Disclaimer: I do not own South of nowhere or its characters. I just own nothing!

Author's Notes: Thank you for the reviews. Here is the next chapter. I hope you continue to enjoy.

Rise Above All

Chapter 9

(Spencer's POV)

It has been 4 days since me and Ashley talked under the pier. We have not been the same at all. Ashley has been distant. I hate it. When we are forced to be around each other like in classes or practice she barely says anything to me. She treats me like she would someone she just met. I don't know what to do about it. I know things had to change some because of us being 'just friends', but I didn't think it would be like this. I didn't think she was going to be like this. This is just so horrible. I don't even get why she is the one that is like this when she is the one that didn't want to be with me. Whatever I guess this is just how it's going to be. The thing that sucks the most about is that no one around us knew exactly how close we were. To everyone else it just seems like Ashley and I are being normal. I don't want this to be our new normal. At least before I was able to text her and call her and get an answer. Now I don't get a reply at all. On the slight chance that I do the reply reads 'Sorry been busy'. That's it. I'm being punished for the decision she made.

"Spence?" Taylor says pulling my attention to her. I look at her with a small smile on my face. School just got over and we have practice in an hour. The starting five of the girls' basketball team are in the library right now waiting to meet with Sarah Cooper. She is doing an article about the season and wanted to interview with us. We had to take team photos the other day and the newspaper crew have been taking photos at our practices. We are sitting at a table that fits 6 people. Ashley is sat at one end of the table with headphones in her ears. Monica and Allie are sat across from me. Taylor is sitting next to me. I really wish Ashley would talk to me.

"Spence?" Taylor says again in I don't answer. I should probably answer her and get out of my own head.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think maybe… I… Would you go out on a date with me on Saturday?" Taylor finally gets out. I see Ashley watching us out of the corner of my eye.

"My brother has a game on Saturday." I answer.

"Well we could go after, just dinner." Taylor tries.

"Sure." I tell her. I give Taylor another small smile before looking down at my hands still watching Ashley out of my peripheral vision. I see her drop her head, sigh, and then pick it back up looking in the opposite direction of me. Of course, she doesn't really care. I can't win with her. She drives me crazy.

"Does anyone know how long this is going to take?" Monica asks breaking the tension in the air. Me, Allie, and Taylor shake our head in the negative. Monica looks at Ashley. "Ash?" She says. Ashley is in her own little world with her music. "Ash?" Monica says again. Ashley still doesn't answer so Monica pulls her earbuds out.

"What the fuck!" Ashley exclaims.

"I said your name several times. Not my fault you are going through some shit." Monica throws at the glaring brunette.

"What do you want?" Ashley says angerly.

"Do you know how long this is going to take?"

"How would I know? I got the same slip all of you did."

"Well you're sleeping with Sarah so I figured you would know." Monica throws at Ashley. I quickly look at Ashley.

"Doesn't mean we talk." Ashley mumbles quickly. Wow. She moves quickly doesn't she. Has she been sleeping with her the whole time? Did it just start? I got why she doesn't want to be with me. That doesn't make this any easier especially since she won't talk to me. She's pushing me away and I'm not the one who wanted to be just friends. So much for wanting me to still be in her life. If this is how it is going to be, why not just risk it all and be together? I don't get it, not anymore anyways. I push my chair back away from the table and grab my backpack, throwing the strap over one shoulder.

"I'll talk to you guys later. I'm not feeling too well. I'm new to this team anyways. I won't have much of an input." I mumble out. I glance at Ashley who is looking down at the table. "I won't be at practice either. Let coach know please" I tell Monica. "You've been told Captain." I spitefully let out to Ashley then quickly walk away. I'm not upset she is sleeping with someone. I mean don't get me wrong it sucks, and it isn't a pleasant feeling. She is who she is though. Ashley will do what she wants when she wants too. That was one of the first things I learned about her. The hurt from this is because she doesn't even want to acknowledge my existence. It is weird that she has feelings for me and can easily sleep with another girl. I couldn't do it. I guess I could have a different look on it if I wasn't still a virgin. I want to lose my virginity because I am in love and the girl is in love with me. I want it to be special and be a big deal for both of us even if the girl isn't still a virgin. I've dreamt that the girl was Ashley. And of course, I've thought about her being the girl I lose my virginity too. That feels so far off now. I don't think I will ever even be able to call her mine. I am losing all the hope I once had for us. What sucks even more right now is I'm hurting over something or someone I never even had to begin with.

(Three Days Later)

Tonight, is our second and last preseason game. I am riding bench tonight because I didn't show up to our practices the rest of the week. I haven't been to a practice since Tuesday Morning. I walked out of that interview Tuesday afternoon. I haven't even been at school until today. My mom finally realized I was lying about not feeling good and made me come today. I wouldn't be here if she didn't make me. I can't seem to get myself out of this funk I am in over Ashley. She still hasn't tried to call or text me. I haven't tried to contact her either. At this point I am just giving up. I obviously don't mean enough to her. I need to just let her go and move on. I need to except that she doesn't want me. Trust me this is all easier said than done.

