Brett and Billy? Brothers? This is ridiculous. I've known them for years. There isn't any resemblance! Suddenly, I realized I was still holding Billy's phone when he got out of the shower. He was looking straight at me. I dropped the phone. I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't show him I didn't exactly trust him.


"Hey, everything alright?" he asked.


*beep*


What's that? My cellphone. I got a text message from Sophie.


IT'S TOO MUCH TO HANDLE RIGHT NOW! FIRST, I GET FUCKING KNOCKED UP. AND THEN, SOPHIE SPREAD THE NEWS - okay, catherine spread the news - BUT STILL, SHE'S THE FUCKING ONE WHO STARTED IT. AND THEN I FIND OUT BRETT IS BILLY'S BROTHER WHO HE HELPED OUT OF JAIL?


I need a friend now. Right now. I couldn't talk to Mims yet. It was too dramatic at the hospital. I looked down at the text message. Sophie. Sure, I am still mad at her but she's all I've got now.


****


I met her at Starbucks and everything just spilled. From Billy and Brett to Trace and Catherine. It all came out. So she decided to go to a club to get away from it all.


Frenzy Don club.


Once we were in, I took her to the bar and we ordered drinks.


"Hey, there's a guy staring our way. He looks familiar.Do you know him?" I suddenly asked.


Sophie turned to where I was looking. Her eyes widened.


"It's Nate. What is he doing here?" she asked back.


"I don't know. But apparently he coming to us.. right now."


"Oh shit."


Nate came to the bar and greeted us. "Hey."


"Umm, hey," I replied. We talked for awhile until Sophie left us all alone and things got quiet. We stared at each other, thinking what to say next.


"So.. how are things going?" he asked.


"Fine. You?"


"Great."


"So what exactly are you doing here?" I asked.


"I don't know. I was just walking around and stumbled upon here. Thought I should check it out. What about you?"


"Me? Just here to get away from it all."


"From what?"


"Everything," I sighed.


I turned to look around for Sophie. Where could she be? I was supposed to be here WITH her. But she's no where near me. I turned back to Nate and as I did, he leaned closer to me.


"Oh!" I took a step back.


"Sorry... I didn't mean to. So, wanna dance?" He reached his hands out and seconds later, I decided to give it a go and took his hand in mine.


We danced to the rhythm and beat. And even though my legs were killing me, I stayed on the dancefloor. I was having soo much fun until he did the unthinkable.


Heck, I did the unthinkable.


Mike's sitting in the passenger seat.

Hanna's driving.

I'm alone in the back seat.

The atmosphere is so quiet that i can hear myself breathing.

One side of my mind is thinking about Mike. He hasn't talk to me ever since Hanna told me about what he did. Good. Ugh, he tried talking to me though but I managed to look away. I'm just not ready to talk to him yet. After what he's done.

Minnie, he lied for a reason.

Yes, he did. But, he should have told me the truth! Ashton means so much to me and he knows that. Yet, he kept it a secret and created all these stories up. Maybe he thinks it's funny. But i don't.

Another side of my mind is thinking..

"We're here."

I got out of the car and rushed to room 800 which was on the 8th floor. I opened the door wide and stepped into the room. Mike and Hanna followed from the back. I could see, there was someone lying on the bed. I took a closer look and it's Ashton. I pinched myself but I wasn't dreaming. Speaking of dreaming, this room looks really familiar to me.

"Minnie."

"Huh.. Is that, is that you Ashton?" i asked in disbelief.

He walked closer towards me and held my hand. It was him.

"You're failing Algebra?"

"Yea- How did you know about it?"

"Minnie, you never fail. You're good in Math." he smiled.

"I didn't bother to concentrate during classes. I just couldn't.. I kept thinking of you. You were in my thoughts, all this while. Nothing else really matters now anyway.." i held his hand tighter but i could feel his fingers, trying to separate from mine.

And the next thing i knew, he disappeared.

Shit, it's the exact same room in my dream. Except, it was different. He was sort of advising me and.. loving me. But now, we're in the same room. And, he's half dead. I see, God has been giving me signs indirectly.

"He's at a critical stage right now. If he doesn't wake up by at least 48 hours, doctor has confirmed that he'll be in a coma. And, he might never wake up." Hanna said without taking her eyes off Ashton.

