Disclaimer: South of Nowhere and the characters affiliated with it belong to Tom Lynch and The N. I own nothing but my own plot twists.

A/N: So I am totally lame and got crazily excited too see I know have 7 reviews! I wore a giddy smile every time I refreshed the page and saw my story. Hence the lameness. Anyway, I'm actually going to Panama City for about a week so it will be a bit till my next update but I might fit one more in tomorrow. Just know that soon the SON storyline goes out the window and it's completely mine. Stay tuned please :)

As always- I love reviews. You (reviewers) seriously keep me smiling. Thanks so much!!! Se amo :D

Chapter 7: Next To You

"Maybe we're friends, and maybe we're more, maybe it's just my imagination

But I see you stare just a little too long and it makes me start to wonder

So baby call me crazy but I think you feel it too

Mabye I just gotta be next to you"

Jordin Sparks

-

Monday morning started out much better than yesterday's; not that it was hard to compete with Sunday's start- hangovers tend to put a damper on your day. I walked to my locker, hoping I'd see Ashley. I didn't, and my heart sank.

Was she even here today? I could hardly blame her for not wanting to be here.

Finally realizing that she obviously wasn't coming to her locker, I dejectedly walked to class. I was happily surprised to see her in her usual seat.

As I walked to sit by her, I became extremely nervous. I didn't know what to do. Was I supposed to initiate conversation and act like I hadn't bailed on her? Her brown eyes regarded me sharply, and my insides squirmed even more.

Ok, so that plan was obviously out.

I felt horrible. I couldn't even pretend to concentrate. As if I could when I could practically feel the daggers Ashley's eyes were shooting at me. I constantly grabbed my phone to send her a text, only to chicken out and close it right back up.

"Aw, did you two break up?" Madison asked in a baby voice.

"Shut up, Madison," came Ashley's quick reply.

At least I got to hear her voice. God, how pathetic was I?

Madison leaned towards me with a triumphant smile. "I told you she'd burn you."

"Shut up," I hissed.

She gave us a sweet smile and turned back to her notes.

"God I hate her," Ashley and I whispered at the same time, causing our eyes to lock briefly. It was long enough for me to see that her walls were back up, you know, the one where nothing could bother her.

Way to go ass, I congratulated myself.

Class ended and Ashley practically sprinted out the door. I sighed and gathered my books, trudging to math class.

I couldn't tell you what my teacher talked about. Something about limits or something like that, but it didn't matter. The president could have been in there and I wouldn't have noticed.

Ok, so I probably would have noticed that, but I digress.

I quickly headed to lunch and went through the line. Much to my relief, I saw Ashley at our usual table. She was lying on top of it, still with the same uncaring look on her face she wore when we first met. That brought back pleasant memories of her bitchiness. I just hoped it wasn't a repeat performance today.

"Have fun Saturday night?"

Oh, so she was going to speak.

"Oh yeah," I answered. "Throwing up on Aiden was definitely a highlight." I saw her lips quirk into a small smile and felt proud that I was making progress, as small as it was. "And getting grounded for a month ranked pretty high too." I finally convinced myself to sit by her, making her eyes meet mine.

"I'm really sorry about Saturday. I completely bailed on you when you needed most." I hung my head in shame, not able to meet her eyes anymore.

"You did," she agreed.

I put my hands on my knees. "And I was the worst friend and you totally should be pissed at me," I added.

She nodded. "I should," she agreed again, but her tone was lighter, and I smiled as she bumped her shoulder into mine playfully, letting me know things were ok.

"I'll be better, I promise." I put my pinky out and laughed as she linked hers with it.

"Forgiven, but you are on probation," she warned me with a finger.

"Of course," I nodded in understanding.

I couldn't help the giddiness I felt burst within me. It was so great being on speaking terms with her.

I desperately wanted to give her a hug, but felt a little embarrassed about initiating it. What if she didn't want to? It would probably be a little weird anyway, considering I had practically thrown myself on her that night.

My thoughts from Saturday came crashing back, and I suddenly became hyper aware of Ashley's presence next to me; the heat coming off of her, her smell. We weren't touching, but there was very little space between us, and I knew if I so much as shrugged my shoulder, we'd be touching. I intently focuses on being perfectly still, pushing back questions of why I even cared about our distance.

"Listen to this." Ashley closed the remaining distance between us and handed me part of her ear phone.

And just like that my plan flew out the window- ok smart ass, the metaphoric window.

My shoulder felt fuzzy from where hers was resting against it, and I tried my best to calm down. It's not like we hadn't touched before. We had, plenty of times.

Plus it's not like I could have exactly pulled away without making it obvious and awkward. I surrendered to my fate; sitting with her on the table, simply listening to her dad's songs, deep down enjoying the contact and keeping the questions far from my mind for now, and hopefully, forever.

Ashley sympathized with me about my crazy mom and my unjust punishment.

"I must be pretty dangerous if you aren't allowed to hang out with me," she considered.

"For two weeks," I reminded her, even though my mom had clearly said a month break from Ashley.

