"Bye Mary Kate; keep working on your fractions," Taylor, Mary Kate's math tutor said picking up his book bag and heading for the door. "Bye Taylor!" Ashley had to add from the top of the stairs where she was watching him leave. "Oh, I didn't see you there. Bye Ashley," he said, then left. "No wonder I felt like someone was watching me," Mary Kate said as Ashley made her way to the bottom of the steps. "You've been staring at Taylor the whole time haven't you?" Ashley grimaced. "No. I took some pictures too," she said, not helping her case much. "You took pictures of Taylor?" Mary Kate asked. "Just the back of his head," Ashley verified. "He'd see me if I was in front of you!" "Right. How could I have forgotten," Mary Kate sarcastically added. "Ashley, you really need to get over him. Besides he's fifteen!" "Yeah, fifteen, has his own band, and a cousin who was on jeopardy! What's not to like?" Ashley said as rebuttal. Mary Kate rolled her eyes and smiled at her boy-crazed Sister. "I promise you Mary Kate, if another cute boy ever comes my way, I won't be so hung up over Taylor," she said. The doorbell then rang. "That might be Taylor, I'll get it," Ashley said excitedly and hurried to the door. It wasn't Taylor who was standing at the door. Instead standing in front of Ashley was a blonde hair, brown eyed, sweet looking young boy. He looked about Ashley's age. "Hey, does Kevin Burke live here?" He asked. "Uh.. Kevin?" She said somewhat out-of-it. "Oh! Right, Kevin," she continued, remembering that was their own fathers name. "That's my dad. I'll go get him," she said, but paused when the boy began to speak. "Oh, no don't worry about it. I'll just leave the paper here," he said. Ashley had to think quick. She couldn't just let such a cutie leave that quickly! "No!" She said abruptly. "Uh! I mean.. Are you the new paper boy?" Ashley couldn't believe what she was saying. Of course he was the paper boy! "Uh, I hope so," he played along. "Or else I'm just waisting my afternoon going door to door asking if people live there." They both laughed. This boy was perfect, she thought. He was cute, funny- it was strange she wasn't thinking of Taylor with those words. "I'm Ashley," she said, again hoping not to slip up in her words. "I'm Ricky. See ya tomorrow Ashley," he said,mans she closed the door. "Oh my gosh Mary Kate! Did you see him?" Ashley said dreamily. Mary Kate could clearly tell she liked him. "Does this mean Taylor's out of the picture," Mary Kate asked. "Let's not assume," Ashley replied, however Ricky was the only boy on her mind.
"And he said see you tomorrow Ashley; he wants to see me again!" Ashley said telling her sister all about the paper boy, even though she had witnessed the whole thing. "Ashley, of course he'll see you tomorrow; he delivers the daily paper!" Mary Kate replied. "Oh. I didn't really think about that," Ashley said getting into her bed. "Mary Kate, you're acting like this is a big deal," Ashley said concerningly. "Well to you it must be!" Mary Kate said. "But why are you so concerned?" Ashley asked. "Because, now when I'm trying to fall asleep, instead of talking about Taylor all night, you'll be talking about Ricky!" Mary Kate replied, then began laughing, Ashley joining. "Well, I have done a lot of talking today. I'll give you a break tonight," Ashley said jokingly. But Mary Kate had already hurried to sleep, like she usually did to avoid Ashley's stories about clothes and boys she liked. Ashley laughed and did the same.
