Chapter Eleven

Samantha and Spencer got to the bowling alley before Ashley so they grab their shoes and sat down at their lane. Spencer put on her shoes first and went to the snack bar to get a drink for Samantha and herself. When she got back Ashley was putting on her shoes.

"Hey Ashley, do you want a drink because I can go get you one?"

"Sure thanks."

"I'll go with you." Samantha got up and followed Spencer

Ashley looked up and saw Samantha walking beside Spencer with her hand on her lower back and they were both laughing. She quickly looked away and stared at the pins down the lane.

"Ashley." Ashley looked back over and Spencer was in front of her.

"I forgot to ask you want kind of drink you want."

"Hey Spencer, If this is a couples thing I can go."

"Couple? Why would you say that?"

"You two are just acting really close."

"Don't be silly. What do you want to drink?"

"Sprite."

Spencer walked back over to the snack bar where Samantha was standing. Spencer got Ashley's sprite and walked back with Samantha.

ASHLEY'S POV

Even though Spencer re ensured that her and Samantha were just friends, I couldn't help but feel like a third wheel. Samantha and I would exchange small talk when Spencer was taking her turn and each time Spencer got a strike Samantha would high five her and they would hug after as well. I don't remember why I had agreed to come with them; I guess I was curious as to why if Spencer liked Samantha and Samantha liked Spencer why weren't they together.

Spencer has not stopped smiling since we got here and she has more of a confidence in her than before. I watched as she watched Samantha trying to understand what the situation was. It was my turn so I got up and stood by the ball return while the pins were restacked. I looked back and I saw Spencer grab Samantha in for a kiss and my heart sunk into my stomach. I grabbed my ball and then threw it down the lane, I didn't wait for my ball to return, I grabbed an extra and I threw it down the lane again not caring what score I got. My turn was over so I sat down at the table and stared at the tv screen in front of me.

I felt like I had just lost my best friend, I couldn't even look in Spencer's direction which I think she noticed because her smile faded pretty fast when I sat down.

"I'm going to go ahead and go. This was the last turn right?"

Spencer nod her head and stood up as I did.

"Samantha always a pleasure, Spencer I'll see you at school."

I grabbed my bag, returned my shoes, and walked out of the bowling alley. A few steps behind me was Spencer.

"Wait up Ashley."

I stopped and Spencer walked up to me with a pity smile.

"Why are you mad?"

"I'm not mad Spencer."

"Yes you are, you were looking at Samantha the same way you look at Madison."

"I'm just tired, that's all. I always get moody right after my dad leaves. I'm sorry, I'll see you later.

"Alright, be careful.

I walked to my car and drove home. It so quiet the lightning echoed all through the house. My homework was already done for Monday so I had nothing better to do than channel surf I was watching re-runs of an old sitcom when I dozed off. I caught myself in a nod that woke me up, so I shut off my the tv and went upstairs to my bedroom to sleep.

I wake up from a dream about Spencer that had me running for a cold shower. While I let the water run over me I couldn't help but think about Spencer and this weird hold she has on me. This was the second time I dreamt about her in a sexual way with the effects still present in the morning. I wish that I had a friend to talk to about it but my only friends are or were Spencer and Aiden. I finished my shower then grabbed and apple from the kitchen. I kept thinking that maybe I should talk to Spencer about it just to see what she would think but I wouldn't want to make our friendship weird and then she pushes me away; Samantha was already doing that enough for us. Even though Spencer swears they are just friends I can tell that there is chemistry between them, they are both goofy and like similar things.

I sat at the piano which I use to do when I had something on my mind, and I just started playing. I had not played in a while and I was a bit rusty but it was still a good release. My thoughts started to float away as every note I played danced in the room. Suddenly I feel pressure on the bench beside me and I see Spencer smiling at me. I stopped abruptly.

"Spencer, you scared me. How did you get in?"

"I found the hideaway rock haha, if you want it not to stick out you should probably put more rocks out in the yard. Just saying it's a suggestion."

"You are quite the criminal mastermind Miss Carlin. I have to keep an eye out for you. How long were you knocking?"

"I knocked about five times but I heard the music so I knew you couldn't hear me. Then I tried your sell but that was a long shot as well. I didn't know you played, that was beautiful Ash."

I never liked nicknames but when she called me Ash I felt a tingle in my body that I had never felt before.

Thanks, Spence." I felt as if because she shorten my name that I had to do the same for her. She smiled as she took a seat on the couch.

"I wanted to spend time with you because yesterday you seemed annoyed with Samantha around. I wanted to make sure that we were okay."

"We're fine, it's not Samantha, I like her she's a lot like you in a sense. It's just I've had a million things on my mind and it's starting to stress me out in the worst way."

"Do you want to talk about?"

I didn't know what to say. I just nodded my head no.

"Well I'm always here for you, you know that right. I don't want you to ever feel like you can't talk to me about things. I want to help you out in any way I can."

I smiled at her and just leaned forward and hugged her tight. "I'd be lost without you Spence."