HEY GUYS :) So, this chapter took me like...forever to write. There was quite a bit of detail. Oh boy, you guys are going to LOVE the next chapter. Let's just say it has something you've all been waiting for ;)
paragirl92riot: I have heard about the movie, and ohmygosh. HE SOOO BETTER MAKE THAT HAPPEN! And I think he will, because he totally just planted the idea in all of our little Spashley-crazed heads :) it would be so fierce, no lie. I would watch it over. and over. and over. and over. and maybe 10 more times. Then: lather, rinse, and repeat! :)
s0nFan16: youuu my friend are hilaaaaaaaaarious. Seriously, that comment was...possibly one of the best things I've heard all week. Or read, whatever. As Ashley would say, "semantics." :) you are such a delightful reviewer, thank you so much!
Enjoy this one! Love you guys!
***
"Matt!" Arthur called as he stepped out of his cruiser. I took the opportunity to beckon Aiden in the direction of the house. We hurried inside, Arthur pushing Matt in the wheelchair.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't see you in the driver's seat, Aid," Arthur said, feigning disapproval.
"I have to get around somehow," Matt told Arthur, and I was startled by the depth of his voice. His dark eyes flashed up to mine, his expression unreadable, and I unconsciously scooted a little closer to Aiden. "I hope this isn't a bad time, Arthur."
"Oh, of course not. I was hoping you could stay for the game, actually," Arthur laughed, "Spencer's making grilled cheese sandwiches."
"Ah, yes, Spencer…Aiden hasn't left me alone about seeing you again," Matt's eyes darted between me and Aiden. He seemed to approve of us.
Somehow, I knew he didn't think Ashley was appropriate.
I looked over at Aiden, but he was quiet, not looking at me, and shuffling from foot to foot.
I had definitely been way too convincing at the beach.
Arthur cleared his throat. "Well, uh, how about that game, Matt?" He asked, pushing Matt into the living room, leaving me and Aiden in the foyer.
Matt creeped me out, I'm not going to lie to you.
"Are you hungry?" I asked Aiden as I walked briskly into the kitchen.
"Nah, we ate just before we came," Aiden smiled enthusiastically.
It was contagious. Any remnant of my irritation from my interrupted Ashley-time had now dispersed.
"So how are things?"
"Pretty good," I told him, grating some cheese. "How about you? You ever find that car part you were looking for?"
"I'm alright, but no I haven't," he leaned against the counter, crossing his arms in an almost Ashley-like fashion.
God, I need to stop thinking about her.
"Is something wrong with your truck?" he asked abruptly, looking directly into my eyes.
"No," I replied, staring at the simmering pan and trying to keep my voice even, "I got a ride with a friend."
A gorgeous friend who I'm in love with.
"So who was the driver? I didn't recognize her, but my dad apparently did."
I swallowed, and nervously tucked some blonde hair behind my ear. "Aiden, could you hand me some plates, please?" I watched him lean up, effortlessly disengage a stack from the cupboard above my head, and set it carefully next to my hand.
"So who was she?" Aiden pressed.
Darn it.
"Ashley Davies."
Even her name caused my hands to shake, and butterflies to beat wildly against the insides of my stomach.
"Irrational old man," Aiden scoffed, referring to his father, but laughed. My face remained passive as I kept my gaze firmly locked on the nearly burnt sandwiches. Aiden gently stepped in front of me, and I automatically moved back, my eyes locked on the same spot. He skillfully maneuvered the grilled cheeses out onto plates. He must have been a waiter in a past life, or something.
A past life? Spencer, you've got to stop thinking that everyone has had past lives.
Not everyone is an immortal vampire.
"Anyway, I'm sorry if my dad acted a little weird about Ashley. I meant it when I said he's irrational…but you know, he actually does believe in all that crap."
"It's fine," I tried to keep my voice indifferent as I listened in to Matt and Arthur's conversation.
