Chapter 16.

There might be some hanky panky involved.

~~

We entered the dimly lit motel and even with the shining sun outside; the motel looked like it was cursed with shadows and ghosts and vampires lurking around, hunting for blood. I looked at the reception desk, a plain brown desk which was surprisingly tidy. A young woman adorned in a skimpy blue dress that left little to imagination. Were receptionists allowed to dress like that?

She sat on a huge chair, flipping magazine pages without even reading anything. Her lips pressed in a disinterested line. The area was pretty neat and a few couples sat on the couches opposite the reception desk, doing different things not worth telling. It looked a little too romantic with red flowers and red curtains with tiny white hearts on it. So much red! For honeymooners indeed.

"1 room with 2 beds for five days." Ace said, removing his wallet.

The young woman looked up and gasped as she saw Ace standing with his glorious half-smile. She stared at him like he was her own personal early Christmas present sent by Santa himself. A sudden jealously filled me and I wrapped my arm around Bryan's arm. "He means one room and one big bed." I emphasized one big, staring at her boldly. I'm so going to regret this after I get my brain back on track.

Her eyes reluctantly left Bryan's body and flickered to me as her mouth transformed into a scowl. "We only have one room with two beds."

My grip tightened on Ace's arm, I didn't dare see his face. I would swallow myself in embarrassment if I did. I blew a puff of arrogant breath. "I said one room and one bed, isn't this thing's name Honeymoon Travelers? I am sure you have a room that satisfies our needs."

Her scowl deepened and she opened the registration book. "Your names and signatures and identification cards."

Ace shook his arm and I retracted my hand back. I looked up at him and was surprised to see him smiling and trying to hide his amusement. We signed and he showed his fake ID, giving a sweet smile to the receptionist. She gulped visibly handing out the keys like they were her panties, "Room number 208, on second floor. If you need anything, anything you can always ask for me, Tanya." She said seductively looking at Ace. Her eyes turned to me and became a glare. "Have a good stay." She snarled.

I smiled sweetly at her. "Oh we will. All over the bed." I hooked my arm into his arm and walked with my head high towards the elevator. The second we got in, Ace burst out laughing. Like literally laughing fit. His hands were on his knees, as he tried not to fall on the floor from laughter. His mouth open as laughter flowed from it and his eyes crinkled with happiness. This was the first time I had seen him laugh so freely and it bought me joy to know I was the one making him laugh. I smiled unconsciously at his guffawing form. He was beautiful!

We reached the second floor and got out, he was still laughing and frankly I didn't know why but I didn't want to ask and stop his laughter. At least I knew he wasn't angry with that little stunt I pulled downstairs.

He took out the key and opened the door. I glanced around, there was a small table with some complimentary cookies on it. The windows were closed with a pale red curtain and a small beige loveseat sat in front of a small TV. A small glass table with a vase and five beautiful red roses in it with a card that said 'Have sweet fun'. To the right was a white door which led to the bathroom. Finally my eyes landed on the left side where a huge bed laid with red blanket, a single big bed and finally the reality sank in. I was going to share a bed with Ace after sharing an intensely passionate kiss.

Never take decisions when you're angry. There's a huge possibility you'll regret it later.

"I can sleep on the ground." He volunteered, noticing my face.

I gulped. "No, its okay. We will sleep on the bed." He was not going to pay for my stupidity and I was most certainly not sleeping on the floor.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded my head, "What about my clothes?"

"We will go to your house now and you can tell you are staying at a friend's place for a few days, don't tell the exact number of days. We ourselves don't know it yet. Take your clothes and all other necessities and meet me at the street corner. From there we can go to my house and collect my things. Don't pack too much, we aren't going to Paris."

"My car is still at school." I told, ignoring his last jibe.

"I know, I told Dylan to bring it to the street corner. You can drive in it from there. We don't want your mother getting suspicious and leave your car home and come." He said, picking up the keys and walking out.

We could have just come here later if we wanted to go back anyways.

The whole ride my hands barely touched his shoulder. Barely managing to sit without falling off and snapping my neck. I was afraid if I touched him, I might just kiss him senselessly. Again.

★

"Where is he?" I asked, looking around the corner.

"Patience." Ace cooed.

Just on cue, four cars pulled up, one was mine and the other three were Max, Janice and Logan's.