"Well, it all depends. Stay positive, will you?" Mike finally said something.

"Dude, you heard the doctor. He's most slightly not going to wake up anytime now. During the accident, he hit the window and.." she thought for a moment and stood away from the bed, "I don't know which part of his head, was badly injured."

"At least he's alive and there's still hope." Mike said.

"If he's really going to be in a coma, he'll fall deeply into his sleep and we'll have to wait forever." she sighed.

"I don't mind forever." I said while sobbing.

There were a few stitches on his head and I noticed, he has a broken leg now. He still looks the same to me, just maybe paler than before. I touched his face and it's smooth and soft. What happened to this guy who used to cheer me up when I was feeling down? He's like a happy-go-lucky person to me. I had never seen him so weak before. As weak as he is now.

I cried silently. I turned back to find them, missing. They could have gone back. I closed my eyes, sat beside him and held his hand.

"Please, wake up for me. For us." i whispered.

***

I closed the door behind me and was shocked to find Mike, standing right in front of me. Was he waiting all this while?

"Hey, i thought you went back."

"No, i didn't. How could I? I owe you an apology." he struggled to say that without hesitation.

I leaned against the wall and sighed.

"There's no need for you to apologize."

"Well, i think there is."

"No there isn't, Mike." i said firmly. "I finally realize the reason of you not telling me about this. And i'm sorry too." i continued saying.

"Mimi it's clearly my fault. I shouldn't-"

"Well, sooner or later, i'll find out about it right? I've always been the last person to know things. Never got sick of being that person."

He laughed and i followed him. Damn. What a perfect way to make up with him.

"Are you going to be alright?"

Tears filled my eyes.

"For now, dinner might help. My stomach's growling." i smiled at him.

"My treat!"

How great is that.

**

We went to a posh restaurant nearby and I felt awkward around him. I know he tried to keep the conversation flowing but there's something between us that didn't seem right. Something was disturbing my thoughts. I wasn't sure what it was but I knew there was something. Was it the small misunderstanding? Or the fact that he reminds me of Ashton.

Oh well, i'll go with the first choice. The second one didn't seem appropriate.

Anyway I should be thankful now, knowing Ashton's fine and not with Hanna.

"Dessert?"

"Oh yes, i'd love that."

After ordering, he turned back to look at me.

"So, tell me. What exactly happened to Ashton?"

"You really want to know?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"He was on the way to the airport. He wanted to leave the country."

"What for?"

"You can ask him that yourself when he wakes up later."

I stirred my coffee without saying another word.

*

After dinner, I hailed a cab and went back home. That's the only place where I want to be at this moment. I need to get things out of my mind.

As soon as i stepped out, there was a person, standing in front of the gate. It's dark outside, i can barely see his face. A tall, muscular body.

"Mimi." he said.

I gasped. Who's that?

Finally , Casey replied me . She asked me to meet her at Starbucks if I want to make up to her . Oh well . I should right ? That's like my only chance to really apologize to her and be friends with her again .

Someone's home .

" Darling , I'm home . " I could here mum shouting from downstairs and i heard a few chattering .

I rushed down and I saw bags of clothes like , Topshop , Zara , Dorothy Perkins , Miss Selfridge , and more . They're having sale , aren't they ?

" Hey . What's up with the bags you guys brought home ? They're on sale now ? "

" No , sweetheart . Aunty Christine & Alyssa is heading back to LA . So they decided to go on a shopping spree ." Mum explained .

" Huh ? You guys are heading back already ? "

" Yes , Soph . " Aunty Christine pat my head .

" But why ? It's only been a month , and Alyssa is schooling here . I don't want to be separated with Alyssa anymore . " I started to tear .

" Sophie ! Don't cry . I'll still come back and pay you a visit . " Alyssa came over and gave me a hug .

" What ? In another 5 years ? " I chuckled .

" I promise , I'll bring Alyssa back here as often as I can alright , sweetie ? " Aunty Christine gave me a hug too .

" You better keep your promise . So when's the flight ? "

" Tomorrow morning . "

I was shocked when I heard that their flight is tomorrow morning .

" WHHHAAT ?! Tomorrow morning ? You gotta be kidding me . How come I know nothing bout this ?" My jaws dropped .

