Chapter 1:
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Josh picked up the phone receiver and started asking whoever was on the other end questions as I led Mary-Kate into the lounge and helped her sit on the sofa.
Vic held Anna and asked what she could do to help.
"See what Josh has found out" I responded as I hugged my sister.
She nodded and left the room. There were some hushed whispers and then she returned.
"A drunk driver hit his car." She started. Mary-Kate started to sob loudly "He's in surgery right now"
"Shh" I hugged Mary-Kate tighter "That means he's still alive" I was grasping at straws, who knew how bad he could be. Surgery was pretty serious.
Josh hung up the phone and walked into the room. "Taylor thinks Mary-Kate should come as soon as possible" Was all he said.
"Mary-Kate" I said trying to calm her down "Where is he?"
"Tulsa" She answered.
"Really? Well that's good, that means his family will be there" Tulsa is of course Zacs hometown.
"I'll book plane tickets" Josh said and left the room.
It was strange but I was actually glad he's here. Though I have no clue why he is.
"You should probably start packing" Vic pointed out. "I'll look after the apartment while you're away"
I nodded of course I'd have to go with her..
"Come on Mary-Kate" I pulled her up "We've got to go to your place and pack"
Vic shook her head "I'll go with her. I'd pack your stuff for you but I'm not sure what you'd need. If you want to take your fashion stuff with you and that"
I nodded. She was right, but that meant I'd be in the house with Josh on her own.
"Ashley?" Mary-kate whimpered. I was reminded how she truly was my little sister. Right now she looked years younger rather then just a couple of minutes.
"It'll be ok" I said hugging her again "It'll just be an hour or so. Get enough stuff for about a week and don't forget Anna's things"
She nodded and picked up Anna, together they left.
I took a deep breath and willed myself to stop shaking.
Think Ashley. Think.
A click resounded as Josh hung up the phone. He walked back into the room "Where'd everyone go?" He asked.
"To pack"
He nodded and obviously felt as arkward as I did "We've got a flight for four in 3 hours"
I took a deep breath then thought of something "You're coming?"
He nodded again "Is that ok?"
"It's up to Mary-Kate" I said. He looked a little hurt but quickly covered it up.
"Anything I can do to help?"
I nodded and started walking to my 'studio' motioning for him to follow "I need all of this packed in a box "I said motioning to the tools and paper on my desk.
He nodded and got to work. I left the room and tried to think of what I needed to do next. The doorbell rang and I went to answer it.
"Mark" I was relieved to see him.
"Vic called and explained" He said as he hugged me tightly. "You ok?"
"Fine" I said with a small smile "I"m really worried about Mary-Kate, she's not doing too well"
He still had his arms around me "She'll be ok, and so will Zac" He kissed me on the forehead and I notced Josh standing in the doorway of the studio looking at the two of us questioningly.
---Mary-Kate---
I stood there, a pack of nappies in one hand and a sweater in the other "I don't know what to do" I whimpered to Vic.
She took them both from me "Where are your suitcases?" She asked.
I motioned to a cupboard.
"Good, now where's some paper"
I got her some.
"Now what do you need to pack for Anna?" She asked, pen poised over paper.
"Um... Clothes, nappies, some toys, her food" suddenly I could think again.
The quicker I get everything packed, the quicker I can get to Zac.
Chapter 2:
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The first thought that ran through my mind (in a momenty memory lapse) was of course 'What does he think he's doing kissing my wife?!'
But then I remembered. Wife? Not anymore.
Ashley didn't look worried or guilty about the situation. Thought she did look extremely happy to see whoever-the-guy-was, not to mention totally comfortable in his arms.
So this is what intense jealousy feels like?
"Oh" Ashley said, as if suddenly remembering I was there "Josh this is Mark, Mark this is Josh"
"Josh?" Mark looked at Ashley questioningly, his eyes asking not who I was, but what I was doing here. Obviously he knew who I was, so how come I don't know who he is?!?!
"Nice to meet you" Mark quickly got over his shock and extended a hand which I walked over to shake.
I could tell by the familiar mischevious look on Ashley's face that she wasn't going to give me any more information and was most certainly going to enjoy not having to do so. Well she can also enjoy seeing me die of curiosity and frustration!
Mark noticed the glass that was still scatted on the floor "Want me to pick this up for you?"
Ashley nodded "I'll get some newspaper to put it in" she said as she headed from the room.
