Chapter 16:
"Melanie sit down" Michael who was driving, gave her a little tug till she was sitting down in her seat.
Melanie sighed and belted herself up, then looking over her shoulder at me she said "I've decided we HAVE to dedicate a day to shopping!" She said with a smile.
I nodded in agreement "Great" I said with a smile.
---Josh---
Since we wouldn't all fit in Michael and Mel's car, two of us had to get a taxi, Ashley and I immediately volunteered to do so. It meant less acting for us.
"Follow that car, and step on it" I said to the taxi driver as we got in. I turned to Ashley "I've always wanted to say that" I said with a grin.
She just nodded and mad one of those 'crazy' faces.
We were silent the rest of the trip. I was busy taking in the sites, Ashley didn't seem that interested though. I guess it came with having grown up nearby.
---Ashley---
"Whatever happened to predictability. The milk man, the paperboy, the evening tv! Did I get delivered here somebody tell me please" Josh teased as we drove across the golden gate bridge, he was obviously thinking about the starting scene of Full House "this whole worlds confusing me"
"Josh?" I said.
"Hmmm?" He asked turning from the window to face me.
"Shut up!" I said making a face at him.
He laughed to himself "You're right, it just isn't the same without a red convertible"
I just rolled my eyes and looked away, trying to hide the smile that was forming on my face.
---Josh---
Uh-huh! I made her smile, that's something. This trip may be liveable if we can at least be civil to each other. Maybe a truce like we had years back.
We finally reached M&M's apartment, which funnily enough had a strong resemblance to the house on Full House. This place is sure gonna bring back some memories for the twins!
---Mary-Kate---
So far this trip has brought back some sweet memories. The days of full house. Back when Ashley and I were just kids, without all the worries of adulthood.
I really wished I could go back to those, but that's one of the things life doesn't accomodate for.
---Zac---
The girls all disappeared into the lounge to talk, Josh disappeared into his room and Michael and I were left to unpack the car (Does that sound unfair to you too?)
"So Michael, I need your help" I said as I pulled a suitcase out of the back of the car.
"Sure, what with?" Michael took the suitcase from me and slung a bag over his shoulder.
I grabbed two bags and we carried them to the door of the house, then went back to the car and repeated the process.
"Well, Mary-Kate and I have had a lot of problems lately. And I just thought this trip would be a nice chance for us to... I don't know, fall in love again? Not that we've fallen out of love, but just a time for us to get to know each other again. You know?"
Michael nodded "Yup, so how can I help?"
"Well you're the San Fran local, I need some advice on some good romantic spots"
Michael smiled "I can DEFINITELY help you with that" He said with a wink.
---Mary-Kate---
"This is my room" Melanie showed Ashley and I a nice bright room facing out onto the backyard, "and that's Michaels room across the hall." We continued down the hall way "These two rooms are our room mates, who are away, they cleared their stuff away so there should be room for your stuff" She showed us two cozy looking rooms facing out onto the street.
"I bags this one" I said quickly as I ran into a room.
Ashley sighed "Fine," She pretended to sulk.
"I guess sibling rivalrys something you never grow out of" Melanie said with a laugh.
Chapter 17:
|
By the time Michael and I finished unloading the car I had a ton of ideas for the next week. We went inside anticipating relaxing. But unfortunately the girls had other plans for us...
As soon as we walked in the front door Melanie ran over to us and pushed us out.
"What's the big deal?" I asked feeling very confused.
Michael just shook his head "Not again!" he said with a sigh.
Ashley came running down the stairs dragging Josh with her. She pushed him out the door too then they closed it in our faces. I glanced at Michael questioningly.
The little window next to the door opened just enough for Mel to stick her head out. "Take your time.. and we feel like pizza" She said with a wink then she closed the window before we could respond.
Michael turned and walked over to the car "We have to get dinner" He explained "And we're to take our time so they can have 'girl talk'" He said with a shake of his head.
"Oh" I said walking over to the car "Well that makes sense.. I guess"
Josh followed not saying anything.
---Mary-Kate---
"So!" Melanie said walking back into the lounge after kicking the guys out of the house "Lets catch up!"
"Well.. " I started "Um.. well why don't you tell us about you and Michael?"
"Yeah!" Ashley said happily. She curled up on the sofa next to me and Melanie sat on a lazy boy across from us.
"Well, as you know we got back together on graduation day.. and we're still together!" She smiled.
I grinned at her "So" I pretended to act casual "Has he.. you know... popped the big question?"
She laughed and shook her head "No... not.. yet" She winked at me and I smiled.
---Josh---
"So what are we getting?" I asked Michael as we drove.
"Chinese?" He suggested.
"I thought they wanted Pizza" Josh said from the back.
"So?" I asked turning to wink at him. He grinned getting my meaning.
---Ashley---
"And how about the newlyweds?" Melanie startled me by suddenly asking as she turned to me.
"Huh? What?"
They laughed "That good?"
