Hide My Heart- Alternative chapter 4

Aiden was dropping Spencer off at home and throughout the whole journey he had been giving Spencer strange looks. After about the tenth strange look Spencer felt she had to ask what was wrong with him.

"Ok Aid what the hell?"

"What?" Aiden replied keeping his eyes on the road.

"You keep looking at me all weird" Spencer pointed out.

"Ok fine I just find it strange that you have agreed to this double date thing. I guess I just didn't think that Dan was your type" Aiden confessed.

"And who do you think is my type?" Spencer challenged raising an eyebrow daring Aiden to say something insulting.

"I don't know I just figured you go for a non-jock sort of guy"

"Like who?"

"I don't know just forget I said anything" Aiden mumbled knowing he was going to pay for his honesty.

"Look Aid I'm new to this whole dating thing…I don't know my type yet" Spencer explained knowing that Aiden didn't mean to cause any offence with his concern.

"Well I think you're far too good for him"

"Aiden you will probably think that I'm too good for any guy that I date and that's why I love ya" Spencer smiled as they pulled up outside of her house.

"Do you want me to pick you up?"

"I'm pretty sure my date is supposed to do that" Spencer giggled as she exited the car. She waved Aiden off and headed into her house remembering the heated discussion she had had with her Mother that morning. Trying her best to be quiet as she opened the door Spencer crept towards the stairs only to be stopped in her tracks by a very amused Arthur Carlin.

"Those ninja lessons not paying off huh?" Arthur chuckled much to Spencer's annoyance.

"I'll be a fully-fledged ninja any day now"

"Don't worry kiddo your Mom left for work about an hour ago"

"Awesome round 2 can wait until tomorrow morning" Spencer deadpanned.

"She means well Spence"

"I'm sure that's what Hitler's Mom used to day…..look where that got the world"

"Are you really comparing your Mother to Hitler?" Arthur asked trying to hide his amusement.

"Ok that may have been slightly dramatic but you get my point. I just get why she is so judgemental" Spencer exclaimed taking a seat on the stairs.

"You have met your grandmother right? As far as I can tell it must be in the genes"

"Please kill me if I ever get like that"

"Scouts honour. So I was thinking we could hang out tonight? One last movie night before you head back to school" Arthur offered with hope in his eyes.

"Actually Dad I kind of have a thing tonight"

"Oh right what kind of thing?"

"Like a group hang…..just a group of people hanging out" Spencer tried her best to hide the fact she was going on date but she could never lie to Arthur.

"A group of which people?"

"Well there will be me….Aiden…..Ashley and erm Dan"

"So it's not so much a group hang as it is a double date?" Arthur asked looking pleased that he cracked Spencer's terrible teenage code.

"Yes"

"Ok well have fun and be home by midnight. Also Spencer if at any point something happens that you're uncomfortable with you just call me and I'll be right there ok?"

"Thank you Dad" Spencer answered getting up and hugging her Father. Skipping up the stairs Spencer entered her bedroom and was now faced with the task of finding something to wear. She couldn't call Carmen as she had still not heard from her since the party and she didn't have Ashley's number. Spencer had a sudden brave wave and picked her phone dialling the one person that may be able to help.

"Hey girl" Chelsea answered.

"Hey Chels you busy?"

"Just at the studio painting why?"

"I was going to ask for your help"

"With?"

"Well I have a date tonight and I have no idea what to wear"

"Oooooh with who?"

"Erm Dan York"

"Cute….ok I suppose I could help. Give me half an hour and I'll head over"

"Cool"

Spencer dropped her phone on the bed and toyed with the idea of texting Carmen but then she figured that she would contact Spencer when she was ready. Spencer thought back to the night before, to when she was dancing with Carmen, to the feelings she had when they danced close. Spencer put it down the alcohol and Carmen must have thought the same thing. Spencer had never asked Carmen about her sexuality but had just assumed that she was straight just like she assumed everybody was straight. She knew that her attitude was very old fashioned but it was how she was raised but when she thought back to what Ashley had said at the beach that day Spencer decided that she needed to be more open minded and that maybe she should ask Carmen about her sexuality. Spencer's musings were interrupted by a knock at the door and after shouting a loud 'come in' she was greeted by a smiling Chelsea.

