A/N. I would like to thank each and every one of you that reviewed this story. You guys make me want to update everyday. I know that so far this story probably makes you want to jump off a roof somewhere (with it's depressingness), but I promise that it will get better. In fact, the next chapter begins my fast-forward to the future (aka, this turns into a Future-Fic). Hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 3

Aiden sat in the waiting room, his head resting in his hands. His back ached from sitting in this chair, but that pain didn't even register with him. Nothing could ever compare to the pain he felt when he saw his best friend lying on the floor, covered in her own blood. Ashley had been so pale, so helpless. Aiden stood, unable to sit any longer. He paced in front of the vending machine, running his fingers through his dark hair in frustration. How can this be happening? How could he lose his best friend? Why would Ashley do this? Grunting, Aiden turned around, needing to release aggression. He slammed his fists into the vending machine, letting out a low growl.

"Ashley Davies?" a doctor said, entering the waiting room.

Aiden became numb. "Is…is Ashley ok?" He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer to this. There was so much blood.

The doctor sighed, "Does she have any family?"

"I'm all she has. He dad just died and her mom isn't around. Please, please just tell me if she's ok," Aiden begged.

"She's lost a lot of blood, son. We had to give her numerous transfusions. It was touch and go for awhile." The doctor paused. "Does she take any medication?" Aiden shook his head. "That's what I was afraid of. We found a high dose of Vicodin and alcohol in her system. We were forced to pump her stomach."

"But she's ok now, right?"

"She's stable, yes. But we will have to keep her on suicide watch for a hew days. We need to make sure that she doesn't try anything again. We also recommend that she seek counseling after this. In these cases, it's often best to get to the root of the problem before it eats away at them and they end up back here." The doctor paused again. "I'm not sure when she'll wake up," he placed his hand on Aiden's shoulder, "But you are welcome to go in and see her."

Aiden thanked the doctor, replaying the conversation in his head. Counseling…suicide watch…so she doesn't try anything again. As he stood in front of Ashley's hospital door, he prepared himself for what he was about to face. He reached for the handle, his body shaking with fear as he remembered the sight of Ashley lying on the floor.

Aiden entered the dim room and slowly walked toward the unconscious brunette. He sat down and reached for her hand. Pausing slightly, he slowly ran his fingers along the bandages that covered her wrists. "Oh Ash," he whispered, gently squeezing her right hand. "Why did you do it?" He rested his forehead on the pillow next to Ashley's head and sighed.

"Why did you save me?" Ashley's hoarse voice questioned.

Aiden lifted his head and stared in disbelief into Ashley's defeated eyes. "How can you even ask me that?"

"I cause pain to everyone who's near me. You would have been better off without me in your life," Ashley stated through tears, wincing in pain as she spoke.

"You don't get to decide that Ashley!" Aiden yelled, dropping her hand. "You can't make that call. You are my best friend. My world can't exist without you in it."

Ashley shook her head, "I'm worthless Aiden. I don't have anything to live for anymore. I screwed up so bad. I screwed everything up."

Aiden glared at the brunette, "What would Spencer think of this? Of you giving up like this?"

Ashley's face paled at the mention of the blonde. Her strong resolve faltered and the tears fell. "I screwed it up Aiden. I lost her. I…I drank too much. I couldn't think…and I…I slept with someone else. I told Spencer. How could I lie about it? God, Aiden. The look on her face." Ashley paused. "I think I broke her heart."

Aiden sat in silence as Ashley poured out her heart. "You did screw up Ashley, but how would Spencer feel knowing that you tried to end your life? Do you think that she would want that?"

"I just don't know how to live without her."

Aiden leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the sobbing girl. "I'll help you Ashley. I'll help you live, I promise. We can get you through this, but you have to promise that you'll try. Promise that you will try to survive."

Ashley wiped her tears away and stared at her friend. "I'll try." She stopped and inhaled sharply, "Do you think…do you think I could get her back? Do you think I could ever get Spencer to forgive me?"

Aiden lowered his gaze, "I don't know Ashley. I honestly don't know. But you can try."

Determination filled Ashley's eyes. "I will. I'm going to get Spencer back."