Author's Note:
I know it hasn't taken me this long to post a new chapter until now, but this will probably be how it'll be for a while. Life and stuff seems to get in the way, and there's no stopping that unfortunately... Ever feel like you just want to stop time completely for a while? Any British folk here ever watch 'Bernard's Watch?' Man, that watch was badass... I wish I had one in my life. Just imagine the possibilities...
Also, I've only recently discovered that we have to moderate guest reviews... I was wondering why reviews from guests were showing up a few days later than they were actually written haha Ah well, Now I know... Can you tell I'm a newbie?
Thanks for the reviews guys! I really enjoy finding out what you think; good or bad! Keep 'em coming! I notice there are a few Mel fans out there too who aren't so keen on Spencer. At the minute, neither am I to be honest, but we'll give it time...
This may be a bit of a boring chapter compared to others. Kind of a filler, but at least it starts the fire... Let's just build it up slowly, shall we?
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination.
Chapter 13:
I'm up relatively early this morning, the first thing popping into my mind being Spencer. She was so attentive last night, and completely sincere.
To be honest, I don't think I've actually seen the real Spencer yet. Up until now, things have been quite strained to say the least; I haven't had the chance to see the real her yet. I like the Spencer who graced me with her company last night. I also like the Spencer I first met in that diner, with the sweet, yet sassy personality and excellent taste in music. I don't really like the silent, moody Spencer who gets jealous and is in a relationship though...
Speaking of Spencer in a relationship...
I suddenly remember the conversation I had with Casey last night. It seems that Spencer in a relationship has now become Spencer not in a relationship. She is now Single Spencer.
I feel a small smile grace my lips as I stare up at the ceiling, hands behind my head as I continue to just lie in bed.
Single Spencer. I like the sound of that. Although, saying that, I'm definitely not planning on making any sudden moves. Casey has only just broken it off, and it would look a bit suspicious, and probably be a bit of a kick in the gut for Casey, if Spencer and I immediately started getting cosy. Even though it never really was a proper relationship between them, Casey's still my best friend and I'm not sure how she would react. No. No, I'll just keep going as I am. Friends. We've done it before, haven't we? Granted, towards the end of the past few days, things got a little vexing, but we're past that now. Surely we can behave like adults.
I'm shaken from my thoughts as I hear what sounds like a baby elephant tear through my room, without even so much as a knock. Well, there was a bang, but it definitely wasn't a knock. I don't think there was even an attempted knock...
"Ash, Ash!" I tilt my head down to get a good look at the intruder. Oh look, it's just Brooke.
There's another bang as baby elephant number two makes an entrance in the form of Lucy. She runs straight into Brooke, who is completely non-fussed, before casually recovering and standing beside her as she launches into conversation.
"Guess what!" I raise an eyebrow as I adjust myself so my back is resting on the headboard, leaning on my elbows.
"What?" Brooke takes a deep breath before continuing, Lucy beaming beside her.
"Pam said we can go to the cinema today!" She turns to smile at Lucy, who is still beaming. Aww, how cute are these two?
"Wow... That's great, girls. What are we going to see?" Before Brooke can answer, Lucy beats her to it.
"Monsters University!" Then, she runs out of the room, stampeding down the stairs as she calls out to Glen. There goes number two...
Brooke stands, eyebrows furrowed for a moment before taking off after her.
"Lucy! I wanted to tell her!" There she blows; baby elephant number one.
I guess we're going to the cinema today then...
I decide to get changed before heading to the bathroom.
After I get washed, I attempt to make my way to the kitchen, but end up bumping, literally, into a certain blue-eyed blonde on the landing as she exits her room.
"Sorry!" We apologise at the same time, both of our heads bowed as we chuckle.
"Hey." She addresses me first
"Hey."
"So, how are you feeling today?" There's a wariness in her voice.
"Actually... I'm great. Really." A lot of it has to do with her actually, after last night, but obviously, I'm not going to tell her that.
"Good. I'm glad." She bites her lip.
"Yeah... So, uh..." I'm struck on the back of the head by something.
"Ooh, gotcha!" Chase saunters past us, into the bathroom I've just vacated before closing the door behind him. Neither of us heard him coming up the stairs; we must have been in a little bubble...
I pull a face as I rub the back of my head, Spencer giggling beside me.
"Hey, it's not funny... That hurt! He probably damaged a few brain cells..." I muse. Spencer snorts quietly.
"What brain cells?" She's smirking now. I raise my eyebrows challengingly. "Okay, I'm sorry. Need someone to kiss it better?" She says the last part in a babyish voice.
