Well here is chapter five for you guys. I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter, but it is important in the story to get us to the next part.

Snowdrop1026 – I will try not to break your heart!

Mb168 –The world outside of high school is vastly different and that's what I'm trying to explore here. Thanks for giving the drama a chance.

I hope you enjoy this instalment…

Chapter Five

Spencer's POV

I walked into Egocentric at exactly 3.55pm to meet Lily. She was already seated at a table along the far wall so I waved and made my way over to join her. Lily had been truly amazing to me. She was like the older sister I never had (although Glen could have his girly moments) and the mentor I had always needed. She was always so good to me, guiding me and letting me bombard her with endless questions. She was one of my closest friends and I was lucky to have her.

"Hey Spence, I'm so glad you're here!" Lily got up to greet me with a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug. We settled back down and ordered cappuccinos from a passing waitress. I was so excited that I was kind of bouncing in my chair like a kid in dire need of Ritalin.

Me and my girl had talked about the job offer from Lily for hours last night. We hashed it all out and now I was more excited than ever. I love Ashley and I was so glad she had been able to get behind this and support me, because to be perfectly honest if she hadn't gotten on board I would have had to turned it down. She is my everything and nothing, I mean nothing, is more important than that.

"So you still interested my little job offer?" Lily asked with a teasing smile, she knew how badly I wanted this.

"Oh absolutely. Ash was a bit weird at first but she's totally on board now and seems to be really happy for me," I said, leaning forward to rest my elbows on the table.

"Really? Did she say why she was acting weird? I have to say that I'm surprised she wasn't bouncing off the walls like you were," Lily said with a look somewhere between concern and annoyance (at Ashley not me). Like I said Lily was like my older sister and she could be pretty protective of me.

"Um I think she was just shocked, surprised that I was looking for work. But it doesn't matter because it's all good now," I forced a smile to reassure her before I continued, "So I uh read the email you sent me and I am really excited, this band sounds really good," I changed the subject. Even though I had forgiven Ash, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it kinda hurt that she wasn't happy for me, initially at least.

Lily gave a me look that said she knew I was changing the subject and would let it slide, for the time being. "Yeah they're really talented and really awesome people, it will be a blast hanging with them while we work on this. So I have the shooting schedule here and I thought we could go over it and pencil in when you're free to work?"

We spent the next hour planning the next six weeks of shooting, this job was going to require a fair amount of my time, but hell it's only for six weeks and I would be insane to forego such an incredible opportunity. Between school, homework and working with Lily the next six weeks were going to be crazy busy. I really hoped Ashley would understand.

We talked for another two hours. Work was a major topic for us but one of the things I've always liked about Lily was the fact that we could talk about anything or nothing. Seriously she was the coolest surrogate big sister I could have ever had! We parted ways a little after seven and I headed home. I was bursting to see Ashley, after spending three months where were saw each other 90 per cent of the day, it was hard being away from her. Plus I was excited to tell her about my meeting with Lily.

I raced out of Egocentric and jumped into my sexy little dark blue Mini Cooper convertible. God I love that car! It had been a combined graduation and moving out present from Mom, Dad, Glen and Ashley. Josie, as my Mini baby was affectionately named, was awesome and it always made me so happy to drive her around, top down and music blaring.

I arrived home fairly quickly and unlocked our front door, thrilled at the thought of seeing my girl. I have to say I was not expecting the sight I found when I got home.

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Ashley's POV

Ok so it had been an unbelievably crappy day so far. Fucking Madison was being so totally unreasonable. She wanted a song I'd written, but wasn't happy with the music I'd written to go with the lyrics. As a result I spent the better part of my day locked in the studio trying to come up with music that would please the Latina Diva. I always pur my heart and soul into my songs (which is why so many are about Spencer) so I tend to take criticism rather personally.

Needless to say, by the time I left work I was a bit frazzled. I knew what I needed to make it all better, Spencer. I couldn't help but think back to the night before when she had told me about her new job with Lily. I had behaved like a total ass, God I am just lucky that my girl is so sweet and forgiving! I think it just hit me that we were totally going to be living separate lives. I guess I just never thought about what would happen when adulthood hit us. I was so busy freaking out about her moving away to college and falling deeper in love with her I really didn't think too carefully about the grown up world waiting for us.

