Thank you all for the 2 million reviews. I know I'm exaggerating a bit but there were quite a bit for the last chapter and I was doing the happy dance all day. It was quite embarrassing ;)
imaferrari- Joss Stone is pretty awesome. I like that she is different. Graduation is still a few weeks away but I plan on speeding that up a bit. Hold on tight :)
drummergirl244- Glad you are back with your awesome reviews. I knew this story was long but 1 billion and 2 chapters? Thanks for the comments :) :)
inviziblinc- How was the cold shower? ;) Casey and Carmen will be explained in this chapter.
hollymarie4- Miranda and all of her interruptions..damn her. Lol. Not much longer though ;)
GreenPen85- Thanks. Casey and Carmen will be explained in this chapter. The teasing will end soon. I promise ;)
PurpleLover92- I am looking for the right spot to put in a love interest for Miranda. Hopefully sooner than later :)
KairiM- Thanks for the review :) I appreciate your comments. No it's not bad that you check often for updates I do the same with some of my favorite stories. Of course some serious shit is going to go down..it would be my story if it didn't :)
Rachel2020- Again thanks for your review. I am glad my story has a positive affect on some people. Thanks again :) And yes Miranda is quite charming and awesome. I wish she were real as well :)
ClosetRomeo- Thanks for reviewing :) and for the rooting ;)
momo0424- Who wouldn't have loved to be in Spence's place in that dressing room? lol. I have a very wide range in music interests so thanks :)
lisarichie- The time is near for the seducing..I think it be a little seducing for both them ;)
lesbefriends- Oh it will definetely be a All Spashley Chapter. A very looooooog one ;)
CheddarCheeseLover21- " Sorry mom I was daydreaming about hot SPASHLEY sex...want some cheese?" This made me laugh hysterically. It still makes me laugh. So glad that I can compete with the cheese :)
RandomMind- Well like I said before I wanted to make this as realistic as possible. I don't like to rush things and I am a big fan of character and relationship buildup. I wanted to make a special love story, I didn't intend to wait this long for the sex but it just happened that way. Thanks for being patient.
Shadhiya- My thoughts exactly. It will def. be special..for the both of them.
naranga87- James Brown? Now I def. want to see that. Lol. Sorry for the frustrations. You are not alone in that my cheeky lady friend ;)
noodles307- Glad that your back :) All kinds of Spencer are hot but you are right aroused Spencer is really hot. Their first time will be special, and legal, and equally if not more hot than all of the almost's. Casey and Carmen was a surprise for me as well. lol. What can I say..I live for the unexpected.
A/N: The wait should be over by at least chapter 35 depending on how long the chapters are. Thanks everyone for being patient :) :)
I own nothing but my imagination, Miranda, Casey and Alyssa.
Rated slightly M
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really. Can we just go to sleep? I'm exhausted."
"Ash. I can tell it's bothering you. You haven't said a word since we left the club."
I didn't feel like talking. Sue me.
"Ash? Please talk to me." She was starting to sound desperate.
"Spence. Please drop it. I had a long day and I just want to close my eyes and enjoy the feeling of being in your arms." I held her arm around me tighter.
"Okay. I'll drop it. For now." She finally gave up and settled her head right behind mine.
"I love you Ashley." She said just above a whisper.
"Mmmm. Love you too."
I woke up around 6:00 a.m. and as I rolled over I saw Spencer's bare back. She was standing near her closet getting dressed. I propped myself up on my elbow and watched as she slowly pulled her pants up her long, tanned, lean legs. I quietly slid out of bed and crept up behind her as she was buttoning her pants. She slightly jumped as I wrapped my arms around her and latched my mouth onto her naked shoulder.
"Ash you scared me." She said with her hand on her chest.
"Sorry Baby. I couldn't resist."
"I didn't mean to wake you. I know you were tired last night." She's too sweet.
"I don't care how much sleep I get if I get to wake up to this." I left a trail of open mouthed kisses from her shoulder to her neck to her ear where I bit down gently. She shivered and moaned quietly.
