I woke up to what felt like 6 in the morning. But, when I looked at my phone, it was closer to 8am. I sat up, noticing how the daylight on the scarlet curtain gave the room a crimson tint. I stretched my arms, allowing air to fill my lungs in a morning yawn. Exhaling contently, I felt rested.

I stepped out of bed when I heard something outside. I drew the curtain and noticed Ashley in sweats and a midriff, carefully walking across the roof of the opposing wing. With a tool belt around her hips, she looked like Tim "The Tool-Man" Taylor… but way cuter obviously. She bent down to patch some holes and replace a few shingles.

Suddenly, my phone rang and vibrated in my hand.

Liz Calling…

I hit the talk button. "Hello?"

"Hey honey! I've been trying to call you. Are you okay?" She sounded so concerned, I could practically hear her eyebrows furrow through the phone.

"Yeah," I exhaled, "I'm fine. We got here okay and I was just tired last night. It was a long drive."

"Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure you were alright. You usually respond to my texts pretty quickly."

"Yeah, sorry baby. It was just a long day and I had no energy." I sat on the window seat.

"It's okay, sweetie." She paused. "Did you end up visiting your mom?"

"Yes." I responded so shortly.

"How'd it go?" I was really hoping she wouldn't ask me that question. I didn't want to rehash how I felt, nor could I talk to her about how Ashley and my mom used to be BFFs. So, it meant I had to lie to her…

"I-It went alright." I continued to keep my answers short. "She's doing fine."

"That's good." I felt a bit relieved that my superficial answer was sufficient. "And how are you enjoying Portland so far? Is Ashley taking good care of you?"

"We haven't really had a chance to explore. We got in yesterday evening and there wasn't much to see, but her place is very…" Freakin' HUGE! "…quaint and peaceful."

"Excellent. It should be a nice place for you to focus on your paper cuz God knows I wouldn't let you get anything done if I was there," Liz chuckled.

"Yeah," I smirked.

"Well, I'll let you go and do your thing. I'm actually heading out to my mom's. I'll text you when I get there."

"Okay. Be safe."

"Talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you, too." I placed the phone down. When I looked out the window, Ashley was nowhere to be found.

I looked down and noticed a nice little patio outside by an outdoor fireplace. The brilliance of the potted flowers on the end tables caught my eye. It was a pleasant contrast to the hazy fog lingering around the dark forest of trees that extended behind the house and into the hills. In fact, the entire courtyard between the two wings was perfectly graced with colorful arrangements of flowers.

There was a quiet knock at the door. I immediately stood and lightly glided across the room, brushing my hair down with my fingers and rubbing the crust out of my eyes before opening the door so nonchalantly.

"Morning." Ashley stood there with a tray full of breakfast goods. And I was totally flustered because A) she was armed with that sly smile of hers and it was dangerously pointed at me and 2) peeking behind that bagel with cream cheese, past that bowl of fresh fruit, and beyond that cup of coffee and tall glass of OJ were these utterly perfect abs that only exist in fairytales. She threw on a zip-up, but that only accentuated the sweat that glistened off her torso in all the right places.

It wasn't long before I realized I had been staring with my bulging eyes that I blinked hard and just nodded. No words would come to mind! I didn't know what was happening to me. There were no brain signals traveling over the synapses in my brain, and my vocal cords found themselves tied together. I cleared my throat.

"Like what you see?" She asked.

"What?" I scoffed, somewhat flustered.

Her eyes gazed down at the tray. "I didn't know what you liked. So, I grabbed a combination of stuff." Ashley carefully squeezed her way in, considering I didn't leave her much room in the doorway. She walked over to the sitting area and I heard her place the tray down.

I finally backed up from where my feet were planted, my hand still on the knob. I turned to look at her and figured the brain signals were finally running through my body via delayed reaction.

"I hope you don't mind. I snuck in while you were asleep so I could throw in more wood to keep the fire going." Ashley sauntered back towards me, "If you want something else to eat, I can fire up the skillet and—"

"N-No!" I blurted. My abruptness surprised even myself. "Bagels and fruit are perfect," I replied in a more humane tone as I was determined to keep my eyes on hers.

"Okay," she grinned again and it only made me cringe to delight in her smile as much as I did. "I'm gonna hit the shower now. Enjoy your breakfast." She patted me on the shoulder. This patting thing was becoming a bit common.

I quietly shut the door behind her and leaned against it, trying to gather myself. What was that all about? Why was I being all weird?

I proceeded to eat my breakfast and respond to Glen and Madison's texts. Madison responded with a play-by-play on her night with Jton at Here Bar. Oh, how funny that would be if Madison and Jton hit it off. I laughed to myself. But seriously… I felt happy for her that she was finally moving on from Aiden, and I knew Jton was partly responsible, even beyond decking Aiden.

I suddenly heard a knock at the door. When I went to open it…

"Spence, I—"

I immediately slammed the door. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is Cartesian Dualism at its best. It was a reflex to what I saw on the other side of the door: Ashley in a towel.

