CHAPTER NINE: YOU’RE ALL I WANT

December 27, 2001

     It’s a few days later, and No Rules are busy with their dance rehearsals and script readings for their TV series, Dare 2 Dream. They were to start filming in a few weeks. As for their debut album, they’ve finished recording it.

     A few days earlier, the members’ families came to London to visit them for Christmas. The teens couldn’t leave London due to their busy schedule. As for Alex, he’s still has strong urges to self-harm, but having the in-house doctor, being with Sophie, and having Edward as his roommate is helping him to want to live.

     The members were in the dance studio for their dance rehearsals, and they were on break. Ashley was staring at Edward, who was talking with Alex and Sophie. Sophie noticed her sitting by herself, so she approached her.

     She asked, “Ashley, what’s wrong?”

  Ashley replied, “You know I’ve been fancying Edward for a whilst. I really like him, but what if he doesn’t like me back?”

     “You won’t know unless you ask him.”

     “I don’t know, can’t you ask him for me?”

     Sophie laughed, “You won’t get anywhere if you play hard-to-get.”

     With that, Sophie walked away, and soon came up with an idea.

  It’s now evening, and the members were back in their house. Sophie met with Hannah and Mariana in their room.

     Sophie started, “I think it’s pretty obvious that Ashley fancies Edward. She really likes him, but she’s not sure if he likes her back. So I think we should set up a date for her and Edward.”

     Mariana asked, “But how will you know if Eddie likes Ashley back?”

     Sophie smiled at the question.

   At the same time, Alex was engraving his desk with a pencil. He saw Edward enter their room. He asked Edward in a monotone, “Out of all the girls in No Rules, who you do fancy?”

     Edward asked out of suspicion, “Since when you’d be interested in who I like?”

     “I have my reasons. So, answer my question.”

     Edward thought for a moment as he sat on a chair. Then he said, “I’d say Ashley. She’s sweet, and she’s nice, especially to you.”

     “Then ask her out,” Alex said while doodling on his bandaged arm with a black marker with a bored voice.

     “I don’t know. What if she has a boyfriend back in Manchester?”

     “Just ask.”

  Edward scoffed, and said sarcastically, “You seem interested. Your arms are more interesting than which girl I fancy.”

  “I tend not to get involved in anyone’s lives. Besides, my bandage looks more cool with skulls than being just f*cking plain.”

     “Then why bother to ask? Did Ashley or Sophie put you up to this?”

     Alex just gave a short laugh.

     About an hour later, Sophie met up with Alex in the kitchen. She had Mariana and Hannah waiting for her in their room.

     Sophie asked, “So, what’d you get?”

     Alex replied, “Edward fancies Ashley. You know, you could’ve just got Ashley to ask him instead dragging me into this.”

     “C’mon, you’re mates with Eddie. Don’t be all sulky. Besides, you’re with me.”

     Alex smirked, “I know, but I stay out of everyone’s personal business. Their shit ain’t my shit. But I’m willing to help you out.”

     It’s the next day, and No Rules got a weekend off from rehearsals. Sophie, Hannah, and Mariana were setting up the date for Ashley and Edward. Sophie told Hannah and Mariana that Edward likes Ashley.

 Hannah made a reservation at a posh restaurant, while Mariana and Sophie were Ashley’s stylists. The girls were in Ashley’s room.

     Ashley asked, “Girls, why aren’t you getting dressed for our night-out?”

     Sophie replied, “Well, we’re focusing on you first.”

     “Like, why?”

     Hannah said in an irritated tone, “Shut up, cuz about I’m to put lipstick on you.”

     At the same time, Edward entered his room. He saw Alex with his feet on the desk, engraving on his desk.

     Edward asked, “Are you that damn bored?”

     Alex smirked, “You could say that. Oh, put some designer shit on, you’re going out.”

     “With you?”

  Alex laughed, “Yeah right. The directions are on your bed. I’m sure you can drive. The designer shit’s in my closet. I wouldn’t be caught dead in it anyway.”

     “So who am I going out with?”

     Alex grinned, “Drive yourself, and you’ll find out. But trust me, it’s not me.”

     Some time later, both Ashley and Edward drove to the posh restaurant. When they parked their cars, they saw each other. They both gave cheesy smiles.

     Edward told her, “So, you’re the person I’m supposed to meet with. You look beautiful.”

     Ashley said, “Thanks. You look great yourself. I’m starting to think the girls aren’t coming.”

     “Let me guess, the girls set you up with me?”

     Ashley laughed, “Seems like it. Who set you up with me?”

   “Alex, but he seems to think engraving his desk is more interesting. It’s like as if he was being told what to do and say. And his designer clothes are too small for me, so I’m wearing my own stuff.”

     “Alex wears designer clothes?”

     “He calls them ‘shit’, so apparently not.”

   Ashley and Edward laughed, and then they entered the restaurant. They talked and ate for several hours. They both finally told each other their feelings for each other. When it all ended, they shared a kiss.