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...