Totally out of the blue.

Tonight Billie and I were meeting up for pizza at her place. I was excited to see Billie again and thought hopefully she would have forgiven me by now. I understood why she was mad and I didn't expect her to forgive me instantly, but I also thought it was time she let it go. To say sorry I decided I would buy her an extra-large pizza and also bottle of her favorite wine which I brought over to her place straight after work.

“Hey,” I smiled after she opened the door.

“Hey, come in,” she smiled, stepping out of the way for me.

“Jeez, the weather is crazy out there!” I laughed, unraveling my scarf from around my neck and hanging up it up along with my coat.
She then disappeared into the kitchen to warm up the pizza and pour us both a glass of wine. I sat down on the sofa and waited till she came back. When she reappeared with the pizza I sat up.

“So guess what...” I smiled, “I got kittens!” I announced.

“No way!” she exclaimed looking a little shocked.

“Yup two, a girl and a boy,” I smiled, grabbing a piece of pizza.

“Wow, that’s so cute, what breed are they?” she asked, sitting down on the sofa and taking a sip of her wine.

“They are half Persian and half something else?” I laughed, not really knowing, “they were left at Ace’s surgery because they weren't full breed,” I told her.

“Oh, I see, so they are really fluffy, right?” she smiled.

“Yeah, I have to brush them like all the time, but it’s actually really relaxing and  it’s so cute watching them playing, Benji, the boy is more playful than Sunny the girl,” I smiled.

“And how is Ace?” she asked.

“He’s good, I went to his apartment for the first time the other day,” I said.

“For the first time?” she asked, raising her eye brow.

“Yeah, he only just invited me,” I told her.

“Well, he’s defiantly got something to hide in there,” she said simply.

“Well I went there and he doesn't,” I told her, kind of annoyed she was accusing him of something.

“Hmm, well maybe he’s just shy but from past experience a guy who doesn't invite you back to his always has something to hide.”

“But, I went to his apartment and everything was fine,” I mumbled.

“Everything?” she asked.

“Well, he, yes, everything was fine!” I told her.

“Scarlett, if you don’t want to tell me then fine,” she said, sitting back.

“Billie it was nothing, I over reacted at the time,” I said. I knew Billie would over react more than me so I felt uneasy telling her. I then remembered how not telling her only made things worse so I explained to her what happened.

“That pig!” she burst afterwards.

“It wasn't like that though, he was just talking to me like I was one of his mates,”

“Scarlett, your not "one of his mates" your his girlfriend, he should treat you with respect,” she said raising her arms.

“But Billie I really like him and everything else has been fine, it was just that one time, you haven’t even met him yet, give him a chance,” I pleaded.

“I’ll give him a chance Scarlett but you know I don’t like men who treat women like shit,” she said, turning her head away.

“So do I, that’s why you know I would dump him straight away if I thought he was like that but he’s not, he just slipped up,” I said, realising how out of hand this had all become, what Ace had done wasn't even that bad.

“Okay, okay,” she said, “now I need to tell you something,” she said. I nodded.

“Freddy and I are dating,” she said, taking a deep breath. My mouth dropped and I was literally speechless. ”I know, I know, but I agreed to go on a date with him and he’s really not that bad,” she said.

“What,” I blurted out, “when did this happen?” I gasped.

“Last weekend, I was going to tell you the night James was rushed into hospital, but then-“

“But Billie, he wouldn't stop texting you! he was like a stalker, what!” I said scrunching my face up in confusion.

“He really likes me Scarlett, I've never had a guy like me that much before, and with you and James gone I needed some company and he was there to give it to me,” she sighed.

“I mean okay, have sex with him but a relationship!?” I exclaimed.

“Scarlett jeez, can’t you just be happy for me!” she sighed.

“I am, Its just all a bit fast, I mean Freddy, Freddy Parker...” I said, still trying to take it all in.

“I know, but he’s actually really sweet, he's changed a lot since high school, you shouldn't be so judgmental, anyway I was thinking we should all go out sometime, I can meet Ace and you can meet Freddy, again, and we can see how everything goes,” she said.

“Sure okay,” I said, still feeling like something was wrong.

After chatting to Billie and after finishing our pizza and wine I made the excuse that I had to go home to feed the cats, which was true but I could have stayed longer. Although we didn't really talk much about James I got the hint she didn't really want to bring it up so I didn't either.

“Here, take this,” she said handing me an umbrella from her cupboard. I smiled.

“Thanks, and no hard feelings yeah? I’m happy for you, it was just completely unexpected but I guess if he makes you happy and you really like him then everything is fine,” I told her. She nodded and ran her fingers though her curls. She smiled softly and nodded before closing the door behind me.

Sunny And Benji!

Ace was right; having pets really did take my mind off of worrying about James. I had forgotten how relaxing it was to just sit curled up with a cat purring away on your tummy. It took a while for me to learn which one was which but I soon realised although they were both half Persian cats and white with a grey noses and grey tipped ears, the boy was a shade darker. It also took me all night to decide what I should call them. I finally came up with the names Sunny for the girl and Benji for the boy which I thought suited them purrfectly... pun intended.
While I was getting ready for work they both sat beside my dressing table looking up at me until I finally got up to feed them. After feeding them and making sure they couldn't destroy anything I left for work.

