Okay, so I know I haven't updated in a really long time…please don't kill me. I have a good excuse though!! My incredibly trusty laptop suddenly decided to play games with me last month and since then I've been using a computer which I swear must have been made in the 1950's because it is soooo sloooowwww. But lucky for me, an amazing person managed to repair my laptop which I originally thought was unsalvageable and now I can write to my hearts content! Yessssss! So here's the next chapter:)

Chapter 8

Ashley woke up with the ghost of last night surrounding her, the kiss with Spencer, dropping her off in her room, and the way Spencer's lips had lightly brushed her check as she said goodnight. With a smile she hopped in the shower, washing away the smoke of the club from her hair but somehow not being able to wash away the feel of Spencer's skin on her own, Ashley suddenly felt the need to turn the shower head to the coldest setting.

As she was slipping on a white tee and a pair of jeans she heard the unmistakable sound of her ringtone – a sort of screeching of windpipes or something, needless to say it was the most normal ringtone of the generic sounds her phone had been assigned.

"Hello?"

"Big sis! Mark told me all about your big night! How come I didn't get a call? Anyway, I'm so excited for you, I can't wait for your first album to go platinum because then I can meet Justin Timberlake through you. Although his new song's kind of different, not sure if I like it, but he's so cute I don't even think it matters…"

Ashley listened to her sister's excited rambling for a few more minutes before she finally interjected out of the sheer agony of having Kyla talk to her about how much she loved Fergie even if she did like to pee her pants on stage.

"Kyla! Is there perhaps an end to this monologue?"

"Oh…yeah, well I was wondering if you wanted to come and visit soon. I haven't seen you in a while and I though it would be good to have some quality bonding time."

"Umm, I'm not sure if right now's a good time." Ashley said thinking of Spencer.

"It'll only be for a weekend, I miss you. I don't know whether you can feel my tears through the phone but I'm openly crying on the train in front of all these people I don't know because my big sister just told me she doesn't love me!"

Ashley laughed listening to Kyla's fake crying and overly dramatic nature.

"After about five years of not seeing you I can't believe you don't even want to spend a weekend with me, and I'm not gonna stop crying on this phone to you until you tell me something I wanna hear."

"Okay, one, it definitely has not been five years since I last saw you. But alright, just so I can get you off this phone and make sure that the Davies image is not permanently tarnished by your hystericalness in front of all those innocent people, I'll give you a call when I have a date that I can come over."

"Thanks sis, love ya!"

"Love you too."

Ashley smiled at Kyla's antics; it wasn't surprising since she seemed to make it her life's mission to embarrass Ashley as much as she could. Hearing the sound of Anabelle in the kitchen cooking she decided to go out and see if she needed any help. Ashley froze when she spotted Spencer sitting behind the island happily munching on a plate of scrambled eggs. She looked adorable with her hair tied up into a messy ponytail, dressed in a black tank top and boy shorts, eagerly digging into her food. Ashley couldn't help breaking out into a nose crinkling smile at the sight. Anabelle was busy scrambling some more eggs, so Ashley made her way around to the other side of the island to sit next to Spencer. Ashley found herself considerably nervous, and by the way Spencer had stopped digging in and was now trying to eat more ladylike it seemed that Spencer was just as nervous.

"Hi." Ashley said quietly watching Spencer's face.

"Hi." Spencer replied just as quietly.

Anabelle placed glasses of orange juice in front of both of them and then returned with a plate of scrambled eggs for Ashley, placing the plate in front of her.

"You hungry?"

Ashley nodded energetically grinning up at her. Anabelle grinned back at her, internally pleased that she had the power to make even the most stuffed person in the world crave her food and was using that power to draw Ashley in.

"I figured you for a mushroom and spices kind of egg girl, so I threw some in there."

Ashley took a bite, immediately thanking the heavens for endowing this girl with the talent of perfect cooking.

"You were right." Ashley smiled. "It's delicious, thank you."

"You're welcome." Anabelle replied getting back to the stove. "So, how was your night, you two?"

Ashley grinned cutely and replied simply, "It was good."

Spencer was smiling too and had begun vigorously eating her eggs again, "Yeah, it was really good."

