Chapter 1:
---It's been a week since our groups first year out of college ended. Summer is just starting, but few have really noticed. With each passing day Mary-Kate becomes more and more worried about Melanie. She'd wanted to jet over to Italy as soon as she heard but Zac convinced her to wait a little while. The police were investigation and for all she knew Melanie may have been fine. Maybe she just decided to take a few days off and didn't let anyone know (and didn't take any additional clothes with her, left her goldfish to die of starvation and didn't even close all the windows in her house. Then there was the fact that she hadn't used any of her Credit Cards since leaving.) Mary-Kate insisted any of the arguments such as 'She may be staying with friends' were rediculous. Melanie was serious about the new album, she wouldn't delay recording and she'd have the let the label know of any plans she made.
But whatever the argument, Mary-Kate stayed against her best wishes. From day one she was preparing though. She packed straight away, prepared Anna to take with her, spent days at the library pouring over books on Italy, she even brought some 'Learn Italian in a week' books. After 5 days and no new news she booked a flight for herself and Anna. Zac had to finish a few business things with selling the house, then he planned on joining her. Ashley had wanted to come but William was too young.
Lizzie had taken a summer internship job that she needed and really couldn't get out of so she stayed behind, despite being concerned about her former roomate. Mary-Kate was to call her with any info and if there was anything she could do to help from New York. Two heads were better then one. As for Michael, no one knew where he stood.
Ashley and Josh were both exhausted with caring for a newborn. Both were constantly snapping at each other and dozing off in the strangest places. Josh was starting to treasure the baby free moments at work. He loved his son, just a little bit less when he was screaming. Besides, he'd just been given the most intriguing case to report on. NYC's richest young heiress was giving her entire fortune to charities.
Amanda spend most of her time worrying about Lizzie. It seemed the two girls trip to the movies had won Lizzie a stalker. For the most part he'd kept his distance, but they'd noticed him following them on the streets and watching their apartment window from the street.
Taylor and Michael were enjoying their bachelor pad. Sure, Michael wasn't technically single, but things with had Amanda had been strained. Taylor was still single and constantly trying to change that. He'd been on about twenty first dates, but not one had been the right girl.
And finally there was a new arrival to our group of young friends. Broken, sad and alone, Trent Olsen had decided to move from his LA home to the city that was home to his sisters. His wife Rebecca had died in a shock car crash a week earlier, at the funeral Mary-Kate had invited him to come stay with her and Zac at their new apartment. A new start was what he needed so he and his 6 year old daughter Larrained had made the move, attempting a fresh start, and hoping desperately for peace. ---
---Trent---
Larrained screamed happily as a splash of foamy water sprinkled over her head "Look Daddy" She cried, pointing ahead to where the Statue of Liberty was looming closer on the horizon "It's her! It's her!"
I've never understood Larraine's fascination with the statue of Liberty. I guess everyone has something that always appeals to them. Rebecca was in love with the Eiffel Tower. I remember the expression on her face the first time she glimpsed it when we arrived in Paris for our honeymoon, complete joy.
And now Larraine was behaving so much like her mother had then, that it tore at my heart and made my eyes prickle with tears.
Larraine started to climb up the railing on the side of the ship and I gently pulled her back down.
"Careful honey. You don't want to fall overboard" She hardly even noticed.
Once again I was overwhelmed by my insecurities. How am I going to raise a little girl on my own? How can I work and spend enough time with her? I don't want her to be some latch key kid. She's solitary enough as it is.
I sighed, and clutched Larraine closer to prevent her from jumping overboard and swimming to liberty herself. The boat was rocketing through the water now. The front crashing down into the water and sending a rush of foamy water in a wave out into the harbor. I felt as if I could have watched it all day. The rich green water, hidden by the foam as wave after wave rushed away from the ship. Slowly the bubbles would desolve and the water would return to normal only to be crushed again.
Kind of like life I guess.