“Hey Scarlett!” Amy smiled as I walked in the door.

“Hey Amy, how was your weekend?” I asked, walking around the back of reception.

“Tough, George broke his leg, Steve came down with food poisoning and to top it all off our house is completely flooded and were living at Steve’s parents,” she groaned, referring to her child and her husband.

“Wow, I saw it on the news this morning, but I didn't think it was too bad around here, it’s luckily I haven’t had any around my area yet,” I said realising how bad the weather was getting. I did hear a lot about it on the news but being so busy with James I hadn't really thought much about it too much.

“Yup, it’s a nightmare and they say it’s going to get worse,” she told me.

“Well I hope everything gets better, I really do,” I said.

“Anyway, why weren't you here Friday?” she asked taking a sip of tea. 

“A friend of mine was rushed into hospital,” I told her.

“Oh no, is everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, it’s fine now,” I smiled, not really wanting to talk about it. She smiled and swiveled her chair back around to face her desk. 

After work I told Michael about getting my new cats and I found out he actually had a Persian cat too. He told me that it was super important to brush them as they get knotty really easily so on the way home I popped into the pet store to grab some grooming products for them. I also bought them each a collar, one was pink and the other blue. 

When I got home they were both sitting on the carpet looking up at me.

“Hey, I got you presents!” I said, holding up the bag, "hold on!" I laughed as they meowed and curved in and out of my legs as I tried to move across my apartment. After I managed to get to the kitchen I gave them both their dinner and afterwards a long brush down.
Just as I curled up on the sofa with Sunny on my lap I heard my phone begin to ring. 

“Hey Ace,” I smiled down the phone.
“Hey babe, how are the kittens?” he asked.

“They are soo adorable, and I've named them!” I laughed.

“Hit me,” he laughed.

“Sunny and Benjii,”  I smiled, kissing Sunny gently on the fore head.

“Sounds… cute?” he laughed.

“I know, and I’m turning into one of them crazy people who treats their cats like babies!”

“Oh great,” he laughed, “one of those...”

“But I can’t help it! They are so small and dependent on me, they are like real babies.”

“Anyway I wanted to know if you’re okay?” he asked.

“Okay?” I replied.

“Yeah, the storms been pretty bad, the powers been out here and I saw on the news about the flooding.
+”

“Oh, I haven’t been affected,” I told him, flicking channels on the TV.

“Just be careful okay? If it gets bad call me,” he said.  I rolled my eyes and laughed.

“Yes mother!”

“Scarlett, its serious.”

“I know, but I’m on the 4^th flood of an apartment building, I can’t get flooded!” I laughed.

“Alright, if you’re so sure, I better go, I’m on call tonight,” he told me.

After putting the phone down to Ace I decided to make myself some soup and then crawl into bed. As I lay in bed I could hear the wind howling outside my window and the heavy rain drops hitting against the window pane. I went to lift the bed covers up around my neck when I found it was too heavy to pull up. I sat up and looked down at the end of my bed where I saw two pairs of green eyes staring back at me.
“You’re meant to be in your own beds!” I laughed realising it was Sunny and Benji. I thought about getting up and taking them back into the living room when I suddenly had a change of heart. “Come here then,” I smiled, gesturing them for them to come closer. A few minutes latter all three of us fell asleep curled up under the covers.

Things are looking up.

It turned out James was going into rehab a lot sooner than I thought. I spoke to the doctors who told me it would be better and be more beneficial to James if instead of going home he just went straight to the rehab center. They asked me if I was able to collect some stuff from his place and bring them back there and after I would get the chance to say good bye.

Walking back into James’s apartment was difficult after everything that had happened. I quickly gathered up a load of t-shirts and jeans along with a few of his favorite DVD’s which I knew he would appreciate. I noticed in his bathroom he didn't have a tooth brush or any face creams which was odd because everyone who knew James knew how much he swore by male grooming products. I gathered that after leaving my place he had probably been living rough and whatever stuff he had was in his overnight bag which he must have lost because it wasn't at the hospital. Because of this I decided on the way back to the hospital I would stop somewhere and grab him some moisturizer and face cleanser so he would look great even in rehab.

When I arrived back at the hospital I was surprised to see Billie was there. I didn't want her to rush away again so instead of interrupting I waited outside until she was done talking to him. When she came out I knew by her blood shot eyes rimmed with wet eyelashes that she had been crying.
“Hey,” I smiled meekly.

“He’s really going,” she said softly, taking a deep breath. I nodded. “I've said goodbye to him,” she told me, “I just hope this will make things better.”

“Me too, and I hope things will get better between us,” I said hopefully.

“I know but, it’s just hard Scarlett, you've known about this for a long time but I’m still trying to get my head around this,” she said.

“I understand that, but you have to realise how much of a difficult position I was in.”

“I do Scarlett, just give me time okay, you can’t expect me to just forget this, you and James are my best friends and for you to hide something so big from me, makes me think maybe I’m not as important to you as I thought.”

“But you are!” I pleaded, “you’re so important to us Billie, James was just scared and he came to me and not you ONLY because he thought you would be angry with him for taking drugs, it wasn't like he didn't want to tell you, he couldn't,” I told her. She nodded.

