Thanks for the reviews everyone :) :) :)

bobo02- Exactly.. a lot of cold showers. And Thanks, I wouldn't consider it a masterpiece but I do appreciate the comment :)

Coolgay- Everyone wants a grandma like Gram Carlin. Lol. And Thanks, I love the song too. Top ten for me :)

Naranga87- Glad I could help with the hangover situation ;)

momo0424- No worries. Ashley will have more time with Alyssa.

PurpleLover92- Yep, ONLY a month and a half to go. Will they make it? ;)

noodles307- Yes you may keep Gram too but you must wait til the end of the story :) Oh no... poor grilled cheese sandwich. Lol. And I am sorry that I made you sad :( 3

imaferrari- Yes it does put life into perspective. And Ashley may or may not go to college. You will just have to wait and see. :)

A Mind That Sits Still- No prob. I don't expect everyone to review every chapter but I do enjoy it. Yes Gram's approval is very important to Spencer. Paula may or may not make an appearance. That is one decision I have not made yet.

hollymarie4- Yes I know I am a tease with the 'almost hottness' again. Sorry :( lol. One day though...I promise :)

So this Chapter is in 2 parts. There was just toooo much going on. Felt it was best to split it up.

As always I own nothing but my imagination. Miranda, Alyssa, Casey and Gram are mine too. :)

Part 1- Promises and Confessions

I stayed with Spencer that night and in the morning Miranda drove me to the hospital. I called Ms. Cooper and she said that it was a good morning for Alyssa and that she would be so happy to see me. We arrived around 10 a.m. and walked up to her room. I was so nervous Miranda held my hand. I wished Spencer was there but if she was it would just be harder because we couldn't show affection for one another. We stood right outside her door and I took a deep breath. Miranda hugged me.

"Just be yourself Ash." She whispered in my ear.

"Come in with me." I begged when I pulled back.

"Go in there and talk to her first. If she wants more company I'll come in." I nodded then turned around to face the door.

I slowly reached my hand out to knock but pulled it back. I took another deep breath and finally knocked softly 3 times. Her mom opened the door and welcomed me in. We walked into the room and there was a curtain splitting the room into two. Ms. Cooper motioned towards the hand sanitizer hanging on the wall. I walked over a pumped some into my hands and rubbed it in. We slid around the curtain and when I first saw her I was surprised. She looked a lot better than I thought she would. In fact she looked even better than she did 2 weeks ago. Strange. She looked up and instantly a smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up. I got choked up a bit inside. It was then that I realized the affect I had on her. Her mom broke the silence.

"I'm going to go get some coffee. Be right back okay?" She kissed Alyssa's head and nodded at me before she left.

"Hey Ashley." Her voice was hoarse.

"Hey Alyssa." I replied, my voice a little shaky.

"Come here." She patted the bed. I walked over and sat down next to her.

"I'm glad you could come by. I hope you weren't too busy."

"No. Not busy at all. It has been crazy at home these last couple weeks. I'm sorry I didn't come by sooner." I looked down.

"Hey." She ducked down so she could look in my eyes.

"You're here now. You don't know how happy that makes me."

She adjusted herself in her bed so she was sitting up more and she winced.

I stood up in reaction. "Are you okay?" I practically yelled.

She laughed. "Yeah. I just pulled my I.V. a little and the tape ripped off a bit. I'm okay. Relax Ashley." She pulled me back down.

"Sorry." I cursed myself internally for my overreaction.

"So how's life on the outside?" She joked.

"It's good." I replied nonchalantly.

She tilted her head. "Please don't do that Ashley. Don't be afraid to tell my about your life. Don't pity me. Please." She begged.

"I'm really sorry Alyssa. I just, I wish you could have more time. And I feel bad that I do and that I'm….happy." I looked down at my fingers that were nervously playing with each other.

"Ashley I wish I had more time too. But I don't. I decided not to let that bring me down. This is the life I was given and I have to live as best I can with what time I have left. I spent a lot of time pitying myself, wondering what I did to deserve this. I lost my faith and all hope. I just got tired of wishing things were going to get better. It took me a long time but I finally realized that I couldn't live the rest of my life feeling sorry for myself. It's not fair but it's life." She shrugged.

"You're amazing you know that? I'm glad I met you Alyssa. I hope that one day I can be as strong as you are." I place my hand over hers and squeeze it.

"I'm glad I met you too Ashley."

