Chapter 11:
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I wiped a tear from my eye and sighed.
"Uh-oh. What brought on the waterworks? It's that Josh guy right!" Nikola said walking into the room. Like she cared!
"No, it's this story it's sooo sad" I said pointing to the script.
"Not that I care, but what's it about?" She asked sitting down opposite me.
I was quite surprised by this. It's the nicest she's been to me yet!
I started to explain "It's about these September 11th. And follows the lives of these two sisters who's father dies in the towers..."
Nikola's face paled considerably and she looked as if she was gonna cry. "Cool" She said getting up and practically running into her room then closing the door.
What was that about???
---Josh---
The teacher was droning on about something. I wouldn't know what. I glanced over at Ashley. Her head was to the side and she was writing something in her notebook. I noticed how her hair was like a shower of gold falling down over her shoulders. What am I thinking? This is Ashley! Man, I gotta stop staring at her.
---Ashley---
I saw Josh looking at me. I glanced over at him questioningly. He just shook his head. He had this majorly goofy expression. It was kinda cute actually. What am I thinking? This is Josh! I gotta start concentrating on the lesson, forget obnoxious (but cute) study partners!
---
I got up from my seat and started walking out when Shane a boy from my class handed me an invitation
"I'm having a party this weekend the address is in side" He told me then walked over to the next person.
Josh walked past and Shane handed him an invitation. I groaned. Nope, forget that, I'm not going if Josh is.
"Hey, need some help with your books?" Josh asked walking over to me.
I looked at him as if he was insane "You ok?" Since when does he OFFER?!
"I'm fine" he said with a smile, "Why wouldn't I be?"
"You're being nice to me"
"Well, I figure we'll never get anywhere if we keep arguing. So lets, for the sake of passing this year, agree to at least pretend to be nice to each other?"
"Ok" I agreed with a smile.
He looked down at his invitation then at me.
"Yeah?" I prompted.
"Are you going to this party?" He asked, pretending to be casual.
What on earth?!? Is he gonna ask me?
"I dunno I was thinking about it, why?"
---Josh---
"Well since you're going and I'm going it would be silly for us not to go together" I said to her
She raised an eyebrow as she considered "Yeah, it would wouldn't it?" She looked like she was hiding a smile.
"Pick you up at 7?" I asked
"Ok" she said with a smile.
---Ashley---
What am I doing? What am I doing? I'm crazy! What's wrong with me? Why am I going to a party with Josh?
And...
Oh NO!
What am I going to wear?
Wait a minute, that sounded wrong. I DON'T care what Josh thinks of my appearance, I just you know wanna look nice... Ok?
---
Half an hour later, clothes were strewn all over the place. And I was no closer to finding an outfit I liked.
"What did you say you were doing tonight?" Nikola asked casually leaning against the doorframe.
"Going to a party" I answered warily.
"Uh-huh, and who with?"
"Josh"
"Wait, Wait- Rewind! I thought you and josh Hated each other"
"Well, we decided to be civil to each other"
"Since when does being civil involve dates?" She asked then walked off, leaving me there with a an unanswered question.
Since when does being civil involve going to parties together?
Chapter 12:
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---Josh---
I had to admit I was rather nervous about this whole party thing and by the time I was knocking on Ashley's door, I wanted to run to my room and hide under the bed.
NIkola answered the door.
"Hi" I said
"I'll get her" was the only response I got. She snapped her chewing gum and turned around "ASHLEY!" She yelled. I winced.
"Coming" Ashley said and walked into the room.
"Wow!" I said
---Ashley---
"You ok?" I asked Josh
He had just been staring at me without saying a word and I had to admit he did look cute......ok make that very cute. I was certain Nikola was rolling her eyes behind me.
"Who me? um I'm fine" Josh replied with some difficulty.
---Josh---
This is just great! I'm starting the night off perfectly by staring at her? What is wrong with me. This is Ashley!
"Ready to go?" I managed to ask.
"Yeah" Ashley told me as she grabbed her purse "Bye Nikola" and we walked out the door.
---Ashley---
"You look really nice" Josh said to me as we were driving down the road to the party. He hadnt stopped staring at me since we left it was starting to freak me out!
