Chapter 6:
Now I feel even worse. I'm sitting here crying. Why couldn't she tell me? Her own sister!
"MK what's the matter?" Zac came into the room and sat down next to me. He wrapped his arms around me.
"Ashley's married" I sobbed "And she didn't tell me"
"What?"
"She and Josh got married on graduation day! I can't believe she did that!"
"Oh Mary-Kate I'm sorry" He whispered.
---Josh---
Ashley was really depressed the next couple of weeks. By the time our honeymoon was over I'd given up trying to cheer her up. Ashley and Mary-Kate had always had a close friendship, one so close I couldn't fully comprehend it.
We were silent most of the flight home. Ashley worrying about Mary-Kate. And me worrying about what we'd do when we got there. We'd each sent our belongings back to our parents until we decided where we were going to live (Of course neither set of parents knew we were married yet. I'm really starting to see how irresponsible this whole 'eloping' thing was)
Our flight landed in New York City, we left the terminal and just looked around us. Where do we start? I eventually hailed a taxi and directed it to a motel.
"We'd better go apartment hunting today" I told Ashley.
She had been facing out the window but turned to face me when I said it "Are we going to live in New York?" She asked.
"Ok, so we had a lot of decisions to make"
"Well, at least until we've decided what we want to do" I said.
She nodded and turned back to the window.
---Ashley---
I carried my heavy back into the motel room, dropped it on the floor, then plopped down on the sofa. I glanced over at the phone sitting on the table. Then at my hands, then back at the phone. Etc.
Josh walked into the room, with his bag. He picked up mine and carried it into the bedroom, he then walked back into the room and sat down next to me.
I glanced over at him and forced a small smile.
"Oh Ashley" He pulled me close to him "You should call her" He too glanced at the phone.
"What if she refuses to talk to me?" I asked sniffling a little.
"You'll never know if you don't try" He pointed out.
"I think I'm gonna go take a nap" I said quietly. Jet lag was starting to set in, and I was too tired to work out what I should do now.
He nodded and I got up and went to the room.
---Josh---
I walked into the bedroom to check Ashley was asleep. She looked totally peaceful and her breathing was deep and even. I smiled, I loved her so much. I leaned over and gently kissed her forehead then went back into the loungearea. Closing the door behind me.
I sat down on the sofa again and glanced at the phone. I sighed a little and picked it up. I quickly dialed Mary-Kate and Zac's number and listened to it ringing.
"Yellow" A male voice answered.
"Zac?" I asked.
"Yup. Who is this?"
"This is Josh"
"Oh, Hey Man!"
"Hey.. I guess Mary-Kate told you"
"Yeah, Congratulations man"
"Thanks" I said "You're the first person to say that" I said quietly.
"We never told anyone" Zac started. I listened intently, a secret? My favorite thing! "But Mary-Kate and I almost eloped, we ended up putting the wedding foreward instead. We'd gone to the chapel and everything, then Mary-Kate changed her mind, Ashley had been so looking foreward to the wedding and she didn't want to be selfish and make her miss out"
"No wonder she's so upset" I said quietly.
"Yeah" Zac answered quietly "She'll get over it though, they're best friends, they never stay mad at each other too long"
"Yeah" I was quiet for a while "Oh, hey Congratulations, you're gonna be a Daddy.. again" I said.
Zac laughed "Yeah, Mary-Kate and I are really excited." He said sounding happy "Mary-Kate isn't doing too well though" You could tell he was really worried about her "Anna was a really easy pregnancy but this one isn't"
"I'm sorry. If there's anything Ashley and I could do to help, just say" I said.
"Will do"
"I'll try to convince Ashley to ring Mary-Kate sometime" I said, I smiled a little, Ashley was one stubborn girl.
"I'll do the same with Mary-Kate. Later man"
"Later" I hung up the phone and buried my head in my hands for a second. I then got up and went into the bedroom, I climbed into the bed wrapped my arms around Ashley and soon the effects of Jet Lag got to me. I was out cold for the next couple of hours!