"Hey Chels thank you so much for doing this"

"No problem girl I'm happy to help" Chelsea replied waving a bag of clothes in front of Spencer.

"Awesome….Chels before we start can I ask you something?" Spencer asked unsure as to whether she should continue.

"Yep" Chelsea replied distracted by sorting through the clothes in Spencer's wardrobe.

"Why didn't Carmen tell me she was gay?"

"Did you announce to her you were straight?" Chelsea challenged with a raised eyebrow.

"Who says I'm straight?" Spencer teased.

"Well Dan is going to be disappointed"Chelsea played along.

"I don't think I even like him" Spencer sighed.

"Damn girl maybe you are gay because that boy is fine and he even has a few more brain cells than the other jocks"

"Anyway why the questions about the lovely Carmen? I haven't seen her since you two left"

"We didn't leave together...in fact she left before me"

"Oh what happened?"

"Me and Carmen danced then we went to leave but Aiden tried to stop me. He seemed freaked that she was gay or whatever"

"He was probably just being protective of you"

"Yea I guess so what do you wear on a double date?"

"Double date?"

"Yea we're doubling with Aiden and Ashley"

"Oh….erm cool. Here try this sundress on with these sandals" Chelsea instructed handing Spencer the items. Spencer tried her best to brush off Chelsea's reaction to who she was doubling with but there was something about it that made Spencer wonder.

Spencer pulled the pale blue sundress over her head and admired herself in the mirror making a mental note that she must go clothes shopping with Chelsea at some as the girl had taste. Slipping on the sandals Spencer headed back into the bedroom. Chelsea looked her over once and gave her the nod of approval.

"Ok well you're done Miss Carlin"

"What about make-up and hair?"

"Spencer you don't need make-up. You are absolutely stunning without it and your hair looks great" Chelsea promised.

"Chels are you gay as well?" Spencer joked getting a smack on the arm from her friend. Chelsea collected her things looking ready to leave.

"Ok funny girl I have to go"

"Thank you so much for your help Chels and I'll see you at school Monday"

"Ugh yes you will. Have fun and be careful" Chelsea added as she left the room. Spencer wondered why she would need to be careful and suddenly started to feel nervous about her first ever date. She tried to calm herself down by thinking of positive things such as Dan is cute, he seems nice and of course Ashley was there. Spencer wasn't completely sure but it was a possibility that she was more excited about seeing Ashley than she was about seeing Dan. The thought of going on a date with him hadn't really crossed her mind apart from whenever Ashley mentioned it.

Looking at the clock Spencer realised that Dan would be there in a few minutes to pick her up. Grabbing her bag she headed down the stairs seeing that her front door was open she popped her head out to see why it was open. Spencer felt her face turn a deep shade of red as she saw her Dad talking to Dan, Spencer walked over as quickly as possible to defuse the situation.

"Spencer honey Dan was just introducing himself" Arthur announced putting his arm around Spencer. Dan smiled a dorky smile that in turn made Spencer smile.

"So I can see. Hey Dan you ready to go?" Spencer asked giving her Dad the death stare knowing too well that he would've been putting Dan on the stop on purpose.

"Sure thing Spencer. Mr Carlin it was nice to meet you and I promise I'll have Spencer home before midnight" Dan promised shaking Arthurs hand. Spencer shook her head in annoyance and headed towards the car. She took the chance to look at Dan, his messy brown hair was slightly more styled and he had made an effort by wearing a button down shirt with short khakis. Spencer had to admit that he looked quite nice and that they made a good couple. He was the perfect gentleman all the way to the restaurant, keeping the conversation flowing and making sure that Spencer was comfortable. As they pulled into the parking lot Spencer immediately spotted Aiden's giant car and assumed that the other couple were already in the restaurant. Dan ran round and opened Spencer's door for her asking if he could hold her hand which she agreed to.

