I didn't realise that so much time had passed between the last update and this one and so I apologise, I do have the next chapter written and hope to type it up in the next couple of days. But for now enjoy this one.
N.B. Btw, the song in the last chapter was Winter by Joshua Radin, it's a beautiful song if you haven't heard it I'd suggest you check it out!
Chapter 9: Church Dating Service?
Two months has passed since that dinner and mine and Ashley's friendship has gone from strength to strength. It had become apparent very quickly that we made much better friends than enemies, even if we were polar opposites. I was the bookish type, who focused on getting good grades and behaving well in school; I had the nuclear religious family and rarely strayed out of my comfort zone. Normal. Ashley had the smarts but no desire to achieve academically; she was content with disrupting school life as much as possible. Her family was dysfunctional at best, a mother who didn't care, and a famous father who was never around. The only person keeping Ashley from slipping into anarchy was Kyla and I had seen immediately how much the two sisters relied on each other.
Our friendship had by no means started off strong. The first couple of weeks were awkward to say the least. We had spent a month hating each other and then kissed in a moment of drunken madness, not the strongest of foundations for a friendship. I had often wondered why her reaction to me at first had been so negative and had many times considered broaching the subject with her. But from the initial awkwardness of our friendship an unspoken agreement had emerged, I didn't mention or question why we'd got off on the wrong foot and Ashley wouldn't question what had transpired the night of Aiden's party. It was an arrangement that worked very effectively, but I knew that in the back of both our minds we had unspoken questions which we yearned to be answered.
But aside from that I was closer to Ashley than I was to any other person. She had an insane ability to make me laugh whatever the situation, she knew my moods seemingly better than I did and always knew what to say to cheer me up. She constantly challenged my mind…by arguing with practically every word I spoke. Being polar opposites worked surprisingly well in our favour, she brought out my wilder side, exposing me to experiences that I never would have gotten to try before. And for my part I kept her anchored and gave her a sense of normality. Our friendship had also secured a strong group dynamic at school. Gone was the tension that had descended every time Ashley and I were at the same table, now for the first time I had a group of people that I felt I truly fitted in with. The old Spencer was gone, and I was happy with the new one.
"Ashley Davies! Out. Now!" our English teacher barked sharply. I looked round in time to see Ashley jerk upright, hands outstretched and a surprised expression plastered on her features.
"What did I do?"
"You fell asleep in my lesson. Again!" the teacher growled through gritted teeth. I prayed silently that for once Ashley would look sheepish and apologise. But as usual she grinned and leant back in her chair.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I had a late night last night." Her voice held no hint of remorse, just amusement. Our teacher looked so angry I worried that they were in danger of popping blood vessel.
"Please!" she begged. "Just leave." Ashley pushed her chair back and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder. As she sauntered out of the room she caught my eyes and threw me a devilish wink. I rolled my eyes as she walked out, only to two seconds later at one of the windows. She slammed her hands against the glass causing those nearest the window to jump. She grinned and winked at me again. I resisted the urge to smirk, not wanting to guess her behaviour.
"Ashley Davis!" the teacher bellowed. Ashley disappeared, leaving the class distracted. "Can we try and get back to the work in hand please?" the teacher said sternly.
The bell rang 2 minutes later and as soon as the teacher dismissed us I had gathered up my stuff and was headed out the door, ready to beat some sense into my best friend.
I found her rooting around in her locker; she didn't hear me approaching so when she pulled back I slammed her locker shut. Ashley jumped back and clutched at her heart.
"Jesus Spence! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I scowled at her.
"Ash, what are you playing at?
"What?" Ashley feigned innocence.
"You know what, you said you were going to try and pay attention!"
"I was trying Spence! But I did have a rather…exhausting night." I raised an eyebrow.
"What was her name?" I asked, Ashley's mouth dropped.
"What makes you think I was with a girl?"
"There's nothing else that would get you so exhausted that you fall asleep in a lesson." I smirked.
"That's not fair, I could have been...working out...in a gym." Ashley defended herself lamely.
"The only workout you get is sex!" I countered. Ashley scowled.
"You know too much about me Carlin!" she grumbled. I gave her a sweet smile.
"And you love me for it." Ashley grunted and picked up her bag.
"I'm hungry."
Aiden and Kyla are playfully slapping each other when we reached the table. Ashley watched her sister with an arched eyebrow.
"Do you two just wanna fuck and get it over with?" she demanded. Aiden and Kyla both look up.
"Eloquent as ever Ashley." Kyla muttered. Ashley smirked.
"Hear you got kicked out of ANOTHER English lesson today Ash." Aiden piped up a while later. Ashley scowled at him.