I laughed at him "Watch the road"
"Oh yeah I am" he looked at the road and about two minutes later he was looking at me... AGAIN!
"Josh" I told him "JOSH ITS A ONE WAY ROAD!"
"What? AHHHH!!!" he yelled as I screamed
He turned the wheel and slammed on the brakes once we were off the road
---Josh---
I'm such and idiot, I'm such and idiot!
"Are you ok?" I asked Ashley nervously.
"I'm fine but you almost KILLED us!!" she screamed at me "Lets just turn around and go to the party ok?"
I said nothing and turned around like she had asked. She turned to me like she was waiting for me to throw some sarcastic remark at her but I said nothing. We went to the party the rest of the way in silence
We walked into the party and were greeted by surprised stares. I guess everyone was wondering why on earth we were going to a party together. Our dislike for each other was well known around the university.
"Look at their faces" Ashley whispered to me.
"They don't know what to think" I whispered back "This is fun"
"Lets go with it" Ashley said with a mischevous smile. "wanna dance?"
I was kind of confused when I saw that everyone was slow dancing. Now I get it!
We went out to the floor to dance
I put my arms around her waste and she put her arms around my neck and rested her head on my shoulder.
I was trying to remember how to dance but I couldn't think about much except her.
"Ow, my toe!" She yelped once to me but we kept dancing.
I have this really pretty girl in my arms. I see her everyday. Why isn't she my girlfriend?
Oh yeah, she's Ashley!
We danced pretty much the whole evening. Until someone came and cut in. I walked over to the wall and leaned against it. I was quite surprised at how much I missed having her in my arms.
---Ashley---
I couldn't believe it. I'd been dancing with Josh all evening, and now when we stop I miss him!
"I'm gonna go get a drink" I told the guy I'd been dancing with. While I was getting one, Josh came up to me.
I suddenly felt as nervous as a schoolgirl who's crush was actually going to talk to her.
"Having fun?" He asked
I let out a shaky breath "Yeah" I tried to smile.
"Are you ok?" He asked. And reached over to carefullly tuck a strand of hair behind me air.
My eyes opened wide. What was that?
"Yeah, I'm fine" I said, hopefully believably.
Chapter 13:
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I'd been relaxing in my room when the phone rang.
"Hello?" I answered it.
"Michael?" It was my mum and by the sound of it she was crying.
"Mom, what's wrong?" I felt my heartrate quicken.
"It's your brother, he was in an accident"
"What?! Is he ok" I sat down on the sofa before I collapsed.
"No,.. honey, he didn't make it"
And it was then my world fell down around me.
---Mary-Kate---
I was sitting at my desk doing home work when i heard a knock at the door i figured Mel could get it
I heard crying "Mary-Kate come here"
I walked in the room to see Micheal sitting on our couch crying with Melanie patting his back
I rushed over to him "Micheal whats wrong!?!"
"Its....Its my brother"he started
"Whats happened?"
"He's dead" He told me I reached over to hug him and we sat there for what seemed like forever, him just crying
---Josh---
I cant believe this I think... I think I have a crush on Ashley!
---Ashley---
I'd been dancing with this guy when I noticed Josh sitting on the sofa all by himself. He looked kind of lonely so I went over to him.
"Hey whats wrong?" I asked him as I plopped down on the sofa
It looked as if his face brighted when he saw me
"Nothing" he said unbelievebly.
"Oh come on" I poked him playfully "You can tell me!"
---Josh---
I don't know why but I just totally lost my temper.
"JUST LEAVE IT WILL YOU" I shouted.
The entire room went silent.
"Fine" Ashley said. She looked like she was trying not to cry. She got up and started to walk away.
"Where are you going?"
"Home"
"I'll give you a ride."
"It's ok. I'll get a taxi"
And with that she left. Man did I ever feel lower then low.
---Ashley---
I stormed out the door and started down the stairs. A few minutes later I heard hurried footsteps behind me.
"Josh-" I started
"It's not Josh"
I turned around to see a guy I'd danced with earlier.
"Oh, Hi" I said.
"Hey, I'm David" The Guy said.
"Hi, David"
"I've got my car here. Would you like a ride?"
"Sure"
We walked out to his car talking all the way.
