Martinez Twins Fanfiction

Chapter 16

• • •

After hours of waiting, I wake up to Jake nudging me. I rub my eyes until the person standing in front of me becomes clear.

"Ivan!" I cry, running into his arms. He winces as he pulls me in for a hug.

My eyes fill with tears of joy and relief. "Thank God you're okay," I say in a squeaky voice.

He puts his hands on my cheeks and looks me in the eyes. "Laina, it's all my fault. I never should have invited Amanda. I'm so sorry."

I shake my head. "No, no, it's my fault. I freaked out for no reason. I shouldn't have yelled at you to get out."

"Okay, you both were stupid, let's get over it," Jake says, making us laugh. "All that matters is that you're okay, Ivan." Ivan leaves me and hugs Jake.

"Thanks, man," he says.

"Hello?!" Emilio says. "Remember me? Your twin? I almost had a heart attack!"

Ivan laughs and gives Emilio a hug. "I love you, bro," he says, making Emilio laugh.

"So, are you going to tell us what happened?" Jake asks.

Ivan looks around. "I probably shouldn't do it here," he says. We walk through the parking lot and towards Jake's truck, Ivan limping a few steps behind.

I stand next to him and offer him my shoulder, which he gladly leans on.

When we get in the truck, Ivan begins his story. "Well, obviously, you guys know what happened at the house, when Laina told me to get out," he says, and I look at the floor, embarrassed. He places his hand on mine and smiles, assuring me that everything's okay.

He continues. "I was so mad and confused, my head was totally blurry. I made a stupid decision and uh, I . . . I kinda took Jake's car." He cringes as he says this, hoping Jake won't get mad.

"What?! You took my car? Without asking? Ivan, you know I don't allow that! And you don't even have a license!" Jake screams.

"Hey, I thought all that matters was that I am okay!" Ivan responds.

Jake sighs. "Right now, and only because you just got out of the hospital, I'll let it slide. I'll pound on you later."

Hesitantly, Ivan continues his story. "Anyways, I obviously don't know how to drive, and I couldn't see through the tears, so I ended up crashing it. All I remember is thinking about you, Laina," he says, turning to me. "And then I blacked out."

It takes me a minute to respond. "I'm so stupid. I never should have-"

Ivan kisses me before I can finish my sentence.

When he pulls away, he says, "don't say that. You are not stupid. Please don't feel guilty for my actions."

"But I-"

Another kiss.

I smile. "I should just keep arguing."

"Please don't," Jake interrupts, reminding me that we are not alone. I laugh.

We pull into the driveway of the Team 10 house and I help Ivan walk through the front door.

Tessa, Erika, and Nick are in the kitchen waiting for an explanation. They run up to us as we walk inside.

"Jake will explain," I tell them. "I'm going to bring Ivan upstairs so he can rest."

I hear Jake start to tell the story as I help Ivan hobble up the stairs to his room.

"Laina, can we both just forget about all this?" Ivan says. "I mean, stop feeling guilty for what happened?"

I smile. "That would be nice."

By now, it's dark outside and Ivan opts to go to sleep early. I give him the usual nighttime hug.

"You know, I was extremely sad yesterday because you weren't here to give me a good night hug."

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Who'd you hug?"

"Your brother," I reply, smirking.

"Wait, what?"

"Goodnight!" I say, giggling. I'm about to close the door on him when he stops me.

"Wait, Laina!" he calls and pulls me in for a kiss. "I love you."

I smile, my heart ready to explode. "I love you too, Ivan."