Chapter 2

Author note: I forgot to mention, the title of this story is taken from the song, "Valium" by Lisa Mitchell. Also, I don't own S.O.N and all that jazz. I'm still trying to get the hang of this fan fiction deal. I hope you'll be patient with me.

Oh! Also, if you're not sure what "Water Wars" is, it's just a more long term game with water guns. When you get hit, you're out.

By the time Spencer and Aiden were finished bickering, finally having reached a truce, Spencer seriously doubted the age they actually were. Normal twenty-three year olds didn't plan games of "Water Wars", she was sure of it.

Glen had spent so much time supplying the group with squirt guns and creating a set of rules, she didn't have the heart to be the one to ruin it. Naturally, Clay and Aiden were ecstatic about the competition. Chelsea and Madison were much less enthused, but surprisingly willing.

That's why she was now jogging down an unfamiliar road, choosing to do her exercising somewhere her friends could not find and shoot her. Charming little apartments lined the block and she found herself appreciating the surroundings here more than where she usually jogged.

She believed this plan to be completely fool proof. She had underestimated their dedication.

As she turned another corner, she let out a startled and embarrassing shriek. There, parked on the opposite side of the road, was Glen's truck. He and Clay were smiling wickedly, hurrying to exit the vehicle and moving towards her.

Spencer's jog quickly transformed into a sprint. When she saw them get hindered by the fact that they left their water guns in the truck, she took the opportunity to do some quick thinking. Running would not work, so hiding was the only option.

She looked to the apartments and randomly chose a door to knock on, unsure of what legitimate excuse she could come up with for why she needed to enter and praying that someone would actually be home.

The door was swiftly thrown open, revealing stunning women, eyes bright. She was smiling confusedly, and endearingly, Spencer decided.

Taken aback by the brunette's disarmingly perfect smile, Spencer opened and closed her mouth, searching for words… or thoughts.

"Uh...um. Can I help you?" The stranger asked politely and slightly timidly.

"Uh…what?" Spencer replied eloquently.

She had been focused on the other women's raspy, attractive voice. When she chuckled, Spencer's brain snapped into action and she quickly said, "Okay, long story. No time to explain, but can I come in your apartment for, like, a minute?"

As she said this, her eyes darted back down the street to where Clay and Clay were struggling to make their way toward her. Jesus. We Carlin's need to work out more.

"Are you in trouble or something?" the stranger inquired, eyes following Spencer's line of vision, probably expecting to see cop cars.

No...No! Nothing like that," Spencer hurridly explained, realizing this woman probably believed her to be some sort of lunatic, which honestly, wouldn't be that much of a stretch.

"Listen," Spencer begged, "just…please, let me in, fast!" The stranger tilted her head adorably before pulling Spencer inside.

She would have been all about expressing her gratitude for this tremendous favor, but as soon as she felt that perfect hand trustingly grasping her wrist and pulling her to safety, Spencer was on fire. At the sound of the door slamming closed, she was startled out of her reverie.

"So, um, thank you," Spencer finally declared, breaking their silence.

The adorable head tilt was back, but this time it was also accompanied by the killer smile. Spencer, once again, was dazed into silence.

Spencer Carlin was never one to be at a loss for words, yet this girl had made her a stuttering, wordless mess …and as she dumbly admired the girl's features, she found that didn't mind all that much.

"I'm Ashley," the woman supplied pleasantly, reaching her hand out for Spencer to take.