Here is an update. I wish I could say it's a great one but I think it falls short by a lot. I've had major personal issues lately, so this update is me trying to get back into the mood. So without any more rambling on my part an update to celebrate my 9yr relationship going down the drain.

Thank You Scouse for beta'ing

PG-13

Chapter 23

Paula's POV

I can't believe the summer is half over already. This has definitely been a summer to remember. Thinking about it, Spencer came out and is now dating Ashley. My marriage to Arthur is over. I signed the papers yesterday. The tip of the iceberg was Spencer being kidnaped. My heart is not going to be able to take much more drama, that's for sure.

Sighing and running my hands through my hair, I whispered to myself "Glen's leaving for college at the end of summer too."

I'm not sure Spencer and I could run this ranch without any more help. I guess when it gets closer; I will probably have to hire someone to help. Another thought coming to mind, what am I going to do when Spencer leaves for college, I'll be all alone. Stop thinking like this Paula! I'm getting way ahead of myself. I have a whole year to figure out the rest of my life.

Shaking my head at my own thoughts, I make my way back inside to get everyone started on the list of tasks we have to complete before everyone gets here today.

"Everyone listen up!" I look around the room before continuing. "We have a lot to do today. First, we need to get our normal chores out of the way. Then we need to get everything setup for your parents." Clapping my hands together "let's get moving!"

Spencer's POV

"PARENT'S DAY!" I scream out inside my head. God I hate today. Not only do I have to deal with strange people, I'm meeting Ashley's mom today. I'm so nervous. Let's just hope I'm not gonna make a fool of myself. Not to mention, we need to get her mom to sign a form, so she can go to my barrel competition with me next weekend.

Instead of dwelling on everything, I head over to the stable where Thunder is.

"Hey boy." I rub his soft silky muzzle. "How are you feeling today?" He answers me with a soft grunt. "Yeah, I'm nervous too, but we'll do great. Like we always do." I place a quick kiss on his nose, and then make my way back to the others setting up the tables and such.

"Hey sweetie." I'm pulled into a kiss minus the tongue, since we have an audience. It is so nice to be able to be myself with my girl.

"Hey to you too. You doing okay Ash?"

"I'm fine. Just wondering if the parental unit is going to show or not." I nod my understanding and pull her into my arms wanting to have her close.

"We'll hang out at the pond if she doesn't show up." I place a quick kiss on the nape of her neck and get back to work.

Ashley's POV

I really wish I could say I was at the pond with Spencer right now, but I can't. The damn she-beast actually showed up. The only positive thing I can think about is that at least I'll be able to go to the barrel thing with Spence.

Well I guess two things depending on how you look at it. My mother has only actually spoken a total of two sentences to me which are 'Have you gotten into any more trouble' and 'I'm getting married to "Chip" in two weeks, so I will not be here to pick you up at the end of camp'. It's great to feel loved. Isn't it! After leaving me, she went over and talked to Mrs. C. I'm not sure what was said, but Paula doesn't look too pleased.

Shaking my head at my mother, I decide to take a seat at one of tables until this nightmare is over. I know it doesn't sound like much of a nightmare since she's ignoring me the whole time but I wish she would acknowledge me as her daughter or at least a human being. Probably wishful thinking on my part though.

Why can't she be like the rest of the parents here? Everyone else was greeted with hugs, I miss you's, and I love you's. Watching them interact with one another while I sit here alone is depressing. I wonder if I can get away from here without being noticed.

As soon as I'm ready to make my disappearing act a reality, Spencer slips in behind me and wraps me in a hug.

"How are you doing sweetie?" She pulls me in closer to her.

"I've been better." Relaxing into her, I look around at everyone else again. "Why can't my mother be like everyone else's or even yours?"

"I don't know. I have an idea though. Why don't we grab some food from here and have another picnic at the pond, just the two of us?" That's probably the best offer I've had all day.

"Sure" Standing up and holding my hand out for Spencer to take, we put her plan into action.

Paula's POV

What is with this woman? She hasn't seen her daughter in over a month and yet all she can do is talk to me. All the others are with their families and talking about everything that has happened over the summer.

"So I can just send her a plane ticket home? Right?" She's not gonna even be here to pick her up.

Ashley looks upset. Her mother didn't even hug her or anything at all.

"Why don't you ask your daughter instead?"

"I already did."

"And?" I asked aggravated.

"And nothing. She doesn't care. Ashley is very used to being on her own all the time, so I'll send her a ticket through the mail. I have to go though. I have a wedding and a honeymoon to plan."

That woman just upped and left without even saying bye to Ashley. Looking around, I realize she and my daughter are nowhere to be found.

An Idea just came to me; I need to make some phone calls after everyone else leaves.