I wanted Spencer to have the life and career she wants but it felt weird to think of her having this huge chunk of her life that I wasn't a part of. Maybe I also liked the idea of taking care of her you know, providing for her.

I really wanted to make it up to her so on my way home I brought some pizza and the garlic bread she loves so much. She had a meeting with Lily but it was like 6.30 so she should be home by now. I arrived home at just before seven and quickly got to work.

I spread a table cloth over the coffee table and lit a few candles before laying out the food. I retrieved a bottle of good red wine, which Spencer had developed a taste for, from the kitchen and set it up with two glasses. I was at the mirror checking my reflection when the front door opened to reveal my girl.

God she looked so good! She was flushed with excitement and bubbly with happiness. Her big baby blues were shining and her heart-breaking smile was firmly in place. God I can't believe how much I love her, how in love with her I am. She was wearing a pair of torn, light blue jeans and a green, halter-neck top that showed off generous amounts of tanned skin on her back. She had her bag slung over her shoulder and her favourite pair or purple Converses on her feet. Damn, my girl is hot!

She stopped dead on the threshold and surveyed the room, her truly remarkable blue eyes found mine and she murmured, "what's all this for?"

"Because I love you and I am so proud of you," I started to walk slowly towards her, my eyes never leaving hers, "Because I'm happy for you and I'm sorry for being a bitch yesterday. But mostly because you are my everything and I will do anything if it means I get to see that gorgeous smile on your face." I reached her side and gently held her face in my palms, "I love you Spencer Carlin."

Her smile became tender, that special smile that is reserved just for me, "I love you too."

I leaned in and kissed her as softly as I could, a feather light touch against her full, luscious lips. She moaned and cradled the back of my neck, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss. My God she tastes so good! We stood there kissing in the doorway for a few minutes before Spencer pulled back, pecked me affectionately on the cheek and wandered over to the sofa. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, "Hmm pizza is exactly what I need right now, thank you Pretty Girl." I grinned goofily, I kinda love it when she calls me that.

We sat Indian style on the rug and stuffed ourselves with pizza and garlic bread. I had to laugh when I noticed the dab of pizza sauce sitting on her nose. Spencer tilted her head and looked at me with curiosity, "What are you laughing at Davies?" I just laughed harder, she was so undeniably cute! "What?!"

I smirked at her, getting my laughter under control with some difficulty. I pointed to her nose and said softly, "You have a little something." I leaned in and very delicately wiped the sauce off her nose. Her smile became softer, sweeter as she looked deeply into my eye. All thoughts left my mind, beside the absolute certainty that she was the love of my life. Spencer leaned back against the sofa and opened up her arms to me. I settled into her embrace, my cheek pillowed over her heart.

"Ashley?" She murmured softly, burying her face in my hair.

"Yeah Baby?"

"I um start work with Lily tomorrow after class," She said hesitantly, like she was scared I was going to behave like a brat again. I understood her fear considering how I had reacted the night before.

"Ok so you'll be working a few hours a week then? It'll be great Spence!" I felt her body tense beneath mine and immediately got worried. "What is it?" I asked with a frown.

"Um well when I met with Lil today we put together a work roster for me for the next six weeks. I um have it here," Spencer got up from the floor and walked to her bag, pulling out a piece of paper she took a seat on the sofa behind me and passed it over. I scanned the page in disbelief. She had committed herself to work six days a week, filling in almost all of her spare time! Between this job, school and her homework I was never going to see her! I couldn't believe she would take on such a huge commitment without talking to me about it first. I sat in shocked silence for a while. Spencer started to sit up straighter and crossed her arms over her chest, a frown appearing on her mouth. I could tell she was just waiting for me to act like an ass again.

I knew I had to be reasonable, to not behave like I had the day before. I wanted what was best for her and for her to live her dreams but I also wanted to see her occasionally! I cleared my throat and gave her a small smile, "I'm happy for you Spence, I really am, but I'm just wondering when we'll get to see each other during all this?"

Her frown deepened, "Look I know I'm going to be busy and I'm sorry I won't be around but this is something I want, no have, to do. Please just tell me that we'll be ok?" Spencer pleaded, her blue eyes begging me to be supportive this time.