“I know Scarlett,” she said reaching out and giving me a big hug, “but give me time okay?” she said pulling away. I smiled and nodded as she walked away.

I thought saying good bye to James would be hard but honestly, it was a lot easier than I assumed it would be. Knowing that for the next 6 months he would be looked after made me feel relieved because I knew he would finally be safe. Also I was told that I could visit him on an occasion which was great because I knew I’d miss him a lot.

However after he had gone and I left the hospital I felt empty again. I drove back to my apartment with a tear in my eye and no matter how many things I thought about to distract me I couldn't help but think about how James must be feeling.
When I got back and walked up the stairs to my apartment I saw Ace standing at my door step.

“Surprise!” he smiled, waving his hands in the air.

“Oh, hey,” I said, trying to sound happy but probably sounding grumpy.

“What’s up? He asked, placing his hands on my shoulders.

“James went into rehab today,” I told him.

“Well, It’s lucky I have something which will cheer you up then” he smiled.  I looked up at him.

“Wait, what?” I asked confused.

“Come with me,” he smiled; grabbing me by the hand and dragging me back down the stairs.

He drove me all the way to his surgery still not telling me what it was all about. When I got out of the car and realised where we were I stopped and with a hesitant smile crossed my arms.
“Tell me now!” I ordered.

“Just shut up and get in there!” he laughed, sliding his hand around my back and guiding me inside the building. 

“Fine!” I smiled, feeling nervous.

He led me through the building and out the back to where they kept all the animals where he then told me to wait by the table with my eyes closed. After a minute or two he told me to open them again.

“Oh my god!” I exclaimed looking down at a pair of tiny kittens staring up at me.

“They are adorable aren't they?” he smiled, reaching down and picking one up.

“Yes! Why are you showing me? This is torture!” I laughed, stroking one softly on the head.

“Well, I remember you said you wanted a cat and these kittens have been left here,” he told me.

“Why would you leave these kittens here? They are beautiful!” I gasped.

“Well, it’s a long story but basically the owner was trying to breed but it turned out her female cat had gotten pregnant with a male cat it wasn't supposed to and the kittens aren't full breed,” he said.

“But, she could have sold them as half breeds.”

“Well it would have cost her more to sort out all the vet work, she was pretty unreasonable if you ask me,” he said.

“But I can’t just take them Ace,” I said.

“They are already yours,” he said.

“Both of them!?” I asked.

“Yes, they are brother and sister, if you don’t want them then I need to take them to the pet shelter today,” he smiled.

“Don’t you dare!” I gasped, knowing I’d completely fallen in love with them already. He laughed.

“Then they are yours,” he smiled, “I thought they will help take you mind off of things, I know you've been stressed out these past couple of weeks but I don’t want that to affect our relationship because I really like you Scarlett and once James is better I know you will be happier which will make me happy,” he said looking into my eyes. I smiled and reached in to kiss him gently on the lips. Just as he began to kiss me back one of the kitten’s meowed up at us.

“I don’t think they like public displays of affection,” he laughed.

“I think they are telling me to get them all the things they need before the shops close,” I laughed looking up at the clock.

Ace and I went around all the pet stores in the area until we found the perfect accessories for them. We found the cutest cat beds which were shaped like strawberries which they could hide inside of and some cute fish shaped cat bowls. I also bought them some toys and a scratcher so they don’t scratch up my furniture.

 
When we got back to my place I let the kittens stay in their travel box while I sorted out all of their stuff and tidied up a bit. Ace helped me settle them in until they were purring away and sitting content in their new beds.
“I would stay longer but, it seems you already have company,” Ace said as I hugged him good bye.

“Thank you, really, it means a lot to me that you did this,” I said, kissing him softly. I felt him smile as we kissed.

“I’m just happy that you’re happy,” he said wrapping his arms around me. We made out at the door step until someone walked past and we broke away. Ace said good bye and walked away.

“Hey Matt!” I called out realising it was him going into his apartment. He had obviously seen us embracing but decided to pretend not too.

“Hey… Scarlett,” he said stuttering slightly, trying to find his keys. I laughed to myself and shut the door. I don't know why but today felt like a good day, things are starting to look up...

Rehab.

“Scarlett!” James exclaimed, his face lighting up when he saw me walk into the room. I couldn't believe how great he looked, all of the colour was back in his cheeks and I noticed he had washed and shaved. 

“Hey, I bought grapes! You know… because that’s what you do when people are in hospital right?” I laughed.

“Yeah… I hate fruit,” he laughed, nodding at a basket of uneaten fruit perched up on the set of draws beside his hospital bed.

“You do, but I don't,” I smirked, sitting down on the chair next to him and digging my hand into the bag of grapes.

“Listen Scarlett, I need to apologise,” James said sitting up and looking directly at me. 

“James you don’t have to-“I tried to say.

“Listen, the therapist I have been talking to has told me to think about how my previous actions have affected the people close to me. She said it will help me see how much I need to change and anyway, I realise now that you’re the person I've hurt most out of all of this,” he said. I nodded slowly. “So I’m sorry for shutting you out and for saying bitchy things, I know you were trying to help and I see that now-“

“James," I interrupted, taking a deep breath, "I just don’t want you to say all of this stuff and not mean it, it was so hard watching you change and then thinking you were getting better but then actually getting worse I just-“

“I know, that’s why I've booked myself into a rehab clinic for six months,” He said his voice calm with a hint of nervousness in it.

