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You Have To Go There To Come Back
Chapter Four
Spencer's POV
"Shit Ashley, I'm going to be late!" I yelled as I raced through the loft trying to get ready for my first day of classes at UCLA. Ok so I admit it, I was a teeny-tiny bit nervous.
"It's ok Babe, I'll drive you on my way to the studio. Don't worry I'll get you there in plenty of time, I promise," Ashley called out to me as she wandered out of the bedroom. I felt my breath catch in my throat as she walked towards me. I have no idea how she does it but she always, and I mean always, looks indescribably hot. She was wearing a pair of black pin strip shorts, that showed off her toned legs to perfection with a white vest that showed off a hint of her black bra underneath. She definitely set my pulse racing. I must have been staring because suddenly she was smirking at me and asking, "You like?"
I cleared my throat and licked my lips which had gone mysteriously dry, "yeah, I don't think hot covers it." She continued to smirk in that sexy way of hers as she walked towards me. I was frozen, absolutely captivated by her. She came to a stop in front of me, barely inches between us and leaned in so her lips were barely touching mine. She whispered huskily, "Let's get you to school," before stepping back, taking my hand and leading me towards the door. I pouted as I scooped up my bag, "that was so unfair Ash, you're such a tease!"
"A tease huh?" She grinned cheekily before pushing me against the front door and capturing my lips in one of the sweetest kisses we had ever shared. "That better Baby?" she asked with a rather big smirk.
"Ah yeah much, much better!" we laughed and raced out the door hand in hand, the real world was waiting!
Ashley may have sped a little to get me to school on time, but hey having a Porsche is like daring you to drive fast, well that's always been my girl's philosophy and who am I to argue? Ash pulled up in front of my first class of the day and turned to face me, a strangely sad look on her face. "What's wrong beautiful?" I asked, gently cupping her cheek with my palm.
"It's nothing Spence, I guess I'm just bummed that our summer is over. Everything was so perfect and I just don't want it to end," Ashley took my hand in hers and stroked her thumb over my knuckles.
"I know Babe, me too. It was the best summer of my life. But it's time for us to step out into reality now. We existed in our own little bubble this summer and now it's time for us to check out. Just remember that I love you and that you and I get the happy ending, I promise." I tilted my head and smiled at my girl, loving the way her eyes lit up at my words. I felt her lean into my hand, turning her face to kiss my palm. My smile widened, "I have to go Ash or I'll be late which is so not the impression I want to make on my first day. Good luck today and don't let Madison get to you."
"I won't I promise. And Spence, don't worry about today you'll do great. I'll see you at home?"
"Yeah Babe, see you later. Love you," I leaned over and kissed her warmly on the lips.
"Love you too," she said. I slipped out of the Porsche and watched her drive away before hauling ass to my first class of my college career.
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Ashley's POV
So I walked into the recording studio, a big goofy Spencer-induced grin on my face, when this crazy Latina (yep Madison) came barrelling towards me. "Where the hell have you been! We have so much work to do. Jesus Ashley if you aren't going to take this seriously…" she trailed off, leaving the implied threat hanging in the air. I gave her the coldest look I could and walked past her to greet Ethan, who was at least pleased to see me.
"Hey Babe, you ready to get this record made?" Ethan graced me with a kind of goofy smile and I nodded, letting him lead me through to the recording studio where we would be working. I took a good look around, so this is where my career begins I thought to myself. I have to admit I was pretty excited, so long as Madison stops behaving like a royal bitch. These are my songs and if she wants them, well then she'd better stop acting like…well herself.
"Well ladies I was thinking we could go through the songs we have, start thinking about the arrangements. Also we could go over the work Ashley did over the summer on a heap of new material." Ethan shuffled the papers in his hands and pulled out some sheets of music and lyrics and a CD of the songs I'd written over the summer, which I'll say straight up are mostly about Spencer.
We spent about three hours going over the arrangement for the five songs of mine Madison had decided to use for her album. Another song writer was contributing two and Madison had decided she wanted to do a cover, although she couldn't settle on a song. That left four or five other songs for me to contribute. I had written twelve and a half over the summer and her royal-pain-in-the-assness just needed to pick some for us to work on.
"Hmm I dunno, I like these ones but I think this one will be a better single," Madison said, still deliberating over my songs. I rolled my eyes and stood up. "Well you keep thinking toots and I'm off to get food before I pass out," I wandered out of the room to Madison's outraged gasps. Seriously though if I didn't get out of there I was fairly certain I might stab her in the jugular with my guitar pick, not the most lethal of weapons I grant you but I'm pretty sure it will at least sting a bit.