Nothing about Ashley. I was going to be really miffed if Matt said anything to Arthur about her.
"He's not going to say anything, you know," Aiden assured me, resting his elbows gently on the counter. "The last time he did, they got into a huge argument. Tonight is a reunion of sorts…I doubt he'd bring up his dislike for the Davies' a second time." It was like he read my thoughts.
What Ashley wouldn't give for that ability.
"So are you and your friends coming back to the rez soon?" Aiden asked as the four of us made our way into the foyer after eating; Matt and Arthur chattered away happily.
"I'm not sure," I said shortly.
I really hoped Aiden wasn't getting the wrong idea…
"Come on up for the next game, Matt," Arthur encouraged him. But to my dismay, Matt's eyes were glued to me.
"Sure, sure. You take care, Spencer."
"You too," I muttered half-heartedly, wrapping my arms around myself and finding the corner of the other side of the room an incredibly appealing place to house my gaze.
As Aiden pushed his father out the door, I started up the stairs, intent on making a valiant attempt at starting my mounds of untouched homework.
"Spence, wait," Arthur called warmly from the doorway, still smiling from the unexpected visit from his friend. "How was your day?"
"Fine," I told him, my arms still wrapped around myself, hoping he wouldn't ask about Ashley. "My badminton team won four games today."
"I didn't know you played sports."
"I don't. But my partner, Ethan Marx, is really talented."
"Oh, the Marx boy. Nice family, nice kid," he mused. "Why didn't you ask him to the dance?"
"Dad!" I groaned, now feeling a side of annoyance to go with my entrée of awkward. "I already told you: I don't dance. Besides…I don't like Ethan. He's dating my friend Sherry."
"Right," he mumbled apologetically. "So about Friday. If you want to wait until I can drive you, I'll put off my fishing trip. I know I leave you here alone too much."
A pang of remorse rolled through my system, and my eyes softened.
"I don't really mind being alone. I guess I'm kind of like my dad in that way, huh?"
Arthur smiled his crinkly-eyed smile, and I headed upstairs.
***
The next morning, I decided as I climbed into Ashley's Porsche and she grinned my favorite crooked smile that there was absolutely nothing that she could improve on.
Not even an angel could be more glorious than she was to me.
"So you've never met anyone you wanted?" she asked, suddenly serious. Oh right, today is still her day to interrogate me.
Well, two can play at this game.
"Not in Ohio," I whispered honestly, not removing my eyes from her faultless face. She bit her full lip, and the rest of the car ride was silent.
In fact, we were silent until we arrived in the cafeteria.
"I'm going to get your truck after lunch, and the key will be in the ignition," she told me quietly, her eyes fixed on mine. I cocked an eyebrow, and took a bite of my bagel.
"What for?"
"I'm leaving with Kyla for the rest of the day."
I almost choked.
"Where are you going?" I demanded apprehensively, visibly disappointed.
"Hunting," she answered, her beautiful face twisted into a morose expression. "If I'm going to be alone with you tomorrow, I'm taking any and all precautions."
"Oh, okay," I smiled understandingly at her, and went back to my bagel.
I was satisfied. As long as I still got to see her tomorrow, it was fine by me.
"You can still cancel, Spencer," she begged fervently, leaning forward a little. In the back of my mind, I knew the whole idea was dangerous. As a result, I wasn't about to look into her persuasive, darkening eyes, and cave.
It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. I chanted to myself.
"What time will I see you tomorrow?" I asked, glancing at the clock. Ten minutes left of lunch.
I was already becoming depressed at the thought of her departure.
"That depends. Would you like to sleep in tomorrow?" Ashley offered, restraining a smile.
Stupid vampires and their lack of sleeping habits.
"No, no," I answered. I wanted as much time with Ashley as possible.
"The same time as usual then. What about Arthur?"
"He's fishing tomorrow," I beamed at her. There was no way she could get out of this trip. Everything worked out in my favor.
