I'm Not The Only One (Scomiche)

Bonus Chapter: The Writers' Club

"Do I really have to go?" whined Lia.

I rolled my eyes at her. "You're not getting out of this."

"I might be coming down with... with something." She forced out a couple of coughs and touched her forehead with the back of her hand.

I turned off the engine and removed my seatbelt. "You're a horrible actress."

"Fuck you," she retorted.

I smirked. I was already enjoying her suffering and took pleasure in the knowledge that it was just starting. "That reminds me, you can't say that in there. You might wanna take a few more out of your system."

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck," she hissed under her breath as she undid her seatbelt. "I fuckity fucking hate fucking children."

I chuckled. Lia looked like she was ready to murder someone. "Liar. You absolutely adore Maddie and Mason."

"Well duh, they're Brookes' children. Besides they're incredibly gorgeous tiny human beings. I was referring to other children. Strangers' children. Especially if they're all gathered in a small venue."

I went down the car and grabbed the gifts from the trunk. Lia stayed inside, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm not going in without you," I said upon knocking on her window.

She let out a groan and slumped her shoulders before filing out of the car. "Fuck fuck fuck fuck," she chanted with every step.

We reached Brookes' door and I could already hear shrieks and laughter from multiple children. I turned to Lia. "You ready?"

"Fuuuuuck," she groaned. "Okay, let's do this."

We rang the doorbell and was greeted by Brookes herself.

"You made it!" she exclaimed as she enveloped each of us in a tight hug.

"Wouldn't have missed the twins' first birthday for anything in the world," I replied with a sweet smile. "Where's our little prince and princess, by the way?"

"Fully engrossed in the bubble show. Party's at the back. Come," she motioned to us.

We followed Brookes into the garden where the party was currently being held. The event's theme was Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the garden was decorated accordingly. On one end there was an array of food, ranging from light snacks, finger foods, and colorful desserts. On a separate table was a four-tiered cake in blue and pink decorated with the words "Mason and Maddie Turn 1" on top. The table for gifts was beside it, and it was already overflowing. The children were seated on little chairs in the middle of the garden and were watching the host performing his act. Chadd was there, too, and sitting on either of his thighs were Maddie and Mason. The twins were dressed in Mickey and Minnie costumes with matching mouse ears. They were shrieking and clapping, although I doubt if they understood what the bubble show was really about. Parents and other guests were milling about, some watching the show as well, while the others were eating and chatting with one another.

"Is Caty here?" asked Lia.

"Yes. And she's..." Brookes looked around until she spotted the blonde, who was on the other side of the garden. "Caty!"

The blonde turned around and beamed when she saw us. She grabbed the hand of the gorgeous dark-haired man beside her and they made their way across the backyard. "Hey, guys!"

"Hi!" Lia and I took turns giving her a hug. "Hi, Benjamin," we greeted the man to her left.

"Mitch, Lia," he acknowledged each of us with a nod.

I smiled upon hearing his voice. Benjamin had this deep, low voice and I found it very soothing to the ears.

"Is that what I think it is?" Lia pulled on Caty's hand.