Chapter 16:
"Um,... yeah" I stood up and started pacing.
Melanie looked shocked "Why didn't anyone tell me? Why didn't Ashley?" She now looked kind of hurt.
I tried to think of an answer then glanced down at the phone on the floor. I could faintly hear shouting coming from the receiever. "MEL! YOU THERE? MELANIE PICK UP THE PHONE RIGHT NOW! MEL!!!"
"I think he's getting a little worried" I said, motioning to the phone with my foot.
Melanie sighed and picked up the phone "Yeah, I'm still here.... Yeah, it's a shock... Why didn't she tell me?"
I took my chance and quietly slipped from the room. I had to find my cell and call Ashley.
---Mary-Kate---
"Mary-Kate! I swear if you don't open this door right now...." Zacs voice trailed off and though I was extremely upset I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
He'd do what?
Either way I ignored his threat.
I can't believe he did that. How could he kiss another woman? That isn't like him. But deep down I believe he did it. Maybe it's just some insecurities speaking. But I believe it. I truly believe it.
And I feel like I'm dying. Like theres something inside my heart eating away at it. Like I'm choking. And like my world is falling down around me, each piece of it sharp like glass, and cutting into my skin..
---Ashley---
"They what?" I whispered into the cell phone. I was taking a quick break from filming. Josh had insisted it was an emergency. And I now see he's right!
"I don't know how they got the pictures but they had them. A LOT of them Ashley!" Josh said quietly. "And there's somethign else..."
I was afraid to ask "What?" I clutched the cellphone so tight my knuckles started to turn white.
"They mentioned a rumor about you being pregnant"
"WHAT?!" I yelped. Some members of the crew glanced at me curiously and I quickly walked further into the park, further from their prying eyes. "But... they.... how'd they find out?"
"I don't know" Josh sighed. "This isn't good"
I shook my head "This is baaaaaad!" I sighed "Listen, we'll talk about this when I get home. I gotta go finish this scene"
No sooner had I hung up the phone but I was blinded by the flash of a camera, I rubbed my eyes and glanced around to see a reporter a few feet away. "Ashley can I get a statement" The person asked.
I started to back away and backed into a teenage boy "You're married?" He asked as tears streamed down his face.
I felt like I was in some strange dream as I turned and ran back to the safety of the filming location.
---Michael---
"Mike" Heather pranced into my room and looked at me in a way that made me rather uncomfortable. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out to dinner with me?"
"Um.." I didn't know what to say. No wait, course I know what to say, but how do I say it in a way she'll understand? "Heather, I'm engaged"
"Yeah, and she's out of town" Heather said as she took a step towards me.
I quickly sprinted to the door "I forgot! I Have to... meet a friend!" And with that I ran from the house as quickly as I possibly could.
Only question now is. Where do I go? I got into my car and drove around for awhile. I was just driving past the mall when I made a split second decision and drove into the parking lot.
I'd get something special for Melanie when she got home. I headed straight for the jewelry store and after much consideration and a lot of advice from a sales girl I chose a necklace of floating iridescent pink beads.
She'll love it!
After that I just hung around the food court, eating and eating and eating, till I was certain Heather must have retired for the night.
And then I finally felt safe enough to go home.
---Melanie---
It was sunset and Michael and I were strolling along a beach. The sky was blue, the sun bright, the sand was warm and firm under our feet, and as golden as gold gets. Everything was perfect.
Then he leaned down and kissed me, one of those kisses that take your breath away and make you feel week at the knees.
No, I take that statement back. NOW everything is perfect
Oh darn. Don't you just hate it when you're having a wonderful dream and go and ruin it by waking up?
---Ashley---
By the time I arrived home that night I was extremely freaked out and rather upset. There had been a huge crowd gathered when we were filming. And I had a difficult time getting back to my car. I thought the days of questions and harassment were over. I thought they'd finally get out of my face. I should have known better..
I unlocked the apartment door and walked inside, tears streaming down my face.