Chapter 7:
|
---Ashley and Josh have been living in an apartment for awhle. Both looking for jobs.---
---But here's where their problem is. They've both got GREAT jobs, only problem is.. Ashley's is in New York and Josh's is in Chicago. So what do they do?---
---As for Mary-Kate and Zac. Well they're just enjoying the 'joys' of pregnancy!---
---Josh---
"Ashley?" I whispered. I knocked on the bedroom door and waited for her to answer.
Time out: Does this sound right? We're married and acting like two strangers living in the same house!
"Come in" She called.
I opened the door and glanced around. Ashley was sitting on the bed, totally surrounded by Fashion Magazines. I walked over to her, moved some magazines aside and sat down.
"Ashley" I reached over and stopped her hand from turning another page on the magazine "I need to talk to you about something"
"Yeah" She said seriously "Me too"
---Mary-Kate---
"Mary-Kate are you ok?" Zac asked me looking extremely concerned.
I felt myself going pale, then suddenly there was a sharp pain in my stomach. "Zac" I whispered reaching out for him.
He quickly moved over to me and wrapped his arms around me.
"Zac.." I whispered "I think I'm having the baby"
"What? You're only a couple of months pregnant!"
"Zac. Please take me to the hospital" I winced in pain as another contraction came on.
He nodded "I'll help you to the car."
---Ashley---
"I have a great job offering in Chicago" Josh explained the details to me.
"You... you do?" I squeaked.
"I thought you'd be happy" He sounded a little hurt.
"I, uh, I got a job offer at a fashion magazine here in New York" I whispered "It's my dream job"
He stared at me in shock "Ashley, I.. I already started arranging for the move"
"What?! You did that without asking me first"
"Aren't I supposed to be the head of the household?"
"What!?" I couldn't believe he'd justify something so big in our lives, as his being the guy!
"It's the perfect job"
"This is my dream! And what ever happened to talking to your WIFE before making a big decision in OUR lives!"
"I thought you'd support me, that's what you're supposed to do"
"I thought you'd respect my opinion!"
"Argh!" He shouted in frustration, he got up and started pacing the room "Look" he finally said slowly and angrily "I'm moving to Chicago"
I nodded and looked at him, tears filling my eyes "Well I'm staying here"
He wasn't angry anymore, neither was I. We both looked at each other sadly.
"Ok, then that's that" He said a few minutes later, after finally being able to tear his face from mine "We'll get a divorce" He opened the door and disappeared outside.
I started sobbing as soon as the door closed.
---Josh---
I could hear Ashley crying in the room, and every fibre in my body was aching to go back in and comfort her, to tell her we could work it all out. But deep down I knew that wasn't true. We'd been crazy to get married. We were'nt meant for each other. We loved each other, sure, but is love really enough?
Chapter 8:
|
I'd been crying for hours when the phone rang. I forced myself to calm down a little then answered it.
"Ashley?" It was Zac, and he sounded like he was crying.
"Zac what's wrong?" Suddenly I wasn't concerned about myself anymore "Is Mary-Kate Ok?"
"Yes.. No.. I don't know" He started to sob.
"Zac, tell me what's going on" I said firmly. My heart was beating like three times as fast, and I couldn't remember being this concerned about someone.
"Mary...Mary-Kate went into labour" he said.
I took a sharp intake of breath. She was only like 3 months pregnant, that's too premature for the baby to survive "Did...did?"
"The baby didn't make it" He said. "Ashley I don't know how I'm supposed to tell her"
"Where are you? I'll be right there"
He told me the name of the hospital and I ran out of the room. The apartment was empty so I guessed Josh must have gone for a walk. I raced to the elevator and down to my car.
---Mary-Kate---
I woke up and glanced around me. I was in the hospital. A nurse walked into the room and looked at me sympathetically.
"Is my husband here?" I asked trying to sit up.
"No don't try to move" She said "Just relax.. Yes he's just outside. I'll get him"
She disappeared out the door and I sat back and looked around the room. It was small and white.
There was a sound at the door and I turned to see Zac walking into the room.
"Hey" He whispered. He looked really sad and uncomfortable. He walked over and sat down next to the bed, and took my hand in his.
"What happened?" I asked.
He stroked my hand as tears pooled in his eyes. He gulped and tried to speak. "Mary-Kate" He leaned closer to me "You passed out after you had the baby. He.. He didn't make it" He said between sobs.
