-Call In Sick-

I didn't want to go anywhere, so we just went back to her house. We had watched TV for a while and then I went to rest on the bed, feeling tired despite it only being early afternoon. Ashley came and lay down next to me. I turned to look at her and she was looking at me, I just wrapped my self around her and snuggled into her trying to get comfy. Once I was settled I began to speak.

"I don't want to lose you."

"Spence, you're not going to lose me, I promise."

"You can't make that kind of promise Ash, things change, people leave, no matter how much they have claimed to love you, they still leave."

"I'm not your mom or anyone else in your life that has hurt you. When I say I will never leave you, I mean it. I may not have that kind of actual control over things, but I promise you, I will do everything in my power to never leave you, because I love you, and I can't live without you. So you are not going to lose me Spence, not ever."

"What Madison said, I think she was right. If anyone had gotten seriously hurt…"

"NO. Do not listen to that skank. Nothing about that night was you're fault Spence, nothing. You were the only one of us that was hurt bad, and I could have lost you. Just because we were there, just because we were arguing, doesn't make any of it your fault. Things happen, they just happen. You have quit beating yourself up about things you have no control over. I won't let you do that to yourself, so don't ever think that again, okay?"

"Okay."

Insecurity, I hate it. It's been like four months, but I guess traumatic stuff stays with you for a while. But at least I'm getting better I think. Things seem to be back to some semblance of order at least, despite all the new situations and changes, but it's still somewhat the same. Even Aiden is back to his old self. Yeah, I said Aiden, I saw him the other day, he came over and apologized for everything, all that he said. Apparently he was just hurting really bad and feels awful for all the shit he caused. I can't say I fully forgive him or will ever be able to look at him the same again, but at least it's something. I guess I understand it, but it's still harsh and he's a major sore subject in my book, so I'm not going there right now.

"You still think about it a lot, huh?"

"What?"

"That's why you carry blades, because you still think about cutting."

"Yeah…"

"I used to do that, when I thought about doing something like that, but I guess I just never got to that point. I didn't want to show it or something, but I carried a box cutter in my bag for two years, everyday."

"That was my last one, so I guess I can stop carrying them with me now. I think about it a lot, but today, it just wasn't one of my good days. But I didn't let it get that far, so I think that's good."

"It'll get better."

Ash and I just rested the rest of the day, until dinner time, just holding each other and enjoying each other's closeness and comfort. We used to do things like this, I missed it, I definitely like having it back.

"I told my dad I'd have dinner with him tonight, he doesn't work this evening. Want to come?"

"Sure, as long as I'm not imposing?"

"No, of course not. He's told me about how you came over during the summer, and called and stuff. He really liked that, he likes you Ashley, he thinks of you as his other daughter. He'd be glad to see you."

"Okay then, I'm in. Despite the circumstances of us spending time and talking, I really think we bonded or something, he's been a great friend to me. I really like your dad Spence; he's helped me a lot."

"I know. He's yours whenever you need him, he's glad to be there for the both of us. Come on, we're going to be late if we don't leave soon."

"Are you girls ready for the best pasta primavera you have ever had?"

"Dad, just feed us already. We both know you're an awesome cook, and we bow down to your kitchen prowess, but we're hungry."

"Alright, alright, let me revel a bit Spencer, it's not often I get to cook for you anymore, and we have a guest."

"Please, Ashley's not a guest, she's family."

"True. You are Ashley, you're welcome anytime."

"Thanks Mr. C. Now how about that food?"

"Coming right up."

We ate taking about school, what we each had been up to, nothing in particular. Mostly we were just happy to be in each others company. About half way through dinner though my dad's pager went off, some kind of social services emergency I guess. He had to leave; I told him it was okay. He kissed both Ashley and I goodbye and then left us to finish dinner. I wasn't that hungry anymore anyway.

After cleaning up and putting the left over food away I was pretty wiped. I didn't know why, it's not like I actually did anything today.

"Hey, are you feeling alright? You look tired and a little pale."

"I don't know, I'm exhausted but there's no reason I should be. Maybe I just need to lie down."

"We did that all day Spence. Something's wrong, you really don't look too well."

"Just help me up to bed would you?"

"Yeah, okay, but I'm staying with you until your dad gets home."

She got no argument from me; I was too tired to protest. Plus I like having her around; she's very soothing when she's worried. As soon as I changed and lay down I was out. I can't really tell you what happened next because I was unconscious, duh!

When I woke up I knew immediately where I was. I had come to loathe hospitals and I was not in the least happy to be back in one.

"What the hell…?"

"Spence! You're awake!"

"No, I'm just talking in my sleep while staring directly at you. What am I doing here? Get me out of here."

"Hey calm down. Last night after you I helped you up to bed, you passed out right as your head hit the pillow. I was worried, and then your dad came home and I told him I thought you might be sick. He took your temperature, you were burning up Spence. We couldn't wake you up, so we brought you here. And guess what, I was right! You are sick."

"Well you don't have to act all high and mighty about it Ashley. So what's wrong with me anyway, where's my dad, when can I leave?"

"Calm down, I get why you hate hospitals so much, but you need to just chill. You have some kind of stomach virus or something, it was pretty bad. You've been sleeping for like eighteen hours. Your dad had to go back to work, and I can take you home as soon as the doctor checks on you and gives the rundown of whatever you have to do."

"Who's my doctor?"

"Okay…don't freak out, but would you believe your luck that your mom is your doctor?"

"No fucking way."

"Sorry."

"Great, just great."

AN: Reviews? Maybe? Come on, you know you want to. Even I can appreciate a good flaming every now and then. Anything? No, well, fine then, be that way.