Josh immediately appeared in the hall way "You ok?" He asked.
I shook my head and brought my hands up to my face as I leaned against the closed door crying.
I think he was a little unsure of what to do but he eventually walked over and pulled me into his arms. "It'll be ok" He whispered into my hair.
I could hear music drifting from Melanie's room
But when you're holding me like this,
I'm carelessly lost in your touch,
I'm completely defenseless,
baby it's almost too much,
I'm helplessly, hopelessly,
recklessly falling in love.
I shook my head at the strange words and just concentrated on the comforting warmth of Josh's arms around me.
Chapter 17:
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I'm sitting on the floor outside my room. MY room may I stress? And for the last half hour I've been locked out of it! Just wonderful!
She won't tell me what's wrong and I'm starting to get worried. I know in the movies they kick the wall down with no problems, but thats movies. And besides, I have a broken leg.
OF COURSE! Why didn't I think of it? Mum and Dad have copies for all the locks in the house. When my syblings and I would have tantrums and lock them out they'd just go get the keys. I'll just use that.
If I could remember where they're kept....
---Josh---
Melanie and Ashley are talking in Mels room. That quite, whispery, weepy talking woman do. I'm feeling really uncomfortable in this house!
Lets see. It's the 10th of December. Christmas is just around the corner and we have absolutely no decorations in the house. I had been kind of hoping to get an apartment of my own before then but it's looking like that's kind of impossible. And maybe a little Christmas cheer will brighten this place a little.
"Ashley" I called, tapping lightly on the door of Melanie's room. "I'm going out for awhile"
"K, could you get some more coffee, while you're out?" She asked in a shaky voice.
I nodded, which was kind of dumb since she couldn't see me through the door. Then headed out into New York City.
---Mary-Kate---
I was listlessly staring out the window when I heard the familiar sound of a key in the lock. I turned just in time to see the door open and Zac walk in.
I shook my head "No" I looked around trying to see a means of escape. Maybe I could slip past him and get out the door.
"Mary-Kate, please, tell me what's wrong" He begged. His eyes were sad and confused and he looked so innocent. I forced myself to look away, I couldn't let him fool me.
"Leave me alone" I muttered through gritted teeth. I tried to slip past him but the room was really small. I'd been sitting by the desk which was inbetween Anna's cot and the bed. In order to get past Zac I had to climb up on the bed. I did this but he tried to grab me and I pushed him away, forgetting his broken leg. So he started to lose his balance and I just couldn't let him fall.
So I reached for his hand and pulled him back to his feet then tried to run. But he still had my hand and wouldn't let it go.
"You know you're being indescribably immature" He informed me. He didn't look so hurt anymore, though I knew he was. He just looked mad now.
"You are calling ME immature?!" I nearly yelled.
"YES!" He did yell.
"Oh, that is really rich, Zac! I am not the one who went out and kissed an ex girlfriend - boyfriend. Oh you know what I mean!"
"What are you talking about?" He asked, his face was all scrunched up with genuine confusion and I was starting to wonder just what I meant.
Who am I kidding? He wouldn't do that to me! No way! Lucy's still mad about junior high and is just trying to get back at him.
Oh man, how could I be so stupid?
Zac was waiting for an answer and I started to wish I could just fall through the floor. Or find a time machine and zap myself back an hour before I ever made such a stupid mistake.
I put a hand to my forehead and willed myself not to pass out "Lucy came over. She said you kissed her last night, when I was in the bathroom. I'm sorry, I know now you wouldn't do something like that. I-"
Zac put a hand up to stop me "And you believed her?" Never in the 7+ years I've known him have I ever seen him look more hurt. I caused it, and it was killing me.
"Zac I-"
He put his hand up into the air "Forget it" And with that he stormed from the room.
I took a step to follow him then stopped. I sat down on the bed and burying my head in my hands started to sob.
---Josh---
I spent an hour and waaaaaay more money then I should have, shopping. I brought a real Christmas tree. And enough decorations for five trees. All in different colors.