Once they were inside the restaurant Spencer looked around and spotted Ashley and Aiden. She looked over and it seemed like they were sat in complete silence. Aiden was awkwardly playing with a breadstick while Ashley played with her phone. They approached the table startling the couple out of their boredom. Both looked relieved to see Dan and Spencer especially Ashley whose smile was wider than Spencer had ever seen it.

"Hey you two" Ashley practically yelled as she stood up to greet them. Spencer looked over at the smiling brunette and couldn't help but admire how amazing Ashley looked in her simple black dress with her dark curls pulled up into a clip.

Ashley ran her eyes over Spencer's body trying her best to look like she was just appreciating a friends' outfit rather than admiring a friends long, golden legs. Spencer's blue eyes were sparkling and Ashley was relieved to be near them again.

"You look great Ashley" Spencer complimented as Aiden and Dan busied themselves with sports talk. Ashley grabbed Spencer's hand and started to pull her away.

"Ladies room" Ashley announced to nobody in particular not that Aiden or Dan noticed. Once inside the bathroom Ashley dropped Spencer's hand.

"You ok Ashley?" Spencer asked noticing the annoyed look on Ashley's face.

"This is one of the worse dates I have been on" Ashley moaned as she leaned against the basin.

"What? Why?"

"I don't know whether it's me or Aiden but I have never not spoken for so long before. I am so happy that you are here Spencer"

"It can't be that bad. I normally can't shut him up"

"That's because you have things in common…Aiden and I don't"

"Maybe you're both just nervous?" Spencer asked not knowing what else to say plus she was trying to stop herself from just staring at Ashley which would probably end up just freaking her out.

"I'm not nervous Spencer I'm just bored. Aiden is a nice guy but he's just not my type"

"Well what is your type?"

"I'm not sure"

"If you don't like him why did you want to double date?"

"Because of you…" Ashley tried to stop herself from continuing to talk as she had already said too much.

"What do you mean because of me?" Spencer asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Well I knew you liked Dan but you wouldn't ask him out of your own" Ashley lied hoping to hell it would work.

"Ash that's really sweet of you but you shouldn't have done that. Hell I'm only here because I was trying to help Aiden" Spencer confessed giggling slightly as she finished her sentence thinking about how stupid they both were for going on dates that they didn't want to be on.

"Let's ditch them" Ashley suggested with a devilish look in her eyes which only made Spencer smile more.

"We can't do that"

"I'll just pretend I'm ill and that you need to take me home then we can just hang out or something" Ashley continued praying that Spencer would go along with her plan. She had spent most of the day thinking of plan to get her out of this date and to get her some more time with Spencer.

"Will that even work?"

"I don't know but as long as you're not opposed to the idea we can totally pull it off"

"Ok fine but you're buying me dinner" Spencer threatened.

"Whatever you want Spencer" Ashley replied heading back out of the rest room. They approached the table as Ashley tried her best to put her drama lessons into practice. Spencer tried to fight a giggle as Ashley put on the most pathetic sick face ever.

"You Ok Ashley?" Aiden asked looking at his date with genuine concern.

"Actually Ashley isn't feeling to good guys. I was thinking about driving her home" Spencer advised hoping they didn't ask too many questions mostly because Aiden would know that she was lying.

"I'll take her Spence…you can stay here and finish your date with Dan" Aiden offered always the goddamn gentleman.

"I would prefer Spencer to take me Aiden….no offence" Ashley interrupted putting on an even less convincing sick voice which nearly killed Spencer. Luckily Dan and Aiden seemed to be buying it even if it was the worst performance of both girls' lives.

"Plus she's totally just got her period" Spencer spat without thinking as she panicked. Both boys looked completely grossed out and Ashley looked shocked at Spencer's lying Tourette's.

"Erm….ok well maybe we can do this another time?" Dan suggested as he looked at Spencer with hopeful eyes.

