I wake up the next morning and just like every other, I curse the unreasonably warm weather — because god forbid it actually rained around here, and the birds that continue to chirp outside my bedroom window, no matter what I throw at them.

I continue to lie there and blink dumbly, trying to push the last remnants of sleep away and become more than semi-conscious. Suddenly wide awake, I realise what's going to happen today.

After my shower I go into the kitchen and to my surprise Paula is sitting at the breakfast bar, eating cereal. I try to keep the convincing polite look on my face long enough to ask, "Aren't you going to be late for work, mom?"

After realizing she's no longer alone she jumps out of her seat and skids into the kitchen. She reappears soon after with a bowl and the jug of milk. Almost blinding me with her smile, she greets me with, "Good morning, sunshine."

I see her mood hasn't changed. Sigh.

"I see you're still happy." My smile drops as soon as she looks away.

"I didn't sleep a wink last night, Spence! I keep thinking it's a dream and any second now I'm just going to wake up."

Welcome to my life. I smile sympathetically as she pours milk over my cereal.

Taking a closer look, I see we have the same cereal — Lucky Charms.

"And to answer your earlier question: no, I won't be late for work. I took the morning off to go shopping." I wonder if she realises she spits when she talks? "I can't look bad in front of Merril now, can I?"

She actually knows her real name. Big shocker.

"No, of course not."

"And how are my beautiful girls doing today?" A voice interrupts.

Score, it's Clay.

I yawn, already bored of him.

"Morning honey, do you want breakfast?" Paula rises from her chair before Clay jumps in.

"No, I can't. I have a test first period and I'm going to the library to check my notes one more time." He smiles at me and I refrain from throwing an orange that's in arms reach at him. "Have a good day, guys."

God, I hate him.

"You too," I shout to his retreating form.

"I'm going to get ready now, Spence. I'll see you later."

'"Yeah..."

Walking into the kitchen to put my bowl in the sink, something catches my eye. Taking a closer look I see there's something on the calendar for today.

'Peaches concert : D !' I don't try to suppress this eye-roll.


Arriving at school on time — definitely a first, I wonder where Ashley is after previously checking everywhere I could think of. Convinced she pranked me, I silently seethe. We'll see who gets the last laugh.

On my way to class I notice Madison and Sherry coming out of the girls bathroom, Madison's eyes lingering on her friends rear a little longer than would be deemed 'friendly'.

I didn't see Ashley all day and I couldn't have been in a worse mood, not even seeing Clay do a face-plant brought me out of my sour mood.

My dad arrived home and I couldn't even speak to him, focusing all my attention on the trick I was sure Ashley had played on me.


Sitting in my English class a few days later I roll my eyes at Madison and Sherry who are currently pointing inside a catalogue screeching "That is fierce!"

If it doesn't work for Tyra, it sure as hell ain't gonna work for you.

"Hi Spencer!" A shrill voice from behind me exclaims.

Who the hell is speaking to me?

I turn around to see Kat attempting yet another conversation with me. I flip her off just as the teacher walks in. Not being able to stand the class any longer than five minutes, I stand up. "Bathroom pass!"

Strolling towards the parking lot I hear laughter and head towards it, curious. As I get closer I notice Ashley is in the fray.

"Hey dyke Davies," one of the jocks begin, shouting, "catch," before pushing a girl into her. Ashley tumbles to the floor, unable to keep them both upright under the sudden weight.

I wait for Ashley to make a smart-ass comment prior to flooring the guy who just inflicted public humiliation onto her.

She doesn't say anything.

What's that about?

The crowd laughs as they leave Ashley on the floor.

Wow, I have to say…I didn't see that one coming.

I offer a hand to help her up and she smacks it away, humiliated. "I don't need your help, I'm fine." She begins to pick up the contents of her bag that must have fallen out before I got here.

I smirk. "Oh so you can speak? I wondered if someone had cut out your tongue."

"What do you want, Spencer?"

She sounds tired and I can't help feel a little bad for her. I shake my head, "Nothing." She looks at me. "Nothing..." I repeat before she scurries off towards the bathroom, leaving me to wonder why I was so nice to her after her stunt earlier in the week.

My phone alerts me to my new picture message and I cringe as I see who it's from. Forever burned into my retinas is my mom sitting on Merrill's lap, her hands all over her, sporting the biggest grin I've ever seen. Ugh.

I roll my eyes and decide to follow Ashley into the bathroom. It's empty besides the stall on the far left. Knowing she's hiding in here I impersonate a bad Southern accent. "Timmy! Oh my, Timmy! Did you fall in again?"

"Ashley," she emphasizes. "And no, I didn't. Go away."

Her request is ignored, as usual. "Okay Ashley, are you ever going to leave the stall? Should I bring lunch in there, maybe dinner?" She's smiling, I know it.

"That won't be necessary."

"Are you sure, because I don't mind. We can break out some classics over mac 'n' cheese," I tell her, slightly entertained.

"No thanks, I'll pass. Besides...your music sucks." Her voice echoes slightly off the empty walls.

Ignoring her last comment I ask her, "Why do you speak to me?"

"What?" she's confused.

"I mean those guys earlier, you just let them humiliate you and you didn't even say anything but when you're with me there doesn't seem to be an off switch," I say, partly serious.

"Children's characters don't intimidate me, sorry," she teases. I roll my eyes.

"Whatever." I try to bite back the smile that threatens to break out. I carry on, "Come out here, I want to show you something." I open my phone ready to give her.

"Can't."

"Why?"

"Comfy."

"Get out here or I'll kick your ass," I say, briefly remembering the first time I threatened her.

Maybe I should enrol in anger management.

She opens the door and sticks her head out, looking cautious. "You aren't going to kiss me again are you?" she asks, her face serious.

I scoff. "You wish, Henry." I pause, handing her my phone. "Anyway, here... this might make you feel better."

Her eyes widen as she erupts into a fit of giggles. "Oh my god, that's your mom!" She takes a breath. "And she's frisking Peaches!" she exclaims, cracking up yet again.

I laugh along with her, unable to help myself.


After being quiet for what seems like forever, she points out the window. "Hey, isn't that your brother?"

I look out the window to see Clay walking around with toilet paper trailing behind, stuck to his sneaker. What a loser. "He's adopted," I say firmly.

"Duh."

She's suddenly quiet again and I notice her eyes are duller. Unable to help myself I ask her what's wrong.

She doesn't answer me.

Knowing what's wrong with her I continue talking. "Don't think about those guys, they're all going to end up bald and fat anyway."

She sighs, remaining silent.

I keep my voice quiet. "Have you ever had one of those days, Ashley, that are just…perfect?" She turns to look at me. "I have. This isn't it — this so isn't it — but you just have to remember that there's always tomorrow, you know?"

Where the hell did that come from?

"Thank you," she tells me sincerely.

Feeling decidedly awkward after my little outburst, my tone turns cool. "Whatever, my 'debt' is paid now, so don't even think about asking me for anything else."

"We'll see, Barney. We'll see." She's smirking and I want to wipe it off her smug little face.

"My name is Spencer. Maybe you're the one who is hearing impaired."

If she heard my last comment before walking towards the door, she didn't let on.

God, I hate her.