Spencer's P.O.V.

After Ashley's quick exit, I sat down on my bed, trying to process what had just happened. I knew what I had done was wrong, and that instead of coldly asking her to leave, we should've talked things through. But what she did caught me way off guard, and I just needed some space away from her to try and make sense out of the situation.

And as if she knew all the wrong times to come and talk to me, I heard my Mom trotting up the stairs. I immediately pulled myself together, trying my best to pretend like the recent events that took place in my bedroom never occurred.

"Spencer, what just happened with Ashley? She ran out of here faster than a track star," said Mom, coming into my room.

"What can I say, she's pretty fast," I said sarcastically, walking into my closet.

I didn't want to be face to face with my mother. She was so good at telling when something was wrong with me just by reading my face.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Mom interrogatively.

"Nothing Mom, Ashley's Dad called her, and I'm not sure what he said, but it made her upset, and all she told me was she had to go," I said, quickly making up a story.

"Oh, I hope everything is ok," said Mom, and I rolled my eyes, wondering how sincere that statement was.

"Anyways, you better finish getting ready, Aiden should be here soon," said Mom, leaving my room.

As soon as I heard her descending down the stairs, I came back into my room, shut the door, and went back and sat on my bed. I literally sat there for the next half hour, replaying the events over and over again in my mind.

Should I have seen this coming? No! we were friends, best friends. She told me countless times how she didn't believe in monogamy or real love. Yet, somewhere along the way, she developed feelings for me? And clearly this happened way back, since these feelings were strong enough for her to confess on such an important night for me.

And that's when I began to feel angry. Ashley had obviously felt this way for a while, yet she chose to keep her feelings bottled up until now? Not only had she been lying to me for who knows how long, but she was selfish in the fact that she chose to dump all this on me tonight, my special night with Aiden.

I was so lost in my thoughts and mixed emotions that I didn't even hear Mom call me from downstairs until she practically screamed my name. As I approached the top of the staircase, I saw Aiden standing next to her, a grin spreading across his face as he saw me.

Guilt immediately washed over me, but I didn't let it show on my face. Instead, I smiled as brightly back as I could, quickly making my way downstairs.

"You look breath taking, as usual," said Aiden, his eyes never leaving mine.

I could feel the blush creep across my face as I tried to push all thoughts of Ashley and what had occurred previously to the back of my mind, and tried instead to focus on the amazing guy standing in front of me.

"You two have fun," said Mom, giving Aiden a parting smile, and then giving me a "you did well getting this one" look as she walked into the kitchen.

Mom adored Aiden, and it didn't surprise me that she never mentioned a curfew or gave him any sort of "talk."

"Ready to get out of here?" asked Aiden, extending his hand towards me.

I shook my head in reply, and took his hand. We walked out to his truck, got in, and drove off. The car ride was silent, and I was extremely thankful that Aiden didn't try to push a conversation. I just needed some quiet to recuperate so I could be 100% on this date. Aiden deserved that from me.

After about 15 minutes, we pulled into Waybacks, and I could feel Aiden's eyes on me, probably trying to see my reaction.

"Where it all began," I said with a smile, turning to face him.

"Exactly, except I'm thinking this time will be a hell of a lot better, since Glen and Madison won't be joining us," said Aiden with a satisfied smile.

"Don't jinx it!" I said, playfully punching him on the shoulder.

We then got out of the car, and walked into the restaurant, hand in hand. I wish I could say that the date went amazing. That thoughts of Ashley or what happened never crossed my mind, and that I had the best time with my boyfriend who I was so insanely in love with.

But we usually never get what we wish for, and this wasn't an exception. I tried my hardest to enjoy the date, and to focus on my boyfriend who I was insanely in love with. But I couldn't, I just couldn't. All I could think about was the kiss. How surprising it was, and how mad I was at her for doing such a thing at such a time. I then argued with myself on whether I should be mad at her, and whether I really should've seen this coming. And then, the scariest part- thinking about how the kiss made me feel. In that instant, I had felt something that only Aiden has ever made me feel. And that scared the shit out of me.