I got up and sat beside her on the couch, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, "Baby of course we'll be ok, we'll be more than ok," I leaned in and kissed her adoringly on the lips, holding her close in my arms. She snuggled into me as we sat there, enjoying the feeling of being together.

I sighed as my cell started to ring and regretfully slid out of my girl's arms. I trotted over to the bench and picked up my phone. I rolled my eyes when I saw the name on my caller id, "Hello Madison, what can I do for you?"

"Well Chica we have work to do and I need you here, so step away from the Spencer and get your butt to the studio."

"What are you talking about, it's…" I glanced at my clock over the stove, "almost 9!!"

"Yeah and we have an album to make, I've been here since 9 this morning so the least you can do is come in for a few hours now and actually act like you give a crap!"

I groaned in frustration and looked over at my girlfriend, who was looking like she was on the cusp of becoming really pissed off, "Sure Madison I'll be there in 20 minutes." Ok now my girlfriend is pissed off. Madison hung up without another word and I snapped my phone closed before walking over to Spencer.

"Well I guess you heard that huh? I gotta go back into work, I'm sorry Baby," I put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.

Spencer sighed and gave me a small, tight smile, "its ok Ash I understand, but I may run Madison down with my car if this becomes a habit." I laughed, kind of relieved. I'd much rather her wanting to murder Madison than me! I kissed my girl goodbye and head back to the studio. Life can just simply suck sometimes!

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Spencer's POV

The next month and a bit were hectic to say the least. Ashley was constantly at the studio, Madison was being her usual demanding and self-centred self which meant Ashley was practically at her beck and call. She was working odd hours and you could see the toll it was starting to have on her and it was really worrying me. She would come home exhausted and an exhausted Ashley is a moody Ashley. Me and Kyla unfortunately bore the brunt of it. I took it though, I understood that she was just stressed and overwhelmed, I hated seeing her like that.

As for me I was loving college and working with Lily. I was learning so much and found it all so inspiring. It made me certain that this was the career I wanted. I'd be lying if I said the hours weren't absolutely exhausting me. I was working like twelve hours, six days a week between college and work and then you add homework to the mix and I was busy. Me and Ash barely saw each other. She often stumbled into bed after I was asleep and more often than not I got up leaving her comatosed. I just kept telling myself it wasn't forever, my job was just six weeks, two to go. I mean Lily had offered me ongoing work with her which wouldn't require such a huge time commitment, but I hadn't given her an answer yet. I really needed to talk to Ashley about it.

It was Saturday afternoon and I had managed to leave work early. The band had a gig in a local club that night which I was required to attend, but my girl had promised to come with me so I didn't mind in the slightest. Quite a few of our plans of late had been disrupted because of Ashley getting called into work or me being busy with college and the doco so this night was much needed. I mean I saw her everyday but I was missing her intensely.

Ashley had been called into the studio just after breakfast, which we shared in bed…naked, and had run out promising to be back in time to head to this gig. That morning had been the first time we'd made love in a week and to say I was starting to get a little desperate to be with her is an understatement. I will just say though being woken up by my totally hot girlfriend kissing her way up my inner thigh is the greatest. If I had to pick a way to wake up every day for the rest of my life, that'd be it.

Kyla had stayed at Aiden's last night so I had the loft to myself and I took advantage of the quiet to work on a paper I had due the following week. I worked all morning and afternoon and I have to say I was pretty proud when I finished the paper in perfect time to start getting ready for the gig. I got up and took a shower and did my makeup before padding into the bedroom to decide what to wear.

I had finally decided on an outfit and had started getting dressed, ok so I was wearing my strapless bra and boy shorts, when Ashley rushed into our bedroom. She crossed the floor and pulled me into a ferocious hug. I think she may have winded me. "Hey there Baby, if this is what you're planning to wear tonight I may be a little over-dressed," Ashley swept her eyes over my barely dressed body with an endearingly sexy smirk.

I laughed, "Ash this is totally more than you usually wear out of the house. But if it makes you feel better I'll cover up a bit," I teased her with a smirk of my own.