Yes.
"No..." I pout slightly. "I'm not a baby..."
"Good... Because I'm pretty sure Pam is busy anyway." Oh. Pam. She's joking obviously. Right? "Breakfast?"
"Lead the way!" I gesture for her to head down in front of me. I'm just being chivalrous. It has nothing to do with the way her jeans are clinging to her ass right now, or the way said ass swings as she walks. Nope, nothing to do with that at all. And I keep my eyes above waist level the whole way down...
When we get to the kitchen, I'm ecstatic to find Pam is cooking again. I'm telling you, this woman should have her own cooking show or something; she's that good! I'm not complaining that for the past few days, we've been making our own breakfast, but Pam's cooking is something else; it really is a treat!
"Morning, Ash! Hey, Spencer!" Casey greets us as she takes a seat at the table beside Glen, me taking the space beside her.
"Hey, Case." I reply. Spencer sits opposite me, beside Annie.
"Morning, Casey." Spencer greets her then. They smile at each other. Definitely no hard feelings then. That's good to know.
"Oh, good morning, girls!" Pam seems to be the only other person acknowledging us right now.
Glen and Dale are busy playing the hand-slap game across the end of the table like the two responsible, and parenting might I add, adults that they are, while Annie has all four of the children sitting at their little table captivated with a story about a talking dog. Rob is actually helping Pam this morning. The domestic goddess that he is, he's completely engrossed in the challenge of grilling bacon, and since we all know the male race is completely incapable of the skill that is multi-tasking, his maximum capacity of thinking is therefore filled. We will not be hearing from him, nor will he be in anyway aware of his surroundings, until that bacon is perfectly grilled... Or Pam pokes him with a wooden spoon... Kind of like she's doing right now actually...
"Rob, you turn it!"
"I did turn it!"
"No, you need to keep turning it. Turn it again!" She's waving the spoon now.
"But, I –" She waves him off.
"Oh, just sit down, will you? I'll finish it..." Rob does as he's told then, taking a seat at the head of the table like he did last night. Looks like the boss has spoken...
Chase emerges once more, taking the space between Dale and Spencer, interrupting the boys' hand slapping game as he gives Dale a firm slap across the face. Dale turns to give him a look.
"What? Are we not playing that game? Sorry, my mistake... Carry on." He smirks at me as I giggle. The relationship between the three siblings is really great. It's been like this since I can remember. The three of them are always teasing each other and having a laugh, but the love they have for one another is undeniable. God help anyone who messes with any of them; they're going to have two very angry siblings to deal with.
Soon enough, breakfast is served. We each get a fry-up placed in front of us, and what a beautiful fry-up it is, cooked to perfection by the wonderful Pam. I must say, the bacon is delicious!
Sometime during breakfast, Casey manages to inform everyone of the new 'friendship' status between Spencer and herself. At first, Pam is slightly disappointed; she's grown quite fond of the Carlin family. Although, Spencer and Casey both assured her that they have no intention of losing contact; they were great friends before and intend to stay great friends, even now. Needless to say, this satisfies Pam, and the remainder of our meal passes smoothly.
Pretty much as soon as breakfast is over, Brooke grabs Spencer's hand and leads her upstairs behind Lucy.
As the guys lost our little race in the supermarket the other day, the four of them are on dishes duty, although it seems Rob has managed to duck out of his responsibility as he makes his way out to the workshop. I wonder what he's working on so much lately...
As Annie entertains the twins, Casey and I make our way outside.
"HORSE?" I think about it for a second.
"Sure, why not?" I was always quite good at getting the ball through the hoop, but I'll not mention just how good I've gotten in the past two years.
I had never been the biggest fan of basketball, well, not when all the players are tall, testosterone fuelled males... Paige however, loved it. Brooke has never shared her passion though...
After Paige was taken from us, whenever I wasn't breaking down, I was always clutching at straws as I tried to find ways of being close to her.
When Brooke and I moved into the apartment, I took Paige's clothes and bed sheets with us, unwashed of course, as disgusting as it sounds, but it brought me comfort. I slept in the bed sheets until they stopped smelling like her, and then started curling up at night clutching onto a piece of her clothing, which I would hold to my nose. Eventually though, the clothes stopped smelling like her too. It was like any trace of her that was left behind was disintegrating, just dissolving slowly until there was nothing left. Of course I had Brooke, and all the photographs, but I wanted something more; I needed something more.
I started to teach myself how to play all of her favourite songs on the guitar and piano; yes, it was a bit of an obsession, and watched all of her treasured box sets. Some of them weren't even worth watching they were that bad, but it made me feel closer to her.
