Chapter 6:
The phone rang insistently. I sighed. Why was studying so impossible all of a sudden?!?!
"Yellow!" Josh answered. He was in a weird mood. Just my luck. He smiled obviously recognizing the voice, then he looked a little worried. "Are you ok?...Ok sure I'll get him"
He covered the reciever with his hand and walked over to me, "It's Mary-Kate. She sounds really upset" he said looking concerned.
"Ok" I took the phone from him and went into my room for some privacy.
"Mary-Kate?" I asked.
"M-M-Michael!" She sobbed.
"What's wrong?" I asked gently. I sat down on my bed and cradled the phone to my ear. I was really starting to worry.
"I'm really freaking out. I saw this tv thing about this girl who died having her baby and I'm really scared" She was crying a LOT.
"Mary-Kate! Mary-Kate!" I was trying to get her to listen to me "Mary-Kate you're getting hysterical!"
"I can't help it. I'm SO scared!" She sobbed loudly.
"Mary-Kate, Where's Zac?"
"He's working on some songs with his brothers" She answered quietly, still crying though.
"Have you tried ringing him?"
"Yeah. But he wasn't really listening." She rushed to defend him "He gets like that when he's working on music. He can't really help it"
I felt a rush of anger at Zac. His wife was 7 months pregnant with her first child. She was only 21. Practically a baby herself. And he couldn't spare a minute to talk to her when she was freaking out!?
"Mary-Kate I'm going to come over ok? I don't think you should be on your own right now" I waited a moment for her to answer.
"Michael?"
"Yeah?"
"Hurry! Please!"
---Mary-Kate---
By the time Zac got home I was a lot calmer. No thanks to Zac of course. Funny, my husband wasn't there for me but my ex boyfriend was. What's wrong with this picture?
I heard the car door slam then the front door open "Mary-Kate!"
"In here" I answered a grim look on my face. Yep, I was rather annoyed
"I better be going" Michael said starting for the door. He reached it at the same time as Zac.
"Hey Man" Zac looked a little surprised "What are you doing here?"
"Your wife was a little upset earlier. Not that you'd have noticed or anything" Ok so I wasn't the only one who was annoyed "Bye, Mary-Kate" he said turning to me before disappearing out the door.
Zac turned to me, a guilty expression on his face. "Oh, Babe I'm sorry" I didn't realize you were that upset.
"I was trying to tell you but you wouldn't listen" I said sadly.
He walked over to the couch and sat down next to me "I'm sorry" he tried to wrap his arms around me but I just moved away. "Mary-Kate? Please? You know how I get when I'm working on my music!"
"Exactly why I didn't want you working on it when I need you!" I got up from the couch and started to walk away but Zac grabbed my hand and pulled me back till I was sitting next to him.
"We have to talk about this" He said "I made a dumb mistake and I'm sorry. Please forgive me?" He had such an earnest expression I felt myself caving.
I looked down at my hands.
"I'm sorry" Zac repeated. Through the corner of my eyes I could see him looking at me.
"Ok" I finally said.
He pulled me into his arms and hugged me "I love you" He whispered.
"I love you too" I whispered back.
---Melanie---
I collapsed onto my motel room couch totally exhausted. The concert had been great but a lot of work. I was glad it was finally over.
"Hey Mel can I come in?" I heard Malcolm ask from the other side of my door.
I sighed, but quietly so he wouldn't hear "Yeah" I said.
He came in and sat down next to me "Are you ok?" He asked.
I glanced at him quickly, surprise. "Of course! Why?"
"You just.. haven't been yourself today. In fact you haven't been yourself for a couple of weeks"
"I'm ok" I insisted quietly. "I'm just tired" To accentuate that point I yawned "I should probably get some sleep"
Ok HINT HINT!
He looked at me warily "Yeah. Well I'll leave you to it" He got up "But remember I'm here for you. If you want to talk about anything. Anything at all" He leaned down and kissed me then walked to the door.
"Thanks" I said quietly.
Chapter 7:
|
---Ashley---
An evening at the movies with one of my best friends. We were just friends of course! Really!
Josh and I laughed hysterically at something that had just happened on screen, however, we were the only ones. The movie was a serious... joke. If you know what I mean. A lady in front of us turned around and shushed us noisily. Which only served to make us laugh all the more.