---Ashley--- ".. And if he cries try rocking him. He won't be hungry for another hour so it won't be that. And make sure he's not too hot, it's supposed to be really warm today" "Oh darn, I was planning on putting him in the microwave when he cried. Guess that would be too hot" Josh retorted, rolling his eyes. I glared at him. He took William from me and tucked him into his baby pram. "He's my son too and believe it or not I do know how to take care of him" He glared at me then walked out the door. I sighed and rested my hands on my hips, wincing a little as the door slammed behind him. Ok, so saying Josh and I hadn't been getting n well latelyis kind of an understatement. But have we ever got on well? I mean; think about our history together! It was just a matter of time till they got this worse. Anyway, Josh is moving in with Michael and Taylor. I'm not looking forward to living on my own so I'm thinking of upgrading to a bigger apartment so Trent can move in with me. I'm just hoping he won't be as overprotective as he used to be. He can be extremely suffocating. Oh, and I'm starting work again. I'm working with this great designer on her new line. I hope to be able to do my own line soon. But wherever I can start.
I went into William's room where I had some of my sketches and put on a cd then set about working again.
Here I am again. Talking to myself. ---Taylor--- "Do you really need a super sized lava lamp?" Michael asked, pointing to afore mentioned lamp as if it were the most offensive object in the room. "It adds an atmosphere that I find inspiring" I responded. Michael sighed "Could you put it in your room then?" I moved the lamp from it's location next to the sofa and to my room without a word. Usually guys don't care much for decorating but me, I like to live in a surrounding that inspires me artistically. Michael likes to live in a surrounding that screams 'Bla!' I like warm colors and he likes grey. I'm more of the hippy flavor and he's a minimalist. And now we're trying to make room for Josh. He's been living with a chick for a year so who knows how he'll want the place decorated! The doorbell rang and I heard Michael walk to answer it. That'll be the guy with the rug. I hadn't even had the chance to mention. "Sixty's style checkered shag carpet!" Michael souted Oh, here goes.. ---Zac--- Mary-Kate was packing and stressing, "I can't believe this happened now," she murmured, "We've barely finished unpacking and Trent's just go here. You will keep an eye on him right? Make sure he doesn't slip into that fazed out depression state again." I'd been sitting on the floor with Anna, helping her put together a kiddie puzzle. Well, technically I was putting it together and letting her think she'd done it. I glanced up at Mary-Kate "Once again Mary-Kate. He'll be fine. I'll be fine. Anna will look after us." I smiled at Anna "Won't you Bub?" Mary-Kate frowned and folded a pair of jeans before slipping them into the suitcase, "Well that's it." She said, as she lowered the lid. "Um, Honey?" I stood up and eyed the suitcase which was full to the brim and then some with far more items of clothes then Mary-Kate would even need in a month, "How do you plan on closing that?" She glanced from me to the suitcase, "Oh, come on. It's not that bad." Without saying a word I held the suitcase stable while Mary-Kate climbed on it. This was something we did on a regular basis, a little tradition that happened whenever we toured or traveled. Once in a blue moon was about the only time Mary-Kate didn't have to jump on the suitcase to get it to close.
Sitting at a red light.
Both hands on the wheel.
How am I supposed to feel?
So much running through my mind
First you wanna be free
Now you say you need me
Give and make signals and signs
It's so hard to let you in
Thinking you might slam the breaks again!
(Lyric Credit: Hilary Duff: The Getaway)
I tugged at the suitcase zip. No luck. "Sorry Hun, You're not heavy enough" She sighed and climbed down, "You try then." I put my hands up. "Oh come on! No way!" She put her hands on her hips and glared at me. I sighed and climbed up. Mary-Kate tugged at the zip "Careful you'll break it!" I warned. She pulled at it again and the suitcase began to tip a little, "Mary-Kate!" I called. The suitcase slid backwards and I felt myself falling. She grabbed at my hand but her balance was thrown off by my sudden weight and we both went toppling off the bed, followed by a pile of clothing (which didn't hurt) and a suitcase (which did). Anna crawled over to us then sat back and stared. Trent appeared in the door, looking bewildered "I... was just looking for the.. nevermind." And with that he disappeared. I sat up and glanced at Mary-Kate who was lying on the ground with a pile of socks and t-shirts covering her. She smiled, "This looks kinda silly huh?" I grinned, "Just let me get my camera" She grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me down to kiss her. "I'm going to miss you." She said with a sad smile. "Likewise,"I said, kissing her again "Now, seriously, let me get my camera."
