Hello my lovely reviewers! Well...here's the sixth chapter! Aiden is in this one, and sadly, no Ashley :'( tear, tear. I know. But she'll be in the next one, I promise! So in place of her absence in this chapter, she's mentioned a lot, dancing through Spencer's lovesick mindd :)

You guys amaze me with the reviews. Seriously. And to all of you that say "I love you" well, I love you back :) lol. You guys are incredible.

Try to enjoy this one. I know how annoying Aiden can be, but he's necessary!

SPASHLEY ALL THE WAY!

***

As I sat in my room later that night, I was trying very hard to concentrate on the second act of A Midsummer Night's Dream, but I wasn't succeeding. My stomach was roiling, both from the aftershock of nearly fainting in Biology, and because Ashley had promised to bring my truck home. I strained to hear the roar of the obnoxious engine over the thundering rain outside.

If you want to know the truth, I was resisting the urge to simply get up and sit by the window until I saw her angelic figure exit the truck. It seemed as though I had been holding a permanent breath in ever since I left her Porsche.

I finally gave in to my weakness, and rushed to the window. There was my truck, sitting peacefully out in the driveway.

How did I not hear it?

I must have been too absorbed in the play, I reasoned with myself. But I know it's not true. I couldn't focus on anything Puck was saying, and I had already read through the script in Ohio.

I really wasn't looking forward to school as I pulled up Friday morning. For one thing, everyone was staring at me again. Apparently, my little change of seating in the cafeteria yesterday had sparked school wide rumors. Which I found absolutely ludicrous, in nearly every sense of the word, because for one thing, I'm growing quite tired of my so-called "friends" constantly gossiping about me. I thought we were done with that after the first week of school. Also, I thought we'd been over the fact that Ashley Davies was most certainly not interested in me.

Ashley, I thought, as a dreamy smile crept onto my face. It lasted all the way until Trig, when I realized she wouldn't be at school today, something about camping, and therefore, I would somehow have to find the will to not jump off a cliff before I got to see her again in three days time.

"So what did Ashley Davies want at lunch yesterday?" Sherry asked casually. It suddenly occurred to me that nobody in King High said any of the Davies' names without their last names attached. Ashley Davies. Glen Davies. Kyla Davies. Jake Davies. Madison Davies. It was like their first and last names were merely just one long title. I smiled at this, wondering what my name would sound like with Davies attached…

Stop. Stop, Spencer. "Er, I don't really know. She didn't say much," I lied, shaking myself out of my reverie.

"You looked sort of mad," she pressed.

"Did I?" I carefully kept my expression in check, still trying to shake the thought of Ashley's last name attached to my first.

She doesn't like you that way, Spencer. You don't even know if she likes girls.

Why do I continue to have these conversations with myself?!

"I've never seen her--or any of the Davies' for that matter--sit with anyone else outside their family. It was…unusual," Sherry mused, applying a fresh coat of lip gloss as she stared into a mirror. So vain.

"Yeah. Weird," I repeated, not really listening to what she was saying. I knew how Sherry operated; she simply wanted a good story to spread quickly through the whole school, then proudly proclaim to everyone that she was the origin of said anecdote.

Yet, as I entered the cafeteria, my heart raced. Somewhere between all the complicated problems of Trig, I tricked myself into thinking Ashley would be sitting at that vacant table in the cafeteria, waiting for me with that nose-crinkling, crooked smile of hers.

Some mild feeling that I would associate with depression engulfed me as I saw that Ashley was absent, and so were her siblings. I became glumly aware that Ashley never said when she would return to school. I just assumed she would be gone for the rest of the weekend, and that she'd grace my presence with her heavenly features again on Monday. But sometimes, she's been missing for days at a time after the weekend is over.

My chest constricted briefly as I sat down at my usual table, pretending to listen to Clay speaking enthusiastically about the weatherman promising sun for the rest of the weekend, foreshadowing the looming trip to La Push. Warmer weather and sun…maybe the outing wouldn't be completely awful.

I received more than a few unfriendly glares from Josie as I shoveled down my pasta. Josie's one of Sherry's best friends. She had short, sleek blond hair that actually did make me think of all the stereotypical, self-absorbed cheerleaders in the world.

I could tell she didn't like me.

I made every effort to stay focused on what Clay was saying, but Josie's eyes felt like lasers burning into my face. As I trudged reluctantly to Biology, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on her conversation with Clay.

"I don't see why Spencer doesn't just sit with the Davies' from now on," she sneered. My blood boiled, and I clenched my fists angrily.

"She's my friend, Josie. She sits with us," Clay warned dangerously.

She scoffed, "I don't see what she could offer Ashley Davies. There are plenty of other good-looking girls around here that she could have." I'm going to safely assume Josie was referring to herself, and I had to force good judgment upon myself before I attacked her right then and there. The only thing stopping me was that Josie's words were seething with jealousy, and I felt triumphant. Ashley had asked me to sit with her at lunch. In that moment, I sort of felt like a five year old that just defeated a friend in kick ball. Innocently boastful.