"No looking at me Spence. Oooh, can't touch me Spence," she teased as she put a finger up to me as close as she could without touching me. She waved it around my body, laughing evilly.

I grabbed her finger. "I just did," I challenged, hating that I had to remind myself to release her finger.

"Spencer Carlin you little rebel." She covered her mouth in mock shock. "No wonder Paula doesn't want you around me."

"You're such a bad influence," I nodded. "Guess we can't be friends," I decided with a shrug. "See you later." I got up and started to walk away.

"Oh stop," Ashley laughed and grabbed my hand and pulled me back down next to her.

"Forgave her did you?"

We both turned to see Aiden walking towards us. I didn't understand the annoyed feeling that went through me.

"Of course," Ashley smiled, as if there was no other option.

"You're lucky. It normally took Ash a week to talk to me after I messed up," the dark haired boy laughed.

What was up with him calling her Ash?

"Well, Spencer is prettier," Ashley shrugged. She patted my cheek and smiled at me fondly. I maturely stuck my tongue out at Aiden, mostly so I could cover up my blush.

"So you didn't write me back," Aiden tried to casually throw out.

"Yeah sorry, my mom took my phone as part of my punishment," I partially lied, but didn't feel guilty at all. "And, uh, sorry for sharing my dinner with you," I added, feeling the embarrassment creep up again.

He waved off my words. "No need to apologize. It's all good. My night was still perfect," he assured me with a flirty look.

I felt Ashley subtly nudge me and give me a questioning look.

"Oh yeah, how was your song?" I asked suddenly, wanting to change subjects and because I genuinely wanted to know. As I asked, I felt the guilt hit me again.

"It went really good. My dad came about thirty minutes after I finished," she shrugged indifferently, leaving me to wonder if it really went well or not.

"That sucks he missed it, but at least he came, right?" I tried to cheer her up.

"Yeah, it was nice," she admitted reluctantly.

"Ash is an amazing singer," Aiden commented, causing me to jump. I had forgotten he was there.

I turned towards him surprised. "You've heard her?" I couldn't keep out the slight jealously that was infused with my words.

And seriously, what was up with the nickname?

"When?" Ashley asked sounding just as confused, which comforted me.

At least she didn't know either…although now that I thought about it, it did make him sound kind of creepy. Yeah, that was going to be a mental note.

"Whenever you were in the shower you would sing," he explained and then dropped off quickly, successfully making it awkward, at least for me. I didn't want to picture that scenario of why she would be in a shower anywhere near him, even if I did know that they dated and he obviously got her pregnant some how. "Although I doubt songs about citrus shampoo could really count as her best work," he joked, finally able to lift the tension as we all laughed.

"Well, it was the only thing in my life worth singing about," she countered.

Touché, I thought.

"And now?" I questioned with interest.

"And now…" she paused and took the brownie I was about to eat and took a bite. "This brownie," she finished with a smile full of chocolate.

"My mom made that." I was hoping to dissuade her from finishing the dessert.

She stopped chewing for a moment and regarded the possible poisoned treat. "Nah, you're mom made is specifically for you. It's safe," she decided and finished it in one bite.

"Thanks for sharing," Aiden deadpanned. Oh, so he was still here. I forgot…again.

"No problem," Ashley smiled widely.

"Well I have to go to class, then 'straight home,'" I mocked my mom.

"It'll be ok Spence," Ashley promised. "In ten years you might even be allowed to cross the street without holding your mom's hand."

I gave her a fake glare that conveyed my appreciation. She laughed it off and then headed in the opposite direction to her class.

"Wait up Spencer," Aiden called after me.

"Yeah?" I asked once he had reached me.

"So, I know you're grounded…" he began hesitantly. I knew where this was going. I'd have to be stupid not to. "-but I thought maybe we could try it again, sans puke?" he offered, giving me an uncertain laugh.

I considered my options. One, he was hot. Two, it would get Mom off my back. Three, he was hot. Four…why not?

"Yeah, I'd like that," I smiled.

"Sweet! Alright, well I'll talk to you later." He touched my shoulder briefly and then walked away.

I should have been more excited. Why wasn't I? I decided it was because I was grounded and it would be a while before I could go out with him. That must be it.

No, that was it! I told myself firmly.

---

That night I was surprised when my mom told me I was allowed to go out. It had only been like two days and she was already letting me see some sun. I was excited until I found out it was with Clay and Glen and that my curfew was still in effect. Better than nothing, I supposed.

Glen went off to "get his game on" as he said, glaring at Clay and me as we pretended to throw up. We pretty much table sat until we decided to get drinks.

Don't worry, water for me. I decided drunk Spencer needed some vacation time.

"Excuse me," I said loudly yet politely to the bartender.

I was ignored yet again.

"Hey!!" I yelled louder, even throwing in some attractive looking arm waving. "What's his deal?" I demanded rhetorically of Clay, who shrugged.

"He won't notice you unless you're naked," a pretty girl with curly brown hair explained.

