Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Forever Ended Too Soon
Chapter 11: Swim in Silence
Spencer's POV:
I tossed and turned, squirming in the lumpy bed. Sighing, I gave up and lay limp, listening to the calming sound of John's loud snores from next door.
No matter how understanding and caring John was, I still wish I could have went to Ashley's. But things are weird again, and I wonder if they'll ever be the same. I wonder if anything would ever be the same. The thought made me instantly tired, though I found it impossible to sleep.
Hours by hours passed by, and I don't know when God decided to take pity on me, or even if I fell asleep at all. But somewhere between the quiet ticking of the clock, and the rustling of wind outside, I found myself bathed completely in the silent intensity of moonlight. However, the sheen of the moon suddenly grew extremely severe, and a figure walked slowly towards me.
I rubbed my eyes and sat up, trying to make sense of this strange hallucination I seemed to be having.
Wait a minute, I know that flannel shirt and those sparkling gray eyes. I gasped and felt the strange urge to faint.
Dad.
He had an odd happy glow to him, and his hands hung comfortably by his side. Even his grin grew wider, as if he could hear my thoughts.
"Spence," he breathed, and I rushed at him, collapsing into sobs in his arms, breathing in his musky father-y smell. He whispered comforting words into my hair, waiting until I finally quieted down like the patient and kind man he was.
I shook my head and hugged him tighter to me, totally at a loss of words. He just smiled and held me protectively, placing a kiss on the top of my head.
"Look at you," my father said finally, examining me over. "You're—"
"I know, I know, I'm growing up so fast." I rolled my eyes playfully and smirked at him through tears of happiness and surprise. "You haven't changed a bit, have you?"
Grinning gently, he shook his head. "No, but you certainly have," he declared as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You look almost exactly like your mom now."
My face hardened, and I stared deep into his eyes. "I may look like her, but I never want to be like her."
My father nodded understandingly and cupped my face with his rough, warm hands. "Listen, Spence, you don't have to. You're becoming a lovely young lady, but most importantly, your own person. It doesn't matter who you fall in love with, you're lucky to have found love. I taught you never to judge people, and what kind of father would I be if I betrayed my own advice? Sweetie, there's not a thing in the world that could ever make me love you less."
My heart swelled with affection and he embraced me into one of his famous bear hugs I missed so much.
I sighed contently in his arms. "This is just like one of those sappy soap operas Glen secretly watches."
"He still watches those?"
"Unfortunately."
Dad chuckled, and I found myself giving into his contagious laugh.
"Sometimes I wonder about that boy," he sighed and shook his head, smiling eyes shining with endearment. "I really miss you, and Glen too. I wish I could be with you kids, see you get married and have grandchildren, but at least I know you guys still have each other to take care of." He looked at me with such seriousness and love that I thought I would burst with pride. "You were meant to find your own way, Spence. I want you to know that it was never your fault that I'm here in heaven, so promise me you'll stop blaming yourself?"
I nodded with so much joy and honest relief, that tears spilled over my eyelashes once more. "I promise."
He cradled me closely and rubbed my back. "I love you so much, Spence."
"I love you too, Dad." He held me tight for a moment longer, before he gently pried me from him.
"Spence, it's time for me to go. Don't worry about your mother, she'll come around." His eyes twinkled brightly, hiding a secret. "Never be afraid to give into love." He tenderly kissed the top of my head and smiled. "Looks like you have an angel," he whispered as he slowly faded away.
"Wait Dad, please! What does that mean?" I desperately grasped at him, but he was already gone.
I shot straight up, breaking out of my dream and breathing heavily, eyes traveling frantically around the room. I sagged with relief and sadness as I realized it was just a dream. Sinking back, I shifted into my damp pillow and tried falling back to sleep. Hours passed again, and I finally fell into a restless slumber, full of questions and limited answers.
"Spence, you've been pacing around for 20 minutes."
I sighed, "Yeah I know, but I can't decide."
"Then go. You know you can't live a day without seeing her face." I pouted at him and he threw his hands up in surrender. "I'm just saying."
"Well it's true." I sighed again, making him laugh.
"Come on," John said, beckoning with his hand. "I'll give you a ride to her house, `cause I need to pick Halie up anyway."
Smiling, I gave him a small hug. "Thanks for being so amazing."
He shoved his hands in his pockets and grinned. "Don't worry about it, Spence. I'll always have your back… unless Ashley has it." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and I smacked him playfully, cheeks aflame.
John climbed in the car and puffed out his chest. "Do you actually expect that to hurt?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes, hiding a smile. "Just shut up and drive, Macho-man."
He nodded dutifully. "Whatever you say, Rihanna."
I groaned.
Five minutes later, and we were outside of Ashley's mansion. With a kiss on the cheek, John drove away, leaving me a little nervous. I gathered up all my courage and knocked on the door, puzzled when Aiden answered it.
"Hey honeybunches of oats," he greeted happily, wrapping me up in his huge biceps. "I' haven't seen you in a while." He turned around and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Bradley!" he called, "Spencer's here!"
Bradley bounded down the stairs and tore me from Aiden's arms.
