Disclaimer: I don't own South of Nowhere. SoN belongs to Tom W. Lynch and The-N.
Forever Ended Too Soon
Chapter 1: You
Spencer's POV:
A part of me knew I didn't want to go in; I hadn't even stepped in the room for exactly a year. It just hurt too badly.
The room drew me in, inviting me gently, and I knew it wasn't a good idea, but I just couldn't resist. I was already hooked.
And that's exactly how I fell in love with her.
My feet blindly moved me to the old piano that was layered with dust. I felt a slight pleasant shiver go through my body as I hit the first key. On their own, my fingers found the exact notes to an achingly familiar song. The only song I knew how to play. The song she had so patiently taught me.
I felt my lips curl up just a little and my eyes prickle at the memory.
"Yes, Mom, I'm fine. You guys should go, I think I'm going to stay home," I shouted through the door, warily climbing into bed. My parents and brothers were going were going out for dinner but tonight, I didn't feel like doing anything but curl up in my pajamas and read a book.
Sighing quietly, I ran my hand through my hair and put the book down. Who was I trying to kid? There was no way I could even attempt to read a book today.
I can't believe I poured my heart out to her, and all she did was mumble something about the weather and leave me confused and heartbroken on her front porch.
I wish I just kept my stupid mouth shut.
Suddenly, light, peaceful music floated through her window; keys of a piano played softly and gently. A rich, beautiful voice soon joined the piano as I curiously headed for me window.
There's always something in the way
There's always something getting through,
It's not me,
It's you
It's you.
I smiled softly and shook my head as I saw Ashley singing soulfully while playing a piano.
And I find peace when I'm confused
And I find hope when I'm let down
Not in me,
In you
It's in you
I hope to lose myself for good
I hope to find it in the end
Not in me,
In you…
I ran as fast as I could downstairs, almost tripping twice. When I made it outside, I slowly sat beside her on the piano bench, watching her fingers dance gracefully over the ivory keys. I shyly snuggled closer to her, closing my eyes and savoring her perfectly velvet voice. We sat there as the last note of the song rang out, hearing the crickets chirp and looking at anything but each other.
"Ash." I finally breathed. "Switchfoot?"
Ashley grinned her famous nose-crinkling grin. "You love them." Her face got very solemn as she said, "I was going to sing Secondhand Serenade, but technically, then, it would be Thirdhand Serenade."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes and laugh a little at her lame attempt at a joke. A moment of slightly uncomfortable silence passed, while she nervously tapped the piano bench to an invisible rhythm.
"Look, Spence, I'm really sorry," Ashley sighed and looked straight at me, chocolate eyes glowing brightly in the moonlight.
I nodded, avoiding her gaze and taking sudden interest in my hands.
"It was just so… sudden, and you of all people know how I deal with things, by running away or drinking. I was just really shocked when you told me and it was just too good to be true. And I love you too, Spence, I've always have and always will. From the moment I found you." Ashley murmured sweetly. My heart nearly popped out of my chest. "Spencer, I hope you know that. And no matter what happens, I'll always be your friend first, lover second." My eyes lingered on her angelic face, knowing she was truly sincere. My whole body tingled, urging me forward. I cupped her face gently and kissed her. I could feel her sigh as her soft warm lips moved against mine, our tongues dancing and exploring each others mouths. I've always remembered that she tasted like vanilla and spices, with a hint of Ashley. I slowly pulled away and kissed her on the nose, wrapping my arms around her tiny waist.
"It's ok, Ash… I forgive you. But there's something I have to know. How did you even get a piano outside my house?"
I could feel her smile and say, "I have connections."
"So… Aiden?"
"Yup."
I smiled and shook my head. "You're just amazing."
She smirked playfully. "I know."
And even later, when I was curled up in her arms and almost asleep, I heard her murmur quietly, as if she wasn't sure I was listening.
"Spence," there was a slight pause. "I meant everything I said."
I waited, watching her perfect silhouette, listening to her even breathing.
"I know."
The tears were freely falling from my selfish eyes and onto the ancient piano.
I had truly believed she meant every word she said. And maybe she really did mean it at the time. But that was then, when we were young and foolish.
Or more specifically; when I was young and foolish.
I'm sure we've both changed. But I hope she still is the thoughtful Ashley that would bring an apple for me everyday at lunch, and the same gentle Ashley that would hold me tight and sing to me during the heavy thunderstorms that reminded me of my dad. I still hope that she's the same carefree Ashley that could make me laugh with any lame joke she said, and the adorable childish Ashley that would cry every time she watched The Muppets' Christmas Carol.
And I pray to God that she is still the loving Ashley, who had promised me forever.
A/N: Hey guys, I'm back! (Well sort of...) Today's my birthday and I'm officially 16! Well uh about today. Everyone kinda forgot about it so my dad made me shovel the driveway. I'm dead serious. How lame is that?! Ok anyway, sorry this is sort of short, I already wrote a couple more chapters and I'll probably load the 2nd one up by the end of this week or something... So tell me what you think, I love getting your reviews! Oh and if you didn't figure it out already, the song is You by Switchfoot. Leave me some love (or hate)! :]