"Ah, well I knew I should have stuck with my birthday suit." I snapped my fingers in disappointment.

She gave a throaty laugh and stuck her hand out. "I'm Kelly."

"Spencer," I returned, shaking her hand.

"You from around here?"

I nodded and said, "I go to King High. Do you go there? I've never seen you."

"Nope, I go to Benton Academy."

"My parents looked into that but decided instead on wonderful King High," I said with an overdramatic voice inflection, which Kelly laughed at.

"I'm Clay," Clay interjected, making me feel sorry about forgetting him. "Spencer's brother."

"Adopted," I explained at her questioning look.

"Ah," she said in understanding. "Well it's nice to meet you, I'm Kelly." I noticed she didn't offer him her hand.

"So, Benton Academy? That's a great school. They have a great science program," Clay said excitedly. I could see the obvious disinterest in Kelly's eyes.

"Let's dance," she said suddenly, and pulled me out to the dance floor with her. "Sorry, I just didn't want to talk about school. Six hours a day is bad enough." I laughed my agreement and tried my best to follow the beat. I wasn't a bad dancer, but neither was I like Ashley.

"So, you have a boyfriend?" she asked, randomly in my opinion.

A laugh escaped my mouth for a strange reason. "Nope. You?"

"Sure don't," she said shortly, and I couldn't help but notice that she seemed closer. I let it pass, attributing it to the number of people dancing.

My phone vibrated and I looked down to see the alarm going off.

"Curfew," I sighed. "I have to go."

"Well can I get your number? We should hang out soon," she suggested with a smile.

I nodded and handed her my phone. "Yeah, this was fun," I agreed with a smile as I punched in my number.

Go Spencer! That's two friends! I paused for a moment. Maybe that wasn't something to brag about after all.

"How is it that you manage to get all the hot girls Spence?" Glen asked with annoyance as we arrived home.

I pretended to give it serious thought. "It could be because I'm not an asshole who is just trying to get into their pants." I finished with a shrug.

"Just Ashley's," he mumbled as we walked inside.

"Shut up, Glen! God you're an ass," I said angrily as I hit his shoulder hard. Sometimes he was just…Ugh!

I stomped up to my room and shut my door. My poor teeth got assaulted with my tooth brush, and I wasn't even going to attempt to brush my hair- I'd make myself bald. My phone vibrated, and I instantly calmed down when I saw it was Ashley calling.

"Hey," I whispered as I walked over to my door and shut it. "I'm totally not supposed to be talking to you, but I'm glad you called."

"Well I figured if I was going to hell, you could join me and make it a fun trip," she reasoned.

"Aw, I'm glad my soul's destination concerns you." I touched my heart even though she couldn't see it.

"Hey, I'll need some company down there. You wouldn't believe how lonely it gets."

"Madison isn't good enough?" I acted shocked.

"No, hell's too good for her."

I laughed and changed subjects. "So I got to go out tonight." I sat on my bed.

She gasped. "Jailor Carlin let you out?"

"Yeah, til ten. I went with Clay and Glen."

"Wow, Spence," she mocked, "you party animal."

"Well I know it doesn't compare to a night in the life of Ashley Davies, but it wasn't bad. I met a girl named Kelly. She goes to Benton Academy."

Silence.

"Ash, are you there?" I whispered uncertainly.

"Yeah," she answered after a moment. "That's good you had fun," she commented, sounding distracted.

Obviously that subject was a dud. "Well how did your day go?" I felt like we were an old married couple.

"Eh." I could picture her shrug. "Mom decided to play mom to impress seven, so she forced me to eat with them and bond."

I went to respond but was stopped by footsteps coming from the stairs. "Ah, I hear my mom coming," I sighed regretfully.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ashley said.

"Alright, night." I started to close my phone but heard her call my name. "Yeah, Ash?"

She was silent for a few seconds. "It was good talking to you again. It really sucked not talking to you last night." Her voice sounded low, and I couldn't figure out the tone.

I smiled. "Yeah, I know. I felt the same way," I admitted shyly.

We shared a comfortable moment of silence, neither of us wanting to get off, but I knew I had to go. "Well my mom should be here in a moment."

"K, night Spence.

"Night Ash." I shut my phone and quickly deleted my call list and turned my back towards my door.

"Spencer?" my mom said quietly as she opened my door.

"mm?" I tried to sound sleepy.

She came over and kissed my forehead. "Night sweetie," she said quietly, walking to the door, only to stop as my phone vibrated.

Oh shit.

"Who is Kelly?" my mom asked as she checked my phone.

I sighed with relief. I was sure it was from Ashley.

"She's this friend I met tonight. She goes to Benton Academy," I threw in, hoping the prestigious school would hold some credibility.

"Well that's nice you made a friend." Who isn't Ashley, I finished for her. "Alright, get some sleep. Night Spencer, I love you."

"I love you too, Mom." I grabbed my phone and read the text once she left.

-I had a great time tonight. Hope to see you soon :)-

-Same here-

I sent back and then rolled over and went to sleep.