3 months later...

My routine still hasn't changed. Wake up, go to school, go see Ashley. I like to tell her about my day. All the lame attempts of an insult by Madison and other random things she's been missing.

I begin to do my homework in the seat by her bed. Only, I'm not really doing it. I'm trying to decide how to tell Ashley what has been bugging me for the past week.

"So...Ash..." I look up from my homework. "I met this girl..." Wow. That was so not the best way to say it. I look at her, not expecting a reaction. I'm used to these one-way conversations.

"Her name is Carmen. She's pretty cool. Kind of has a badass vibe...She sort of reminds me of you." I trail off.

I'm asking a girl in a coma to give me permission to have a new friend.

"Clay says it would be good for me to hang out with someone new...Just wake up now and I won't hang out with her." I look at Ashley, hoping beyond hope that she'll wake up and tell me I'm crazy to hang out with anyone but her.

"Clay tells me that you'd want me to be happy. That it isn't fair for me to have to 'waste' my time in here everyday." I begin to tear up.

"You know, it's usually easier to read when the book is right side up." I look up to see a girl with straight black hair and bangs looking down at me. I notice that my book is actually upside down and I laugh.

"Guess you caught me. I hate reading." I give her a smile. She's the first person that's talked to me outside my little group of friends. Most people feel awkward about the whole Ashley thing and tend to avoid me. I don't blame them. I don't want to talk to them anyway.

But Carmen is different. Her smile is inviting. I feel like I should get to know her better.

"Me too. Mind if I join you? We can 'read' together." Again I laugh and she takes the seat near me. We spent the rest of study period talking about nothing of importance. It was nice to have some light hearted conversation without someone looking at me with pity. I think it's exactly what I need.

"So, there's only a minute left of class and I still want to talk to you. Can I get your number? We should hang out some time."

I hesitate for a moment because Ashley's face pops up in my head. But I need this. I need someone to talk to.

"Sure." I smile and write it out.

"I know this is all my fault Ash. But I need this."

I get up and dial Carmen's number.

Next Chapter: Spencer breaks down. But the question is, who is there to support her? Carmen? Clay? Ashley?