One day, I was walking past the sports store and out of the corner of my eye, saw a mannequin dressed in basketball gear as it made a slam dunk.
I walked right into that shop and didn't leave without purchasing a basketball.
Of course, I never joined a team or anything like that, or wore the silly kit; hell, no. No, I would wait until Brooke was sleeping over in a friends' house, which was very rare, and take myself off to the park across the road when it got dark. I would just shoot aimlessly at the net, sometimes for hours, hoping it would make me feel closer to Paige. It was intimate; private; just myself and the ball. It did make me feel close to her in a way, but as time went on and I started to heal, I realised it was all just in my head. Paige was gone and there was nothing I could do about it. A basketball wasn't going to bring her back. I couldn't stay in the past any longer. I had to move on, for both myself and Brooke.
Occassionally, I still take myself off to the park sometimes, but not to feel close to Paige; I had gotten over that. No, I actually quite enjoy it; it's calming. I still don't think I could ever join a team though. Too many people. This is one thing I like to keep for myself.
All of my past mourning in the park seems to have paid off, as I haven't missed a shot yet and Casey's missed three.
"Man! When did you get so good? You join a team or something?" She looks at me with playful suspicion. I chuckle.
"Nah. I've never really liked basketball... Doesn't mean I'm not good at it though..." I shoot straight through the hoop again, sticking my tongue out at Casey.
"Wha... Okay, okay, let's make this fair, come on. Take two steps back; big steps..." She gets the ball through the net before passing it to me. "Okay, now shoot."
I do. It goes through. Casey laughs in disbelief.
"Unbelievable... Okay, we'll finish this game, but then we're so testing your skills..."
It doesn't last long, the rest of the game. I think my prowess kind of knocked Casey's confidence a bit. She doesn't seem like she's trying by the end.
"Okay, after each shot, take one step back, yeah? Let's see how far you can go."
We get into a routine, me shooting as she stands under the net and passes me the ball each time it drops.
I've managed to take about six steps back before Casey speaks.
"So Ash, I was thinking... Why don't you invite Mel today? I know you guys are just friends, and that's cool. We could all hang out together, you know? As friends..." She looks hopeful as she says this.
"Uh, no..."
"No?" She looks disappointed.
"No. No, I texted her earlier..." I'm lying through the skin of my teeth. I really like Mel as a friend, but things were awkward the other night with Spencer. We're on good terms for the time being, and I don't want to jeopardise that. Maybe in a few days or so. I'll build up a friendship with Spencer so she trusts me, and then I'll tell her about my friendship with Mel, by which point, she'll be fine with it. That should work, right?
"You did?"
"Yeah. She uh... She's busy today. Helping her mom with something; I didn't want to pry, so I didn't ask... Bummer, huh?"
"Yeah..." Man, she really does seem bummed. I'll try to speak to Spencer soon. You never know; we could all be BFFs!
I look at my watch then. The film starts in just over an hour, so I decide it's a good idea to check up on the kids and see if they'll be ready to leave soon.
I head upstairs, planning to use the bathroom before seeing the kids, but do a double take as I get to the top of the stairs and glance through the open door. I could have sworn there were only two children earlier...
"Umm... Girls?" Brooke and Lucy turn their attention to me, Brooke holding bright pink lipstick in her hand, and Lucy, rollers.
What I think is child number three, due to the ridiculous amount of rollers in her hair, and pink fluffy boa around her neck, turns her head around at the sound of my voice. That's definitely not a child...
It seems like the girls have been playing dress up and giving each other makeovers. Brooke and Lucy don't look too bad, but I'm assuming Spencer helped them out a bit. Spencer however, looks like a cross between Coco the clown and an average hooker...
Hooker-wise, there's the boa and rollers, then there's the not-so-neat bright pink lipstick it seems Brooke has just finished applying, and the badly smudged blue eye shadow. Do I see some glitter too?
Anyway, the girls seem to have just used the lipstick for her cheeks too due to the lack of blusher they've managed to get their hands on, sort of blurring the line between hooker and clown...
"Hey."Spencer acknowledges me. I guess I should talk now then... I clear my throat.
"Uh... I was just coming to let you know that the film starts in about an hour, so we'd need to start getting ready soon..." The three of them just keep staring at me. "But I can see that's exactly what you're all doing... Looking good, ladies." I give them a fake smile. "Oh, and Spencer... I'm not sure you're going to get many punters around here to be honest. Your best bet would probably be to hang around the corner where the bar is. If you want, I can drop you off later; it's no problem. Say... about ten-ish? Don't be charging too much though; people around here aren't earning as much as you're used to..." I keep my face serious as she chuckles. Brooke and Lucy have no idea what I'm talking about, and so turn their attention elsewhere.