I stood frozen.

"Uh… Spence?"

"S-Sorry!" I cracked the door open and stood by it, not really looking at her. "You just… startled me."

"Oh." There was this long, awkward pause while I continued to look away, being the respectful lady that I am. "Well, I just wanted to let you know the shower's free. But, take your time. I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready."

"Preferably clothed." I blinked hard. There go my thoughts again, vomiting out of my mouth without a filter! Argh!

"Yeah," she walked away, laughing to herself. "By the way, you have something on your lip there."

I swatted at my mouth. "What? Cream cheese?"

"Nope," Ashley's voice filled the hallway, "drool." She chuckled.

"I…" really couldn't respond. I shut the door and waited until I was pretty certain she was far and away at the furthest part of this massive estate.

I tiptoed to the end of the hallway and into the spacious bathroom that was practically the size of Madison's master bedroom back home. There were his and hers sinks (or I guess hers and hers sinks), opposite a huge vanity. A sunroof graced the porcelain tub and the shower had dual shower heads. What a wonderful tribute to the art of bathing!

Before I shut the bathroom door, the opened double doors to the room across the hallway caught my eye. It had more windows than wall space really. I walked over and found a library of a room. At the center was a pair of green antique lamps sitting on a large study table. Shelves tightly packed with classics and collections were evenly spaced between the large windows. One book was out of place in this pristine room: The Picture of Dorian Gray.

After I got ready, I packed my laptop and went downstairs to meet Ashley. I walked into the kitchen and saw her packing a knapsack. Tullia was placing a few dishes in the sink when she saw me. Her face lit up as before, her eyes sinking behind those smiling cheeks.

"Good morning!" She walked to me and gave me a big embrace. "It is so good to see you."

"You too, bunica."

"Ahh!" She placed her hands on my shoulders and gave me an approving squeeze. I noticed a brief smirk on Ashley's face before she threw the knapsack over her shoulder. "You learn Romanian. I teach you."

"She's a fast learner." Ashley replied. "Ready to go?" She turned to me.

"Yup!" I wrapped my scarf around my neck and grasped my laptop bag as the brunette led me out into the back courtyard. The air was brisk, but refreshing. We walked past the beautiful garden of flowers I noticed earlier. I admired them as I placed my gloves on.

"So, you slept okay?" Ashley glanced at me as I caught up to her pace. "I forgot to ask earlier."

"Yes, I slept fine. Thanks for asking." I paused. "How about you? Must be nice to be home."

"I actually stayed up and did some reading."

"You're reading Dorian Gray?"

"I see you've found your way to the upstairs study," she chuckled.

I was caught off guard. "Sorry, the door was open and I was just—"

"No! Make yourself at home, by all means." She responded so smugly. "I've read that book so many times. It's my favorite."

"It's definitely a good read." I couldn't help but think that she enjoyed the literature for its parallelism to her own life. Only, I was pretty sure that there was no ugly portrait of Ashley's sins for her to stab and break this so-called curse of hers.

"How are you feeling… with everything that happened yesterday?"

I pursed my lips to the side and let my eyes linger towards the ground.

"It's okay if you don't wanna talk—"

"Cheated." I mumbled. "Not by you though."

She nodded, "I get it."

The silence wasn't awkward, since the sound of our feet on the gravel filled the still air. We continued our walk over the great lawn and its dewy blades of grass until we reached the small stable at the very end.

Ashley unlocked the gate and placed a saddle blanket on this beautiful chestnut Thoroughbred. She untied the horse and slowly walked her out by the reins.

"Spence, meet Maserati."

"She's beautiful!" I reached out to pet her on the nose as she nickered. I continued to rub her jaw bone and long neck as Ashley slowly placed the saddle on her and fastened the cinch. The brunette then placed her foot in the stirrup and mounted the horse before slinking the knapsack over her front side.

"Give me the laptop."

I hesitantly handed the bag to her. "I've never ridden before."

She wore my bag as a sash around her other shoulder. "Great! Now's your chance. C'mon." Ashley extended her hand. "Just place your foot in the stirrup and I'll help you up." I did as she instructed and felt her sturdy grasp on my arm as she lifted me up. She wrapped her arm around to make sure I settled into the saddle okay. "We good back there?" Ashley looked over her shoulder, which my face was practically resting on, what with being pressed up against her like this.

"Yup."

"Okay, hold on tight." I heard the leather reins squeak in her grasp. I hesitated again before gripping her waist. "You gotta do better than that," she chuckled before grabbing both my gloved hands and wrapping them around her stomach. My hands nearly melted off at the feel of Ashley engaging her core.

"Where are we going?" I was partly distracted by the fact that Ashley's hand was still holding mine in place. We began to bounce a bit as Maserati trotted onto the gravel path that led into the forest.

"You'll see." Once Maserati sped up and Ashley was certain I wouldn't let go, she finally grabbed the reins with both hands.