"Spencer, you ok? You seemed kind of...out of it today," said Aiden as we walked back to his truck.

I knew I was acting out of it. I was never good at pretending for too long.

"I'm sorry Aiden, I know I was acting really weird in there, but I'm just not feeling well," I said apologetically, feeling even more guiltier.

I hated lying to Aiden. And I hated Ashley for putting me in a situation where I had to lie to him. And I hated myself for not being able to sort things out in my mind sooner. Yeah, there was a lot of hate going on.

"Spence, why didn't you say something earlier? You could be resting at home right now," said Aiden concernedly, placing his warm hand against my forehead to check my temperature.

God, he was so cute. And perfect. And everything I wanted. So why couldn't I shake thoughts of Ashley? Damnit Spencer!

"It's not a temperature, I just feel kind of nautious," I said, letting yet another lie escape my lips as I took his hand and intertwined our fingers.

"Well then, lets get you home before you barf all over me," said Aiden jokingly, kissing my forehead.

He drove me home, and gave me a kiss goodbye before I got out of the truck. I then walked up to my door, rang the bell, and turned around and waved at him as I waited for someone to open it. After Mom opened the door, Aiden waved to her, and then drove off.

"You're home pretty early," said Mom, disappointment in her tone.

"Shouldn't you be happy?" I asked, walking past her and up the stairs.

"Well, I mean I guess. But I would've been perfectly fine with you staying out a little bit longer."

I stopped in the middle of the stair case, sighed, and turned to face Mom, deciding I would satisfy her need to know how the date went so I wouldn't be further questioned about it.

"Mom, the date was amazing. Aiden is the best boyfriend, and I love him so much. It ended early because I could tell he was exhausted from practice, and I pretty much forced him to bring me home so he could go sleep. Don't worry, we didn't get into a fight or anything."

"Oh, that's just wonderful hunny. I wasn't assuming you did," said Mom with a smile, walking into the kitchen.

Yeah, I'm sure she wasn't. I continued my walk up the stairs, and then went into my room and shut the door behind me. It was only 6, yet I found myself worn out. Probably from all the thinking my brain did. I changed into pjs, and practically fell on top of the bed. As I lay there waiting for sleep to over take me, I dreaded tomorrow. I would have to face Ashley, and I wasn't quite sure what I was going to say or do. I guess I would just have to wait and see.

Tomorrow came faster than I had wanted it too. I woke up around 5 a.m, and was unable to go back to sleep. So I lay in bed until 6:30, trying to come up with a plan. By the time 6:30 rolled around, I hadn't come up with anything. Hopefully a plan would strike me when I needed it.

I got dressed, and was downstairs by 7. As usual, it was a hectic morning in the Carlin household. Both Mom and Dad were rushing to get to work, and Glen had just begun breakfast. I sat down next to him, and poured myself a bowl of cheerios.

"Morning sweety," said Dad, placing a kiss on my forehead as he walked by.

"Hey Dad."

"Ok everyone, I'm leaving. I'll be home as early as I can," said Mom, giving each of us a kiss on the cheek before leaving.

After Glen and I finished our cereal, we said a final goodbye to Dad, and got into the jeep. The car ride to school was quiet, besides the radio, and again I found myself thankful for the silence. I assumed Glen had a good date with Madison last night, because he kept smiling like he was reminiscing on a good time. I'd have to thank her later, because what ever she did kept him from bothering me.

I tried my best not to think about how my first encounter with Ashley since the "incident" would go, but of course I couldn't. As we pulled into the King High parking lot, my nervousness went through the roof, and I could barely take the suspense.

"Hey babe, how are you feeling?" asked Aiden as he approached me.

"Much better," I lied, embracing him in a tight hug.

He squeezed back, and it actually felt comforting.

"Is Ash here yet?" I asked, releasing him from the hug, and taking his hand.

"Nah, I haven't seen her yet," said Aiden as we began walking towards the school.

