Chapter 6:
"So you're from California?" Maryk, as my across-the-street-neighbor was called, asked.
"Yeah, my sister and I moved here for college, and we both decided to stay"
We'd got to talking and Mark had introduced me to this adorable cafe a block from where I lived. I'd been so busy with Josh and our fights when we moved in that I hadn't explored much.
"So do you and your sister live together?"
"No, she's married. She lives about fifteen minutes from here"
"Oh" Mark nodded "Are.. you married too?" He was trying to hard to look casual that I had to fight from laughing out loud.
"Well..." Oh great, how do I answer this question? "I'm in the process of getting a divorce"
Mark looked a little surprised, "How old are you?"
"22"
"That's pretty young to be getting divorced"
Yeah, and it seems I was too young to be getting married too.
"Yeah, and then there's the fact that we only got married three months ago"
Mark almost spat out his mouth full of coffee in shock.
I smiled "Not much of a record to break huh?"
He shook his head still looking stunned.
---Melanie---
Am I being reasonable? I keep freaking out that Hannah's after Michael.
For example: Last night I got ready in record time because I could heard her flirting with him downstairs.
Well, at least I think she was flirting...
Oh man, I'm turning into a paranoid nutcase.
---Josh---
Well, I've been in chicago a couple of days and already I want out!
Work hasn't got any better. It's not like my jobs hard, but the people there hate me!
Maybe I should quit...
I have no friends and I need someone to talk to!
---Zac---
"I'm starting to worry" Mary-Kate mumbled as she chewed on a nail.
We'd driven around to Ashley's and she hadn't been there. not being used to not knowing everything about her twins life, my wife was starting to panic.
I leaned over and pulled her hand from her mouth then returned to driving "She's 22 years old, she can look after herself. Believe it or not"
She glared at me for a second, "Yeah, but somethings up with her. She's been preoccupied ever since we got back from San Fran"
"Um, in case you forgot. She and Josh broke up!"
"I know, and they were made for each other" tears filled her eyes "But I mean other then that." She said suddenly "I don't know what it is. But she's never been like this before"
I didn't say anything, but as we drove past a cafe called 'Mud Pie' a blond head caught my eye. It was extremely similar to the one sitting next to me, still going on and on about her sister acting 'weird'
"MK" I interrupted "Is that Ash?" I pointed at the cafe.
Mary-Kate leaned over me a little to peer in the window "It is! Wait... who on earth is that guy?!?!"
Chapter 7:
|
I was laughing at something Mark had said when a sudden tapping on the window right next to me caught my attention. I turned to see Mary-Kate with her face pressed close to the glass, so close it was almost touching.
I gulped and waved faintly. She moved away from the window as she made her way to the door.
I turned back to Mark "My sister" I said, trying to smile.
He nodded.
I glanced behind me where the door was. Mary-Kate pushed it open and walked inside, dragging Zac by the hand behind her.
I got up and walked towards her "Hi" I said forcing a smile.
"Hi" She looked at me questioningly.
I pretended not to notice "Hi Zac" I said to him.
He nodded and looked kind of sympathetic.
"Who's the guy?" Mary-Kate hissed, obviously giving up on being subtle.
"Who? You mean Mark? The guy at the table?" I asked.
"No the guy in the red suit and beard standing next to you, Yes Mark or whatever his name is!" She said all in one breath.
Zac raised his eyebrows and glanced at me. I made a face.
"He lives across the street"
"Uh-huh. Well this looks a little like a date to me!" Mary-Kate observed
"Well it isn't!" I shot back
"You and Josh aren't even divorced yet! I don't think you should be dating yet"
"I'm not dating and I don't think that's any of your business anyway!" I snapped.
Mary-Kate recoiled a little then turned and stormed out of the cafe.
"Mk wait" I said halfheartedly but she didn't stop. I sighed.
"She's still kind of upset about you and Josh" Zac said quietly "Once she got used to the idea of you being married she was really happy. She kept talking about how perfect for each other you were. It was hard to get her to shut up about it"
I felt like crying
"She'll be ok... And so will you" He gave me a quick hug then disappeared after Mary-Kate.
I stood there for a few moment then took a deep breath, will myself not to cry then went back over to Mark.
---Josh---
Another day of work has passed. Nothings improved, but I'm getting a little more used to my life. My home is another thing however..
I live in this small house out in a the suburbs. I can't really tell you anything about my neighbors, what little I can will follow.
On my left is this equelly small house that gives me the creeps. The windows are ALWAYS drawn. Always! And I've never seen anyone there. This lawns all overgrown and it looks deserted. I'd think it was except that yesterday a person delivered groceries... Weird!
On my right is a rather big house. Quite a few college freshman live there. So there's always loud music blasting. In fact it seems to be a 24/7 party over there! I don't mind that much. Just times when I'm trying to sleep...
Times like right now!
I buried my head under the pillow and tried really hard to block out the sound.
---Michael---
"Morning Mel"
Melanie rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Morning" She mumbled thru the yawn.
She staggered over to the table and sat down. One thing I can say about Melanie for sure, she isn't a morning person!