The ride was a smooth one, with the exception of the times I had to really cling onto Ashley while we rode uphill. The dense fog that sat as a shroud among trees made it difficult to see much. Trees would appear out of nowhere, like ghosts in the mist. It wasn't until we were riding further uphill that the fog rescinded a bit. I admired the way the sun would very briefly peek through branches once all the trees made themselves present. Everything was much more vibrant at higher elevation, even though it was still overcast.

The higher we went, the narrower the path became. When it looked like the ground sloped off any which way, Maserati had come to a trotting halt. Ashley held my hand, allowing me to dismount with ease on what seemed like the rim of the world. I stopped to admire the view before us. Freshly blooming trees completely covered the spread before us, now that it was nearing the end of the rainy season. Everything was caked in this lively, but pale green, and it wasn't until I looked up to see a magnificent skyline that I realized how close to the city we were. A few tall buildings peaked over the fog, just as a few blades of grass stood taller than others on this grassy hilltop. The fog was still thick enough to keep Mount Hood out of my sights.

Ashley anchored Maserati before spreading a small, thick blanket over the dewy grass set beneath a large, still tree. I watched as she sat down and leaned on her extended arms, just taking in the scenery before us. She didn't mind our silence, and neither did I.

Soon, I let my feet lead me back to her as I sat on the small square bit of blanket space left. I wrapped my arms around my knees, noticing how the grass was still wet. Ashley leaned against the tree's trunk and I could see the warmth in her sighs. She was comfortingly close.

"This is my spot," she paused. "This is where I come to clear my mind. Anytime I needed absolute silence, I would take Maserati up with me and I would spend entire days up here." Ashley continued to look on as I listed. "It's beautiful in the summer time," she finally turned to me and smiled, "when I would lie beneath this tree and stare at Mount Hood, imagining someone was on that mountain staring right back at me." She laughed to herself, "I used to have full-on conversation with Mount Hood."

I smiled back, enjoying this candid moment that I believed she hadn't shared with anyone else.

"I don't know why," she smirked, looking back towards the hidden mountain. "But, I guess it made me feel less lonely, having something to talk to."

"Have you ever been to Mount Hood?"

"Nah, I haven't climbed a mountain since I worked with the Sherpa on Everest."

"Mount Everest?"

"No, Everest College," she laughed in her sarcasm. "Yes, Mount Everest. I went to Nepal after Tibet and we would help expeditionists climb to the summit, providing them canisters of oxygen and helping those with mountain sickness."

"How many times have you climbed Mount Everest?"

"I've been on 52 expeditions. It was really a humbling experience, but I kinda had to stop after a few years. People started to get suspicious, seeing as how the altitude, the cold, or the lack of oxygen didn't really faze me."

I continued gawking at her speechlessly, my mouth agape.

She nudged me to snap me out of my apparent trance. "Anyways, I won't bore you with the details." Ashley's eyes panned down to my laptop bag. "You came to hear about the Dalai Lama, right?"

"Oh," I glanced down and pulled my Macbook out, "yeah."

"After Tuscany, something changed in me. I had no regard for anything or anyone… not even myself." It clicked in my head that something went awry in Tuscany that caused Ashley to leave. "I had no respect for people because I knew I was untouchable. And since I had no real purpose in life anymore, I decided to make one for myself – I became a thief. I made my way through all of Europe, living off the riches I stole from the aristocrats."

"And you never got caught?"

"Had a few close encounters, but never got caught. I'd always escape to another country whenever people would get suspicious." Ashley paused to pick a few blades of grass next to the blanket. "It was nearly an entire century later that I stumbled my way to Tibet. It was much different than any other country I had ever been to. The people were a lot more humble. No one really boasted about their belongings, but at the time, I thought I had known better. I still went through the villages to see what I could loot. But I didn't realize I was going to meet the Dalai Lama, which changed my life forever."

I began to take notes as Ashley continued her story…

I peeked through the slats of a wooden window, from where I was standing on a stack of crates outside someone's home. The rain was pouring and I knew it would help drown out the sounds of my burglary. I felt a firm tug on my clothes and immediately turned to see a peasant man.

"Hey, what are you doing?" He said in Tibetan.

I wasn't sure what to tell this poor man. So, I made up an excuse. "Looking for food, sir," I responded in the native language.

"If it's food you're looking for, come with me to my home and my wife will feed you." He gestured for me to come down.

My initial instincts were to run away, knowing I was too good for anything a peasant could offer me. But, then I started to feel something – pity. I felt sorry for the true beggar who was in muddy sandals and torn clothes, standing in the pouring rain, trying to convince me not to steal. Perhaps there was something I could offer this man.

I agreed to go with this beggar named Kunga Rinchen. We treaded our way down to the lower parts of the village that sat on the rice terraces. However, the bottom parts close to the river were prone to flooding. Those were the areas only the peasants could afford to live. The houses were just shack-like shelters. The walls were made of rough stones of various shapes and sizes, with straw or wood for roofing.

We entered his small home that did not smell any different than the mud caked on our feet. His wife, named Lobsang Dolma, got up from the cot she was resting on. I was immediately humbled to the woman who was with child, but did not hesitate to greet me and put on a pot of cheap tea for us.