"So how was the birthday party?" Huh?

"How did you know about the party?" I know I didn't mention it.

"I was invited." Really?

"Someone invited you to my party?" She nodded.

Had to be Spencer or Miranda.

"Does this someone have a name?"

"Your friend Miranda invited me. I couldn't come though. Doc said I couldn't risk an infection." She frowned and looked down.

"I wish I could have come. I heard you were amazing."

"I wish you could have come too." I squeezed her hand again.

"Miranda is here. She drove me here. Would you like to see her?"

"I would love to. Bring her in." She smiled.

I slowly slid off the bed and walked out the door. Miranda was sitting down and reading a book. I walked over and kicked her foot.

"Alyssa would like to ..officially meet you." I raised my eyebrows at her.

She smirked. "Oh yeah?" I nodded. "Cool." She took off for the door.

When she noticed I wasn't following she turned around.

"You coming?"

I walked up to her and hugged her.

"Thank you for inviting her. I would have been so happy to see her there."

"I know. And you're welcome." She pulled away and we walked into the room.

I re-sanitized my hands and ordered Miranda to do the same.

When she saw us Alyssa straightened up a bit. A small smile playing on her lips.

"Alyssa this is Miranda. Miranda this is Alyssa." They exchanged pleasantries and then we sat down.

I sat on the end of the bed and Miranda sat on the worn-down chair next to the bed.

We all talked for a good hour and a half. Mostly about music. Then the two of them started talking about everything from Dancing with the Stars to Jersey Shore. Ugh! I rolled my eyes. Worst hour of my life. Nah! It was nice seeing the two of them interact. They got along pretty well. Didn't surprise me. Miranda could make friends with a very hungry crocodile. She was the most genuine person I had ever met. Always said and did the right thing no matter what the situation. She never judged or insulted. Alyssa was enjoying her company as much as I did. That made me happy.

We hung around until nearly 2:30 p.m. Alyssa's mom had come in several times to check up on her. The final time she came in was to tell us that Alyssa needed to lie down and rest. She wasn't happy that we had to go but we promised we would come back tomorrow. We each gave her a hug and then walked out with her mother.

"I hope you don't mind that we told her we would come by tomorrow." I said to Ms. Cooper.

"Not at all. Alyssa seemed to really enjoy your company." She replied with a smile.

"Can I ask you a question Ms. Cooper?"

"Sure Sweetie."

"I know that you don't really have a lot of family but what about friends? Where are Alyssa's friends?"

She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.

"Back home in North Carolina. We left there 4 years ago when Alyssa initially got sick. We moved here to stay with her father. He left us after a year because he said he couldn't handle it. He calls every once in a while to see how she's doing." She shook her head. "Jerk. I don't know what I ever saw in the man."

"Anyway as for her friends, she lost touch with them over the years. She never really had a chance to meet new friends since we've been here. She's been in and out of the hospital for the last 3 years. I think that's why she enjoys your company so much. You don't know how much I appreciate you spending time with her." Tears started to fall from her eyes. My eyes started to water.

I grabbed both of her hands and held them in mine.

"Your daughter is an amazing girl. Thank you letting us spend time with her. If you don't mind I plan to spend as much time as possible with her. I can come after school. Give you some time to go home and shower or sleep. Would that be okay with you?"

She smiled through her tears and pulled me into a hug.

"I think that would be great Ashley."

"Okay. Good. We will see you tomorrow then."

She nodded. "Okay."

I dropped Miranda off at home. I had every intention of staying there for a bit but my dad was leaving soon and I wanted to spend some time with him. When I opened the door I instantly started crying.

Hold it together Davies. Geez.

My dad was leaving and I was having a hard time with that. Not to mention the hospital visit had me on the edge to begin with.

The simple image of his bag packed and waiting on the floor by the door sent me over that edge.

I sat down on the steps and sobbed like a baby. Spike was at my feet within seconds. I lifted him into my arms and cuddled him. And as if I wasn't emotional enough I started thinking about how alone Spike must have felt these last couple of weeks with me not being home. Oh man. I was a mess.

My dad trotted down the stairs, sat down and pulled me into his arms.

"Sorry Daddy. I'm such a mess." I said wiping the wetness from my face with the back of my hand.

"It's okay Princess. You've been dealing with a lot lately and you've been so strong. But it's okay to let it out once in a while."

