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Here's part 3

20 minutes later

I pull up in front of Spencer's house and turn off the car. She opens the car door a crack, but I grab her arm gently before she goes any farther. I ask nervously, "Is there anything I should know before going back in there?"

Spencer ponders a second then answers simply, "No, you'll be fine."

I admit as I utter, "I just don't want to embarrass you."

She scoffs, "Don't worry. That job has already been taken…by my family." She laughs as she gets out of the car. I open my door and get out; shutting the door once it's clear. I'm more nervous to "re-meet" her family again, considering its post-date. But for Spencer's sake, I'm going to be as calm as I can be.

I walk around my car to meet up with Spencer. We walk up the driveway with me slightly ahead of Spencer. I suddenly feel a hand cuddle into mine. I turn to look at Spencer and give her a big, reassuring smile. She guides me to the front door, opening the passageway effortlessly. She makes a big announcement once she steps foot in the house, "Guys, we're home!"

The older man's voice speaks back, "It's about time." I can't help but chuckle at the cuteness of this family and how they act with each other.

I release her hand from mine to shut the door behind me. I walk towards Spencer, anxious to start the rest of the night with her. I stand to the right of her as we stand in the opening to the kitchen. Her mom asks, "How was everything?"

I look at Spencer, waiting for an answer. Depending on what comes out of her mouth, there might be another date rather soon. She looks at me at the same time, probably waiting for an answer as well. She smiles at me and responds, "It was good." She winks at me right before turning her head to look at her parents.

Her mom holds her mug with both hands and points out, "That's nice. We just put up a fresh pot of coffee if you guys would like some."

Spencer looks at me as she slowly walks towards the cabinet to grab a mug, "Would you like some?"

I say quietly, "Yes, please."

She grabs two mugs to prepare both cups of coffee. Her dad suggests politely, "Come and sit down. I want to hear about 'the Amazing Ashley'."

I joke as I start walking towards the table where just the parents are seated, "Has Spencer been talking about me behind my back? Shame on you, Spencer." I grasp the top of the chair, but before I sit down, I look back at Spencer who is a little surprised at my comment, and give her a good wink back. She scoffs and continues to pour the coffee. Like a well-mannered lady would, I take my seat and cross my legs to get comfortable.

As Spencer walks over with the coffees, she asks, "Where are Glen and Kyla?"

The lady answers, "I think they're upstairs."

Spencer jokes, "Oo la la." She places my cup in front of me.

The dad interrupts, "I feel like such an idiot. I never introduced myself." He continues after a few seconds, "You can call me Arthur and this is my wife, Paula."

I admit, "Well, it does make it easier now, but I guess after a while, I could've just called you Mom and Dad." I glance at Spencer and realize that I should clarify myself. "I mean because you guys seem so caring and outgoing and just all around fun that I could get along with you very well." I look back at her, but it didn't work. "I should just shut up now." I put my coffee cup to my mouth and take a big gulp.

Arthur speaks first, "I understand what you mean, but anything can happen, right?"

I utter, "Cheers to that." I break the tension, "No, but we're not even done with the first date so marriage shouldn't even be a conversation topic."

Spencer asks seriously, "Do you not want to get married?"

I explain, "No, I want to get married just when I find the right person you know?"

She agrees, "I feel the same way."

Paula chimes in, "It's good you guys are on the same page."

"Sorry to change the subject, but how old did you say you were?" Arthur looks directly at me.

I speak clearly, "I'm 25."

He analyzes, "Hmm same as Spencer. Do you have a job?"

Spencer blurts, "Dad, stop being so nosy."

I assure as I look at her, "It's alright. I've got noting to hide." I put my focus back to Arthur to answer, "I actually work at the home decorating store in town as an assistant manager, for now."

He questions, "Any ideas on what you want to be in the future?"

I answer confidently, "I definitely aspire to be an interior designer. I want to start my own business eventually, but just don't have the means right now."

He displays a positive attitude, "That's good. Set goals. Achieve them. Live happily."

I compliment, "Very well said Mr.…?"

He takes a sip of his coffee then answers, "Carlin, but you can call me Arthur. Makes me sound old if you call me Mr. Carlin, dontchya think, honey?" He looks over at Paula.

She nods her head adequately and says in an exhausted tone, "I think I'm gonna go to bed."

Arthur asks, "Are you okay honey?"

She stands up from her chair and nods slowly, "Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a long day and I'm worn out." She walks over to the sink to drop her coffee in it.

He suggests after taking a quick gulp of his coffee, "I think I'm going to head upstairs too. Goodnight guys." He rushes to put his cup in the sink and run upstairs.

"Goodnight," Spencer and I say at the same time. Spencer listens intently for clearance of her parents. She jumps on the opportunity, "Wanna hit the hot tub?"

I confess, "I don't have a bathing suit though."

She grabs my hand to lead me upstairs, "I'll lend you one."

Five minutes later…

I'm standing in the bathroom, staring at this bikini that is just covering the right spots and nothing more. And of course, I know Spencer gave me this thing because it must be a joke to her to see me almost naked when her parents could have perfect vision. I can't walk out of this bathroom wearing this. It's barely dental floss!