The peasant couple was curious about my background and I shared with them that I was from the west. They took particular interest in the fact that I had spent a few years in Russia and spoke the language fluently. They were amazed of my travels and never really questioned how someone who appeared to be young could have traveled to many countries, when it would seemingly take a lifetime back then. The couple had fed me the remainder of their rice porridge with vegetables; they did not have money to buy meat. Although I did not need it, I could not insult them by not taking the food they graciously gave me. I offered to share it with them and they were grateful that their selflessness had been paid back to them. They would gladly give anything if it meant that I would stop stealing, especially from a humble nation. They had also offered their home as shelter.

By daybreak, I ventured out to buy plenty of beef and mutton from the market. I came back to the peasant couple to thank them for their hospitality. Their eyes lit up and they never questioned how I got my hands on so much of it, as if they knew I didn't steal it. I'll never forget that look in their eyes. I began to realize that there was a higher, more humbling purpose in life. I stopped stealing and started to work for my earnings. Ever since then, they began to call me "deva," which meant "a supernatural being" in the Tibetan language.

I had left Tibet to venture east again and returned a year later after Lobsang gave birth to a boy, Thubten Gyatso. That year, 1877, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and he was escorted to Lhasa, where one of the Buddhist temples were. I was proud to have met the parents of the Dalai Lama and thought that that would be the last I'd see of them, but they'd asked me to come back again when he was older so that I could teach their son English. When Thubten turned 6 and was ordained as a novice monk, I returned to Tibet. I tutored him in English and Russian for a few years. It was then that I learned how bright he was at such a young age.

We were studying in the garden one Spring afternoon and he had asked me what I thought about the feuding British and Russian Empires. He was years from assuming political and spiritual authority of Tibet, but was already briefing himself on the politics and threats of surrounding countries.

"The politics of either of these warring empires does not spark particular interest in me, young monk. But, if I were in your position, I would be the aggressor and strike the first empire that nears Tibet's borders in order to show the world that this nation is not one to be reckoned with," I said. He sat there with a stoic look, quietly pondering what I had said. "But of course, that is just my own opinion. I know nothing of the matter."

"You have traveled the world, teacher. Yet, you know nothing of it." He spoke up as I swallowed hard. "There is an emptiness about you that is so clear as day." Thubten read me like a book. "Is it true you are a thief? Is it true that you steal to fill the void in your soul?"

"I did steal… in another life."

"You were not reincarnated."

"I meant… during the time before I had met your parents." I corrected myself.

"Rather, you are reborn day after day," he also corrected himself. "And each day is as empty as the last." Thubten noticed my uneasiness and reverted back to the subject at hand. "To strike your opponent first is rash… for every action in this world has a reaction. The world functions on cause and effect. With two warring empires, there will be a lesser and a greater. Eventually, one empire will be the victor over the other, but this is nothing our nation should concern ourselves with. To strike first and try to lead Tibet as an aggressor will only create imbalance… and destruction."

"And what would you do instead? Allow one of the two to conquer Tibet?"

"Conquering land is futile. Kingdoms come and go, and yet the land is still there. Do these kingdoms take the land with them when they are reincarnated? No." He paused. "What cannot be conquered is what is within. Let the world worry about the world, but within yourself find your own purpose and fulfillment."

"Spoken like a true Dalai Lama." I smiled. "May your reign be a peaceful one."

"It is not too late for you."

"For me… to what?"

"To find purpose that can fill you with insurmountable peace and satisfaction. I can show you."

Thubten was a mere teenager when he had changed the life of an ancient like me. From then on, I continued to teach him English and Russian, and in return, he gave me a new life… one I could be proud of. Half the days were spent studying, and the other half were spent in meditation. He would share Tibetan Buddhist principles and beliefs with me, enlightening me on my sense of self and opening my eyes to how the world does and does not affect me.

Just before he assumed authority in Tibet, it was time for us to part ways. I went back westward to Nepal, now with this new sense of self and purpose. I felt like I was looking at the world through a new set of eyes and I could easily discern the relationship every element in this world had with me. I continued my spiritual journey and meditation during the most humbling experience of working on Mount Everest.

While working with the Sherpa, I caught wind that the Dalai Lama initiated peaceful negotiations with Czarist Russia and survived both British and Chinese invasions within a decade of his reign, only to come out of it as an even more powerful authority. When news caught on that the Manchu force wished to overtake Tibet, the Dalai Lama went into hiding in India. Again, he initiated negotiations with Lu Chan, the Manchu force's General. Though negotiations failed, the Tibetan army overthrew the Manchu Dynasty and the Dalai Lama returned to Tibet. After proclaiming Tibet's independence, he sought to modernize his nation and make the monastic system less oppressive. He was a great leader… surely ahead of his time.

"So, you're Buddhist?" I asked the brunette.

"I'm a blend of many things." Ashley responded, "I can't really categorize myself. But, I would say I am spiritual, and if it weren't for the Dalai Lama, I would not have known about spirituality."

