Okay, so – I'm really sorry for the lack of updates here lately! I was on vacation for the weekend and I've been having softball practices all week! Sorry – and I hope this next chapter is to your likings! Later…

Just then, a sharp head movement and a cock of the eyebrow was given to Ashley by her beloved blonde.

Spencer: (almost being sarcastic) Really?

Nikki: Oh, yeah. We were – really… close.

By now, Ashley has become annoyed with Nikki's remarks and is getting quite peeved.

Ashley: Yeah, well – we're not close anymore. So… can you just help up find a guy?

Nikki: Oh, wow, Ashley! People are going to start comparing you to a light-switch. First you like guys and then you like girls. (does a light-switch gesture) On – off! (cheesy smile)

Ashley lets out a very annoyed – very long and loud sigh; indicating that she's not at all impressed with the dirty blonde's "comebacks".

Ashley: Look, we want to know if an Arthur Carlin is staying in Room 204. That's all! Now – go! Do your job. (bats her eyelashes) Please?

With a request like that, all Nikki could do was do as she was told.

Nikki: (sighs and starts typing on the computer) Ugh – what was his name again?

Spencer: Arthur Carlin – Room 204.

A few seconds went by until the other blonde looked p at the two girls and reassured them of their previous knowledge of the room number.

Nikki: Yeah – he's in there.

Spencer: Thanks! (grabs Ashley's hand) Come on, Ash. Let's go!

Ashley: (looks at Nikki and smiles wide) Yes – let's!

With a dirty look from the counter-girl, Spencer and Ashley were on their way up to Room 204 to ask for room-and-board.

(KNOCK, KNOCK)

The two girls wait outside the hotel room in anticipation.

Just then, the door of Room 204 comes flying open and there in the doorway stood an unkept looking man with a clearly dirty attire and a definite 5 o'clock shadow. That man before Spencer didn't even resemble that of Arthur Carlin, but – indeed, it was.

Arthur: (groggy voice) Spencer…

Spencer: Umm, hi – dad.

Arthur: (clears his throat) What are you two doing here – (checks his watch) at 3:42 in the morning?

Spencer: Umm, (laughs) it's a funny story, actually. Ahh – (points towards the room) but, how about we discuss it in there.

Arthur motions the two girls in his layer of miser and depression.

Spencer makes her way over to the bed and fumbles around with the bed lamp and accidentally knocks over a half-full long-neck bottle of cheap whiskey.

Spencer: (turns on the light) Oh, shit! I'm sorry, dad.

Now able to see clearly, Spencer tries to sop up the spilt whiskey and then notices that it spilled on a picture of their family.

Spencer picks up the wet by whiskey picture and observes it for what seemed like forever.

Meanwhile, Arthur is in the bathroom washing his face and using mouthwash to mask the alcohol smell.

Ashley is now sitting at the foot of the bed doing her own analysis of the pitiful room. She notices the dirty clothes pilled up in the corner, the empty fast food bags near the untaken-out trashcan and a few other random items strung out about the room.

Ashley: jeez, I swear. Once a woman leaves a man's life, you'd think he'd become incapable of actually keeping a place clean. Prime suspect: Arthur Carlin.

Ashley shakes her head at her own conversation and takes a quick glance at the tall blonde behind her.

Ashley: You okay, Spence?

Spencer was so mesmerized by the happiness in the picture that it completely blocked her hearing Ashley's question.

Ashley senses that something is not right with her friend, so she gets up and goes to investigate.

Now, Spencer can sense a presence behind her, but she keeps her focus on the family picture in her hands.

Spencer: (quietly speaking) Look at us. (shakes her head) We were all so happy, then. (points at Glen) I mean, look. Even Glen managed to break his frown addiction and smile for this picture.

Ashley softly laughs, but only at the thought of Glen actually being happy, for once.

Clearly, Spencer was a little depressed and what seemed like the best prescription for her depression was: a loved one.

Finally making a second appearance, Arthur comes out into the more open area of the room.

Arthur: Okay, so – what's the story, Spencer?

Spencer gingerly puts down the picture, grabs Ashley's hand for confidence and then proceeds to sit down on the bed next to her.

Arthur and Ashley both take a seat next to Spencer; placing her in the middle of them.

Spencer: Okay, well…

Spencer tells Arthur about Paula's sudden visit, how she doesn't want to go back to Ohio and she tells him about her and Ashley's sudden "getaway". She decided that it was best to just leave out the part of the night where her and Ashley got a little bit closer. Their sex-life was theirs and their business only.

With a hand on her forehead and a slight expression of surprise, Arthur Carlin was indeed impressed by his daughter and her girlfriend. He let out a sigh of concern before using his words.

Arthur: Wow! No – I mean really… wow! Where is your mom now?

Ashley: (giggles) Like you care.

Arthur: Well, I don't, but – I do. (closes his eyes) It's complicated.

Spencer: Who knows where she's at? And, honestly – I particularly don't care. (grabs her dad's hand) Everyone but you is against our relationship, dad. (looks at Ashley) Why?

Arthur: Well, Spencer… some people don't see beyond the fact of gender. The people against you two are only seeing the surface of your relationship; they don't see the love flowing through your veins.

Ashley: Okay, that was deep. But, (looks at Spencer) it was also true, Spencer.

Suddenly, Ashley stands up and pulls Spencer up with her.

Ashley: Pardon my French, Mr. C., but – fuck the againsters!

Spencer smiles extra big at Ashley's protest and looks down at her dad; who is just grinning.

He can't help but love Ashley's rebelliousness.

Arthur: Exactly, Ashley. (points at Ashley) She's a keeper, Spencer.

Spencer: (looks at Ashley and smiles) I know. And that's why I love her.

Ashley's smile increased by at least a thousand watts and her face became bright red.

Ashley: I love you too, Spence.

Arthur waited a few seconds before breaking their "love-trance".

Arthur: So, I'm guessing you two need somewhere to sleep, huh?

Ashley and Spencer both directed their attention to the tall dark male also in the room.

Spencer: (laughs) Umm, kind of.

Arthur: (laughs) Thought so. (stands up) You two can stay here or I can order you your own room.

Spencer takes a few sorrowful looks around the room and then declares her decision.

Spencer: Umm, I think we should have our own room. No offense or anything.

Arthur: (pulls out his wallet) Oh – none taken. Can't say I completely resent it. This room's a mess.

Arthur hands Spencer his credit card and tells her to use it "wisely".

Ashley: Thanks, Mr. C. Hey – why don't I take you and Spencer out for lunch tomorrow. My treat!

Arthur: (smiles) That sounds great, Ashley. Thank you.

Arthur takes one step into Ashley and wraps his arms around the brunette.

While still in the hug, he whispers into Ashley's ear.

Arthur: Keep my little girl safe, Ashley.

Ashley: (whispers back to him) Don't worry, Mr. C. She'll be taken care of while with me.

Arthur shakes his head in agreement to Ashley's statement.

With a credit card and the love of her father, Spencer finally feels like a huge weight has just been lifted off her shoulders.