I shrugged to myself and went back to the studio. The words of a song a neighbor in college used to love echoing in my head.
You've been dismissed
---Michael---
"See you" Melanie said as she raced out the door, off to get groceries or something.
"Bye" I called as I sat down at the kitchen table, across from Heather.
"Bye" Heather echoed me. The frond door shut and she smiled at me mischeviously "So..." She drew it out "Girlfriends gone" She said with a grin.
"Mmm" I mumbled as I continued my daily perusal of the morning paper, you never know with a business like mine the paper can have some very handy things and events advertised.
There was a loud squeak as she moved her chair closer to me.
I glanced up at her questioningly.
"You know" She said slowly "I've never been one to believe in denying true feelings and... beating around the bush so to say"
"Feelings?" I asked with a gulp, wishing I could back up but knowing it was impossible as my chair was right next to the wall.
"I know I like you and I KNOW" She put extra emphasis on the know "You like me too!" She finished triumphantly. "So whats the problem?"
I was about to open my mouth and say something along the lines of presuming I did like her maybe MELANIE was the problem! Not that melanie could ever be a problem, the exact opposite actually but you know what I mean!
But before I could give this intelligent, firm, speech she leaned forward and pressed her cherry pink lips to mine (mine weren't cherry pink to explain that a little, thought it sounded weird. Yeah...)
Typically Melanie would choose that moment to forget her keys!
"Silly me!" Her voice was the only warning, and only seconds in advance to her entrance, I pulled away from Heather just as she walked into the kitchen.
"What's going on?" She asked looking a little confused, obviously wondering why Heather was so close to me.
"I was just... showing Michael my new ring" Heather extended her hand to show a ring to Melanie.
Being a girl and actually having observed such a thing Melanie declared "But you've had that ring forever!"
"Well I hadn't shown him before" She got up and left the room.
Melanie shrugged "Man, she's psycho!" She grabbed her keys and left.
I sat there willing myself to stop shaking at the closeness of the situation and wondering..
WHY ON EARTH DID SHE KISS ME!?!?
---Ashley---
Last minute arrangements had all been made, at least I hope we'd covered them all. And we were on the plane flying to lil old Tulsa Oklahoma.
We'd called ahead and talked to Diane, Zac's mother, having 7 kids in the family with the percentage away at college or other things, she had a couple of spare rooms for us to stay in.
Mary-Kate was getting Zac's old room on the second floor and lucky Josh and I get the attic floor which had been devided into two bedrooms and a bathroom. Kind of close proximity but I don't exactly have a choice. We'd all decided it would be nice for Mary-Kate to be in Zac's room. We hoped it would in some way be comforting for her. It was also next to Zoe's with whom she was really close.
Chapter 3:
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The plane was divided in rows of 3 by the windows and rows of 6 in between. We of course had the prime seats, next to the windows, which meant the three of us were all sitting in the same row.
And since Ashley was doing everything she could to comfort her worried sister, she'd given her her favorite seat, the window one.
Which meant Ashley and I are stuck sitting next to each other for the duration of the flight. The Movie is my only hope of distraction and avoiding, unfortunately it doesn't start for half an hour!!!
---Ashley---
Mary-Kate had fallen asleep, the affects of the stress and worry she was feeling finally taking their toll. I took of my jacket and spread it over her then sat back with a sigh. Now what?
I glanced at Josh. I was overtaken by curiosity as to why he was even here? He just suddenly turned up at my door with no explanation whatsoever.
Guess it's now or never to find out.
I positioned myself so I was facing him, as much as I could in the cramped seats. He suddenly looked nervous.
I raised an eyebrow, cocked my head to the side and just looked at him.
"What?" he asked, appearing as if he were starting to sweat.
I just smiled and shrugged at the same time. From past experience I know he totally HATES it when I do that!
"Oh! The hair right? I haven't commented on it. It's... interesting"
I didn't say anything, just kept waiting.
"Ashley! Just tell me!" He declared exasperatedly.
"Tell you what?" I asked angelicly. I really should have asked by now, I just always had this little weakness. I LOVE torturing him!
"I'm going to the bathroom" He said getting up.
I just nodded, my eyes following him as he walked away.
---Josh---
I walked into cramped bathroom and closed the door, fighting with all my strength, the urge to slam it.
UGH! I HATE IT WHEN SHE DOES THAT!!!