I finished typing up notes and formulating the structure of my paper. This was good stuff! I could see Maslow's hierarchy in the way the Dalai Lama had lived his life… and how his beliefs had transferred over to the brunette.

By now, the would-be sun was getting ready to set and the overcast clouds were growing a bit darker. Building and street lights began to illuminate the city in preparation of night.

Ashley reached in her bag, silently pulling out a small jar of Nutella and some crackers. "Snack?"

"Sure." I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen as I typed away furiously. "Let me just get this down."

The brunette spread the dark cream over a cracker and turned towards me. "Open."

"Huh?" I muttered, with my eyes still on the screen. I was suddenly caught off guard when she shoved the cracker in my mouth. "Agh!"

Ashley chuckled to herself. "Isn't it yummy?"

"Ha, hanks." I mumbled as I rolled my eyes at her. I munched on the cracker. It was definitely sweet and delicious. I reached for a cracker and dipped it in the Nutella jar. "Your turn." I held it up to her, but when she turned her head, the Nutella got on her cheek and the cracker fell on her sweater.

Ashley had this incredulous look on her face as I just about fell over in laughter. "This isn't a good look for me, Spence."

"I'm so sorry," I giggled, putting my laptop away before I proceeded to swipe at her face with my sleeve. "I didn't mean to do that!"

"I can tell by your laughter that you're really sincere," Ashley snickered in sarcasm. She looked me dead in the eyes as I continued to smirk profusely. The brunette's look turned indifferent as I continued to wipe her down… right until she smacked me on the side of the mouth with a glob of Nutella… and topped it off by sticking a cracker right against it. She nearly rolled down the hill from laughing so hard.

"Oh, it's on now!" Just as I reached for the jar, I felt a droplet hit my forehead… and yet another hit my cheek. Ashley's laughter died down as her eyes turned toward the sky.

"Uh oh," she slowly stood up. "We should get going now."

I noticed her haste as I wiped the precipitation… and the Nutella… from my face. "It's just a droplet or two. Don't get all flustered over it!"

"Rain in Los Angeles is not like rain in Portland, Spence."

She was right… when it rains, it pours! I immediately jumped up and tucked my laptop bag in my jacket to shield it from the rain that quickly began pouring down and slapping the ground around us.

"Hurry! Get on Maserati!" Ashley hollered from where she was gathering our picnic items. I hobbled onto the saddle whilst clenching my jacket closed over my laptop. And believe me, ladies and gentlemen, when I say that that was not an easy task. "Anchors away." The brunette effortlessly jumped on behind me.

I looked over my shoulder. "Shouldn't you be in front, steering this thing?"

Ashley chuckled, "It's not difficult, Spence! No more than... driving a Maserati."

I rolled my eyes, "Har har."

"Well, are you gonna grab the reins or should we just soak in this torrential downpour?"

She had a good point. I grabbed the reins with one hand, protecting my laptop with the other. I felt those strong hands that I didn't even realize were resting on my hips, move around me and take a firm hold of the reins. Ashley signaled Maserati to proceed and we were quickly on our way down the mountain.

"Gently pull the reins so she knows to go left down this small ravine." Ashley directed. I did as she said and Maserati obediently responded. "See? Nothing to it."

Oh yeah. I'm totally feeling like a cowgirl here. I chuckled to myself, amused by my first horse ride. This must be what little kids feel like when they go on their first pony ride.

For the most part, I squinted through wet tendrils and kept my face down, letting water droplets drip down the tip of my nose and lips. After all, I was sitting front and center, facing the blunt of the stormy weather we were riding against. Ashley, on the other hand, kept her eyes forward. She repositioned her hands on the reins to get a better grip, and with the way Maserati was trotting, it only made me lean into her further. The only thing louder than the rain was the sound of our shallow breaths dissipating in the cold air.

We finally reached refuge from the storm when we trotted into the stable. Ashley instructed me to gently pull back on the reins, as Maserati came to a slow halt. The brunette brushed wet locks out of her face before dismounting. I handed her my laptop before I began to dismount. As I swung my leg around, I didn't realize that my jeans got caught in the stirrups. I yelped in midair, only expecting to meet the hard ground. But I was caught by surprise… or rather, caught by Ashley.

"Wow," the brunette chuckled, "I didn't know that all it took was a horse ride to get you to fall for me."

"Oh please." I scoffed, simultaneously shaking my leg loose from the stirrup. "I'm a total klutz. You've witnessed this firsthand."

"Oh yes." Ashley put me down. "From shelves to sink tops. I almost forgot." She smiled slyly as she picked up my laptop bag and slung it over her shoulder. Ashley proceeded to unfasten the cinch and take the saddle off. "By the way, I was just joking about the falling for me bit."

First she's a flirt, now she's a tease. I didn't know what to make of what she was saying. All I knew was the kid in me wanted to get her back for her smart ass ways… and Nutella shenanigans.

