No Twins Next Door

Chapter 8

Mia was finishing work and heading back to her apartment. She had told her boss that she was going back to New Jersey for a week, so she wasn't going to be working. Her boss paid her and told her to have fun.

When she arrived at her apartment, she saw Ethan, Grayson and Lexi standing in the living room. Mia was confused. "What are you doing here?" She asked the twins, who were sitting on the couch.

"We came to get you," Grayson explained. "We're driving back to New Jersey". Mia frowned. "Did you think we're getting a plane? No, we're driving back home. It's a great experience to go on a road trip. You'll enjoy it, I promise".

"I just need to get my bags," Mia confirmed before walking towards her room. A few minutes later, she walked back into the living room with two suitcases. The twins smiled and each grabbed a suitcase. Mia pulled Lexi into a hug and began to say her goodbyes.

"I'll see you in a week," Mia began. "If anything happens, ring me. If something interesting happen, like you finding someone, call me immediately. If you ever need me, for anything, I promise I will answer my phone".

"Mia," Lexi smiled. "I'll be fine. If I need you so desperately, I'll call you. Now go have fun!" She ushered Mia out the apartment. Mia turned back around and was about to speak. "I'll be fine. I have your number. And I also have Ethan's".

"Why do you have Ethan's number? Doesn't he have a girlfriend?"

"She broke up with him over text," Lexi explained. "She didn't give him an explanation, she just broke up with him. They were together for three years. That's a long-ass time. And then she just tells him she's breaking up with him".

"How's he coping?"

"Dunno," Lexi replied truthfully. "He seems to be okay, but I don't think he is. Three years, Mia. That's a long time. Can you imagine how many memories they had together? And then she throws them away as if they meant nothing to her".

"I'll keep an eye on him," Mia said. "I can tell you like him".

"I don't like him!" Lexi protested. Mia looked at her in disbelief. "Okay... I may like him a little," Lexi said calmly. Mia smiled at her. "Promise you won't tell him? I don't want anything to be awkward between us".

"I promise. I best get going before they get angry," Mia stated before pulling her best friend into a hug. "I'll see you in a week". They broke apart and Mia walked away to Ethan's car.

When she got to the car, she saw the twins leaning against the car, waiting for her. "Get in the car then! We have a long car ride ahead of us!" Mia exclaimed before getting in the back seats. Grayson was sitting in the passenger seat while Ethan drove.

It wasn't long until Mia had fallen asleep. They hadn't even left New York and she was already sleeping in the back seats. Ethan and Grayson took the opportunity to have a private conversation while Mia slept.

"When are you going to tell her?" Ethan asked, not taking his eyes off the road.

"I don't know," Grayson admitted. "I don't even know if she feels the same way! What if she only sees me as a friend? What if she doesn't even see me as that?! I might just be an old friend to her, who has become a stranger!"

"I'm sure she likes you too," Ethan tried to reassure him.

"I doubt that," Grayson muttered. "Enough about me, what about you? When are you going to tell Lexi you like her?" Grayson asked. Ethan frowned and quickly glanced at Grayson. "Come on! It's obvious that you like her!" Grayson exclaimed.

Ethan shook his head. "I don't like her like that".

"I know you do," Grayson clarified. "I can tell by the way you look at her, and they way you listen to whatever she says. You like her, bro. Admit it. Once you admit is, it'll be easier". Ethan shook his head again.

"No, I just got out of a relationship. I don't think I should get into another one for a while. Maybe when I'm ready to date again. Until then, do not mention any of this to Mia or Lexi! Okay?!" Grayson nodded his head and continued to listen to the music being played.

About an hour later, they drove past a sign welcoming them to New Jersey. It had been a long drive, but it was very quiet. Mia had slept the entire ride and the twins were just listening to music from Ethan's playlist.

It wasn't long until they were near their house. When they were at the bottom of their street, Grayson began to wake Mia up. She sat up and looked out the window as Ethan drove closer to their home.

Everything looked different to what Mia remembered. It's been four years since she last saw this place. It all seemed strange to her. However, once the car stopped, she instantly recognised the houses in front of them.

They got out the car and began to get their bags. Mia stopped and stared at the house next door. Memories of what had happened flooded her mind. She remembered everything that had happened. All the laughter, the joking, the pranks.

All the pain.

She was brought out of her thoughts by a hand touching her shoulder. She turned around to see Grayson. She smiled at him. "You can go see them if you want?" He suggested. Mia sighed and shook her head.

"I'm not ready," she admitted. "I'm just gonna find a hotel to stay at. I might see them tomorrow, I'm not sure". She paused. "Now that I'm here, all I want to do is see them. But I'm scared that they don't want to see me".

"Mia," Grayson began. "They miss you so much".

"I'll see them tomorrow".