"You okay Carlin?" Monica asks as she takes a seat next to me on the bench. Brittney just went in for her. There is 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. We are winning 51 to 28.

"Yeah." I reply never taking my eyes off the ball.

"Where have you been?" Monica asks.

"Yeah Carlin, where you been? Still not feeling well?" Allie asks.

"I'm feeling better now, thanks." I answer lightly still watching the game. Ashley has the ball at the top of the key dribbling it. She passes it over to Skyy. Skyy fakes a pass to Taylor but throws it back to Ashley. Ashley puts her head down and drives into the paint. She spins around one of the other teams' players and leaps up making a left-handed lay-up. The center on the opposing team swings to the right. She was thinking Ashley was going to shoot with her right hand instead of her left. That girl is a goddess on and off the court. Ugh! I just need to get over these stupid feelings for her. After the third quarter ended coach put the bench players in. I know he doesn't want to chance hurting any of the starters especially before our season starts next week. We are winning 56 to 30 anyways.

"Feeling better Spence?" Taylor asks moving next to me. I smile at her while nodding my head. "That's good to hear. Still up for dinner tomorrow night? We can always reschedule if you need." Taylor adds sweetly.

"Just meet me here after the boys game tomorrow. We will leave from here." I tell her still never taking my eyes off the game.

"I can always keep you company while we watch the game."

"If you want to come then okay if not don't worry about it. Just meet me after." I say giving my date a quick glance. Taylor raises her eyebrow in confusion then nods her head.

"Already trying to give my spot back, Carlin?" Sonya says from down the bench. I give her a glare before turning back to the game. "Have nothing to say now Carlin?" This girl is annoying. Does she never just shut up. Geez.

"Not to you, no." I respond locking my eyes with Sonya.

"Think you are cute Carlin? I will slap…"

"Give it a rest Young. Shit is getting old." Ashley says pulling Sonya back down onto the bench next to her.

"You her keeper now Davies?"

"Shut up." Ashley snaps back then turns to the game.

I shake my head at Ashley. She did not need to step in. I can handle shit myself. I don't need her. I turn back to the rest of the game. I can see Ashley out of the corner of my eye watching me with an intent look on her face. I wonder what she is thinking about. I wonder if she thinks about me as much as I seem to think about her. I wonder if this is even bugging her in any way at all. I hope this whatever it was isn't or wasn't just one-sided. I really hope her telling me she just wanted to be friends wasn't because she just didn't have feeling for me. Maybe it was and that's why shes staring at me. She's staring at me because she feels bad for hurting my feelings and not because she is missing me.

The game is now over. We won 69 to 40. We do our huddle then go high five the other team. After that, we all went into our locker room to change out of out uniforms. I quickly change back into my sweats and hoodie. I slip my feet into my red Nike slides. I throw my stuff into my gym bag and put the bag strap on my shoulder.

"Carlin, my office." I hear Coach Meyer say over the intercom before I could make it two steps from my locker. Damn. I was trying to avoid having to talk to him tonight. I hear the girls hushed whispers. I don't really care what they think. I lock eyes with Ashley. She gives me a sad look before looking down at the clothes in her hand. Ugh, she is so irritating. I walk into the coach's office and close the door behind me. He points at the chair in front of his desk. I take a seat and sit my bag on the floor next to me.

"What's going on Carlin?" Coach asks.

"Nothing, I just haven't been feeling well. It caused me to miss a couple days." I tell him detached from the situation.

"You have showed major promise Spencer. You could have a bright future in basketball. I hope whatever is going on in your life doesn't affect basketball like this again. I would really hate to see you throw it away over something or someone." I give coach a confused look.

"We both know you weren't sick." Coach lets out a giggle. "I might be coach, but I still hear things. I heard what happened the other day. I put two and two together. You and Davies have been close until last week. You were always working out and practicing together. Now every time I see one of you working out or practicing it's been alone. I don't know exactly what's going on but do better." Coach tells me. I give him a slight nod.

"It won't happen again Coach. Thank you." I admit lightly.

"Good. I don't want to have to bench you, Carlin. You really are an amazing player." He says. I give him a small smile before picking up my bag and walking back out his office.

"Spencer?" I hear someone calling me as I continue to walk down the hallway. There are only a couple parents left handing out talking to each other while they wait for their children. Just a few more steps and I'll be outside. "Spence?" I hear again. I push open the door and step outside taking a deep breath and begin my walk to my family's car. They should be at the car by now waiting for me. Of course, once again my mother couldn't make it. "Spence?" My name is said once again. I know it's Ashley which is why I am purposely ignoring her. She grabs my arm. I twirl towards her with a glare on my face.