I took another handful of popcorn and stuffed it in my mouth, forcing myself to stop laughing long enough to chew and swallow. She took a sip of her coke and tried to keep her mind on not laughing. Something that was rather difficult.
I reached for another handful of popcorn at the same time as Josh. Our hands gently brushed against each others then pulled back quickly. I glanced at Josh and our eyes seemed to be locked together. And sitting in the cinema seats we were so close together...
---Mary-Kate---
"I'll come back early" Zac promised me as he got into his car.
"You know I don't want you to go" I said looking away.
"Honey it'll be ok, It's just a couple of hours work" He tried to reassure me.
I didn't answer. The baby was due any day now. And still Zac was going to work. This was pathetic.
He sighed "Ok if that's how you want it" He closed the door, started the car and drove out the driveway.
I guess that could be classifiable as a fight.
We seem to be having those a lot lately.
---Melanie---
"You ok Mel?" Jamie asked me obviously concerned. We were just walking off stage from a concert.
"I think I need a break" I said tiredly "It feels like we've been touring for years"
"I know what you mean" Jamie said with a yawn.
Just then a pair of hands covered my eyes "Guess who!" A voice whispered into my ear.
I smiled dispite my current mood "Um,... Santa Claus?" I asked, making sure my voice sounded unsure.
"No" His breath tickled my ear.
"The Easter Bunny?" I asked chuckling
"No!" He laughed too.
"How about... Malcolm!" I said spinning around and wrapping my arms around his waist in an impulsive hug. When I pulled back I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I uh, think I'll leave you two alone for awhile" Jame said laughing.
I heard her walk away away but was too busy kissing Malcolm to see. We eventually pulled apart and Michael smiled at me "What was that about?" He asked, his arms still loosely wrapped around my waist.
I shrugged. "Just felt like doing that" I said with a shrug and smile.
"Feel free to do it anytime" he said with a grin.
---Mary-Kate---
I felt really weird.
I couldn't explain it and I'd never felt this way before. I shrugged it off and walked back into the house. I sat down on the sofa for a minute. I suddenly felt very tired. I closed my eyes wondering what this was about.
I thought for a second then opened my eyes with a start as a stab of pain ran through my body.
I was having a baby!
Chapter 8:
|
I got to the studio a little upset about what had happened with Mary-Kate. But we soon started work on the music and I was able to forget about it, totally.
When we went to have coffee I left my jacket at the studio, forgetting my cell was on it. Something I'd promised Mary-Kate I'd have with me at all times.
---Mary-Kate---
I tried to ring Zac. I tried twice but it just kept ringing. I slammed the phone down. Why wasn't he answering.
I willed myself not to panick.
Think. Who had always been there for me? Years before I met or even heard of Zac hanson?
---Ashley---
I couldn't deny it. I was going to kiss Josh. He was going to kiss me. Either way we were getting closer and closer... when my cell phone rang. I went to reach for it, but Josh put his hand over mine.
"Leave it" He whispered gently. His face was so close to mine I could feel his warm breath tickling my face.
I wanted to. I REALLY wanted to "It could be Mary-Kate" I protested weakly.
"She has Zac" He whispered. He leaned closer. And gently brushed his lips against the corner of my mouth.
He was right. Mary-Kate does have Zac. And what was happening now was something I'd been unconciously dreaming about since Josh and I broke up. My hand moved away from my cell and moved to the back of Josh's neck as I kissed him.
The phone rung a little more (it was at a low volume so no one else really heard it) then the person soon gave up and it stopped. Leaving us in peace.
Kissing in the back of a movie theatre. How Junior High. How wonderful!
---Mary-Kate---
This seemed reminiscent of a time two months ago. Only this time the fear was way more real. Zac wasn't answering his cell, neither was Ashley. Who else was there. Mel was on the other side of the world. Leaving... Michael.
Again.
Argh! What's wrong with this picture!?
---Michael---
The phone rang, it was an amazingly calm sounding Mary-Kate. Surprising since according to her she was going into labor.
"I'll come get you now" I said as soon as she told me.
I hung up the phone and ran out to my car. I'll admit it, I was REALLY mad at Zac at that moment. Talk about Loser. Mary-Kate should be able to depend on him not her ex-boyfriend.
---Ashley---
Before I knew it the movie had finished and people were filing out of the movie theatre. I pulled back a little and went to get up. But Josh pulled me back down.
"We've got a few more minutes" He whispered kissing me again.