"Spencer doesn't like girls, Josie. She isn't interested in Ashley."

Yeah, that's what you think.

"I don't like her," Josie flipped her hair, "you didn't invite her to La Push, did you?" I stepped back, letting Sherry pass me to catch up with her best friend.

I didn't want to hear any more.

***

"Dad, where do people usually go camping around here?" I tried to sound contingent as I played with my cereal.

"Nobody really goes camping, Spence."

"Well, if they did, where would they go?"

"Probably up by Goat Rocks," Arthur set a dish in the cupboard, "but not many people do. There's a copious amount of bears, so only hunters hang around up there. But if you were to go camping, that's just about the only place available."

"Oh," I mumbled, swallowing another spoonful of the corn flakes in my bowl. I attempted to control my heart rate as I envisioned Ashley being mauled by a bear. The thought produced a shudder as I headed out the door.

When I reached the Gordons' Olympic Outfitters store, I recognized Ethan's blue suburban and Clay's new, tan Avalon. Smaller cars were his new obsession after the accident; he told me they were less likely to cause damage if they were to hit someone. I grimaced.

I bet Ashley could throw his new car all the way across the parking lot.

"Spencer!" Clay called as he waved me over. His eyes lit up as he moved towards me, but Ethan stepped in front of him, putting his arm around me.

"Hello," he smiled sweetly, his blue eyes twinkling. I beamed back; I should at least keep one friend close. He smirked at Clay, who was frowning, with his arms folded over his chest. I was immediately reminded of Ashley, but tried to push her out of my thoughts. I was aiming at having at least a little fun today.

Sherry arrived, flanked by Josie and Chelsea. Josie glowered at me, flipping her hair, and Chelsea managed a small wave. Sherry simply looked indifferent as she stared at her nails, bored.

Until she saw Ethan, that is.

"Ethan!" she shouted, and jumped into his arms. I'm sure I looked taken aback, but Ethan was not my property. Nor did I want him to be, Sherry could have him if she wanted. I just didn't want to lose anymore friends, because it was looking like I had gained some enemies.

"Hey, Sherry," Ethan kept his eyes trained on me, and I blushed a little. Not because I liked him, but because I didn't like when people stared at me.

Well, with the exception of Ashley.

"Spencer, why don't you ride in my car? You can have shot gun," Clay promised.

"Oh, actually I'm fine with the backseat. Why don't you sit up front with Clay, Chelsea?" I said just loud enough for her to hear. Her smile was so big I thought her face was going to split in half.

"That works, too," Clay muttered, with a hint of disappointment only I could detect in his voice.

Soon, we were all at First Beach. Chelsea, Ethan, Sherry, and Josie were all engaged in a game of volleyball--apparently with no rules--and Clay stoked the driftwood fire. I occupied myself by watching the ocean. The sun's rays bounced brightly off the foamy, turquoise waves, creating the illusion that the ocean was strewn with white-gold stars.

A few hours later, a couple of local boys joined us. Ethan, Sherry, and Josie decided to check out a nearby gift shop, and I pushed Clay into taking Chelsea on a little hike. They looked so nice together, I just couldn't help myself.

That and I was getting really tired of Clay's feeble attempts at flirting.

One boy broke away from the pack of older looking locals and sat down next to me. It struck me how pleasant looking his face was. His skin was a deep bronze color, and he had muscles in nearly every visible place. He looked about my age, maybe a bit younger. A strong jaw line, and dark, deep set eyes were his defining features. His short hair was glossy black, with bangs that hung in his eyes, not unlike Ethan's hair.

Altogether, one pretty face. If I didn't know any better, he could be a part of Ashley's family.

But he couldn't even compare to Ashley and the rest of the Davies.

"You're Spencer Carlin, aren't you?" I sighed, and tucked a stray strand of blond hair behind my ear. It was like the first day of school all over again.

"That would be me."

"I'm Aiden Dennison," he held out his big hand, and I took it gingerly. To my surprise, his grip was very gentle. "You bought my old truck."

"You're Matt's son," I declared.

"That would be me," he mimicked and I found myself laughing. "We've actually known each other since we were little, but I doubt you remember."

I racked my brain, but it was so muddled with thoughts of Ashley that there wasn't really room for anything else.

"Would you like to take a walk?" Aiden asked in a deep voice, standing up. I smiled gratefully and followed. "So how do you like the new truck?"

"Oh, I love it."

"It's so slow though. I would know; I put it together."

"You build cars?" I asked incredulously.

"Only when I have spare time, and parts. Speaking of parts, know any place I could find a master cylinder for a 1986 Rabbit?" Aiden put his hands in his pockets. He had a very warm, husky voice.

"I'll keep my eyes peeled," I giggled. He flashed me a brilliant, toothy smile and looked me up and down appreciatively. It was only mildly irritating when he did this. I was kind of used to it after enduring it from Ethan and Clay for the last few weeks.

"So you're, what, seventeen?"

"Actually, I just turned sixteen. I'm tall for my age," he explained and scratched the back of his head in an odd doglike fashion.