"How long are you going to be gone?" I looked up at him with my sad, tear filled eyes.

"3 months." He said. "But I will be back to see my beautiful daughter receive her diploma."

He smiled at me and I forced one back at him.

"I promise I will be back Ashley. And don't worry; I am going to keep tabs on your mother while I am gone. And I won't lie to you. I asked Spencer to look after you. I wish things could be less complicated for the two of you. I can see how happy she makes you and that makes me feel a little better about leaving you." He leaned his head on top of mine.

"I know I haven't been the best Dad over the years but that's in the past. I'm going to change. For you Ashley Marie. For my Princess."

"I love you Daddy." I hugged him tight.

"I love you too."

"So I have about 4 hours until I have to leave. What do you want to do?"

After having a late lunch we made our way to the music room. We finished a song and even wrote another one. Our ideas flowed together so well. For every tune I had, he had a lyric and vice versa. He couldn't deny that his blood was running through my veins. I was definitely his kid.

After the tearful afternoon I decided that I would try my best to hold them in when he left. Like I said…"try". I couldn't help myself.

I dropped my dad off at the airport and watched him board his plane.

"Bye Daddy. See you soon." I blew him a kiss.

I left the airport and headed straight to Spencer's. Shocker right? When she opened the door no words were needed. She could see it all over my tear stained face. She held her arms out and I fell into them.

"Promise me that you won't leave me." I cried while buried in the crook of her neck. I know..so dramatic. I had a very emotional day.

"I'm not going anywhere Ash. Promise." She kissed the top of my head.

We moved to the couch and I snuggled into her.

"How are we going to make it through the school day? How are we going to make it through that one hour?" I laughed.

"I've got it all figured out Ash." She said confidently.

"You do? Please.. fill me in."

"I'm just not going to talk to you or even look at you."

I lifted my head from her neck and looked at her.

"That's your plan?" I scrunched my eyebrows.

"Yep." She said quickly.

"Didn't think it out much did ya?"

She laughed. "I know…we're screwed."

We fell asleep on the couch together. I woke up alone with a blanket draped over me. I heard some stirring in the kitchen and went to check it out. Spencer was in the kitchen waiting for coffee. I snuck up behind her and slid my arms around her. She jumped slightly but then put her arms around mine.

"Good morning Ash." She said quietly.

"Good morning indeed." I planted kisses on her neck and then down her nearly bare shoulder.

"I can't believe you're up already. Did I wake you?" She asked.

"I'm getting used to sleeping with you so I guess my body didn't like that you weren't next to it. What time is it?" I ask as I look over at the microwave clock.

"5:00" We say at the same time. I can't believe I am up at 5 a.m.

"Is this what time you usually get up?"

"Yep." The coffee was finally done so she poured herself a cup then she turned around in my arms.

"You want some?" She offered me some of her coffee.

"I do want some. But not the coffee." I smirked and then pulled her into me. She nearly spilt her coffee.

"I'm only offering the coffee." She said with a smirk of her own.

"Well than I guess I will have some." I took the coffee cup from her hand and walked away.

"Hey!" She cried. I laughed and kept walking.

She got ready for school and I needed to go home to shower and change.

"See you at school Teach." I said as I pulled her in for a hug.

"I don't know how I am going to be able to teach the class with you sitting there gawking at me." She joked.

"I'll try to be good but I can't make any promises."

I went home showered, got ready and was out of the house in 45 minutes. Had to be a record for me. I wanted to get to school early so I could see Spencer before class started. I know I just left her but I missed her already.

When I got to school I went straight to my locker and was surprised at who was standing there. Casey. She stuffed a note into my locker and then left. Hmmm. I waited for her to round the corner and opened my locker. I didn't want to avoid her. I missed her. But I didn't know what to say to her.

Hey Ash,

I just wanted to give you the heads up that I am back. I was going to wait for you at your locker but I know how you like to be fashionably late. See at lunch if not before then.

Casey

I needed to find her. I had some time so I went to her locker. She was there transferring some books from her locker to her bag. I noticed that her hair was shorter and she was definitely skinnier. She looked good. Really good.

Damn it Ashley you can't think about her like that anymore.

I walked up behind her.

"Hey." She jumped. "Sorry."

"Hi Ash." She said shyly.

"I got your note." I said holding the note up.

"Oh. I didn't think you would be here so early. Why are you here so early?" She questioned.