I felt shock waves roll over my body, then an incredible sadness.
---Josh---
I walked around Central park, just thinking about everything that had happened.
I was 100% in love with Ashley. I'd never loved any girl like I loved her. I'd never even come close.
But yet here we are, getting a divorce. I was wondering around the park when I heard a song playing, someone must have had a stereo.
Isn't it ironic how song lyrics can really mirror how you're feeling?
We could write a book on, lessons we have learned
We're at another crossroad, which way do we turn
It just seems like lately, we're going different ways,
I just wanna tell you baby, before it's too late. That the
Sun wouldn't rise, the rain wouldn't fall
The world would stop turning baby, once and for all
The waves on the oceans, would never reach the shore
If you didn't love me anymore
I know that I would, never be the same
If I couldn't hear you, whisper my name
And everything around me, would cease to exist
If I couldn't feel your touch and, the warmth of your kiss...
My heart is holding on cause I know this love is real
We're at a turning point and your hand is on the wheel
Oh I need to hear you say you love me still (lyric credit to: Aurora 'if you didn't love me anymore')
---Ashley---
I raced to the hospital, (miraculously I didn't get pulled over for speeding) then inside. "Mary-Kate Olsen?" I asked.
"Ashley!" A voice called. I whirled around to see Zac running over to me. His eyes were red from crying and he looked like a little boy, scared and upset. The minute he reached me he threw his arms around me and started to cry again.
"Zac" I soothingly patted his back "I'm so sorry" We were silent for awhile then I finally got up the courage to ask "Have you told her yet?"
He pulled back a little "Yeah"
"Howd she take it?"
"She didn't say anything, she still hasn't said anything"
I nodded "I need to see her"
He nodded and led me down the hall
Chapter 9:
I went back to the apartment to find it empty. I called for her but there was no answer. For one heart stopping moment I thought she'd packed up and left. Left my life forever.
But after a quick search I found all her stuff was there. She'd obviously rushed away quickly.
I sighed and decided to start packing.
---Ashley---
I walked into Mary-Kate's room. She was lieing in the bed looking out the window. She didn't turn around when I said her name.
"Mary-Kate?" I whispered again. Still no response. I glanced at Zac who was standing in the door way, he just looked sad.
I walked over and sat down next to Mary-Kate. I took her hand in mine "I love you Mary-Kate" I whispered.
She moved her head slightly and looked at me, then turned away.
I leaned over and kissed her forehead then walked out of the room. Zac was leaning against the door outside.
"This really isn't good" I said as tears started to full my eyes. "I've never seen her this depressed.. ever"
Zac hugged me. "She'll be ok" He whispered, to reassure himself as much as to reassure me "She has to be"
---Mary-Kate---
I could hear Ashley and Zac talking about me in the hall. And I knew I was really worrying them. I wanted to reassure them ok, but I couldn't, it was like, physically impossible to speak, to do anything. So I just lay there, wishing this all hadn't happened.
---Josh---
I was packing away some photo albums when I heard the front door open. Ashley was back. I walked out to the hall to see her standing there leaning against the front door.
"Is everything ok?" I asked, sensing that it wasn't.
She shook her head sadly "Mary-Kate lost the baby" She said as she pushed away from the door.
"I'm sorry" I said. I didn't know what to do. Instinct said to hug her, but circumstances said not to. So I just stupidly stood there as she walked past me and towards our room.
She got there and noticed the packing I'd done "You've packed" She stated in a shocked tone.
"Yeah" I said quietly.
"Oh" She said "Well I'm.. gonna try to get some sleep"
"Yeah, I'll" I pointed behind me "I'll sleep on the couch"
She nodded then closed the door, I sighed then went back to packing.
---Ashley---
I lay in bed thinking over everything that had happened.
In one day, my husband and I had to decided to get a divorce, and my sister had lost her child, my nephew.
I tried and tried but couldn't sleep. So after a few hours and with a sigh I climbed out of bed and ventured out the door. I tiptoed to the lounge where I could see the outline of Josh asleep on the sofa.
"Josh?" I whispered.
