Chapter 11:
Ashley returned with one can of mayonaisse. Quiet interesting that she was gone for like an hour. Since when does it take that long? Must have been some lines!
---Mary-Kate---
I was walking through a dark valley, hurrying to get somewhere, only where that destination was I didn't know. Then I heard Anna cry. I tried to go to her, but I couldn't find her. I just kept running through the valley calling for her.
I woke up with a start "NO!" I screamed sitting upright in bed.
"MK, MK" Zac sat up and wrapped an arm around me. "It's ok, it was just a nightmare"
I buried my head in my hands. I hadn't been able to go through one night without a nightmare. Not since... well since it happened.
Zac wrapped me in a hug as I cried into his shoulder.
---Ashley---
Maybe life isn't as hopeless as it seems. There are other guys out there. Since.. Josh and I are really over. I guess I gotta start dating soon. When I'm ready...
---Zac---
On my request Isaac brought Anna around later that night. Mary-Kate and I had time to talk, but no matter how hard I tried to get her to talk, she wouldn't.
"Thanks man, I really appreciate it" I said as I took Anna from Ike.
"Don't worry about it" Ike said as he made a funny face at Anna which made her giggle with delite "She's always a pleasure to have around"
"Mary-Kate" I called, walking into the house a few minutes later "Anna's back"
I heard footsteps approaching, and she soon walked into the room.
"Oh my baby" she said bursting into tears as soon as she saw Anna. She rushed over to her and took her from me "My baby" she whispered again, hugging Anna tightly.
---Ashley---
I felt really concerned about Mary-Kate so I decided to call her.
"Hey Zac, how are you doing?" I asked when he answered.
"I'm ok" He sounded tired.
"Good, if you need help with anything, Josh and I are here" I said sincerely.
"Thanks Ashley"
"How's Mary-Kate?" I was almost afraid to ask.
"She's" He paused "Well, I don't really know how she is"
"Is she talking?"
"Not to me. But she's talking to Anna. And crying a lot"
I tried to hold back tears, Mary-Kate was my baby sister, I hated the thought of how much pain she must be going through.
"Do you think she's up to coming over for dinner tonight?" I asked. I don't know where the thought came from, and I didn't think about it before asking. Hmm, Josh is sure to impressed.
"Yeah, I think so. It should be good for her. What time?"
---Mary-Kate---
"Why didn't you ask me first" Were the first words I uttered to my husband in days.
"Because I knew you wouldn't want to go" Zac started.
"Then why'd you say yes!" I interrupted
"Because it'll be good for you. You need to get out of the house. Besides, don't you want to see Ashley?"
I nodded "Yeah" I said starting to cry.
He pulled me to him in a hug and patted my back.
---Josh---
"You did What?!" I yelped.
"I invited them over for dinner" Ashley said cowering a little.
"You did what!" I repeated, only I yelled this time.
Ashley backed up a little, wow she honestly looked scared of me. I forced myself to calm down.
"What time are they gonna be here?" I asked.
She whispered something.
"What?"
"7:30"
I glanced at the clock "That's in half an hour!"
She nodded.
I let out a defeated sigh "Fine. I'll go along with this. I'll pretend everythings fine. But it isn't" I said before walking out of the room.
"I know" I heard Ashley whisper behind me.
Chapter 12:
|
"Josh could you get that!" I called when the doorbell rang.
Josh grumbled and went to do that while I finished straightening out the tablecloth. Finally decided it looked satisfactory, I went out to greet my sister and brother in law.
"Mary-Kate!" I said the minute I saw her. I rushed over and threw my arms around her. "How are you?" I asked when I finally pulled back.
"I'm fine" She answered in a monotone, her face and eyes were unreadable, which was extremely strange for Mary-Kate
I hugged her again then showed her to the table.
Dinner was pretty quiet, Mary-Kate hardly said anything. Josh was still sulking, though subtly enough that I was the only one to notice. And then Zac seemed a little depressed. All in all we were SUCH a happy bunch!
"Oops, I forgot the salt shaker" I noticed. "I'll go get it" I said getting up from the table a little while later.
"I'll help you find it" Josh said getting up too "Our kitchens kinda disorganized" He explained to Mary-Kate and Zac. They nodded and he followed me into the kitchen.
"And you call yourself an actress?" He whispered as soon as we got there.
"Huh?"
"They are soo not convinced!" He insisted.
I sighed "Well you're the one sulking!"
"What's that got to do with anything?!"
I gave him the look.