"And what will he think if you don't return home?" she asked sharply, her expression hardening.
"He'll probably think I fell in the washer. Large objects tend to hinder my coordination," I told her coolly. A smirk played at the tips of her lips, but it quickly morphed into a scowl.
Can vampires be bipolar?
"So, what are you hunting tonight?" I changed the subject casually.
"Whatever we find, I suppose. We won't be long."
"Why are you going with Kyla? I thought Glen was the one who enjoyed hunting."
"My entire family relishes the chance to hunt," she corrected me, and I blushed bright red at my mistake. "Kyla is just more…supportive than the others."
I bit my lip. Great; Ashley's family doesn't like me.
I swiveled my eyes around to the rest of the Davies' family, still looking as perfect as ever, even if they were short a family member. Then I looked back at their gorgeous, curly-haired sister, my eyes questioning.
"They don't understand," she said in hushed tones, staring at the table.
"Understand what?"
"Why I can't leave you alone," Ashley explained in an even quieter voice than before.
"Neither do I."
Ashley shook her head, smiling slightly. Her chocolate curls bounced a bit, and she rolled her eyes toward the ceiling.
"You fascinate me, Spencer. You always take me by surprise, and you never do what I expect. You're unlike anyone I've ever known."
As she whispered the last part and leaned forward a fraction, my pulse sped up to a frighteningly rapid pace.
It would be embarrassing if I had a heart attack in front of this incredible angel.
I solved my problem by looking back in the direction of Ashley's family again. Suddenly, Ashley's stunning, Latina sister glared at me, her eyes black as night and angry-looking. I wanted to look away, but I simply couldn't.
Did she hate me?
I was broken out of my reverie when I heard an enraged hiss erupt from Ashley's mouth. Her pale hands were clenched into fists, and her fiery glower at Madison was almost menacing.
If looks could kill.
Confusion and fear clouded my eyes as Madison looked away, and I turned back to Ashley.
Her velvety voice was almost as strained as it was that night in Port Angeles. "Don't worry about it. Madison is just…worried…that this could end badly."
"What do you mean?" I asked her.
I wish she wouldn't be so cryptic. I yearned to be the one who made this breathtaking girl open up.
"It's…dangerous for you, and also for me, when we spend so much time together in public."
There she goes again with the "I'm dangerous" thing. Sometimes I feel like I'm her little closet experiment…she just wants to figure me out. Then leave.
After all, people always leave. Why should Ashley be any different?
Then, Ashley buried her head in the crook of one arm, and my scorn was forgotten. I wanted so badly to just wrap her in my arms and comfort her…make her anguish disappear.
But I knew if I did that…things really would end badly.
My hand crept involuntarily across the table toward Ashley's abandoned one. My eyes were on her chocolate curls as my fingers slipped lightly along the back of her hand.
It was a risky move. Very, very risky considering how upset she was. But I didn't care. Her icy skin was so soft…
Then, she stood up, staring toward her family's table.
"You have to leave now?" I whined, not bothering to hide the despondency dripping from my voice.
"It's probably for the best," she smiled down at me, her expression soft and sweet now.
I really think Ashley has two separate personalities.
I nearly jumped. I swear; I blinked, and Kyla was suddenly at Ashley's side. Her elf-like face was friendly, and her black hair danced around her shoulders. Her entire being was balletic, even as she stood still.
"Kyla," Ashley greeted her sister carelessly, her dark eyes never once straying from my face.
"Ashley," Kyla replied, her voice almost as musical as Ashley's.
"Spencer, Kyla--Kyla, Spencer," Ashley introduced us dismissively.
"Hello, Spencer. Very pleased to meet you," Kyla's incandescent, granite looking eyes danced as she smiled at me.
It seemed like everything about Kyla danced.
"Hey, Kyla," I shyly ducked my head.
One Davies' was enough to rob me of my ability to breathe properly. But two…
That might prove to be a bit more than I can handle.
