Fifty-Two Weeks

fifteen

"I don't want to get drunk with you

because i'm terrified

of saying all the words

I swallow down

while sober."

- R.D.

---

It's funny how time heals all. Including and most importantly, a broken heart. Ashton's heart was shattered in two when he watched the trust fade from Scarlett's face that dreadful day. But now here they are, sleeping peacefully on the plush couch. The two figures were cuddled closer than anyone could imagine, they could almost be mistaken as one sleeping form.

Jessica almost made that mistake when she came home from class. She had called Scarlett's name out several times, announcing her arrival, and was met by silence. The lack of response and silent house made sense when she walked into the living room, smiling softly when she noticed the two.

"Looks like you two made up." Jess giggled to herself and quickly took out her phone to snap a picture of them.

She walked into the kitchen and set her purse on the small counter. She noticed a bowl of strawberries (which she happily helped herself to) and saw there was a message on the answer machine. She thought it was odd that Scarlett hadn't listened to it herself, but it was Friday and her only day off so she most likely slept the day away.

'Hey girls! I would've texted you this but my phone died and this was the only number I knew off by heart haha. Um there's a Halloween party tonight at my house around eight, I'd love it if you came! It's Luke by the way haha. Okay, see ya later alligator!'

Jess laughed at the silly message, Luke was so awkward. Her laugh seemed to be louder than she thought because she heard stirring from the couch.

"Who called?" Grumbled a sleepy Scarlett.

"Luke. Halloween party tonight at eight, you in?" Jess summarized and popped another ripe strawberry in her mouth.

"What time is it now?" Scarlett sat up and stretched her arms wide.

"Um," Jess glanced at the watch on her wrist, "Nearly two in the afternoon."

"What?! We've been asleep for four hours, Ash wake up!" Scarlett poked and prodded the slumbering body until he groaned.

"We don't even have costumes. God, why is Luke so unprepared?" Jess groaned and walked over to the groggy pair of lovebirds.

"Me neither! Plus little bub is making it harder to fit into decent clothes." Scarlett complained and gestured to the baggy sweatshirt she was wearing.

"You look fine. Go back to bed." Ashton grumbled and face down on the soft cushions.

"Hey mister, you have to come up with a costume too." Jess warned and Scarlett stood up, leaving the warmth of the couch.

"Easy, I'll be a drummer." Ashton replied lazily.

"You can sleep for another hour or so but them you have to get ready!" Scarlett ordered and walked with Jess to their bedrooms.

---

After googling last minute costume ideas for the past hour, Jess and Scarlett finally had an idea of what to do. Jess was going to dress in a spare bed sheet and fashion a makeshift toga; a Greek Goddess. Scarlett however, had a challenging time finding the perfect costume. Jess had suggested something involving the baby and they agreed that a party might be the best time to announce it. Scarlett was going to dress in all black and print off cut outs of bones then tape them to her body; a skeleton. They were able to find a little baby skeleton print out and taped it on the front of Scarlett's shirt.