" It was a last minute plan , Soph . The flight we could only book , is tomorrow , or else we got to wait till 6 months later . I'm sorry . " Alyssa told me .

" Oh well , I'm going to miss you Alyssa , like really , miss you . " I hugged Alyssa for a long long time .

I know Alyssa could be pretty bitchy at times , but she's probably the best childhood friend of mine . We've shared so much since we're young . Not till , she left for LA . Now that she's back , I've got to loose her again .

" I guess I'm going to leave you two kids here , and have some bonding time alright . " Mum & Aunty Christine left both of us alone at the kitchen .

" Hey Soph , you know we could still talk to each other eventhough we're far from each other right . I'm sure you've heard of Skype . We could do some Skype-ing some times . " Alyssa smiled .

" Aly ! I hate you ! You were so mean to me like a week ago , and now you're so nice . Damn it . "

" Oh right . Bout that . I'm really sorry , Soph . Bout Trace , Catherine , everything in high school . "

" It's no biggie , Aly . I forgive you . "

" No , Sophie . You don't get it . There's something you don't know . "

" Like what ? "

" Okay Sophie . Imma tell you . Trace is not together with Catherine . I mean they are , but they're not exactly together ? Do you get me ? "

" Hah ? No , wait . Trace is not exactly together with Catherine ? " I was confused .

" Trace is together with her , but he doesn't like her . He likes you , Sophie . He really does . He got together with Catherine just to protect you . "

This sounds silly . Protect me ? from what ?

" Catherine , you're kidding me . Protect me ? Aliens are not coming to Earth , or what so ever . He didn't need to protect me . "

" Catherine and I were planning something on you . Catherine wanted me to get together with Martin in order to make you upset but Trace accidentally overheard us talking . So he sort of had a deal with Cath ? "

" Like what ? Stop the plan and I'll get together with you ? "

" Yeah . What Trace is doing , is for your own good . "

" Oh gosh . I don't like Martin anymore . "

" Yeah , I can see that . So , why not forgive Trace now ? "

" Naaah , not yet . Noone forced him to lie . Anyways before that , I've got to talk to Casey . Bye sweetie , i've to meet her now . " I gave her a hug , and a kiss on the cheek .

I grabbed my coat , and get on a cab . I went over to Starbucks near school .

*****************
I headed to Starbucks , and reached in a couple of minutes . Casey was already there when I reached .

" Hey , Cas . Mind if I join ? "

" Whatever . You wanted to meet me , so here I am . I won't be staying long . "

" Okaaaaay . Drinks , perhaps ? "

" Sophie , If there's anything you want to say , please make it quick . "

I just kept quiet . Things are getting a little awkward now . I don't know how to tell her bout Trace . I don't even know what I should start with .

" Eerr .. Casey , I'm sorry . I know I shouldn't have told Trace anything , bout you being pregnant . I'm truly sorry bout it , and please forgive me . I didn't know that Trace would blab it out to Catherine!"

" TRACE TOLD THAT BITCH ?! You've got to be kidding me ! No wonder everyone knows . "

" Casey , I'm sorry ! "

" Oh well. It's alright, I guess. Everyone makes mistakes , nobody's perfect."

" Cas ? Are you .. alright ? the Casey I know , wouldn't be emotional . "

" Oh come on , Sophie. I'm not being emotional , i'm just being ... what's the word.Reasonable, yeah i'm just being reasonable . "

" Like i will believe that , tell me what's wrong . Spill lady . "

That's when Casey and I had an emotional talk . She told me that she suspects Billy having an older brother , who works as a bartender ? How's that possible anyway ? I told Casey about Catherine and Trace . She told me that I should get him back , but there's no point . He didn't have to lie .

" Oh god , i need to get away from this ... whole situation . "

" You know what , lets hit a club ! " I suggested .

" Soph , are you serious ? You've never been to a club . "

" Yeah Cas , I know . But I've got to be a grown up somehow right ? "

Casey laughed at me and called me silly .

We then headed to a club , which Casey always go to . I hesitated to go in the club , god knows why.