"I'll meet you in the car," Kyla's high soprano voice resonated pleasantly in my ears as I watched her glide gracefully out the double doors.
I wish I could move like that.
"Spencer," Ashley's tone was urgent as I looked up at her. Her expression was almost pained as she looked at me with pleading eyes.
"Please be safe."
"Because it's going to be so difficult to stay safe in a town like Forks, Ashley," I sulked miserably, crossing my arms and pouting like a five year old.
"Don't pout," she commanded, clenching her fists.
I think I've found my secret weapon.
I masked my face with an air of broodiness, staring up at her.
"Promise," Ashley demanded, her jaw tightening.
"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow," I sighed glumly. Ashley relaxed her hands and suddenly looked bemused.
"It seems like forever to you, doesn't it?"
"You don't even know," I whispered, hoping she didn't hear me.
I'll never know if she did.
"I'll be there in the morning," she swore, her sweet breath hitting my face like a tidal wave. I inhaled deeply, not even noticing how close she was to me. She reached across the small distance between us, brushing the back of her hand down my cheekbone, then using her nimble fingers to trace the outline of my jaw.
Then, she was gone.
Cardiac arrest. Somebody call the paramedics.
As I trudged to Biology alone, a throbbing ache assaulted my heart when I saw that Ashley's seat was empty.
She really was gone for the day. Tears welled in my eyes as I sat down.
I'm pathetic. I mean, really.
I was so focused on keeping my emotions at bay that I didn't notice Mr. Banner had paired me up with Clay. He sat in Ashley's seat, and I felt an overwhelming instinct to strangle him.
That seat was reserved for an angel.
"So, are you going to the dance with Davies?" he said Ashley's last name with evident dislike.
Not this again.
"I'm not going to the dance at all. But why does it even matter, Clay?"
Oh yeah, I was irritated now.
"What are you doing, then?" His face brightened eagerly. This only furthered my desire to slap him.
Isn't he with Chelsea?
"I have to study for a Trig test, otherwise I'm going to fail the class." This wasn't entirely true. I wouldn't fail, but I definitely didn't possess the top grade in class.
"Is Davies tutoring you?"
"Ashley," I emphasized, my voice drenched in annoyance, "is not tutoring me. She's not even in town this weekend."
"Wait, I thought you said you were going to Seattle."
Think fast, Spencer.
"I cancelled my trip. My dad took my truck in to get fixed; I think there's something wrong with the engine."
"Oh. You know, you could come to the dance anyway. I don't mind having two dates," he wiggled his eyebrows, and I resumed my original position when I watched the Biology video with Ashley last week.
If I didn't, Clay was going to have a bloody nose in all of about two seconds.
"I'm not going, Clay."
"Fine," he sulked, looking out the window. "Sorry for suggesting."
When the bell rang, I pulled an Ashley and was out the door before any of the other students even had the chance to stand.
I couldn't stop thinking about her as I walked out to the parking lot, fighting a smile when I saw my truck perfectly parked in the space regularly utilized by Ashley's Porsche.
It's official: nothing is impossible for her.
Sure enough, the key was in the ignition, and it was only then that I allowed the looming smile to creep onto my face. I spotted a folded piece of paper on the passenger seat and shook my head incredulously.
Two words were written with careful elegance, and I could almost envision her pale hand flying fluidly across the white surface.
Be safe.
I shivered and my insides burned with longing to see Ashley. I laughed at myself when my truck's engine sputter loudly, making me jump.
---
"Um…Dad…" I began over dinner.
"What's that, Spence?"
"I changed my mind about Seattle. I think it'd be better if I just waited until Chelsea and Sherry are free."
I sure was weaving a complicated web of lies.
"Thanks for taking my advice," he smiled his crinkly-eyed smile, and I couldn't help but beam back.
Sometimes it was just too easy to love Arthur.