I've got enough Tinsel to dress a small town with. And if you recycled the glass ornaments I brought you could restock a high rise glass building with windows.
Ok, so maybe I'm exagerating a little.
But I got a lot of decorations! Honestly.
By the time I got to the apartment it was late at night and by the darkness of it all it appeared everyone had already gone to bed. I tiptoed into the lounge quietly, but stopped in my tracks when I saw Ashley curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Pearl Harbor was playing on the tv and I guess she'd fallen asleep sometime while watching it.
I set my boxes of stuff down and turned the tv off.
"Ashley" I whispered, kneeling down in front of her "Pssst, Ashley"
She stirred a little and blinked up at me "Did I fall asleep?"
I nodded.
She sat up quickly "Sorry" She whispered as she rubbed her eyes. Then looking around she noticed the boxes "Whats all this?"
I put up a finger "Wait one moment"
I ran out into the hall where I'd left the tree then carried it back to where she was.
Her eyes widened and a grin spread across her face when she saw it "Josh! A Christmas tree!" She cried happily.
Chapter 18:
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---Melanie---
From my room I could hear Josh and Ashley whispering happily as they decorated the tree. I smiled to myself. Maybe things could work out ok for them.
Ashley had explained everything to me. And apologized for once again leaving me out on a very important fact on her life.
Of course I was worried for them. They're not exactly in the best marital state for kids. Heck they're rarely even speaking to each other.
But it's moments like these. When they just forget their problems for a few moments and enjoy each others company.
I truly believe they're perfect for each other. Just their relationship is more of a challenge then most.
I reached over and switched on the lamp, I smiled at my framed picture of Michael and fell asleep dreaming of him.
---Ashley---
Josh handed me one end of a string of tinsel and I held it in place while he wrapped it around the tree. Then we stepped back to survey our work.
We'd gone for a silver color scheme, next to the natural green of the tree the color seemed all the brighter and clean. I smiled happily to myself. It looked beautiful!
I hadn't decorated a tree since before I graduated from high school. It had always been one of my favorite things. I've always found the anticipation and preperations for Christmas just as much fun as the actual day. Not that I don't mind opening the presents, mind you.
Josh took my hand and led me over to the sofa. I sat down while he went to plug in the lights. Seconds later the tree was covered in twinkling silver lights that lit up the room with a cool glow.
Josh walked over and sat down next to me. We sat there in silence for a few moments, just appreciating the beauty of the tree.
I'm not exactly sure when Josh took my hand. It was something so subtle and normal I didn't even notice.
But I can tell you one thing for sure. The problem of our no longer secret was the last thing on my mind.
---Melanie---
I let out an appreciative sigh as I twirled around in front of the Mirror.
"Ashley" I whispered "I love it. It's beautiful. It redescribes beauty! It's perfect!!!"
The dress was a beautiful white. The design simple but elegant. It was sleeveless with a billowing skirt. There was a delicate ring of silverish white sequins around my waist. Then another ring around the very top of the dress.
I'm falling in love with a dress.
"How much?" Ashley asked.
I glanced at the price tag then felt like crying "A thousand" I whispered. That was twice as much as I'd budgeted to pay "I can't pay that much" I said sadly as I walked into the dressing room to take it off.
I ran my hand over the fabric one last time before unzipping it and changing back into my jeans and sweater.
I walked out of the dressing room and immediately stopped. Ashley had that look on her face. That stubbornly determined one. That one you don't argue with.
She took the dress from me and marched over to the counter.
"Ashley. What are you doing?" I asked running after her.
She handed the girl out the counter her credit card.
"No! Ashley! It's too much. I'll find another dress. It's ok"
She didn't even look at me. And just shook her head "You love it. It's perfect on you. I'm getting it for you. Think of it as my wedding gift to you"
I couldn't help it, I started to cry then and there. Ashley finished paying for the dress then turned to me. I threw my arms around her "I love you so much! You're the best friend ever!" I sobbed.