"How old is that other boy you were with?" I asked. I had heard that boy talking about Dr. Davies' family.

"That's Sam. He's nineteen," he informed me.

"What was he saying about Dr. Davies' family?" I worked very hard to mask my need-to-know everything concerning Ashley's family in front of Aiden.

"They don't come on to the reserve," he said shortly, looking away. It was the same coldness I had heard in Sam's voice, so I decided to press him more, too curious.

"Why not? I won't tell, I promise," I tried to imitate the way Ashley looked at me from under her lashes. I plastered on what I thought was an alluring smile, but I wasn't so sure. I didn't ever think I was too phenomenal at flirting. Aiden seemed to like it though, for he raised an eyebrow.

"Do you like scary stories?" He asked suggestively.

"I love them," I emphasized love, wondering if I was coming on too strong. I truly wanted to know everything I could about Ashley's family.

"Well, okay. We, the Quileutes that is, are claimed to be descended from wolves, and the wolves are supposedly our brothers. Then there are the cold ones," his deep voice rang ominously.

"The cold ones?" I faked captivation, watching the strong contours of Aiden's jaw line flex guardedly as I said the words.

"According to one particular legend, the cold ones are natural enemies of the wolves--well, werewolves. You know, men that turn into wolves."

I turned my nose in the air playfully. "I know what werewolves are."

He grinned again, continuing with his story. "The cold ones are really our only enemies. They didn't hunt the way others did. They weren't dangerous to our tribe, but some of the members believed they posed a threat to the surrounding area, and it was the Quileute's job to keep La Push safe. So, my great-great-grandfather drew up a treaty with their leader. They agreed to stay off our land, and if they did, we wouldn't expose them to everyone else."

"But if they weren't dangerous…" I trailed off, looking up at him, honestly engrossed in the story.

Aiden knew he had me roped in and smiled menacingly. "There's always a risk for the cold ones to be around humans. Sometimes, they just get too hungry," he winked at me.

"And-and how does this fit in with the D-Davies' family?" I worked desperately to keep my thin voice from shaking.

Not going so well.

"The Davies' are of the same clan. They're more civilized, though."

My mouth was agape. I must be going crazy. Ashley couldn't be…

"Civilized, meaning they don't hunt humans," Aiden elaborated, pleased that he was entertaining me. The only thing he was doing was confirming my new theory. I still said nothing, absolutely immersed in everything that Aiden was bringing to life.

"There are two new members, a male and a female, but the rest of their kin is still the same. My great-great-grandfather told me the leader, Raife, is a decent guy. But still. He's been here since before you humans arrived."

I briefly wondered why he said "you humans" instead of merely "humans." He didn't lump himself in with me.

I waved it away; I still had a more pressing question on my mind.

"What are they?"

He smiled darkly, I could now see his white teeth gleaming in the setting sun. "Blood drinkers," he replied chillingly, "or, in your people's words, vampires."

I shivered, and my heart practically stopped. Ashley couldn't be a vampire. She was just an incredibly gorgeous, interesting girl that seemed too amazingly inhumane for mere mortals like myself. But not a vampire. Surely not a vampire.

"You have goose bumps," Aiden pointed out, laughing. His laugh sounded more like a bark, though. "Pretty weird stuff, though, right? I suppose I just violated the treaty by telling you when you're not of Quileute origin."

"I'll take it to the grave," I guaranteed.

"It's all superstition, though. Don't worry," he assured me.

"Spencer!" Clay called, waving his hand as Aiden and I neared camp again.

"Is that your boyfriend? He's really clingy," Aiden chuckled, picking up on Clay's possessiveness toward me.

"Definitely not," I winked at him. I liked Aiden a lot, and I really wanted to see him happy. And he clearly was, for he looked elated.

I think he thought I was flirting with him. But I'm really too stuck on…well, yeah, too stuck on someone else to really consider him boyfriend material.

Besides, he's so not my type.

"Where have you been?" Clay asked with an edge to his voice as the others waited in the various cars.

"Aiden and I went for a walk," I told Clay. The tall, tan boy smiled at me warmly.

"Well, come on, we're packing up," Clay gritted his teeth, and glared at Aiden as he started toward the rocky hillside.

"It was nice to see you again, Spencer," Aiden sneered at Clay defiantly, and I groaned. Boys are so immature sometimes, it's almost ridiculous. It's like dealing with a bunch of five-year-olds.

"You too, Aiden. I'll come visit you when Arthur comes down next time," I tried very hard not to look at Clay, who I knew was probably staring at me disbelievingly with his mouth hanging open. But I didn't really care. Aiden and I were friends.

"That would be cool," and with a wave, we parted. Clay and I tramped back toward his Avalon, the silence deafeningly awkward. I clambered into the backseat, and listened half-heartedly to Chelsea recounting her hike with the boy who was currently oozing jealousy next to her. I closed my eyes in order to avoid Clay's brown ones, which stared at me from the rearview mirror.

I simply tucked my blonde hair into my hood, and leaned my head back, emphatically trying not to think about Ashley.

But that's a battle I know I'll never win.

***

R&R PLEASE! :)