"You cold Spence?" I whispered in her ear as my hands slid slowly up her torso and cupped her breast.
"N-no. Not at all." She stuttered out.
"You must be pretty turned on then huh?" I whispered again and then bit down on her ear lobe. Her nipples were hard under my warm hands and as my fingers started to rub over them she spun around abruptly and attacked my mouth. In no time at all the kiss deepened and hands moved frantically up and down my back. She pulled away from the kiss out of breath and leaned her forehead on mine.
"I have to finish getting ready or I'm going to be late." She somehow got out between the panting.
"Nooooo. I don't want you to go." I groaned and pulled her closer if that was possible.
"I have to stop by the office and talk to Mr. Goodman. I can't be late Baby." She kissed my forehead and then my lips.
"You just called me Baby." I said in my sexy voice.
"I did."
"I liked it."
"Well I like when you call me Baby."
"Well I've got some other names for you but I think I'll wait to tell you those."
"Can't wait." She chuckled and leaned in for one more kiss.
I reluctantly pulled away from her and headed for the stairs.
I turned on the water and stripped before jumping in. Even though I took a shower last night I needed another one. As thoughts of Spencer topless lingered in my mind I turned knob above the spout to the cold side.
After my cold shower I ran upstairs and got dressed. When I came back down Spencer was sitting on the couch drinking her coffee and reading the newspaper. I didn't even know they still made newspapers. That was what the T.V. and internet were for.
"Shouldn't you been gone already?" I asked as I sat down next to her.
"Mr. Goodman called and cancelled our meeting. He rescheduled it for Monday." She said without looking up from her paper. I reached over and grabbed her coffee cup from her hand and took a sip.
"I did make more ya know." She glared at me.
"Okay." Is all I said and she shook her head.
"How about I go make you a cup of your own.?"
"Ehh. I don't mind sharing with you". I handed her back the coffee and she smiled.
She folded up the paper and set it next to her on the coffee table.
"So do you want to talk about last night?" I was hoping she would just forget about last night. Wait. Let me back it up. I was hoping she would forget about seeing Casey and Carmen and my reaction. The other events of last night were permantley etched in my brain and I hoped it was the same for her.
"Do I have to? I would like to just forget about it." I said and grabbed her coffee again.
"Ash, It affected you seeing them there together. I know that. I saw it with my own eyes. I need you to tell me why." Of course it affected me seeing them. She was my best friend and Carmen was a sworn enemy of the both of us.
"I was just surprised Spence. That's all. I was very surprised."
"That's not all Ash. Talk to me please."
"Look Spence. Casey was my best friend and Carmen tormented her for the last two years. I was just surprised to see them together okay. That's it." I said the last part with a hint of anger in my voice and immediately regretted it. Lack of sleep tended to make a cranky Ashley.
I stood up and set her coffee on the table. "I should go and finish getting ready."
I came out of the bathroom ready to go. I noticed Miranda in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal. Spencer was about to open the door. I walked up to it and put my hand on it before she could.
"Were you going to say goodbye?" I was a little upset.
"We're going to see each other in less than an hour Ash. I have to go." She opened the door.
"I shut it again."
"Are you mad at me Spence?" I could tell she was.
"No. Not mad. Just upset. I don't know why you won't talk to me Ash. This isn't good for our relationship." She was trying to stay calm but her voice was betraying her.
"There's nothing to say Spence. I don't know why you are making this out to be more than it is." I raised my voice and she shook her head at me.
"If it was nothing you would talk about it with me and you wouldn't be so angry." She said calmly.
"I'm only angry because you won't let it go." I didn't like arguing with her.
"I hope you'll come talk to me when you're not so angry." Ugh. Her calmness was making me more angry.
I opened the door for her. "See you at school Teach." She nodded and walked out. I slammed it shut.
Women!
Miranda came from the kitchen still chewing on her cereal.
"That went well." She said with her mouth full.
