Chapter 11:
|
"Ashley?" Mary-Kate asked again..
Ashley was looking extremely nervous and glancing around for any means of escape. I motioned for her to move over then sat down next to her on the sofa.
Zoe sat down in one of the lazy boys and Mic sat on the arm rest. Mary-Kate sat on the remaining lazy boy. I guess they could tell some big news was coming.
I took Ashleys hand in mine then turned to them "We're going to have a baby" I finally said.
Mary-Kate's face was expressionless, Mic's jaw had dropped and Zoe was looking extremely happy.
"Congratulations!" She cried. She lept up and hugged Ashley then continued to chatter on about how great babies were.
"Yeah... uh, congratulations" Mich said quietly. He shook my hand, didn't even look at Ashley, then left the room quickly.
"Zoe" Mary-Kate said gently. It was the first word she'd uttered since I told them "Could we be alone please?"
Zoe nodded with a smile then skipped from the room.
"I'm staying" I said firmly. Though I wasn't sure wether she actually wanted me to leave or not "Ashley and I are in this together"
Mary-Kate looked happily surprised but happy by my statement "That's ok, I want to talk to you too"
---Ashley---
"You're swapping to big sister mode aren't you?" I asked nervously.
Yeah, I am the oldest, but there are moments when Mary-Kate and I swap. And suddenly she's the concerned, over-protective, and BOSSY big sister. It looks like this is one of those moments.
She nodded "What do you two plan on doing? There's half a countrys distance between you! Even when you're in the same state you can barely keep from fighting longer then a week! And thats when you're on the best of terms! You have no particular plans for life! I don't know about you Josh but Ashley, your job is almost non existant. Heck, outside the movie it IS non existant! Speaking of which, what about that? We have a contract, how do you plan on completing your role when it's obvious you're pregnant. And what about the media? They're already starting to pry into our lives again with the movie release coming up. It's only going to get worse over the next couple of months. They never knew you were, or I should say ARE, still married. They'll make a really juicy story out of the whole thing! They'll have a field day!" She finally paused for breath and Josh and I glanced at each other nervously.
Josh still hand my hand and he squeezed it reassuringly "First Off. I'm moving back to NYC immediately. I'm hoping to get an apartment as near to Ashley as possible. It's my goal to help her as much as I can through her pregnancy"
"I can disguise the fact that I'm pregnant for a bit longer. I'll start work on the movie again as soon as I can. I can probably finish my parts within a few weeks. After all we've done all our scenes together. We just need to do our seperate parts. We'll announced my pregnancy and our marriage soon"
Mary-Kate nodded "Ok" She paused and thought for a moment. "Are you going to keep the baby after it's born?" She asked seriously.
I could feel the color draining from my face and I knew Josh was feeling the same. That was the million dollar question.
"We don't know yet" I said softly.
---Mary-Kate---
My sister is pregnant! I can't believe this! Could it fall at a worse time? Under worse circumstances?
And whats worse... she's know for four months! FOUR MONTHS! She's been alone and scared all that time! And she didn't tell to me! She didn't feel she could talk to me!
ME!
Her twin sister. Her BEST friend!
Yeah, I'm feeling hurt
---Ashley---
I was in my room packing later that night as I thought about everything that had happened the last couple of days.
I was going back to New York City, alone. But Josh would be joining me there a few days later. We'd both started looking for an apartment for him, but as they were hard to find in New York City he would probably have to camp out on my sofa in the meantime.
I don't know how we're going to handle spending the time together.
We're in this together though, And we're going to have to survive it together.
Chapter 12:
|
About the same time Ashley was packing in her room I was doing the same. Everyone else was outside, laughing loudly and playing in the snow. The joyful sounds were drifting up to my window and I was finding them hard to ignore. I watched them from my window then went and knocked on Ashleys door.
"Wanna go play in the snow?" I asked with a smile "I promise I won't bole you over into the snow this time" I extended a hand and she took it.
Hand in hand we walked down the stairs then outside.