---Lizzie--- "This is rediculous!" I fumed "I have to go to work! What am I supposed to? Put my life on hold cause some freak won't leave me alone?" Amanda looked upset and I felt bad for yelling at her. I know this whole thing wasn't her fault and she found it just as terrifying as I did but I needed someone to blame, someone to vent on. "I need the money! I'm not going to borrow any more from Mary-Kate or Ash, do you have any idea how demeaning that is? I'm not going to have my sisters put me through college!" "Fine!" Amanda put her hands up in front of her as if to defend herself from me. "Go to work then. I don't know what to do. Maybe he won't bother you. We can just hope and pray" "Fine" I put my jacket on and opened the front door then paused and glanced back at Amanda. I could tell from the way she was looking at me that she wondering if this would be the last time she saw me. I guess you could call us paranoid but we'd been having a scary time lately. There were the phone calls in the middle of the night, whenever you answered the person on the other end of the line was silent. We'd taken to unplugging the phone before going to bed at night. Then there were the creepy love letters. But I'm not even going to go into that.. "See you this afternoon" She nodded, "Be careful"
Chapter 2:
---Mary-Kate--- Most of my flight to Rome was overcast. I guess you could say it was metaphorical weather. I remember when Ashley and I flew to Rome to film 'When in Rome' when we were 16. We were so excited, but now all I feel is trepidition. The plane taxied up the runway and I felt that familiar thrill of speed. Then the plane launched into the air and I felt the familiar queasy sensation as my stomach seemed to drop out from under me. Now my ears somewhere between normal and popping. So I feel extremely queasy. But I somehow doubt it's all down to the altitude. ---Michael--- Josh has changed. Is that what marriage does to you? (Or maybe divorce is the more correct term) Do you come out of it this unaware of others feelings? Maybe more callous and with a better understanding of 'looking out for number 1'? I mean, he's been loud and obnoxious the entire night! I guess going to a bar to celebrate our new living arrangements wasn't a great idea but he's only had like one beer! I THINK he's trying to impress Judy though I don't see how any girl would be impressed by him attempting handstands on the floor then nearly landing on someones table. I predict we'll be kicked out any moment. Yup, here comes the owner... --- Taylor --- Josh was oblivious to the annoyance permeating our group. Well, permeating Michael and I anyway. July seems to be as into Josh as was when the day started. If not more.. I'm willing to let it slip but Michael looks as if he's ready to explode.. ---Mary-Kate--- I was sitting in the hotel room with the curtains closed eating a rediculously large packet of M&M's. Maybe I jumped the gun a little, coming here. Cause now that I AM in Rome I'm feeling rather stuck for what to do next. PLUS I'm already suffering from Jet lag and missing Anna! There was a knock at my door and I just about leapt out of my skin. M&M's went flying everywhere and I muttered as I tried to pick them up. "Everything all right miss?" A voice with a heavy accent asked from the other side of the door. "Fine. Just a second" I quickly brushed my fingers through my dishelved hair and checked I didn't have any chocolate on my face. I opened the door to find a rather attractive Italian guy standing there. He reminded me of Anthony from Australian Idol 2 - Only taller. "You are Mary-Kate Olsen?" He asked. I nodded mutely. "I am Marcus Moore. I'm with the detective agency Melanie's label hired to find her" He handed me a card "They gave me your number" "Of course. They mentioned you to me. Things have been a ltitle crazy. I completely forgot. Come in" I ran and opened the curtains and kicked the bag of M&M's out of sight then motioned to a seat at the table. "Would you like something to drink?" He shook his head "I was planning on taking a trip to the location where Melanie was last seen. I thought you might be interested in coming?" I nodded "I'll just get my jacket" --- Josh --- "So then he said, 'That's what I've been trying to tell you the whole time'" I said, delivering the punch line of my joke with much enthusiasm. It was like 1 in the morning