"Oh, ok," I said, trying to hide the relief in my voice.

And just like Aiden, I didn't see Ashley either, well at least for the first few periods of the day. Even though we didn't have any periods together besides lunch, I found it odd that I hadn't seen her, since usually we walked to class together. Maybe she was trying to avoid me? I guess I'd find out during lunch.

Lunch came, and there was no sign of Ashley. I guess she was trying to avoid me. Hmphh.

"Hey, have you seen Ash? I haven't seen her all day," I asked Aiden as we sat down at our usual table.

"No, I haven't. I shot her a text, but she hasn't responded to me. She probably skipped or something," said Aiden with a shrug.

"Yeah, I probably," I agreed, nodding my head.

I reasoned that this was a gift from God- an extra day to ready myself. So I went on with my usual day to day routine, although it did feel strangely unfamiliar with out Ashley, since she was such a big part of it.

The day then came to an end, and just as soon, the next day began. And what the two shared in common was that Ashley was no where to be found on either of the days. I found it weird, but didn't think much of it, until Friday was also the same in this respect.

I argued with myself all weekend on whether I should call Ashley, or even go see her. I mean, the girl hadn't come to school in 3 days! It was my job as her friend to go and make sure she was okay. And each time I almost called or almost went over to her house, I chickened out, because I still didn't know what I was going to say.

When Monday came, I actually hoped that Ashley would be at school. For one, I was tired of being afraid, and ready to face her. For another, I missed my best friend. School just wasn't the same with out the rebellious spirit.

Just like the previous school days, I didn't see her in the morning. But as I walked to the quad for lunch, I held on to my hopes, wanting so badly to see the brown curly locks sitting at our usual table. Of course, when I reached the quad, my hopes were crushed, because all I saw was Aiden.

"Hey Aid," I said with a sigh, taking a seat across from him.

"Hey Spence. Have you talked to Ashley lately?"

"Uhm no I haven't actually, why?" I asked, a little taken a back.

The question had actually caught me off guard.

"Well, she hasn't been to school in 3 days, and I've tried calling her and texting her but she hasn't responded to me. I'm starting to get worried about the girl, I mean she's skipped school before, but she always tells me beforehand. I just thought she might've said something to you, or that you might've gotten a hold of her, you know, since you guys are pretty close," said Aiden, taking a bite out of his sandwhich after he was done speaking.

As he began to eat, I sat there, thinking about what he said. Aiden was absolutely right to assume that I knew what was going on with Ashley, because I was her best friend, and I should've known what was going on with her. But I didn't, and this made me feel horrible. I had been so wrapped up in my own feelings that I hadn't even taken the time to consider how Ashley felt.

"Don't worry Spence, I'm sure she's fine. I'm going to stop by her place today after practice," said Aiden, noticing my silence.

"You know what, I'll go check up on her after school, and I'll text you if she's in the mood to see people," I said, jumping on the opportunity to be the good friend that I should've been days ago.

Figures that the school day would go by slowly on the one day where I was eager to get out. When the final bell rang, I practically ran to the parking lot, and hopped into Aiden's truck. Ashley was usually my ride home, since Glen was an ass about letting my drive the jeep. But since she hadn't been coming to school, Aiden was kind enough to let me use his truck.

I started up the truck, and pulled out of the parking lot, driving as quickly as I could to Ashley's house. When I pulled up to her house, I shut off the car, took a deep breath, got out, and made my way to her front door. I rang the door bell, and stood there waiting. After a few moments, I rang the bell again, but there was still no response. I rang the bell a third time, and after waiting for what seemed like a day, I gave up, turning around and and making my way down her steps. I guess no one was home.

"What are you doing here?" asked a familiar raspy voice, opening the door.

I guess not. I turned around to find Ashley standing in the doorway. She was wearing a big purple tee shirt, and her curly hair was up in a bun. She didn't have on any make up or any jewelry, and she looked like she hadn't slept in days. The sight of her flooded me with many emotions, the main ones being happy and sad. Happy, because I hadn't seen the girl in days. Sad, because I had never seen her in such a state.