I know what you're thinking. Real dumb to get in a car with a person you don't know. But, I did sorta know David. We had a few classes together and had talked before just hadn't been formally introduced.
---Micheal---
"I have to go home his funnerel will be next weekend" I managed to say when I stopped crying.
---
"Hey Mum" I said getting of the train and going over to hug her. She hugged me back.
"I'm glad you could come home" She said
"Me too"
---
The funeral was hideously sad as was the entire trip. I was in a sad/mad mood when Mary-Kate rung a few days later.
"How are you doing?" She asked.
"Fine" I said shortly.
"We really miss you"
"Yeah"
"Well, um.. I better go"
She obviously didn't know what to say in the fact of my bad mood.
"Bye" she said.
"Bye" And with that I hung up.
Chapter 14:
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I was kind of upset after talking to Michael so I went to see Ashley. She was on the phone when I got there.
"Oh, Hey David. Mary-Kate just walked in. I gotta go..K, Bye" She hung up. "What's the matter?" She asked immediately.
I smiled, greatful for a sister who could always tell what I was feeling.
"I just talked to Michael... I'm really worried about him.. and our relationship" I said near tears.
"Aw, Mary-Kate" Ashley said hugging me.
---
A week later my worst fears came true. Michael came back. But it wasn't the same Michael I'd known, and tho I hadn't admitted to anyone, fallen in love with. He barely talked and was always in a bad mood. I tried not to get mad at him when he snapped at me, I knew he was really hurting and hiding it under the anger. But, after a few weeks I decided I couldn't take it anymore. He needed help, the kind I couldn't give him. And, I needed a break.
"Michael" I said brushing some hair out of his face. He looked at me, but it was like he wasn't seeing me. Like, he was looking at something else "Michael... I think you need help, to go to a psychiatrist or something"
He shook his head and looked away.
"Michael please"
He continued to look away. This wasn't the first time I'd asked him and I always got this reaction.
"Ok then. I'm sorry, but I can't go on like this. I think we need to take a break from each other"
He his head spun around and he looked at me in shock that soon turned to anger.
"Fine" he said. He got up walked out of the room and slammed the door so hard the room shook.
I sat down on the sofa and started to cry. Melanie who'd been in her room and heard the whole thing came in and hugged me.
"It'll be ok" she said. Though I tried I couldn't believe her.
---Ashley---
Josh and I had had a few weeks apart since our teacher was sick and the school couldn't find him a replacement. But, now he'd recovered and it was Josh and I's first study session. Needless to say I was very nervous! I was also kind of worried about Mary-Kate. She'd been pretty down since she and Michael broke up. I arrived at the boys dorm took a deep breath then went in.
I didn't bother knocking, just walked straight into the dorm. Josh was sitting at the table copying something from one piece of paper to another.
"What are you doing?" I asked walking over to take a look. He didn't need to answer. I knew now.
I looked at him. Not believing he'd stoop this low, then ran out the door.
"Ash, Wait!" I heard him call after me. I kept running.
I got outside the building and felt cool rain falling. I didn't care I just kept running.
"Ashley!" By the sound of his voice he was right behind me. Suddenly a hand clasped onto my arm. I tried to shake it off but it was too strong.
"Ashley, look at me" He said. I glanced at him but didn't look him in the eye. "I'm sorry! I didn't know you'd worry so much! We wouldn't have passed otherwise! I was desperate"
"I can't believe you'd sink to cheating. Do you realize how much trouble you could get yourself and ME in?! We could be expelled!"
"I'll just tell them you weren't involved"
"Like they'll believe that!" I shook his arm off and stalked away.
"Ashley! Please?"
"What do you want me to do?" I yelled over my shoulder "Pretend it isn't happening?"
"No,... I don't know" He cought up with me again "What do you want me to do?"
"Stop" I said firmly.
His face paled. "Ok" he said quietly.
"What?" He wouldn't do that would he?
"If that's what you want"
Ok, now I was TOTALLY confused. Since when did Josh do something for the sole reason that I wanted him to? Hello, he usually made a point of doing the opposite! I spun around and walked off. Fighting back tears. Why was I crying? I have no clue. Thankfully it was raining so Josh didn't realise.