"What could you possibly want?" I say angerly. Ashley looks taken back for a couple seconds.

"I'm glad you are feeling better." Ashley says lightly.

"What do you want Ashley?" I ask irritated with the brunette.

"Why are you going to date Taylor? Are you trying to get back at me for wanting to be just friends?" Ashley questions.

"Not everything has to do with you Ashley. What did you want me to do? Huh? Wait around for you to get your head out your ass? You tell me you didn't want to ruin our friendship because you never want to lose me from your life, yet you haven't talked to me in a fucking week. Ever since you said you wanted to be just friends I don't exist. You are the one that wanted to be just friends and I feel like I'm being punished for it. You act like I am the one that wanted to be just friends. So really fuck you Ashley. Fuck you and these stupid ass feelings. I can date whoever the fuck I want too." I said angerly. I tried to keep my voice down as much as I could. I didn't want to draw a crowd to us. Ashley stares at me dumbfounded not saying anything. I wait a few minutes and when I don't get a reply from her, I shake my head and start walking away.

"Please don't start dating her." Ashley whispers out, stopping me from walking away. I turn back towards her.

"You don't talk to me for a week for whatever reason and when you finally do it's only to tell me you don't want me to date someone. That isn't your choice Ashley. You don't have any say. As of this last week, we aren't even friends. You have made that clear. Good game tonight Captain. I'll see you at Practice Monday morning. Goodnight." I say the last part only because most of the team is walking up to us. "Goodnight guys and have a good weekend. Tay, I'll see you tomorrow evening." I add. I walk to my dad car and jump into the back seat. I let out a long sigh as I relax into the seat. My dad gives me a concerned look. I smile lightly at him. He let it go but I know it's only for now. I have tons of homework to get done. I never want to miss two days again. Some of it is easy so hopefully I can get 80% of it done tonight. Glen is talking my dads ear off about their game tomorrow. They are still in their preseason too, so I don't know why its such a big deal. I swear he can be such a girl sometimes. Just talk and talk and talk. I can be annoying. We get home and I jump out of the car. I open the front door and start to run up the stairs to my room.

"Spence? Come back down here." My dad says as I make it to the top of the stairs. Damn it. I need to be faster.

"Let me drop my bag off in my room then I will be down." I yell back. He sends up his acknowledgement and walks into the living room. I quickly drop my bag off and rush back downstairs. I don't want to keep him waiting. I don't think I have ever pissed my dad off and I really don't want to start now.

"Have a seat Spence. I ordered Chinese for dinner. Yes, I got your favorite." I smile at him and nod my head. I love me some broccoli beef. It's so yummy.

"You wanted to talk to me." I let out hesitantly.

"Yes, how are you? How have you been? You've been looking down lately. You missed a couple days off school and practice causing you to be bench for tonight's game. What's going on Spence?"

"I don't have an excuse, but before you start treating me like Glen and lecturing me about school and basketball, I just want to say I know how important school is and it won't happen again. I know what my priorities are, and I know where I want my future to go and slacking and missing school isn't going to help. I just needed a couple days to pull myself out of my slump."

"I'm glad I don't have to lecture you. Lecturing Glen is already tiring enough." My dad giggles. "What caused you to be in a slump?"

"I don't know. School, moving, basketball. Everything. I'm doing all these things in a completely in new city and school. I'm around all these new people. I'm trying to fit in, still trying to find my place at this school and on the team. I'm trying to still be good. Everything just got to me, I guess."

"Spence, we have been here a couple months. Give it time everything will fall into place. Don't force it. Just be you and you'll be great."

"Thank you." I whisper out.

"I'm always here baby girl. Remember that." My dad pulls me into a hug.

"I know dad." I say pulling out of our hug. We sit in silence for a few minutes before my dad breaks it.

"What's going on with you and Ashley?" He asks. Damn. I didn't want to have to talk about Ashley.

"Nothing. Literally nothing. She said she wants to be friends then basically cut me out her life." I tell him with a shrug, trying to act like it doesn't affect me.

"Is she part of your slump?" My dad inquires. I give him a small smile.

"Eh." I say.

"I know being a teen is hard. I also know how feeling can feel at 16. Things will get better Spence."

"I know. I've worked through most of my feelings already. I'll be okay. I have a date tomorrow with Taylor after Glen's game." I admit shyly.

"Tell me about Taylor."

"Um. She's on the team. She is number 38, Shooting Guard. Um, I don't really know much else about her. I guess that is what the date is for." I let out a giggle. My father smiles and nods his head.

"I guess so." My dad giggles. I excuse myself and go up to my room. I must tackle that homework.