---Ashley---
"Ashley!" Vic called happily as she ran through the crowd waiting at the gate, at the airport.
"Vic!" I ran over to her and we hugged "That flight was WAY too long!" I laughed as we went to collect my luggage.
"How was the trip?"
"Girl! Looooooooong story!"
---Josh---
Informing my boss that I QUIT was extremely satisfying. However, packing everything I own wasn't quite as enjoyable.
My noisy college friends arranged a farewell party for me, which was actually kinda fun. Noisy. But fun.
After two days of packing and arrangement I was finally ready to leave.
I bid Chicago adieu and before I knew it I was once again on my way to New York City.
And Ashley
---Ashley---
Well, 2 days and a lot to catch up on. Mel and I made arrangements for her to come to New York City this weekend. Vic is going to stay with her mother for a few days so we'll probably lock Josh in her room and have a weekend of shopping (Wedding dress shopping that is)
Speaking of Josh, he arrives tonight. Vis is picking him up from the airport as I'm going out to dinner with Mark.
Yeah, Yeah. It's JUST Dinner Ok? I've had Vic teasing me about it ALL day and I don't need you to start too!
---Josh---
"Vic right?" I asked the brunette holding up a sign saying 'JOSH' at the airport. The very long flight from Chicago was finally over! Ashley had called me just before I left to say Vic would pick me up from the aiport. Something had come up so Ash couldn't. Needless to say I was extremely curious as to just WHAT came up.
Let me guess. It's a WHO right? Or more precisely, a HE?
Or am I just paranoid?
"So Ashley had to go out?" I asked Vic later on as we climbed into the taxi.
"Yeah" she chuckled to herself.
I looked at her questioningly.
She turned serious "You two are getting a divorce right?"
I nodded "I have the papers with me here" I motioned to my backpack.
"So you're over her?"
"Of course" I said in an unconvincing tone.
She looked at me closely "Swear?"
I opened my mouth to answer, yes. But then I closed it again. I'm mostly over her, maybe not 100%. So I guess it wouldn't be the whole truth.
While I was contemplating my answer Vic was scrutinizing my every action. She nodded "I thought so"
I sighed "I'm practically almost over her"
"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight"
I gave up on arguing "So you're not telling me where she is?"
"She should probably tell you. Not me"
Oh great, just heaps a couple of thousand logs on my fire of paranoia!!!
Chapter 13:
|
---Michael---
"Oh I'm going to miss you like crazy!" I declared as I hugged Melanie for the fortieth time. We were just leaving for the airport but were having difficulty at the thought of parting. "How do I survive without my angel?"
She sniffled as tears flew down her face "Do I have to go?" I whimpered.
"You're going to love it so much! You'll never wanna come back!"
A spark came to her eyes "NEVER!" she declared as she punched me in the arm.
"OW!"
"Oh my baby" Her anger turned to concern.
Hannah wandered past us to the kitchen. As usual Melanie watched her warily.
I caught her hand and entwined our fingers so the rings were touching "Together forever. Remember?"
Heather rolled her eyes "Weren't you two supposed to be at the airport half an hour ago?"
I glanced at my watch "Oh damn!" I yelled as we ran out to the car.
---Zac---
I'm out! I'm out! I'm free!
Course my leg isn't free of this stupid cast yet. But at least I'm out of the hospital. In the past I often thought of my room as a cage. But now it's a heaven.
Maybe thats cause Mary-Kate and Anna are here.
---Ashley---
"I had a great time tonight" Mark said as we walked into the elevator. We'd spent 3 hours at the restaurant just talking about everything. It's amazing how much we have in common!
"Me too!" I said as I smiled up at him brightly.
The elevator doors slid open and we walked down the hall toward my door. When we got there we both paused outside. Oh yeah, I remember this arkwardness now/ I also remember that look. He wants to kiss me right?
Just as he finally started to lean toward me the door flew open. Mark quickly pulled back and I stifled a sigh.
