So i started school again this past week so I'm going to try and post every week or every two weeks depending how bussy im with school. But besides that enjoy.

btw. I went over this chapter so hopefully there is no his/he/him or name confusions lol but if there is one or two error sorry its about 2am and sleep is catching up to me.

Disclaimer: I don't own neither SON or Beautiful DIsaster

chp.4 The Bet

"He's definitely staring at you" Kyla whispered leaning to peek across the room

"Stop looking, dummy he's going to see you"

Kyla smiled and waved "he's already seen me. He's still staring"

I hesitated for a moment and then finally worked up enough courage to look In his direction. Parker was looking right at me, grinning

I returned his smiled and then pretended to type something on my laptop

"Is he still staring?" I murmured

"Yep" she giggled

After class parker stopped me in the hall

"Don't forget about the party this weekend"

"I won't" I said trying not to bat my eyes or do something else ridiculous

Kyla and I made our way across the lawn to the cafeteria to meet Ashley and Aiden for lunch. She was still laughing about Parker's behavior when they approached.

"Hey baby" Kyla said, kissing Aiden

"What's so funny?" he asked

"Oh, a guy in class was staring at Spencer all hour. It was adorable"

"As long as he was staring at Spencer" Aiden winked

"Who was it" Ashley grimaced

I adjusted my backpack, prompting Ashley to slide it off my arms and hold it. I shook my head "Kyla's imagining things"

"Spencer! You big fat liar! It was Parker Hayes and he was being so obvious. The guy was practically drooling"

Ashley's expression twisted into disgust "Parker Hayes?"

Aiden pulled on Kyla's hand "we are heading to lunch. Will you be joining me in the fine cafeteria cuisine this afternoon?"

Kyla kissed him again in answer and Ashley and I followed behind. I sat my tray between Kyla and Carmen but Ashley didn't sit in her normal seat across from me. Instead she sat a few seats down. It was then that I realized she hadn't said much during our walk to the cafeteria.

"Are you okay, Ash" I asked

"Me? Fine, why?" she said smoothing the features of her face

"You've just been quiet"

Several members of the football team approached the table and sat down, laughing loudly. Ashley looked a bit annoyed as she rolled her food around on her plate.

Chris Jenks tossed a French fry onto Ashley tray "what's up Ash? I heard you bagged Tina Martin. She's been raking your name through the mud today?"

"Shut up, Jenks" Ashley said, keeping her eyes on her food. I leaned forward so the brawny giant sitting in front of Ashley could experience the full force of my glare: "knock it off Chris"

Ashley's eyes bored into mine "I can take care of myself, Carlin"

"I'm sorry I…"

"I don't want you to be sorry, I don't want you to be anything" she said shoving away from the table and storming out the door

Carmen looked over at me with raised eyebrows "whoa. What'swas that about?"

I stabbed a tater tot with my fork and puffed "I don't know"

Aiden patted my back "it's nothing you did, Spence"

"She just has stuff going on" Kyla said

"What kind of stuff?" I asked

Aiden shrugged and turned his attention to his plate "you should know by now that it takes patience and forgiving attitude to be friends with Ashley. She's her own universe"

I shook my head "that's the Ashley everyone else sees….not the Ashley I know"

Aiden leaned forward "there's no difference, you just have to ride the wave"

After class I rode with Kyla to the apartment to find Ashley's motorcycle gone. I went into the room and curled into a ball on her bed, resting my head on my arm. Ashley had been fine that morning. As much time as we had spent together, I couldn't believe I didn't see that something had been bothering her. Not only that, it disturbed me that Kyla seemed to know what was going on and I didn't.

My breathing evened out and my eyes grew heavy, it wasn't long before I fell asleep. When my eyes opened again, the night sky had darkened the window. Muffled voices filtered down the hall from the living room, including Ashley's raspy voice. I crept down the hall and then froze when I heard my name

"Spencer gets it. Ash. Don't beat yourself up" Aiden said

"You're already going to the date party. What's the harm in asking her out?" Kyla said

I stiffened waiting for her response "I don't want to date her; I just want to be around her. She's….different"

"Different how?" Kyla asked, sounding irritated

"She doesn't put up with my bullshit, it's refreshing. You said it yourself, ky: im not her type. It's just not… like that with us"

"you're closer to her type than you know" Kyla said

I backed up as quietly as I could and when the wooden boards creaked beneath my feet. I reached over to pull Ashley's bedroom door shut and then walk down the hall

"hey, Spencer" Kyla said with a grin "how was your nap?"

