Toby's POV
That night, the nurses allowed me to stay with Spencer passed visiting hours. Spencer wanted me to lay in bed with her, so she peeled back the sheet and allowed me to climb in. Not long after I laid down, Spencer fell asleep with her body curled up against mine. Since the bed is so small, Spencer was practically laying on top of my body. I didn't mind. I like having her close, plus, she's as light as a pillow.
I must've dozed off at some point during the night. When I closed my eyes, it was 3:39 AM, and then when I opened them back up, it was 5:45 AM. I woke up to the sound of Spencer's steady breathing. Her chest was rising up and down slowly like it normally does when she sleeps. While she was sleeping, I ran my hand down the side of her face where it's still slightly red and purple from being smacked around by Brice. I followed the trail down her face with my lips. This caused her to stir. She buried her face into my chest before blinking her eyes. She stayed like that for a minute or two then glanced up at me without moving her head. It's now 6:04AM and the first sign of light is starting to show from outside her hospital window.
I kissed her softly on the forehead and said, "Hey."
"Hey," she replied in a raspy whisper.
"How did you sleep?"
"Okay, I guess," she said. "Did you get any sleep?"
"A little," I shrugged.
"Don't you think you should?"
"And miss out on seeing your beautiful face?"
She smiled and hid her face again.
"How much time do we have?" she asked.
I almost didn't hear her because her voice was muffled into my white t-shirt.
"Time for what?" I asked.
She looked at me and said, "Until you have to go back."
I sighed and said, "I don't know."
There's something to think about. I almost forgot that the cops would be coming back for me. Not only am I going back to prison, they want to send me to a prison facility in Maine. I'm with Spencer now, but I won't be for long. The cops could be coming in any minute to take me. But I promise that as soon as I'm released, I will find my way back to her. I will always find my way back to Spencer.
9:45AM
"Okay, Spencer," Doctor Weller said. "It seems like you've made a full recovery and you seem to be getting better by every passing second. Your wounds are healing beautifully and those stitches can come out in a couple of weeks."
"So, I'm good to go home?" Spencer asked.
Doctor Weller nodded and said, "yes, I think you're safe to go home. I'll call in your nurse and have you discharged, but be patient. Sometimes the discharging process can take awhile ."
"Thank you, Doctor," she said.
The doctor left the room, so it was just me, Spencer, and a few of her friends. Only Aria, Hanna, and Emily came by. Jason would be meeting us back at Spencer's apartment.
"Did you hear that Spencer?" Emily said. "You get to go home."
Spencer smiled, "Good. I can't wait to get out of here."
"I bet," Aria said.
"But I'm kind of scared to go home," she admitted.
"Spencer, you don't have to worry about Brice or Mr. Cavanaugh coming after you," Hanna said. "They've been taking care of."
"I know, but I'm still scared."
Aria put a comforting hand on her shoulder and said, "If you want the three of us can take turns staying with you until you feel okay staying home."
"I'd like that," Spencer said.
I feel a lot better knowing that Spencer's friends will be around to protect her, but I would feel even better if I could be there. Being away from her is going to be hard, but I have to face my punishment. I've made a lot of mistakes and it's time for me to pay for them. No more running or fighting. It's time to be a man and face the time for my crimes.
At 11:00 AM, Spencer was released from the hospital. Hanna drove us all back to Spencer's apartment. When we got to her apartment building, a cop car was parked in one of the parking spaces. I got out of the car first, then helped Spencer step out. The doors to the cop car opened and closed. I turned around and saw Jason along with another officer who had short, brown, thick hair, broad shoulders, light tan skin, and soft brown eyes. Spencer linked her arm with mine and I wrapped my free arm around her waist. We both know what this means.
"Tobias Cavanaugh," the dark-haired cop said. "I'm Officer Garrett Reynolds and I'm here to escort you back to a prison in Maine."
"For how long?" I asked.
"The judge liked what you did in order to save your girlfriend and you helped us catch a wanted criminal that we've been chasing down for years. You were originally going to jail for twenty years, but the judge revoked it to ten years."