"Ashley!" Josh said with fake cheerfulness "You're back!"
I glared at him.
"Hi, I'm Josh. Ashleys ex" he said extending a hand to Mark.
I'm surprise he didn't add 'and father to her child' just to fully scare Mark away!
"I'm Mark, I live across the street. Vics my sister" Mark said as he shook Josh's hand.
And then they started that macho art of sizing each other up.
I just wasn't in the mood "Good n ight Mark" I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek "Call me tomorrow" I turned and walked inside, ignoring the angry, shocked, expression on Josh's face. I went to my room, closed the door, and started to get changed.
The door flew open "What was that?" Josh almost roared.
I quickly pulled my shirt (which I'd got half off) back over my head "Heard of knocking?" I asked irritably. "And by the way, we are NOT doing this!" I pushed him out the door and tried to close it.
He put his foot in the way "Doing what?"
Thinking we have a right, or a say in the others every move!" And with that I slammed the door in his face.
---Josh---
"Ashley. I'm sorry about last night... I got a little carried away"
Ashley sat down opposite me at the breakfast table but didn't say anything.
"It won't happen again" I added.
"Good, it better not. You're going to have to get used to this kind of thing. Mark and I are good friends and we spend a lot of time together. Until further notice that's all there is to it"
I wanted to retaliate that the almost kiss of last night certainly didn't look like the famous 'Just good friends' but like I said, it wouldn't happen again, I just nodded.
She smiled "I won't do it to you either. We may be having a baby together but we are NOT together. Right?" Maybe it was just my imagination (or dare I say hope?) but did she look like she wanted me to disagree?
"Right" I nodded.
She smiled a fake smile "Oh and next time" she said as she got up to leave "Knock before entering"
"Right" I repeated, this time with a wink.
---Ashley---
"Well, I'm off" Vic declared as she picked up an overstuffed suitcase.
"Me too. Mels plane gets here in 20 minutes. I'll walk down with you"
"I wish I could meet her" Vic said sadly as we walked into the elevator "She sounds really nice"
"Maybe you could come with Josh and I to her wedding"
"San Fransisco" Vic said to herself "Warmth. Oooh, that would be heaven!"
We split up at the sidewalk and I headed to the airport.
Girls weekend, here I come!
Chapter 14:
|
Zac was lying on the bed, resting, and I was sitting on the edge rocking Anna to sleep.
"Mary-Kate" Zac whispered as I gently lay her down in Zoe's old crib "How about we go out for the evening?"
I walked over and sat down again "Think you're up to it?" I asked with concern.
"Yes Mum" He joked as he rolled his eyes. He then turned serious "I could do anything as long as it's with you"
"Awww, I think you deserve a kiss for that sweet statement" I leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on his lips
His arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me a little closer.
I pulled back and he made a sad face "I'd love to go out. Hows a movie sound?" I asked angelically.
He propped himself up on his elbows and pulled me yet closer "Or we could just keep kissing?" He said as he kissed my cheek then slowly trailed kisses down to my mouth.
I let him kiss me for a moment "That'd be nice" I mumbled against his lips "But now you brought it up I've got my heard set on a movie!"
I jumped up and walked over to my suitcase "Now what will I wear?"
Zac sighed and fell back on the pillows "Why worry, you look drop dead gorgeous in everything!" He declared.
"That's sweet. But it won't get you another Kiss!" I declared as I pulled out a sparkly pair of jeans and a black sweater.
He pouted "Be a dear and check Diana can baby-sit?" I asked. He nodded and limped to the door.
"Zac wait" I said as I finished pulling the shirt over my head. I motioned for him to come closer and kissed him quickly then pushed him out the door (after handing him his crutches of course)
"You're really cruel you know that!" He asked as he made his way down the hall.
"I know!" I said with a smile.
---Michael---
I left the airport feeling depressed. I drove home, feeling depressed. I arrived home... feeling depressed.
Guess I should get used to it now.
I have a weekend of it to live through.