"I'm here to see you of course," I said, making my way back up the steps.

"Gosh, would've never expected that. Especially after you kicked me out of your house last time I saw you," said Ashley, her tone icy.

I knew I deserved nothing less, but it still hurt. I hated the tension between us, and I hated not being on good terms with her.

"I can leave, if that's what you really want," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

She stood there for a moment, contemplating her options. She finally gestured for me to come in, and turned around, walking into her house. I entered, shutting the door behind me, and followed her into the living room. She plopped down onto the couch, and I sat in the recliner. We were silent for a few moments, just sitting there, starring at the ground.

"Is Aiden around?" asked Ashley, breaking the silence.

"No, why?"

"I noticed his car was parked out front. Why is that?"

"I've been using it for the past few days, since my ride hasn't been around. It's not the same though, I really miss my old ride," I said, getting Ashley to smile for an instant.

"Ash, where have you been? We've been worried sick."

"I know Aiden has. You, on the other hand, have a funny way of showing it," said Ashley with a humorless laugh.

"I know I've been a shitty friend, and I'm sorry. I was just so lost in my own thoughts and feelings that I forgot to think about yours. But can you blame me Ash? I mean, you dropped a huge bomb on me, did you not think it was going to explode and leave a mess?" I asked, trying not to raise my voice.

"I guess I just hoped that it would be a mess we'd clean together, not one that would separate us."

"It hasn't separated us! I'm here because I miss you so much. Things feel so wrong with out you. I want to talk everything through, and I want to fix this. I want us to go back to how we used to be-" I said, but Ashley cut me off.

"That's the fucking problem Spencer, we can't just go back to how we used to be! What we used to be doesn't exist anymore, because I don't just want to be your friend. I want to be so much more than that, and I can't!" said Ashley shooting up off the couch and moving her hands furiously as she spoke.

"So what are you saying, you're just going to walk away from me?" I asked standing up, my tone now full of anger.

Did Ashley really care so little about me that she didn't even want to try and work things out? I couldn't believe this.

"Do you think I want to? Of course not! Spencer, you are the best thing to ever come into my life. The last thing I would ever want to do is walk away from you, but I have to. Because staying is just killing me," said Ashley, her voice cracking.

I was speechless. What was I supposed to say to that? What were you supposed to tell someone who's heart you were breaking? It was then that I realized that I was being selfish in trying to fix our friendship when clearly Ashley no longer just wanted to be friends.

"You should go," said Ashley, wiping a tear from her eye, and turning away from me.

No, this wasn't happening! I wasn't going to lose her, I couldn't! I instinctively grabbed her arm. She turned around to face me, her eyes teary. I hated seeing her like this, especially knowing that I was the cause of her pain.

With out even thinking, I did the one thing that would make her stay, even if just for a moment. I leaned in, and closed the distance between our lips, gently placing mine against hers. As soon as I felt her lips against mine, I was shocked at what I had done. But also shocked by the sparks that ignited deep inside of me.

My hands made their way to her face, and cupped them. Her hands drifted to my waists, and pressed my body as close as it could to hers. Our lips moved as one, and I began to put more force into the kiss. Ashley returned the force, and what started out as gentle was beginning to heat up and get passionate. I soon found my tongue making it's way into her mouth, exploring the unfamiliar territory.

After a few moments, we both reluctantly pulled away, our need for air unfortunately over taking our desire to remain connected. I could feel her hot minty breath against my face as she panted, and I couldn't take my eyes off of the lips which I craved now craved so badly.

"Spencer," breathed Ashley.

"I know Ash, shit just got complicated," I said breathlessly.

Indeed it did.

A/N:

Hey guys! I hope you liked this chapter! I'M SO SORRY FOR UPDATING SO LATE! I've been super busy, and I'm barely home. Next update will be some time soon! Don't forget to comment with your thoughts! Thanks again for reading :)