"Hmmm... Maybe you're right. Although I was actually just planning on going to the cinema like this. This isn't nearly enough makeup for my night-time antics. What do you think? Too much?" She's playing along.
"Hmm..." I tilt my head and pretend to examine her. "Maybe if you just..." I move into the room and grab an eyeliner pencil from the floor, drawing a little beauty spot between her nose and lips just off to the left. "There. Perfect!" I hold the little mirror up for her as she giggles.
"Thanks, it's perfect... You know, if you ever get tired of your music, you should really consider becoming a makeup artist..." She smirks at me before getting to her feet and making her way to the door. "Well girls, I'm going to go get cleaned up. I think maybe this is a little too much for a trip to the cinema. I look beautiful though, thank you!" She smiles before disappearing into the bathroom.
I turn to Brooke and Lucy when she's gone.
"Okay, girls, stay right here. I'll get the wipes..."
We manage to make it to the cinema on time, Brooke and Lucy now makeup free and Spencer fresh faced, having even found time to straighten her hair after removing the rollers. Despite finding her previous appearance very fetching, I definitely prefer this look.
Once we get our drinks and things, we make our way into the screen. It's only a small room; what do you expect in the country? After arguing with the kids that we would all be suffering from sore necks later if we sat in the very front row, they reluctantly concede, and we find seats near the back.
Of course, with the kids, there's a bit of a fuss as they take it upon themselves to decide on where we're each sitting. Eventually though, it's settled.
Rob has been put at the end of the row, followed by Pam, Annie, Emily, Max, Dale, and Chase. Casey is determined to beat Glen at 'I Spy'; it turns out he's a dirty player too, so she's opted to sit beside Chase as Glen takes the next seat. Lucy is next to her dad, of course followed by Brooke, leaving Spencer and myself. Brooke looks at the pair of us before deciding that she'd like Spencer to sit next to her. I see how it is... I guess I'm at the end then.
I couldn't really tell you what the film is about to be honest... I mean, I know it's about funny monsters and stuff, but I'm too distracted by the beauty sitting beside me. I can't help it. I didn't choose to be this attracted to her; I just am. And I know she's attracted to me too; she's made that pretty clear over the past few days, not to mention our moment at the pier, and I've definitely caught her sneaking a few glances when she's taken a drink.
Every so often, Brooke turns to look at her, probably to ensure she finds the film funny, you know how kids are, and she just laughs, smiling down at her. It's very cute to watch actually.
Eventually, Spencer needs to use the bathroom and so needs me to shift slightly so she can get past. I remember that Brooke's little bag is on the floor just in front of me, so to prevent her from tripping over it and creating a somewhat awkward moment, I reach over and move it under my seat. As I'm on my way up though, Spencer has already started to move towards the end of the row, her back to me, and my hand accidentally grazes her bottom. Shit. Way to avoid one awkward moment, just to replace it with another, probably even more awkward one...
She pauses for just a second, but moves on when I pretend to clear my throat like I never noticed.
When she's gone, I sink down into my seat, my right hand over my forehead, shielding my eyes as I rest my left on the armrest between mine and Spencer's seat. She hasn't even been single for a full day yet and what do I do? I touch her ass. Naturally. Granted, it was only a graze with the back of my hand for about a millisecond, but still; I touched her ass...
It is a very nice one though, really... I mean, I've been sneaking as many glances at her as she has me, and I'd say about seventy percent of that time, my eyes have been glued to that particular feature. I've restricted myself not to go over seventy; I have to spend a good amount of time appreciating the other fine attributes. Despite this however, I'd say I already have a favourite...
Spencer soon returns to her seat, though I just shift my legs slightly, having no reason to lean over this time. Thankfully, there is no butt-grazing. No hands near butts at all. Although, when Spencer sits down, her arm automatically moves to the armrest my left arm is occupying. There's that electricity again...
I don't move my arm though. Instead, Spencer does, reaching over to pick something off the floor. When she leans back, she holds it out to me, whispering as I turn my head towards her.
"Oreo?"
Holy shit. Yes. Please.
I notice Brooke's ears prick up at the mention of the cookies of the Gods as she turns her attention to Spencer too. I quickly accept the offer, and avert my gaze to the screen, once again pretending to pay attention as Spencer offers the treats to Brooke and Lucy.