"Part of the new me. I actually go to every class too." I laughed.

"Wow. That's great Ash." She looked down at her feet.

"So how are you?" I asked her.

"I'm good. I really am. And I'm sorry for practically ignoring you the last couple weeks. I just needed some time to think."

"It's cool. I understand."

An awkward silence fell over us.

"Ash I still want to be with you. Can't we at least try to be together?" She grabbed my hands.

I pulled back from her when I saw Spencer walking down the hall towards us.

"Morning ladies." She smiled at the both of us.

"Morning Mrs. Dennison." Casey said cheerful as she passed.

"Morning." Is all I said. I had to turn my body as my eyes followed her until she disappeared around the corner.

"Ash?" Huh?

"Sorry."

She shook her head. "Still crushing on people you can't have instead of the people who are standing right in front of you telling you they love you?"

"What?"

"I know about your little crush on Mrs. Dennison. Madi told me." That bitch.

"Heeeey Girl. You're back!" Speak of the devil.

They hugged and I was so pissed at Madi I just walked away. I faintly heard her say "What's with her?" but I just kept walking.

I walked to Spencer's class and just as I was at the door someone flew around the corner and bumped into me. Fucking Carmen.

"Watch it Raccoon eyes." Yep she still had her black eyes from when Miranda socked her in the nose.

"Sorry." She said softly. W.T.F.?

She walked away and into the bathroom down the hall. I was at a loss for words and a bit curious. I walked down the hall and into the bathroom. I didn't see her but I could hear her. She was in one of the stalls crying. I pushed the door open forcefully and she jumped.

"What the hell do you want Davies?" She yelled. Her voice cracked.

"Here to call me more names? Hit me maybe?"

"The thought did cross my mind." I admitted.

"Are you going to call me more names? Bully my friends?" I asked.

"No. So just leave me alone." She said barely above a whisper.

"What's with you today?" I asked her. She was not being her usually bitchy self. It was no fun.

"What do you care?" She yelled again.

"You know what? You're right. Later." I slammed the stall door shut and started to walk away.

"Wait!" She walked out of the stall.

"What?" I replied annoyed.

"How do you do it?"

"How do I do what? Look this hot. It's all natural."

She rolled her eyes.

"How do you deal with the people who are mean to you just because of who you are and who you like?"

"Look in the mirror. That's how I deal with it." I snapped at her.

"We both know I deserved it, both times. But you don't go around punching everyone who calls you a Dyke."

"I ignore them. Unless they get in my face like you. People can think what they want. I am who I am. The only person whose opinion matters is my own." I paused and looked at her curiously.

"Why all the questions? Why do you suddenly care how I deal with things?"

She didn't answer. She just started walking towards me. What is she doing? I'm gonna hit that bitch if she touches me.

Before I can register what was happening she kissed me. She quickly pulled back and looked me in the eyes.

"That's why I care." Whaaat? What the fuck was going on?

"You're gay?" Whoa! No freakin' way.

"Yeah." Double Whoa!

"I didn't realize until I saw you and Casey making out in the pool that summer. Seeing that affected me and it wasn't the first time I felt those feelings. But I wasn't alone that night. Amanda was there. She took the pictures and I let her. I took the blame because I didn't like the way it make me feel to see you two kissing. I didn't want to accept that I was gay and I surely didn't want anyone to find out. So I hid. And I was the biggest bitch I could possibly be so that no-one would find out who I really was. If I acted as if I hated you because you were a lesbian I couldn't possibly be one. That's how I thought of it."

"I can't believe this. And Amanda, I'm am so gonna make her look like you." I was furious. She may not have been my biggest fan but she acted all sweet and innocent with Casey. That fucking bitch.

"I'm sorry Ashley." Are you kidding me?

"I don't want to hear your apologies. Nothing excuses your behavior. Nothing excuses the way you have treated Miranda." She looked away as she started to cry again.

"I won't tell anyone your secret because I just don't care. And don't ever touch me again." I said harshly.

I walked towards the door as the bell rang. I turned back around before I opened it.

"By the way, no-one likes the pretend you so you might as well stop hiding and be the real you. You know if there actually is a difference. Prove that you're not really a bitch. Prove that you're not really a fucking coward that bullies defenseless kids. Prove that and I will accept your apology."

With that I left.

Feel free to leave a review :) I won't bite ;)

Part 2 should be up either later today or early tomorrow :)