"I was out for five hours. That's closer to a coma than a nap"

Ashley stared at me for a moment and when I smiled at her she walked straight to her bedroom. She shut the door and I felt my heart pounding in my chest, bracing for her to say something else to crush my ego.

Her eyebrows pulled in "I'm sorry. Pidge. I was a Bitch to you earlier"

I relaxed a bit, seeing the remorse in her eyes "I didn't know you were mad at me"

"I wasn't mad at you. I just have a bad habit of lashing out at those I care about. It's a piss-poor excuse. I know but I am sorry" she said, enveloping me in her arms.

I nestled my cheek against her neck settling in "what were you mad about?"

"it's not important. The only thing I'm worried about is you"

I leaned back to look at her "I can handle your temper tantrums"

Her eyes scanned my face for several moments before a small smiled spread across her lips "I don't know why you put up with me, and I don't know what I'd do if you didn't"

I could smell the mixture of cigarettes and mint on her breath and I looked at her lips, my body reacting to how close we 's expression changed and her breathing staggered she had noticed too.

She leaned in infinitesimally and then we both jumped when her cell rang. She sighed pulling it from her pocket.

"yeah. Hoffman? Jesus…. All right. That'll be an easy grand. Jefferson?" she looked at me and winked "we'll be there" she hung up and took my hand "come with me" she pulled me down the hall "that was Adam," she said to Aiden "Brandy Hoffman will be at Jefferson in ninety minutes"

Aiden nodded and stoop up, digging his cell phone from his pocket. He quickly tapped in the information, sending exclusive text invitations to those who knew about the Circle. Those ten or so members would text ten members on their list and so on, until every member knew exactly where the floating fight ring would be held.

"here we go" Kyla said smiling "we'd better freshen up!"

The air in the apartment was tense and the buoyant at the same time. Ashley seemed the least affected, slipping on her boots and a white tank top as if she were leaving to run an errand.

Kyla led me down the hall to Ashley's room and frowned "you have to change, Spencer. You can't wear that to the fight"

"I wore a freaking cardigan last time and you didn't say anything" I protested

"I didn't think you'll go last time. Here" she threw clothes at me "put this on"

"I am not wearing this"

"let's go!" Aiden called form the living room

"hurry up!" Kyla snapped, running into Aiden's room

I pulled on the deep-cut yellow halter top and low rise jeans Kyla had thrown at me, and then slipped on a pair of heels, raking a brush through my hair as I shuffled sown the hall. Kyla came out of her room with a short green baby doll dress and matching heels and when we rounded the corner Ashley and Aiden were standing at the door.

Ashley's mouth fell open "ooh hell no, are you trying to get me killed? You've gotta change Spence"

"what?" I asked

Kyla grabbed her hips "she looks cute, Ash, leave her alone!"

Ashley took my hand and led me down the hall "get a t-shirt on….and some sneakers. Something comfortable"

"what? Why?"

"because I'll be more worried about who's looking at your boobs in that shirt instead of Hoffman" she said stopping at the door.

"I thought you didn't give a dam what anyone else thought?"

"that's a different scenario, Pidge" Ashley looked down at my chest then up at me "you can't wear this to the fight, so please…just...please change" she stuttered, shoving me into the room shutting me in.

"Ashley!" I yelled. I kicked off my heels and shoved my feet into converse. Then wiggled out of my halter top, throwing it across the room. The first cotton shirt that I touched I yanked over my head and then ran down the hall standing in the doorway.

"better?" I huffed, pulling my hair into a ponytail

"yes!" Ashley said relieve "let's go!"

We raced to the parking lot. I jumped on the back of Ashley's motorcycle as she ripped the engine and peeled out, flying down the road to the college. I squeezed her middle in anticipation; the rushing to get out the door sent adrenaline surging through my veins.

Ashley drove over the curb, parking her motorcycle in the shadows behind the Jefferson Liberal Arts building. She pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head and then grabbed my hand, smiling as we snuck to the back of the building. She stopped at an open window near the ground.

My eyes winded with realization "you're joking"

Ashley smiled "this is the VIP entrance. You should see how everyone else gets in."