The next morning before school Mary Kate and Carrie were starting on their breakfast, when Ashley strolled down the stairs. "There you are Ashley, what took so long?" Mary Kate asked. "Pretty dress, Ashley," Carrie added. "Thanks. I was just trying on a few things to be sure I looked my best," Ashley explained pouring orange juice into a glass. "Oh, is it about a boy," Carrie asked. She knew Ashley always dressed-to-impress, but she also knew Ashley always had to 'look her best' around boys. "Yeah. She's got the hots for the new paper boy," Mary Kate said with a smile. "Mary Kate!" Ashley said unpleased. "Really? What's he like?" Carrie asked. "Well, I haven't known him very long. I was hoping I'd have a chance to get to know him and for him to get to know me," she explained. "I wasn't going to tell anyone until we did," Ashley said giving Mary Kate a slightly unhappy glance. "I understand Ashley. But if you want to tell me anything, I promise I won't make you look bad," Carrie said, implying she would be 'cool'. "I guess you're right," Ashley replied, joining them at the table. "Dads the one I'm worried about!" Carrie made a gesture that her lips were sealed. "Well," Ashley began. "He's super cute, he has blue eyes," she started naming things. "And I want to invite him over after school today," she explained. "How will you do that," Carrie asked. Mary Kate was listening as well. "I'm not sure, but I'll probably just ask him when he brings the paper if he wants to come back after he finished the route." Mary Kate and Carrie exchanged smiling glances. "Sounds like a good plan, Ashley " Carrie said. Kevin then entered the kitchen. "Hi dad," the two said. "Hello girls. You better be getting to school; I'll meet you outside," he said, grabbing his briefcase off of one of the table chairs. "So what are you up to this afternoon?" Carrie asked. They were now alone in the kitchen. "Probably just grading papers," he answered pouring a cup of coffee. He noticed the newspaper on the table. "I thought I told Mary Kate to quit ordering these things," he said. "All she reads is the sports section. besides its not like she needs it; she watched every Lakers, Bears, and any other Chicago game there is!" Kevin said. "I guess I'll just call the company later today and tell them to take our house off the route." "No!" Carrie shouted, jumping up from her seat. "I'm sorry, I didn't know the paper was so important to you," Kevin said somewhat surprised and confused by her devotion. "Oh, I didn't mean.. it's not the paper," She said beginning to speak, then went along with what Kevin had said. "You know what? Actually you were right. I'm just really tight with the newspaper these days," she said, picking it up and flipping through the pages like it was the most interesting thing in the world. She smiled as she pretended to read the pages. A confused Kevin then headed for the door. "Oh, okay then. I guess I'll keep ordering the paper," he said. "Goodbye Carrie. Enjoy your.. Paper," he said, then left, looking over his shoulder. When he was out the door, Carrie put the paper down, and began laughing. "Oh Ashley. The things I do for you," she said, and exited as well.
That afternoon, Ashley had waited for Taylor to leave and the paper boy to come. "Bye Taylor," Mary Kate said as he walked out the door. "Wow Ashley, I'm impressed. Not even a goodbye Taylor. And not a single stupid remark about how fascinating his math books are," Mary Kate Joked with her sister. "It wasn't easy," she replied. "But, I figure, the paper boys closer to my age. I might have a better shot," she said. When the doorbell rang, Ashley rushed to the door. As she expected, it was the paper boy. "Oh, hey Ashley," he said. She loved it when he said her name. "Hi Ricky. It's nice seeing you again," she replied. Ricky handed Ashley the paper, and was about to leave. "Wait!" Ashley said. "I mean, uh," she had to think quickly. 'Come on ashley!' She thought. 'Say anything!' "Ricky, I was wondering," she started. "I um.." She attempted to ask him over. "Could you come back after you finish your route?" She asked hopefully. "To pay me?" He asked. He didn't get the message. "Yeah," she relied, then he left. "Goodbye. See you later Ricky," she said shutting the door. "Well Ashley," Mary Kate asked excitedly. "He's coming back, but he thinks just to be paid," she replied. "Wow Ashley. All that time at the door and you couldn't even look at the sports section," Mary Kate said, retrieving the paper, and heading upstairs.
