapped his hand as we laughed.

“Let’s go somewhere. I don’t want to attend school.” He mumbled and I shook my head.

“Allie would kill me.”

“Oh don’t worry. She is with her beloved right now. I’ll drop message to Nate so they can join.”

“What makes you think that Allie is going to skip?”

“Oh you don’t know my brother; he will kidnap her from her class so chill and let’s go.” He put his hand in front of me. Without hesitation I put my hand in his as we walked towards his car.

“Hey, how will they reach there? Nathan doesn’t have a car, right?”

“Don’t worry, he will manage.”

He went behind steering wheel and started driving towards unknown direction. He turned on the radio and 'Nights' by Avicii came and we started singing like hyenas. But it was fun.

“After an hour of driving, he stopped. I looked outside and we were in carnival. A big smile spread on my face as I turned to him.

“You are my favorite Bolton, I swear.” I jumped in my seat.

“You don't have any choice left anyway. My brother is taken by your sister so all you have left is Me.” he shrugged and I gaped at him.  He started laughing and I smacked his head upside down.

We waited for half hour and soon another Porsche stopped beside and Nathan walked out followed by Allie who looked ecstatic. Then Roy and Derek came out too. I gaped at Allie,
“Did you all ditch school?” I asked and they all shrugged. I gave a look to Allie and she smiled sheepishly.

“You are rubbing off on my sister, Bolton.” I glared at Nathan playfully but he just swung his arm around our shoulder pulling us closer.

“I’m supposed too.” he winked at me and I shoved him away.

Suddenly another car stopped in front of us and got down dumb, dumber and the new queen, the dumbest. I narrowed my eyes when they came strutting towards us fanning surprise.

“Oh guys, you are here too?” Hailey asked smiling sweetly.

“Like you didn’t know. I saw you following.” Roy deadpanned and walked ahead.

“What?” she spat words like she heard something ridiculous? I just rolled my eyes knowing her type very well.

“Hey Nate!” she smiled and Nathan gave a curt nod.

“Let’s go.” He pulled Allie closer and walked behind Roy. Hailey glared at Allie’s back and soon her glare turned towards me.

“Come on, Brooke, let’s go.” Ash took my hand entwining our fingers. I looked at him when he did that but he looked unfazed. A small smirk crossed my face when my gaze met Lacey’s. She was stomping her feet while whining.

Roy took the passes and we entered. Everyone looked ecstatic as all ran to different stores.

“Where to first?” Derek hollered and we all gave our suggestions.

“Ferris wheel it is.” Ash yelled and dragged us towards it.

“I’m staying here.” Allie crossed her arms over chest and gave us a sheepish smile.

“Come on, Allie.” I and Nathan said at the same time and then they shared a look before bursting into laughter.

“No! You know how I hate heights.” She took steps back.

“I’ll protect you.” Nathan went ahead.

“Do you want me to puke all over your shirt and possibly on every person who would be in down carts?” she quirked her brow and we all took a step back.

“I’m staying with her.” Nathan announced but she shoved him towards us.

“It’s just a one ride. Go. I’ll wait.”
Reluctantly we all went to line and then got on.

“I should have waited with her.” Nathan said while searching Allie in the crowd.

“She will be okay.” Asher said and I shook my head looking for Allie too. Soon ride started and when we were up at the highest point, I was mesmerized. It was so beautiful. I wished Allie could join us.

“It’s beautiful.” I whispered and Asher intertwined our fingers making my heart jump. I looked at him but his eyes were staring at the view.

“It definitely is.” He smiled.