k a y l e i g h
I walked out of my lesson as I was on my way to maths. I hadn't seen Ashton since Valentines day and I'm really excited, he told me he loved me! Fuck!
I walked in the class and took my seat next to Ashley. She smiled and started talking and asking why I wasn't in last week, I made up some stories that my Mum and Dad had a few arguments.
Mum: Kayleigh, I've called in to school to let them know you're coming home.
Me: I don't want to come home? I'm ok.
Mum: Babe, Harry has been rushed into hospital.
I read the message at least four times to make sure I read it correctly. Ashton walked in and I quickly stood up and left the room. I ran out the building and saw my mum in the parking lot, Dad must be with Harry. I got in and she sped off down the road.
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"He had a runny nose, a little cough, I just thought that he had a cold." My Mum said, stroking Harry's little curls as he was asleep in the hospital cot.
"They are all symptoms of Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV." The doctor said as he was looking at Harry. I don't even know what RSV was is.
"What is it?" I asked. Harry looked ill, his cheeks where red and his curls where sticking to his little sweaty head.
"RSV is an infection of the lungs and breathing passages, it is common with children around his age and is extremely contagious, the signs and symptoms are just like a regular cold, it normally clears up in two weeks, but given Harry has only got one lung and a half, it could take up to several weeks to clear. He'll have to stay in the hospital so we can monitor him and if it gets any worse we'll have to put him on a breathing machine, but he's in the best care and we'll look after him." Doctor Paul said. Mum was nodding and Dad had his arm around her.
"He'll be ok, Mum." I said to her and she hugged me. "But if it is contagious wouldn't it affect us being around him?"
"In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill." Paul said. I nodded. "So, you'll be fine. But in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system, RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses. Luckily, Harry is a healthy boy and he should be fine."
"Mum, can I go Taylor's?" I asked and she nodded. I gave them quick hugs and grabbed my arm.
"I don't want my other baby getting ill too, and Dad and I are going to be at the hospital a lot, so if you wanted you can stay at Taylor's until Harry is home again." She said and I smiled and hugged her.
"I can still visit him, right?" I asked and she nodded. Dad handed me some money and told me if I needed anymore just ask. I gave them both a hug and walked out. As much as I wanted to stay I couldn't, Harry was so frail and I didn't want to watch him get worse and I think my parents knew that.
Me: Am I ok staying at yours? Family problems.
I put my phone away and went to the bus stop to get the bus, obviously. My phone vibrated and I waited until I got off the bus to actually answered it. I don't want to get mugged. I got off the bus and walked to my house to get some clothes and all that. I checked my phone.
Ashton: Sure... Need to talk?
Me: Rather not. I'll be round when you're home, thank you.
Ashton: Want me to pick you up?
Me: I need to have some alone time, I want to walk.
Ashton: Ok Beautiful, see you later.
Me: Bye.
»«
I knocked on his house door, with my two large bags and my laptop. He answered it and I walked in and sat down. He smiled at me so I smiled back.
"Do you need anything?" He asked.
"Do you have a spare room?" I asked.
"I thought you could share with me...." He said rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'll take the couch." I said and nodded.
"Why are you being like this with me?" He asked.
"My little brother has been rushed into hospital, I'm sorry if I'm not all 'Rainbows and Puppies!' I shouted and screamed in a pillow.
"Why are you so angry?" He asked. He needs to stop now.
"I'm sorry." I said and stood up, walking over to him and he hugged me. "I'm just scared for him."
"Did the Doctors say he'll be fine?" He asked and I nodded. "Then trust them." He planted a kiss on my forehead.
"Do you still love me?" I asked.
"Nah, I've found another student to fall in love with." He chuckled.
"You're an idiot." I laughed. He let go of me and walked to the couch and patted it. I sat next to him with my legs over his.
"Do you still love me?" He asked.
"More than life, its self." He said and kissed me. He had his hands on my waist as he flipped us so he was on top. I turned my head and looked away. "Did I do something wrong?"
"I'm just a little tired." I said and he nodded. I sat up and he walked out and into the kitchen. I got out my phone.
Taylor: Have you died?
I laughed at that message, I can't believe I forgot about Taylor. I texted her back and Ashton walked in with some mugs with hot steam coming from the top.
"Who you texting?" He asked and I told him Taylor.
Me: Yush.
Taylor: I'm talking to a ghost, Wow! New experiences!
Me: Shuddup, Princess!
Taylor: Where are you anyway? School is off for two weeks, how fucking cool is that?
Me: What? When did this happen? Home.
Taylor: The head just sent an email around saying that the school is under construction so it's being closed for two weeks.
Me: Fuck yes! Want to do something tomorrow? Go to the cinema, get ice cream, go to that fair that just opened!?
Taylor: All of the above, I'd love too.
Me: I'll text you tomorrow, ily.