Ashley playfully swatted my arm and then smiled sweetly at me, "Yeah this view should always be for my eyes only. Come on hot stuff let's get ready and head out." Ashley pecked me on the cheek before disappearing into the bathroom to get ready. I smiled to myself as I watched my insanely beautiful girlfriend, ok I'll admit it I was totally staring at her ass, God I felt blessed.

I slipped on the backbone of any girls wardrobe, a little black dress and stepped into a pair of green pumps. My dress was like a short toga, it was gathered in a strap over my right shoulder, leaving my left bare. It was gathered in at my waist on the right with a green and silver clip and fell to about mid-thigh. I stepped up to the mirror in our bedroom and smoothed my hair down before pinning it half up in soft waves. I slipped in a pair of funky, dangling silver and emerald earrings and added a silver and green bangle to my left wrist. A dab of perfume later and I was ready.

I perched on the bed and waited for Ash to finish getting ready, as Aiden once told me 'to know Ashley is to wait for Ashley' she always looked hot though so I can't really complain about her prep time. A few minutes later she strode out of the bathroom looking so gorgeous I was seriously considering blowing off this gig and having my way with her and would have if it wouldn't have totally cost me my job. She was wearing a short black skirt and a silver halter-neck top with insanely high black stilettos. She was seriously hot!

She had started to walk towards me when her cell phone rang, she smiled at me apologetically before taking it out of her bag answering it. I listened in and closed my eyes in frustration when I heard my girlfriend murmur the sentence I was learning to really hate, "I'll be right there." I felt my hands become fists and had to fight the urge to yell. If only this was the first time this had happened then maybe I wouldn't have gotten so pissed off and hurt, but the bloody studio always seemed to pull her away at the most inopportune times and it was really starting to get to me.

Ashley looked at me almost fearfully, clearly reading the fact that I was far from happy, "I uh, I'm so sorry Spence but I have to go into the studio."

I shook my head and stood up from the bed, "Why am I even surprised?! Do whatever the fuck you want Ashley, but I have to go." I stormed out of the bedroom, Ashley hot on my heels.

"Spencer! You know I don't want to go, they need me…"

I cut her off, "You know what, so do I. Ashley…I… just wanted to be with you tonight, I wanted you to be apart of my job for a change after all those industry parties I've followed you to. Look you just do what you have to do and I guess I'll see you when I see you." I sighed, gave her a sad smile and walked out of the loft softly closing the door behind me. I blinked back tears as I left the building. This was going to be a hell of a long night!

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Ashley's POV

I watched Spencer smile sadly, her beautiful blue eyes begging me to do anything to stop the hurt. Her gaze held mine as she clutched her bag and as she walked out of the loft I hated the world. I was so angry at Madison and the record label for dragging away from my girl and for making me break a promise to her, I was angry at myself for not telling them to piss off and I was also a bit angry at Spencer for not understanding that this was my job and I didn't really have a choice. I mean she has always been so supportive of my music and now that I'm really starting to get a break she gets mad at me because I can't go to some little gig.

Couldn't she see that I needed her to be there for me? It was all so crazy and overwhelming. This job was really getting to me and I just wanted Spencer to understand that. I sighed and grabbed my keys before heading back to work.

It was exhausting. Madison was being a royal bitch again and nothing I did was good enough for her. We worked for hours without seeming to actually accomplish anything. We almost came to blows at one point when she accused me of only being able to write sappy love songs, which is totally untrue. I then accused her of passing crabs around to all the jocks at school, low blow I know, which led to her saying some rather unsavoury things about my love life, which according to her involves a variety of farmyard animals. Oh and then she made a monumental mistake and told me that Spencer was only with me until something better came along and that I would fuck her over just like I did to everyone else.

I saw red.

I launched myself at her and would have scratched the shit out of her face if Ethan hadn't grabbed me and held me back. Needless to say the work was done for the night. I was so wound up and I couldn't face the thought of going home to an empty apartment so I went to a bar. It was stupid but I was feeling so out of sorts after fighting with Spencer and then Madison, so I had a drink…or 12. I was so drunk by the time I stumbled back to the loft at like 4am that I actually tried to get into the wrong apartment…twice.

