The days after the first kiss…part 8 (Spencer/Ashley) G

Title: The days after their first kiss …part 8 (Spencer/Ashley) G
Author: astabasta
Rating: G
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Spencer, Ashley, Paula, Arthur
Summary: Going to the chapel…. Author's note: This series is my vision of what happens in the days after Spencer comes home after her first kiss (and whatever else may have happened) with Ashley. I have taken the liberty of introducing 4 new characters. This story line comes from my need to give Spencer a friend (or two) which she really hasn't made since she moved to LA. This is my first posting and I am having a "Spencer's-first-time-with-Ashley" moment: I'm a virgin at this and a nervous wreck but I so want to get it on…this website. Feedback and comments are welcome.

Spoilers/Warnings: None

Chapter VIII

The Carlins mill outside First Unitarian Church greeting friends they have not seen since the previous Sunday. Arthur, Clay and Glen wear their Sunday best shirts, ties and slacks while Paula and Spencer wear airy sun dresses. The Carlin men discuss the possible outcomes of this afternoon's scheduled football game on TV. A youth minister, Mark pulls Spencer aside to talk about an upcoming social. He appears to be a lot more interested in Spencer than in ministry.

"So, like I was saying, we're meeting here," Mark concludes. "Then carpooling to the roller rink."

"Huh?" Spencer aimlessly looks around the church grounds. "I don't even know how to skate."

Paula is talking to Mrs. Marsh, the President of the social concerns committee when she is suddenly distracted by a young lady in a flowing knee length skirt and a modest blouse walking along the church's pathway. Paula recognizes the girl, knows her face, and recalls the bounce in her freshly washed curly hair. However, Paula is taken aback because she does not know the girl in this context, as a member or regular parishioner of First Unitarian. The young lady's brown eyes dart from left to right as she looks for someone that she recognizes. She does not notice Paula staring at her.

"You made it!" Spencer exclaims as she abandons the youth minister's futile attempt, runs to Ashley and gives her a big hug.

Ashley blushes as she stares at the congregants around her who do not notice the hugging girls.

"Barely." Ashley says, "I'm so nervous."

"You?" Spencer smiles reassuringly at Ashley, takes her hand and leads her to Paula and Arthur who are now both talking to Mrs. Marsh. Paula's stomach drops, her back stiffens and she turns a deep pink as she focuses all of her attention on Spencer's hand in Ashley's.

"Mrs. Marsh, Mom, Dad," Spencer says with confidence. "Ashley'll be joining us today."

"It's really nice to see you here," Arthur beams. "If you enjoy the sermon today, maybe it'll be your first visit of many."

"Of course, Spencer," Paula says through clenched teeth, forcing a publicly appropriate smile. "We remember... Ashley. It's been a while."

"No, Mom. I don't think you've been formally introduced," Spencer says defiantly. "This is Ashley my -"

"Well, welcome, Ashley, I've heard a lot about you. Good things of course, "Mrs. Marsh chimes in, chuckling with feigned sincerity. "I'm sure Spencer's already told you about the youth ministry and all the activities that they do outside of the church. It'll give you a chance to meet new friends, that is, other types of friends than you're used to, of course."

Spencer rolls her eyes at Ashley.

"And, Ashley, if the activities aren't incentive enough," Mrs. Marsh continues in a lowered voice of mock-confidence, as if the girls are remotely interested in what she is telling them. "You might meet a nice young man."

"Thanks, that sounds really nice, but," Ashley says holding up Spencer's hand. "I'm taken."

Wide-eyed, Spencer shrugs and lets Ashley lead her into the church.

Paula's mouth freezes open caught between a retort, a gasp of shock, and a look of disbelief. Arthur places a firm, steadying arm across Paula's shoulders.

"There's going to be a whole lot of praying going on today," Mrs. Marsh says under her breath as she, Paula and Arthur stare after the girls entering the church hand-in-hand.