"Whatever. Are you almost ready?" I didn't mean to take out my anger on her but I did anyway.
"Yeah I just have to brush my teeth and grab my bag." She rushed into the bathroom. I think I was scaring her.
We didn't talk much on the way there. I think she could sense I was still angry by the way I was gripping the steering wheel.
"You should talk to her ya know?" She finally spoke.
"There's nothing to talk about Miranda." I tried to stay calm. She was just being my friend.
"There obviously is Ash. Your reaction wasn't just one of surprise. You were angry and it showed. You didn't say one word the rest of the night. Spence has every right to be worried."
"She's worried? About what?" She had no reason to worry.
"Ash turn this around a bit. If it were you in Spencer's place you would be upset too. Your ex-girlfriend and worst enemy who might also have a thing for you may quite possibly be together and your reaction to that was more than just surprised."
Maybe she was right. I overreacted to it all. I just didn't understand. Did Casey know that Carmen was gay all along? How long have they been on speaking terms? Why did Carmen kiss me if she wanted to be with Casey? Ugh. All of this thinking was giving me a head ache. I shouldn't care about all of this. Casey isn't even my friend anymore and Carmen never was. So why am I so upset? Because I will always care about Casey and I didn't want her to get hurt again. Why didn't I just tell Spencer that. I'm such an idiot.
"I'm an idiot. I'll go talk to Spence before school starts." I looked over at Miranda and she smiled big. I shook my head at her and laughed.
When I got to Spencer's class she was seated at her desk tapping her pen against it. She looked deep in thought so I knocked softly on the door. When she looked up she gave me a half smile.
I shut the door and walked to my desk dropping my bag to the floor. Her eyes followed me the whole way.
"I'm sorry." I said and she nodded.
"I am too."
"You don't need to be. I understand."
"Sooo?"
"Sooo I should have just told you earlier why it bothered me so much seeing them together." She nodded and I continued. "Spence, I still care about Casey. I always will. I don't understand why she was with Carmen and it scares me because of the way Carmen treated her over the last few years. I don't want her to get hurt again." I looked down at my hands.
"Thank you Ashley. And that is completely understandable. You have every right to feel that way. Why couldn't you just tell me that in the first place?"
"I don't know Spence. I'm not used to this whole relationship thing. I am bound to screw up every once in a while. This wasn't the first time and I am sure it won't be the last." She smiled at me and her eyes sparkled. I just fell in love all over again.
"I was a bitch, forgive me?" I pouted.
"Of course."
I mouthed I love you and she mouthed I love you too back.
The door slowly opened and Madison walked in with a few other students. She looked at Spencer and then at me and smirked. I elbowed her when she walked by. I looked over at Spencer and she giggled a little. Wonder what that was about. The hour consisted of us reading the stupid headless horseman story and I couldn't take my eyes of Spencer the entire 60 minutes. She kept pointing at me book and even made me read aloud so that I couldn't stare at her. When the bell rang I slowly got up and walked over to her desk. Everyone had already walked out.
"You need to stop staring at me throughout class. You make it hard for me to think. I become quite flustered. It's not fair." She blushed.
"Hmmm. I wonder how 'flustered' you would be if you knew what I was imagining when I stare at you." I wiggled my brows.
"Go." She chuckled and pointed towards the door.
"Bye Teach. Hope you enjoy the rest of your school day. Don't think about me too much." I blew her a kiss and walked out. She laughed.
I nearly ran into someone standing right outside the door. Madison.
"Hey girl, it's about time." She said with a smirk.
"Were you waiting for me?"
"Yeah. I figured I would let you get your mack on and wait for you out here."
"Whatever Mads. Let's go." I chuckled.
"Ash. I know what's going on with you two. I talked to Mrs. D." I stopped dead in my tracks and whipped my head around to face her.
"What?"
"I talked to her. I told her I thought it was sweet and that I wouldn't say anything."
"Huh?" Yes I was that dumbfounded I couldn't think of what else to say.
"I...talked...to...Mrs...Dennison" She said slowly while she pretended to use sign language.