"Don't change your plans, though. We're running dangerously low on fish. I'm talking enough to last us through next winter. Only."
"Alright, Spence," he chuckled, going back to his lasagna.
After dinner, I tried in vain to keep my mind busy, and away from thoughts of Ashley.
Futile. As always.
I kept her note in the back of my jeans' pocket, pulling it out and unfolding it so much that the creases were starting to wear down. My mind flitted between anxiety of her absence and the feeling that she was still here, if not physically but in everything around me.
The air I breathed.
The clothes I touched.
Everything. Then, it occurred to me that ever since I had moved to L.A., Ashley truly was in everything around me.
My life practically orbited around her and her pivotal mood swings.
When it was late enough to go to bed, I debated with myself about going through the motions of getting ready to sleep in a painfully slow manner so as to distract myself, or at a relatively speedy pace in order to get to sleep faster.
I selected the first option. I had far too much on my mind anyway, and the only thing laying in bed would accomplish was having to confront my thoughts.
Like how much it would hurt if things between Ashley and I…"ended badly."
I took a shower, taking great care to wash and condition my hair as thoroughly as possible. After all, Ashley did say I have beautiful hair.
Then, I did something unthinkable. Something I would never do in a million years, for I'd seen the effect it had taken on my mother in more ways than one.
I deliberately took a dose of cold medicine. And I didn't have a cold. Yeah, I know it's not smart. But at this point, I just needed a way to sleep dreamlessly, without the ever-present inhibitions known as my thoughts constantly plaguing me.
After a few agonizing moments of twitching and experiencing a drug-induced caffeine high of sorts, I plugged in my CD player, and gratefully surrendered myself to a solid sleep.
***
I woke early, extremely well rested, and immediately panicked.
The whole day with Ashley. I would repeat it again, but then I wouldn't be able to stop myself. It just didn't seem like reality anymore.
But I suppose my sense of what's classified as real and what's…fantasy, isn't too keen anymore.
I didn't taste my breakfast; I kind of just shoved it down my throat. Then, I proceeded to pick my closet apart, looking for exactly the right outfit.
I don't even know why I was fussing so much. Ashley had seen me in more of half of these outfits. But then it hit me again, this time like a ton of bricks.
A whole day with Ashley.
I decided on a pair of jeans with a modest, tan sweatshirt.
Just as I reached the bottom floor, a quiet knock sounded from the doorway. My heart nearly stopped. I had a little problem with some of the bolts on the door, but I finally yanked it open, and was met the girl who haunted my dreams almost every night.
You know, when I wasn't purposely taking cold medicine in order to prevent it.
"Good morning," her laugh sounded like an entire, sweet choir of angels in my ears.
"Why are you laughing?" I blushed, immediately checking my outfit.
"We match," she explained with a lighthearted smile, turning around gracefully. The only signifying difference was that Ashley managed to wear the light sweater as if she were a runway model. It seemed so unfair. Yet, it was perfectly okay at the same time.
I could clearly see her gorgeous hourglass figure in all it's glory because of that sweater.
Needless to say I wasn't going to complain.
I bolted ahead of her, sliding easily into the driver's side of the truck. Before I could close the door, Ashley's pale hand flung out to stop it.
"May I ask what you're doing?"
"I'm going to drive today," I smiled brightly at her.
"Absolutely not," she told me furiously in a tone that didn't leave room for argument.
Obviously, I don't follow the rules.
I tilted my head to the side, and pouted for all it was worth, batting my eyelashes. No mercy. Ashley closed her eyes in defeat, and flew to the passenger side.
"Fasten your seat belt, please. I'm nervous," she ordered begrudgingly. I rolled my eyes, but was too excited to really be angry.
"Where to?"
"One-oh-one north," she ordered tightly, gripping the sides of her seat.
"I managed to get myself to and from school in the days before you gave me rides, you know," I reminded her smugly. "We're not going to get into an accident."
