Disclaimer: I do not own any of this, except the plot.
Chapter One: The Real You
Glen slipped cautiously through the front door, locking it behind him before making his way into the kitchen. Madison had been outright furious over the events that had taken place earlier that day. He had spent the entire night trying to make things right - as usual. When he left, she was still steamed, but he imagined she would get over it eventually. Women, he thought bitterly, shaking his head.
He strode into the kitchen, flicking on the light as he went. Blonde hair caught the corner of his eye, and he turned slowly, offering a weak smile. She was sitting rigidly in the kitchen chair, back bent over the table and her face in the palm of her hand.
"Oh, hey Spence," Glen spoke softly. She whipped her head around, and gave him a cold, hard stare.
He raised his hands up in defense. "What's wrong with you?" He asked.
She rose from the chair, and stood in front of him. "What's wrong with me?" She sputtered. "What's wrong with you?"
Glen's expression stiffened. "I was just trying to look out for you."
"Look out for me? Glen, you weren't looking out for me; You were looking out for yourself."
"You're wrong, Spence. I was trying to make things better for everyone. This isn't you. Ever since you've met this Ashley girl, you've become a different person. That's not who you are." He said.
"You have no idea who I am! You're so caught up with yourself, you don't even notice it."
"Why can't you even realize how many people this is going to hurt? Mom and Dad are already on the rocks. So, what is your deal?" He retorted angrily, slamming his fist down on the table. He saw a flash of hurt spark in her eyes, and instantly felt the guilt. For some reason, he wished he could have taken that back.
"Maybe my deal is that this makes me happy. It's who I am. I can't change that!"
"Yes, you can. You don't have to be like this." He said. She tilted her head to the side, and narrowed her eyes disbelievingly.
"No, it's who I am, Glen. You can't change it, and neither can I. Get over it." She sunk back down into her chair, flustered. He sighed, and walked toward her, raking a hand through his hair. He now regretted he didn't ever give her a chance- get to know her better. He was always so focused on what was happening to him. I owe her the benefit of the doubt, even if I don't agree to it, he concluded to himself.
Spencer suddenly felt a small vibration against her elbow, and she jumped. She spotted her mom's cell phone lying against the table. She then picked it up, and opened the top.
"Who is it?" She turned her head to see Glen looking over her shoulder. He nodded his head, and she felt a rush of relief, almost as if he had finally decided to accept what she had spoken - for now at least.
She shrugged, and opened up the text message section.
"Let me see," Glen took the phone from her, ignoring her "Hey!" of protest.
His eyes widened.
"Are you there? I miss not seeing you." He quoted, and dropped the phone in Spencer's hand.
She read through it quickly, and looked back up at him. "This sounds awfully like a-"
"It sounds awfully suspicious." He interrupted, a nervous edge embedded in his voice.
"You don't think-"
"I don't know, Spence." He said.
She frowned, her throat feeling tighter and fear slowly coursing though her body.
"Well, who is Ben?"
To Be Continued...