"When did you do that? Are you crazy?" I pulled her into a doorway. The class was empty.
Madison's very brief P.O.V
2 days ago
I was waiting in the parking lot for Ash so we could go to lunch and spotted Mrs. Dennison walking to her car. I knew something was going on with her and Ash and I just had to talk to her. It may have been none of my business but I cared about Ashley and I didn't want to see her get her heart broken.
"Mrs. Dennison." I called out just as she was about to open her car door.
"Hello Miss Duarte what can I do for you?" I'm glad she asked.
I took a quick look around to make sure no-one could hear me.
"Promise you won't hurt Ashley."
She looked at me confused and turned a little pale.
"I'm sorry?" I know she heard me.
"Look I know there is something going on between the two of you and whatever it is has made my friend happier than I have ever seen her. So please don't hurt her. She has been through so much in her life and she deserves the happiness no matter who it is coming from."
She just stood there in shock and obviously at a loss for words. I laughed.
"You don't need to worry. I won't say anything to anyone. Ash is one of my best friends and you are one of my favorite teacher's. Your secret is safe with me."
She looked like she was going to say something but couldn't quite get the words out. Then finally .
"What makes you think there is something going on between me and Ashley?"
"Uh well for starters you are always staring at her. In fact the other day when we were all reading to ourselves you watched her for more than 10 minutes."
She closed her eyes and pursed her lips. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"At the club on her birthday you cried when she sang that song. The song she so obviously wrote for you and sang to you. Then there's the thing you did with her dad. Getting him to come home. I've heard of teacher's that care but never one that cared that much. It's quite clear how much Ash loves you and she's happy which means that she must be getting some of that love in return."
"Madison.."
"Look like I said you don't need to worry." I said cutting her off.
"I'm not going to say anything. You're an amazing teacher Mrs. Dennison and just because you so happened to fall for one of your students doesn't change that. Ashley is pretty awesome. I'd go for her if I were gay." I laughed and she finally smiled.
"I have to go. Thank you Madison." She said while opening her car door.
"Have a good day Mrs. Dennison and you're welcome." I smiled and waved.
She was about to pull out of her spot when she rolled the window down.
"I promise." She said with a smile looking me straight in the eyes.
I nodded. "Thanks"
Let's hope she kept good on her promises. Ashley already had to deal with enough heartbreak in her life. I knew for a fact she was in love with Mrs. Dennison and I hoped she wouldn't get hurt.
"You are crazy. I can't believe you approached her." I yelled.
"It's cool Ashley. I can't believe she didn't say anything to you."
"Madi you shouldn't have done that. She's worried enough about someone finding out and losing her job. I appreciate you looking out for me but you should have just stayed out of it."
"I'm sorry Ash. You know me. When I get something in my head I don't let it go. I'm sorry if I crossed the line." She looked down at her feet and I suddenly felt bad for yelling at her. She was just trying to look out for me. I was always so worried that something would happen and Spencer would pull back from me. I didn't want that. I couldn't deal with that. I can't live without her.
"It's alright Madi. Just please leave all of this alone okay? We're not going to go on any double dates or anything so forget about that." I joked.
"It must be hard Ash. You finally fall in love and you can't even express it openly."
"It's very hard. I want to tell the world that she's mine. I want to take her to the fair and win her a stuffed animal and walk hand in hand with her on the pier and share popcorn with her in the movie theatre, take her to dinner and kiss her goodbye in her doorway and a whole lot of more simple things that aren't so cliché but I can't and it sucks. But you know what? Just being with her alone, even if it's just sitting in her living room doing practically nothing, that's enough for me."
Madi was smiling at me and her held was tilted to the side.
"Ash that is so sweet. You are so in love it's adorable."
"Shut it Mad's. I am not adorable. I think we have talked about that before."
She laughed.
"I can't believe you actually got her Ash. I remember telling you that you were crazy and she was way out of your league."
"Yeah well I remember telling you that nobody could resist the Davies charm." I winked and she shook her head.