I sighed happily and continued to kiss him. Again I lost track of the time and the next thing I knew an usher was tapping us on the shoulder and asking us to leave. I glanced around, the movie theatre was totally empty.
I blushed "Sorry" I said as we walked out.
I blinked when we walked into the lobby, as my eyes became accustomed to the light my brain seemed to turn on again. What had just happened? I'd kissed Josh. He now had his arm around my waist and we were totally acting like a couple.
Did I want this?
Lets take a look at the history of Ashley and Josh...
I had really liked being Josh's friend. He was one of the best friends I'd ever had. Who knew what would happen if we started dating again? We'd likely end up fighting so much we'd break up again.
I glanced over at him and decided. I carefully disentangled his arm from my waist "I-I.. can't" I said quietly.
He looked at me surprise and hurt showing in his eyes "What do you mean?" He asked. He understood what I was talking about. Just wanted a reason why I was breaking up with him before we'd even officially got back together.
What could I say? I'm breaking up with you cause if we start dating we'll just end up hating each other again? I'd rather have you as a friend? For some reason they all sounded really lame to me.
I felt like the worlds biggest jerk and had no idea what to say. Thankfully I didn't have to come up with the worlds best answer right then... My cellphone rang. Saved by the bell!
Looking away from Josh I took it from my pocket and held it to my ear "Hello?"
"Ashley?" It was Nikola, if the voice hadn't told me the snapping of chewing gum definitely would have.
"Yeah?" I asked warily. I take back what I said about saved by the bell. I would have preferred to talk to a firing sqad more then Nikola.
"Your sister called" Nikola said sounding bored.
"What'd she say?" I asked gripping the phone tightly and suddenly feeling nautious.
"I don't remember" Nikola said in an annoying teasing voice.
"Nikola tell me!" I was so close to shouting I think I kind of scared her. A couple walked past where I was standing, looking at me funny.
"She's going to the hospital" Nikola said "She was going into Labor"
"Which Hospital Nikola?" I said in a panicky voice.
She told me and I hung up. "Josh I-" I started turning to face him. But he was gone. I glanced around but he was nowhere in sight.
I felt horrible but I didn't have time to find him now. I raced out of the cinema and hailed a taxi.
Chapter 9:
Ok, so I freaked out.
That half an hour in the theatre (the half an hour not spent watching the movie) was probably the best half an hour of my life. I was so happy to have Ashley back. And I thought (a slight clue from the way she was kissing me) that she felt the same. But then we were walking out of the theatre and she suddenly can't stand to be around me.
What'd I do?
What'd I say?
What's wrong with me!?
I kicked a can angrily as I walked down the street. I should have learnt my lesson with Amy. Girls just weren't worth the trouble they caused!
---Michael---
I can't feel my hand! I think Mary-Kate cut of the circulation! And I can't hear anything! I really wish she'd stop yelling.
Amazingly over all the chaos I managed to hear Ashley's voice down the hallway. I managed to pry my hand from Mary-Kate's grasp and ran to the door to see Ashley talking to a receptionist a little way down the hall.
"Mary-Kate Olsen? Is she here?" She asked sounding very panicked.
"Ashley!" I called waving to her.
"Michael!" She shouted spotting me. Her face showed obvious relief and she raced over to me, "Is she ok!?" She asked quickly "Where is she?!"
"She's in there" I said pointing back into the room I'd just exited.
Just then we heard the wail of a newborn baby, coming from the same room. Ashley's eyes lit up and I could tell she was totally itching to go into the room. Thankfully the Doctor told us we could.
"Ashley!" Mary-Kate had a smile the size of Texas on her face and it miraculously grew when she saw her sister. "Come look" she said holding up the small bundle in her arms.
---Mary-Kate---
I smiled happily at the child I was holding in my arms. I showed her to Ashley "She's a girl" I said happily.
"She's beautiful" Ashley said smiling at the baby.
"She is" I agreed.
Ok, so I was unbelievably happy then, but there was just one thing that wasn't perfect. The first person to meet my daughter was my sister, And as much as I love Ashley, shouldn't she be meeting her father rather then her Aunt?
So, I asked Michael to ring Zac.
Maybe not the best idea in the world...
---Zac---
"Oh man" I forgot my cell I realized as I sat down at the table. My brothers and I had just got back from our break. I dialed up to check the voice mail. There was a message from Mary-Kate a short one where all she said was...