"Well what do you suggest we do to convince them" I finally said.
He leaned over and kissed me. I was shocked but had to remind myself this was something I'd been doing since I was 9 months old. Acting. He rested his hands on the fridge I was leaning on, one on each side of me, as we continued to kiss. As time passed I almost totally forgot about Zac and Mary-Kate, until I heard Zac call out to us.
"What'd you do? Fall through a hole in the floor?" He asked, I could hear his footsteps approaching, and from the corner of my eye I saw him stick his head into the room, spot us, smile to himself and leave again.
I pulled my head back from Josh's a little "Mission accomplished" I whispered "We can stop now" I grabbed the salt shaker which was sitting on the bench next to me and started for the door.
He nodded, and if I didn't know better... I could have sworn he looked disappointed.
---Zac---
I had to will myself not to laugh as Ashley and Josh walked back into the room. Ashley looked flustered and like she was trying not to blush. And Josh just looked proud of himself... or something. Hmm
"Here's the salt" Ashley said putting it down.
"Thank-you" I said with a smile "I know you had such a hard time getting it.
She glared at me, and I had to try hard not to laugh again.
---Josh---
I leaned against the wall and watched as Ashley hugged Mary-Kate tightly, then Zac. As they started to walk out the door I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her waist from behind and rested my chin on her shoulder. Zac and Mary-Kate waved at us and the door closed. We pulled apart as soon as it did.
"Thanks for..." Ashley trailed off "Well you know"
"No problem" I said with a nod "Well, I'm gonna hit the sack"
"Good-night" She said. She had been looking at the ground, but she glanced up at me for a second and our eyes met. Her eyes looked sad, and I wished I could read them better then I could.
"Night" I said before turning and walking into the lounge, closing the door behind me. I leaned against it and sighed. I soon heard the door to Ashley's room close too.
---Zac---
"Do you plan on being mute all the way home too?" I asked Mary-Kate angrily as we drove home.
She turned from looking out the window and looked up at me sadly. "What do you mean?"
"You barely said a word at dinner!"
"Maybe I didn't have anything to say"
I just sighed and continued driving.
---Mary-Kate---
I climbed out of the car while Zac went to park it. We'd picked up Anna from Ike and Kirsten's on the way home, and I carried her inside and put her in bed.
I then sat down to watch some tv and wait till Zac came in. When fifteen minutes went by and he still wasn't back, I started to worry. I walked out to the garage to find it empty. Where on earth would he be?
---Zac---
I drove around for hours and hours. I don't know what was wrong with me, guess I just needed to get out, to get away from Mary-Kate for awhile. I drove around and round till I spotted a pub. At first I drove past, then made a quick decision. I turned around and drove back to it.
Chapter 13:
|
Eventually giving up that Zac was coming back anytime soon I'd gone to bed. But I was awoken at around midnight by the sound of the front door opening. Then the sound of someone walking into the wall. There was some muttering, then the footsteps continued into the hall. I tiptoed to my door and peeked out. What I saw totally shocked me.
Against his promise, Zac was drunk... again.
Anger took over me and I closed the door and locked it.
After walking into yet another wall and knocking over a vase, I heard Zac reach the door. He tried to open it but it wouldn't budge. He muttered under his breath again, then the footsteps faded away.
I climbed back into bed and hugged a pillow to my chest as tears started to spill over.
---Zac---
I awoke the next morning with a splitting headache, and absolutely no idea as to where I was. I rolled over and fell off whatever I'd been lieing on.
"Ow" I grumbled as I clambered up. I then realized where I was. For some reason I'd been sleeping on the couch. But that didn't explain my headache.
I heard a door open and saw Mary-Kate head to Anna's room.
"Mary-Kate" I called to her
She didn't turn but kept walking "Don't talk to me Zac!" She said angrily before disappearing into Anna's room.
Ok, what did I do?
---Ashley---
I'd just got out of the shower when I heard the phone ring. I quickly grabbed a bathrobe and ran to answer it.
"Hello?"
"A-A-Ashley" It was Mary-Kate and she was crying.
"Whats wrong? Where are you?"
"In Anna's room, with the door locked" She said between sniffles "Can I come over?"
"Of course! You don't need to ask" I was answered with the dial tone.
Less then half an hour later she was there. I opened the door to have her throw her arms around me, still sobbing.
"Mary-Kate, come on! What's wrong" I said ushering her into the apartment. I made a face at Anna who was in her baby carrier, she laughed.
"Zac.. Zac.. got drunk again" She sobbed.