I shook my head as she worked her legs through and then disappeared. I leaned down and called into the oblivion "Ashley"

"Down here, Pidge. Just come feet first, I'll catch you"

"you're out of your mind if you think I'm jumping into the dark"

"I'll catch you I promise. Now get your ass in here"

I sighed, touching my forehead with my hand "this is insane"

I sat down and then scooted forward until half of my body was dangling in the dark. I turned onto my stomach and pointed my toes feeling the floor. I waited for my feet to touch Ashley'shand, but I lost my grip, squealing when I fell backward. A pair of hands grabbed me and I heard Ashley's voice in the darkness

"you fall like a girl" she chuckled

She lowered my feet to the grown and then pulled me deeper into the blackness. After a dozen steps I could hear the familiar yelling of numbers and names and then the room was illuminated. A lantern sat in the corner, lighting the room just enough that I could make out Ashley's face

"what are we doing?"

"waiting. Adam has to run through his spiel before I go in"

I fidgeted "should I wait here or should I go in? where do I go when the fight starts? Where's Aid and Ky?"

"they went in the other way. Just follow me out; I'm not sending you into that dark pit without me. stay by Adam; he'll keep you from getting crushed. I can't look out for you and throw punches at the same time"

"crushed?"

"there's going to be more people here tonight. Brandy Hoffman is from state. They have their own circle there. It will be our crowd and their crowd, so the rooms gonna get crazy"

"are you nervous?" I asked

She smiled, looking at me "no, you look a little nervous though"

"maybe" I admitted

"if it'll make you feel better, I won't let her touch me. I won't even let her get one hit in for her fans"

"how are you going to manage that?"

She shrugged "I usually let them get one in to make it look fair"

"you….? You let people hit you?"

"how much fun would it be if I just massacred someone and they never got a punch in? it's not good for business, no one would bet against me"

"what a load of crap" I said crossing my arms

Ashley raised an eyebrow "you think I'm yakin your chain?"

"I find it hard to believe that you only get hit when you let them hit you"

"would you like to make a wager on that, Spencer Carlin?" she smiled, her eyes animated

I smiled "I'll take that bet. I think she'll get one in on you"

"and if she doesn't? what do I win?" she asked, I shrugged as the yelling on the other side of the wall grew to a roar. Adam greeted the crowd and then went over the rules

Ashley's mouth stretched into a wide grin "if you win, I'll go without sex for a month" I raised an eyebrow and she smiled again "but if I win, you have to stay with me for a month"

"what? I'm staying with you anyway! What kind of bet is that?" I shrieked over the noise

"they fixed the boilers at Morgan today" Ashley said with a smile and a wink

A smirk softened my expression as Adam called Ashley's name "anything is worth watching you try abstinence for a change"

Ashley kissed my cheek and then walked out standing tall. I followed behind and we crossed into the next room. I was startled by the number of people packed together in the small space. It was standing room only but the shoving and shouting only amplified once we entered the room. Ashley nodded in my direction and then Adams hand was on my shoulder pulling me to his side

I leaned into Adams ear "I've got two on Ashley" I said

Adams eyebrows shot up as he watched me pull two Benjamin'sfrom my pocket. He held out his palm and I slapped the bills into his hand

"you're not the Goody two-shoes I thought you were" he said giving me a once-over

Brandy was at least a foot taller than Ashley and I gulped when I saw them stand toe-to-toe. Brandy was massive twice Ashley's size and solid muscle. I couldn't see Ashley's expression, but it was obvious Brandy was out for blood

Adam pressed his lips against my ear "you might want o plug your ears kiddo"

I cupped my hands on each side of my head and Adam sounded the horn. Instead of attacking, Ashley took a few steps back. Brandy swung and Ashley dodged to the right. Brandy swung again and Ashley ducked and sidestepped to the other side.

"what the hell this aint a boxing match Ashley!" Adam yelled

Ashley landed a punch to brandy's nose. The volume in the basement was deafening then. Ashley sand a left hook into Brandy's jaw and my hands flew over my mouth when Brandy attempted a few more punches each one catching air. Brandy fell against her entourage when Ashley elbowed her in the face. Just when I thought it was almost over, Brandy came out swinging again. throw after throw, brandy couldn't seem to keep up. Both women were covered in sweat and I gasped when Brandy missed another punch slamming her hand into a cement pillar. When she folded over, cradling her fist beneath her, Ashley went in for the kill.

She was relentless, first bringing her knee to Brandy's face and then pummeling her over and over until Brandy stumbled and hit the ground. The noise level boomed as Adam left my side to throw the red square on Brandy's bloodied face.