"C'mon we are so late for second period."
The next couple hours flew by fast and as I was headed to the quad I saw Carmen. She was at her locker. Of course me being me I couldn't not say anything.
"Hey Vasquez." I shouted.
She turned around and when she saw me she looked kind of scared. I liked seeing that look on her. She finally smartened up.
"What do you want Davies?" She shut her locker and flung her bag around her shoulder.
"I want you to tell me what the hell you were doing in my club last night with Casey."
She smiled and I was so tempted to slap that smile off her face.
"That's none of your business Ashley. You're not even friends with Casey anymore and we certainly aren't friends."
I walked closer to her and she backed up into the lockers.
"You fucking hurt her and I'll do more than just break your nose."
She held her nose and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You seem to be the only one hurting her lately Ashley. I just want to make her forget about you." Pssh. Like that could happen.
"So what you're out now? You done being the fake bitch you've been the last few years?"
"Actually yes. I'm sick of being unhappy. I apologized to Casey. She accepted. We're friends now. Maybe later we'll be more." Wow. Casey was getting desperate.
"So you like Casey? Did you try to kiss her too?"
She laughed. "I don't have a thing for you Ashley if that's what you think. I was just testing you. Seeing if you were the slut everyone says you are."
"So what you thought that I would actually kiss you back? Eww!"
She laughed again. "Whatever Ashley. You're not my type. Casey on the other hand is. I've always liked her Ashley. I was just stupid and childish and I know that now."
"Do you always torture people that you like? Carmen you did a lot of horrible things to her. You outed her to everyone. You posted those pictures and tried to ruin her life. You made fun of her every time you saw her in the hallways. She couldn't sleep for weeks because of you."
"I'm not proud of the things I've done. I didn't want anyone to know that I had a crush on her so I did everything in my power to make sure that didn't happen. I hated making her cry. I went home every night and cried myself to sleep I hated myself so much. And yes I became a bully. I was a horrible person. I was a coward. But I hated myself so much that I didn't care." She started crying. I just shook my head. I didn't feel sorry for her.
"I did a lot of bad shit but I did not take or post the pictures. I swear."
"You took the credit. That's just as bad. I don't know why Casey forgave you. She must be desperate for friends."
"Maybe she is. Maybe she is just trying to forget about you and I'm a good distraction. But hey it's a start. I want to show her the real me. I want to show her that she doesn't need you. I can be what she needs."
I couldn't help but laugh. I really did try not to.
"Look Ashley I know you think the worst of me and you have every right. But I am not that person. I never really was. It was all an act. I am going to do everything in my power to be someone Casey respects. Maybe someone she could even fall in love with. You can laugh all you want. And someday I believe that even we'll be friends."
"Me and you?" I pointed between the two of us and raised my eyebrows in question.
"Yes. Me and you. The two of us have a few things in common."
"Enlighten me please."
"We both care for Casey and want her to be happy."
I wanted to believe this new Carmen. Was it so hard to believe she could change? Of course not. Look at me. I was proof enough.
"I meant what I said Vasquez, You hurt her and.."
"I know, I know. You'll break more than just my nose." She interrupted.
"I'm not going to hurt her Ashley. I just want to make her happy."
Ah fuck. I actually did believe her. I saw the sincerity in her eyes. Something I had never seen before.
I backed away and she starting walking down the hall.
"She likes pink lilies and blue irises." I shouted loud enough for her to hear.
She turned around confused. "Huh?"
"You have a lot of apologizing to do."
She smiled at me and I shrugged. I still hadn't forgiven her but Casey obviously had. She must have seen something good in her.
The rest of the day was non eventful. Miranda and I went to visit Alyssa after school. When we first got there she was awake. We talked for an hour or so and then she started getting sleepy. Apparently she had been up most of the day getting ready for the transfer. She was so excited to be leaving the hospital. When she gave me hug goodbye it was so gentle but I could tell she was hugging me with everything she had.