"Maybe I did, what's it to you?" Aiden merely laughed off her anger, which only aggravated Ashley further. She was adamant that people see her as the tough nut who couldn't be cracked. Unfortunately for her this act didn't work on those closest to her. Us.
"Stop scowling and eat your lunch." I told Ashley as she puffed herself up to lay into Aiden. She turned her scowl on me instead, but she couldn't hold it as she met my gaze.
"Alright mum." She muttered, hiding her smirk in her food.
When Ashley dropped me home that afternoon I was surprised to see that both my parents were home. It was a rare event, especially since we had moved. I said my goodbyes to Ashley and gave her a hug, ignoring the now familiar jolt that ran through my body at the feeling of her warm body against mine. She gave me a warm smile as a left and went to the front door.
But as soon as I opened the front door I could sense the tension and hear the argument raging in the kitchen.
"...losing sight of what's important!" it was my dad and he was shouting, something he never did. Increasingly in the last few weeks my parents had been arguing more and more, and I knew full well what was at the centre of the storm. Ashley. My mum's attitude towards Ashley had tired me very quickly and I had learned to blot out what she said. In her frustration she had turned to my dad and vented to him.
"Arthur, you don't understand! I'm the eon who is taking any interest in out daughter and her soul!" my mums words made me grit my teeth.
"Her soul? Paula, whatever idea you have in your head I'm sure Spencer's soul is fine."
"It will never be fine as long as she hangs around with that girl!" I could almost see my mum frantically crossing herself at the mere thought of my best friend. Ashley knew only too well what my mum thought of her, and credit to her she went out of her way to be polite and nice to my mum. It was totally out of character for Ashley, but I was thankful she tried. This is more than could be said for my mum, who made no attempt whatsoever.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing this! Spencer is old enough to choose her friends, and I happen to think that Ashley is a lovely girl."
"Oh please! Arthur the girl has no morals and seems bent on leading Spencer down the wrong road!" it was at this point that I couldn't take it anymore.
"Have you ever considered that Ashley is friends with me because we like each other?" I fumed, storming into the kitchen to confront my mum. She looked shocked at my sudden arrival. "Not because of her never ending quest to turn every girl into a soulless lesbian!" my mum visibly flinched at the word.
"Spencer, I'm only looking out for you." She implored me. I didn't react, just met her gaze.
"I don't understand why you're expending so much time and energy obsession over my friendships. I'm happy, so just let me be happy instead of trying to make me feel guilty about something that I should NOT have to feel guilty about!" my dad moved to stand next to me and when he saw I was getting het up he placed a calming hand on my shoulder. My mum seemed to be at a loss for words, and I took this opportunity to get away, leaving my parents alone in the kitchen.
"Your parents had another fight didn't they?" Ashley said the moment I answered the phone.
"How can you tell?"
"You sound angry."
"Perhaps we should stop spending so much time together; it's getting creepy how well you know me."
"We could...but you'd have nothing to do if you didn't hang out with me!" I could hear the smirk in Ashley's voice.
"You sound very sure of yourself Miss Davies, for all you know I could have tons of friends you don't even know about!"
"As if Spence! We both know you've only got eyes for me!" I laughed at the self assurance I could feel exuding from her, even over the phone.
"It's any wonder you get any tail at all with your arrogance." I chuckled
"Luckily for me most people find arrogance a turn on. That or they find me endearing."
"I find you endearing." I told her.
"Well that would only help if I was looking to get into your pants."
"God forbid!" I snorted.
"Hey, if I wanted to get into your pants I would rock your fucking world! And THAT is an Ashley Davies guarantee!"
"Geez Ash, I can feel your head swelling from here!" I heard my name being called from downstairs. "I gotta go Ash. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh I'll be seeing you sooner than that...look for me in your dreams." Ashley purred in her husky voice. I laughed and hung up, knowing she wouldn't be offended by my not saying goodbye.
It was no mid December and the last day of school before term ended. I was sat with Aiden, Kyla and Ashley during a free period, we were watching the rest of the school pass by and chatting idly.
"So what do we wanna do tonight?" Aiden asked, flicking a twig into Ashley's hair, she pulled it out and thumped him on the leg.
"You lot could all come over mine? Get some films, nice quiet night in." I suggested, ignoring Aiden as he clutched at his lower leg, whimpering in pain.
"Sounds like a plan." Ashley replied, tilting her head back and closing her eyes. Kyla and Aiden nodded their agreement, Aiden rubbing his shin. It was at that moment that a shadow fell over the group, looking up I saw a pretty girl with dirty blonde hair standing watching us, or should I say watching Ashley, her eyes were fixed on her in what I can only describe as a leer.