“What?” I exclaimed, dropping one of the grapes onto the floor in shock.

“Yup, Catherine suggested it to me, my therapist,” he told me.

“That’s great, I mean, they will help you get better won’t they?” I smiled, reaching out and holding his hand. He nodded slowly but I could tell he didn't really want to go. Reputation meant a lot to James, I could tell people knowing he had been to rehab was frightening for him.  “James," I said, gripping his hand tighter, "nobody is going to judge you for this, you’re being so brave and I’m proud of you,” I told him with a reassuring smile.

“Thanks Scarlett, I hope Billie is too,” he smiled meekly.

“I think she’s madder at me,” I sighed, sinking back into my chair.

“Ugh, it’s all my fault, I should have told her,” he sighed.

“Don’t worry, she has to forgive us some time,” I smiled. He smiled back.

“So, have you got anything to take my mind of all this, any gossip, how’s Ace?” he asked.

“Well…” I smiled.

“Spill!” he said raising his eye brow.

“No, no, I mean, everything is fine, I really like him, but I guess because I've only just met him I’m still learning about him and-“

“And you're not liking  it?” he asked curiously.

“It’s not that I don’t like it, I've just been taken by surprise…” I told him. He nodded indicating I should continue.

“Okay, so we were at his house and we… we had sex and after he told me he needed to play his game which I wouldn't understand because I was a girl,” I told said rolling my eyes.

“Right so you think he’s sexist?”

“No, well I don’t think so, he was really sorry, I just don’t know if it’s a sign things won’t really work out between us, there's been other small things too,”

“Scarlett, things aren't always going to be perfect, there are going to be certain things about him you don't like but if you like him enough then them things won’t matter,” he told me.

“I’m over reacting aren't I?" I sighed, starting to feel stupid, "I just really want to find somebody who I'm compatible with and who loves me-"

“Honey, your twenty one years old, you have so much time!" he laughed, "don't stress yourself out when there's no need, if you feel like Ace is someone you want to be with then be with him, if your put off by this sexist thing then fuck him, literally, and move on!" he laughed.

“I know, but I think I'm starting to l-”

“Don’t! Don’t you dare say that L word! How long have you known him?” he asked.

“A few weeks?”

“And I think the only thing he’s in love with is that game boy thing of his,” he laughed.

“It was one time!” I pointed out.

“Babe, you just had sex and the only thing that’s on his mind after is his game!”

“James!” I exclaimed, “hes a gamer, what do I expect!” I laughed.

“Fine, make excuses for him, suit yourself,” he smirked.

“God, when are you going AWOL again?” I joked. We both burst out laughing when the doors opened and Billie walked in.

“Oh,” she said, looking at me, “you’re here,” she said. I stood up quickly.

“Billie, don’t be like this-“I tried to say watching her hesitate.

“No Scarlett, I get the hint, I’m not wanted here,” she said, turning around and walking out the door.

“Billie!” I shouted running after her. “Listen, I’m going now, please go back and talk with him, he needs you, I'll be gone,” I told her. She shook her head and pushed past me.

“Don’t be so selfish! He’s going to rehab! You can’t just walk away from him!” I shouted. She stopped and turned to face me.

“Maybe you should have thought about that before you shut me out of our friendship,” she said bluntly storming past me and out the double doors. I sighed and slowly begun to walk back to where James was.

“Scarlett,” I heard a male voice from behind me say say. I turned around.

“Matt, hey! I was going to call you-“

“It’s fine, you don’t even have my  number anyway,” he smiled.

“Yeah, but that’s still a lame excuse, you live opposite me,” I said. He laughed.

“It’s okay, I just wanted to know if James is okay?” he asked, shoving his hands into his jean pockets.

“Yeah,” I nodded, “he’s doing much better, he’s planning on going to rehab now which hopefully will help,” I smiled. He nodded.

“I’m glad everything is okay, do you er, wanna get something to eat, I’m starving,” He asked, blushing slightly. 

“Sure, okay,” I smiled. 

After talking to James I returned to Matt who was waiting for me outside the hospital.
“All okay?” he asked. I nodded.

Matt and I walked to a small café over the road from the hospital which was pretty run down but since it was right on lunch time everywhere was pretty busy. I ordered myself a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows which I totally deserved.

“You have a little bit of cream on your-“Matt laughed, pointing at the side of my mouth,” I blushed and quickly wiped it away with my sleeve.

“Thank you,” I laughed, feeling embarrassed.

“It’s fine,” he replied, fidgeting slightly with his napkin.

“So how are you, in general?” I asked.

“I’m fine actually, better than I thought I would be,” he said nodding his head in thought, “just been keeping myself busy with work, I guess,” he told me.

“And you haven’t, you know, managed to work anything out?”