But I have to.

Why did she have to go and give me the sexiest bikini she has?

I yell from her bathroom, "Hey Spencer!"

"Yea!"

I swing open the door while speaking in the process, "Do you have anything else I could—" I look down and see a trail of clothes leading to her bedroom door, but I don't see her. I look back into the bathroom for a towel, anywhere, lying around. I reach over to my left to grab the bright green covering to wrap it around my body. I hear a door close in the distance. Why must she do this to me?

I maneuver my way through the house, by trial and error, figuring out where the damn hot tub is. The hard work is well worth it though. Spencer is sitting in her cute little way that actually looks like she's a pimp, waiting for her women to come. It's kind of amusing if I think about it.

She gives me a quite pleasant smirk and asks sarcastically, "What took you so long? Did you die along the way?"

I answer back in a smart alack way, "Maybe if you didn't ditch me upstairs."

She runs her left hand across the water, "Oh stop complaining and by the way, why are you wearing a towel when you haven't even gotten wet?"

I blurt out, disclosing my somewhat anger about what she did to me, "Because of this skimpy thing you gave me as a bathing suit. Do your parents know you own this thing?" I laugh after I finish my sentence.

"Uh yes they do and I told you I would punish you," she winks as she finishes speaking.

I gasp loudly, but in a joking manner.

She insists, "Oh please just get in here so I can show you my surprise."

I ask anxiously, "What kind of surprise?"

She looks down at both of her shoulders and rubs across the area where bikini straps would lie. She looks back up at me and by her facial expressions; she's indicating she doesn't have anything—at all—on.

I throw the towel down on the floor and immediately climb into the hot tub.

Later that night…

That was the most passionate, erotic and, meaningful sex I've ever had. Spencer and I more that felt that connection that two people have when they do the dirty. There are no words to describe it because I don't think they've made a word to describe how I feel right now. The closest word could be "magical."

Spencer and I are getting dressed back into clothes. She's putting on booty shorts and a tank while I have to get all my clothes back on, even though I'd rather have an outfit on like hers and then lay in bed with her the rest of the night, but work is my interference.

After the both of us are ready, Spencer walks me to the front door to say goodbye. With the door open wide and I, standing on the porch step, I say, "Well, it's been a fun night. Have a good night and I'll call you tomorrow."

I start to walk off the steps, but Spencer raises her voice, "Hey, you forgot something." I turn around to look at her in confusion. She fills in the void, "Can I have a goodnight kiss?"

I smile and walk back up and on the steps to place a nice, solid kiss on her lips, leaving her utterly satisfied. I turn back with my feet shuffling on all the surfaces I touch. I climb into my car, driving away with the biggest smile on my face.

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Next Saturday

Because Spencer is going trough Medical school, it's hard to see her on a daily basis so we decided we would see each other on the weekends until school is over for the year. This weekend, it's my house and we're having a little barbeque as a little family-get-together. Spencer gets meet the family and vice versa. And then of course, afterwards, the night will be filled with hot and heavy sex taken place in my bedroom while everyone is fast asleep.

It's about a couple hours into this little party and we're just about ready to begin eating. Spencer takes a seat to the right of me as everyone else chooses their seats wisely. Just a few moments into the meal, Spencer's phone goes off. She digs into her pocket quickly and apologizes embarrassingly, "I'm sorry about that." She excuses herself out of the area and inside.

Dad takes advantage of this time without Spencer, "You better hold on tight to this girl."

Ethan chimes in, "Yea don't go breaking her heart like all the other's. She's perfect."

Aiden speaks his input, "You two click so well and look really cute together. Don't let her go."

I plead my case, "I won't guys, I promise. Not this time, at least. I want to keep her here as long as possible."

Everyone gives their own form of "yea, right" looks because no one believes me. I bet they're all thinking, "Same old stuff, different day. Ashley is going to break that poor girl's heart."

Everyone turns silent as Spencer walks back out, distraught and a little shaky. She utters, "My mom has just been rushed to the hospital. She had a heart attack."

Everyone gasps or makes some sort of sound the express their worry. I drop whatever is in my hands and demand, "I'll drive you to the hospital." I swiftly get out of my chair and race to my car.

30 minutes later…

I pace around the waiting area, waiting for one of the Carlin's to walk out and give me some sort of news, even if it's bad. This wait is killing me. I mean, this is unbelievable—Ethan's dad was rushed to the hospital less than a couple weeks ago and now Spencer's mom. Two people I care about deeply and would be crushed if anything happened to either of them. Well, if Ethan's dad weren't so wild, I guess you could say, he wouldn't have been sent to the hospital. He thought he swallowed a quarter so he panicked and called 9-1-1. I love the guy, but he's gotta watch where he puts his money.

Spencer steps out into the area, distracting me from my internal monologue. I walk up to her and grasp her in my arms for a few moments. I let her free and she explains, "She had a minor heartache and she'll be okay, but they just want to keep her overnight to monitor her."

I sigh out, "What a relief. Where's your dad?"