"Hey Ash." The girl said. Ashley finally opened her eyes and looked at the newcomer.
"Oh hey Kelly."
"So I was wondering if you were coming to Gray's tonight? They've got a Christmas party and it's been a while since we chatted." From her smirk I guessed that the two did little 'chatting'. Ashley swivelled her head slightly to look at me, and I had to stifle a giggle at the extreme boredom I saw in her eyes.
"Actually Kelly, I have plans tonight. Can we rain check?" Kelly's smile faltered and I realised that Ashley rejecting her must be unheard of.
"That's cool. See you around." She practically stammered and then she turned tail and stalked away. Ashley looked like she had forgotten Kelly was even here as she reverted back to her previous position.
I was waiting for the popcorn to finish cooking in the microwave when the doorbell rang. Leaving the popcorn I went to the front door and pulled it open, to be met by Ashley's grinning face.
"Hey!" she grinned pulling me into a tight hug. When we pulled apart I was aware of someone standing at the bottom of the stairs. She was watching Ashley with the same tight lipped glare that she reserved just for her.
"Hey Mrs Carlin." Ashley gave my mum a wave, and as usual my mum just nodded, before transferring her attention to behind us.
"Aiden! So lovely to see you again, and Kyla, you two should come by more often." She gushed, the meaning and implications of her words not lost on anyone, Aiden and Kyla should come over more...and Ashley should come over less, or just not at all. Aiden and Kyla greeted mum as they stepped into the hallway.
"I've got the overnight shift tonight Spencer, so I'll see you tomorrow." My mum tells me a few minutes later when we're settled in the living room. I grunt my goodbye. Mum throws Ashley one last glare before leaving.
"I think she's warming to you Ash!" Aiden chuckled as we heard the front door slam shut.
"Unlikely!" Ashley snorted. "Hell will freeze over before Paula Carlin accepts me."
"Why does she hate you so much?" Kyla asked around a mouth of popcorn.
"Because, she thinks I'm corrupting her daughter." Ashley responded, pinching one of my cheeks. I scowled and swatted her hand away.
"A thought which is totally unwarranted. I'm incorruptible." Both Aiden and Kyla rolled their eyes at my words and I knew exactly what they were thinking about, the kiss that proved that I was corruptible. Both wisely kept their mouths shut, as they were under pain of death to mention it.
We were on the second film when I heard someone coming down the stairs, turning my head I saw Clay standing at the bottom of the stairs checking his reflection in the mirror.
"Where are you going?" I called. Clay looked round.
"Nowhere special." He responded.
"Liar." Clay flushed and mumbled something under his breath.
"What was that?"
"I have a date."
"With who?" movie forgotten I turned fully on the couch. Clay clammed up again.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ashley spoke from beside me, her eyes still fixed on the TV. Aiden, Kyla and I all turned to look at her.
"Who?" we all asked simultaneously.
"It's Chelsea!" Ashley stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"God you lot are so unobservant!" I turned back to Clay and grinned.
"Really?" Clay nodded and then quicker than I would have expected he grabbed his keys and bolted out the door calling 'see you later' over his shoulder.
After Clay had left I brought my attention back to the movie, it was a new horror movie, filled with blood, gore...and naked girls. Which meant the film was either picked out by Aiden or Ashley. My bets were on Ashley. I was sat with her on one couch and Aiden and Kyla were sat together on the other. I wasn't the biggest fan of horror movies; they weren't kind to my nerves. Ashley noted my reactions and pulled me closer so I was sat right next to her. Every time something made me jump I would grab hold of Ashley's hand, very tightly.
"Phhwooor! I'd tap that." Aiden exclaimed as one of the girl's shirts was ripped off.
"The alien or the girl?" Ashley asked. Aiden sighed.
"The girl obviously! She's a hot redhead."
"Huh, blondes are more my thing." Ashley said casually casting her eyes to look at me. It was lucky that the room was dark so she couldn't see my deep blush.
I watched the rest of the movie through my fingers, ignoring Ashley's sniggers from beside me. As the credits finally rolled I put the cushion I had been using as an eye shield down and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Can we watch something funny now?" I pleaded. Aiden laughed and Ashley rolled her eyes.
"You're such a pansy Spence!" she said, I stuck my tongue out at her as I stepped up to the DVD player, choosing the film carefully I pushed the tray back in and made my way back to my previous position. As I pushed play Ashley rolled her eyes again.
"'Liar, Liar' Spence, really?" I shoved her.
"Whatever, I like it!"