Sometime later, the film ends and the room, lit up. Back to reality then...
Later in the evening, I'm back outside at the basketball net. I can hear Casey and Spencer laughing with Brooke and Lucy in the distance, carrying on with the boys as the seven of them roll down the hill. I decided to pass on the offer to join them. I don't really fancy being covered in grass. Besides, hay fever's a bitch.
I shoot for a few minutes before I'm startled by a voice behind me.
"You're pretty good at that." The ball slips out of my hand for a second before I reach over and pick it up. Spencer is standing with her arms crossed as she watches on. It seems she's been standing there for at least a minute examining me.
"Yeah, I guess." I shoot again, before retrieving the ball and taking up position again.
"I've never been any good at basketball. Sometimes Glen persuades me to play with him, just HORSE usually; I don't think I'd be capable of doing much more to be honest." She pauses as I shoot again. "He always beats me though, obviously. It'd be cool if I could actually beat him... Just the once. The gloating kind of gets old..." There's silence for a moment before she speaks again.
"Maybe you could teach me sometime..." I turn to look at her. She looks hopeful.
"Sure." I do a double take as I almost go to shoot again, instead moving towards her, the basketball securely tucked under my left arm. "Umm... Sorry, you've got..." I reach up with my right hand to remove a blade of grass from her hair, holding it between us as I show her, the pair of us chuckling as I do so.
"Thanks..." She smiles at me and it warms my heart.
"No problem." I bite my lip as we continue to just stand there looking at each other.
"Noooooo!" Suddenly, Brooke and Lucy whizz past us, followed by Glen and Dale who try to catch them.
"Yessssss!" The pair of them chorus as they grab one each.
"But we don't want to go to bed!"
"Too bad! I want never gets!" Glen tickles Lucy as she protests, before shouting over to us. "It's the girls' turn tonight; we've done it way too many times!"
I smile before turning to Spencer.
"I guess I'd better put Brooke to bed..."
"Oh, sure I'll do it. Why don't you stay and hang out with Casey? I'll go see if Annie will help me get them ready."
"Uh... Okay. Thanks." She smiles before turning away, whispering to Brooke before she willingly takes Spencer's hand. Max and Emily were put to bed a while ago, so with just the two of them, it shouldn't be too hard a job.
Just then, Casey approaches me.
"Hey. Poker?"
"Why not?" I follow the others into the house and to the kitchen table as Spencer and the girls go to get Annie.
The first game goes on for a while, Annie joining for the second as she reappears, stating that Spencer is reading the kids a story.
I keep alert, listening out for any movement upstairs so I can slip up to say goodnight to Brooke. She has a thing about saying goodnight; she won't go to sleep unless she sees me.
Another fifteen minutes pass before I hear movement upstairs and assume Spencer has finished with the girls.
"All in." I move all my chips to the centre of the table as I wait for the end of the round.
"Full House!" exclaims Chase.
"Pair of fours." Now that I'm out of the game, I excuse myself before making my way upstairs, not forgetting to slip a dollar in the jar for my outburst at dinner yesterday.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I open the door before poking my head in. She's asleep.
I hear the bathroom door open and Spencer joins me on the landing.
"Oh, hey." I turn to her, too stunned to even greet her, before I speak.
"She's asleep..." I'm astounded. She's never gone to sleep unless I see her first. Even when the boys put her to sleep, I'd have to sneak in sometime after just to say goodnight. That night I found her downstairs with Pam was the first time I'd ever found her sleeping without seeing her myself first, and even then, she was fighting it. Now though, she looks content...
"Yeah. Typically, that's what us humans tend to do when we go to bed; even the young ones..." she's so casual about it. Surely Brooke put up a fight.
"How did you get her over?"
"Well, it was fairly simple... I read them a story, we talked about it for a bit afterwards, and then we said goodnight..."
"But she... The bear..."
"Oh yeah... I said goodnight to Paige too; it's all good." I raise my eyebrows in disbelief. "Is something wrong?" She tilts her head in concern.
"What? No. No, nothing's wrong. Nothing at all. I just... I'm kind of tired. I think I'm going to head to bed myself. Goodnight." She looks confused as I walk off towards the bathroom.
"Umm, okay... Well, goodnight then."
I get washed quickly before making my way into my room, where I get changed. When I'm done, I flop down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. What just happened? I make a note to see if I can get any information from Brooke next time I'm on bed time duty, before sleep overcomes me...
.
.
.
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A/N – What did I tell you? Boring, huh? I'll try not to make the next one so... tedious. Ciao!
