Page 46 of Ashton

“This place is interesting,” Ash whispers as we take our seats.

I nod, agreeing, taking in the small raven carvings along the stage. “Yeah, you could say that again.”

“I thought Prescott would’ve been here before us.” Ash swings around, looking at the doors.

It is a little strange. “Maybe he’s in the back with Jinx.”

“That would make sense. He is the Dean, after all. But where is Mom?”

I take in the room. She should’ve been here by now, too.

“I swear if they are in the bathroom having sex, I’m gonna barf.” Ash covers his mouth.

“I highly doubt that. Prescott looked serious when he kicked her out. I don’t think he’s getting his rocks off in the bathroom in a music hall.”

“True. She’s probably giving Roan a blowjob.”

Fuckin’ Roan.

The lights dim, and the curtains close. “Maybe we should’ve texted them.”

Ash shrugs. “Sucks to be them. Good parents would’ve been here before the kids.”

That’s the thing. Prescott is a good parent unless he’s staying with Jinx until she goes on. This is a big thing for her. Von is a dickhead for not choosing her. He shouldn’t be allowed to teach here; sleeping with your students is disgusting. Then again, I’m sleeping with my step-sister, but it’s worth it. And I guess if Prescott divorces my mother, Jinx won’t be my stepsister; she’ll just be Jinx.

The first pair takes the stage, and it’s a violin and some other loud and annoying instrument you blow into. I don’t think my ears are going to last until Maddox and Jinx take the stage. I need a fuckin’ joint.

“I’ll be back. I need a quick breather.”

“Be quick. I don’t know when they’re coming on.”

Iduck between each person in our row, getting a few angry looks. I glare back at the old lady in the last seat when she doesn’t move.

“A heart attack is in your future. I’ll manifest it for you.”

Her eyes widen with shock as I leave. I don’t have time for petty people, and this school is filled with them. I know I’m an asshole, but only to those that deserve it, and that’s mostly every person I encounter.

This place makes me insane; stepping outside in the cool air feels perfect. I dig the joint out of my pocket and light it. This will make the evening more tolerable, or even this text I have to send.

Me: Where are you? You wanted this to be a stupid family event and can’t even show up. Typical.

What I really wanted to say to her was quit sucking Roan’s dick and get over here. But that would be pointless. I take one more puff and put my joint out. Ash would be pissed if I missed Jinx on stage. I would be, too, and I wanna see Maddox play. It’s his second chance up there tonight.

This time, the old lady moved for me, I guess she doesn’t wanna die. If only I held that power. Ashton rolls his eyes when I sit.

“God, this sucks. Are my ears bleeding? Give me that joint. Half of these people probably wouldn’t mind getting stoned.”

I stifled a laugh, and he was probably right. “It can’t be that bad.” Two chicks are on stage, and one is playing the violin.

“How much longer do you think?” he asked with a curl to his lip.

“I’m not sure. Jinx didn’t know either. But I’m hoping it’s soon. I sent a message to Mother, but she never did reply.”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t surprise me, to be honest. She never did care about this shit. Not sure why we should be bothered by it now.”

He’s right. She’s always been a flaky mother. I’m sure that’s why our father never came around after a while. He didn’t want to deal with her, and Ash and I suffered because of it. I’m sure she doesn’t even care that we grew up without a father. Just all her boyfriends coming and going. Prescott has been the longest relationship, and in the beginning, I hated him and figured he would be like every other guy. He’s the only one who cares about our future.

The curtains close, letting my ears get some rest.

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