“Nope, you know right from day one, having a girl like Jane even notice someone like me was crazy and I guess thinking that made me feel as though her cheating was okay because it was me she was going to marry and not the other guys… or girls and that kept me with her. It was just such a mess, everyone warned me against her, my parents, my brother and I was just too ignorant to listen,” he said. I felt myself wanting to tell him about what happened between us but something was stopping me. “So tell me more about you, your, Chinese, Korean?” he then asked obviously wanting to change the subject.

“I’m half Filipino,” I smiled, ignoring how much it annoyed me when people mistook me for Chinese. It wasn't that I was offended by it; it was just in school I was always “chink” and “slitty eyes” which did bother me slightly.

“Wow, that’s cool, I've always wanted to travel around Asia, was you born there?” he asked, looking genuinely intrigued.

“No, I was born here actually, my dad's English,” I told him.

After we had finished our food Matt had to rush off to a meeting somewhere while I decided to head back home. I felt annoyed with myself for not telling Matt about what happened between Jane and I because whenever I spoke to him it was always on my mind and I couldn't fully relax knowing that. 

Ace's Place

The rest of the night I found myself tossing and turning and hardly getting any sleep. The night seemed to drag on forever until finally it was a reasonable hour to wake up. I poured myself a large mug of tea and typed up all my college notes from Monday. I felt so relieved that it was Friday and almost the weekend which meant I could relax and hopefully help James get better again. I was just after lunch time when my phone began buzzing.

“Hey, are you okay?” Ace said quickly down the phone.

“Yeah, I’m fine, why wouldn't I be?” I asked a little taken back by his suddenness.

“I came by your surgery this morning but they said you were at the hospital all night, what happened?” he asked sounding worried.

“Oh, James was rushed into hospital last night, I was with him,” I told him, it felt like last night was ages ago.

“What?” he asked sounding shocked.

“He over dosed, the doctor said he had a seizure,” I said, twirling my hair around my finger nervously. I couldn't understand why I felt nervous but something about the attention being draw to me negatively made me feel uneasy.

“Scarlett, are you sure you’re okay?”  He asked.

“I don’t know, I want to be,” I told him taking a deep breath.

“Listen, I want you to come over tonight, I’m going to cook for you,” he said sternly.

“Oh, sure okay,” I replied slightly shocked.

“I’ll text you the address okay?” he said. I put the phone down still slightly shocked that he actually invited me over and not dumped me.

As soon as I put the phone down I decided to take a shower and wash my hair ready for tonight. It was already close to 4 o'clock and I was starving. After the mini argument with Ace about him never inviting me over I did feel slightly anxious about going over there. I decided however to relax and play it cool, maybe I over reacted because I was stressed about James?
I decided to pin half of my hair up and let the rest hang loose. I wore a baggy shirt loosely tucked into a black leather skirt with a pair of chunky heeled boots. After throwing on a black blazer I left for Ace’s place.


“Hey!” he exclaimed as he opened the door holding a pack of garlic bread in his hand.

“Hey,” I smiled, kissing him gently on the lips.

“Come in, sit down, dinner won’t be long,” he smiled. I nodded and walked in; placing the bottle of wine I had bought him on the counter as I did. I stood awkwardly in the hall way as he ran back and forth around his little kitchen.

“It’s smells amazing,” I said, hovering behind him as he stirred the food.

“Thanks, its Chilli con carne,” he smiled proudly, “stir this a sec, I need to grab something,” he said rushing out of the room. As I stirred I noticed the recipe pinned up on the kitchen tiles and smiled, even if he wasn't a natural cook I was impressed he was trying. A few moments later he came rushing back.
“Is it all okay?” he asked.

“It’s fine, don’t worry!” I laughed.

“Good,” he breathed. I stepped away and watched as he grabbed two plates from the cupboard. “Sit down, I’ll bring it in,” he said. I nodded and walked into the living room which was romantically lit up with candles.
His food was actually pretty good, it wasn’t as spicy as I would have liked but it was really yummy none the less. After dinner he poured us some red wine and curled up on the sofa.

“You probably don’t wanna talk about it but, how’s James, is he going to be okay?” He asked. I had noticed Ace was avoiding the James situation but I was pleased he hadn't ignored it completely.

“I hope so, when I last spoke to him he seemed to be more like his old self,” I said, swirling my wine around the glass.

“Well that’s great,” he said.  I nodded slowly. “So what’s up then?” he asked.

“It’s just, I don’t think Billie is going to forgive me for this… like ever,” I sighed.

“Oh don’t be so dramatic!” he laughed, “she’s your best friend, once James explains it to her she will understand I’m sure, I mean, I don’t get girls but I know they always stick together,” he laughed.

“Not always,” I groaned.

“shh, don’t be grumpy, James is safe now isn't he? And that’s what matters, right?” he said.

“Yes, okay, I’m happy! I laughed.

After relaxing myself into Ace's place I looked around properly. I could tell straight away I was in a serious bachelor pad. He had huge plasma TV mounted on the wall and black leather sofa planted in the middle of the place, with no cushions, don’t men realise how important cushions are? He also had lots of retro art prints on the wall which weren't to my taste but I could see how they would appeal to him. His apartment was pretty small but it was painted light blue which made it feel more open and spacious which I liked.

“You know, I’m glad I have you,” I smiled, sinking my head into the curve of his neck.

