A/N. Ok, so here is my next chapter. I absolutely adore all of you who comment. Heck, I love ya so much, I was thinking about dedicating a book to you...should I ever become a writer. Anyways, if that day should come, well, look for a LONG dedication at the beginning of my novel. Until then, my update...

Chapter Eleven

Clay opened up his sister's door, frowning when he saw her asleep, curled up in Ashley's hoodie. He sighed, guilt swarming his body over the way he'd treated her that morning. Clay had no problems with Spencer and Ashley, all he wanted was for his sister to be happy. His parents fighting on the other hand, that was something that threw him for a loop. They were the "Brady's", as Ashley would say. They weren't supposed to fight. He walked over and sat next to his sister, causing her to stir. She opened up her eyes and blinked twice, focusing her attention on Clay.

"Hey," she whispered.

"Spencer, I'm sorry for what happened earlier. Mom and Dad fighting has nothing to do with you."

Spencer's eyes began to tear, "Yes it does. If I hadn't…if I hadn't felt…with Ashley," her voice caught in her throat as she fought back the tears. "It's all my fault," she whispered.

Clay placed his hand over his sister's, "No, it's not. Spence…these problems were here way before you even met Ashley." Spencer turned her eyes to meet her brother's. "The reason we moved here...it's because, well, Mom. She…we think that she was having an affair. Dad thinks so too, that's why he's been so upset lately. Mom and Ben, they…" his voice trailed off as Spencer wrapped her arms around him. "Oh Spence…I'm so sorry we blamed you."

Spencer sniffled and clung to her brother, "Clay, I said things I shouldn't…to Ash. I blamed her. I said it was because of her that our family is falling apart." She let the tears fall as she opened up to her brother. "I love her."

Clay pulled his sister closer and whispered, "I know." She shot him a confused glance. "Oh come on Spence, it's written all over your face. The excitement of seeing her, the glances you two give each other; the love is obvious. Even Glen, Mr. Oblivious, can see it."

"I love her so much," Spencer repeated. Her mind raced at the thought of never seeing Ashley again.

"Um, I think you have a voicemail," Clay said, noticing that Spencer's phone light was blinking. He watched as his sister frowned while listening to the message. "Something wrong?"

Spencer put down the phone, "It was Ashley. She sounded…she sounded broken. She was so drunk, Clay. I haven't…I've never heard her like that." A look of pure and utter determination crossed her face. "I have to see her. Can you drive me to the beach?" Clay nodded his head and, with Spencer in tow, headed out to the car. Spencer's eyes stared straight forward as she debated what to say to Ashley. She had to find some way back into Ashley's heart. She was determined to prove her love.


Sean leapt out of his car, still in shock from the scene that had just unfolded before his eyes. He was driving over to meet Clay, and, much to his horror, had witnessed a hit and run. The first thing he did was dial 911, running over to the broken body that lie on the street. "911 operator, what is your emergency," the voice on the phone answered.

"Aw man, you gotta send some help over here. This chick just got run down on the road. We need an ambulance," Sean explained, finally reaching the girl.

"Ok Sir, calm down. Is she conscious?"

Sean moved over so that the girl's face was visible. "Ashley?" he asked in shock, as his heart stopped. "Oh my god, no, no she's not conscious." He bent down and felt for a pulse. "She has a pulse, barely. Please, we need help." Sean told the operator the location and then knelt down by the battered girl. "Just hold on baby, help is coming."

Sean pulled out his phone and dialed Clay's cell number. When Clay answered, he explained the situation, careful never to take his eyes off of Ashley, whose breath was beginning to slow.


Spencer noticed the solemn look on her brother's face. "Clay?" she asked, almost afraid of what was bothering the older Carlin. When he didn't respond, she nudged him with her shoulder, "Clay! What's wrong?"

He turned to look at his sister. His baby sister. Spencer had been through so much in her life. She couldn't handle this. She couldn't handle losing the one person in this world who she truly loves. She couldn't handle losing Ashley. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said it. "It's Ashley. She was hit by a car."

Spencer didn't hear the rest of the conversation. Her heart simply stopped beating. Any thoughts that once resided in her mind ceased to exist. There was nothing. 'Ashley was hit by a car'. The words resonated in her mind. The images that now plastered her consciousness: images of Ashley lying in the road, dead and covered in blood. These images frightened her, and the young girl shook with terror. Ashley, her Ashley…She couldn't be dead. She couldn't leave her. Spencer need to feel Ashley again. She needed to feel the warmth of the brunette's presence. She needed to feel Ashley's smooth lips on hers. All the love that Ashley made her feel, Spencer couldn't let that go. She couldn't let go of the shivers that made her body tremble under Ashley's touch. She couldn't let go of Ashley. Please, she begged, please don't die Ashley.