2 kids

Shit happens.

Ashley.

"You're happy today," Jonah points out.

I ignore him, pretending I didn't hear his words and continue stretching.

"Why are you so happy?"

It's been two days since I kissed Noah. Two days since I ran out of his hotel room and wandered the streets of New York alone at night. Two days since I bumped into Parker and Alex, and asked Alex to sleep over. And it's been two days since I've slept with him. Again. Out of all the times we've ended up in each other's arms, this was the biggest mistake.

I needed to distract myself from my thoughts and emotions, and he needed the same. This was nothing but sex.

"I'll tell you why she's so happy," Nina says. I turn around immediately, shooting her a warning glare. "She's found herself a friend with benefits."

Jonah's eyes widen and he burst out laughing. "Oh my god, Ashley."

Nina only nods, proud of me. I make a note to myself to get her out of this sexual frustration of hers.

I almost tell Jonah it was a mistake, and it really was nothing but sex. But I'd be lying to both him and me.

"You're kidding, aren't you?" Mae's voice suddenly echoes trought the room. "You two can't be serious."

She's standing in the doorway, hand deep in her black jeans. With only a big black oversized hoodie on and her significant messy bun with curls all over the place, no makeup on, she looks like a twelve year old girl. If I didn't know her I could easily confuse her with one of the girls in my class.

Mae in the studio has always been my favourite concept, but now I'm scared of her. I don't know if it's appropriate to nod, so I just stare at her. A little scared she'll scold me, or hate me. A little scared of what she'll do and say now.

"It's true," Nina says, and greets her with a hug. "Don't be mad at her."

"I'm not mad at her. I'm worried about her."

Jonah doesn't seem to share her opinion. "Worried?"

Mae only nods, but when no one says anything, she figures out we're all expecting a further explanation. "I know my cousin."

"They love each other," he objects again. Neither Nina nor I participate. I'm too busy wondering if he still loves me, while Nina is too busy enjoying Mae's and Jonah's bickering.

"Nothing hurts more than love."

I expect her to be frowning, but when she meets my gaze, she smiles at me.

"Anyway," she claps her hands, ending the previous conversation. I can see on Jonah's face he wants to bring it back up, but I shoot him one silencing glare. My sexual life isn't going to be the hot topic today. "I came here to invite you all to Los Angeles with us."

I choke on my water, literally. "What?"

"You're going to LA?" Nina breathes out. "All of you?"

Mae nods. "Indeed."

"All of you?" She repeats.

"All of us."

Nina's about to ask her again if she means all sixteen of them or just the four rock stars, but eventually decides not to. If all sixteen of them are supposed to get on one plane, god save the other passengers. I almost laugh at the image of the chaos they'll bring along.

"And we're invited?" Jonah almost falls stretching his legs.

Mae nods again. "Channel and Nico aren't going," she adds.