I immediately reached for the picnic blanket and made a run for it, giggling like a little schoolgirl while I shielded myself from the rain. As my feet were doused in mud puddles from every step I took across the gravel path, I turned to jog backwards. I noticed a somewhat dazed-turned-amused Ashley quickly lock the gate and run after me.

"Wow," I yelled from across the field, "It doesn't take much for you to chase a lady, now does it?"

"You? A lady?" She bellowed in laughter before she sprinted. I turned and ran just as fast, still giggling as I held the blanket over myself.

We both made it back to the patio door at the same time, out of breath, soaked and laughing at our ridiculousness. I raised the blanket over her as she fished for the keys.

"Thanks! I was afraid I was gonna get wet there." Ashley replied sarcastically between breaths. I laughed. "You're not as fast as you think you are, Spencer Carlin."

"Well, you're not as smooth as you think you are, Ashley Davies." I smirked as she let us in. She had this reserved look in her eyes, like I had exposed something about her. But she continued to smile at me, as she handed over my laptop.

"That was fun."

"Yeah," I chuckled, "I can't even remember the last time I laughed so hard." I could feel my heartbeat finally regulate itself.

"Me neither," she smirked.

"Thanks… for today." I gave her a closed lip smile.

"Yeah, don't mention it." Ashley's eyes diverted down to the floor and around our feet.

I followed her glances to the mud trail we made. "Oh, crap…"

"Don't worry about it. I'll clean it up." She lifted her eyes. "You better go dry off before you get sick."

I marched up the grand steps to my room in the east wing, apologizing with every muddy step I took. Ashley just shook her head at me, chuckling at my silly antics as she walked up the steps after me but went towards the opposing wing.

After I had cleaned up, I felt my tummy rumble. I went downstairs to see what Ashley was up to, but when I peeked in the kitchen, Bunica was cooking by herself. I went back into the foyer and noticed Ashley had cleaned up our muddy tracks. There was a fuzzy hallway light shining from behind the semi-translucent curtains that covered the entrance to the west wing. Like a fly drawn to light, I went to explore out of curiosity.

I walked up the steps towards the plastic curtains, slowly pulling them aside to see what was on the other side… maybe the Wizard of Oz? Who knows? The hallway looked similar to the east wing, aside from the obvious construction work in progress. There were some tools and ladders laying on the side, and random buckets catching droplets of water from the roof. The first door to my right was cracked open and an even brighter light illuminated from inside.

"Ash?" I gently knocked on the door. Upon hearing no response, I allowed myself in and noticed it was a splitting image of my room, with its crimson drapes and plush window seat. Near the fire place and study was a vast bookshelf with an array of alluring items.

I walked in further, looking at the items on the shelves and gently running my fingers over them: first edition books, foreign vases and relics, vintage musical instruments. Artifacts kept intact really. There was even a photograph of Ashley on Mount Everest with a bunch of climbers and Sherpa. She was easy to spot, considering she was the only one without an oxygen mask. My eyes continued to pan the bookshelf until a small conch shell caught my eye. As I lifted it from its place, I heard a metal object fall from the shell and strike the hardwood floor beneath my feet. I bent down and picked up what looked to be a simple wedding band. I suddenly heard Ashley's footsteps slowly creep up behind me as I stood. I was waiting for her to ask what I was doing in her room, but she fell silent.

"You were married."

"Once, yes." I could hear her swallow hard. "Before Tuscany, there was Paris."

"What happened in Paris?"

I could feel her breath against the back of my neck and knew she hesitated. "There, I met Jean-Luc, a French aristocrat. He was sweet, loving and caring. I'd intended to spend the rest of my existence or his life with him… you know, whichever ended first. But there was just one caveat: Jean-Luc wanted children. We tried, and he seemed very supportive at first. But after realizing that I couldn't bear kids, he left me… he had me thrown off his estate and left me with nothing. That's when I learned just how deep the curse could cut me. Not only did I lose my family, but I'd also lost any possibility of making my own."

I crumpled my eyebrows, sympathizing for the burdens she's carried. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

"It's… it's nothing to be sorry about. Things happen for a reason."

"And what happened in Tuscany?"

"Well, while I was with Jean-Luc, I was having an affair with our housekeeper, Véronique. As my relationship with Jean-Luc diminished, my friendship and eventual relationship with Véronique grew stronger. She left for Tuscany with me where we stayed a few years. It was the first time I'd thought that I could put up with what I was. We enjoyed the subtle moments of life, just living in the countryside."

"Was she the reason you left?"

Silence.

And the silence persisted longer than I felt bearable. My heart began beating faster and for a second, it's all I could hear ringing in my ears.

"When I told her what I was, she couldn't bear the thought of aging while her lover remained young and immortal. She left me, kicked me to the curb like I was nothing to her. That was the first and last time I felt I could ever…" Ashley cleared her throat, interrupting herself. "It's moments like those when you realize who is true to you."