"Could you please give me a minute with her?" I asked.
Officer Reynolds nodded and walked away with Jason.
"Spencer, we'll be inside," Aria said.
Spencer nodded and watched her friends take the stairs up to her apartment. The girls are all inside and Garrett is standing over on the corner talking to Jason. We kind of is alone. I turned to face her and she already had tears in her eyes.
"Don't cry," I said.
"I'm not," she sniffled.
"Well, you're about to."
"So, I'm going to miss you."
"Hey," I pressed two fingers under her chin and tilted her head up. "You know I love you, right?"
She nodded. I pressed a soft kiss upon her lips. What started out as an innocent kiss turned into a long fiery kiss. Spencer leaned up on her tiptoes and looped her arms around my neck. I held my hands around her waist and nibbled on her bottom lip a little. Spencer pulled away from the kiss to take a quick deep breath then reconnected our lips for another long kiss. After a few good minutes, we unwillingly pulled away.
My face was damp from Spencer's tears. She wasn't the only one crying. My eyes teared up a bit too. Who could blame me? I'm going to prison and I won't see Spencer for a whole ten years. That's a long time especially for two people in love.
"I promise as soon as I'm free I will find my way back to you," I said.
"You better or I will hunt you down."
I smiled and said, "If there's anyone who could do that, I'm sure it would be you."
She gave me a sad smile.
"Promise to write me when you can," she said.
"Of course."
"I love you," she said.
"I love you too, so much."
I leaned down and kissed her softly. This time our kiss was short and sweet. When we pulled away, I used my thumb to wipe the stray tears off her face. I kissed her cheek once then finally managed to removed my arms from around her. Jason and Officer Reynolds walked back over. Spencer's friends are now standing on the top step outside of Spencer's apartment.
"I'm ready," I said to the officer.
Officer Reynolds nodded and said, "If you would cooperate nicely and make your way towards my car, I think we'll be able to do this without the handcuffs."
I kissed the top of Spencer's head then made my way towards the officer. Garrett opened the back door for me and allowed me to slide in. Once I was all the way in, he shut the door then circled around to the drivers side. As we drove by, I looked out the window at Spencer. Her friends were comforting her and I could see the crystal droplets streaming down her face. I kept watching as Spencer appeared to get smaller and smaller. I looked back until she was out of sight. Then I looked forward and felt my own tears streaming down my face.
General POV
Dear Spencer,
Well, it's day 10 out of 3,650 days. That means I'm closer to my release date. It's only been ten days and I miss you like crazy. I can't wait to get out of here and get back to you. I'm sorry I missed your graduation speech. I bet it was amazing, just like you. You always come up with the best things to say in any situation. You had the power to make me laugh or cry. God, I miss you. Don't you worry, because soon my ten years will be up and we'll be together again. I love you, so much.
Love Toby.
Dear Toby,
I'm writing this after I received your first letter on day ten, so it's three days later. I'm not sure how long it takes for you to get this, so for all I know you could be on day seventeen or eighteen. Hey, you're so much closer! I wanted to tell you that I applied to UPenn aka my dream school since I was like eleven. And! Wait for it. I got in! Can you believe it!? I'm so excited. I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but at least I know I'm going to college. I hope you're staying safe in there and by safe I mean keeping out of trouble. 'Cause if you're not, I'm going to have to drive there and beat you or kiss you. Whatever gets the lesson through that thick head of yours. Sigh. I love you and miss you. Write back soon.
XOX Spencer.
Dear Spencer,
Day 105. You know, it honestly feels like no time has passed. I guess it has to do with the fact I'm in a cell with nothing but a bed, a crappy toilet and a window that's covered with bars. I never know what time it is. I think it's day 105, but I'm not sure. How have you been? Last time you wrote me you said you were staring at UPenn soon. How's that going for you? I can't make this too long, because supposedly 'we have writing limits.' I love you.
Love Toby.