When I arrived home the radio was still on the channel Melanie had left it on. Plus One's 'Going Crazy' was playing.
I can't pretend that I don't need You
With all of this stuff in my life
I just don't know what to do
Every time I'm afraid of what's in front of me
You keep me from going crazy
Show's done but the tape keeps rollin'
Can't push stop cause my life is recording
All this pressure keeps on pressin'
You keep me from going crazy
That is until Heather ran into the room and switched the radio off "Argh! I can't stand that sentimental crap" she muttered to herself, then she noticed me standing in the door way and plastered a smile on her face "So she's gone?"
I just ignored her and strode up the stairs to my room.
---Zac---
Mary-Kate and I were strolling down the street as we tried to decide which movie to go to.
"How about the new Heath Ledger one?" She asked me mischeviously.
I felt my face going green with jealousy as it always does. I know she just likes him as an actor but I still always feel jealous. "How about no?" I responded.
She just smiled.
We continued strolling down the street but I was certain I could hear someone calling me name. I turned and glanced behind me.
"Zac! It is you!" I noticed a couple walking over to me.
"Dylan!" I said recognizing the guy. I glanced at the girl "... Lucy" I said quietly. I nodded a little and she looked away.
"Imagine seeing you back in little old Tulsa!" Dylan said happily as he slapped me on the shoulder. "In a little pain there?" He asked motioning to my leg.
"Yup, had a little accident" I said with a laugh "This is my wife Mary-Kate" I said motioning to her "Mary-Kate this is my best friend from Junior High, Dylan. And his..." I trailed off, not knowing exactly what Lucy was now.
"Wife" She said coldly, saying something for the first time.
I faught the urge to raise an eyebrow "His wife Lucy" I finished.
"Nice to meet you" Dylan said shaking Mary-Kate's hand, Lucy followed suit, treating Mary-Kate just as coldly as she did me.
If you haven't guessed already Lucy and I dated for awhile back in 8th grade. It didn't finish too well and we've been anything but the best of friends since.
"So where are you off to?" Dylan asked, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Oh, we were thinking of going to a movie"
"Lucy and I were just headed out to dinner at the Burger King, how about you join us?"
Lucy immediately glared at him and I could tell by the gentle pressure Mary-Kate was applying to my hand that she didn't like the idea either. Regardless I responded with "That'd be great"
Nothing wrong with catching up with an old friend right?
---Mary-Kate---
When Zac suggested we join his old friends for dinner I thought.... Well this is wonderful. An evening of Zac catching up with a junior high friend. This is going to be a scary experience. No doubt. I've seen it happen. Somebody help me!
But..
It actually turned out ok. Dylan and Lucy were really cute together, bickering playfully the whole time. But I must admit the way Lucy treated Zac was extremely cold and I was starting to wonder just what their history was.
On the way home later that night Zac just said that she didn't take too well to him dumping her.
So imagine my surprise when I answer the door and find her on the other side.
"Mary-Kate right?" She asked glancing around nervously "Is Zac here?"
"He's still asleep" I glanced at her not sure of what to say.
"Um... well..." She glanced at the ground then back up at me looking like she was trying to say something but didn't know how. "Ok, there's no easy way to say this so I'll just say it. Last night when you went out to the bathroom and Dylan went to get another drink" She looked me squarely in the eye. "... Zac kissed me"
Chapter 15:
|
After picking up Melanie at the airport (That also being after we both stopped crying from happiness enough to talk.. yes... crying) we decided we couldn't wait any longer to go shopping.
We hailed the first taxi we saw and headed for the most glamorous store for wedding dresses in NYC!
But typically, no sooner would we have got there but my cellphone rang. It was the Director for our film, (there were only like 5 scenes I have left to film. One of which involves a sunny day at Central Park.) Apparently there's a couple weeks of bad weather coming. I of course informed everyone that I needed to get the film done as soon as possible, for obvious reasons, so I have to go in and shoot the scene today!