I left the building and walked to a nearby café that I've always liked, my Dad used to bring me here when I was little. I settled in a booth at the back and tried to calm myself down. I mean me and Madison got along a whole lot better now than we did only a year ago, but she could still be a complete diva sometimes…or all the time.
I was distracted from my thoughts when my cell started to vibrate with an incoming text message. I looked at my phone and the biggest smile spread across my face, a smile that could only be caused by, yep you guessed it, Spencer.
-Hey Pretty Girl! Class was grt, scary but grt. Remember don't let Madison get u down, u r so talented & ur songs are beyond wonderful. Love U xox
God she always makes me feel better, with nothing more than a touch, a word, a gesture, she makes my world alright again. I smile softly to myself as I quickly send back a response.
-Hey Baby! Glad ur class went well, im so proud of u!! thanks for ur text, u have no idea how much I needed to hear that. Love u and I'll see u at home xoxo
Feeling a million times better I finished my lunch and headed back to the studio, feeling ready to work and not beat Madison to death with blunt objects…like my fists.
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Spencer's POV
I got home from college at about 4pm, today was my big day for the week, actually my schedule wasn't so bad. I had classes from 9 til 4 Mondays, 10 til 3 Tuesdays, 9 til 12 Wednesdays and 10 til 2 on Thursdays. Blessed that I am I had Fridays free! It was a hella good class schedule. It actually worked really well because I'd decided I wanted to get a job, I hate sponging off Ashley for everything. I know she doesn't mind but I seriously do. I never want her to think I'm only with her because she supports me. It's bad enough I'm living rent and utility free in her and Kyla's loft, I can't let her keep buying everything for me.
I settled at the bench in the kitchen and started going through my readings for class, a huge and much needed glass of cold Coke by my side. It was really exciting being in this environment with people who are so passionate about learning and all that. It made me feel like all I want to achieve is possible, that my dreams for the future were just within reach. I was disturbed from my reading by my cell phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Spencer its Lily Zee how was your first day?" I grinned, Lily had become a great friend of mine and was also my mentor in all things documentary. We had bonded instantly and remained really close.
"Hey Lil, it was incredible. I just feel so excited, so passionate and so ready to be in this world, you know, where people are moving on from the bullshit of high school. I think I'm in love with college!"
Lily laughed, "You so won't be saying that when you reach your first mid-terms or all nighter spent doing a paper instead of Ashley."
I snorted with laughter, ok so I know snorting is not attractive, but hey despite what Ashley says I'm not perfect! I choked back my laughter and replied, "Maybe your right, I guess we'll see, but as of right now, one day into this, I kinda love it."
"I'm happy to hear you say that, but I actually called for another reason," Lily said with a faint note of excitement in her voice.
"Oh yeah? What's up Lil?" I asked, rather intrigued.
"Well I actually have a proposition for you. Something that will benefit us both."
"Lil is this a sex thing? Coz you know I get all I need here at home," I teased.
Lily laughed and croaked out, "No nothing like that, get your mind out of the gutter Carlin. Actually I'm about to start production on this new documentary on this local band who won this MTV new talent scouting comp. It's going to be shown on MTV over a series of about six weeks so it's a pretty big production and I'm going to be needing a production assistant," I think my mind exploded right…now, "and I want you."
I sat in stunned silence, my mouth opening and closing like a dying fish, sexy I know. "Spence you there? Are you doing the dying fish impression again?" Now that's embarrassing. "Um no, I guess I'm just shocked Lil. I mean I have absolutely no experience!"
"Yeah and how do you think you get experience Spencer? So what do you say? We'll fit it in around your classes, pay won't be great but it's a great start for you," Lily said, a grin evident in her voice.
"If you're serious then I am so in! Thank you so much Lily, this a dream!" I gushed, getting up and doing my little happy dance.
"Spence are you doing the happy dance?" Shit I need to find friends who don't know what a dork I can be! Lily laughed and continued, "But yeah I'm serious. I emailed you the details so check them out. Oh and email me your class schedule and we'll sort out a roster of sorts for you. What time do you finish class tomorrow?"
"Um I'm done at 3 tomorrow," I answered, still beaming excitedly.
"Great, well how about we meet at Egocentric at 4 and go over all the details, get the ball rolling?" My God am I dreaming?!
"Yeah that'd be so great. Lil, thanks so much for this, you are the best!"