Friday night Miranda and I hung out at my house. Spencer had to go to a party at one of her fellow professor's houses and I so badly wanted to go with her but for obvious reasons I couldn't. Miranda and I decided to do a sleepover since we were getting up early to go to Malibu. We had been excused from our Saturday volunteer work and that actually made me sad because that meant more time away from Spencer. What made it better was knowing that Alyssa would be out of that hospital and happy at the beach house.
We planned on staying until Sunday night because we had something planned for Alyssa on Sunday. Hopefully she would be feeling up to it.
On the way to Malibu on Saturday morning I texted Spencer.
You still at the park? –A
We're almost done. Just have to repaint a few things.- S
I miss you. –A
I miss you too. Wish you were here. –S
Need some pointers on how to paint too? –A
Haha very funny. –S
Hey you never know. –A
I'm much better with a paint brush then a hammer. I promise. –S
That's good to hear. Greg's not there is he? –A
Lol, Yes he is. Is my baby jealous? –S
No not jealous. That guy ain't got nothing on me Baby. –A
No he sure doesn't. Don't worry I have kept him busy today. –S
That's my girl. –A
See you tomorrow night? -S
Ugh. I don't know if I can wait that long. –A
Sure you can. And I will be here when you get home. –S
Home. I like the sound of that. –A
My home will always be yours. I love you. –S
Love you too Spence. See you soon.- A
"Are you done texting lovey dovey messages to Spence?" Miranda joked.
"Shut it and drive. You crash my baby and I will never forgive you."
"Ash it's just a car. I'm your best friend. Would you really not forgive me?" She pouted.
"Maybe. But you would have to do some major groveling."
She punched my arm and I laughed.
When we arrived at the beach house John, mine and my dad's attorney was already there along with Margaret, the woman who set everything up. Miranda and I opened all of the windows and straightened up a bit. The house was already ready for Alyssa but we wanted to make it homier for her. We put up a few Paramore posters and set up a 52 T.V. with a D.V.D player, surround sound and a hook up for her I-pod. It was a S.M.A.R.T T.V. so you could access the internet from it. We also put a few vases around the room filled with her favorite flowers.
She arrived around 1pm. They wheeled her in and as soon as she saw us she smiled and started to cry. I was so happy I could make her happy. They got her settled in her bed and she asked me to open the doors. It was a beautiful day, around 75 degrees but we were off the ocean so it was a bit cooler and there was a breeze. As soon as I opened the doors the breeze came through and she closed her eyes and took it in.
"Thank you Ashley." She said with her eyes still closed.
I walked over and sat down next to her.
"You're welcome."
A couple hours later after she was all unpacked she closed her eyes for a much needed nap.
Miranda and I walked outside to the patio and finished discussing the plans and making the necessary calls for our surprise for Alyssa tomorrow afternoon. We had just finished up when I got a call from Spencer.
Miranda must have realized who was calling from the giant smile on my face.
"I'll give you some privacy." She rolled her eyes, then smiled and walked back into the house.
"Hello Beautiful."
"Hi Ash." It felt so good to hear her voice.
"I miss you." Her tone was a bit sad.
"I miss you to Baby."
"Is she all settled in?" Spencer wanted to be here but she was swamped at home with the volunteer stuff and getting ready for finals at the University.
"Yeah, she's napping now. The move took a lot out of her."
"How did she like the room?"
"She was so happy Spence. I am so glad I could do this for her." I was starting to get a bit choked up.
"Awe sweetie you make a lot of people happy. You know that right?"
"It's easy to do that when I am so happy. And I am happy thanks to you."
"I feel the same way Ash. I never thought I could be this happy."
"And I haven't even got you in my bed yet." I chuckled.
"You know you are raising the expectations pretty high?"
"I can back em' up. I can't wait to make you even happier if you know what I mean."
She laughed. "I think I do Ash and I can't wait either. Soon Ash. Very soon."
"Not soon enough." I groaned.
"Oh and Spence?"