and not long since Judy and I parted ways after going out to a bar with Michael and Taylor. I really don't know what's up with those two. They've been really cold with me ever since we got back. No wonder I called Judy for some human warmth. Judy burst out laughing. I grinned "Good to hear you have a sense of humor. Ashey always through that Joke was stupid" There was silence on the other end of the line then she responded with "Well maybe Ashley was stupid" I felt my hackles go up and was all ready to jump to Ashley's defence but for whatever reason I didn't. "Yeah, maybe" I answered. "So do you want to go check out that new action movie tomorrow night?" "Last hope nigh?" I asked in astonishment "Ashley would never be willing to go see that." "Well I'm not Ashley" She responded, sounding just a little peeved. "So you're up for it" "Totally!" ---Lizzie--- I couldn't help feeling queasy as I left work that day. I'd forgotten about the stalker all day as I'd been enjoying working so much. I guess most people wouldn't care for working as a salesgirl at a designer clothing store but I loevd helping people choose out outfits and so forth. It was about 6pm as I started walking home. The air was just starting to get chilly and I zipped up my jacket and jammed my hands in my pockets. I was only 5 blocks from home but it felt so much longer. About two blocks along I became positive there was someone about half a block behind me who seemed to be following pretty consistently He was wearing a cowboy hat and denim jacket, along with some sunglasses (despite the cloudy weather). I quicked my pace a little and hoped that the street would get a little busier. I passed an elderly lady who smiled at me sweetly. I forced a smile and kept going. What I wouldn't do for one of Mary-Kate or Ashley's bodyguards right now.. ---Amanda--- I'd just got a call from the Director of my new film 'Love light' who suggested an impromptu cast dinner. I got my bag and grabbed my jacket. I had my hand on the door handle when my cellphone rang shrilly. "Not now" I murmered "I'm busy". I tried ignoring it but the ring continued to sound more and more urgent, even panicked. "Yeah?" I answered, shoving the phone between my ear and shoulder as I walked into the elevator and hit the button for the ground floor. "Manda?" Lizzie's voice sounded urgent "I think the stalkers following me." She whispered the last few words. I leaned against the elevator wall, feeling terror creeping into my veins "Where are you?" "About two blocks from home. And he's gaining on me!" The elevator doors opened and I came face to face with a cute guy who I happened to know lived on the floor above me (Random information picked up by my casually asking the doorman. It's irrelevant really. I DO have a boyfriend). I'd been meaning to talk to 'cute guy' but I hadn't had a chance. "Hi" He smiled this slow, gorgeous smile and I just about felt like melting. "Hey" I said. "Amanda" Lizzie's voice called from the phone "Focus! Help!" "Sorry. I have to go" I said as I ran out of the elevator. "I'm on the fifth floor. Room 9. Drop by and say hi sometime" I ran out the front door muttering to myself 'What did I just do?' I started jogging down the street in the general direction of Lizzie's workplace, "I'm coming" I said into the phone" "And what do you plan on doing once you get here?" She said rather bitingly. Always a stickler for details.. "Listen brat. I'm helping you so stop blaming me and get a clue!" No, I didn't say it. Just thought it... I caught a glimpse of yellow out of the corner of my eye and quickly hailed the taxi. "Go about a block. We need to stop and pick up a friend of mine" I prayed she was on the right side of the street. It didn't take long for me to stop a desperate looking Lizzie running up the street, a guy a few feet behind. I swung my door open "Get in!" I yelled. Lizzie ran over and I quickly slid over to give her room. I glanced behind us as we sped away to see the guy glaring up the street at us. "That was close" Lizzie murmured. "Close?" I was astonished. "Lizzie! That was rediculous! I told you not to go to work today!" She rolled her eyes "Just drop me back at the apartment building"> I did. And payed the taxi then walked her all the way to our apartment before returning to the street and hailing another taxi. Things certainly seem more complicated now..