Dear Toby,
I finally graduated Upenn. I sent you a photo along with the letter. Hopefully those Nazis won't take it from you. You will notice in the picture that I cut my hair to about shoulder length. I donated it to the Locks of Love. I think I know what I want to do now. I'm going to get my teaching degree and become a teacher. I'll probably teach elementary school. It's a better alternative than becoming a stripper. My apartment building burned down, so I'm living on campus. During the summer, I'm staying at Aria's until I can afford a new place. I got a new job an Italian restaurant, so I guess it's back to being a waitress. Oh well, whatever keeps the cash flowing in. I've been keeping myself well and I hope you still are. I love you, always.
XOX Spencer.
Dear Spencer,
I'm thrilled to hear about you starting your new life. I'm so proud of everything you gone through. Your are probably the strongest women I have ever met. Your mother would've been very proud of you. I hope your life is everything you've dreamed of it to be. You deserve the best of everything. I can't wait to get back to you. I'm always thinking about you. I love you lots.
Love Toby.
They continued to write back and forth to each other like that for years. Although, during year eight the letters started decreasing between each other. By year nine, there were no letters at all. Spencer became really busy with her new teaching job at an elementary school close to New York. She never dated anyone else. Men would ask her out, but there was always this voice in the back of her mind telling her otherwise. In her heart she's knows that she's still waiting for someone. She teaches 2nd grade now.
Most of her friends have moved on as well. Hanna married Caleb a year after she graduated from college. They had a daughter and named her Crystal Marin Rivers and a son named Denver Caleb Rivers. Six years ago, the family moved to upstate New York. Emily and Maya got married about three years ago and moved to California. They haven't given any word on having a kid, but there has been talk about it. Aria ended up marrying Ezra. No one was shocked there. They've been off and on for years. Finally, Ezra asked Aria to marry her in the summer of 2020. They got married and moved to Northern Chicago. Aria gave word that she was pregnant with their first child about a year ago. Spencer and her friends keep in touch and visit when they can. For the most part, Spencer is alone.
September 1st, 2025
"Okay class I think we've covered everything for today. You learned how to multiply and divide, so your homework tonight is to do this math paper. It's not that big a deal. You have five multiply problems and five division. Try to do this without a calculator, but if you find yourself struggling, you can use one to check your answers. We have about three minutes until the busses load, so why don't you guys grab your book bags and coats, and start packing up."
Now twenty-eight years old. Spencer is moving on to her fourth year of teaching. All the students she's had in the past loved her and now these kids love her. She's always kind to everyone and smiles even when she's having a bad day. Her home is ten miles away from the school. She lives in a small, one bedroom house. It's a light blue color and has a triangular roof. Her front door is white, and she has two windows in the front, two on each side, and three more in the back.
While Spencer was organizing her desk, Carly Caster came up and tugged on her skirt.
"Ms. Hastings."
Spencer looked at her and said, "Yes, Carly?"
"I can't do my math homework. I don't know how to divide."
"Oh, it's easy. I'm sure you can do it."
The little girl shook her head. Her little brown braids swung behind her back.
"Nuh uh, I suck."
"Now, wait just a minute, you do not suck. Can't your mommy or daddy help you?"
"My daddy doesn't live with us anymore and my mommy is too busy," she said.
Spencer nodded and smiled softly, "Okay. Why don't you give it a try tonight and if you still need help, I will help you tomorrow, alright?"
"Okay, Ms. Hastings."
Carly walked back to her seat and waited with the other students to be released. At 2:30, Spencer walked all her students to their buses. When she came back inside, she found a message written on the chalkboard that said Marry Me? Thinking it was joke from one of the other staff members, she walked over to the board about ready to erase it when she heard soft footsteps walking through the door. She didn't turn around at first, because she thought it was Mr. Becker from across the hall. Sometimes he would stop by after class to try and hit on her. It annoys the hell out of her, but Mr. Becker is a hella good teacher, so she keeps her mouth shut about him. He's never caused her any harm or threatened her in anyway. She was halfway through erasing the first M when she heard a familiar voice speak up.
"Excuse me miss, I'm looking for the sassy teacher that goes by the name of Spencer."
