Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Score ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 18 )

A/N: So it's been a few months now, sorry for the wait. Haven't been getting much response to this story for the past couple of chapters, hopefully someone is still reading. Anyways, if you are hope you enjoy. Please R&R!

 

Disclaimer: I do not own the Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks.

 

Chapter 18:

 

“So Matthew knows about Nick now?” Sarah asked, after Aiko had given her a brief retell of the night before.

 

Aiko looked from the rack of clothes she was perusing and up at her friend. She'd decided that a shopping trip had been in order. “Not everything. He just knows that we were friends, and then we were together, but broke up. And now we just try to be friends.”

 

“You didn't think you should tell him that you two were practically engaged, that he got you pregnant?” Sarah asked shocked.

 

“Sarah!” Aiko hissed. “Not even my parents know about that.” Aiko looked around her as if making sure her parents weren't around to hear. Aiko grabbed a dress off the hook and said quickly, “I'm going to try this on.”

 

But Sarah just followed her to stand outside the change room door. “Aiko, your parents wouldn't understand. But Matthew would. I think he has a right to know.”

 

“Look, after I lost the baby I just wanted to put it all behind me. That's why I broke up with Nick,” came Aiko's somewhat muffled reply. “Bringing it up now… it just hurts.”

 

“I know it does. But somehow I think this will come back to bite you on the butt. I'm only trying to look out for you when I'm being a nag. And I think telling Matthew everything is for the best,” Sarah told her sincerely.

 

Aiko opened the door. “I know you're right,” she confessed. “About everything. I'm sorry I've been giving you a hard time lately. You really are my best friend.”

 

Sarah smiled. “Don't worry about it. And you're mine too.” And she leaned in and gave Aiko a hug.

 

Aiko pulled back and asked, “Ok, now how do I look?” She picked out a short, black glittery dress, with spaghetti straps and a low neck line.

 

“I think this is definitely the dress you wear when you're in Vancouver celebrating the Oilers win with Matthew,” Sarah said in approval.

 

“Awesome!”

 

~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

 

Aiko rang the doorbell to the apartment Ray and Riley shared. The guys had decided to have a small get together before they had to fly out to Vancouver the next day. Basically, they were having another party.

 

Aiko and Matthew were coming separately because he had to take care of her travel arrangements for the next day. Something she'd told him she would do. But he told her to stick to convincing her parents, which would be enough effort. And it was a huge effort. But somehow, someway she had done it.

 

The door opened to reveal Riley standing there looking very nice and dressed up in a dark suit.

 

“I hope I'm not early,” she said to him in greeting.

 

Riley took in Aiko's knee length, dark blue jeans skirt and black, sparkly tube top. He had to swallow before he spoke. “Sadly, no we don't get to have you all to ourselves.” He really did look disappointed.

 

“Oh, well who else is here?” Aiko asked, stepping into the apartment.

 

“Umm… me, Ray, Yumi and Hugh, Jacob and Irene, Lai, and oh yeah Tony,” Riley listed. “Everyone else should be here soon.”

 

At the mention of Tony's name she froze. She did not want a repeat of the last party she went to. She was reminded about what Laila said that Tony probably was faking drunk.

 

`Maybe I should confront him?' Aiko thought.

 

“Aiko is everything all right?” Riley asked unsurely, since she had frozen in her tracks.

 

Aiko shook her head and smiled at Riley. “Fine, everything's fine. Let's go join the others.”

 

Aiko walked ahead of Riley knowing the way around his apartment now.

 

“Hey guys!” she greeted, as she walked into the living room to see everyone gathered there.

 

Ray took one look at her with wide eyes and he exclaimed, “Oh my God Aiko, are you trying to kill me?”

 

Aiko looked confused. “What do you mean? What are you talking about?”

 

Tony had a grin on his face. “He means you look hot!”

 

“And that he wants you bad,” Jacob piped up.

 

“Oh,” Aiko blushed, embarrassed by her brief bout of naivety. “Thanks I guess.”

 

Everyone had a good laugh at her expense but she didn't mind.

 

Riley came to her side handing her a drink, she took a sip. “Mmm… my favourite, diet lime coke. Thank you.”

 

“You're welcome,” Riley beamed down at her, happy to please.