"So you say."
"Relax, Ashley," I mimicked the way she assured me when she drove too fast.
Role reversal is sweet, sometimes.
"Turn right," Ashley spoke in a strangled voice, and I complied, rolling my eyes again. We came up to a dead end, and I nearly had a heart attack when Ashley opened the door just as I began to coast the curb.
"What are you doing?" I practically shrieked, and slammed the breaks. Ashley smirked and leapt swiftly out of the car.
"We're taking the trail."
"Hiking?" I mentally patted myself on the back for donning comfortable shoes.
"You could say that," Ashley snickered, and walked ahead. After keeping pace with each other for a few moments, she turned to study my face.
I couldn't breathe. As usual.
"Tell me what you're thinking," she requested softly.
"I'm wondering where you're taking me," I lied, my voice squeaking a little. Ashley turned her angelic face to the breeze, closed her eyes, and smiled.
"I like to come here when the weather is nice. You'll see."
More silence. Deafeningly silent, yet effortlessly peaceful.
I had been so busy gazing at the sheer beauty of the forest that only nature could create, I hadn't noticed that Ashley had removed her sweater. My breath caught in my throat and I felt dizzy.
She wore nothing but a skin tight, white collar button down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, exposing her smooth, flawless skin. The top few buttons at the front of her shirt were unbuttoned, then ended just above her cleavage. Her marble white throat was bare, and I had an extremely difficult time trying not to drool over the toned contours of her entire upper torso that seemed to show even more when she was wearing only one layer.
She was too perfect. There is no way this…this goddess, could possibly be in existence. Let alone be with somebody like me.
"Spencer," Ashley's affably silky voice broke through my haze, and I dragged my eyes unwillingly back to her own light, golden ones. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just not used to hiking, that's all," I looked away from her flawless body and face, training my eyes straight ahead, fighting desperately to keep the blush off my cheeks.
Occasionally, we'd come upon a fallen tree trunk, and Ashley would jump lightly onto it. She would then proceed to take me gingerly by the elbow, and help me over, promptly releasing me as soon as we were back on stable ground.
I concentrated on keeping my eyes away from her exquisiteness, and to say it was excruciatingly strenuous would be an understatement.
I couldn't stop myself.
This was nice, though. Just walking along with Ashley. Just the two of us in our own little world.
After several hours, light streamed through every hole in the green canopy above us, and a thrill of excitement surged through me.
"Are we there yet?" I griped teasingly, like an impatient three year old on a long car ride.
"Almost," she chuckled. Bell-like echoes sprang back at us, and I couldn't hold back my grin. "Do you see that brightness ahead?" I peered ahead, squinting, and saw nothing but green.
"Maybe it's a bit too soon for your eyes," Ashley smirked. I rolled my eyes, and fought the urge to shove her playfully. Then, I saw the stark yellow glow straight ahead, and I let my feet carry me ahead of Ashley as she sauntered noiselessly behind.
I drew in a complacent, serene breath when I walked into the pool of light. I was standing in a small, perfectly round meadow, filled with to the brim with wildflowers of every shape and color. I strolled slowly through the soft field, leaning against the breeze and letting the buttery sunshine warm my face.
Then I remembered Ashley. I wanted to share this tranquil moment with her and only her.
But when I spun around, she wasn't behind me. I spotted her, still sheltered beneath the dense overgrowth of trees, her wary, reluctant eyes glowing in the dark shade as she watched me. I beckoned to her with one finger, smiling encouragingly and taking a tentative step toward her. Her pale, slender hand flew up in warning, and she closed her honey eyes. I rocked back on my heels, waiting, pure glee coursing through every fiber of my body.
The mystery of Ashley Davies and nice weather was finally going to be solved.
I watched, awestruck, as she inhaled deeply, and then stepped out into the basking, warm glow of the midday sun.
***
R&R PLEASE! :)
SPASHLEY FOREVER.