A/N. Wow, you guys are seriously making my day with all these reviews! I love you guys! Oh, and in the next chapter...Spashley reunites!
Chapter Five
"Haley?" Spencer said, gasping as she took a step back from the raven-haired girl. "You're pregnant?" Her eyes wandered over the small tummy poking out from underneath the tank top.
Haley nodded before turning towards her fiancé. "You didn't tell her?"
"I was getting around to it," Aiden said. "I just thought you should be here when she finds out."
"Aiden," Haley said sternly, "You could have told her."
"But it's our surprise, you should be here too." Haley smiled, pulling Aiden into a gentle kiss.
"How far along are you?" Spencer asked, feeling a twinge of jealousy at the love displayed in front of her.
"Just four months," Haley responded, placing her palm on her stomach. "We're still kind of in shock about it."
Spencer pulled Haley into a hug, "I'm so happy for you guys," she said as tears twinkled in her pale blue eyes. "Does this mean I finally get to be Aunt Spencer?" she giggled, allowing the happy news to wash over her.
"Well Spencer, I hate to cut this short, but Aiden and I have to get going," Haley said, sending a look in Aiden's direction. "We are having a small get-together tonight, we were hoping that you could come. 8:00?"
Spencer didn't notice the look of annoyance that crossed Aiden's face. "Sure, should I bring anything?"
:Just your smiling, happy self," Haley said, grinning at her. Aiden rolled his eyes at his fiancé.
The trio said there goodbyes and headed off into opposite directions. "Nice job, Hales," Aiden grumbled, "Do you know what you just did?"
"I'm just trying to help. Spencer needs to get out into the world…live a little bit."
Aiden groaned, "But do you have any idea how dead we will be when Spencer learns that Ashley will be there too?"
"Aiden, Haley…what the hell did you guys do?" Ashley asked, shaking her head at the couple.
"Oh no, do not blame this on me. It was all Haley's fault," Aiden tattled, pointing to his fiancé.
"What are you Aiden? Five?" Haley said, sticking out her tongue at him.
"Wow, you guys are mature. And you're expecting to be parents?" Ashley mocked, placing her hands on her slender waist.
"Ashley, look, the bottom line is that you and Spencer will have to see each other eventually, I am just speeding up the process," explained Haley.
Ashley sighed. She knew that she would see Spencer soon, but the idea of bombarding her at a dinner party just didn't seem right. Running her fingers through her thick hair, a million scenarios entered her mind. Would Spencer be happy to see her? Would Spencer run screaming in the opposite direction? Would they talk? Would they cry? Could they ever get back what they had? "No, I can't do it Aiden. I can't." Her heart started pounding, and she sat down to avoid a panic attack. "I can't face her, I just can't. After everything…" her voice caught in her throat as the emotions ran wild. "I can't hurt her again." She closed her eyes, holding back tears.
Ashley felt warm arms wrap around her. "Ashley, I spoke with Spencer today." Ashley pulled away and stared into Aiden's eyes as he continued. "She still cares about you. I could see it in her eyes when she heard your name. She hasn't let you go."
These words tugged at Ashley's heart and embedded into her mind. "She hasn't let me go?" Ashley repeated aloud. A small smile formed on her face.
"You've changed so much Ashley. You've been through so much, and you've proven yourself to be a survivor. If Spencer knew everything that's happened these last five years…she would be so proud of you," Aiden said softly, "Just as proud as I am."
"Thanks Aiden, but you shouldn't be proud of me. I had to survive. I didn't have a choice," Ashley said, aiming soft brown eyes at Aiden. "I had to survive…for him."