"What?" I almost slammed the door which I had been gently closing.
"He went out last night and came back drunk" Mary-Kate said as she walked into the lounge "Hey who's sleeping on the sofa?" She asked noticing the blankets.
"Uh.." I started to pack them up while I tried to think of an answer "Josh and I had a little fight last night" I half lied.
"Oh Ashley" She said sadly "I'm sorry, first fights bite"
I almost laughed at that statement. first fight? Our first fight was the fight to end all. She had no idea how much first fights bite!
"Hey Ashley I'm just going down to the s-" Josh stuck his head in the room "Oh hey Mary-kate!" He said noticing her "What's wrong?"
"Zac got drunk last night" I explained.
Josh looked shocked, then angry, then turntailed and left. What was that about?
---Zac---
After Mary-Kate stormed out of the house, I started to remember what had happened the night before. Then I felt guilty. I'd promised!
I heard a knock at the door and quickly got up, hoping Mary-Kate was back. I was all ready to get on my knees and beg for her forgiveness.
When I opened the door however, it wasn't Mary-Kate I saw.
"What's your problem?" Josh asked angrily as he pushed past me and into the house.
"What do you mean?" I asked feeling a little confused.
"Getting drunk! For goodness sake Zac are you messed in the head? What were you thinking?"
"I... I wasn't" I admitted.
"Well maybe you should next time. Mary-Kate's sobbing her eyes out right now, and all because of you"
I felt horrible truly horrible "I'm sorry" I whispered.
"Don't tell me, tell her" Josh said before opening the door and leaving.
---Ashley---
Mary-Kate eventually calmed down and we were able to talk about stuff. She was acting really normal which I was glad to see. I'd really missed the old Mary-Kate. We were sitting on the floor playing with Anna when their was a knock at the door.
"Ashley! Let me in! I forgot my keys" Josh called.
I pretended to ignore him, and Mary-Kate punched me gently "Let your poor husband in already!" She said with a laugh.
I sighed and opened the door. The minute it was opened, Josh took me by the shoulders and kissed me. He finally stopped and went to walk away, then changed his mind and kissed me again.
"What was that for?" I hissed loud enough for only him to hear
"Mary-Kate's still here right?" He asked.
"Oh yeah" I said nodding.
He gave me a 'you dodo' look then disappeared into the kitchen.
I turned back to Mary-Kate who was grinning away. "Big sisters in love" She said in a singsong voice.
I Blushed "Shut up" I said walking back to sit next to her. Just then there was another knock at the door and I turned around to answer it "Now who could that be?" I said to myself. "Zac!" I said when I opened the door.
Chapter 14:
Having heard Ashleys surprised exclamation I made my way to the door. Zac was standing there, looking quite pathetic. It had been raining so he was like soaked to the skin, and then the guilty puppy expression on his face almost had me laughing, but of course I didn't.
Ashley glanced at me for a second then turned back to Zac "uh... come in" She said opening the door for him.
Zac walked in, not taking his eyes from me once.
"Um" Ashley started. She glanced at me yet again "I better go check on Josh. It's kind of dangerous leaving him on his own. Who knows what mischief he'll get up to!" She joked. No one laughed, and she left.
"Mary-Kate" Zac started, he took a step toward me.
I just turned and walked back into the lounge where Anna was playing.
"MK please" Zac said from behind me "Hear me out ok?"
"I've heard it all before though. I really don't need to hear it again" I said sarcastically and angrily.
---Zac---
Ugh! Why does she have to be so stubborn!
"Well it's not like you've been helping!" Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that.
Mary-Kate who had been facing away from me calmy set Anna on the floor and turned around. Yup, she was mad!
"Excuse me?" She said evenly.
"Look" I started "I know you've had it hard, and that you've been through a lot. But so have I."
"You have have you?" She started to raise her voice "You've lost your baby but at least it wasn't your fault!" She looked kind of shocked that she'd said that. Then like she'd regretted it. She turned away and knelt down next to Anna, burying her head in her hands.
---Ashley---
"Woah!" I whispered hearing Mary-Kate's little outburst.
"Ashley!" Josh scolded "Stop eavesdropping!"
"I'm not" I said turning away from the door I'd been listening through for just a second.
"Uh-huh. Sure you're not!" He said disbelievingly. "Come on" He took my hand and pretty much dragged me into the kitchen where I'd be unable to eavesdrop.
"Hey!" I turned to walk back out but he quickly put an arm around my waist and pulled me back, he leaned over and closed the door but held me so I couldn't leave.
