What would happen had there not been a shooting. Ashley still has to deal with Spencer. Twoshot fic. Thanks for reading.

"Then just decide!" She screamed. I froze. I couldn't move at all. It wasn't what she said. It was how she said it. Apparently 2 seconds is too much time to issue a response. I just open my mouth dumbly at her. She shakes her head in disappointment and begins the laborious walk to my car. I am not in a particular hurry to catch up to her until I remember how Madison spilled fruit punch on my purse earlier, causing my lip gloss and keys to reside in Spencer's.

"Shit." I curse, and I am instantly tailing her leaving Aiden and Kyla to deal.

"Spencer! Will you wait up?"

I guess that is asking too much. She staggers into my car clumsily throwing the heals I bought her in my direction. They bounce on the pavement, blending with the sound of her starting my car, pulling me out of my momentary concern for they're condition. I make my way to the cause of this mess, not bothering to watch the angry departure. Aiden will give me a ride. At the moment that is all he's good for.

He didn't get the memo that I was less than content with him and thinks conversation is an option. I am home within 5 minutes and exit the car without a word exchanged between us. My mind is too preoccupied with Spencer and how I've hurt her to even deal with Aiden.

After a shower and a change of clothes I am ready to sleep but instead find myself pacing the room franticly.

Time, I'll give her time. I think.

However several hours later I stand underneath her window, clutching pebbles.

"Contemplating whether or not you want to break my windows?"

My hands go limp and the stones drop to the wet grass. I turn round to meet surprisingly sympathetic eyes while running my hands through my hair.

"Paula…it's-" I attempt, but she is no stranger to the stuttering teenage explanation that is just dripping with fear and dishonesty at the moment and cuts me off.

"Save it Ashley, Spencer explained everything."

"Somehow that doesn't make me feel better." I reply wryly.

Paula smiled at me. 'That almost seemed sincere' I think.

"Shouldn't you be mad if she told you everything?" I begin as we start to walk around the house and sit on the bench.

"I know how she can be." She points out.

A silence overcomes us and I think of how I want to begin this conversation. This is the last person I expected to be in company with during my post-prom activities.

"I can be indecisive at times or seem it at least." I start, getting worked up.

Paula glances at me amused but nonetheless urges me on with a nod.

"But, my choice has always resided with Spencer, for as long as I've known her; loved her." I say turning to see her reaction.

To my surprise she doesn't cringe but decides to speak.

"She mentioned something about Aiden. You don't still have feelings for him do you? Because Ashle-"

"I don't, I don't!" I insist. "I admit…I've left room for doubt but-no." I add firmly

"Well then you know what you have to do." Paula states in a parental tone that is foreign to me.

"Talk to her."

We both get up only she stops me on my way inside. "Maybe you should swing by tomorrow. I think she's in bed now."

I nod my head and make my way to my car. Before I leave I turn around.

"Ya know Mrs. C? Talking to you isn't as deadly as I thought."

She laughs softly. "Thanks-I think? Goodnight Ashley."

During the drive home I plan what to say to Spencer and wonder how it is I had a civil conversation with her mother.