" Okay Cas , I'm nervous . "

" What's there to be nervous about ? You wanted to come here . "

" Well , first of all , we're underage ! "

" You don't have to say it out loud , you know . I know the bouncer here , come on . "

Casey grabbed my hand and we sneaked in , practically . Then , we found a place and ordered some drinks . As we were drinking , we spot Nate , alone , somehow he came over. I sort of talked to him for a moment , but i really felt left out , so i went over the other side and stoned.

" Hi hotstuff , are you up for a drink ? " a random stranger suddenly came next to me.

" Er , I'm fine with mine. Thanks . "

" Well , you can order another one actually . " He smiled.

What was i thinking , of course I should ask for another one right away . This is a club , and i'm trying to have fun right . Furthermore , I shall really get to know more people.

" Alright . " I smiled .

He ordered a tequila shot for me , but i've no idea what was a tequila . How i wish Casey was here , but she's far away , with Nate .

" Hm ,i'm Roger . You ? " He reached out his hand.

" I'm Sophie . Nice to meet you. " I shook his hand and gave him a smile .

" So are you like underage ? Cause you do look really young , you know . "

" Damn it , you've figured it out. "

" Well , its not really hard to know. So , are you here to have some fun ? " He put his hand around my waist .

I was really uncomfortable with it , but I didn't want to be so rude . Soon , I got really high and a little tipsy , so I started to flirt with him . Suddenly , there was this man who interrupted.

" Yo , get your hands out of her . " This man shouted and grabbed Roger's hand away from my waist.

" Trace ! What are you doing here ? "

" Sophie , come with me . " He grabbed my hand and pulled me , but Roger stopped him.

" Who are you ? Her boyfriend ? " Roger asked.

" Ah , Roger , just ignore him . He has a girlfriend . "

" Heard that didn't you ? " Roger said , and pulled me to another side.

Trace grabbed Roger's hand and gave him a punch.

" You want a piece of me ? Get lost , now . " Trace shouted.

" Yo chill doode , we just want to have some fun right ? " Roger mumbled , while walking away.

I went back to my seat and ordered another shot of tequila.

" Sophie , stop drinking. " Trace took my Tequila away.

" Trace , you're not my dad , so go away . " I tried to get back my Tequila , but Trace drank it before i could even reach it.

" TRACE! that's mine! " I shouted.

I sounded like I was an alcoholic , but who cares . Everyone stared at me , and then Trace pulled me to a corner , which was near the toilet .

" Sophie , wake up. You're not a drinker okay and you're absolutely drunk. "

" Trace , I'm already awake and I'm not drunk . So get off my hands now . "

Trace still didn't let go my hands , in fact , he grabbed my hand tighter.

" TRACE ! It hurts okay . Can't you just let go of me now ? "

" Fine . " He finally let go of me .

" What the hell are you doing here , Trace ? " I asked .

" Shouldn't I ask you that ? "

" Whatever . I don't give a damn . "

" You're not the Sophie I used to know . "

" What do you mean ? You're not the Trace I used to know either . "

" The old Sophie I know wouldn't go to clubs or even talk to strangers . "

" Well , the old Trace doesn't exist anymore . He will usually tell me stuffs , but look at you. It's like I barely even know you now .

" Sophie , what haven't i tell you ? I told you everything . "

" Catherine ? You've never told me bout her , I've to find out by myself . "

" I have my own reasons Sophie . "

" What is it ? Why can't you tell me ? "

I really wanted Trace to tell me the truth himself . Though Alyssa already told me , but i wanted it from his mouth .

" If i tell you now , can you please not be mad at me ? "

" Fine . I won't then. But make sure , it's the truth . "

" Sophie , I'm not together with Catherine . She wanted me to be her boyfriend , so that she will not ask Alyssa to get together with Martin. And I know how much he means to you. "

" Trace , you've no idea bout all this. Martin means nothing to me anymore."

" He doesn't ? He doesn't mean anything to you ? " Trace looks really confused.

" I've lost feelings on him , a thousand years ago. Trace , the one i really like , is you. But i wasn't really sure of that . And when I found out that you and Catherine , I really broke down. "

" Is that why you're mad at me now ? Or before ? "

" Well , yeah." I looked down .

" Sophie , I like you too. I mean , I love you. But i didn't have the guts to tell you."

" Why didn't you gave me the ring then ? "

" I ... was ... being a pussy ? If that answered your question. "

I chuckled . Then , Trace held my head up , and kissed me on my lips.