Ashley disappeared behind her fans and I pressed my back against the wall feeling my way to the doorway we came in. reaching the lantern was a huge relief. I worried about being knocked down and trampled.

My eyes focused on the doorway waiting for the crowd to pill into the small room. After several minutes and no sign of Ashley I prepared to retrace my steps to the window. with the number of people trying to leave at once it wasn't safe enough to chance wandering around.

Just as I stepped into the darkness, footsteps crunched against the loose concrete on the floor. Ashley for me in panic

"pidge!"

"I'm here!" I called out, running into her arms

Ashley looked at me and frowned "you scared the shit out of me! I almost had to start another fight just to get to you…..I finally get here and you're gone"

"I'm glad you're back, I wasn't looking forward to trying to find my way in the dark"

All worry left her face and she smiled widely "I believe you lost a bet"

Adam stomped in, looked at me and the glowered at Ashley "we need to talk"

Ashley winked at me "stay put I'll be right back"

They disappeared into the darkness. Adam raised his voice a few times but I couldn't make out what he was saying. Ashley returned shoving a wad cash into her pocket and then she offered a smile "you're going to need more clothes"

"you're really going to make me do this for a month?"

"would you have me go without sex for a month?"

I laughed, knowing I would, "we better stop at Morgan"

Ashley beamed "this should be interesting"

As Adam passed he slammed my winnings into my palm and then merged into the dissipating mob. Ashley raised an eyebrow "you put in?"

I smiled and shrugged "I thought I should get the full experience."

She led me to the window and the crawled out turning to help me up and out into the fresh night air. The crickets were chirping in the shadows, stopping just long enough to let us pass. The monkey grass that lined the sidewalk waved in the gentle breeze, reminding me of the sound the ocean makes when I wasn't quite close enough to hear the waves breaking. It wasn't too hot or too cold; it was the perfect night.

"why on earth would you want me to stay with you?" I asked

Ashley shrugged, shoving her hands in her pockets "I don't know. Everything's better when you're around"

The warm and fuzzies I felt from her words quickly faded with the sight of the red blotchy mess on her shirt "ew, you have blood all over you"

Ashley looked down with indiffence and then opened the door, gesturing for me to walk in. I breezed by Kara, who studied on her bed, held captive by the textbooks that surrounded her.

"the boilers were fixed this morning" she said

"I heard" I said, rifling through my closet

"hi" Ashley said to Kara

Kara's face twisted and she scanned Ashley's sweaty, bloody form

"nice to meet you" Kara said, pushing her glassed up the bridge of her nose. She glanced at my building bags "are you moving out?"

"nope, lost a bet"

Ashley burst into laughter grabbing my bags "ready?"

"yeah, how am I going to get all of this to you apartment, we're on your bike"

Ashley smiled and pulled out her cell phone. she carried my luggage to the street and minutes later Aiden's black vintage charger pulled up.

The passenger side window rolled down and Kyla poked her head out "hey chickie!"

"hey yourself. The boilers are working again in Morgan. Are you staying with Aid?"

She winked "yeah, I thought I'd stay tonight. I heard you lost a bet"

Before I could answer. Ashley shut the trunk and Aid sped off with Kyla squealing as she fell back into the car. We walked to her Harley and she waited for me to settle into my seat. I wrapped my arms around her she rested her hand over mine.

"I'm glad you were there tonight, Pidge. I've never had so much fun at a fight in my life"

I perched my chin on her shoulder and smiled "that was because you were trying to win our bet"

She angled her neck to face me. "damn right I was" there was no amusement in her eyes she was serious and she wanted me to see it too.

My eyebrows shot up "is that why you were in such a bad mood today? Because you knew they'd fixed the boilers and I would be leaving tonight?"

Ashley didn't answer; she only smiled as she started her motorcycle. The drive to the apartment was uncharacteristically slow. At every stop light, Ashley would either cover my hands with hers or she would rest her hand on my knee. The lines were blurring again and I wondered how we would spend a month together tangling in a way I never imagined.

When we arrived in the apartment parking lot, Aidens charger sat in its usual spot. I stood in front of the steps "I always hate it when they're home for a while. I feel we're going to interrupt them"

"get use to it. This is your place for the next four weeks" Ashley smiled and turned her back to me "get on"

"what?" I smiled

"c'mon, I'll carry you up"

I giggled and hopped onto her back, interlacing my fingers in her chest as she she ran up the stairs. Kyla's opened the door before we made it to the top and smiled

"look at you two. If I didn't know better…."