"I like it too!" Kyla piped up.
"I need to find some cooler friends." Ashley grumbled.
"Shut up and watch the movie!" we all told her together.
I could feel my eyes drifting shut and I worked hard to contain the yawns that erupted from my mouth. Shifting more comfortably I ended up with my head resting on Ashley's shoulder. If she was uncomfortable in any way she didn't let on, in fact she changed her position so I was more comfortable. I tried to keep my eyes open but the room was warm and Ashley was comfortable. My eyes fluttered shut and I could feel myself drifting off to sleep.
I was jerked awake and alert by a very, very cold hand being placed on the skin of my back, under my shirt.
"AHHHHHH!" I screamed jumping to my feet in shock. A loud peal of laughter from the sofa I had vacated a few seconds previously caused me to whirl and scowl heavily at Ashley who was laughing...a lot!
"You bitch!" I hissed. Ashley smirked. "Why?"
"Because...I can." Ashley shrugged. Arching an eyebrow I very pointedly stood in front of her, blocking her view of the screen. Ashley twisted her head, trying to see round me.
"Move Spence." She huffed when my body still blocked her way. I shook my head and moving forward plonked myself down on her lap, making sure it hurt. Ashley grunted and then growled her frustration as my back obstructed her view.
"Spencer! Move!" she whined.
"This'll teach you to wake me up like that!" I replied.
"Shouldn't fall asleep on me then should you." Ashley snorted, craning her neck to try and see round me. I refused to budge, giggling as Ashley got more and more frustrated.
"What's the matter Ash? Thought you didn't like this film."
"I'd rather watch the film than look at your back, besides you're crushing my pelvis!" I gave her a devilish grin over my shoulder and bounced.
"Spencer! Cut it out!" she snapped, gritting her teeth.
"Or what?" I taunted. In hindsight this wasn't the cleverest idea. No sooner were the words out of my mouth I felt Ashley's fingers at my midriff, tickling me mercilessly. I squealed with surprise and squirmed under her touch, when her initial bout of tickling failed to dislodge me she intensified her efforts. Within seconds I was gasping for air, she took full advantage of my spasaming muscles and twisted my body so I was lying on my back across the sofa. I wiggled, trying to put my body out of reach of her fingers, but somehow she ended up straddling my thighs, keeping me pinned in place.
"Ash, please stop!" I gasped breathlessly. When she didn't stop I raised my hands and tried to slap her away, but she quickly put a stop to that by grabbing my hands and pinning them by my head.
It was at that moment that our eyes met.
All movement stopped and I realised the very compromising position we were in. I could feel Ashley's body pressed against my own, and the heat the connection was causing. Her eyes locked firmly with mine, and I could see even in the dim light that they had darkened considerably and if the sensations that were erupting in my stomach were anything to go by I was pretty sure that my eyes had darkened too. I don't know if it was my imagination but I swear I could see her leaning forward, inch by inch, and I could feel myself straining up, the desire to feel her lips on mine so strong it was almost painful. She was so close now, a couple more inches and...
A loud throat clearing from the other sofa broke the spell. Ashley's head snapped round and I raised my head to find Kyla and Aiden watching us, Kyla had what I could only describe as an expression of smugness on her face and her eyes were sparkling. Aiden's jaw was practically on the floor and he looked incredibly turned on. I couldn't blame him, I was incredibly turned on. I looked back at Ashley and at the same moment we both seemed to realise that neither of us had moved, with a lot of fumbling, mumbled apologies and wiggling we were both finally sat upright again. On opposite sides of the sofa. Kyla and Aiden both continued to watch is, only now Aiden's expression mirrored Kyla's. I kept my eyes on the TV, ignoring them both. But most of all avoiding looking at Ashley.
Needless to say I didn't get any sleep that night. The rest of the evening had been quiet with awkwardness hanging in the air like a rain cloud. Ashley and I had both worked hard not to give Kyla and Aiden any more ammunition, because we both knew that Kyla especially was going to be relentless in her questioning about what had happened. I almost felt sorry for Ashley who would be left alone with Kyla sooner.
Luckily our moment hadn't seemed to have freaked Ashley out too much, she still hugged me when he left and gave me a reassuring smile. Kyla practically bounced out of the door after her sister, but not before she shot me a very pointed look. Aiden was the last out the door, it was a mix of fascination and amusement, and I had to all push him out the door. I was in bed half an hour later and still awake 3 hours later. My body was feeling very sexually charged and no position I lay in seemed to be comfortable. The image of Ashley's face as she had moved towards me was burned into my retinas, haunting me every time I closed my eyes. The lust I had seen in Ashley's eyes and expression had both frightened me and intrigued me. What frightened me most was the surge of feelings I had felt coursing through my body as I'd lain under Ashley. Due to our unspoken agreement neither of us had spoken about our kiss and as such the feelings which had been left over had just been allowed to fester. I had worked hard to bury the lustful surges I had experienced for my best friend, not wanting to acknowledge them. My motto was simple if childish; if I didn't admit my feelings then they didn't exist.
