+RIVERBANK PARK+

Spencer and Ashley are walking along the bank of the pond; with Spencer closest to the water. As she's walking, the edge of the bank where she just put her foot down starts to crumble beneath her. She starts flailing her arms in the air; trying to catch her balance. Ashley sees this and without thinking, uses her quick reflexes to catch the falling Spencer. Ashley pulls Spencer back onto firm land, but is still holding her arms.

Spencer: (panting) Whoa! That was so close! Thanks, Ash.
Ashley: No problem. It's all in the reflexes.
Spencer: Well, yours are – really good.

Ashley smiles and hugs Spencer. Once she lets go, she takes a hold of Spencer's right hand with her left. She intertwines her fingers with Spencer's and they walk along the bank; further away from the edge this time, of course.

They get to a spot on the bank that seemed soft enough for them to take a seat. They sit down and hold each other tightly.

Spencer: This is so picture perfect.
Ashley: (looks at Spencer) Yeah, it is.
Spencer: (looks at Ashley and smiles) Ash, I've been meaning to tell you something here lately.
Ashley: What is it?
Spencer: Ever since we met that first day, I could feel something between us. Something -- different.
Ashley: Good different or bad different?
Spencer: Oh, it's definitely a good different. It was just a feeling that I felt when I was with you, not like the kind of feeling I had with my old friends. It seemed like there was something more. Something -- better.
Ashley: (looks deep into Spencer's eyes) Really?
Spencer: (starts blushing) Yeah. And, I want you to know that -- (pauses)

Just then, Spencer looked past Ashley; something had caught her eye.

Ashley: That what?
Spencer: Who the hell…?
Ashley: (raises her eyebrows) Excuse me?
Spencer: Oh sorry, not you. But -- (points over Ashley's shoulder) I think that's my dad and that's definitely not my mom.

Ashley turns to see what's got Spencer so worked up. They sit there, watching Spencer's dad flirt with some strange woman. Finally, Spencer has had enough. She grabs Ashley's hand and gets up.

Spencer: Come on, let's get out of here.
Ashley: (hesitantly) Okay.

They get in the car and Ashley looks over at Spencer. Ashley could tell that what they just witnessed was not put on Spencer's "Good Things to Remember" list.

Spencer: (shakes her head: side to side) Why? How could he do that?
Ashley: Maybe you're taking it too far.
Spencer: Oh? And exactly how far should I take it?
Ashley: (backs away from Spencer's body) Hey Spence, don't get mad at me. I'm just here to help.
Spencer: Yeah. But, sometimes you say things that are so out of the blue and --
Ashley: Well, I know how to deal with these problems. And I'm just giving you some advice.
Spencer: Well maybe I don't want your advice. Maybe I need to figure this out on my own.
Ashley: (presses her lips tightly together) Fine. Well I hope that you can deal with this on your own --

Ashley starts up the car and puts it in drive.

Ashley: But, I'm still here if you need me.

Spencer felt bad for yelling at Ashley. Here she was, all pissed off and Ashley was trying to help her and she yelled at her. She felt horrible during their whole drive home.

Once in Spencer's driveway, Ashley turned off the engine.

Spencer: Ashley, I'm so sorry. I was just pissed off, confused and I guess I let my feelings get the better of me. Please, don't take any of what I said personally. I didn't mean it, I was just venting.
Ashley: I know. It's okay. We all get stressed out sometimes. Especially when parents are involved. I understand, though.
Spencer: Thanks.
Ashley: You're welcome. (she kisses Spencer on her cheek) Now, go home and get some rest.
Spencer: Alright. (gets out and closes the door) I'll call you tonight.
Ashley: Okay.

Spencer goes around to Ashley's side of the car and Ashley rolls down the window.

Spencer: (big smile on her face) Thanks for -- last night. (blushes a little)
Ashley: You're welcome. But, I'm glad we didn't take it -- all the way. You know?
Spencer: Yeah, we want to keep that area a surprise for... later. (smiles real big)
Ashley: Absolutely!

They give each other a goodnight kiss and Spencer goes in the house. Ashley pulls out of Spencer's driveway and while she is driving down the road, she sees something a little uneasy for her to process.