Oh joy! I wonder what Logan would say to this arrangement. Probably break a limb or two.

The first to get down was Janice, running towards me and hugging me tightly, "Are you okay?"

I froze for a second, suddenly wondering if she knew about the kiss but the rolled my eyes at the stupid thought. Unless she was Edward Cullen there was no way she could know what my mind kept rewinding every 2 minutes.

Smiling, I nodded, hugging her back. "Of course. I'm great."

The next to come out were Logan and Alan, Logan looked extremely pissed and went directly to Ace, punching him square on the jaw. Oh oh.

"The fuck?" Ace screamed, rubbing his jaw. His eyes turned dark with anger and his hands formed fists, trying his best to not return the punch.

"The next time you kidnap my best friend after not talking to her for days, you better inform us first." Logan threatened, not affected by Ace's glares.

I bit back my laugh at Ace's response - a simple nod. Dylan and Max were next to step out, smirking at us.

"Living together in a motel. Try not to break the bed." Max teased.

"Yes should I contact a doctor?" Dylan snorted, a playful glint in his eyes.

"What for?" I asked, frowning.

Dylan grinned smugly. "Well I don't think you can move after Bryan does what he does best, so you might need a wheelchair."

i choked on my breath, cheeks flushing red as I remembered the kiss again. If his kisses were so good, the whole thing would be amazing, maybe I should try it. I immediately shook my head. What am I even thinking?

I turned to Dylan. "Haha funny." I scowled, though my internal sex queen still sat straight patiently with a pair of handcuffs in her hand. "Where's Brittany?"

"She's coming to your house directly, let's go fast." Janice said, pulling me to my car.

"Don't pack too much." Ace reminded making Janice roll her eyes.

"Don't tell us what to do. We are women, we'll do the exact opposite."

★

"No entering the kitchen." My mother's strict tone made Logan and Alan freeze right at the kitchen door.

"We didn't even make noise." Logan muttered unbelievably.

"Sixth sense." Alan whispered back and then his eyes widened in horror. "Or mutant."

I rolled my eyes. "My mother's still angry about you two eating all her cookies without asking her." I informed them.

"Only two cookies allowed." My mother shouted from the living room and Logan and Alan instantly scrambled inside, going straight for the cookie jar.

"Two not twenty." I reminded them, walking to my mom.

"Hello Janice, Brittany." She smiled at them. "How's your sister Janice?"

"Actually we came to talk about that. Lacy isn't feeling too well and my parents have gone on a business trip for one week. I was hoping Joanna could stay with me until my parents come. Please?" Janice made her most innocent face and pleading eyes, that girl could become an actress.

"You don't have to ask Janice." Mother turned to me. "You know the rules. You will call me everyday without fail, no parties or drinking or drugs. If you become pregnant I take the baby and disown you. If you get STD, I put you into rehab. And keep that tattoo guy away from you."

Only if she knew I was staying with and sleeping besides him for the next few days.

"Take care of Lacy and keep in touch. Now excuse me, I need to make sure my precious cookies are not over." Mom walked away.

"Stay away from that tattoo guy." Brittany repeated, howling with laughter, slapping her knees so hard I was sure they were going to bruise.

"I know. I had tough time controlling my laughter that time." Janice joined her. I winced, afraid they might die choking on the laughter.

"If your mother comes to know, she'll disown you anyways, pregnant or not." Brittany forced out between laughter, slumping on the couch. A stray tear on her cheek.

Maybe they should choke. "Shut up and start packing." I grumbled, walking to my room.

Brittany pulled me back as we entered my room. "We will pack. I don't trust your choice of clothing."

I scowled at her. "No thanks."

"She's right Joanna, you are staying with a guy. We will pack accordingly." Janice said, walking to my inner garments drawer. I groaned loudly.

Oh shit! This is going to be bad. Very bad.

"I don't need red lace underwear." I mumbled, getting it out from my bag.

"You do." Brittany insisted, grabbing it from my fingers and keeping it right back.

"We are not going to have sex." I said in exasperation.

"You might. Be prepared. There might be some hanky panky involved." Brittany said, taking another unused lace bra.

I slapped my forehead, trying my best to not turn pink. "There won't be any hanky panky manky."

Brittany gave me a look and then flipped her head. "Grab a black lace panties too Janice."