Ok, so I totally messed up the answer, but turned out ok. I'm fine with that. I just smiled and looked away kinda shyly.
Thankfully the discussion didn't go any further as their was a lot of noise from the front door.
"Let us in already!" We could hear Michael yell.
Mary-Kate turned to Melanie "You locked it?!" She asked joyfully.
Melanie nodded "Course!"
Giggling like little girls we all ran over to the door.
"What did you get?" Melanie asked, her hand on the doorknob.
"Chinese" Michael responded
"What?!" Melanie almost roared.
"Chinese!" All three guys answered in unison.
Melanie turned to us frustratedly. "You do realize we're gonna have to pay them back for this favor?" She asked
The three of us nodded
"Brainstorming session later tonight" She said before opening the door.
A war against the guys? Hmmm, this reminds me of those camps we used to go on when we were young. Guess this is going to be one of those back to childhood weeks. Cool!
Chapter 18:
|
"Who's gonna do the dishes?" Someone asked as we all sat around the kitchen table.
"Not me!" Zac said quickly.
"Or me" Pretty much everyone managed to echo. I was the last to say it and Ashley had been daydreaming so much she hadn't even bothered, so we ended up doing it.
The hallway was down the hall so we headed in that direction.
"So did you and the girls have fun talking about us?" I asked as we started washing.
"Josh" Ashley said "They can't hear us, you don't have to try to make conversation"
"Right" I said. Touchy!
She went back to washing the dishes and I went back to drying. I couldn't help noticing she looked a little sad but I kinda got the feeling she didn't wanna talk (Don't know how!) So I didn't say anything.
"Swap" I said putting my hands on her waist and moving her over so I could start washing.
"Hey!" she protested "No fair! I was washing"
"Yeah! And now I am" I responded quickly.
She glared at me angrily. I just ignored her. She continued to glare. So quick as anything I got a handful of bubbles and threw them at her. She looked astonished.. and hilerious, with these bubbles dripping down the side of her face. I burst out laughing.
She looked even more outraged and quickly grabbed a handful of water which she threw at me.
"This is war!" I yelled.
Next thing we were both running round the kitchen, splashing water at each other and smearing bubbles in each others hair.
We were making so much noise the others couldn't help but hear us and soon there were footsteps in the hall. I glanced at Ashley. She wanted us to play happy couples right?
I quickly pulled her into my arms and kissed her. She hadn't heard the others coming and was wondering why on earth I was doing it, she tried to push away but I just held her there, I was way stronger and she couldn't get away. The door soon opened and 'oooooooooooh' sounds were heard.
"We'll leave you kids alone" A voice said and the door closed again.
"Oh" Ashley said when we pulled apart "Um, thanks" She said forcing a small smile.
"No problem"
---Mary-Kate---
Zac and I walked down the hallway laughing at the scene we'd seen. (I know, I'm a poet)
"So what's the noise about?" Melanie asked, looking away from the tv she was watching for just a second.
I just shook my head stifling another laugh.
"So where's Michael?" Zac asked looking round the room.
"Getting the keys. We're gonna rent a movie, wanna come?"
"Sure!" I said quickly. I have like an addiction to video stores, I can never pass up going to one.
"Will Josh and Ash wanna come?" Melanie asked as she switched off the tv and got up.
I burst out laughing again and since I was unable to speak Zac explained that they were really busy doing the dishes.
"Ok, lets go then!" Melanie said starting for the door. I let out a happy whoop and followed. Zac just rolled his eyes and muttered something about girls.
Chapter 19:
"Josh!" Ashley yelled up the stairs.
"What?!" I yelled from our room where I was sitting at the window reading a book.
"Can't you hear her?" She yelled up the stairs.
Hear her? How could I not? Anna had been screaming for about a minute now "Yeah!" I called down.
"Well don't just sit there! Go check on her!"
"You do it!"
"You're the one who's closer!" She yelled extra loud, and I heard her footsteps fade away as she went back to watch tv.
I sighed and walked into Zac and Mary-Kate's room, and over to Anna's cradle. Ashley and I had been employed to baby-sit while the others were at the video store. Only thing is, I don't have much experience with babies, and Ashley's downstairs. Wonderful.
---Zac---
"Miss Congeniality?" Mary-Kate asked, she grabbed the video of the shelf and showed it to us all.
I whined "We rented that a couple of months ago!"
"So? It's a great movie!"
"I'd like to see it" Melanie joined in.
Mary-Kate smiled triumphantly.
"I wouldn't" Michael joined Zac.
"Fine!" Mary-Kate muttered putting it back on the shelf.
"How about Saving Private Ryan?" I asked.
"NO!" The girls screamed in unison.
"Hey! It's a good movie"
"Yes, Honey it is" Mary-kate said taking the case from me and putting it back on the shelf. "But it's also very gruesome and sad. And I want something cheerful"
"Fine" I said with a defeated sigh.
---Ashley---
"Ashleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!" Josh yelled down the stairs.