Ashley remained within such proximity. At that moment, I felt heartbroken for her. I'm sure her life has had its ups between its downs, but I felt incredibly sad for her. I felt this indescribable urge to turn and hold her close to me… to comfort her and let her know that I (of all people) understood exactly how she felt. How I had been acting towards her because of my own suspicions finally sank in for me. I wanted more than anything to tell her that she didn't have to question my trust because I wouldn't betray her like that… not now or ever.

Before I could do just that, she turned and proceeded to sit down at the adjacent leather chair. I swallowed hard and realized the opportunity had passed. I resolved to placing the ring back where I'd found it.

"I don't know what to say." I divulged my thoughts.

"It's okay. I'm not looking for a response." She quietly rested her hands in her lap as she lost her gaze, perhaps in thinking about her past.

I continued to stare at her before my feet succumbed to some subconscious intent to be closer to her again. Ashley then looked up at me as I extended my hand and gently tugged at her sleeve.

She looked confused, but somehow knew what was on my mind. The brunette slowly rose to her feet with a stoic look behind her eyes. The second our eyes met, there was something else behind them that I couldn't pinpoint… a look perhaps pleading for mercy? I didn't understand it. I just wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly, carefully avoiding skin contact. I guess after realization set in, she returned the gesture. I took guilty pleasure in allowing her to run her hands up and down the small of my back for a little bit. When I cleared my throat and proceeded to let go, she only let loose for a little bit. There was much hesitation in the way she gripped my waist.

"Thank you."

I raised a brow in curiosity. "For what?"

"I have never spoken of that part of my past with anyone before, not even Tullia." She paused. "You have no idea how relieving that was."

"I'm just returning the favor." I smiled before realizing how natural my hands felt resting on her shoulders. I glanced at her face and watched her eyes flutter a bit before she gawked at my lips.

Suddenly, there was a knock.

"Dinner is ready." Tullia yelled from the other side of the door. Ashley let go as I took a short step back, not knowing where to place these moments in which I feel she is telling me something that I may or may not want to know.

"Mulţumesc." Ashley yelled back before turning to me. "Shall we?" She gestured towards the door.

"I-I have to… um…" I paused as I placed a hand on my forehead, trying to gather my composure. "I forgot that I have to call Liz." I grabbed my cell phone from my pocket. "It'll just take a moment. She hasn't heard from me since this morning."

"Okay, take your time." The brunette responded quietly before she politely left the room.

I dialed Liz's number and held the phone to my ear as I watched the door close.

"Hey sweetie."

"Hi!" I genuinely smiled, now realizing how much I'd missed my girlfriend. But part of me felt shameful for something I couldn't even define. "How are you?"

"I'm alright. Mom's taking it rough, though. I'm really worried about my grandmother." I could hear her somber tone.

"I'm sorry to hear that, babe." I paused, not sure what to say to make her feel better. "I will hope for the best."

"Thanks. Your thoughts mean a lot." I heard someone speaking in the background. "Mom says 'hi' by the way. She appreciates your support. We both do."

"Of course. I'm here for you."

"So, how are things over there?"

"Good. We were able to finish my paper this afternoon."

"That's great news, honey! I'm sure you'll get an A."

"I hope so. Takes two of us to write as well as you." We both laughed.

"I miss you. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. We'll leave early tomorrow morning. So, we should be back by the evening."

"I can't wait."

"Me neither." I paused. "I'm gonna go eat dinner now. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, sweetie. I love you."

"Love you, too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I grabbed one of Ashley's hoodies to wear. The hallway was very dim, cold and eerie. All I could hear was the faint shuffling of my feet against the hardwood before I reached the first floor. As I made my way across the foyer and into the well-lit dining room, I could hear Tullia and Ashley speaking Romanian as they both set the table. Tullia was the first to notice me at the entry way.

"Come. Sit!" Tullia gestured for me to take the seat across from Ashley.

"Poftă bună!" The brunette smiled as she took her seat.

Tullia chuckled, patting her on the back. "Your Romanian is still good."

"Of course!"

"Ashley says 'bon appétit,'" Tullia translated before serving our plates with cornmeal and feta, a veggie medley, and some beef gulas.

"Thank you," I smiled. I'd never had Romanian food, but it smelled delicious. Ashley and I both dug in as Tullia watched intently. It tasted as great as it smelled. "Mmm," I mumbled as I chewed my food.

Tullia's cheeks grew plump as she smiled ecstatically. "You like?"

I swallowed. "This is delicioius. Thank you, bunica!"

She patted me on the back and made her leave.

I turned to Ashley, "How do you like your meal?" I quietly enjoyed another mouthful.

"Hmm," she shoveled some food in her mouth, gently wiping with her napkin as she chewed and swallowed. "To be honest, I can't taste it."

"What?"

"I haven't known the taste of food or drink since… you know." She paused. "I could go without actually."

"So, why do you eat then?"

"Because it's the polite thing to do when you have company." Ashley smiled.

I nodded, "Thank you for that."

"Actually, I'm wrong. Your hodge podge was the first thing I'd tasted since sturgeon and boiled vegetables."

"Well, there's a plus," I pointed my fork back and forth between us, "to whatever this is."