Chapter 3:
---Mary-Kate--- ‘No one said it would be easy. I only wish it weren’t this hard’ I can’t quite decide when Zac and I’s relationship hit this hurdle. Only day we were a happy young family, the next, we’re broke (sort of) and never seem to get along. I hate to admit it but our relationship reminds me so much of our parents just before they broke up. I wonder if he feels the same.. ---Trent--- I was walking through Central Park lost in some daze of melancholy. I’d just walked Larraine to school and now didn’t know what to do with myself. I never realized till now but Rebecca was always the glue that kept our family together. She was my heart, my confidence, my confidence, my life. And now that she’s gone I’m not even a half person. Forever is such a scary notion. I know Rebecca and I have a mutual faith in God and she definitely had her life right with him before she died. So, I know I’ll see her in heaven someday. But I can’t bare the thought of the rest of my life without her. In my mind I see a desert road that stretches on forever. There are a few oasis’s on the side of the road, moments of joy and pride. The pride is mine, but I wonder how I can truly embrace the joy with Rebecca. I see Larraine’s graduation, her marriage, her children, and a successful career. But I don’t see anything on this dusty highway for me. I can’t imagine my life ever seeming full again. ----Josh--- I was headed out of NYC central into the more suburban areas. My destination was the Lanay mansion where I had an interview with young heiress Alyssa Lanay. Her parents died in a car crash when she was 15. She just recently turned 18 and with coming of age, came into her family’s fortune, an estimated 30 million. Not to be some Paris Hilton wanna be Alyssa wasn’t much of a young socialite. She was high up in the NY social groups if she chose to socialize, but didn’t her mansion often. There was talk of her being somewhat of a recluse. But then losing your parents can do that to you. The Lanay mansion had a full city block in it’s grounds, heck, it had it’s own park! I gave my name to the guard at the gate then slowly drove up the drive with was sheltered by large oak trees. “This is intense” I whispered as I peered up through the windscreen as the actual mansion came into view. ---Mary-Kate--- It had started to get dark by the time Marcus drove me back to my Motel. I couldn’t help but feel I’d achieved very little and didn’t feel like returning to my M&M’s just yet. “Could you drop me off here?” I asked. “Here? But we’re still a few blocks from your motel” ”That’s ok. It’s a lovely evening. I could do with the fresh air” I could tell he wasn’t happy as he pulled the car over and let me out. I assumed he was concerned for my safety, but I certainly knew how to look after myself. He watched me through his rear vision mirror as he drove off. I go so far as to say almost suspiciously, but that doesn’t seem to make sense… The walk back to my Motel was mostly uneventful till I was about a block from my destination. I didn’t notice the SUV pull into the street behind me till they sped up with a squeal of their tires. At first I thought they’d just kicked up some gravel from the road as they drove past, when I felt a sharp pain in my leg, but when I looked down I noticed the rock with a piece of paper wrapped around it. I ignored it and pulled up my jeans, there just below my knee was a bright red spot where the rock had hit. That was going to leave a bruise. I sighed and dropped the hem of my jeans then reached down to pick up the rock. Unwrapping the paper I felt a chill run down my spine as I glimpsed for the first time the cliché note written entirely from letters cut out of magazines and newspapers... ---Michael--- “So,” I said as Zac and I sat down at the bar “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?” ”This feels kind of strange” Zac said slowly “But Josh, as you know, has kind of left the plant and is circling around the galaxy of ‘fools in love’. “Nuh-uh!” I said adamantly “He and Julie are NOT in love! It’s just some stupid infatuation spawned from his pigheaded desire to prove he’s over Ashley!” “Well we’re on the same page about that” ”We didn’t come here to talk about how stupid Josh is though did we?” ”It’s Mary-Kate and I” Zac said suddenly. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and gazed at the bowl of peanuts on the counter. Who really wants to give relationship advice to their ex girlfriends husband? “Oh” “I don’t know what’s wrong with us, but, our relationship seems to be in some real trouble. I don’t think either of us is happy” I glared at him “You love her don’t you?” His answer was so quick and honest; he didn’t even pause to think “I don’t think I could ever stop” ”then what’s the problem?” ”I…” I he paused and ran a hand through his hair before taking an oversized gulp of beer then answering “I sometimes wonder if she still loves me…”
