Brian’s PoV

“Dude, I do not trust that Ticca guy...” I said, shaking my head. “Especially because he’s alone with Ashlynn.”

“Maybe you should check on her.” Matt said as he attached the crash symbol onto its stand.

“Yeah. We can finish this up by ourselves.” Johnny assured me while he tightened the bolt on top of the high-hat.

Suddenly, I heard a faint scream that was cut off abruptly. My eyes widened.

“Ashlynn, are you ok?” I yelled. No response. I was starting to get worried until I heard her faint reply.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just saw another cockroach is all.”

I sighed out of relief and laughed under my breath. I continued working on setting up the drum set, but my mind kept returning to when I kissed Ashlynn. Was that really the right move? I thought worriedly. I hope it didn’t freak her out... I couldn’t help myself. She really is gorgeous. I smiled. Was I in love again? Ever since Michelle and I got divorced last August, I never was the same. Everyone could see it. I didn’t laugh as much. I rarely ever smiled anymore. I didn’t want to hang out with the guys as much. I would just stay locked up in my room, thinking about her, moping about her, crying myself to sleep over her. My fists clenched. I can’t be thinking about Michelle anymore. I... I have Ashlynn now, right? She makes me... happy. More than Michelle ever did...

Suddenly, a new thought invaded my head. I could not stop thinking about the way Ashlynn had screamed. The way it was cut off like that... It’s almost like someone cut her off on purpose... My worry started to build and build until I could not take it anymore.

“Okay, I’m really worried about her. I’m gonna go upstairs and check.” I resolved.

“Good timing. We just finished setting it up. We’ll go with you.” Zacky said, placing the drumsticks on the drum throne. I led the way upstairs with the other three close behind me. I stopped abruptly in the doorway. Ashlynn was not there on the couch, and neither was Ticca.

“Ashlynn!” I called, getting anxious. I looked down and noticed that the rug leading up the stairs was scrunched up, like someone was running from something. My eyes widened and I bolted up the stairs toward the hallway of the bedrooms, the other three right behind me. “Ashlynn!” I yelled again. No response. All the doors to the rooms were open, except for mine. I grabbed the handle but it was locked. I knew she was in there.

“She’s in there, I know it!” I yelled to Matt. “Help me break the door down!” All four of us began kicking at the door until it splintered. I gave it one final kick and the door shattered. I stormed into the room and grabbed Ticca by the back of the neck and flung him off of Ashlynn and into a wall.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” I screamed, three inches from his face. I did not wait for an explanation. I grabbed around his throat and started punching his face as hard as I could until my hand was covered in his blood. None of the guys tried to stop me. “Get the fuck outta here! Never come back! I swear to God, if I see you again, you’re gonna regret every single fucking moment of your worthless excuse of a life!” I couldn’t stop punching his face. Eventually, Matt had to grab my arm and pull me away from Ticca before I killed him. Zacky and Johnny grabbed each of Ticca’s arms and dragged him forcefully out of the room.

I rushed over to Ashlynn’s side. She let out a scream and I took a step back so I wouldn’t scare her. “Ash? It’s me, Brian, remember?” I said softly, grabbing my shirt from the floor and offering it to her. She took it hesitantly and put it back on. I sat on the bed next to her and placed my hand on her knee. Ashlynn looked down at my hand, then into my eyes.

“Brian... he...” She started but I placed my index finger on her lips. Tears welled up in her eyes as she buried her face in my shoulder.

Tears glistened in my eyes as well. I wrapped my arms around her and whispered, “It’s gonna be okay. He’s not going to hurt you anymore. I promise.” Tears were now flowing freely down Ashlynn's face. I wiped them away and kissed her gently on the lips. Ashlynn was now my responsibility. I was her protector. And I knew for certain now: I love her.