"I know I am," Lily laughed, "See you tomorrow Carlin."
"Yeah see you and thanks again!" we hung up and I hugged myself as I continued my happy dance. I got pretty into my moves when I was frozen by someone clearing their voice behind me. I slowly turned around to see Kyla and Aiden standing behind me with extremely amused grins on their faces. "Ah…Um…ah…fuck," was all I could say, which made them both burst out into hysterical laughter. One thing I can't resist is laughter so before long I was cackling right along with them.
Once we got ourselves under control I told them the good news. They were so happy for me.
"Spence that is seriously awesome! Oh my God we so need to celebrate!" Kyla gushed while rushing forward to envelope me in a big hug. Sometimes I think the younger Davies sister really needs to lay off the red cordial, but hey I love her anyway.
"Yeah Spence that is fantastic, you so deserve this!" Aiden said excitedly sweeping me up in his arms and spinning me around. I laughed and hugged him tighter. It was awesome that he and I could still be friends after everything that has happened in the love triangle that was him, me and Ashley.
"Thanks guys, I think I'm still in a bit of shock to be honest, but this is such an amazing opportunity for me! Shit I'm so excited I can't even stand still!!" I jumped up and down a few times while they laughed at me again, ok so maybe I need to lay off the red cordial!
"So celebration?" Kyla asked, on my doubtful look she said, "Oh no Spencer Carlin we are so celebrating this!"
"Celebrating what?" Came the voice I had been so waiting to hear. I spun around and run across the room to throw myself into Ashley's arms. I jumped into her arms and spun her around in excitement. "Hey Baby!"
"Hey Gorgeous, celebrating what?" She asked again with curious smile.
"Well your oh so talented girlfriend has scored herself a job working with Lily Zee on a doco series for MTV!" Kyla announced, I grinned over at her. It was so awesome to have friends who were so excited for me. I was smiling so wide it felt like my face was going to split in half.
"Wait what?! What the hell are you talking about?" Ashley asked, an unreadable expression on her face. Ok so this was not the response I was expecting. I was expecting something more in line with the response I'd gotten from Kyla and Aiden. I felt my smile start to falter a bit.
"Ah, Lily called and offered me a job as her production assistant. She said we'll fit it in around my classes and stuff. It's a fantastic opportunity for me Ash and I'm really thrilled about it," I paused, waiting for her to say something which she didn't she just kind of looked at me like I was crazy as the minutes ticked by, ok so it was more like seconds but it felt like ages. Finally I snapped, "Jesus Ashley say something!" She started doing her own version of the dead fish impersonation while avoiding eye contact with me. I let her silence go on a bit longer before I'd had enough, "Fine. Thanks for your support Ashley!" I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the loft. All very dramatic I know, but I just had to get out of there.
"Spence wait!" I stopped, surprised to see Kyla running after me. I gave her an expectant look. "She can be a jackass sometimes, she did not handle that well and trust me she knows it if Aiden's shouting is anything to go by." She put a hand on my shoulder and I listened to Aiden ripping into Ashley for being, in his words, 'a self-centred toerag'.
"I need some air," I said softly. Kyla took hold of my arm and led me towards the lift. She gave me a warm smile, "let me treat you to coffee and one of those donuts you love." I fixed her with a grateful smile and nodded. God I could really use that donut!
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Ashley's POV
I'm not entirely sure why I reacted so badly to the news of Spencer's new job, surprised I guess. I felt like a complete shit when she stormed out, and felt like an even bigger shit when my sister ran after her and then felt like the biggest shit in the history of the world when Aiden started tearing me a new one.
"Ashley, what the fuck was that! She was so excited and then you just destroyed it, you are a self-centred toerag!" I winced at his words and looked down at the floor, shame flooding my face. "What the hell is the matter with you?!" Aiden demanded. I have to say it has been a long time since I've seen him this pissed off with me.
"Fuck Aid I don't know. I guess I was just surprised and I um I handled it badly. Shit I am such a bitch!" I berated myself.
"You won't hear me arguing with you. Jesus Ash, she was so happy, this means the world to her, it is such an awesome opportunity and you couldn't even pretend to be happy for her! You know if the situation was reversed she would have been so excited and supportive of you, just like she has been about your music." Aiden shook his head and I had to look away, the look of disappointment on his face just too much to take.
"I know Aiden I fucked up! I am well aware of that so can you just stop playing big brother? Fuck!" I tangled my hand in my hair and started pacing across the living room floor. Aiden was right I am a total toerag! I felt so angry with myself and all I wanted was to see Spencer so I could make it right.