Chapter 4:
---Zac--- I’d just got home from the bar after my talk with Michael. I’ll admit I might have had one too many beers, so it’s a good thing I was taking a taxi. I walked in the door and attempted to hang my coat in the closet. It refused to cooperate so I left it on the floor with a mutter. Anna was spending the night at Ashley’s. She and Matthew were already getting to be good friends. Maybe it’s like that movie ‘Baby Geniuses’ and they really can communicate with one another at that age. The phone rang shrilly and I groped for the light. The moment I switched it on the bulb blew and I swore under my breath. Thankfully the phone was where it belonged in its cradle and no somewhere else (the joy of cordless phones). “Hellow” I said, ever so slightly slurring my words. “Zac?” It was Mary-Kate and she sounded panicked. “Oh gosh, I’m so scared!” ”What’s wong”? I coughed in an attempt to cover the mistake “Wrong” I corrected. Her voice changed. “Did you just wake up?” Uh-oh. “Um,… no” ”Have you been drinking?” ”Um, a lillel” Another cough “little” She was silent and I gulped. “Maybe I should talk to Ashley instead.” “No! Come on. I’m fine. I just had one drink too many. Please, I’m worried. Tell me what’s wrong?” She proceeded to explain to me about the car and the rock. The note that read, “Don’t interfere. Leave and don’t come back.” I felt my blood boil with anger at the people who’d tried to hurt and scare Mary-Kate. And anger at myself for not being there to help her. “I’ll see if I can get my flight forward” I said. “That would be good” ---Amanda--- I’m still not sure what it was that woke me that night. Maybe it was just coincidental and I’d needed a glass of water. Maybe I heard something that only registered in my subconscious. Whatever it was I sat up in bed suddenly unaware of what it was I was concerned about. Then I heard a tapping at the window. At first I figured it must have been a bird or a tree (that latter lasted long enough for me to remember I was 15 stories up.) Then I remembered the fire escape. I leapt out of bed and raced toward the window. Before I even considered opening the curtains I could make out a silhouette at the window. I turned and ran out of my room and into the hall. “Lizzie!” I hissed in a loud whisper, “Lizzie!” I picked up the phone as I passed it on the way to her room and hurriedly dialed 911. I pushed open the door to Lizzie’s room and turned on the light. “What?” She asked sleepily, “What are you doing?” I didn’t have time to answer as I’d been connected through to the police “Hello?” I gave my address quickly, “There’s a man at my window” I could see Lizzie’s eyes widen and she grabbed her pillow and hugged it to her chest looking every inch a little girl. The police sent over a squad car but by the time it arrived our not so mystery assailant had vanished. Confirmation from a neighbor that someone had been lurking on the fire escape proved I wasn’t losing my mind to paranoia. Neither Lizzie nor I could sleep the rest of the night. We agree to rehire an old bodyguard of mine to keep an eye on Lizzie. ---Josh--- I kind of expected a butler to answer the door when I arrived at Alyssa Lynae’s, something like the butler in ‘Sound of Music’. Or maybe even the butler from ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’. What I found instead was a petite and beautiful 18-year-old girl. Somehow I just don’t see Paris Hilton answering her own door… “You must be Josh” She said with a smile as she ushered me inside. “Thanks for taking the time to speak with me” I said “I understand you aren’t doing any other interviews with the media” We walked into a large dining room and she turned to me “Yes, I’m not really looking for much publicity. I don’t want to be one of those people who buy publicity with donations.” She shrugged a little, “Please take a seat” “I’m really sorry about your parents” I said. Her face was shadowed