“Mm how glad? He asked with a mischievous tone. I giggled.

“Very glad!” I laughed, kissing him on the lips.

“Oh, do I get my reward now?” he smirked, kissing me hard. I grinned and nodded.

“Finally,” he smiled, sliding his hands down my body.

“Do you live alone?” I asked in-between kisses.

“No, I er, have a roommate,” he told me, lifting off his shirt.

“Won’t they be back soon and we are… on the sofa?” I blushed, feeling him unclip my bra.

“hmm, he might like that,” he laughed kissing down my neck.

“Ace, that’s gross!” I said, slapping his arm.

“It’s fine! He’s staying somewhere else,” he told me convincingly.

After making love on Aces sofa… yes I know that’s not very classy, Ace sat up and looked at me.

“Right I know this is going to sound really, well nerdy but… I need to play this game,” he said, running his fingers through his hair.

“You need to?” I laughed frowning.

“Well, yeah, its important, I'd explain it to you but, you’re a girl, you wouldn't understand,” he laughed, getting up off the sofa and opening up a glass cupboard under the TV.  I was literally speechless. I mean, I’m not a crazy feminist but I believed in being treated as an equal, its hard out here for a woman you know.

“I wouldn't understand because I’m a woman? Don’t patronise me by calling me a girl Ace,” I said crossing my arms. Ace lent his head back and groaned.

“Oh, I didn't mean it like that, you’re not a girl gamer Is what I meant,” he said.

“Whatever,” I sighed, grabbing my shirt.

“Ow, don’t put that back on, I wanted to watch you play topless!” he laughed.

“Ace just shut up!” I snapped.

“Oh, come on, I’m joking, I’m joking, here, I wanna teach you,” he said. I shook my head and continued to get dressed.
“Scarlett, I was messing about, please don’t be mad.”

“Ace, I really don’t like being talked to like that,” I told him whilst grabbing my coat. He quickly got up.

“Scarlett, I’m sorry, I didn't think first,” he said standing in front of me. I looked up at him

“It’s fine, just let me go home now,” I said, trying to move past him.

“You really are taking this badly, I honestly didn't mean to offend you, me and… the guys we have jokes like that all the time, I just assumed…”

“Ace please, your digging yourself a bigger hole, I understand you wanna make a joke but, I’m not one of your boys,” I told him. He nodded and ran his fingers though his hair.

“Just, don’t hate me okay, I just never know when you’re going to take what I say as a joke or not…”

“I don’t hate you Ace, I just, I've been stressed out and, that didn't really help,” I shrugged, biting my lip nervously.

“I feel bad okay, and I'll make it up to you, I promise.” He said kissing me on the lips. I smiled and turned to walk out of the door.

After returning home I let myself collapse on the sofa feeling completely defeated. I really didn't know how to feel. A part of me was so happy to be with Ace but another part of me felt like the more I got to know him the more I saw sides of him I didn’t like, maybe I rushed into this…

Hospital.

After work I changed into some baggy pajama bottoms and an over sized  jumper. I let my hair down and begun boiling some pasta over my stove. I was half way through when I heard someone knocking at the door which I assumed was Billie however James was standing there instead.

“James, if you’re here for another fight I’m not in the mood,” I told him, not looking him in the eye.

“Can I, can I come in?” he asked, his voice husky and dry. I sighed.

“Okay, but Billie is coming over soon,” I warned him, holding the door open for him. He walked past me and stood in the middle of my apartment.

“Scarlett, help me, I don’t want to be like this anymore,” he said suddenly collapsing into a ball in front of me.

“James get up,” I said but he didn't reply, “James!” I hissed.

“Help me Scarlett, I’m dying!” he cried. I noticed his body begin to shake.

“James, what are you doing?!” I exclaimed, falling to my knees and trying to pull his arms away from his face.

“You have to help me!” he wept, reaching out and grabbing my fore-arm.

“James, what have you taken?!” I asked, noticing the sweat dripping down his fore-head.

“They were after me, they are going to lock me up!” he cried.

“James, let go of my arm, I need to get help,” I said, trying to pull my arm away but his grip was too strong. “James!” I snapped.

“Don’t leave me!” he cried reluctantly letting go.”  As soon as his grip loosened I got up and ran out of the apartment. I ran to Matt’s door and knocked as loud and fast as I could.

“Hey, hey, what’s up?” Matt groaned opening the door. He was wearing his bed clothes and looked as if he had been asleep.

“Come please, my friend, I think he’s over dosed!” I cried, grabbing his hand and dragging him out of his apartment.

Mat and I rushed back into my apartment to where I had left James on the carpet. When entered the room Matt rushed over to him and tried to turn him over.

"James can you hear me!?" He asked. I backed into the corner unable to do or say anything. "Scarlett he’s not moving!” Matt shouted.

"What do you mean he’s not moving?" I suddenly I couldn't breathe. My hands started shaking at my sides and I felt my body freeze.

"Call an ambulance for god sake!" He shouted.

I stood shaking in silence as the paramedics rushed into my apartment and swept James away on a white stretcher to the ambulance I could hear wailing outside. As I ran after them the whole experience felt like it was in slow motion. I could see James’s body shaking and I suddenly froze. I felt a someone’s hand on my shoulder and spun around to face a woman wearing dark green staring at me.