She laughed a little "And you my dear are crying over a dress"
I pulled back and wiped my eyes "I'm sorry" I sniffled "I've just been feeling a little emotional lately"
She smiled and took my arm "Come on. Lets go get lunch. I'm thinking something delicious with about a billion calories"
I laughed to myself as we walked out the door. I'm truly blessed. I have some of the greatest friends on the planet. And I'm engaged to undoubtedly the best guy on the planet!
Chapter 19:
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How could she do this to me? Seriously! How?
How could my wife, the person who means the most in the world to me, have SO LITTLE faith in me?
How could she think I'm such a monster to do something like that to her?
I could never in my wildest dreams have fathomed her doing this.
And I am NOT overreacting!
I don't know what to do. I know I have to forgive her. Regardless of what happens (and yes, you're right. That doesn't just sound ominous it IS ominous) I have to forgive her. But how do I do that?
And I have to talk to her too. I don't know how but I have to talk to her.
---Ashley---
Well Melanie just left. And I feel like crying. My two best friends might as well be on mars for as far away from me as they are now!
But anyway, when we were shopping I got a big hat and some dark sunglasses. Hopefully when I'm wearing them people won't recognize me. It's worth a try anyway.
I'm on my way to Central Park, I need to take some time on my own. I wanna decide how to do my hair. The dye washed out and it's back to blond. And I don't wanna be a plain blond! I can choose the style now but I have to wait till I've done the remaining four scenes for the movie before I can actually dye it. How does green sound?
Oh, btw we have a title for the movie (FINALLY)
A day of Tears
Very Dramatic.
Well, I'm starring in the film aren't I?
---Michael---
I was just grabbing my jacket and heading out the door to pick up Melanie from teh airport when Heather came running down the stairs so fast it looked like she would trip. Miraculously she managed not to and quickly brushed her hair back in place "Where are you off too?" She asked.
"Picking Mel up from the airport" I said shortly as I opened the front door.
Her eyes widened "Already?"
I nodded and took a step out the door.
"Wait!" She grabbed my arm. I raised an eyebrow questioningly. She glanced around "Um.. can I come?"
I looked at her like she was crazy "Yeah... whatever"
"Great!" She beamed at me and grabbed her jacket "Lets go!"
I shook my head. Girls truly are crazy.
---Josh---
I need a hobby. Or a job. Or something. I've been in this apartment for days and I'm starting to go crazy. But it's the holiday season and I've been forced to postpone a job and apartment searching as it's just crazy right now. Which leaves me here alone while Ashleys at work. And her friend Vic still isn't back. So I'm getting to the point where I'm tempted to talk to myself.
I got up and started to wander around the house. I glanced into Vics room which was a total mess. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an apple. I paced down the hallway.
Then I opened the door to Ashleys room and walked inside.
Now I know I shouldn't be in here. She'll totally kill me if she finds out. But to be honest I miss her. And this room is her room everything about it reminds me of her.
The color of the walls, the curtains, the soft toy she's had since she was 5, the lamp, everything.
I walked over to the cupboard and opened it. The inside was absolutely packed. But then Ashleys always had a thing for clothes.
I started to look through them when at the very back something caught my eye. It was the graduation gown she'd worn the day we graduated. The day.... the day we got married.
I quickly closed the cupboard and ran out of her room.
---Zac---
I took a deep breath then made my way up the stairs to my room. Mary-Kate was lying on our bed crying.
"Mary-Kate" I whispered.
Her head shot up from where it had been buried in the pillow "Zac?"
I walked over and sat down on the bed, as far from her as I could be with still sitting on it. I didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry" Mary-Kate whispered "I can't begin to describe how sorry I am. I-"
I put a hand up to stop her "I know" I said. I looked away "I think you should go back to New York with Anna"
She sat up quickly "What?" She reached out to put a hand on my shoulder but I shrugged it off. I stood up and started to pace.