I allowed myself to slam my fist against the wall then forced myself to take a deep, calming, breath, I then splashed some water on my face.
I know Ashley, and she's only just getting started. Commence the torture!
---Ashley---
I smiled angelicly as Josh walked back to his seat. He just stood next to it for a minute looking at me, sizing me up.
"If you just ask whatever it is you want to ask I'll answer you, anything!" He said in desperation.
"Well that's quite an offer" I rose both eyebrows.
I certainly had a lot of things to ask, but typically they escaped me when I had the chance.
"What I want to ask is quite simple really" I patted my hand on his chair "Sidownalready!"
He sat, still eyeing my wearily.
I dropped the act and got serious. I glanced over at Mary-Kate for a minute, then back at him "What are you doing here?" I finally managed.
"I came to help Mary-Kate... and you"
I willed myself to ignore the meaning of that statement, "No, I mean what were you doing in New York? Why aren't you in Chicago"
"Oh" He took a deep breath as he stopped to think on how to answer the question "I... I got the divorce papers this week. I've signed them and just need your signature... I don't know, I just felt it was something that I should deliver in person" He admitted, looking me in the eye for a milisecond, before looking away.
"Oh" Was all I could manage, and being a typical woman I suddenly felt that urge to cry for no reason... though there was a reason. I glanced in front of us where the previews before the movie were starting "The movies starting, I should quickly run into the bathroom first" Before I'd even finished the statement I'd slipped past him and almost ran down the aisle and into the bathroom just as the tears spilled over.
Chapter 4:
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Everythings changing when I turn around
All out of my control I'm a mobile
Everythings changing out of what I know
Everywhere I go I'm a mobile, I'm a mobile
Typically Avril Lavigne's 'Mobile' would be playing in the airport as we walked in off the tarmac. I spotted Diana waving to me from the crowd, next to her was Zoe and sitting in a waiting chair to their left, Mackie, trying his best to look bored. It was starting to come back to me now.
Back at Zac and I's wedding Mac had got the BIGGEST crush on Ashley, I figured in the years since he might have gotten over it, but by the way his eyes quickly found her and didn't leave.... guess he hasn't.
I didn't stop to think about it though, cause the next thing I know Diana had wrapped her arms around me and we were both crying.
---Josh---
"Can I help you with your bag?" The teenage boy, Mac, asked Ashley when we arrived back at the house. I think he may have a crush.
"Sure" Ashley handed it to him with a sweet smile.
Poor kid, he's a goner. That smile was what had me head over heels. Pretty amazing considering I got it so rarely, most of the time I just got the death glare...
I took both Mary-Kate's bags for her despite her insistence that she could carry them. Diane led us inside and upstairs to show us around. I deposited Mary-Kate's bags in a room that so obviously had been Zac's, a younger Zac but definitely him.
She then led us up a creaky flight of stairs to the old attic. It was small... very small. I'm gonna be trapped here with Ashley?!?
Somebody help me!
---Ashley---
Mary-Kate immediately decided she needed to see Zac in the hospital. He was out of surgery but still unconcious. The doctors were extremely worried he'd slip into a coma.
I remember how that was with Mary-Kate, how hard it was to live through. I don't think my sister can deal with that right now.
Josh and I decided to stay behind. Sometimes a crowd just doesn't help. Zoe did go along however and Mackie stayed to stare at me, something he hasn't stopped doing since we arrived.
"Can I help you with anything?" He asked me "Would you like a drink or something to eat?"
"Um..." I glanced at Josh for help, just for a second though as I instantly wished I hadn't. "Actually I'm a little tired from the trip, I think I might lie down for awhile"
"Ok. Have a good rest"
I nodded and quickly made my way for the stairs, leaving Josh and Mic in the foyer.
"I'll take you up on that offer for the drink" I heard Josh say behind me.
Mic just made a snorting sound and walked away, I turned to glance at Josh who just raised an eyebrow as if to say 'friendly kid isn't he?'
---Melanie---
My nuerotic worry is increasing! Michael has been acting extremely weird and nervous since that day Hannah 'showed him her ring'. I'm not gonna worry about it though. He hasn't told me it's anything other then what it appears. And I know Michael wouldn't lie, or withold important information, from me.
Right?
---Mary-Kate---
It was a 20 minute drive to the hospital but to me it felt like an eternity of endless street after endless street. And of course every traffic light would HAVE to be red!