"Definitely Dan….thank you the date so far" Spencer replied kissing Dan on the cheek. Ashley watched on and thought that she might actually be sick any second if she had to watch any more of that. Spencer gave Aiden an arm dig and then headed out pretending she was holding Ashley up in support. As soon as they were safely in the car both girls burst into fits on giggles. After a few minutes and some deep breaths later Ashley looked over at the smiling blonde noticing how beautiful she looked.

"I can't believe we just did that" Spencer exclaimed.

"Hey if you were having fun with jock strap back there feel free to leave" Ashley jokingly offered as she leaned over Spencer to open the door only to be stopped by the blonde. Spencer kept hold of Ashley's arm for a moment while their eyes explored each other's features both noticing the subtle differences at that distance. Ashley was the first to break the staring contest knowing that her resolve around Spencer was already weakening and that wasn't something she could risk. She was already risking everything by spending time with the girl but she needed to curb her cravings for the sweet blonde somehow even if it was torture.

Ashley drove them to a small restaurant that Spencer didn't really recognise but she didn't care she was enjoying her time with Ashley. The silence in the car though was making Spencer slightly nervous so she made her best attempt at mindless small talk.

"You excited about school Monday?" Spencer asked feeling like the world biggest dork the second the question escaped her lips. Ashley turned and smiled as Spencer sat and waited for an answer.

"Spencer I know you've only just met me but do you really ever remember seeing me around King High?" Ashley replied keeping her eyes on the road.

"Come to think of it no. Are you like 30 really? And you just hang around with high school kids to relive your youth?" Spencer laughed.

"I hate school Spencer, I hate most of the people, I hate most of the teachers and I'm not really a fan of myself while I'm there" Ashley admitted as she climbed out of the car. Spencer followed and the they entered the restaurant. Once they were seated Spencer continued with her getting to know Ashley plan.

"Why don't you like the person you are while you're at school?"

"I just don't….so you think I look 30 then?" Ashley replied wanting to change the topic as soon as she could. She couldn't help but smile when she noticed how flustered and red Spencer had turned.

"No…erm….I was just…you look incredible" Spencer stuttered hating her stupid mouth and lack of ability to control it when around Ashley. Ashley felt herself blush slightly at Spencer's comments and tried her best to let them go.

"Are you looking forward to school?" Ashley asked sipping her drink.

"Yes and No…kind of worried that I'm going to lose Aiden to the cool kids and Carmen isn't talking to me so I'll probably spend most of my senior year alone"

"Not if you hang around with me" Ashley offered.

"But we have already discovered that the bad ass that is Ashley Davies doesn't do school" Spencer noted with a cocky smile.

"Well I'm willing to change the rules if there's somebody there worth changing them for" Ashley said looking Spencer dead in the eye, neither girl moved for a few seconds. Both of them seemed to looking for a clue as to what was going on in that moment but both drew a blank.

"I'm in demand so I'll see if I can fit you in" Spencer joked wanting to kill the tension something that both girls were grateful for.

"So are you going to see Dan again?" Ashley quizzed picking at her bread roll now avoiding eye contact with Spencer.

"I guess so…..but not as a date. He was nice and sweet but not my type I guess"

"Do you have a type yet?"

"Do you?" Spencer through back getting a smile from Ashley.

"Maybe I'll let you know when I'm sure"

"You best do" Spencer was interrupted by her phone vibrating in her pocket. Seeing that it was Carmen calling her she signalled to Ashley that she was going to take the call. Standing up and moving a few feet away from the table Spencer answered her phone.

"Hey Carm"

"Hey Spencer I'm sorry about last night"

"Did I do something to piss you off?" Spencer asked not wanting an apology but an explanation.

"No not at all Spencer. I was just having a bad night"

"Well maybe we can meet up sometime?" Spencer offered glad that her friend wasn't made at her.

"Ok well are you free now?" Carmen asked relieved that Spencer was still talking to her.

"Actually I'm having dinner with Ashley but we can hang out later or tomorrow?"

"How about we hook up later when you're done?"

"Ok I'll call you later Carm"

Spencer hung up her phone and turned to see Ashley straightening herself up. Spencer smiled to herself knowing that Ashley had clearly been eavesdropping. Taking a seat Spencer looked at Ashley who looked almost upset or offended.