Melanie was really great about it (But isn't she always great?). So the deal is she's gonna hang out with Josh for the day (I am SO not jealous!) and I'm gonna shoot the film. We'll go shopping tomorrow, before she leaves on that night.
---Melanie---
"For the fiftieth time IT'S FINE!" I said firmly to Ashley before pushing her out the door "Have fun at the shoot!" And with that I closed the door. "So" I said as I spun around to face Josh who was standing in the hall, hands in pockets, looking a little uncomfortable. "What's up?"
He just shrugged.
Is he gonna be this quiet all day?
---Zac---
"Hey babe" I smiled at Mary-Kate as I passed her on the stairs. She looked a little fazed and barely even saw me "Everything ok?" I asked, taking her arm.
Her eyes finally managed to focus on mine and hurt flashed across them, then confusion, then very strong anger. She jerked her arm away and ran up the stairs. "Mary-Kate!" I called after her "What's wrong?" I started to follow her, but of course, with my leg I was a lot slower. By the time I got to the stairs she'd slammed the door and locked it in y face. "Mary-Kate!" I called as I slammed my fists against it "Let me in!"
All I could hear from the other side was sobbing.
---Ashley---
I brought a ticket to the end of the rainbow.
I watched the stars crash in the sea.
If I could ask God just one question... why aren't you here with me?
I was in a taxi, doing my best to get to central park, but typically we'd run into a traffic jam. Not too much of a problem though, one of my favorite songs is playing on the radio!
Someday we'll know, if love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know, why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know, why I wasn't meant for you
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Someday we'll know, why Samson loved Delilah
Someday we'll go, dancing on the moon.
Someday you'll know, that I was the one for you
It's like, two weeks from Christmas now. I'm not sure if I have a christmas wish. I do wish, though, that I could stop thinking about Josh and I. There's not an hour that goes by that I don't think about him, about us, about what went wrong..
---Michael---
I'm going to admit it. A girl is scaring me! A LOT. Honestly, what is up with Heather? She's always staring at me, and flirting with me. Can't she take a hint?
That's it! I'm going to call Mel.
---Melanie---
I laughed loudly at something Michael had said and Josh glared at me. He was trying to watch tv, but I was talking on the phone to Josh and making it really hard for him to hear. Usually I'd move, but come on! He's watching E! New live? And besides, the sofa is way more comfortable then anywhere else in the house.
Josh pointedly ignored me and glued his eyes to the screen. I just shook my head and kept talking. Until out of the corner of my eye something on the screen caught my attention. Josh noticed it at the same time too. His bowl of pop corn landed on the floor scattering anywhere.
"Woah!" I whispered to myself.
"What?" Michael asked, concern immediately creeping into his voice.
"Go to E! now!"
He obeyed and I heard a quiet "Woah!"
On screen the anchor woman was talking away as a variety of pictures were shown. Pictures of Ashley and Josh... one of them at an airport, holding hands as they haled a taxi, one of them walking on a beach, holding hands again, another of them on the beach, kissing, there were a few more of them kissing on the beach of that. In one of the pictures Ashleys left hand was against Josh's cheek and the camera focused in on her ring finger, which was sporting a wedding ring I'd never seen, as she took it off when she got home.
"What are those from?" I asked Josh.
"Our honeymoon" He shook his head "We were going to announce it all to the press next week. This isn't good" He whispered
"A rumor has been spreading around that Ashley Olsen, one half of the famous child star Olsen Twins, is pregnant. These candid shots which started circulating on the net this week may just comfirm that rumor. What everyone wants to know is just who is the guy in the pictures? And is that really a wedding ring?" She went on to talk about something else and Josh turned the tv off.
"Great" He muttered to himself "I wanted to stay anonymous! Now everyone will be sticking their noses in"
I glanced at him then back at the blank tv screen "What the? Ash is pregnant?!" I asked as the phone slipped from my hand and fell to the floor with a crash.
(Lyric Credit, Mandy Moore feat. Jonathan Foreman 'Someday we'll know')