"Wha?" He woke up with a start "Oh.. Ashley" he said noticing me.
"I need to ask you somethings" I stated
"Shoot"
"When do you plan on moving out?"
"As soon as everythings packed"
I nodded "I need to ask you something else" I paused "Mary-Kate and Zac have been through a lot, and I don't want them worrying about us in addition. So... what I'm trying to say, is can we pretend to be together until they're over the worst of this?"
---Josh---
So Ashley was asking me to stay for the sake of her sister and brother-in-law. Of course I would, but the thought came to my mind. What would I say if she asked me to stay, and it not being pretend. Would it be that simple? Just ask and I'd stay. Just ask and everything would be ok?
I couldn't answer that question. But I could answer hers.
"Sure" I said.
She smiled, relieved. "Thank-you" She said, she then got up and went back to her room.
Chapter 10:
|
Mary-Kate was soon able to return home. The drive there was one of the hardest I could imagine. Mary-Kate still hadn't said anything.
"Anna's at Ike and Kirstens" I said to fill in the silence.
Mary-Kate was looking out the window, and if it hadn't been for a slight nod I wouldn't have known she'd heard me.
I reached out and put my hand over hers "Everythings gonna be ok" I said as I gently squeezed. She just nodded again.
---Ashley---
I was starting to get used to this new life. Josh and I hardly ever spoke, we lived in seperate rooms, in a half packed apartment. Around everyone else we polished our acting skills, we pretended to be as in love and happy together, as we had been such a short time ago.
I was making a sandwidch and thinking over this when Josh entered the room.
"Have you seen the mayonaisse?" I asked as he slipped past me to get to the fridge (Our whole apartment is small, and our kitchen is closely related to a small cupboard)
"We ran out yesterday" He said before disappearing out the door again.
I sighed, I couldn't have my sandwidch without mayonaisse. I picked up my bag and headed down to the store.
---Mary-Kate---
The house was the same as ever. There was the lounge, which was still half painted. The hallway which always smelt like old wood. And there was the tap in the bathroom that always dripped.
My enviroment hadn't changed, but I had.
"I could go get Anna now, or would you rather just have some time alone?" Zac asked as he helped me with my jacket and hung it up.
I shrugged and made my way to the sofa. I heard Zac sigh behind me.
---Josh---
"Ashley have you seen my?" I started as I opened the door to what had been our room. The room was empty. As was every other room in the house.
I felt a little surprised by that. During our marriage we'd got in the habit of telling the other when we left the building, ever since Ashley freaked out when I went out to get groceries.
But then, we're not married anymore. So I just have to get used to this.
---Ashley---
I parked the car outside the grocery store, as I took the key from the ignition my wedding ring glistened in the sun. I stopped and looked at it, then twisted it around my finger.
I felt a tear come to my eye as I carefully slid it off and put it in my pocket. No need for that anymore...
---Zac---
A couple of days went by, having thought about it, I decided it was best for Mary-Kate and I just to spend the time together. To have time to get over our loss.
We'd been seated on the small swing/sofa on our front porch, when I suddenly felt I couldn't take it anymore. I just started to sob like a baby.
Mary-Kate had been sitting on the other end of the chair, staring out at space vacantly, like she'd been in the habit of doing lately. But when I started to cry, it was as if the Mary-Kate I knew and loved had returned. She turned to me with concern in her eyes. Though she didn't say it, her eyes asked me what was wrong.
I just shook my head and continued to cry.
She scooted a little closer and wrapped her arms around me, leaning her head on my shoulder.
We just sat there, me crying and Mary-Kate strangely calm. The sun set, casting a beautiful orange glow on everything.
---Ashley---
Why do grocery stores have to have such high shelves? And why does the mayoaisse have to be on the highest? Why do I have to be so short? *Sigh*
I was hopping around trying to reach the mayonaisse when someone behind me reached up and got it for me.
"Thank-you" I said taking it from them. I looked up to see who my hero was.
Well, I don't know who he is but he's certainly cute!
"No Problem" He said with a smile. "I'm Seb" He said extending a hand for me to shake.
"Nice to meet you Seb. I'm Ashley" I said shaking his hand.