Chapter 27

"Jacob would never let her have an abortion," Ashley declared.

"It’s her decision, too, though," Emily argued.

"Yeah, but, I mean, that’s just…not right," Ashley said.

"I know what you mean. I don’t know what they’ll do. I assume they’ll have the baby, but if they decide not to, then I’ll still support them," Emily said.

"Why don’t we just wait until they get back and we’ll talk to them then," Trevor suggested. The others nodded in agreement.

Ashley took Emily’s hand and led her out of the kitchen to the pool area. He smiled at her. Emily looked at the ground.

"Why are you so shy with me?" he asked. Emily shrugged.

"I never had a guy like you like me before. Not counting Travis, well, he looked like you, but he wasn’t anything like you," she told him.

"How are we different? If you don’t mind talking about him," Ashley said. Emily sat down on a deck chair and put her feet up. Ashley sat next to her.

"He was very intense. He didn’t really know what ‘fun’ was."

"And you liked that?" Ashley asked. Emily smiled.

"Yeah. He was so serious and deep. He loved poetry. He had a really deep voice, so when he read to me, I could listen to his voice for hours and not get tired of it."

"Music is poetry," Ashley told her. Emily nodded.

"I know. He tried to put poetry to music, but it was hard for him. He could write the words, but not the music, so I learned how to play the guitar so that I could help him. It brought us closer together," she said, sadly.

"How did he…I mean, why did he, you know…was it depression?" Ashley asked.

"I wish I knew. I think he just became disillusioned with life. His parents ignored him. They didn’t give a shit about him, Ashley. My mom ignored me at times, but at least she would talk to me occasionally, when she was around, but Travis’ parents couldn’t be bothered. They treated him like a dog…a pet that they didn’t want. He latched onto me and we depended on one another for companionship…and eventually love. I think his love was more of a ‘needy’ kind of love, whereas, I was ‘in’ love with him. He needed me. I didn’t mind, though. I loved him and was there for him…or so I thought."

Ashley listened to Emily talk about Travis and frowned. Her detached way of speaking bothered him. Obviously, she was still scarred by Travis’ suicide.

"After he, you know, did your mother help you at all?" Ashley asked.

"I have to admit, she did help me. She was there for me, but I was the one who pushed her away. I was in major denial and I was blaming myself. I’d lost my best friend and lover and I didn’t want any human contact at all. I wanted to be isolated like Travis had been. I wanted to feel his pain, but I couldn’t because I had feelings. I felt too much to not feel anything. If that makes sense," Emily said. Ashley nodded.

"I understand. You’re sensitive and need people." Emily shrugged.

"I guess," she said. Ashley turned so that he was facing her and he took her hand. Emily looked into his blue eyes.

"Do you know why I like you?" he asked. Emily shook her head. Ashley smiled. "You’re honest and strong…and very beautiful," he said and reached up to push a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’re also talented. I’ve heard you play the guitar and you’ve got talent. Don’t ever put yourself down. Believe in yourself and you’ll be fine." Emily’s heart skipped a beat. No one had ever made her feel the way that Ashley was making her feel at that moment.

Ashley watched the emotions play across Emily’s face. She looked confused, surprised and unsure. Ashley pulled her by the hand so that she was now facing him. He ran a finger down her face and across her lips. Emily’s eyes closed. She felt Ashley’s breath on her mouth and didn’t object when his lips gently pressed against hers. Her arms went around him as he cupped her face, his lips continuing to caress hers. Emily was the one to deepen the kiss, loving the feeling of Ashley’s mouth on her lips. His arms went around her and he pulled her closer…as close as he could with them being in the position they were in.

Emily sighed into Ashley’s mouth. She didn’t want to fall again, but Ashley was making it hard to resist him. Emily felt a connection with him that she’d never felt with anyone…including Travis. When they finally separated, Emily looked into Ashley’s desire-filled eyes and smiled. He kissed her quickly once more before standing up and pulling her with him.

"Are you okay?" Ashley asked. Emily blushed slightly, but nodded. Ashley smiled in relief. He hugged her.

"Hey, Ashley?" she asked.

"What?"

"Do you have a basketball court here?" Ashley nodded, pulling back to look at her. "Wanna shoot some hoops?"

"You bet!" Ashley said, excitedly. Laughing, they headed for the guys’ basketball court in the backyard.