"I love you" I started "But this is serious. I don't know what's going to happen. But I need to think. And I think we should be apart while I do that"
She started to cry again. Not that she'd really stopped, just slowed down a little while we talked "No! Zac please!" She wailed.
I got up and started for the door "I think it'll be best" I paused at the door but didn't look back. I made my way down the stairs and went to a phone to book her a flight back to New York City.
Chapter 20:
|
---Josh---
It must have been 2 am when Ashley got back home. I had been asleep when I heard her footsteps in the hall. I stared up at the ceiling as I heard her door close.
Tomorrow then, I decided.
Only now that's now!
It was 10pm and Ashley still wasn't awake. I knocked on her door then stuck my head inside. "Ashley! Pssst" I whispered.
She grabbed the pillow and buried her head under it "What?" Came the muffled and irritated response.
"It's snowing!"
That did it. Having grown up in California and not seeing as much snow as I did in Chicago, Ashley had this major love of the hideous cold stuff! She lept out of bed, grabbed her dressing gown and raced to the window. "It is!" She called happily. She twirled around and ran over to me, placing two hands on my chest she pushed my out into the hallway, then closed the door in my face.
"Ok.. huh?" I asked loudly.
"I gotta get dressed!" Came the happy response.
"Right" I yawned and went back to my room.
---Mary-Kate---
Zoe woke me up at 8am this morning to declare that it was snowing, and had snowed all night. I glanced out the window to see a world blanketed in snow. We hurriedly quickly dressed in our warmest clothes and ran outside. I immediately fell onto my back and started making a snow angel.
A few hours later Ashley and Josh came to join us and I was immediately hit by a snowball from my sweet big sister.
What ensued was an all out war.
Somewhere along the way we seperated into teams. Ashley, Mary-Kate, Zoe and I against Josh. I personally think it's 100% fair. Eventually Mic came out and sided with Josh. I guess he's putting aside his dislike to keep up the male pride.
Yet still the girls were winning.
Just the way I like it!
---Melanie---
Sometime a few days after Michael proposed the reality of the situation set in. There were SO many decisions to make. We had to make the invitations get the minister, choose the clothes, book the honeymoon.... oh man!
We stayed up till midnight last night. Cuddled up together in front of the fire.
We both decided on the first day of spring for the wedding.
I was filled with anticipation but dreading all the work that would come before hand.
I decided my next call of duty was to choose a dress. As I was thinking about this I remembered something. When Ashley eloped I'd been so disappointed. After seeing Mary-Kate's beautiful wedding dress we'd promised each other we would choose our wedding dresses together.
It was something I'd really looked forward to doing and had been really mad at Ashley when I found out she not only didn't ask me to choose her dress with her, she got married in her graduation clothes!
But anyway, I'd got over it and Ashley had sworn she would help me choose out my wedding dress. And now the time is here. Time to give Ashley a call.
---Ashley---
Mary-Kate and Zoe were slowly backing Mic into the side of the house with snowballs, and I'd taken to attacking Josh. Maybe he was just being 'nice' but it was an even battle. Me winning one minute, him the next.
"Josh, I'm surprised" I feigned surprise "Letting a woman beat you? Well now..."
The taunting worked and he immediately started fighting harder. My clothes were dripping wet from snow and I had glistening white snow all through my hair.
He pelted me with 3 snow balls in a row and I put my hands up to shield myself. I squealed happily and crouched down to make my own. Before I could even pick up the snow, Josh crashed into me knocking me over to the ground.
Suddenly remembering my condition I let out a truly fearful cry as I fell. The thick snow cushioned my fall and I suddenly felt stupid for my reaction.
Josh was immediately at my side "Oh man, I'm sorry, Are you ok? I totally forgot"
I opened my mouth to say I was fine but before I knew it he'd picked me up and was carrying me inside to the sofa.
"Truly I'm fine" I insisted as he set me down.
Mary-Kate, Zoe and Mic followed us inside. Their faces questioning.
"Ashley, whats going on?" Mary-Kate asked.