Terrible Things

LEY'S POV

"So, there's two?" I stared at Alex and Carrie. "Duo?"

"Duo." Alex confirmed with a slight smirk. Emily and I exchanged glances.

"But they're not twins?" She looked just as confused as I was. And I had studied this for a biology paper. Carrie shook her head and Alex jumped off the couch to get drinks.

"Tea?" We all nodded and I reached for my phone as my pocket buzzed. I stared at the screen, not wanting to be rude but unable to resist seeing what Ashley had to say.


From: Purrrdy

Hey baby girl. Guess who's in town?


I was starting to feel bad that Ashley was spending all his money constantly flying out here. I should really go stay with him sometimes, I'd have to ask Alex.

"Hey, Lex," I called over the sound of the kettle. He gave me an acknowledging nod before I continued. "What would you say to me flying out to Cali maybe one day to see Ashley for a bit."

"No." The word echoed around the room, two voices blending into one as Carrie and Alex agreed without even making eye contact. This was so unfair.

"Why not? I've been saving."

"You've been saving for a car, not a plane ticket." Alex grumbled as he poured the milk.

"Ashley Purdy isn't exactly the best material for a boyfriend, Ley. And I don't like it." He sighed as he carried the cups towards us. I mumbled that he wasn't my boyfriend and Alex gave me a pointed 'exactly' look.

"Alex is right." Carried pushed herself into a more comfortable position. "Ash isn't the most reliable man when it comes to woman. He enjoys being able to pick and chose who he's with. I don't want you to get hurt, baby." Carrie had been so lovely to us. She treated Emily and I like daughters, so did Alex, except he was way more protective and Carrie was the more laid back of the two.

"He's not using me!" I felt my voice getting higher and higher as I became more frustrated with the situation.

"They didn't say that." Emily. How dare she take their side. That's so rude. "They said he might not be as serious as you are. I think Ashley has every intention of trying to make this work with you but face it, Ley. He's a rock star. He's going to be on tour for months at a time and you're not going to be there." Carrie took a sip of her tea and smiled at Emily, silently thanking her for understanding.

"Look, I don't mind him visiting here, but I want to know if he's serious. We've kicked him out of this house once and we will happily do it again." Alex plonked down beside Carrie. "Ashley's a good guy, but he's not exactly cut out to be a boyfriend. He enjoys his freedom too much. I want you to be happy." I sighed, knowing everything that came out of his mouth was fact and true and only out of the goodness of his heart. "Please, just take it slow with him, make sure it's serious. Claim him in front of the media so no girl will chase him without being caught out. Look after yourself."

"Alex has a point. If you two are official, the media will make sure you know which girl he's with every second of the day. It's not that we don't trust him, it's just that we worry about you." Carrie smiled kindly, her eyes glowing a deep blue. "Now, help me get ready for this party."

We sent the next hour rushing round the house, throwing fake snow at the windows and dusting the floor with the weird white material flakes. Alex was hanging mistletoe and baubles all through the living room for 'maximum kiss-tential.' Ashley came by early to help with the setting up and made a few bottles of breezers and mojitos so that we could just grab the alcohol without having to mix it.

"Cocktails, will be there." Ashley sung as he shook the drinks. "When you're feeling a lone, yeah, a cocktail, is all that you need!" We all laughed at him as he flicked his hair dramatically, playing an imaginary bass with one hand and pouring alcohol with the other.

"At least he's useful for something." Alex laughed as he pulled Carrie into his arms. I smiled at the two if them. I wanted that. That life, that love. I wanted to feel the way they do. Totally happy to spend forever with just one person and only one person. They never questioned it, they just went with the flow and loved each other unconditionally.Emily made gagging gestures as the pair started to kiss and I giggled at her ability to still joke about the 'grossness' of such an act. I jumped as Ashley lifted me by under my arms and spun me around before mimicking my... my... parents?

"You are beautiful." A kiss landed on my nose. "You make me feel so happy." My forehead. "You are all I want in the world." My cheek. "Except," My ear. "Maybe," My lips. "Possibly." My chin. "A Lamborghini." His lips landed on my neck and I burst into a fit of giggles. "Cause that would be fucking awesome."

ALEX POV

We cuddled as we watched Ashley plant kissed all over Ley's face. It felt weird letting it happen. These two girls were like daughters to me and a womanizing rock star was sucking on one of their faces. Carrie squeezed my hand as she recognized my desire to punch him.

"Listen to what he's saying baby." She murmured as her fingers trailed up and down my spine. "Maybe he's serious." I shook my head. No way. Uh uh. Wasn't going to happen. Not on my watch. That little girl was my little girl and no one was going to take her. I had had her for such a short time and I would protect the two of them with my life. I could tell Ashley was planning on taking her on tour with him. That's what I would have done, it was logical. Develop your relationship in close quarters, test your limits at the beginning. But god damn did I want to kick his ass. His pretty little face was saved by the door bell and the pair broke apart just as Emily jumped to open the door. Mike, Tony and the Fuentes boys swept in, Vic had been gone to pick them up from the airport.

"Hey, Alex." Ashley said relatively quietly. I turned to glare at him. Daring him to ask. "Is... Is it okay if I take Ley out before the party?" I smirked tempter to reject him and pull the girl into my arms and keep her safe from him.

"Sure, you can." Carrie piped up, grabbing my hand. "But be back by eight. And no funny buisness. That's our daughter you're taking out." I watched Emily and Ley's faces glow when Carrie said daughter. We had never officially adopted the girls, but maybe it was about time.

Notes