"Zac? ZAC! Please pick up the phone!" She then hung up but I had the feeling she was crying.
I suddenly felt really worried. I hung up, put the phone in my pocket and grabbed my coat "I better get home" I said to Ike and Tay. I raced out to my car and climbed in, Just at the phone rang again
"Hello?" I asked. So much for getting home.
"Zac?"
I knew the voice but couldn't place it, then I realized "Michael? How'd you get this number?"
"Mary-Kate. I'm calling for her"
"Oh boy. WHAT HAPPENED?" I gripped the staring wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white.
"Oh nothing much" he sounded forcefully casual and really annoyed "She just went into labor and couldn't get ahold of her brother so she had to ring me. Now what's wrong with this picture?"
"She had the baby?" I barely managed to say.
"Uh-huh, half an hour ago" He feigned shock "What? Don't say you.... actually care! Wow!"
Ok now I was angry, at him and at myself "Oh man I'm a-"
"A jerk?" He supplied interrupting me.
I sighed "yeah"
"Well I'd recommend you getting down here now!" He said angrily then hung up.
I moved the phone from my ear and looked at it in shock "Woah!"
Chapter 10:
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I reached the school and went to my dorm. Michael wasn't there which was a surprise I wonder where he is.
I glanced at my watch. I had a night class later that night.
Maybe I should just do like Michael. Bury myself in the books. Avoid girls totally.
Only problem is....
Giving up girls. Girls being one of my favorite things. And studying more. Studying being one of my least favorite things.
I don't know if I can do that!
---Zac---
I'm surprised I didn't get pulled over for speeding, I must have got to the hospital in half the time it usually would. But all I could think about was how much I'd let Mary-Kate down.
I was the worlds biggest jerk.
I can't believe I did that.
I raced into the hospital and found Ashley reading a magazine in the waiting room.
"Where is she?" I asked racing over to her.
"She's in there" Ashley said pointing to a room. I started for it "Zac wait!" She said "I need to talk to you"
Uh-oh!
---Ashley---
I was mad at Zac. I was SOOOOOO mad at him. But I guess in a way I was mad at myself. He hadn't been there for Mary-Kate but then neither had I. For all I knew it may have been an accident Zac didn't answer the phone. I blatantly ignored it. Just to kiss Josh!
"How could you do that?" I asked standing and putting my hands on my hips.
"I don't know" He said sitting down on one of the waiting room chairs. He put his head in his hands and I got the feeling he was trying not to cry.
"Zac?" I asked suddenly worried. I sat down next to him and tentatively put a hand on his should er "Are you ok?"
He looked up at me, and a tear slipped from his eye "How could I do it?" he asked me, sounding like a lost child "How could I let her down like that? What if she never forgives me?!"
"Zac" I said hugging him "Don't worry she'll forgive you. I know she will. Just... don't do this again?" I asked with a smile as I pulled back.
"No way will I ever be this dumb again"
"Good. Now go tell her that" I said giving him a small shove towards the door. "And go meet your child" I managed to catch myself I had been about to say daughter. But, that's Mary-Kate's news to tell.
---Mary-Kate---
I looked up from staring at the little girl to see Michael walk into the room
"I called him" he said handing me my cell phone "He's on his way"
In the short time Michael and I dated I got to know him pretty well and I could tell from the expression on his face something had happened with the call "What'd you say?"
"Just that you'd had the baby"
"And?" I prompted knowing there was more.
"I kinda acted surprised that he cared and said he was a jerk. But!" He started seeing my expression darken "he was about to say it I just finished the sentence for him!"
I shook my head and stroked the babies cheek "Michael!" I scolded. I was too happy to say anything more about it.
"Mary-Kate" He said earnestly "What he did was not ok. Don't let him just get away with it."
"He's my husband Michael. I'm going to forgive him" I said with a smile.
"I'm not asking you not to. Just... talk to him about it"
I smiled bigger "Don't worry Michael. I'm not stupid. I'm not happy. I love him though that's what matters. And because I love him I'm going to set up some rules about when he is and isn't around"
Michael smiled and just then there was a knock on the door. I glanced up to see Zac standing there, a sheepish, apologetic, guilty expression on his face.
"Hey" I said with a small smile.
"I'll leave you two alone" Michael said getting up and walking to the door. I could only see his back, but I got the feeling he glared at Zac as he walked out.