"What happened to your friend?" She was shouting. I shook my head.

"I need to you to tell me everything! This is serious!" She was saying.  

"She doesn't know okay!" Matt interrupted. I was shaken out of my trance. 

"He took drugs, he’s addicted!” I burst.

"Do you know what kind?" She asked me. I shook my head. She then rushed back over to the other paramedics. I flew my arms around Matt and sobbed.

"He’s going to die!" I cried.

"He’s having a seizure Scarlett they are taking him to the hospital now, do you want to go with him in the ambulance or do you want me to take you?” he asked.

"I’ll go with him, I need to be with him," I told him nodding my head. He nodded. 

In the hospital the wait felt like forever. I wanted to call Billie but I knew she was going to blame me for this, especially if something happened to him. It was only when I was about to call Ace I realised how selfish I was being, Billie deserved to know first.

"Scarlet what’s going on?" She asked rushing into the waiting room fifteen minutes later. I stood up. 

"Billie I’m sorry I couldn't tell you this..." I replied.

"Scarlet just tell me!" I could tell by her raising tone she was getting annoyed.

"Listen I wanted to tell you but I didn't for James sake!"
She sighed angrily.

"James is addicted to drugs," I said softly.

I watched as her mouth dropped and her eyes widened. 

"What the fuck Scarlett?! And you didn't think to tell me this till now!?" 

"Billie I wanted too," I tried to say.

"Where is he now, what happened Scarlett?" 

"I don’t know! He had a seizure or something!"

"Fuck! I don’t believe you!"

"What? Billie James told me he didn't want you to know!" I pleaded.

"I can’t believe he told you and not me!! I’m the one who always spends time with him not you!" She snapped.

"Billie don’t be so immature," I sighed.

"Me immature? You’re the one who doesn't tell me that my best friends on drugs!"

"He’s my friend too okay?" I shouted.

"Obviously" she muttered under her breath.

"Ladies," we both turned around to a doctor standing in the door way holding a clipboard. "Your friend has been stabilised but I’m afraid he’s had a serious seizure.'" 

"What does that even mean!?" Billie interrupted. 

"The seizure was the result of a large overdose of cocaine, his body couldn't handle it, but luckily his heart is fine.'" I nodded, that was a good sign I guess.

"Will he be okay… in the long run?" I asked.

"It depends how much he’s swallowed, although it wasn't enough to cause heart failure-"

"He swallowed, cocaine!?" Billie burst. The doctor nodded. 

"And when can we see him?" I asked. 

"As soon as possible, but please be patient with us'" I nodded.

"I understand I’m a vet myself" I said trying to smile. He nodded and walked back out of the room. 

"I still can’t believe you didn't tell me this until now when it’s too late for me to help him!"

"I knew you’d act like if you had known everything would have been so much better! I couldn't tell you okay, you hate drugs and you would have hated him if you knew he was taking them!”

"I hate him more because he didn’t." She told me.  I sighed and collapsed onto my chair.

"I just thought we were all friends, I didn't think you’d go behind my back and lie to my face! 

"It wasn't like that; I didn't think he would get addicted like he has!”

"And what happens now?" she sighed.

“I don’t know Billie, I want him to get help but he refused to stay with me any longer.”

“This is crazy, why wouldn't you-“ she was about to start having a go at me again but then gave up. “I’m going to speak to the doctor,” she said getting up off her chair and walking off. I sighed realising how stupid I had been. If I had just told her it wouldn't be like this. I pulled my phone out of my bag and noticed it was half 1 and we were still waiting to see James. I knew I wasn't going to make it into work tomorrow so I decided to text Michael as he would appreciate me telling him sooner rather than later.

Hey Michael, I've had a personal emergency and been at the hospital all night, might not make it into work tomorrow morning, sorry.

I closed my phone and rested my head back on the wall behind me. I must have drifted off to sleep because when I opened my eyes Billie was standing in front of me nudging me.
“I’m awake,” I whispered, my head aching.

“I got you some more coffee, the doctor said we can see him soon,” she said handing me the coffee and sitting down on the chair next to me.

“That’s great,” I said, sitting myself up properly and taking a sip of coffee. We sat in silence till about 10 minutes later when the doctor reappeared.

“Would you like to follow me?” he smiled. We both nodded and got up quickly.

When we entered the room where James was laying Billie immediately burst into tears.
“What have you done to yourself?” she cried, leaning over him and holding his hand. I watched as a tear rolled down his cheek.

“I had to tell her James,” I said softly.

“Billie I’m sorry-“

“James I’m not mad about the drugs, I’m mad you didn't tell me okay?” she told him. There was silence.

“Are you feeling okay?” I asked, trying to sound positive.

“Nope, I feel like death, and they say its only going to get worse…you know, when it comes out the other end,” he told me. I winced thinking how painful it sounded.

“Why did you eat cocaine, you know your meant to snort it right?” Billie asked, trying to make a joke. He smiled meekly.

“I don’t know,” he groaned, “I just want to get out of here,” he told us. I smiled sadly. Billie and I stayed with him until the doctor told us we had to leave. I felt bad leaving James but he needed to rest and apparently a psychologist was going to visit him in case he was suicidal. After we left Billie didn't say a word to me, nor did she share a taxi with me. 