New York

Jacob and Maria were sitting in LaGuardia Airport, trying not to be noticed. Unfortunately, some teenage girls had noticed them anyway. Jacob had pulled his black knit cap lower on his head, but that hadn’t worked. Since they didn’t have any security with them, it made the situation worse.

"Did you call your mother?" Jacob asked as they sat, waiting for the group of girls to descend on them.

"Yes. She’s pissed," Maria replied.

"Why?"

"Because our unexpected arrival has interrupted her plans. She was going to go out to dinner with Muffy or Fluffy or Bobsy someone or other. Oh, and my call interrupted her tennis match. I’m sure she was losing anyway," Maria said with a smirk. Jacob smiled. "Don’t smile," Maria said sharply.

"Why not?" Jacob asked, still smiling.

"You’re too noticeable---especially your smile and your eyes. Not to mention your hair. You need to cover your whole head," Maria told him. Jacob looked at her like she was crazy.

"I have a hat on," he said.

"Your fans know that hat, though," she said. Jacob rolled his eyes. "Don’t roll your eyes at me, mister!" Jacob tried to kiss her, but she dodged him. "Shit, here they come," Maria muttered.

Jacob turned and sure enough, the group of girls had finally decided to approach him. He sighed.

"Are you Jacob from O-Town?" one of the girls asked. Jacob and Maria stood up. Jacob smiled.

"If you promise not to tell everyone in the airport, then I’ll tell you the truth," he said. The girls covered their excitement well. "Good, yes, I am," Jacob added.

"Can we, like, have your autograph," another girl almost whispered.

"Sure," Jacob said. The girls looked at Maria, who smiled.

"Are you, like, his girlfriend?" the first girl asked.

"If you promise not to hurt me, then I’ll tell you the truth," Maria said, smirking. Jacob turned and laughed. "Yes, I am." The girls looked a little disappointed, but nothing was thrown at her, so Maria was happy.

"You’re Maria?" another girl asked. Maria nodded. "I thought you were with that guy from LFO." Maria shook her head.

"That was a rumor," she told her. She saw a man coming toward them.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Underwood and Ms. Carpenter?" he asked. Maria nodded, relieved that their limo driver was now here to take them away.

"Ladies, I have to go. It was a pleasure," Jacob said as he took Maria’s hand and waved at the girls. They followed the limo driver quickly through the airport. Once they were settled into the limo, Maria relaxed.

"It makes me nervous traveling without security," she said. Jacob sighed.

"I know. We’ll be home soon---‘home’ meaning Orlando," he told her. "We have to face your mom first."

"Don’t remind me," Maria said, closing her eyes and putting her head back against the seat.

Orlando

Erik was out by the pool working on a song that he was writing---or trying to write. He couldn’t get his mind off Alex. The more time that went by and the longer he went without hearing from her, the more nervous he got. Something was definitely wrong.

He yawned. The camera was in his face catching it all. ‘Great TV,’ he thought, sarcastically. Suddenly his cell phone rang.

"Yeah?"

"Erik, it’s Miguel. I’m going to follow Carlos. He told me he’s going out soon. I’m thinking he knows where Alex is and he’s going to see her."

"Why would he ‘kidnap’ his own sister?" Erik asked.

"Man, I don’t know. Knowing Carlos, though, he’s got a reason. I just wanted to let you know what was going down."

"Can I come?" he asked.

"You tell me. You’re the one who needs permission," Miguel replied. Erik thought for a minute. The Mikes would never let him go if they thought that he was putting himself in a potentially dangerous situation. Still, he could take care of himself. ‘If Jake can take off by himself, then I can too,’ Erik said to himself.

"Yeah, I’ll go. I’ll meet you at your house?"

"Sure. Meet me in an hour," Miguel told him.

"Great. I’ll be there." Erik hung up. He looked directly at the camera and made a face, ruining the shot. He then ran inside.

Kristi was sitting with Trevor in his room. Trevor’s ankle was propped up on a pillow on his bed. Kristi sat next to him looking at the band’s schedule for the tour.

"Wow. I can’t wait to go to London. Look at these places: Cologne, Switzerland, Munich, Monaco, and Berlin. This is going to be an amazing trip!" she exclaimed.

"I hope my stupid ankle is better. How am I gonna perform?" Trevor asked her. Kristi looked at him. She still hadn’t brought up the kiss and he hadn’t mentioned it either. Maybe she had been mistaken and he hadn’t remembered kissing her. Or, he was probably just being shy.