They both were smiling that secret smile that seemed to hint that they had a great night together. Anabelle was looking at them, a slight frown on her face that Ashley didn't notice because she was staring intently at Spencer eat. Anabelle directly focused her attention on Ashley.

"Ashley, have you thought much about the conversation we had the other night?"

Ashley's face fell as she recalled it and her chest started to tighten again. The thought of Spencer having some kind of supernatural powers nagged at her, and it was only then that she realized that she'd pushed these thoughts far back into her head, not eager to dwell on it, and in the events of last night forgetting it altogether.

"Um, yeah I've thought about it a bit." Ashley lied.

Spencer had a quizzical look on her face and had stopped eating much to Ashley's disappointment. The tension in the air was obvious, even to Spencer.

"I'm just gonna go grab something from my room," Ashley said, hurriedly getting up hoping to escape any questions Spencer might ask. and made her way through the door into her room.

Suddenly, sitting on the couch in her room she felt tired and was instantly reminded of a time when she felt just as weighed down as she felt at that moment.

Madison and Ashley were sitting on the hill outside of their school, Ashley was hugging her knees to her chest while Madison had her legs outstretched, leaning back on her arms.

"I think this might be the year that Aiden asks me to the prom…he was definitely flirting with me in gym class."

Ashley just nodded her head, not having the heart to tell her that Aiden had had a crush on Ashley since the ninth grade and everybody in the school knew it.

"I think purple for my dress would be good, but…"

"Madison." Ashley cut her off.

"Yeah."

Ashley looked down at her feet, fiddling with her fingers.

"I need to tell you something important, I'm kind of scared though."

"What is it? Just tell me."

"I…"

Ashley was interrupted from her train of thought by a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened slightly to reveal Spencer standing nervously leaning on the doorframe.

"Are you free to talk?"

Ashley hesitated for a moment. "Yeah, come on in." She said getting up to help her, both of them not noticing Ashley's guitar strewn across the floor. Spencer started to walk towards the sound of Ashley's voice but ultimately tripped over the guitar. Ashley rushed over to her, catching her before she fell to the ground.

"Are you okay?"Ashley asked holding her up.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I should have been more aware of my surroundings," Spencer replied blushing.

"No, don't even. It's my fault, I shouldn't just leave things lying around like that." Ashley inwardly cursed at herself, horrified at the thought that something she could do could cause harm to Spencer.

Ashley led her to the couch, taking a seat next to her. They were silent for a while, each of them absorbed in their own thoughts.

"Ashley, if there were something you needed to tell me, you would tell me wouldn't you?"

Ashley looked at her. "If there was something you needed to tell me, would you say it?" Ashley retorted.

Spencer looked decidedly uncomfortable.

"Ashley…I just…I just don't want you to be unhappy here."

"I'm not unhappy here, actually I'm far from it." Ashley replied sincerely.

"That means a lot to me. If you want to talk though, I just want you to know that I'm here to listen…always."

"Well…what if I want to sing horribly, will you listen then?" Ashley replied cheekily, grinning.

"I don't know, it depends. What's in it for me?" Spencer smiled.

"How about I teach you how to play?"

Spencer looked confused.

"Teach me how to play?"

"Yeah, teach you how to play the guitar."

"Oh I don't think that's going to be a good idea, I assure you I will be quite horrible." Spencer laughed.

"Oh, well then I definitely have to see this then…I'm just kidding, just follow my lead and you'll be fine."Ashley said pulling her down to sit cross-legged on the rug.

"Okay just stay here. I'm gonna grab my guitar."

Spencer sat obediently waiting for further instructions. Ashley returned quickly, placing the guitar gently in Spencer's arms before moving to sit behind Spencer, her legs on either side of her. Spencer flushed at the feel of Ashley's warm body against her back.

"Okay, I'm gonna tell you a secret," Ashley said, automatically noticing how husky her voice sounded. "I can't actually read music, I just know what strings are which by the way they sound," Ashley said, placing Spencer's fingers on the strings.

"You create the music with your ears…the way my dad taught me to do it."