Not a second later, he walks out into the area. I rush my words as he walks towards Spencer and I, "Hey Arthur. Is there anything you'd like me to get or do? If there's anything you need at all…"

He assures, "I'm fine. You don't need to do anything. I just have to go make a phone call to see if I can get a hold of Glen."

She and I nod our heads as he races to the nearest payphone.

I offer Spencer, "Is there anything you'd like me to get?"

She answers as she runs her hands through her hair, "No, I'm good." A few seconds go by, and then she continues, "Thank you for being here with me."

I say honestly, "I wasn't going to ditch you here. I'm gonna support you with anything you go through. And on top of that, I care about your mom, because she very much cares about you."

"You have no idea how much I appreciate you doing this."

"I think I have an idea, just promise me next weekend is at my house again because I was really in the mood for a good burger from the grill."

She pleads in a playful manner, "Oh stop it."

I continue to joke, "And that other thing you owe me."

Spencer looks at me with a confused face to ask, "What oth—" She figures out what I'm talking about. "That's going to have to wait until later, babe." She winks and then takes a seat closest to us.

Babe?

You know, tragedies always seem to bring on a lot of love, in various ways, too.

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3 months later

I'm back in the same damn place—the hospital, except I'm the patient. Wait until you hear how I got myself into this situation.

I'm in my hospital bed and room, bored out of my mind, searching through TV stations. I'm trying to find something good on this thing, but I guess I'm going to stick with The Price Is Right. I'm waiting for Spencer to get here so she can badger at me for being stupid, as usual. And speak of the devil…

Spencer walks in, flustered and worried beyond belief. She drops her purse on the nearest table and starts asking a series of questions, "Ashley, are you okay? Are you seeing double? Did they give you pain medicine? What happened?"

I let the last few questions slide from my brain because if I were to retain all of those questions, I would have a real problem to deal with. I confess with a smirk on my face like a kid's, "I ran into a car."

Spencer gasps and raises her voice, "You were in a car accident?"

I murmur, "Not exactly." I pause a couple seconds. "I physically ran into a car because I was looking down at my iPod and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and bam, here I am. Knocked unconscious and everything."

She begins her questioning again, "Are you okay? Any internal bleeding or brain damage?"

I exclaim, "Spencer, I'm fine. The doctor put me through so many tests to make sure I'm a-okay, but they want to keep me over night as a safety precaution. So, please, stop worrying."

She grabs my hand gently and lightly caresses it as she explains, "I don't know how to not worry. I love you."

What? Whoa. Step back and replay that.

"I love you."

Yupp she did say it. What am I supposed to do now?

I hold her hand nervously and begin chuckling without quite saying any words. She stares at me blankly and then justifies an answer to her proclamation, "Oh you don't feel the same way…that isn't awkward at all." She releases her hand from mine in a disappointed way. "I'm gonna go…outside for a while." She starts to walk away from me, leaving my hand sort of hanging, literally.

"Spencer, wait. Let me please explain," I muster out that much.

She saddens a little with her tone, "No, you don't need to explain yourself. If you don't feel the same way, then I can't help that, can I?" She turns to begin walking again.

I rush, "It's not like that at all Spence." She stands at the doorway as she listens to me plead my case. "I do care about you. I would do anything for you or anything related to you, but way before I even met you, I went out with a lot of girls." Spencer folds her arms and gives me the "shut up, I don't want to hear it" look. "All of those girls…I said, 'I love you' to, but I never meant it. I thought I did at the time, but now I know I never had those kinds of feelings like I do with you. And that's where I think I went wrong. I unknowingly lied to those girls about my feelings, which only made them hurt worse when I realized they weren't for me." I continue seconds later, "I know that I love you, but I want to be positive that I'm in love with you before I say it. I don't want to hurt you." She lets her arms down slowly, "Please tell me that something in that whole speech made some sense." I laugh nervously.

She assures, "Yea, it does. I just don't want you to feel obligated to say things you don't feel. I wave my hand for her to come closer to me. As she stands right next to the bed, I pat it, inviting her to lie down next to me. She whispers, "We're going to get caught."

I comfort, "Your mom will cover for us." She waits a few moments and then ultimately decides to climb in the bed next to me. We snuggle close to each other due to the little amount of space there is on this thing. I slowly close my eyes and once I do, I confess, "Not the most romantic place to say it, but I love you."

Spencer kisses my cheek and says, "I love you too." A few seconds go by, then Spencer plays around, "I thought 'I love you' was supposed to come before we got in bed together."

I laugh hysterically because I never thought I would hear something like that from her mouth. I calm down after a moment to utter, "We're just special."

She gets up and out of the bed with a huge smile displayed on her face. "Yea, but not special enough to not get caught lying in a hospital bed together. I'm going to go get some coffee. Would you like anything?"

I look out the door as I ask, "I don't know what I'm allowed to have. They've got me on such a short leash around here."

She grabs her purse and snickers out, "I'll sneak you something." She starts walking out of the room.

"Alright, sounds good."

Spencer completely exists the room and I state the obvious, to myself, "Of course you love her, Ashley."

What'd you guys think?