"Heya Sunny-D."
I smiled. I love the little nicknames that Aiden and Brad gave me, but I liked Sunny-D a little too much, since it always reminds me of 'Spencer Davies.'
Brad saw my grin and teased, "Ha, she likes my nickname better."
Aiden feigned hurt and stuck out his tongue. "Whatever. She likes me better."
I smiled at them. "Guys, you know I love you both. But Brad, how's the internship going?"
He scratched the back of his blond shaggy head. "Dude, I like love you, but your mom gives me major creeps."
I laughed and sighed sadly. "Yeah, me too. So what brings you guys here?"
"Oh Kyla invited us over last night to… like hang out and we like… fell asleep," Brad piped up quickly.
"Yeah, nothing unordinary…" Aiden added, squirming quite a bit and thinking of last night's… adventures.
"Aiden, quick, do you still have your Bobby DVD?" Ashley asked urgently.
"Hmm? Oh that… yeah. You want to watch it? `Cause I wouldn't argue, his brother is a huge hunk of man candy."
Ashley scrunched up her nose. "Uh ok, but it's not for me. Spence and her mom… fighting…"
Aiden immediately understood and clenched his fists. "If she hurt Spencer in any way, I swear… that woman's gonna get it."
Ashley patted his arm. "I know, I felt the same, but we have to stay calm, I have a plan," she reassured him as she took out the key she had been clutching tightly in her palm.
Aiden smiled eagerly as realization hit him. "Oh!" he squealed. "Do we have to wear all black? Because yesterday I got the best pair of skinny jeans, and Brad said that I would never wear them and then I was like…"
Ashley cut him off. "Yeah, sure. Sorry Aid, but we have to hurry it up. Her mom's heading out again in a few, and I still need to write a letter."
"This is gonna be awesome!" Aiden exclaimed enthusiastically.
Ashley gently grabbed his arm. "Can you promise one thing? Please don't tell Spence." She watched Aiden carefully, knowing he was the worst at keeping secrets.
However, Aiden nodded loyally and saluted her. "I promise."
"Alright, then what are we waiting for?" Ashley grinned evilly. "It's time for Paula Carlin join the dark side."
Brad and Aiden looked everywhere but at me, and I eyed them suspiciously. "Right." They were obviously hiding something but it was no use trying to wring it out of them.
Believe me, I've tried before.
Just then, Kyla emerged from her bedroom, phone in one hand. "Ugh, I just got off the phone with some caterers who won't agree to serve unless they get paid in purple cheese cubes, but who else am I going to get that will serve tomorrow?" Her eyes abruptly drifted to me and she brightened. "Oh hey, Spence. I thought I heard your voice," she remarked, giving me a hug and a warm smile.
"Hey Ky," I smiled back. "Would Ashley be home by any chance?" I asked, trying to be nonchalant.
Kyla shook her head sympathetically. "Nope, sorry Spence. She's with Meghan."
"Oh." I tried not to show any disappointment, but I knew I must have when Aiden went 'awww' at me, and Kyla and Brad made sad faces. Blushing, I quickly said, "No, it's fine, I'd still love to hang out with you guys."
"Awww."
"Guys! I'm serious!" I insisted, flushing a bright scarlet. Brad snickered and Kyla looked thoughtful.
"Spencer, what are you wearing for tomorrow?" she demanded suddenly.
I shrugged. "I'm sure I have something… somewhere."
"Oh please girl, it would be a crime to wear church clothes to a Davies party, even if it is more sophisticated than the usual ones," Aiden stated, giving me a look that said I couldn't win.
"Aiden's actually right. Once we get through with you, Ashley won't be able to keep her hands off," Kyla backed him up and smirked.
I don't think it was even possible for my cheeks to be more enflamed than at that moment.
"Kyla!" I protested, "I'm fine, honestly."
"Oh for god's sake, Spence! Just let us take you. You have two gay guys and a fashion blogger to help you! It really couldn't get any better," Brad pointed out.
I sighed, knowing the battle was completely lost. "Alright then, but just to get a dress."
"And shoes and accessories and makeup," Kyla said faster than I could register.
"But–"
"We're gonna make you look so fetch!" Aiden cut in happily.
"Seriously Aiden? Mean Girls?"
He looked at me innocently and shared a grin with Bradley. "We're trying to bring it back."
I groaned and looked to Kyla, who gave me a not-so-reassuring pat on the arm.
"Chill, Spence, it'll be over before you know it," she soothed.
If that's true, why do I feel like I'm getting a shot at the doctor's office?
A/N: So here it is. This is the chapter before the big party, and I have a feeling you guys are gonna love the next one. Hint, hint ;] I'm sorry this took so long for me to post, you know how high school homework is, even on the weekends :[ Well anyway, I love you guys so much for reviewing, and I'm sorry if it's a bit confusing. I seriously have to give a huge shout out to shawn-n-belle whose awesome comments make me blush like Spencer :] Kisses to the rest of you :] Leave me some reviews? Thanks :]
P.S: The writing in italics is Aiden thinking back to last night. You know, just in case :]