"Yeah Babe"
"Why didn't you tell me about your little conversation with Madi?" I had forgotten til now.
"Oh. I don't know. I guess I figured she would tell you. She said the two of you were going to lunch together. It wasn't my intention to keep it from you. A lot has happened since then and it just didn't come up. I'm sorry I didn't tell you Ash."
"It's okay Spence. I'm just glad you're not mad. I was scared that if someone else found out you would get scared and pull away from me. I wouldn't be able to handle that."
"I'm not going to pull away from you Ash. I love you. And of course I am not mad. It's mostly my fault she found out. Apparently I couldn't stop staring at you in class." She laughed.
"Apparently, but who can blame you right?"
"Ugh Ashley. We have to bring that ego of yours down a few notches."
"I thought you liked my big ego?"
"I deal with it because I love you so much and because you are amazing in every way. I love everything about you Ashley Marie Davies. Even your big ego."
"I love everything about you to Spencer .I don't even know your middle name. How bad is that?"
"I never told you my middle name. I don't like it very much so I never use it."
"Spill Spence, it can't be that bad."
"Gertrude." She said really fast.
"Really? Gertrude?"
She laughed "No silly. It's Ann. Just Ann."
"What's not to like about Ann? It's just as common as Marie."
"Exactly. It's common and plain. They name me Spencer, the most uncommon name for a girl and then Ann. I don't know I just don't like it."
"Spence you are strange sometimes. I like it. Well Spencer Ann Denn.."
"Carlin." She cut me off.
"Are you changing your name back?"
"I was thinking about it. But I don't want to talk about that right now."
"Well okay. Spencer Ann Carlin I love everything about you and I can't wait to make you mine officially." She couldn't see me but I wiggled my eyebrows and smirked.
"I can't wait either Ash. I have to go. I love you."
"I love you too Baby."
We had dinner around 7 when Alyssa woke up. She asked us to come into her room and eat. I felt bad because we were eating spaghetti and she was eating chicken soup. I guess she had a hard time digesting food. She ate it with a smile of course and we laughed and joked throughout the entire dinner. Afterwards her mother helped her with a bath and Miranda and I went and got changed into our pajamas. We all watched a movie together. Miranda fell asleep before the movie ended, Ms. Cooper went to bed and that left Alyssa and I.
"Ash will you sing to me?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah. What do you want me to sing?" I moved to her bed side.
"Something soothing."
"Well what songs sooth you, relax you?"
"I always loved 'I shall believe' by Sheryl Crow. Do you know that one?"
"Yeah I do. I love Sheryl Crow. Let me get my guitar." I got up to find it.
"No. Just sing to me Ashley. I just want to hear your voice."
"Okay." I sat down on the chair next to the bed and scooted it closer so I wouldn't have to sing loud. Miranda was asleep on the couch.
Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it's a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe
I'm broken in two
And I know you're on to me
That I only come home
When I'm so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won't give up on me
And I shall believe
And I shall believe
I ran my hand through her hair and she closed her eyes.
Open the door
And show me your face tonight
I know it's true
No one heals me like you
And you hold the key
Never again
Would I turn away from you
I'm so heavy tonight
But your love is alright
And I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won't give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
By the time I sang the last line she was asleep and I was relieved. The tears were falling freely down my face and I had to hide the ache that crept its way into my voice.
I turned around when I heard shuffling. Miranda was sitting up starting at me. Tears in her eyes as well.
"That was beautiful Ash." She whispered.
I couldn't take it. I walked out the door and outside to the patio where I lost it. I nearly fell to the ground but Miranda was there to hold me up. She stood there and held me for what seemed like forever.
Alyssa was so strong and brave. I was not. But I had to learn to be. She needed that. She needed me.
"We should get some sleep Ash. You have a big day tomorrow and you my Rock Princess need some sleep." I somehow mustered up a smile and kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks Miranda. I love you."
"I love you too ya big Goob."
I have been practicing my Happy Dance moves...feel free to review :)
Song:
I shall believe- Sheryl Crow