Josh grabbed my arm, again. "Ashley, please talk to me"
I spun around to face him and the next thing I knew, we were kissing! His hands gently cupping my face. I don't know who kissed who, all I knew was that I was kissing him back!
Then almost as if we suddenly realised what we were doing, who we were kissing. We stopped.
I looked at him shock.
"I... uh,...I..." He looked like a goldfish gulping for air. I turned and ran yet again. This time he didn't follow.
Chapter 15:
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I'd been crying in my room for about 10 minutes when Nikola knocked on the door. "Some girl here to see you" she said twirling her gum around her finger.
I walked into the main room. "Melanie? What are you doing here?"
"It's Mary-Kate, She's been in an accident"
The world was spinning. I felt like I was gonna collapse "WHAT?!?!"
"I dont know what happend I just got a call we have to get to the hospital now!" Melanie said quickly as I ran and got my coat.
While riding in the car I called my mom "Hello?" She asked.
"Mom!" I almost said 'mommy' something I hadn't said in years.
"Ashley how are you?" She asked me.
Not even taking a breath I said "Mom there's no time to talk. Mary-Kate was in an accident. I dont know what happend, Mary-Kate's room-mate just came and told me. We are on the way to the hospital and I'll call you as soon as I hear anything. Tell everyone else please and dont worry, I love you bye!" I hung up, I didn't even want to hear what my Mom had to say, all I felt like doing was crying, which is what I did.
Melanie and i got to the hospital she dropped me off and i ran in as she parked the car
I ran to the front desk "Hello did a girl name Mary-Kate Olsen come in here?"
"Mary-Kate Olsen? Yes, she did. Are you family?"
Duh were twins! i thought about saying but just nodded my head.
---Josh---
I dont know what happend but some how I found my self standing outside Ashleys room. I needed to talk to her.
I knocked on the door and ashleys room-mate opened the door.
"Oh, hi Josh, Ashleys not here"
"Well were did she go?" I asked.
"Something about Mary-Kate being in an accident, and they went to the hospital"
Mary-Kate was in an accident? We werent that close in fact i had only met with here about 2 times, but I decided to go for support. I went back to my dorm and yelled for micheal.
"What!?!" He screamed, man was he in a bad mood as always but this time it was worse.
"Come on man. Mary-Kate was in an accident were going to the hospital!" I told him.
He looked as if he would pass out he had been threw so much lately and this made it worse
---Ashley---
I'd been sitting in the waiting room for about 15 minutes, waiting for news. When surprise, surprise in walked Josh. At that moment the last person I wanted to see, but he turned out to be the person I needed.
He came over and sat by me he looked at the ground then at me then at the ground again "Sorry" He finally said
"For what?" I asked him even though I could name a million things he could be sorry for.
"For everything" he said. He was speaking especially slow like he was having trouble finding words.
I thought about where I was and what was happening and just started crying. Josh wrapped me up in a hug and we just sat there till the doctor came out...
---Michael---
When I walked in the hospital I was still in a daze, I looked over at Josh and ashley and did a half smile.
I couldn't believe this was happening. Two people close to me in less then a month! I just hoped Mary-Kate was alright.
I looked up from my hands where my head had been. I heard the doctor talking to Ashley who was crying in Josh's arms. I walked over to see what he had to say I heard "Were very sorry" as he patted Ashley on the back
"Whats happend to her?" I asked, fearing the worse.
"She shes in...." Ashley started, but couldnt handle it.
"A coma" Josh finished for her.
I couldnt believe it i feel like my whole world is falling apart.
"I'm going for a walk" I said grabbing my jacket.
Josh looked at me worriedly "You sure you're ok?" he asked.
I could tell he wanted to come with me but he didn't wanna leave Ashley.
"I'm fine" I answered then headed out the door
I didn't know where I was going I just walked and walked until I found myself at the same playground Mary-Kate and I had gone to that day so long ago.
I sat down on our bench. And thought about what had happened the last few weeks. How I'd acted...
Ive been a jerk to everyone
Oh man, I'm an idiot. I have to tell her im sorry but how?
And,.. for the first time since I was 10. I started to cry. Something, I hadn't been able to do at my brothers funeral. It felt good to just let it all out.