First Argument?

The next day Ace came over to my place after work to share pizza with me. We decided to watch Iron Man 2 which Ace told me was one of his favorite movies.

“So, what happened with James then?” He asked shoving a slice of pizza into his mouth.

“Well he came back, got his stuff and then left again,” I shrugged.

“Right and you seem…. fine about it?”

“I don’t like it Ace but I've really had enough of it now, I love James, he’s one of my best friends but if he wants to make them bad decisions then that’s up to him.”

“So you’re just going to wipe your hands off of him?” He asked.

“It’s not like that, I've tried.”

“And Billie, she’s given up on him too?” he asked. I opened my mouth to speak but the words failed to come out so I closed it again.  “You still haven’t told her have you?” he asked.

“I can’t! James told me not too!” I protested.

“Oh come on Scarlett, Billie is his friend too, it’s not cool to hide It from her.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” I shrugged.

“So what have you told her then?” He asked.

“Nothing,” I shrugged.

“What?! Nothing, you've not spoken to her at all?” he asked.

“Oh my god Ace, what has it even got to do with you!” I burst standing up.

“Nothing, obviously,” he replied.

“Ace I’m sorry but you don’t know Billie, she will try and take control and make things worse!”

“Maybe he needs that, since you've given up!”

“I can’t be expected to just devote the rest of my life to helping him just because he’s addicted to drugs!”

“Listen, listen, nobody expects you too, I just don’t think this I-don’t-care attitude is going to help, I know you care, I know you’re not that cold hearted,” he said reaching out and holding my hand.

“But what good will it do worrying about him when he doesn't even care about me and how much I’m hurting!” I said breaking down in tears. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to him. I cried harder and harder until I realised how embarrassing I was being. I suddenly pushed away from him and wiped the tears away with my cardigan sleeve.
“I’m sorry, you must think I’m stupid, god, I’m so embarrassing!” I laughed.

“Don’t worry, it’s fine to cry it all out,” he smiled.

“I've just got so much to think about with work and my college course, I feel like James has thrown a huge burden on me, but its cruel to think like that because hes struggling obviously, its just too much!”

“Then tell Billie, a problem shared is a problem halved, right?” he laughed. I smiled.

“So clique,” I laughed.

“Come on, let’s talk about something else,” he smiled, kissing me on the lips. I smiled and kissed him back.

“You know, we should go to your place sometime, its hard having to keep my place tidy for you all the time!” I laughed.

“Er, yeah, of course, you’re always welcome to pop over,” he smiled, his hand slipping around my waist.

“Well invite me and I will,” I replied. I had been thinking that with all the drama with James I hadn't even been to Ace’s apartment yet which was strange. I wondered why he hadn't invited me but maybe he just assumed it would be easier for him to come here.
“Good,” he smiled, kissing me softly on the lips. He then reached up and begun slowly unbuttoning my work uniform, each button he twisted seductively, running his finger down my chest as he did. When my dress was fully open he pushed it back over my shoulders and smiled as I unclipped my bra for him. “I love a girl in uniform,” he grinned, caressing my breasts. He pushed me back onto the sofa and begun kissing down my tummy towards my belly button. I giggled feeling his lips brushing against my skin. He gently removed my underwear and threw it off the bed and went back to kissing my tummy. He gradually got lower till he was kissing just above my pubic bone. I shivered with anticipation. I felt his tongue slide along my tummy as he suddenly slipped two fingers inside of me. I gasped. After half an hour of licking sucking and playing he finally slid back up my body.
“Let’s… lets go to bed,” I breathed, fully turned on.

After having amazing sex I lay on my back looking up at the ceiling trying to imagine what his apartment looked like. I imagined it would be modern since he was quite pro-technology and nerdy but it was hard to imagine anything other than that.

“So, what’s your apartment like?” I asked struggling to picture it in my head.

“Are you still talking about that?” he laughed.

“What do you mean?” I asked rolling onto my side to face him.

“You seem pretty hung up on it,” he laughed, reaching for his phone.

“I just want to go to your apartment, I think it’s kind of rude you haven’t invited me yet,” I told him.

“Rude? What the fuck, we just haven’t got round to it, you’re welcome anytime,” he shrugged.

“I can’t just come round, you have to invite me,” I told him rolling my eyes.

“You’re invited!” he burst, “stop going on.”

“Fine,” I snapped, getting out of bed and walking to the shower.

After I finished showering I came out to an empty apartment and I really didn't understand why. I thought James and I were getting really close and I assumed asking to visit his apartment would be fine but It felt like he didn't really want me there. I was about to go to bed when I got a call from Billie. After what Ace had said I felt like I couldn't ignore her anymore.

“Hello,” I said softly.

“Scarlett! Finally where have you been?” she asked.

“Busy,” I replied.

“Scarlett I know you’re mad at me for shouting at James-“

“I’m not mad at you,” I interrupted.

“Oh, okay, is he with you?” she asked.

“No, he er, he left,” I replied.

“He’s gone, for good?” she asked sounding worried.

“Billie, I’ll explain tomorrow after work okay?” I said ending the conversation.