Chapter Two

Howdy! Ok have a new chapter to share. Hopefully you like it. If I have left you confused then my law school roots are really working! Don't worry it will hopefully start making sense as it goes along if it doesn't already make sense to you. Ok enjoy!

Mel

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Author: Mel
Copyright: 2008
Chapter Title: Chapter Two
Rating: PG

Featured Pairing: Spashley (Spencer and Ashley)

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or storylines from SON. This is a story concerning a relationship between two women if you don't like that then discontinue reading. For everyone else enjoy!

Song used in this one is Avril Lavigne "Nobody's Home"

Now Playing on Mel's IPod: "You Found Me" Kelly Clarkson

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"Rise and shine Miss Ashley." My dear nanny says as she enters my room.

My eyes open slowly and I see that it is nearly dark outside. I must have fallen asleep for hours without knowing. I stretch and yawn looking down at my disheveled dress.

"It's a very bad habit to be sleeping in that dress Miss Ashley." She says reaching into my armoire for what I assume is my gown for the evening. She pulls out a pale blue gown that I have adored ever since my father brought it home from one of his travels.

"How long until the banquet begins Alice?" I ask the sweet woman.

"Not too long now Miss Ashley. It's best you start getting ready. The king and queen expect you to be with them to welcome their guests."

I can feel the disgruntled look on my face and Alice soon disappears not ready for a debate on why I must go to these rather awful events. 'Is life just one large gathering after another full of drinking and games? It feels like I am wasting the good that I know is inside me on such mundane things.'

I run my fingers along the silk bodice of my gown. I know I shouldn't act so ungrateful for the life that I do lead. I am a very strong minded princess who is allowed many more freedoms than most in my position would ever dream of. There is just something more that seems to be missing from all the material things I possess.

There is a light knock on my door and I walk quickly to answer. I peer past the door and find Aiden with his back to me.

"Princess Ashley, your father wishes me to tell you that he has some grand news for you and the kingdom. I believe it has something to do with what is to become of your future."

"Do not tell me that tonight is when he plans to name who I shall be betrothed to. I will not follow those wishes. I can not." I say strongly shaking my head.

"Princess, you know he means well…" He begins to say.

"Does he Aiden? It is as if my life is nothing more than just another strategy for him to win. To have me marry a man who I do not love to maintain his rule." I say with disgust. I know my father loves me yet I can not help but find myself feeling like just another piece of his property to be used for his benefit.

"I understand your frustration Princess. I, however, feel that this is what is best for you and your family. Please just give this a chance." I can sense the sorrow in his voice and know he is telling me this with reluctance in his heart.

I close my eyes and rest my forehead on the door. I know I must obey my father's wishes in the end and nod my head slowly. "Yes Aiden. Tell my father I shall be down shortly and that I look forward to his news."

"Yes Princess Ashley. I shall see you once more downstairs." He bows his head and walks down the hallway.

I close the door and lean my back against it. All of a sudden I feel my shoulders heave and the sobs begin coming with no end in sight.

--

"Fluffy!" I yell out into my quiet apartment.

My cat emerges from my bedroom with sleepy eyes and stretches his body out. He walks over to me and curls around my leg purring softly.

I carry the groceries over to the counter and begin to put the items away. Once I finish I walk to my living room and reach for my notebook.

I bite the end of the pen in my mouth and stare at the words on the lined pages. I hum softly the tune that I have been working on for the past few weeks.

As I stare at the words I try to picture the images that many would no doubt have form in their minds.

I couldn't tell you why she felt that way,
She felt it everyday.
And I couldn't help her,
I just watched her make the same mistakes again.

What's wrong, what's wrong now?
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

Open your eyes and look outside, find the reasons why.
You've been rejected, and now you can't find what you left behind.
Be strong, be strong now.
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

Her feelings she hides.
Her dreams she can't find.
She's losing her mind.
She's fallen behind.
She can't find her place.
She's losing her faith.
She's fallen from grace.
She's all over the place.
Yeah.

She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

She's lost inside, lost inside...
She's lost inside, lost inside...

I close my notebook and close my eyes knowing how true those words were. Home was a word I no longer knew and longed for. An empty apartment is a poor substitute for that feeling of a true home whatever that was exactly.

Thinking back I remember how much I didn't know about what a true family was or how a real home was supposed to be. So many bad memories were in place of what should have been good memories.

I reach over and pick up my guitar and sit back in my chair. I strum the strings softly letting the music take me away temporarily from the thoughts that had now consumed my head.

--

"Now presenting Sir Jonathan Wriley and Lady Samantha Wriley."

I look over at the older couple who are now bowing before my parents. The woman has a rather cold expression like my mother's and the man looks as if he is hiding a secret or two.

I let my eyes move across the room and inside I scream to the room how lucky they are to be on that side of the throne. I straighten my back and smooth down my gown making sure not to embarrass my parents amongst their guests.

I watch my father stand and the room quiets instantly. He puts his charismatic smile on and raises his hand before he speaks.

"Good evening my fellow guests. I do hope you have enjoyed this evening's nourishments and entertainment." The room applauds politely in response. "Tonight is much more than just a gathering of friends you see." My father looks to me and I stand. "Tonight it is my greatest pleasure to announce the engagement of my dear daughter Ashley Davies to my good friend Sir David Martin of Redmond."

I look to my future husband and see his wide unfriendly smile. I can't help but wonder why my father would choose such an untrustworthy man to take his daughter's hand. I feel my stomach begin to tighten and feel my heart beating against my chest harshly.

"Dear Miss Ashley are you alright?" I hear Alice say behind me.

I begin to slowly nod my head and then all goes black.