"knock it off ky" Aiden said from the couch

Kyla smiled as if she'd too much and then opened the door wide so we could both fit through. Ashley collapsed on the recliner and I squealed when she leaned against me

"you're awfully cheerful this evening, Ash. What gives?" Kylaprompted

I leaned over to see her face; I'd never seen her so pleased.

"I just won a shit load of money, Ky. Twice as much as I thought I would. What's not to be happy about?"

Kyla grinned "no it's something else." She said watching Ashley's hand as she petted my thigh. She was right, she was different. There was an air of peace around her almost as if some kind of new contentment had settled into her soul.

"Ky" Aiden warned

"fine I'll talk about something else. Didn't Parker invite you to the Sig Tau party this weekend, Spence?"

Ashley's smile vanished and she turned to me waiting for ananswer

"er... yeah? Aren't we all going?"

"I'll be there" Aiden said distracted by the television

"and that means I'm going" Kyla said looking expectantly at Ashley

Ashley watched me for a moment and then nudged my leg "is he picking you up or something?"

"no he just told me about the party"

Kyla's mouth spread into a mischievous grin, almost bobbing in anticipation "he said he'd see you there, though. He's really cute"

Ashley shot an irritated glance at Kyla direction and then looked to me "are you going?"

"I told him I would" I shrugged "are you going?"

"yeah" she said without hesitation

Aiden's attention turned to Ashley then "you said last week you weren't"

"I changed my mind, Aid. What's the problem?"

"nothing" he grumbled, retreating to his bedroom

Kyla frowned at Ashley "you know what the problem is" she said "why don't you quit driving him crazy and get it over with" she joined Aiden in his room and their voices were reduced to murmuring behind closed door

"well I'm glad everyone else knows" I said

Ashley stood up "I'm going to shower"

"is there something going on with them" I asked

"no, he's just paranoid"

"it's because of us" I guessed. Ashley eyes lit up and she nodded

"what?" I asked, eyeing her suspiciously

"you're right. It's because of us. Don't fall asleep, okay?" I wanna talk to you about something"

She walked backward a few steps and then disappeared behind the bathroom door. I twisted my hair around my fingers mulling over the way she emphasized the word "us" and the look on her face when she'd said it. I wonder if there had ever been lines at all, and if I was the only one who considered Ashley and I just friends anymore

Aiden burst out of his room and Kyla ran after him "aid, don't!" she pleaded

He looked back to the bathroom door then to me. his voice was low but angry "you promised, Spencer. When I told you to pare judgment, I didn't mean for you two to get involved! I thought you were just friends!"

"we are" I said, shaken by his surprise attack

"no, you're not!" he fumed

Kyla touched his shoulder "baby, I told you it will be fine"

He pulled away from her grip "why are you pushing this Ky? I told you what's going to happen!"

She grabbed his face with both hands "and I told you it won't! Don't you trust me?"

Aiden sighed, looked at her, at me, and then stomped into his room

Kyla fell into the recliner beside me and puffed "I just can't get it into his head that whether you and Ashley work out or not, it won't affect us, but he's been burned too many times he doesn't believe me"

"what are you talking about Kyla? Ashley and I aren't together, we are just friends. You heard her earlier…. SHe's not interested in me that way"

"you heard that?"

"well, yeah"

"and you believe it?"

I shrugged "it doesn't matter. It'll never happen. she told me she doesn't see me like that, anyway. Besides she's a total commitment phone, I'd be hard pressed to find a girlfriend outside of you that she hasn't slept with and I can't keep up with her mood swings. I can't believe Aiden thinks otherwise."

"because not only does he know Ashley… he's talked to Ashley, Spence"

"what do you mean?"