Spencer inwardly sighed at the feel of Ashley's slender fingers against her own as they strummed, the feel of Ashley's arms around her made her feel warm and protected. After a few minutes of Ashley guiding Spencer's fingers on the guitar, Ashley let go of the guitar, her hands placing themselves on Spencer's waist.

"Okay, now just play from your heart."

"I don't think it will sound good Ashley." Spencer said worriedly while Ashley smiled.

"Yes it will, just feel the music."

Ashley listened quietly as Spencer started to strum out a melody. It was beautiful, and Ashley couldn't help but close her eyes and hold Spencer tighter as she listened to her play. Ashley opened her eyes slowly when she didn't hear any more playing. Spencer had her face turned towards her and the distance between them was so small that Ashley suddenly found that she couldn't breathe.

"How was that?" Spencer asked breathlessly.

Ashley stared into her eyes, once again mesmerized by how blue they were, her eyes automatically flickered down to her soft lips and back to her eyes again.

"You're a natural." Her voice was rough as she caught the overwhelming urge to kiss her. Ashley's face moved closer, her eyes fluttering shut as she prepared for the feeling of having Spencer's lips on her own.

"Spencer!"

The moment was interrupted by Anabelle's voice. Spencer turned away from Ashley, mentally cursing Anabelle for the interruption.

"I'm in Ashley's room." Spencer called out.

Anabelle entered the room, taking in the scene before her.

"Oh, was I interrupting something?"

"No, you're fine. Ashley was just teaching me how to play the guitar."

"Oh yeah, how'd it go?" Anabelle asked.

"Great. Ashley's an excellent teacher." Spencer smiled and Ashley couldn't help but grin hugely.

"Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to go on one of our famous walks," Anabelle smiled at Spencer, taking a quick glance at Ashley."We haven't been on one in a while and I thought it'd be nice?"

"That would be nice, will you help me get my jacket?"

"Of course," Anabelle replied, moving forward to help Spencer up off the floor.

Spencer turned towards Ashley. "Do you want to come with us?" She asked.

Ashley didn't want to intrude on something that was obviously a tradition for them so she replied no and watched them leave , feeling slightly forlorn at not having Spencer near her, and a little confused as to the way Anabelle was acting. For the past couple of days, Ashley couldn't help but feel that Anabelle for some reason didn't want Ashley to get close to Spencer. Was it because she was trying to protect Spencer? Or was there another reason? Ashley didn't know, but she was determined to find out.

Coachkimm: Thank You! Keep Reading!

xxMandyxx: I hope you enjoyed this update:)

Vanessa Riverton: Sorry it took me so long to update but I'm giving in to your demands and updating soon and often:)

To-you-I'm-chained-and-bound: Thanks, I hope you liked this chapter:)

Lexj: You're just gonna have to find out, I think it's sure to keep you on your toes though.

Careofsoul: I love the mystery behind Spencer too, actually without the mystery I'd probably still love her:)

Gentry: Thank you so much!! It's always nice to hear that people think I'm good at something I love doing!

FuckinDream: I seriously hope that you didn't get a bad mark on your test because of my story!! Please let me know…I'm anxious. I'm putting all of my energy into sending you vibes that will make you tell me that you aced it.

Hotcutii3: All will be revealed, I'm not sure if I can answer any of those questions yet:)

Momo The Great: I PMS'ed!! I mean…updated…not the other PMS.

Videl1212: Hahaha, glad I could deliver!

Ubermonster: Indeed…it begins (insert cackling laughter here). And you don't have to give me cookies because here's an update!!

Chloedarko: Thanks, I promise too update more often:)

XSamXStutterzX: They love each other!!! I secretly squee anytime I read about Spencer and Ashley kissing!

Weightofitall: Yes, unacceptable! Just kidding, I'm glad you're all caught up, well at least I hope you are after my little hiatus. Let me know what you thought of this chapter:)

Pendulum666: Heck no that wasn't the end! Still lots more to come so keep reading.

Andi957: Thank you, I'm glad you like the direction it's going, hopefully you continue to like it…if not… I will die. Just kidding, but I will have a huge FAIL stamped on my forehead.