Sorry for the delay, but on the bright side I've written a few chapters so I'll update every two days. Now I warn you that this chapter will not make many happy campers, but I promise it will get better as things go. Thank you for the reviews everyone. Isebella.E I'm glad that you like my other stories, I'm feeling slightly special now. Everyone's reviews really help with my motivation and I'd thank you all personally, but I'm running out of time with the internet. So thanks again.

The title is from the song 23 by jimmy eat world.

Hope you enjoy

Chapter Eleven: 23

Spencer's POV

It was my turn to decide
I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do
No one else with have me, only you

I've always been one to trust my instincts.

So when the bus driver gave us this bullshit reason for why we had to stop I knew. I knew Aiden had something to do with it. I knew it would be a matter of time before he found us.

Before he found Ashley.

Just thinking of what Aiden might do to her causes my stomach to twist violently. It hasn't dawned on Ashley, the idea that this is all set up.

See that's the good thing about not trusting anyone.

Sometimes you get it right.

Ashley's inside sleeping, she's really tired. I didn't even get to explain the whole story to her when she woke up. As soon as we got our rooms she crashed again. She bought a white shirt from one of the gas stations. It's not flattering, but at least she got rid of that tshirt.

All that blood…

I decided to come outside for some fresh air and that's when I saw it. I would know that car anywhere. I would know that driver anywhere. I don't react, not wanting him to know I see him.

I can't let him get to Ashley.

I have to keep her safe, if nothing else. She's been protecting me for too long and I won't let her die for me.

I'm not worth it.

I stick my hand in my back pocket and that's when I feel the paper. I remember Kyla, the strange brunette that looks like Ashley. The girl who is currently looking for her, who could take Ashley away from this.

I walk around looking for a payphone. Thankfully I find a phone booth and step inside of it. I close the door, positive that Aiden is watching me the whole time. I know this flimsy glass door won't stop him, but it provides some privacy. I have some change left in my pocket and I use it to dial the number.

A female voice picks up on the first ring.

"Hello"

"What are you to her?"

"Who is this?"

"To Ashley…what are you to Ashley?" I hold the receiver as close as possible to make sure I don't miss a word. She must realize who this is because she sighs.

"I'm her sister. My dad is her father" I release the breath I've been holding.

There it is…Ashley has a family.

"Do you know where she is?" I nod my head, but realize she can't see me.

"Bakersfield at a Days Inn near the freeway" I feel a tear make its way down my cheek. "Promise me you'll take care of her"

"Of course…hey I"

"There are people trying to kill her out here. People that will kill her and she'll let them for me. She'll die for me and I can't let that happen okay?" The tears are coming faster and I know soon I won't be able to speak soon. "So you have to come now…right now"

"Okay…" She sounds remorseful which makes me think I sound pitiful.

"She'll be locked in the bathroom of number eighteen"

"You can come with us. I can save you too"

"It's too late for me" I hang up the phone immediately after and step out of the booth. It feels colder outside than it did before. I try to keep my emotions in check so I don't worry Ashley. She's still asleep when I get to the room. Her whole body is sprawled out on the bed and I survey the room for something to help with my plan. I note the chair that's in the corner by the miniature table.

As quietly as possible I go through Ashley's bag and spot her gun. I go to the bathroom and place the gun behind the toilet.

Ashley isn't going to take this well.

I head over to the bed and lie down next to her. She stirs slightly as I caress her cheek. Slowly her eyes flutter open and I throw her a soft smile.

"Hey you", she greets me in her raspy voice. I don't respond with words, instead I lean in and kiss her. She seems hesitant so I become more persistent in my kissing. I run my tongue across her lips and she finally opens up. I waste no time and soon I'm straddling her, kissing her how I wish I would have sooner. I pull away and she looks up confused.

"I want to…uh…take a shower" She raises her eyebrows, still not understanding. "I was wondering…do you want to take one with me?"

"Spencer… I think"

"Nothing sexual, I just want you with me" I look down so she won't see the tears that I know are coming.

"Okay Spence"

"Will you go run the water for me?" She nods her head and gets out of the bed. After a few minutes I hear the water run.

God Ash… I hope you forgive me.

I walk over to the chair in the corner and drag it with me towards the bathroom. I shut the door as quietly as possible and shove the chair under the doorknob. It starts to twist and it's not long before the twisting becomes frantic.

"Spence!" she yells. "Spencer the door is stuck" I finally let the tears fall and I press my hand against the door.

"Ashley…"

"Spencer, open the door!"

"You have to listen to me okay"

"Spence!"

"You have a sister named Kyla" She starts banging on the door. "Your dad has a daughter and they are looking for you. Your sister found me and she's looking for you"

"Spencer, why are you telling me this?"

"You need something solid in your life Ash" I slide down the door, crying more than I did when my parents died. "You need someone that's not me Ash…I'm no good for you" She bangs on the door and it causes me to jump.

"Spence…" she begs. Her desperate pleas rip through my heart. "I just want to be with you" I lean my ear against the door knowing that Ashley is doing the same. "Please…just let me be with you. I don't care if I have a sister…you're my family Spence"

"I can't…I can't do this"

"Spencer" Her bangs grow more and more violent. She's yelling obscenities, but I don't acknowledge them. I need to tell her everything before Aiden comes.

"Aiden's here, he's here for us. If he sees you I know he'll kill you Ash and I could never live with myself if he did. I put a gun in there with you so if anybody who isn't Kyla comes…you kill them. You hear me Ash? You fucking kill them"

"Spence, he'll kill you!"

"No, he won't"

But I'm sure he'll make me wish I was dead.

I hear violent sobs from the other side of the door.

"You will only be in there for a couple of hours. Just promise me something?" She doesn't say anything, but I know she's listening. "Don't come looking for me" I stand up and kiss my fingers before placing them on the door. "Goodbye Ashley"

"SPENCER!" She starts banging again and I grab my bag before walking out of the room. I leave the motel key on the floor in front of the door. I spot Aiden and Madison waiting outside of his car. I walk over to them cautiously.

"Where's Ashley?"

"She left" Aiden doesn't believe me; I can see it on his face. "I told her I couldn't love her" He looks at Madison and then back to me. He lifts his hand and slaps me hard across my face. I can taste blood from my lips.

"If you ever try anything like that again…I'll fucking kill you" His words are like venom. He snatches me by my hair and throws me into the car. "Made me waste fucking gas to come and get you", he mumbles.

I stare out of the window at the motel room that I know holds a heartbroken brunette.