"ky?" Aiden called from the bedroom

Kyla sighed "you're my best friend I think I know you better than you know yourself sometimes I see you two together and the only difference between me and Aiden and you and Ashley is that we're having sex. Other than that? no difference"

"there is a huge diffrence. Is Aiden bringing home different girls every night? Are you going to the party tomorrow to hang out with a guy with definite dating potential? You know I can't get with Ashley, Ky. I don't why we're discussing it"

Kyla's expression turned to disappointment "I'm not seeing things Spencer. You have spent almost every moment with her for the last month. Admit it you have feelings for her"

"let it go, ky" Ashley said tightening her towel around herself

Kyla and I jumped at the sound of Ashley's voice and when my eyes met hers, I could see the happiness was gone. She walked down the hall without another word and Kyla looked at me with a sad expression

"I think you're making a mistake" she whispered "you don'thave to go to that party to meet a guy, you've got her, who's crazy about you right here" she said leaving me alone

I rocked into the recliner, letting everything that had happened in the last week replay in my mind. Aiden was angry with me. Kyla was disappointed in me and Ashley….she went from being happier than I'd ever seen her to so offended that she was speechless. Too nervous to crawl into bed with her. I watched the clock change from minute to minute.

An hour had passed when Ashley came out of her room and down the hall. When she rounded the corner, I expected her to ask me to come to bed but she was dressed and had her bike keys in her hand. Her sunglasses were hiding her eyes and she popped a cigarette in her mouth before grabbing the knob of the door

"you're leaving?" I asked sitting up "where are you going?"

"out" she said, yanking the door open and then slamming it closed behind her.

I fell back in the recliner and huffed. I had somehow become the villain and had no idea how I'd manage to get there.

When the clock above the television read two a.m., I finally resigned myself to going to bed. The mattress was lonely without her and the idea of calling her cell kept creeping into my mind. I had nearly fallen asleep when Ashley's motorcycle pulled into the parking lot. Two car doors shut shortly after and then several pairs of footsteps climbed the stairs. Ashley fumbled with the lock and then the door opened. She laughedand mumbled and then I heard not one but two female voices. Their giggling was interrupted by the distinct sounds of kissing and moaning. My heart sank and I was instantly angry that I felt that way. My eyes clenched shut when one of the girls squealed and then I was sure the next sound was the three of them collapsing on the couch.

I considered asking Kyla for her keys but Aiden's door was directly in view of the couch and I couldn't stomach witnessing the picture that went along with the noises in the living room. I buried my head under the pillow and then shut my eyes when the door popped open. Ashley walked across the room. Opened the top night-table drawer, grabbed something and then shut the drawer jogging down the hall. The girls giggling for what seemed like half an hour and then it was quiet.

Seconds later, moans, humming and shouting filled the apartment. It sounded as if a pornographic movie were being filmed in the living room. I covered my face with my hands and shook my head. Whatever lines had blurred or disappeared in the last week an apparent stone wall had gone up in their place. I shook off my ridiculous emotions, forcing myself to relax. Ashley was Ashley and we were without a doubt friends and only friends.

The shouting and other nauseating noises quieted down after an hour, followed by whinnying and then grumbling by the women after being dismissed. Ashley showered and then collapsed onto her side of the bed, turning her back to me. even after her shower, she smelled like she'd drank enough whiskey to sedate a horse and I was livid the she's driven her bike home in such a state.

After the awkwardness faded and the anger weakened, I still couldn't sleep. When Ashley breaths were even I sat to look at the clock. The sun was going to rise in less than an hour. I ripped the covers off me, walked down the hall and took a blanket from the hall cabinet. The only evidence of Ashley's threesome was pair of underwear on the floor; I stepped over them and fell into the recliner.

I closed my eyes. when I opened them again, Kyla and Aiden were sitting quietly on the couch watching muted television. The sun lit in the apartment and I cringed when my back complained at my attempted movement.

Kyla's attention darted to me "Spence?" she said, rushing to my side. She watched me with wary eyes. she was waiting for anger or tears or another emotionally charged outburst.

Aiden looked miserable "I'm sorry about last night, Spence. This is my fault"

I smiled "its okay Aiden. You don't have to apologize"

Kyla and Aiden traded glanced and then she grabbed my hand "Ashley went to the store, she is….ugh, it doesn't matter what she is. I packed you stuff and I'll take you to your dorm before she gets home so you don't have to deal with her."

It wasn't until that moment that I felt like crying; I had been kicked out, I worked to keep my voice smooth before I spoke

"so I have time to shower?"

Kyla shook her head "let's just go, Spence. I don't want you to have to see her. she doesn't deserve to-"

The door flew open and Ashley walked in, her arms laden with grocery sacks. She walked straight into the kitchen, furiously working to get the cans and boxes into the cabinets.