Aiden's phone started to ring, a ring tone which I knew to be Kyla's. "Hey Ky…yeah I know it was pretty crappy," I hung my head in shame, "is Spencer alright?... Uh huh, ok ….alright. Yeah ok…see you later, bye." Aiden snapped shut his cell phone and looked over at me, "Spencer is alright, upset but alright. They're getting coffee and will be back later on. Kyla told me to tell you to remember that this is about Spencer not you. Right well I gotta go Ash, don't fuck this up," Aiden warned me. He picked up his jacket and walked out of the loft. I sat my stupid ass down on the sofa and waited for Spencer and Kyla to get back.
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Spencer's POV
After a rather strong cup of coffee, a few tears, some nasty words about Ashley (all Kyla by the way) and two huge chocolate covered donuts I was ready to head home and face my girl. Kyla looped her arm through mine as we walked the short distance back to the building that housed the loft.
"Spence if she acts like an arse again you have my permission to bitch slap her ok?" Kyla told me with a smirk.
"Got it," I laughed and then got all serious, "Hey Ky, thanks for being awesome."
"Yeah I really am!" Kyla laughed and I gave her a playful punch in the arm.
"Wow Ashley really rubbed off on you huh?" We laughed the whole ride up in the lift. I paused when we reached the door to the loft and took a deep breath. Kyla gave me a look of pure understanding. I squeezed her hand and pushed open the door.
I scanned the living room and found a very contrite Ashley sitting on the sofa, her gorgeous mocha eyes huge and sad. Kyla silently slipped into her bedroom and I bit my lip as I stared into the big brown eyes that bore into mine from across the room.
"Hey," I said tentatively as I walked slowly into the room. I put my bag down on the bench and walked over to sit on the coffee table in front of her.
She swallowed audibly and whispered, "I'm so sorry Spence."
"It's ok, I just wish I understood why you reacted like that," I said rubbing my temple, the high emotion of the afternoon was seriously giving me a headache.
"I guess…I guess I was surprised and I handled it badly. I also had a really stressful day today, let's just say that Latina Diva is damn lucky she still has vocal cords. I'm sorry Spence, I'm happy for you, really." Ashley looked down at her hands. I was still confused I have to admit.
"I still don't get it Ash. Can't you see what an amazing opportunity this is for me? This kind of opportunity just doesn't happen to people, especially college freshmen with no real experience. Lily is offering me an incredible opportunity and it would be so nice if you could be supportive of that," I looked down at my hands as I leaned my elbows on my legs and my hands clenched together. While I was watching my hands I saw Ashley's move to cover them.
"Spence, I'm sorry. I'm a shit and I reacted like a complete selfish bitch. I promise that I am so happy for you and I will be so supportive that I will drive you crazy." I felt a small smile begin to form on my lips, damn why can't I stay mad at her! I look up and my eyes locked on hers, which were pleading with me to forgive her.
"It's ok Ash, I might have overreacted a bit. It's not like I really gave you a chance to absorb it or anything, I just bolted."
Ashley shook her head, "Nope sorry Carlin you don't get to take any of the blame this time, it was all me. Let me make it up to you?" Ashley glanced up at me from under her long, thick eye lashes, a seductive grin making its way onto her lips.
"Hmm what did you have in mind?" I played along, intertwining our fingers.
"Well I was planning on making you dinner to celebrate our first days but from that chocolate smear on your lip I assume you're full up on donuts," I laughed, my girl knew me far too well, "So instead how about I run a bath and we get in their with some fruit, wine, candles and bubbles and you tell me all about this job."
I beamed, "That sounds perfect," Ashley jumped up to go and get everything ready, "Ash?" she stopped and looked back at me an expectant smile on her face, "I love you Baby."
Her smile grew into that sexy, heart-stopping nose-crinkling smile that set my whole body and soul on fire, "I love you too beautiful." She blew me a kiss before disappearing into the bathroom. I smiled to myself, so first day in the real world and despite a minor hiccup we were doing ok.
I just hope we stay ok.
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So I promised drama, this was not it…
Stay tuned for the next instalment!
Something you guys kinda need to know about me I like to make my characters earn their happy ending. Some of you may not like me a hell of a lot for what is going to happen but I ask you to bear with me and trust that I want the happy ending too.
Mb168 – I hear you and I agree couples that keep breaking up don't usually last the distance, but I cannot promise the drama will be resolved within two chapters. I hope you will give this story a chance, drama and all.