"Incompetent fool!" I muttered to myself as I stood up and started for the stairs "What?" I asked when I got up there.
"She won't stop crying!" He said glancing over at me. He was holding Anna at arms length, a hand under each arm.
"That's cause you're holding her wrong!" I scolded. I took her from him and cradled her against me. She immediately stopped crying.
Josh glared "Well... I thought she might have used her diaper or something"
"Then there would have been a layer of diaper between you and..." I winked.
"ha ha!" He started to walk out of the room.
"Nuh-uh! Stop right there!"
He turned "What?" He whined.
"Baby holding lesson. Come here!"
Like a little boy about to get his hand smacked he walked over and I directed him as to how to hold her. "See?" I said when she didnt start crying again "It works" I Smiled and walked to the door.
"Wait! What do I do with her?"
"Wait till she falls asleep then put her back in the crib"
"Can't you?"
"You need the practice" She said with a smile.
"What for?"
I shrugged "You never know" And with that I left. I was halfway down the stairs when the front door (which was at the end of the hall at the bottom of the stairs) opened. "OOH! What'd you get!?" I asked, running over to Mary-Kate who had the movie.
"Sugar and Spice!" She said with a smile, holding up the case.
"When she said cheerful I didn't know she meant bimbo" Zac muttered walking past.
Mary-Kate just smiled, something I'd missed seeing her do. But it looks like this week will bring it back.
Chapter 20:
|
"Where's Josh?" I asked as everyone filed into the tv room.
"Last I saw trying not to die from fear of Anna" Ashley said with a laugh.
"Riiiiight" I thought about it "I better go relieve him" I raced up the stairs and down the hall "Awwwww" I said when I reached the room. Josh was sitting in a rocking chair by the window. Anna fast asleep in his arms. They made such a cute picture.
Josh looked up at me and half smiled, half grimaced.
"Well" I said taking her from him "She's asleep. You did well. Tomorrows lesson, changing diapers"
"No way!" He said starting for the door.
"Hey Josh" I said just as he reached the door.
He turned "Yup?"
I smiled "Thanks for looking after her.. Bro" I winked. He looked a little uncomfortable but managed a smile, then he disappeared.
Well, that was weird.
---Josh---
I am such a jerk. Ashley is such a jerk. How could we lie to Mary-Kate and Zac about this? I feel horrible.
But I've made up my mind. It's time Ashley and I told them.
I found everyone watching the previews at the beginning of the movie they'd rented. Ashley was laughing at a Shrek preview and I decided now wasn't the time to bring it up. Maybe later tonight.
---Ashley---
By the time the movie finished it was after midnight.
"Good night you guys" Zac and Mary-Kate said as they headed off.
I yawned and stretched. "I think I'm gonna go hit the sack too." I said as I got up.
Josh looked at me as if he were trying to decide wether or not to say something "I'll be up soon" Was all he said. I nodded and went up to the room.
I climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep. It had been a long day. It must have been half an hour later when I only half awake I heard Josh enter the room and crawl into bed beside me.
He didn't say anything and neither did I.
---Mary-Kate---
"Mary-Kate" Zac whispered into my ear "Mary-Kaaaaaaaaate" he said, dragging out my name.
"What?" I muffled burying my head into the pillow.
"Come look at this" He said motioning for me to get out of bed.
I sighed and climbed out "What?" I asked rubbing my eyes tiredly.
He led me over to the window and opened the curtains. "Wow" was all I could say.
Our window had a perfect view of the golden gate bridge, and the harbor. The moon was totally full and casting a beautiful light on everything that made the water sparkles like dimands, and the bridge look like some silver giant rising out of the water. "It's beautiful" I whispered.
Zac smiled and wrapped his arm around me. "It is. And so are you" He kissed my cheek and we smiled at each other.
---Zac---
"So what are we doing today?" Mary-Kate asked as I walked around the room trying to find a t-shirt.
"What do you want to do?" I asked as I finally found it and pulled it over my head.
"I don't know" She stretched and yawned, smiling sleepily.
"Come on lazy. It's morning. Get out bed aready" I said standing at the side of the bed.
"But it's so comfortable" She said with a grin.
"Come on" I said taking her hand and trying to pull her out of it.
She shook her head "Nuh-uh" Then suddenly she tugged on my hand hard, since I wasn't expecting it she managed to pull me down next to her.
"We're supposed to be getting up" I said "It's 9 already, the others will be wondering where we are"
She just smiled "I love you" She whispered before bring her lips up to meet mine.
I kissed her back urgently. It had been so long since we kissed like this. Not since before she lost the baby. I gently stroked her hair away from her face and pulled her onto my lap.
"Yo! Sleepyheads! Breakfast is ready already!" Michael called as he pounded on the door.
Mary-Kate and I pulled apart and I sighed "We're coming" I called to Michael. I allowed myself to quickly kiss Mary-Kate again, more of a peck then anything else then went to the door "Thanks a lot man" I said with a glare.
"Ooops. Sorry" Michael said looking bashful.