 

More and more people began to arrive. Aiko stood with Yumi discussing her plans to go to Vancouver the next day with the team. Yumi had wanted to go too, but her parents just wouldn't budge. All throughout the conversation she was acutely aware of all the heated stares she kept getting from some of the guys. But none of them distracted her as much as Tony's. He'd been watching her ever since she arrived.

 

She decided that now might be the best time to talk to him before Matthew arrived. She excused herself from Yumi and made her way over to Tony. She could see the grin on his face when she was finally at his side.

 

“So you finally took the hint?”

 

“What are you talking about?” Aiko asked, confused for the second time that night.

 

“I've wanted you to come to me all night,” Tony confessed.

 

“Tony-“ Aiko began to warn.

 

“We are just friends, yes I know,” Tony stated in distaste. “But it doesn't mean I will stop liking you or wanting you.”

 

Man he was persistent and frustrating. She took a deep breath and let it go before speaking. “Look Tony, I came over here to ask you about the other time at Ray and Riley's last party.”

 

“All right ask,” Tony gave permission.

 

“My friends seem to think you were pretending to be drunk,” Aiko accused. “Were you?”

 

“Nope,” he said nonchalantly. Aiko stared at him for a minute, trying to read his expression. But it seemed to her that he was telling the truth. “It's stupid, I know. But after I heard what Matthew said about you being his girlfriend after you told me I might have a shot, I was depressed and drank a little too much. I know, I suck.”

 

Aiko knew she was right; Tony wasn't that desperate to do something like that. But she did feel bad to have it confirmed that his state that night was her fault.

 

Aiko placed her hand on his shoulder and gave a little squeeze to comfort him. “Tony you don't suck. All this is my fault and I'm sorry.”

 

The next thing Aiko knew Tony was pulling her to him and hugging her fiercely. “Aiko please don't apologize. It's me who must say sorry, sorry for being a thorn in yours and Matthew's relationship.” Aiko didn't know where this sudden outburst came from but she patted Tony on the back awkwardly not knowing what else to do.

 

The distinct sound of throat clearing interrupted her thoughts on how to pull away without hurting Tony's feelings. Aiko took the opportunity to pull away from Tony only to come face to face with Matthew. She nearly groaned out loud. Matthew looked furious.

 

“Matthew, hi,” Aiko said nervously.

 

“Matthew,” Tony greeted. “I was just saying sorry to Aiko for being a pain in the ass.”

 

“Next time say sorry by keeping your hands to yourself,” Matthew gritted out.

 

Matthew took Aiko's hand and wordlessly led her away into an empty room. She was aware that some people were watching them.

 

Matthew sat down on the bed in silence and Aiko followed suit. They sat there side by side for a good minute not saying anything.

 

“Matthew, say something,” her voice quivered, she had to know what damage had been done this time.

 

“I got your ticket and your hotel reservation. You'll be staying at the same place we are, but you'll have your own room,” Matthew told her, ignoring the current situation.

 

“Matthew…” Aiko tried again.

 

“Aiko he saw me coming. He saw me coming and decided to hug you right then. It's just like that drunken incident. He's trying to win you over by pushing me away. It isn't going to work,” Matthew told her angrily. “I just wish you'd stop falling for his innocent act and wise up.”

 

“I'm not falling for an act,” Aiko denied. “He was drunk, I asked him, and he did it because of me.”

 

Matthew groaned. “And you believed him?”

 

Aiko had enough; she stood up off the bed. “I'm not some naive stupid girl, Matthew. Believe it or not I can read people. I know when they're being real and I know when they're faking.”

 

She stomped towards the door.

 

“Aiko wait,” Matthew protested.

 

“Look, I thought you trusted me but now I don't… I don't know,” she said, moving to open the door.

 

Matthew's arm came from around to shut it behind her. He turned her around to face him. She wouldn't meet his gaze. “How many times do I have to tell you I trust you? I don't trust him. Have you noticed how gorgeous you are? Every guy wants you Aiko, including Tony. I'm just… I'm just trying not to lose you.”

 

Aiko finally met his gaze and said slowly, “Matthew, I don't want Tony, I don't want anybody but you. Tony can try to persuade me all he wants that's not going to change who I want to be with. Got it?”

 

“Yeah, I do,” Matthew said, pulling her into a hug.

 

Aiko had to wonder if these insecurities would keep coming back to haunt her.

 

~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

 

Well that's it. I hope you liked. Please leave me a review and let me know what you think.