(The Next Night)

The boy's team is playing Barstow High. They are losing by 3 points. It has been back and forth the whole game. It is 67-70. We have the ball. Glen is taking the ball down court. There is 2:23 left in the game. Glen makes it to their side of half court before he passed the ball to the outside right corner. I don't know everyone's name on their team. I don't ever pay that much attention. I am only here to support my brother. Glen has 26 points. Well now he has 29. He just made a 3 to tie the game. I have felt Ashley's eyes on me most of the game. I hate how much just her stare alone can make my body react. Those occasional shivers down my spine. The rapid beat of my heart. The goosebumps filling my skin. Her stare has been really driving me crazy. I don't even know why she is here. She told me couple weeks ago that she doesn't ever go to the boys' basketball games. Is she stalking me now? Ugh!

"Hey." I get pulled out of my head and away from the game by Taylor. I give her a smile and acknowledgements back. "How's the game going?"

"It's been back and forth the whole time." I tell her. We turn to the game and finish watching it. The game ended 82-81. They ended up pulling the win off.

"You see that Spence?" Glen says excitedly as I walk up to him. Taylor is following close behind.

"You mean you getting fouled and making 1 of them? Yeah, I seen it Glen. Practice your free throws bro." I say teasingly. Glen smiled at me and attempted to pull me into a hug.

"Aw. Come on Spence. We won. You have to give your brother a hug."

"Eww. I don't. Go shower. I need to go. Good game bro. I'm proud of you. Seriously practice your free throws." I give him a teasing smile before walking away. I see Ashley standing with 3 other girls. They are talking while Ashley watches me. I shake my head at her.

"I decided on something small, simple. There is a little diner about 20 minutes from here. Great food. I don't know if you've been."

"I most likely haven't been. I haven't lived here long. Sounds great though." I give her a smile and start to follow her to her car. I swear everyone here has their own cars and drive. Most of them have nice cars. L.A is way different from Ohio. Yes, some kids drove but not like here. We make small talk about school and basketball on the way to the diner. We are at Ruby's Diner. All through dinner we got to know each other. Our likes and dislikes. Our favorites. Our future. It has been good. I don't know if it's because what I feel for Ashley or what it is, but I just feel like I was hanging out with a friend, rather than on a date. Is it supposed to feel like that? It's not like I have a lot of experience in this area. After dinner we walk down the beach. It is only a couple minute walk from the diner. Tonight, has been good. I don't where we will go but I hope I at least gained a friend. We are walking in silence along the shoreline with our shoes in our hand.

"I know this probably not a good topic for a date but what is going on with you and Davies? She sleep with you then tell you she didn't want to be with you?" Taylor asks. I look at her quizzically.

"What?! Why would you think that?" I wonder.

"I mean I get it. We've all been there with her."

"Wait, you've slept with Ashley? Oh geez… All?" I say stunned. I don't know what to say to that. Taylor is giggling at me. I'm not sure what is funny. I give her a questioning look.

"I just meant we've all had a crush on Davies at some point. Not sleep with her. I mean according to rumors a lot of girls have but I wouldn't know. Ashley is private about things like that. She will make jokes but that's just to hide things. I don't really know what's true or not. People have always said things about her. I've known Ashely since we were in kindergarten. We have always played for the same teams. Ashley is an interesting character." Tay ends with another giggle.

"We practiced together. That's about all we did. Now we are just busy, I guess. I've never had sex with Ashley." I add the last part so my whole statement wasn't a lie.

"You have feeling for her though?" Taylor hesitantly asks. I quickly glance at her then look out over the darkened water.

"I won't lie. Yes, but her and I won't happen. Ashley just doesn't want a relationship and I'm not that type." I explain.

"Well, I'm glad you were honest." Tay gives me a sweet smile. I return it. "It's getting kind of late. Let's get you home, shall we?" Taylor adds sticking her arm out for me to loop my arm in. I giggle at her and lightly push her and shake my head. I'm glad she quickly took the seriousness out of our conversation. We quickly went back to talking about basketball. She's told me it has been bad and good playing with a player like Ashley her whole life. She said it made her a better player because of the intensity and competitiveness that Ashley had always played with. She has always been in Ashley's shadow her whole life. Ashley has always been the best player on their teams. It was sad listening to her talk about it. It made me wonder how my friends back home felt about me. If they felt that way about me. I hope not, but they probably did. At least one or two. We arrived at my house. Taylor got out when I did and walks me to my door.

"Thank you for tonight. I've had fun." I say giving her a small smile.

"Me too." Taylor admits. I lean forward and place a light kiss on her cheek. "So, I know you said you had feelings for Davies, but you also said you guys won't happen. So, if its okay with you I would like to still date you and see if we can maybe become more then friends. We can take it slow." Taylor adds shyly. I smile.

"Sure, why not. I've got nothing to lose right?" I giggle then kiss her cheek once again before opening my front door and walk inside. I give her a wave before I shut the door.