"Don’t expect to be dancing by next week, Trevor. It’s still swollen and you can hardly stand on it. You can sing, just not dance. It will heal it time, though," she said. Trevor nodded. He liked having Kristi there with him and the fact that she was coming on the tour thrilled him---and not just because of his bum ankle.

"Kristi…" Trevor started, but didn’t get any further because Erik walked in.

"Yo, Trev, can I talk to you?" he asked. Kristi smiled, slid off of the bed and left the room. Trevor glared at Erik.

"Dude, what are you doing? We were talking. Sort of," he said.

"Sorry, but I have to tell you something," Erik said as he closed the door. He turned off his body mic. Trevor rolled his eyes and turned his off, too.

"Is this about Maria and Jacob?"

"No. Listen, I’m going with Miguel tonight. We’re gonna follow Carlos and see if we can find Alex," Erik told him. Trevor frowned.

"Are you nuts? You don’t know what you’ll possibly be getting into," he said.

"If Carlos knows where she is, then he’ll lead us to her. I have to find her, man," Erik told him. Trevor saw the determined look in his band mate’s eyes.

"Be careful," he said. Erik nodded.

"I will. I just wanted to tell someone, but don’t tell anyone where I’m really going---especially the Mikes, got it?"

"Got it," Trevor agreed. Erik smiled and slapped Trevor’s hand before he left the room. Trevor sighed and closed his eyes. He hoped that Erik knew what he was doing.

Southport, Connecticut

Jacob and Maria managed to get to Maria’s mother’s house by five o’clock, which was good. There wasn’t as much traffic as Maria thought there would be.

It was cold and flurrying. Maria pulled her wool coat tighter around her body. Jacob was looking nervously out the window. Maria put her hand on his arm.

"Don’t be nervous. And don’t let my mom get to you. She’s gonna be a bitch. Don’t let her upset you," Maria told him. Jacob looked at her.

"Are you going to take your own advice?" he asked. Maria thought about it.

"She always gets to me, but I’ll try and stay calm," she said. Jacob leaned over and kissed her lightly. Maria grabbed him and pulled him closer. After they had separated, Jacob smiled at her reassuringly. "We’re here," she said, unhappily. They looked out the windows as the limo pulled into the driveway of her mother’s house. There was a light dusting of snow in the yard. Maria sighed. She missed ‘home’ but didn’t miss it. It seemed like a lifetime ago that she had lived there.

"Come on," Jacob urged, as he got out of the limo. Maria shivered as she stepped out of the warm limo into the cold air. They got their bags and thanked the limo driver. Maria took a deep breath as she led Jacob up the steps of the porch to the front door.

Caroline opened the door and smiled when she saw Maria. Maria recognized her mother’s ‘fake’ smile immediately. It was a, ‘it’s good to see you, what the hell are you doing here,’ kind of smile.

"Hi, Mom," Maria said. Caroline frowned when she saw Jacob, but turned her attention to Maria.

"Hello, dear. I was quite surprised when you called and said that you were coming," she said, ignoring Jacob entirely. Maria reached over and took his hand.

"We have something we need to talk to you about," Maria told Caroline, who frowned and just nodded.

"Okay, well, come in and we’ll talk," she said, hesitantly. Maria and Jacob followed Caroline into the meticulously clean living room. Maria wondered when her mother had time to clean. ‘Who am I kidding? She doesn’t clean, she has someone clean for her,’ Maria thought, as she took off her coat.

"The maid does a good job," Maria couldn’t help but remark. Caroline frowned.

"How do you know I have the house cleaned?" she asked.

"Like you clean?" Maria asked. Jacob had to hold back a smile.

"Why are you…both…here?" Caroline asked, ignoring Maria’s ‘rudeness.’ Maria looked at Jacob, who motioned for her to tell her mother the news.

"Well, we wanted to tell you in person before it came out in public," Maria said.

"What have you done to my daughter?" Caroline suddenly turned to Jacob.

"I…" He was caught totally off guard.

"Nothing, Mother. Actually, we both did something to me. I’m pregnant," Maria said. Caroline sat down, her hand covering her mouth.

"Oh, my Lord," she said.

"I know it’s a shock and it was a surprise for us too, but…" Maria started.