I stumbled in and found Spencer sitting on the couch, her eyes closed and her head resting against the cushions. Even in sleep her face was creased with worry. I shut the door quietly, trying not to wake her and then really elegantly tripped over the purse I had just dropped on the floor. "Fuck, Shit!" I cursed as I hit the ground. Spencer jumped up from the couch and raced to my side.

"Ash, shit you alright?" I rolled over and started to cackle like a hyena on meth. Spencer looked down at me then shook her head with disgust, "You're drunk."

"No shit Spence-lock, Ha-ha you see what I did there? Spence-lock, Sherlock, hehe," I slurred struggling to get to my feet. Spencer grudgingly helped me stand up and half dragged me towards the bedroom. She dumped me rather unceremoniously on the bed and stood against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest. "What's going on Ash? Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"Get off my back Spencer. Fuck! All you do is nag at me. All I fucking hear is you bitching at me about my fucking job. It's been a stressful week and a shitty night so I had a few drinks. Would you just back the fuck off. You're not my fucking mother so lay off," I snapped. I lifted my head off the bed and glared at her.

Spencer flinched like I had just slapped her. I was too drunk to care. I slumped back on the bed, completely passed out.

I woke up the next morning, alone. I felt like utter shit, completely self-inflicted mind you. I scanned the room for signs of Spencer and noticed a bottle of water and packet of pain killers next to the bed with a note. I carefully and gingerly moved across the bed and picked up the note. I gave my head a chance to stop spinning before unfolding the paper and reading what Spencer had written.

Ash –

I have no idea what happened last night, why you said those things. I understand that you're stressed honey, I really do but please remember that I'm on your side and that I love you. I went to see Mom and Dad but will be home later.

Drink the water and I'll see you when I get home.

Call me if you need anything

Love Always,

S

Xox

My God I am such a shit! The night before came rushing back to me and I feel like the toerag Aiden accused me of being. I settled back in our bed, feeling my stomach churn, and not just from my hangover. I was so lucky that Spencer was so understanding, God I love her so much. If I actually believed in God this would have been the perfect time to pray that everything would be ok. Instead I cried, a lot, and tried in vain to sort through the mess in my head.

I lazed around in bed most of the morning, feeling so completely wretched I was positive that I was gonna die. Around lunch time I got my sorry ass up to shower and get dressed. I called a florist and had a bouquet of different coloured roses delivered (I was feeling too crappy to go out and get them) and opened up a packet of chocolate donuts I had hidden from Spencer (if I didn't hide them then she would gorge herself on them and get a tummy ache…it had happened on more than one occasion). I curled up on the sofa to wait for my girl to come home.

I must have dozed off because I was woken up by this vision sitting next to me and kissing me softly on the cheek. I smiled up into the face of my angel as she tenderly stroked my hair back from my face.

"Hey there, you feeling ok?" Spencer asked me softly, concern evident on her face. I had actually sort of expected her to be furious with me or at least a bit withdrawn, but no my girl was worried about me, I really did not deserve her.

"Spence, I'm so sorry for last night, for not going to the gig with you and for the way I treated you when I came home. I'm really so sorry," I hung my head and looked at the throw rug sitting over my knees.

Spencer tenderly reached out and lifted my chin so I was looking into her expressive blue eyes. All I saw was love. "Pretty Girl, listen to me ok I love you so that means I forgive you. I understand you had to work I was just disappointed because I had been looking forward to being with you. This job of yours is stressful and time consuming and I get it. I can see what it is doing to you and I'm worried that's all. I'm here if you need me Ash. Things are a bit rough right now with both of us working so much but we'll be alright. Hey we're Spashley so we will always be alright." Spencer smiled at me and kissed me lovingly before pulling me warmly against her chest. I sighed with pleasure and snuggled into her embrace.

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Spencer's POV

I held her in my arms, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill over. I know I told her everything was alright but this is killing me. The last month and a bit has been harder than I ever imagined it could be. I love her and I want everything to be ok, but it isn't. I am getting so fed up with playing the punching bag, I barely see her and when I do it usually turns into a fight. It just hurts.

You know what it doesn't matter, I'll support her through this. Things have to get better, I just didn't realise that life after high school would be so hard.

Chapter 6 will be up soon, let me know what you think of chapter 5. As I said not sure how I feel about it but it is necessary to the direction the story is progressing.

Please read and review!