"Ashley, you have no right to listen to that conversation!" He said seriously.
"She's my sister!"
"Yes, but this is between her and Zac. Ashley... it's none of your business"
---Mary-Kate---
"Mary-Kate" Zac whispered. I could hear the shock in his voice. I just continued to kneel there and do my best not to cry. "Mary-Kate" He put an arm on my shoulder, obviously testing to see if I'd pull away. I didn't. He wrapped his arms around me, wresting his chin on the top of my head "It wasn't your fault" He said gently.
I shook my head "It was."
"Maybe we weren't ready for another kid, or weren't supposed to have another yet at the moment. It happened for a purpose, and it wasn't your fault. God might have decided she didn't belong in this world. Mary-Kate?" He lifted my chin so I was looking at him.
I nodded as tears spilled over.
"It'll be ok" He whispered hugging me again. Anna crawled over to us and climbed onto my lap, hugging me too.
---Ashley---
"Fine! You can let me go already!" I said prying Josh's hand from around my waist. I walked over to the fridge and got myself a glass of juice then sat down across the table from him, not looking in his direction.
He glanced at me then sighed "Don't get mad at me"
"I'm not" I said "No more then usual anyway"
He sighed and left the room.
---Zac---
"Hey Ashley" I said walking into the kitchen where she was sitting at the table, looking slightly upset "Mary-Kate and I are gonna go home"
She nodded "Ok" she said getting up. She went out to say good-bye to Mary-Kate and Anna then we all got in the car and left.
"There's something a little strange about Josh and Ashley's relationship" I couldn't help but say.
"Yeah. There is" Mary-Kate said thoughtfully.
I decided not to worry about it though. We had our own relationship to work out, without worry about my little sister in law.
Chapter 15:
|
I was watching some cheesy cable movie a few days later when the phone rang startling me, embarassing as it was I'd been quite enjoying the movie. I ran over to the phone and answered.
"MELANIE!" I shrieked happily.
"Ashley!" She sounded equelly happy "How are you?"
"I'm great. Wow I haven't heard from you since we graduated how are things, where are you?" I said quickly.
She laughed. "Well, I moved out to San Fransisco" She said "Me and Michael did anyway. We're flatting with this group of people and starting our own business"
"Wow" Was all I could manage to say.
"Yeah, anyway I was calling to invite you and Josh and Mary-Kate and Zac to come stay with us for a week. I ran Zac and MK just before but they didn't answer"
"Oh, they're probably at therapy"
"Therapy?"
"Mary-Kate had a miscarriage awhile back, they're still working through it."
"Oh, maybe now isn't the best time for them to come visit"
"Well, I can't speak for them, but I personally think it would be good for them to just get away for awhile. And I know I'd love to come. Josh too" Yeah, I hadn't asked him, but we're married, at the moment anyway, and I'll speak for him in this situation.
"Great!"
I switched the tv off and sat down to make plans.
---Josh---
I came home that day to find Ashley packing, I was a little thrown at first. We'd agreed to keep our divorce a secret a little longer, until we were sure Mary-Kate and Zac were doing better. And besides, I was the one who was moving out so why was she packing.
"YOU WHAT?!" I yelled when she explained.
So, as my 'wife' has a tendency to say I will do things, without asking me first. I now find myself on a plane, headed for San Fransisco.
Wonderful!
---Mary-Kate---
So Zac decided it would be good for us to get away from home for awhile. So that's what we're doing. I am honestly excited to see Melanie and Michael again. And this will be the first big trip I've taken since Anna was born.
I'm scared. And I'm excited.
I can't wait to see Melanie again.
---Zac---
After a very long flight, we finally arrived in San Fran. I smiled at Mary-Kate as the plane taxied down the runway. She smiled back shakily then squeezed my hand. I could tell she was nervous about seeing Melanie again.
We walked into the terminal and spotted Melanie straight away, it would have been hard not to. She'd died her hair bright pink and was pretty much bouncing with excitement.
"Mary-Kate!" She screeched waving at Mary-Kate.
"MEL!" Mary-Kate practically flew over to her and the two hugged like they hadn't seen each other in centuries.
Yeah, this trip was a good idea.
---Josh---
"Just remember" Ashley said as we watched Melanie and Mary-Kate hug "We're married, and hopelessly in love"
"Right" I said with a nod "How could I forget?" my voice extremely sarcastic.
I plastered a smile on my face and went over to greet the pink haired Melanie and happy looking Michael.