We finally got to the hospital, Diana led me to the ward Zac was in. She'd dropped by before picking us up from the airport so knew where he was.
"Can I talk to Doctor Warford?" She asked a passing nurse.
The nurse nodded and disappeared. A few minutes layout a gray haired middle aged man walked over to us "Mrs. Hanson" he said when he saw her.
"Doctor Warford, this is Mary-Kate, Zac's wife. And their daughter Anna"
He nodded at me "He's doing well. He should be awake within the hour"
"Can I see him?" I asked hopefully.
He nodded and motioned for me to follow him.
"I'll stay here" Diana said with a kind smile as she took a seat in the waiting room and I handed her Anna then followed the Doctor.
He led me to a small but cozy private room and left me at the door. I took a deep breath and walked inside.
I took in a ragged breath at the sight before me.
Zac, my sweet Zac, was lying there almost unrecognizable. His face was bruised to a pale purple. His leg in a big, bright cast. And bandages over pretty much all of his chest. I gulped and took a few steps toward his bed. Pausing a few times before finally getting the courage to go close enough to really see him.
I reached out and gently caressed his hand, too afraid to take it in mine for fear it would hurt him.
Chapter 5:
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"Ashley. You Awake?" I whispered, gently tapping my knuckles against the door of her room.
"What?" Came the slightly groggy reply.
"Um..." Well to be honest I just got sick of Mic glaring at me, walked up here and found myself knocking on her door. Now I have nothing to say, am wondering what on earth I'm doing here and wishing this was all a dream, or that I could fall in the floor.
Guess what Josh? Aint gonna happen!
"Um?" She echoed me.
"Yeah! Um!"
"Wow!! That's one of your most intelligent statements yet!" A very sarcastic lilt was added to her voice.
"Are you gonna let me in or not?!" I grumbled.
She sighed loudly and I could hear her footsteps as she walked over to the door. "Whats the magic word?" Fake sweetness, UGH! I HATE IT!
I tried the door, it wasn't locked. So being me I opened the door and walked in. She glared.
"What are you doing here?"
"Anything to escape the hatred of Mic" I said as I fell back on her bed and looked up at the ceiling then glanced back at her.
She looked a little nervous and wrapped the sweater around herself a little more thoroughly. I wondered about that for a second, it wasn't exactly a cold day, but I didn't stop to ponder it.
She flopped down in the overstuffed arm chair by the window and just sat there staring out. I continued to stare at the roof.
Well! We haven't seen each other since the end of the summer and this resulting flurry of conversation is certainly overwhelming!
---Ashley---
"I need to get out of this house!" I groaned pressing my head up against the window.
"We just got here"
I got up and started pacing "I know! I just... ugh! I don't know!" I sighed. "I just want to get out"
"Weeeeeeeeeeelll why don't we go out somewhere?" Josh suggested he sat up and looked at me questioningly.
I was tempted. But then this is Josh. And the whole world knows how that'd turn out. Besides... "I can't, Mary-Kate will probably be upset when she gets back and I should be here to comfort her"
He nodded and sorta shrugged "Fair enough"
I sighed and walked over to the bed and sat down (a fair distance from him mind you)
"Well this is...." I trailed off.
"Fun?" He supplied raising an eyebrow
"Something like that" I said dryly.
---Zac---
"Mary-Kate?" I tried to ask but my voice wasn't exacly working.
Mary-Kate was kneeling at the side of my bed, her hands cupped under her chin, her eyes closed, praying.
I cleared my throat and licked my lips in an attempt to regain speech "Mary-Kate?" I tried again. This time I managed sound just above a whisper.
Her head shot up immediately "Zac!" tears immediately filled her eyes and she looked as if she wanted to hug me but was too afraid too.
She took my hand and kissed my fingers instead.
"W-What happened?" I was trying to get a hold of my thoughts but I felt so groggy. Ugh, I just want to sleep..
"You, you were in an accident" She brushed away a tear and tried to regain control "A drunk driver.."
I looked around me "So I'm in the hospital?"
She nodded "In Tulsa"
I tried to sit up but waves of pain rolled over me "How bad is it?" I asked as I fell back against the pillows, in too much pain to attempt to sit up.
"Pretty bad" She said quietly "You broke you leg and..." Her voice faded out as I felt sleepiness overtake me. Soon I was out cold.