I groaned again, instantly changing my mind about telling them anything related to the intense kiss.

Janice, being herself immediately narrowed her eyes at me. "Something to share?"

"I hate you two."

They grinned. "No you don't."

I shook my head. There's no changing their mind at times like this. I let them pack as I sat on my bed, flipping through pics, searching for a good picture to post on Instagram.

"All done." Janice announced, smiling proudly at the over filled bag. It terrified me to even see the contents it may hold.

Just as we were shutting my bag and making sure I took everything. Logan came in and throwing a box right at my face ran away.

"Idiot." I shouted at him, rubbing my nose. Janice looked at the box and burst out laughing, soon joined by Brittany.

"Vanilla flavored condoms?" I gasped in horror, reading the words on box. "He is so fucking dead."

Janice clasped my hand, "It's okay, leave it. Make use of them, they are free. Never say no to free stuff."

I hit her with my free hand, reluctantly dumping the condoms in my bag and zipping it up. What a bunch of mad friends.

"Are you sure about this? You can always come at my place." Janice offered as she drove. And I knew she didn't mean it.

"I need to find about why all this is happening and why I am apparently not safe." I said in a low voice. Frankly, I wasn't sure about this. We were going to live the same room, go to school and back again - almost like married couples. But he had jumped away after kissing me and didn't say a thing about it. Was he repenting the kiss? Was I a bad kisser? Or maybe it was his fear of women? I really hope I wasn't a bad kisser.

We drove to where the others were standing, playing rock paper scissors? Seriously? What are they, seven?

"We are just a call away." Brittany assured, pecking my cheek and getting out of the car.

"Ready?" Ace asked, picking up my bag. I nodded shyly.

"I feel like we are helping forbidden lovers to escape." Logan snorted, getting a smack on his back from Ace.

I hugged all of them saying a quick bye. Logan hugged me tightly, "I'll miss you."

Rolling my eyes, I hit his back. "You'll just miss not coming to my house and getting free cookies."

Alan and Logan grinned. "Yeah that too." I shook my head in amusement.

"Don't worry Joanna baby, if anything happens, I'll protect you." He promised, hugging me tighter.

"I know." I pecked his cheek and took a step back. "Bye guys." I waved at them and chuckled when Logan wiped his fake tears.

"You hurt her, you face my asperity." Janice warned, glaring at Ace.

"Why are all your friends against me?" Ace muttered, ignoring Janice.

"They just care about me." I answered, my heart soaring with pride at having such great friends who were sometimes just as annoying. But I wouldn't want them any other way.

We got in Max's car, he was to drop us at Bryan's home and then we would take his car while Dylan took his bike back to the cottage. He had a car was news to me as he was always with his bike. But then that was what bad boy image demanded.

"You'll probably meet Sean." Ace said with apparent displeasure.

I shrugged, "No biggie." I lied, I was scared what was going to happen. I didn't even know what to speak with Sean anymore.

His house was huge like huge, surrounded by a garden filled with flowers of various colors. There was a fountain on the left side with lights around it but no water was coming out. A hammock was beside it. The house windows were either tinted or closed with lavish purple curtains. Even from afar you could tell it was a rich man's house who loved showing off.

We walked to the door and Max drove out, wishing us good luck. Ace removed a key and opened the main door. The interiors were even more beautiful. I held in my gasp as I drank in the sight of various remarkable paintings and statues. It looked a mansion straight out of a Disney movie.

"Come." Ace commanded, holding my hand and going upstairs.

I followed him quietly still lost in the dainty and elegant surrounding. If this was his stepmother's doing then I hate to admit but she has a good sense of fashion and delineate.

We stopped at a plain beige door with a huge 'Stay the fuck out' sign, Bryan's room obviously. He removed another key, opening the door. I couldn't help the small smile that crawled up my face. I was entering his room! A bad boy's room!

"Don't move." He ordered, making me sit on his king size comfy bed. He walked out, shutting the door behind him. I sank deeper in the soft bed.

His room didn't smell of him, I vaguely wondered when the last time he had stayed here was. The room had grey walls with a few posters of Natalie Portman and some fire breathing dragons. The bedpost was black and had 'no me importa una mierda' written on it in red. I frowned at it, it sounded Spanish. Searching it on Google Translate I wasn't surprised to find its meaning, 'I do not give a shit'.

