A new song is playing on the radio quietly, and it's full of guitars that easily cuts through the silence. It's catchy and soon I learn the chorus and sing along with it, in my head. The silence is not awkward, instead  comfortable, but it's still nice to have something that will cut through it. We left Ashton's about half an hour ago. After the breakfast, I learned that Ashton had gone back to my apartment to get me some clothes, and I was grateful, albeit concerned that he may have a run-in with Tanner. He didn't mention it if he did. Sophie had also been dressed by Ashton, and although her outfit wasn't matching in places, it did look very cute, especially with the knowledge that Ashton was the one to pick out her clothes.

When she was dropped off at daycare, she seemed happy, and as if she didn't remember last night. I was even more grateful for that.

Sophie was abuzz with chatter about the day, so when she left the car, it was a notable difference.

Ashton taps his fingers against the steering wheel, along to the song, and he stares at the car in front of him, in deep thought.

"My family's a bit unconventional, I know," Ashton says, suddenly breaking the silence.

"Ashton," I say gently, realising that this is affecting him. His fingers are more likely tapping with nervousness, and that is furthered by his jaw pulsing as he tenses it. His whole body is tense. I've never seen him like this. I place my hand on one of his tense arms, and it relaxes. "You don't need to explain anything to me. I liked them."

He runs his other hand through his hair and leans against the window for a moment.

"Family isn't always blood, right?" he finally says sitting up and relaxing his shoulders.

"No, it's not," I agree.

I have never seen him so worried about something - he's usually the one who helps me when I'm down, and he tells me that they won't leave me, so it's almost sad to see it the other way around.

We arrive at the school, and when Ashton steps out of the car, he looks like I'm used to: calm and collected. My eyes go around the car park, and I find myself searching for any sign of Tanner being here. My hand goes subconsciously to my phone, wondering if he'll message today. A twisted part of me, almost wants him to, because it means that I'll get the opportunity to see more of the letter from the guys, going off the other messages I've received. I don't see Tanner, however, I still keep an eye out for him even as Ashton comes around the car, and joins me, his hand coming out to my arm, squeezing it quickly.

We meander our way into the school, having plenty of time before the bell goes. Searching around for Tanner, my eyes fall onto Storm by my locker, and all thoughts of Tanner leave, just thankful to see Storm standing there, waiting for me after last night.

My steps quicken, and as soon as I am within reaching distance, Storm pulls me into a hug. I smile, the movement being masked by my face being pushed into his hard chest. I do, however, catch a glimpse at his hands as he does so, and find them marked with grazes and bruises.

"Hi, Bella Regazza." I squeeze him, glad to see that he's not seemingly holding any resentment toward me, and the reaction to his kiss. I push myself back, and Storm retracts his arms from around me.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"Don't apologize, Bella." He places a hand gently over my mouth to stop me from talking. "I'm the one who should be sorry."

"No!" I exclaim, pulling his hand down from my mouth. He sighs, his dark eyes meeting mine."I shouldn't have kissed you. You've been through..." It's my turn to place my hand over his mouth, going up on my tiptoes to make it less awkward. His dark eyes have gone from sorrowful to amused. I give him a pointed look, maybe like one I would pin on Sophie if I wanted her to understand the severity of something. Storm nods, giving me a meaningful look back.

I take my hand back, and Storm takes a step away from me, to allow me access to my locker. I spin the lock, focusing on the numbers, wondering if they know of me staying with Ashton. I get my answer soon enough.

Arms squeeze me from behind, the face of the body they belong to pressing into my back. They pull back quickly and I spin to find Colton and Brody have joined us.

"I heard you were staying with Ash. I thought you liked me better," Colton says, crossing his arms with a mock grumpy face. He doesn't look angry, neither do the guys, but I'm still hesitant about their reaction because they'll want to know what happened. I wait for one of them to say something, to ask why I was there, but they don't. I'm sure the questions will come at some point throughout the day, though.

"I'm sorry I ran out..."

"Bella, apologies aren't needed. I've told you that," Storm says, with Colton beating him to putting a hand over my mouth. A minute smile comes to my lips, and I move my attention back to my locker.

I pull some of the books out of my locker, turning back to the guys. I spot Jesse walking toward us with Sam and Jinx over Colton's shoulder, and when they get to us, with only enough time to say 'hi' before the bell rings overhead.

Brody slings an arm around my neck and begins to pull me toward Homeroom, but I pull back against him, looking around for Ryder and Trystan. I want to see them before the day starts to apologise to them too for running out on them, but Colton jumps into my sight and bops me on the nose.

"Don't know where they are, but you'll see them at lunch. We don't want your pretty ass in detention." I roll my eyes at him, amazed at how he knew what I was thinking.

"What about them?"

"They have ugly asses, and believe me, sitting in detention would probably do them good." I look back over my shoulder once more before turning the corner, originally meaning to say goodbye to the others, but the door opens abruptly and Ryder and Trystan run in frantically, looking unkempt. They catch my eye and smile.

Hi Guys! Thank you for your patience, I apologise for not getting this update up yesterday, but if you saw my announcement on my profile, you'll be aware that I had a panic/anxiety attack a couple of nights ago, and as a result, it meant that I had no sleep that night. The next day I tried to write but found myself as a walking zombie, and whenever I did try, I would almost nod off at the keyboard, so I decided to give up trying and do something physically busy to keep me occupied all day. As a result, I lost a day of writing! I'm completely fine now, and back with my writing. 

The next update will be a week from now, on the 20th.

I hope you enjoyed it! 

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CC ;)