Chapter 46 - Protecting Her

Ashton's POV

I can feel the pain, and I want to beg Megan to listen to me because I don't want us to break up. But I could see the sadness on her face, and I could tell she needed a break from me. I agreed that we break up, but I told her I would do my best to show her that I loved her, and I would do everything I could to win her back. And I don't care if I need to beg Lauren, but I want her to stop bothering my girl so she can have a peaceful high school life. And I am willing to do everything I can to have Megan back.

When we left Astikoz hills, I didn't talk with her again because I didn't want to look pitiful. As of the moment, Megan told me there is nothing I can do that will change her mind, and because I love Megan, I give her what she wanted, and I understand all of this happened because of her brother and Isabelle. And I hate my dad for meddling in my sister's love life. I know the big difference in our lifestyle, and I wonder why it affects my dad's stature if we associate with someone who doesn't fit in our society.

When we arrived on her driveway, I wanted to kiss her and hug Megan one more time, but I controlled myself because I was afraid I would not let her go until she would take me back as her boyfriend again. I drive away from her place without taking a second glance because I am afraid I will turn around and cry in front of Megan. It would be embarrassing for me if I did that.

"Hey, why do you look like that after meeting your girlfriend," Zachary said the moment I got inside his room. I didn't go home right away because I needed to talk with my best friend, especially this time.

"My ex-girlfriend," I responded, and his eyes got so big that he stood up from his bed.

"What???" He asked, and I nodded my head, and I released a heavy sigh.

"But why?" My best friend asked, and I followed him as we went to the balcony of his room, and we had the same view, my room is also on the city side. We can see the beautiful lights that are glistening below us. The overlooking idea was terrific, and it will always take my breath away. And I remember Megan. I know she also loves the view she can see on my balcony.

"I don't know, Zach, maybe because I was a jerk and because of family pressure. I know I hurt her during Lauren's party, and I already told Megan I was sorry about it, and I told her everything." I said to Zach as I sat beside him. I could say Zachary is on his way to sleep because he was only wearing boxer shorts and a sleeveless tank top. In contrast, I am still on my jeans and varsity jacket.

"I think you should give her what she wants, Ashton. Don't worry, and I can tell Megan will come around." Zach responded, and I laughed.

"I don't think so, Zach. You know Megan, she was far different from those girls who throw themselves at me. She will never do that, and I know she will do everything she can to avoid me." I declared.

"And that is the reason why I came here tonight because I need your help," I added.

"How am I going to help you when your charm didn't even work on her." He responded.

"I want to ask for advice from you, and maybe you will have an idea on how I can convince her that I am really into her. After what happened at Lauren's place, it feels like she closed her heart for me." I said, feeling so defeated.

"Well, all I can say, right now, maybe you should stay aware of her, make her miss you. And it would help if you asked your fans to stay away from Megan, and to do that, I think you need to start with Lauren. You should stop seeing her." Zach replied.

"I know, but I needed Lauren's help, and she told me she would help me," I said.

"It seems to me she wasn't helping you at all," Zachary said.

"And I think she will do the opposite, Ashton. Lauren will tell you she will help you, but she will do everything to have you back. Instead of staying away from you, I know she will try to get closer to you and seduce you all the way she can. So, you better stay away from Lauren, no offense, I know your family is close because of your dad, and Lauren was also your friend while you were growing up, but I know how much your ex hated Megan. Therefore I could say she will never help you because Lauren will always be in love with you. And that is why you need to stay away from her as possible." Zach said, and I got so confused since I could tell Lauren was sincere when I begged her to help me.

"Okay, I will try to do that, and thank you, Zach," I said.

"Don't worry, I will help you find a way to win back Megan's heart, and I know it will never be easy, Ashton, and do you know that I want to laugh right now?" He asked, and I looked at him as I tried to understand what he was talking about since I got so confused.

"And why?" I asked.

"Because who could have thought that the most handsome and popular guy in school would have this kind of dilemma. And this is epic." He said, and I shook my head.

"You know that I am having a hard time, and I couldn't believe you would laugh at me. I know Megan Corteza turned my life upside down, but I will never give up on her, Zach, since I want her to be the mother of my children." I said, and my best friend laughed hysterically, and then he looked so horrified.

"Are you serious? You are talking about having children with Megan when you still need to study college and become a professional football player." Zach said.

"Yeah, but I want Megan to be the one. I don't know how to explain this to you, Zach. But I can feel it that Megan is the one for me." I said, and Zach's face softened.

"Wow! I couldn't believe you would be telling me this. It is still early, and there will be many things that will happen along the way, Ashton. And there is a possibility that you will break her heart again if ever you will get back together." Zachary said, and I smiled at him as I got up since it was very late and I needed to go home since we still have class tomorrow.

"I know about that, Zach, and I want Megan to be in my life whatever it takes.

"Well, I am happy that I realized you are not playing with her heart," Zach said, and I raised my eyebrow.

"I am sorry, Ashton. I know I doubted your intentions towards Megan; that is why I hit you when Lauren revealed the truth." He said, and I couldn't believe my best friend didn't also believe me.

"Don't worry, I understand you, Zach. I know you like Megan too, and thank you that you gave way for me to court her." I said.

"No problem. Besides, I am aware that I could never compete with you." He said, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling at my best friend, and after saying good night to him, I left his room, and I went home, and I can still feel the heaviness of my heart.

I tried to avoid Megan the following day even if I wanted to sit beside her during our first period since I wanted to give her the freedom she wanted. I sat at the back so I would not be tempted to get closer to her, but I never expected Lauren to sit beside me, and when Megan got inside our classroom, I could see the sadness on her face the moment our eyes met. And I hate that I like it that she was hurting because it only means she still wants me. 

The entire week passed on a blur, and I didn't approach Megan the whole week. I was afraid she would push me away, and then I didn't want her to think that I was hardheaded. Besides, we had practice, and I needed to concentrate on our game, but never in a day did I not think about her. I find it so hard to sleep every night because I keep on thinking about Megan.

I already asked Isabelle's help, but she only made it worse by telling me I should avoid Megan because we would only get hurt in the end. I also asked my brothers to help me find ways to convince Megan that I am really in love with her.

Saturday came, and everyone was excited about the game. I know Megan will never watch our game since she was always busy with her part-time jobs, and it hurts me to think that she will be at Lauren's house today cleaning instead of enjoying her life with her friends. And that is why I asked Lauren to ride with me going to the game. I even asked her to come early to our house so she won't bother Megan, and tonight I want to ask everyone to have a party in our place since I know my parents will be spending time at the harbor sleeping in one of our yachts. And I know this is the only way Lauren can't hurt Megan. I need to take her away from her mansion, so she will not give Megan a hard time.

I realized Zach was right, and my ex will never stop hurting the girl I love; that is why, while I was still thinking about ways to win back Megan's heart, I will do everything I can to protect her from Lauren.