I observed that everything was either grey or black or red. Even his closet was painted black with a weird red design. Luckily the curtains were light blue. There were tables and chairs all black and white. His infatuation with black was starting to worry me now.

I leaned back on his bed, wishing my bed was so soft. I turned and saw a photo display. I hesitantly walked towards it to have a clear look. The first picture was of a small boy who was smiling showing his two missing teeth, so cute - no doubt Ace, with a young lady smiling at him - his real mother. She looked beautiful. He definitely took after her. The next was of a young Ace, his mother and his father. All smiling and happy. Another one picture with many people in it, a family photo but Ace and his parents were recognizable. Everyone looked so joyful. In the next photo everything changed, it was a wedding picture, Ace was scowling and besides him stood a small Sean grinning like an idiot, showing his braces. I chuckled at seeing Sean in braces. His father and stepmother were smiling at each other. The last picture was of Ace and a beautiful girl of the same age, both smiling lovingly at the camera. He had his arm around her shoulder and she seemed to love it there. It looked recent, a few months back mostly. Who is she?

"Anastasia."

I jumped and turned in shock to see Sean standing at the door. I gulped, after hearing Ace's story I didn't like Sean much.

"She's beautiful isn't she?" Sean asked, staring at the photo with hidden emotions. I looked at the girl again, high cheek bones, pink lips, hazel eyes and long black hair. Curves at the right places and no fat anywhere. She was pretty alright, beautiful even. I disliked her instantly.

"You know her?" I asked, looking back at Sean.

He smiled a sad pity smile. "I loved her."

Loved? Past? And why was she with Ace then?

"He loved her too." Sean answered my unasked question.

"Oh." Loved? Again past?

"What happened?" I asked him curiously.

"His story." Sean replied and vanished.

I slowly walked back and sat on the bed, an unfamiliar pain in my chest. What does she mean to Ace? Does he still love her? Where is she now? Are they friends? A dark thought entered my mind. I am not even friends with him and she is probably much more than friends. A girl I have never even met yet and I already won't mind hitting her face with a brick. When did I turn so violet?

"Okay done." Ace said, coming in with a suitcase.

"Aren't your clothes in this room? When did you pack?"

"I had packed this suitcase long back, just needed more money. Let's go." He took my hand and dragged me down.

"Hello brother." Sean greeted faking elation as he stood at the bottom of stairs.

Ace responded with a stink eye and walked out. Just as he pulled the car out. Sean came out and shouted. "She knows about Anastasia. You might want to tell her the story yourself."

I felt Ace's hard gaze on me, I shifted in my seat nervously. I was just looking around; I didn't expect your lover to pop out.

He gave one last glare and then drove out his car at full speed. The trees rushed past and the wind blew on my face, thanks to the open window.

"Ace, slow down please." I pleaded, clutching the sides of my seat at the same time trying to get the hair out of my mouth.

He didn't reply but increased the speed.

I felt tears spring in my eyes. After years of that horrifying incident I had somehow managed to get the courage of stepping into a car, I didn't want that courage to disappear. "Bryan please? You can hurt someone."

He snorted and kept his speed intact. By now I had started hyperventilating, the tress and cars and houses rushed past us and there were hardly any signals. Dreadful images clogged my brain.

The safe speed we were going with, suddenly he wanted a cigarette, he turned and no one saw the fast truck coming at us until it was too late. He died on the spot.

"No! No! No!" I shouted, my eyes closed wishing for the images to fade.

I heard Ace curse obscurely, "Fuck, what's wrong?"

"Make it stop! No! No! Please!" I wailed, shaking my head in a futile attempt to make the memories disappear. I was hyperventilating as the scenes kept entering my mind.

I didn't realize when Ace stopped the car and pulled me towards him to sit on his lap. I was too disoriented to take in anything. I buried my face in Bryan's chest and cried.

Cried from the pain of going through it again.

Cried, troubled by those horrendous images that entered my mind again.

Cried for the families who lost someone in a car crash.

Cried for the people who didn't understand how harmful cigarette and drug addictions are.

But most of all, I cried for the loss of my own blood, my twin brother.

~~~

Humpf! Who is Anastasia now?

And twin brother! well well!

Vote, comment, share and stuff! Pretty please?

Dedication to a vommenter ;)

Xoxoxoxo