"I found us some new merchandise yesterday" I said "I think you'll like it"
She perked up at that "Where? Show me!"
I ran up to my room and retrieved one of the dogs I'd brought home. A shipment was to be delivered to our store next week. I raced back down stairs and showed it to Melanie.
She glanced at it then glanced at me "What is it?"
I grinned "Click the button"
She did so and the pink dog lept out, giving her such a fright she fell off her chair.
"You ok?" I asked helping her up
She nodded "What was that?"
"Our new merchandise"
She gulped "Interesting"
---Mary-Kate---
"How could she say that?" I sat in the front seat of the car totally stunned.
My own sister had pretty much told me to get the hell out of her life hadn't she? She said her life was none of her business. Since when? We're sisters! We're twins! We always tell each other everything. We help each other with everything. I can't believe she doesn't want me anymore..
Zac climbed into the drivers seat and faced me "You were being kind of nosey. And bossy!"
"I was trying to help!" I insisted.
"You were trying to run her life" He said gently.
He's probably right. He often is. But I don't want to admit that now. If I admit that I have to admit my sisters grown up and that she doesn't need me anymore. I don't want to face that.
Chapter 8:
|
A day has passed and I'm still kinda upset with Mary-Kate, I'd left the cafe soon after she did. I went home and pretty much locked myself in for the evening. I watched 'City of Angels' and cried my eyes out. Then I went to sleep.
Really Sad, huh?
Now a new day has dawned and I'm left with the question... what to do today?
I tried designing some new clothes, but I wasn't in a creative mood.
I tidied the house for an hour. By the end of that the house was sparkling and I was filthy. So I had a nice long soak in the bath, hoping it would relax me a little.
No such luck.
So I set myself down in front of the tv and set to brushing my hair. I was watching some 'Friends' re-run when an ad for hair dye came on.
I glanced from the tv to the strand of hair I was brushing.
Back and forth I glanced then made my decision.
Time for a make over!
---Melanie---
I tried talking to Michael about Hannah today. Basically he just said I was overreacting. Right! She's downstairs flirting with him at this very moment! I can't take it! I need to drown out the sound, time for a cd.
I put Mandy Moore on and skipped to my favorite track 'When I talk to you' I then put on the headphones and collapsed onto my beanbag.
Remember me - Feels like Forever - Since the days - When we were friends - Don't understand - All these changes - I'm still the same - No need to pretend - Where'd it go - Do you know - Maybe it just doesn't matter
I let the soothing sound and emotion of the song take over me. And willed myself not to think about Michael. I was especially enjoying the sound of the violen.
Cause when I try to talk to you - I feel like I'm not getting through to you - Where did we go wrong - It's hard to be strong - When I talk - When I talk to you
Don't you just hate it when you try to escape something and everything around you reminds you of it?!?
There were times in the beginning - When you were there when I needed you most - We'd sit and talk about the future - And laugh about us getting old - Do you know - How it feels - I hope that you know that it matters
Speaking of future? Is ours being destroyed?
I want you to know everything that I am - Don't want to know what life would be without you!
That's it!
I turned the cd off before the chorus could even start up again. I need to stop thinking about this! I need to stop thinking about this! I need to stop thinking about this!!!
---Zac---
"We should probably leave within the week" - Isaac declared.
I almost choked on the potato chip I was eating!
How'd it get to this? We've been making the plans for months now. And yes I had a major say in the concert dates, but I guess I just always thought it was forever away. Apparently not..
The first single was being released tomorrow. We'd done the video over the weekend. And the album was being released by the end of the week.
By the looks of things we'd leave before then.
I gulped.
Mary-Kate's gonna loooooooooooove this!
Chapter 9:
Normally I'd call Mary-Kate to come with me for my makeover. But of course we're not speaking at the moment. And I don't have any other close friends (Which is totally pathetic) so I'm gonna have to go on my own...
What color do you think I should do for my hair?
Berry red? Black? Brown?
They're all too boring!
I'm thinking...
Keep the blond and streak it with.... blue and pink!
Whaddya think?
I'm also thinking of cutting it to chin length or so, my hair usually grows really quickly so it'll always grow back!
Ooh! Here's the store! Time to do the deed!
---Josh---
I didn't get any sleep cause of the sound last night. I was tired at work and got reprimanded for it twice. I fought the urge to snap at anyone and everyone countless times.
And now theres only one word to describe how I feel right now.
Raging Mad!
Ok so thats two words..
---Michael---
"Wow" I said as my jaw hit the ground. "Somehow I don't remember realising the place needed so much work"
Melanie, who was standing next to me, suddenly sat down on the floor "Oh my" She whispered.
We'd got the keys to our store and had gone in to do some cleaning, it looked like ti would need a lot more then that though. The walls needed painting, the windows needed cleaning, the floor needed carpeting.
Oh boy!
---Zac---
I parked the car in the garage feeling a familiar sense of dread. I took a deep breath and walked into the house
"Honey, I'm home!" I called, then winced at using such a corny line.
"In the bathroom!" Mary-Kate called back and I heard the familiar sounds of Anna taking a bath.