"Ashley," Mary Kate whispered entering the living room where Ashley waited for Ricky to arrive. "What is it Mary Kate?" she asked. "How are things with the paper boy," "Pretty good. He's coming back in a few minutes. Do I look okay?" Ashley asked. "Too late," she said as the doorbell rang. Opening the door, Ricky was waiting just as he did every time she opened the door. "You wanted to see me?" He said. "Oh yeah, I'll go grab your check; I left it in the kitchen," Ashley replied. "Come in, have a seat," she said, searing him on the couch, then Heading to kitchen. As she left the room, Mary Kate entered. "Oh, hey Ricky," she said sitting down next to him, then turning on the tv. "Cool, you watch SportsCenter?" He asked as she flipped the channels. "Of course! The lakers are on right now and I can't miss it," she said finding the channel. When Ashley got back, Mary Kate and Ricky were hooting and hollering about whatever they were watching."Ah, what's this?" Ashley asked with a false smile. "It's the Lakers game, now shh!" Mary Kate said. "What a pass!" She said high-fiving Ricky. "Whoa did you see that? I could never shoot like that!" He said as they continued to watch. "Are you kidding? Last week I made a winning goal that was better than Michael Jordan!" Mary Kate added, and they High-fived again. "Mary Kate!" Ashley said, her positive attitude dwindling. When she looked up, Ashley gestured her towards her. "What Ashley, we're watching the game!" Mary Kate said. "Ah, hello! Mary Kate, I'm the one who invited him over," Ashley said. "Oh come on Ashley, he likes sports! I like sports!" Mary Kate replied. "Mary Kate, you're missing the game," he called from the couch. They both looked at him, then at each other. "Besides its not like I like him; I just like that he's cool with a girl who likes sports," she continued. Ashley just gave Mary Kate an upset look, and without looking away walked into the kitchen. Mary Kate let out a breath. I don't want to hurt Ashley, She thought. Did she like him? Or did she just like having a new friend to enjoy the Lakers game with. She sat back down on the couch to figure it out. "Hey, Mary Kate, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to watch the next Bears game over at my place. You know, since I watched one here," Ricky said as she sat back down. "Uh.. You're inviting me to your place?" Mary Kate nervously asked. Was he asking her on a date? Or did he just want to return the favor to a friend? "Uh.. Just let me check with Ashley," she said, and walked into the kitchen. Ashley was mid throw with the newspaper out the back door when she entered. Closing the door, she saw Mary Kate. "What do you want," she said. "What was that for?" Mary Kate had to ask. "It reminds me of him, okay!" Ashley replied without making eye contact. "Ashley, there's something I better tell you," Mary Kate started. But Ashley had picked up an envelope and was headed back into the living room. "Where are you going?" Mary Kate starting to get annoyed asked. "To give Ricky his money. I won't be seeing him anymore," she said, and continued on. "Ricky, wait!" She called out. "Oh, sorry Ashley. I totally forgot you, ya know, wanted to see me," he said. "Oh it's okay. I just have your pay check," she said, forcing a smile. "Thanks," he said accepting it. "Ah, Ashley," he began. "What?" "Since I sorta ended up hanging out with your sister, do you think maybe you and I could hang out?" He asked. Ashley's attitude immediately lightened. "Oh, of course!" She said, then realizing that was over doing it. "Sure," she changed her reply. "But first, let me talk to my sister," she said thinking she may have been a little rude earlier. "Mary Kate, I'm sorry. You're my sister and I know you wouldn't take him away from me," Ashley explained. "Yeah about that," Mary Kate replied. "What? What about what?" Ashley's expression turned into a panic. "Ricky asked me over to watch another game," she said. "Spoke too soon?" She asked Ashley, expecting her to take back everything she had just said. "No," Ashley said. "On a date?" I don't know," Mary Kate replied. "He just asked me to hang with him too," Ashley said. The two stared, confused, at each other. "What should we do," Ashley asked. "I mean, he's right there." "I say we turn him down," Mary Kate suggested. "But he's so cute," Ashley said. "Fine," she then said in defeat, and followed her sister to the living room. "So, Ricky. Still want to watch the game tomorrow? Or maybe my sister makes a better girlfriend," Mary Kate said right in his face. "Wait a second. Who said anything about a girlfriend?" Ricky said confused. "All I said was want to watch the game at my house. I'm having a party," he explained. "Wait, so you don't like Mary Kate," Ashley asked. "No, I just like The Lakers." "Oh," the twins said in Unison. "So are we still hanging out then?" Ashley asked hopefully. "Sure, if you want. But I gotta get home for tonight, see ya tomorrow?" He asked. "Sure," Ashley said, shutting the door. "Did you hear that Mary Kate?" She asked her sister excitedly. "Ashley, I was standing a foot closer to the door than you were," Mary Kate sarcastically replied. "Life is good," Ashley said, then ran upstairs with Mary Kate.