"Maria, how could this happen? You’re too young to have a baby. And with him?" Caroline interrupted, pointing at Jacob.

"I love him!" Maria declared firmly.

"No, not you. You don’t love anyone but yourself. Are you sure it’s his?" Caroline asked.

"Of course it’s mine! Why would you ask that?" Jacob asked her, angrily, not expecting that question at all.

"Don’t raise your voice to me, young man! I ask because Maria isn’t the innocent woman you probably think she is. She’s been around, you know," Caroline told him, standing up.

"Mom! It’s Jacob’s, trust me," Maria said, trying desperately not to lose her cool.

"I can’t believe you would even let him touch you, Maria. Look at him! He’s, he’s…" Caroline gestured toward Jacob, unable to come up with an adjective.

"He’s wonderful, so shut up!" Maria yelled. "I love him and we’re gonna have a baby. If you don’t want to be a part of it, fine. The baby’s probably better off!" Jacob put a hand on Maria’s arm to calm her.

"Don’t touch her!" Caroline said, slapping Jacob’s hand away. Jacob backed away and crossed his arms over his chest. Maria glared furiously at her mother. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Mom, please, try and understand that I’m going to have this baby. Jacob’s baby. If you choose to be a part of its life, that’s great, but if you don’t, then I’m sorry. It’s your first grandchild, so I was kinda hoping that he or she would have a grandmother to love and who would love him or her back. But, you’re irrational right now and you’re not thinking clearly," Maria told her.

"I bet Joseph was all supportive, right? He always spoiled you. You could get away with anything with him. And that woman is probably just as bad," Caroline said. Maria shook her head.

"Yeah, Dad was supportive and Marilyn was too. I need that right now. I can’t do this alone," she said.

"But you’re not alone, you’ve got him," Caroline exclaimed with annoyance, pointing at Jacob.

"Yes, she does have me and I’m going to support her one hundred percent because I love her," Jacob told Caroline, his voice calm.

"What happened to your career, Maria? What happened to your dreams? Are you going to give them up to be a full-time mother? Does changing a diaper look better to you than taking pictures or drawing? Are you really going to be satisfied playing lullabies on the piano instead of classical pieces? Think about it. You can’t achieve your dreams and have a baby, too. Believe me, I know," Caroline said and left the room. Maria looked at the floor.

"She’s right," she said softly.

"Maria…" Jacob walked over to her.

"No, she’s right. My career is over. I can’t do it with a baby," Maria said and she also left the room. Jacob sighed and sat down heavily on the couch. He put his head in his hands. He had never felt so helpless before. This baby changed everything. Maria was miserable and Jacob didn’t know what to do to ease her distress. How could he make her see that her life wasn’t over just because she was going to have a baby?

Orlando

Ashley was tired. Emily was barely sweating. They had played a marathon game of one-on-one and although he would never admit it, Ashley had had trouble keeping up with Emily. She was that good.

"I hear the WNBA needs players," Ashley said, smiling at Emily as they sat on the ground on the court. The lights were on because it was now almost dark. There was a chill in the air, but their game had been so competitive and intense that Ashley and Emily didn’t even notice.

Emily laughed. "I’m not that good," she said.

"Yes, you are," Ashley told her, taking a drink from his water bottle.

"I don’t know, Ashley. I know that I’m only nineteen, but it sucks not knowing what I want to do with my life."

"I’m sure an opportunity will, like, come up when you least expect it," Ashley told her.

"I guess you never had that problem, huh?" Emily looked at Ashley and smiled shyly. Ashley loved her smile and found himself speechless for a minute.

"Uh, well, I always knew that I wanted to be an entertainer, whether it be acting or singing. O-Town was too good an opportunity to pass up, so I had to go for it," he said.

"I hate attention. I was always the one in the background. The one who never raised her hand in class, the ‘shy’ one that no one wanted to talk to," Emily looked up at the darkening sky.

"Well then a lot of people missed out on knowing an amazing person," Ashley told her. Emily looked at him, knowing that he was being totally sincere.

"You know, you don’t look much like Travis anymore," she said, softly. Ashley moved over until their shoulders were touching.

"Who do I look like?" he asked. Emily smiled.

"You look like…Ashley," she said. Ashley leaned in and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Emily wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on tightly. Ashley lowered her to the ground, his lips never leaving hers. Neither one even noticed the camera that was taping them, the cameraman smiling widely.