with sadness as she nodded her thanks. We talked for close to two hours. I occasionally took notes but felt confident I’d remember all that was said. Alyssa was an absolute sweety. At 18 she was mature for her age but still had a youthful naivety to her. Maybe wealth sheltered her from so many of the harshnesses of this world. And yet the thing she wished to talk most about was the suffering of children in 3rd world countries. She knew the statistics and she knew what she wanted to do to help. Giving away her fortune wasn’t really the right way to describe what she was doing. She was investing in a better future for many of the world’s youth. I asked if she’d ever been to Africa. She nodded and confirmed she’d been once with her father before he died. That’s when it all started for her. By the time our interview was over I was sad it was ending. Sad we wouldn’t be able to talk any longer. ---Taylor--- I’d gone out for a walk after a long and unfruitful battle with writers block. Work on my solo album was midway through but I’d just gotten stuck the last couple of weeks. I realized I was passing Amanda and Lizzie’s new apartment and decided to stop in for a visit. The tension in the room was palpable the moment I walked in. Amanda smiled and gave me a hug, apologizing that she and Lizzie weren’t the best of company today. She told me about what had happened the night before. “That’s terrible!” I said, I glanced over at Lizzie who had been sitting at the table with her head in her hands. She looked over at me and gave a weak smile. Amanda apologized and mumbled something about a movie script before leaving the room. I walked over to Lizzie and sat down across the table from her. “So how are you doing?” I asked. “I’m ok, I guess” she paused, “We always had the occasional security scare growing up. What with obsessive Olsen fans coming to the house and even a kidnapping for ransom plot involving my brother and that failed.” She shrugged “This isn’t a second hand fear though. It’s not Ashley or Mary-Kate at the center. It’s me…” She quickly brushed a tear away before it could run down her cheek. I reached over and put my hand over hers. “Hey, it’ll be ok. The police will catch this guy and then you can get a restraining order.” She nodded, sniffing a little. “Hey, how about we go to a movie or something. I promise I’ll practice my Kung Fu on any potential threats. I’m a black belt you know?” ”Oh really? That’s karate” She said with a smile. “I knew that” I insisted. We told Amanda where we were going and she made sure to lock the door after us. ---Ashley--- I sat at my designing table, pen in hand, blank paper before me. The paper was screaming at me “Design! Design!” But the pen refused to work. Or maybe it was my creative mind. William started to fuss in the next room and I put down my pen, grateful for the distraction. “Coming baby” I was in the hallway, heading toward Will’s room when the front door opened. I jumped in fright till I recognized Josh’s dirty blond hair appear at the door. “Oh, hi” He said. “I thought you’d be out.” ”Middle of the day; Fussy baby, oh yeah I’m totally hitting the New York Clubbing circuit!” I said sarcastically.” I continued to Will’s room making a mental note to get back Josh’s extra key as soon as possible. “So, anyway I just had my interview with Alyssa Lynnae” Josh said as he followed me into the room. ”And I care?” I muttered under my breath. If Josh heard me he didn’t let on. “She’s amazing! It’s the most fascinating story.” He continued to ramble on about the heiress while I tuned him out. I picked up William and walked out of the room. “How’s Julie?” I sarcastically asked over my shoulder. He followed me into the lounge “Oh, you’re still mad about that” I didn’t look at him as I sat William down on the sofa and went to get his bottle. When I came back into the room Josh had William on his knee “He could have fallen off!” He said to me, voice tinged with criticism. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Super Dad was here to watch him” I threw the bottle onto the sofa next to him and stormed out of the room. I was tempted to slam the door behind me when I walked into my room but decided that was a little immature. I lay on my bed listening to Josh baby talk William in the room next door. I don’t care. Honestly! I never wanted him to come after me and apologize anyway! I’ll just sit here and… stare at the ceiling.