She has a tendency to scream with delight and splash around like crazy. It's a lot of work keeping here safe in there.
I made my way into the bathroom "Hey" I said, kneeling on the wet floor next to Mary-Kate and giving her a quick kiss. I patted Anna on the head, very wet head. "Someones having fun huh?" I said to her in a baby voice. She giggled in delight and thrashed her chubby hands against the water sending a wave of water at me.
"Time to get out" Mary-Kate leaned over and picked her up and I quickly grabbed a towel to rap around her. "So how was work today?" She asked me as she carried Anna into her room to get dressed.
"Pretty good" I took a seat on the bed then lept up quickly. I glanced behind me to see one of Anna's rattles sitting there. I moved it over and sat again "I kinda got some news"
Mary-Kate, who was facing away from me putting Anna's diaper on, froze for a second, then resumed what she was doing. "Oh.. " She tried to sound nonchalant.
"Probably not good news" I said quietly.
"My least favorite kind" She finished with the diaper and grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms.
"Same" I took a deep breath "We'll be leaving on Friday"
Mary-Kate who had just picked up Anna almost dropped her at that news "What?!" She almost screamed.
I walked over and took Anna from her and carried her to her crib. I tucked her in and sung a verse of a song to her then turned to Mary-Kate. She was just standing there looking dazed. I took her hand and led her from the room.
"Friday?" She finally screeched "It's Monday today! That's just a matter of days away. I.." She couldn't continue.
I didn't know what to say so I just wore a sympathetic expression "I'm sorry"
She sighed "I better get packing then" She got up and I followed, but before she could leave the room I spun her around and kissed her.
"Just for me" I said, even though it felt like I was stabbing myself in the heart "I don't want you giving up on your movie"
She nodded and a tear spilled over "I'll get it done as quickly as I can then join you"
I nodded then kissed her again.
Chapter 10:
|
Well! It's done! Meet the new Ashley!
My hair is streaked with blue and pink and even blue violet purple. It's trimmed mega short and I LOVE IT!
I bounced down the street on my way back to my apartment. I plan on going shopping for some new clothes tomorrow. But today I'm too tired.
I got to the door of my apartment building when a voice called out "Hey Ashley!"
I turned to see Mark crossing the street towards me.
"hey!" I smiled.
"Wow! I love the hair" He said when he reached me.
I smiled and twirled around so he could see it all.
"Very colorful" He winked. "Wanna come up for a cup of coffee?" He asked pointing up ino the air in the general direction of his apartment.
"Sure!"
---Mary-Kate---
"Where is she?!" I muttered to myself as the phone continued to ring.
I was sitting on the floor crying and desperately needing someone to talk to. Zac was in the other room packing and not wanting him to worry I'd been keeping a brave face.
But I really need my sister and she isn't there!
"MK" Zac knocked on the door "Are you feeling ok?"
I rembered I was sitting on the floor in the bathroom with our cordless phone. I hung up and wiped my eyes quickly.
"Fine" I said shakily.
The door squeaked as Zac opened it.
Guess he didn't believe me.
He sat down next to me on the floor "You ok?" He asked again.
I wiped my eyes yet again and shook my head "Still trying to get used to the idea" I said quietly. "Months apart!" I said shakily.
He wrapped his arms around me and wrested his chin on the top of my head. "There's always phones, and e-mails, and text messaging, and we could be traditional and write.. I could even take a video camera with me and you could keep one here and we could send each other the tapes. That way I get to see how big Anna's getting and not forget how beautiful you are"
I smiled shakily "I guess"
"And if you get a few days off you could fly over to wherever I am"
I perked up at that "really?!"
"Sure!"
"I feel better already" I said with a smile.
---Josh---
They've started again. It seems thaat 9pm is there party start time. But I'm not going to have any more of this! I KNOW I'll be doing a favor to everyone on my block. The sound is impossible!
I marched out of my house and up to the next one. I pounded on the door and waited.
"Yel-low" A guy of about 19 said as he opened the door.
"Hi" I said sarcastically.
"Oh, hey! You're that dude who lives next door!" He observed.
"Bravo. I'm also that guy next door who's extremely mad about the incessant noise!"
"Incessant?" The guy asked looking a little confused.
"Incessant. An adjective. Occurring so frequently as to seem ceaseless or uninterrupted or Uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing" A voice said from just down the hall, out of sight from my viewing point "Synonyms include 'ceaseless', 'constant', 'endless'-"
"Oh shut up!" The guy who had open the door said frustratedly as he turned to face the guy I couldn't see "Don't you ever stop?"
"The other guy didn't say anything"
"Don't roll your eyes at me!" Door answering guy yelled. He turned to me "Sorry about that, my flat mate gets kind of annoying at times"
I nodded "I know the feeling. Your music and 24/7 parties have the same effect on me"
"Oh" The guy thought for a second "Sorry" He said contritely.
"Great, now could you do something about it?"
He thought for a second "Why don't you come in and meet the guys?"
"I don't want t-" I was cut off as he walked away from the door leaving me nothing to do but follow.