Spencer knows she's heard that voice before. It's been awhile since she's heard his voice, but she knows it. She hears it in her dreams every night. She never thought she'd hear his voice again. Thinking that it's just her mind playing tricks on her, she turns around and her heart stops for a brief second. It's him. He's standing there in the doorway dressed in a white shirt and light blue jeans. He looks like he just got a buzz cut recently. His face looks like he just shaved recently.. Just seeing him again after all these years gets her heart pounding. Even though Spencer wanted to do nothing more than jump into his arms and kiss him like there's no tomorrow, she held her ground. Spencer turned to face him and crossed her arms.
She smirked and said, "Depends, what do you need her for?"
"I've heard you're the best teacher."
"Oh, and you feel you deserve the best?"
His brown shoes knocked on the tile floor as he took a few steps forward.
He smiled and said, "Yes, yes I do."
"May I ask why you want to speak with Spencer?"
Toby continues to step closer until he's about a foot away from her. Spencer kept trying to keep herself from jumping into his arms and attaching his lips with her own. Toby knelt down on one knee, reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small ring. Spencer couldn't stop the gasp that slipped out of her mouth.
"I came here to tell Spencer that she is the most beautiful girl in the world and that I'm deeply in love with this sassy girl that I met eleven years ago in a diner back on the outskirts of a small town called Rosewood. I came here because I made a promise to that girl that I would find her again. I'm here to tell Spencer that I love her, so much. I've loved her then and after all these years, I still love her now. Now, I'm hoping that this girl still loves me too and would be willing to spend the rest of her life with me."
By the end of his speech, Spencer was in tears. Spencer inhales deeply then exhales to hold back the sob in her throat. She wipes a tear that's hanging off her eyelash.
"Well," she started. "You made your point quite clear and Spencer says yes to your request. She still loves you and would love to spend the rest of her life with you."
She grinned when he slid the ring on her left finger. He grinned and stood up so he was face to face with her. Spencer giggled when he swept her off her feet and cradled her in his arms. He had his left arm tucked under her legs and his right arm was supporting her back. Spencer ran her hand through his hair and down his face, then connected their lips together in a passionate kiss. It felt so good to be kissing each other again. They've missed it, a lot.
While kissing her, Toby carried her over to her teachers desk and set her on top of it. She smiled as he stepped in between her legs and reconnected their lips once again. Whenever Spencer needed to catch her breath, Toby took that as his opportunity to kiss her neck, making sure to leave love marks on her. He wants the whole world to know that she's his and he's hers. Spencer laughed out loud when he used his lips to tickle a spot on her neck. He still remembers how much that got her going when they were eighteen and young. They still are pretty young, but not as young as they used to be.
"Hey, Spencer can I..." Mr. Becker came in and stopped mid sentence when he saw his fellow staff member getting nibbled on by some other man.
They broke apart and looked at the man who just walked in.
"Uh, sorry," Mr. Becker said. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Spencer smiled and jumped down from her desk.
"I forgot I left my door opened," Spencer said. "Uh, Thomas, this is my fiancé, Toby."
"Fiancé?" He questioned. "I didn't know you were seeing somebody."
"Well, he's been away from a while and he just got back. Now, we're engaged."
"Oh, well, congratulations," he smiled.
"Thank you."
"I'll go and close the door behind me."
"That would be good."
Mr. Becker smiled once more and walked out the door. Spencer walked over and locked the door. She spun back around and smirked at Toby.
"Now, where were we?"
Toby smiled and said, "Well, I was about to show you how much I missed you."
Spencer ran back over to him and jumped into his arm. Toby sweeped her up much like before and continued to kiss her. This time he laid her down on the desk and leaned over her to kiss her. Spencer felt her smile widen with every kiss they shared. Neither one of them know what their future holds, but as long as they stick together, they know it's going to be a good one.
Well, that's the end guys. Thank you all so much for reading along and reviewing, it really means a lot to me. I hope you all enjoyed this story. We laughed, we cried, and we cried from laughing too hard. It seems like just yesterday I wrote the first chapter now, I'm putting up my last. It's been fun. Thanks again. Xoxo