Chapter 5:
---Mary-Kate--- I decided not to wait for Marcus to come around the next morning. Instead I was up bright and early to start my own search for Melanie. I grabbed my jacket as I stepped out of my motel room and into the hall. I almost didn’t notice the piece of paper at my first. At first I shrugged it off expecting it to be some rubbish or something that hadn’t blown down the hall but curiosity got the better of me and I picked it up. The note was written in blood red ink ‘Are you leaving?” was all it said. I glanced around but no one was in the hall. Gulping a little I put the note in my backpack and locked the door behind me. Zac was going to be here in the next couple of days and in the meantime I determined to be brave. And I’m not looking for apology eyes ---Lizzie--- “Ok, your choice” Taylor said as we walked into the theatre. I glanced over at the poster for Reese Witherspoon’s latest romantic comedy, “Kidding?” I asked. “A guys going to let a girl choose when a romantic comedy is in the mix?” He shrugged “I don’t mind. Reese is hot” I laughed then looked around to see what else was playing “How about the new Matt Damon action film?” He grinned “You are like the perfect girl” ”Uh, I know” I said with a wink. The move was action packed and possessed a good twisting plot. We were both lost in the story the entire duration of the film and when the credits rolled and the lights came on we blinked and looked around, realizing we were in fact in a movie theatre. “You want to get coffee?” Taylor asked. I glanced at my watch “Sure, I’ve got a class in an hour so I just need to be home by then” We went to a nearby Starbucks (which I hate, but I didn’t feel like complaining) and we talked nonstop the whole time. We had so much in common I couldn’t believe we hadn’t realized it earlier. ---Mary-Kate--- With no apparent leads to follow I found myself at a loss the second day of my Italy visit. Eventually I wandered down to a nearby park in an attempt to attain some fresh air. I sat down on a park bench and watched some children play in a fountain. I didn’t notice when the guy in the trench coat sat next to me as I was lost in a worried daydream about Melanie. “You’re worried about her?” The stranger asked. I jumped a little at the unexpected voice. I glanced over and to my horror came face to face with an undistinguishable face. He wore a cowboy hat and gigantic glasses in addition to a large scarf that covered the bottom half of his face. I went to move away from him but he reached out and grabbed my wrist. “Let me go!” I demanded. “You’re only making things worse for her, you know” He continued, “And if you persist there will be repercussions” He paused “For you AND your sister” ”Stay away from Ashley and stay away from me!” My voice rose to a screaming pitch and people glanced over. He reluctantly let go of my wrist with a condescending laugh and I ran out of the park. ---Zac--- To: Mary-Kate: MKfaketynine@yahoo.com Subject: The guy at the Park. I’ve booked a flight that leaves in two hours. I’m packing now. Ashley’s agreed to look after Anna. Please don’t leave the motel till I get there. That thing he said ‘You’re just making it worse for her’. At least it means she’s alive right?” Love you, see you soon, To: Zac: ZactheHanson@hanson.net Subject: Re: The guy at the park. Trust you to find a positive in this. I’ll stay in the motel, don’t worry there’s no way I’m going outside. I’m making a diary of all the facts and clues of the disappearance. Take a good book on the place. It’s a long flight. Love, ---Josh--- I was hiding in my room doing additional research for my article on Alyssa while Taylor and Michael bickered in the next room. Taylor had gone out with Lizzie last night (and was a little lovestruck if you ask me) and the two had got in a debate regarding the stalker and what they could do about it. “Amanda’s in danger too you know” I could hear Taylor saying; “I’d have though you’d be a little bit more concerned!” ”I am concerned! But the police are on it! What more can I do?” Michael asked. I tuned out and went online. I typed in Alyssa Lynnae and found my way to a forum. People were discussing the choice she’d made with her money. Some were horrified, some admired it. Others just didn’t understand. One thing was evident, it was hot news and my article was bound to get a lot of attention. ---Zac--- “Excuse me sir?” Would you like tea or coffee?” The flight attendant asked as she stopped by my seat. I turned from the window I’d been looking out and requested a black coffee. She handed me a it then continued down the aisle. The plane hit some slight turbulence at that point and I ended up spilling some hot liquid down my front. I muttered to myself then glanced up sharply certain I could hear someone chuckling. I glanced across the aisle to see a man watching me over his should and chuckling. I glared at him and he turned back around in his chair still chuckling. Something about the whole thing gave me a bad feeling and I felt myself shiver. The in flight film started a few minutes later and the chuckling guy was forgotten, at least for the moment.
And I don’t want to spend a night on a bed of beautiful lies
Erase and rewind leave that sick girl behind
And fast forward… a thousand years
From: Zac: ZactheHanson@hanson.net
Zac
---Mary-Kate---
From: Mary-Kate: MKfaketynine@yahoo.com
MK
Read Chapters 6-10