"Spencer! You'd better be ready for church!" my mum called up the stairs. I rolled my eyes and finished up with my hair. Satisfied with my appearance I made my way downstairs to where my family were waiting out in the hallway. As we all piled into the car I considered texting Ashley, but then I remembered it was a Sunday and Ashley never surfaced before noon. A fact she often took great delight in teasing me about. I had tried to convince her to accompany me to church on a couple of occasions but she had hotly refused every time. Her excuse was that she had long lost touch with any form of religion and that people at church were not tolerant of 'people like her' I had given up on that track quickly for once Ashley had mind made up she was pretty much immovable. I too had found myself becoming more and more detached from religion, something that had not gone unnoticed by my mother. She had practically turned into a priest, breaking out with random speeches about morality and the soul, these speeches usually happened when Ashley was around. Needless to say we were all getting pretty bored of them.
We reached our local church and my mum eagerly trotted ahead of us to talk to other church goers. Glen, Clay and I all shuffled reluctantly after her. The service was the usual rambling and hymn singing that I was quickly growing bored of. I stared at my fingers, drowning out the dull voice of the preacher. My mind was preoccupied with other, more sinful thoughts, and they concerned a certain brunette. In my mind I was wondering what would have happened had we not been interrupted. I envisioned Ashley's lips descending until they met my own. I knew from experience how soft they would be. I could imagine how her lips would move against mine; her tongue would snake out and coax my lips open before it would slip inside to slide deliciously against my own. Her hands, which before would have been resting on either side of me would carefully come to rest on my sides, lowering her body till all of it lay pressed up against her own. Those beautiful hands would slowly make their way to the bottom of my shirt, creeping past the material to rest on my stomach. Her lips, which would finally detach from my neck, would trail to my neck, sucking and biting. The action would cause a low guttural moan to bubble in my throat, enhanced by the hand that was now inching its way into my pants...
...the slam of a book against wood pulled me from my fantasy with a start, I realised that not only was I in a church, surrounded by people. But I was also very wet and VERY turned on! For the rest of the service I was forced to sit in a very uncomfortable position. It seemed to take forever; every syllable out of the preacher's mouth seemed to drag on for an eternity. I wanted to continue my fantasy but was aware of the position it would put me in should it conclude, a very embarrassing one.
Finally the service was at an end and I was able to make my escape. But only as far as the door.
"Spencer! Hold on a moment there's someone I want you to meet." Plastering a fake smile on my face I turned to find my mum standing with a young man, he looked to be about my age with sandy blonde hair and grey eyes. He was rather cute and gave me a shy smile. "Spencer, this is Paul." My mum beamed. Paul extended a hand and I shook it with a smile.
"It's nice to meet you Spencer. Your mum has told me all about you."
"I'll leave you to get better acquainted." My mum gushed. She left quickly, leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.
"Soooo..." Paul said after a moment. "You go to King High?"
"Yeah, I take it you don't?" Paul shook his head.
"No I'm in a private school not too far from here. Apparently private school education in my parents book equates to good college prospects." He smiled, I nodded. The silence fell again and I shuffled my feet nervously.
"I was wondering if you'd like to maybe...go out sometime?" Paul's question came out of the blue and took me by surprise.
"Err...maybe." I stammered. Paul raised an eyebrow.
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a wait and see. I don't generally go out on dates with people I've just met." His face fell a bit. "But." I said hurriedly. "If you give me your number we could definitely hang out sometime." Paul's face brightened up and with an enthusiastic smile he took my phone and keyed in his number. As he handed it back it vibrated, signalling the arrival of a message. Opening it I smiled at its content.
Get Ur ass back from church! I need help with my hwk! A xx
"So I'll speak to you soon?" Paul asked hopefully. I smiled and nodded. After giving him my number we went our separate ways, wishing each other a merry Christmas. As I reached the car I caught sight of my mum beaming at me from her seat.
"So how did you and Paul get on?" she demanded.
"He seems nice." I replied non-committal.
"He is, maybe you'll see more of him?" my mum hinted. I smiled.
"Maybe I will."
Hope you enjoyed that and review to let me know what you thought.
Pirate-x-Girls