"And what is 'this?'" The brunette raised a brow.

"This effect we have on each other." I thought it was obvious what I was referring to, but I noticed her lingering gaze for me to elaborate. "You know… my inability to read your thoughts and you feeling sick around me?"

"Right." She nodded abruptly, turning her eyes downward to her plate.

"What'd you think I was talking about?"

"Nothing." Ashley shrugged it off.

After our meal, we did the dishes together… mostly because I didn't want to walk upstairs by myself. She led the way fearlessly. Suddenly, Ashley stopped in her tracks halfway up the staircase.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We ran out of firewood this morning." She paused. "I need to go get some." Ashley turned to walk down the steps.

"Don't be ridiculous." I grabbed her arm. "It's late."

Ashley shook her head with a look of concern. "It's gonna get cold, Spence."

"So? I'll pile on the blankets."

"Alright," the brunette turned and made her way back up the steps, "suit yourself."

Ashley grabbed some extra linen from the linen closet in my room and spread it across the vast bed. I proceeded to take off the hoodie I borrowed from her room. When her eyes met mine, I silently held the hoodie to her. She took it in her hands and proceeded to put it back on me.

I laughed as she twirled around me and pulled my other arm through the sleeve.

"You're gonna need it." She smirked as she stood in front of me, slowly zipping the hoodie up. "Besides, I don't mind you wearing my clothes." Her slightly dilated eyes watched keenly until they met mine again. I felt somewhat uncomfortable, feeling a bit exposed in her sights, but I boldly gazed back at her, curious on what she might be thinking at that moment.

Ashley briefly licked her lips, stepping towards me. I quietly gasped as she reached around me, her eyes still piercing mine. My eyes panned to her hand, which grasped the comforter and slowly pulled it back. I didn't bother to look back at her, now realizing my impulsive desires were betraying my heart.

"Goodnight, Spencer." Ashley said softly before turning towards the door and leaving me to drown in my own confusion and internal hysterics. I stood alone in the silence of such a vast room, but couldn't feel anymore claustrophobic in my own thoughts.

I started to really question whether I was being naïve in thinking that her intentions were strictly platonic. I mean, if she really is just a friend, there shouldn't be anything to question, right? Like… I know Madison and I are strictly platonic and the lines are drawn very clearly… as are with everyone I would regard as a friend. If that's the case with Ashley, there should be no doubt in my mind that she's just a friend, and it should be absurd of me to think that she has any remote feelings for me. But, for some reason, that line between platonic and… non-platonic… was getting blurrier and blurrier the more Ashley showed me her layers… layers that I doubt anyone else had seen. I want to, with all my might, deny my attraction to her, but denying it wouldn't change the fact that I am.

She's beautiful… not because she's gorgeous (that's a plus), but because deep down inside, I cannot deny this unspoken bond we have. We just get each other… and it happened so quickly and so effortlessly.

My thoughts sent me spiraling, but the bottom line is… I will never act on this because I am in love with Liz, yes I am. We've got a great thing going and I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that… nor would I hurt her the way Melinda had done to me.

I killed the lights and slid into bed, the cool sheets feeling like ice against my skin. My teeth chattered as I assumed fetal position, waiting for my bodily warmth to take over. I tossed and turned for a bit, and I even tried creating friction, but to no avail. What felt like hours of coldness were actually much less than that.

I got up with one of the sheets wrapped around me and waddled my way into the hallway. The only light in the house was illuminating from the study where I was sure to find a certain brunette… and sure enough, I found her reading the book that was out of place. I cleared my throat because I didn't know what else I was supposed to do. Ashley gazed at me once more with those daunting eyes.

"You're right," is all I mustered up to say with tired eyes. "It's freezing."

She placed the book down without hesitation and made her way towards the doorway. "I'll go get you some firewood."

I grabbed her arm again. I wasn't sure what I was doing, but the delirium of being tired just took over my rationale. "Actually… I know this would be much to ask from you, so please feel free to say 'no,' but—"

"Would you like me to keep you warm?" She took the words right out of my mouth.

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble?"

"Of course not," Ashley mumbled. "That's what friends are for." Her words threw me for another loop. I get the girl 100%, especially when it comes to her sharing her past and who she is. I get that. But for some reason, I cannot seem to pinpoint what she may think or feel towards me. Just when I'm certain I know how she feels, she plants seeds of platonic doubt in my mind.

I slid back into my ice bed and made myself comfortable before the brunette slipped in after me. I faced my back to her and snuggled up to a pillow as I felt her inch closer until she cradled my body with hers.

"Thanks Ash." I whispered.

"No problem." She whispered back.

Her soothing warmth lulled me into gradual and much needed sleep.

Sometime in the middle of the night, I woke to find my face buried in her neck and my arm draped around her side. Ashley's arm was also laced around my exposed waist, her hand resting on the small of my back. But by her stillness, it didn't seem she minded one bit. I took comfort in her quiet sighs and steady heartbeats, realizing that the coldness I felt had been replaced with this unexplained burning coming from within.