Taylor: ily2
"Did you know the school has been closed?" I asked Ashton.
"Yeah, I just got an email." He said sipping on his coffee. I sipped on my coffee too, I was staring at him.
"You're not a virgin, right?" He asked and I spit my coffee. I wiped my mouth and started to laugh while looking at home.
"What if I was?" I asked.
"Then, I'd help you." He smirked.
"Luckily, I'm not, so you can go help someone else." I laughed and he chuckled. Then there was this awkward silence.
"Will we ever have sex?" He asked. I just looked at him.
"Ashton, we're not even dating?" I said with a confused look on my face.
"Then date me, I'll take you to bed." He smirked again and kissed my cheek. I pushed his hand away and stood up.
"Is that all you want me for? Sex! I should've known, you're a teacher, my teacher, this is wrong. I'm going." I said with tears in my eyes, I stood up and grabbed my bags, walking out the door and slamming it.
"Kayleigh?" I heard someone say as I looked up and saw Mr Shaw. Fuck!
"Sir?" I said.
"What are you doing here?" He asked. I gulped pretty loud.
"I was on my way to Taylor's and I just wanted to hand my homework to Mr Irwin." I lied to him.
"I don't have time for your excuses, don't let me catch you near this house again." He shouted and walked in the house.
a s h t o n
"Kayleigh, I'm sorry for coming on too strong, I'll wait." I said walking to the door as I heard it closed. I'm glad she's back. I didn't want to look at her and see the disappoint, I wanted to just kiss her and make her weak at the knees. I walked over and kissed her. "When did you grow a tash?"
I opened my eyes to see my Dad standing there, in shock staring at me. Well... Awkward is an understatement.
"What is going on with you and that little school girl?" He asked. I walked away and sat in the front from on the sofa.
"I love her, Dad." I said and he just shook his head at me.
"Ashton, you don't know what love is." He said. That really annoys me. Who gives other people the rights to say they don't know what love is. It's different for anyone.
"I want Mum!" I shouted. I felt like a child, asking for my mother.
"Well, tough luck, she's back in Australia." He shouted and I nearly cried. Why did I have to move down here with a Dad I barely knew.
"I'm going to book a flight back there, I miss Harry, Lauren, Michael, Luke and Calum." I said and ran upstairs to pack my stuff.
"You're not a child now, you can't keep running off!" He shouted.
"Watch me!" I shouted back and grabbed my bags together and went online to book a flight back to Sydney.
"What about your little school girl, you're having an affair with." He said and I pressed book. I forgot about Kayleigh.
"She can come with me." I said.
"She's a child, do you think she's going to leave her family?" He asked.
"I do!"
"But you're stronger than she is." He said and I ordered another ticket just incase she wanted to come. I grabbed my phone and texted Kayleigh. I was so glad that she unblocked me.
Me: Kayleigh, I'm going to pick you up from Taylor's, we need to talk.
Kayleigh: How did you know where I was?
Me: You're not a girl of many mystery.
Kayleigh: Ashton I don't want to talk.
Me: I just kissed my dad thinking it was you, We need to talk.
Kayleigh: If I had a drink I would've spat it out.
Me: Please can we talk? This is serious.
Kayleigh: Ashton, no...
Me: I just want to let you know I'm going back to Australia.
Kayleigh: Come and pick me up then. We need to talk.
Me: I'll be five minutes.
I grabbed my coat and keys, I pushed passed my dad and got in the car.
"I want to let you know how pathetic you look!" He shouted as I stuck my middle finger at him out the window. I drove to Taylor's, don't ask me how I know where she lives. I stopped outside and she ran out with her bags. She got in the car and I drove somewhere more quiet.
"Why are you leaving?" She asked.
"I miss my family and friends." I said and she nodded.
"I'm going to miss you." She said. I hugged her and kissed the top of her head.
"Do you want to come with me?" I asked. She looked at me. She pulled back from my hug and stared at me.
"My family is here, they won't let me go." She said.
"Run away with me."
"Have you been drinking? I'm seventeen." She said and grabbed her bags and got out the car. "Goodbye Ashton." She said, tears streaming down her face.
"Goodbye Kayleigh." I said and drove off. I can't believe I'm leaving her here. In England. I drove to the airport and looked at the plane times. The flight to Sydney was ready and everyone was rushing. I went to the desk and gave them the reference number for my tickets. I got handed two tickets.
I took my seat on the plane. There wasn't many people on the plane, it was nice and quiet atmosphere. I was ready to be back home with my family and friends.
»«
I turned my phone back on as I got off the plane and saw I had two new messages.
Dad: I've got your car, thanks for the spare key. I'm going to miss you.
I rolled my eyes and went on to checking my other message that I had. It was Kayleigh, my heart hurt as I read the message out loud.
Kayleigh: Please don't go, I love you. Please Ashton, don't leave me. Please, please, please.
Too late.