"You ok Ashley?" Spencer asked reaching her hand over to Ashley's and holding it.

"I'm fine Spencer"

"You look upset"

"I'm not, I'm fine"

"I know you were listening to my call with Carmen"

"Being stealth was never my strong point" Ashley laughed still holding Spencer's hand.

"Clearly. She asked me to hang out later, you know after we're done" Spencer explained hoping Ashley would understand.

"That's cool….if you want to go now that's cool" Ashley stated pulling her hand away from Spencer's.

"I'm perfectly happy where I am right now Ashley"

"Don't go and see Carmen Spencer. Just hang out with me?" Ashley asked knowing she had no right but she was having too much fun with Spencer and didn't want it to end.

"What do you have against Carmen?"

"Nothing at all. I'm just having fun, that's all plus Carmen isn't a nice person trust me" Ashley really did want to do this but Spencer was leaving her no option.

"I don't even know you. Why would I trust you Ashley?" Spencer was getting a little bit more annoyed now. Once again Ashley's personality had changed and Spencer didn't like it. Their friendship was new and Spencer didn't want to stop hanging out with Ashley but she refused to pick between the two girls. Ashley sat staring at Spencer for a few minutes clearly trying to think of some sort of come back but her mind drew a blank. The blonde was right she didn't know Ashley and she had no reason to trust her.

"You're absolutely right Spencer. You don't know me because if you did you wouldn't be here having dinner with me, you wouldn't be spending time with me. I'll drop you home….come on" Ashley finally replied putting down some money to pay for the dinner they had ordered but were clearly never going to eat. Spencer watched Ashley head out of the restaurant and decided she needed to follow her otherwise she would never get home. Spencer angrily marched behind Ashley who was about to climb into her car until Spencer stopped her.

"What the hell just happened?" Spencer yelled placing her arms either side of Ashley who was still trying to open her car door.

"I'm taking you home" Ashley replied nearly fainting from the proximity of Spencer.

"Why? We were having fun or at least I was"

"I was having fun too Spencer but you clearly wanted to go hang with Carmen" Ashley knew she sounded like a petulant child but she couldn't help it and she really didn't care.

"Why are you acting jealous?" Spencer snapped as she racked her brains for a reason as to why Ashley was acting this way.

"Because I am jealous!" Ashley yelled back immediately regretting her words. Her brown eyes were focused everywhere but on the light blue ones that were looking for some sort of explanation.

"Why are you jealous of Carmen?" Spencer asked with her arms still either side of Ashley.

"Spencer she likes you….." Ashley explained further wishing that she could just tell Spencer to forget about Carmen all together and pick her but she couldn't do that.

"Can you just take me home?" Spencer practically begged moving away from Ashley who automatically missed the closeness of the blonde. Ashley didn't reply she got in the drivers seat and took Spencer home. As they pulled up outside of the Carlin residence Ashley spotted Carmen sat on the door step waiting for Spencer. Ashley knew that as of Monday at school any hopes of having Spencer Carlin in her life were over. Taking her chance Ashley took Spencer's hand in hers and puller her into a hug. Breathing in Spencer's scent Ashley felt relaxed for those short seconds. Spencer embraced Ashley and took the hug as an apology not a goodbye as Ashley had intended. Spencer felt Ashley go to pull away but she just squeezed her tightly and placed a soft kiss on Ashley's cheek.

"See ya around Spencer" Ashley stated as the hug finally broke.

"Why are you being like this Ash?" Spencer asked pulling back from the hug slightly.

"Like what?"

"You act like you can't wait to get away from me one minute and then you're literally clinging to me the next"

"I'm just being a brat and I'm sorry. I like hanging around with you and there's not many people that I will say that about" Ashley admitted shyly.

"You have nothing to be jealous of Ash, I like you even though I think you may actually be insane and I want to hang out with you but I need to sort this out with Carmen because she is my friend too. Just be at school Monday please" Spencer ordered with one last hug as she climbed out of the car waving to Carmen who was keeping a safe distance from Ashley's car.