"when Pidge wake up, let me know okay?" she said in a soft voice "I got spaghetti and pancakes and strawberries and that oatmeal shit with the chocolate packets and she likes Fruity Pebbles cereal, right Ky?" she asked turning

When she saw me, she froze. After an awkward pause her expression melted and her voice was smooth and sweet "hey, Pidge"

I couldn't have been more confused if I had woken up in a foreign country. Nothing made sense. At first I thought I had been evicted and then Ashley comes home with bags full of my favorite foods.

She took a few steps into the living room, nervously shoving her hands in her pockets "you hungry, Spence? I'll make you some pancakes. Or there's, uh…there's some oatmeal. And I got you some of that pink foamy shit that you shave with and a hair dryer and a….a… just a sec, it's in here" she said rushing to the bedroom

The door opened and shut and the she rounded the corner, the color gone from her face. She took a deep breath and her eyebrows pulled in "your stuff is packed"

"I know" I said

"you're leaving" she said, defeated

I looked to Kyla who glowered at Ashley as is she could kill her "you actually expected her to stay?"

"baby" Aiden whispered

"don't fucking start with me Aid. Don't you dare defend her to me." Kyla seethed

Ashley looked desperate "I am sorry, Pidge. I don't even know what to say"

"com on Spence" Kyla said. She stood and pulled on my arm

Ashley took a step but Kyla pointed a finger at her "so help me god, Ashley! If you try to stop her. I will douse you with gasoline and light you on fire while you sleep!"

"Kyla" Aiden said sounding a bit desperate himself. I could see that he was torn between his cousin and the women he loved and I felt terrible for him. The situation was exactly what he had tried to avoid all along.

"I'm fine" I said exasperated by the tension in the room.

"what do you mean, you're fine?" Aiden asked almost hopeful

I rolled my eyes "Ashley brought women home from the bar last night, so what?"

Kyla looked worried "hu-uh. Spencer. Are you saying you're okay with what happened?"

I looked to all of them "Ashley can bring home whoever she wants. It's her apartment"

Kyla starred at me as if I'd lost my mind. Aiden was on the verge of a smile and Ashley looked worse than before

"you didn't pack your things?" Ashley asked

I shook my head and looked at the clock; it was after two in the afternoon. "no and now I'm going to have to unpack it all. I still have to eat and shower and get dressed…." I said walking into the bathroom. Once the door closed behind me I leaned against it and slid down to the floor. I was sure I had pissed off Kyla beyond repair but I'd made Aiden a promise and I intended to keep my word.

A soft knock tapped on the door above me "pidge?" Ashley asked

"yeah?" I said , trying to sound normal

"you're staying?"

"I can go if you want me to, but a bet's a bet"

The door vibrated with a soft bump of Ashley's forehead against it "I don't want you to leave, but I wouldn't blame you if you did"

"are you saying I'm released from the bet?"

There was a long pause "if I say yes, will you leave?"

"well, yea. I don't live here silly" I said forcing a small smile

"then no, the bet still in effect"

I looked up and shook my head, feeling tears burn my eyes. I had no idea why I was crying but I couldn't stop "can I take a shower now?"

"yeah…" she sighed

I heard Kyla's shoes enter the hall and stomp by Ashley's "you're a selfish bitch" she growled, slamming Aiden's door behind her

I pushed myself up from the floor turned on the shower and then undressed, pulling the curtain closed behind me

After another knock on the door Ashley cleared her throat

"Pidgeon? I brought some of you stuff"

" just set it on the sink, I'll get it"

Ashley walked in and shut the door behind her "I was mad. I heard you spitting out everything that is wrong with me to Kyla and it pissed me off. I just meant to go out and have a few drinks and try to figure some things out but before I knew it I was piss drunk and those girls…." She paused "I woke up this morning and you weren't in bed and when I found you on the recliner and saw the underwear on the floor, I felt sick"

"you could have just asked me instead of spending all that money at the grocery store just to bribe me to stay"

"I don't care about the money Pidge. I was afraid you'd leave and never speak to me again"

I cringed at her explanation. I hadn't stopped to think how I would make her feel to hear me talk about how wrong for me she was and now the situation was too messed up to salvage.

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings" I said standing under the water

"I know you didn't and I know it doesn't matter what I say now because I fucked things up…just like I always do"

"Ash?"

"yeah?"'

"don't drive drunk on your bike anymore, okay?"I waited for a full minute until she finally took a deep breath and spoke "yeah, okay" she said shutting the door behind her.