Disclaimer: The usual

AN: Hey so thank you so much for all the feedback I got on my author's note. Most of you voiced the same opinion I had: that the flashbacks were useful to show how the characters got to where they were but not needed as much now.

I got 39 reviews on an authors note O_O which surprised me. But I'm glad I have those people reading.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter - the next should be posted within two days.

Reviews are always amazing :D

35

Previously:

"No Spence, you've gone and changed. You've sold out! And for what a stupid, mindless, closeted cheer bitch!" she yelled, I felt Ashley cringe with each insult Carmen threw at her.

"Hey! I'm not going to defend myself to you Carmen, I don't need to! You don't get to decide what I do!" I shouted. I was vaguely aware that a small scene was forming so I took a deep breath in trying to calm myself down. Carmen lowered her voice but it was still filled with venom, "So what you're going to stay hidden now? That's pathetic Spencer, especially after everything we went through. All because of her!" Carmen said pointing angrily at Ashley who was still standing behind me. With that I decided I had enough and turned around, and pulled Ashley with me.

Health class seemed different for us by the time December rolled around. Ashley and I were still sneaking around, Madison was moping about Aiden, Carmen, Stacey and I hadn't resolved anything – so really Ashley was all I had. Glen and Kyla were in the early stages of their relationship, often off together or in their own world. My Mom and Dad were staying quiet, but I they knew something was up because Ashley was picking me up for school in the mornings and Carmen and Stacey hadn't been over in a while.

I sat there first thing in the morning, quietly next to Ashley, thinking about how everything had changed so fast in just a few short months.

"Since it's Friday I have a special surprise for you, that you all might of heard something about," Mrs. Swan said gaining the attention of the class. Everyone seemed to be a bit overwhelmed and tired; most likely due to the fact that it was Friday and almost Winter break. Next week would mark the last week before break.

Ashley's hand rested on my knee and traced circles on my jeans, creating a tingling feeling in the pit of my stomach. I smiled to myself as Mrs. Swan continued.

"So I would like to present you all with your children," I felt my eyes go wide as she pulled out an electronic toy baby. The class was so silent you could here a pin drop.

"You will care for these together over the weekend. Remember to keep logs like usual so I can add in your participation to your final grade," she said as she had us all come up and grab a baby just as the bell rang. Ashley and I walked out together holding a infant carrier with a plastic baby in it. Once outside the classroom we looked at each other silently then back to the baby.

"So..." she started.

"I guess, we'll split up the time evenly. I can take it tonight, if you want..." I suggested.

"Or, or you could stay at my house?" Ashley said giddily. I was surprised, her offering for me to come over, but I immediately wanted to.

"Oh come on Spencer, it'll be like old times!" she said practically jumping up and down from excitement.

I smirked, "I don't recall us making out on sleep overs when we were little," I said laughing as a blush crossed her face.

"Is that a yes?" she asked and I nodded.

"Cool, I'll meet you in the parking lot after school," she said. For a moment things were awkward as we stood there about to go to our separate classes. All I wanted was to lean forward and kiss her goodbye, but I knew Ashley would be uncomfortable. She gave me a sympathetic look before turning and heading to class. I sighed as I watched her go, this kinda sucked.

The day ended, and so far the baby had gone off in three of my classes; English, History and Photography.. I was becoming slightly frustrated as I walked into the sunny, yet not hot, parking lot. I had my bag on my back, the infant carrier in my left hand and was talking to my Mom with my cellphone in my right hand. I felt like a teen mother.

"Are you sure Christine is okay with you spending the night?" my mom's voice came through the speaker, I could hear the bustle of the hospital in the background and I knew she was on her break.

"Yes Mom, it's fine," I said. For some reason she was being overly hesitant about me going to Ashley's. I looked up and saw Ashley leaning against her car, quietly chatting with Madison.

"Look Mom, I have to go," I said adjusting my bag, I smiled as Ashley came and relieved me of the baby, "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay Spence," she said drawing out my name. I somehow knew this conversation wasn't over yet.

"Oh and Spence," she said just as I was about to flip my phone shut. I sighed, "Yes?"

"Just um... no sex okay?" she said and I was shocked. I was glad I hadn't followed directly behind Ashley to her car; it's would've been awkward had she overheard my mother.

"Mom! God, no okay, just no. I'm hanging up now," I said. I'm not going to lie and say that I haven't thought about sex with Ashley, but talking about it with my mom. So not going to happen.

"Everything okay?" Ashley asked as I climbed into her car and she drove off to her house.

"Oh yeah everything's fine," I said.

"Good," she said adjusting her sunglasses on her head.

"Just my mom saying not to have hot sex with you tonight," I said casually. The look on Ashley's face was priceless as she looked over at me in disbelief.

"What?" she said turning to me as we came to a stop light, "she thinks we're...what?"

"Ash, chill, it's a joke," I said as the light turned green.

"Not funny Spencer," she said mumbling.

"I thought it was."

We came to Ashley's house and I grabbed the baby out of the car, before following Ashley inside. We walked up her staircase and to her bedroom. I carefully placed the infant seat on the floor and sat down next to her on her bed.

"So what now?" I asked with a smirk as her hand landed on my thigh. I turned my body to face her and she instantly connected our lips pushing me back on her bed. I moaned as her hands quickly found their way beneath my shirt and caressed the skin of my stomach. Our tongues fought for dominance and I lightly tugged on her hair.

She groaned and moved her lips to my ear, nibbling on the lobe.

"Mhmm," I moaned as she moved her lips lower on my neck. My hands ran up her back underneath her shirt, playing with the strap on her bra.

I was hesitant for a moment, this was the furthest Ashley and I had gone, but when her hand moved to cup my breast all logical thought went out the window. I unhooked her bra and her leg found it's way between mine, pressing deliciously where I craved pressure.

We were lost in the moment when we both froze at the sound that demanded our attention. The baby was crying. Ashley groaned and hid her face in my neck.

"It's not going to stop is it?" she asked. I shook my head, still too flushed to speak. She sighed and pushed herself off of me to go take care of the crying toy, first readjusting her bra. This was going to be a long night, if that thing didn't shut up. I somehow managed to catch my breath and found myself watching Ashley rock back and forth with the baby in her arms. She was a natural. I smiled as she started to sing softly; most likely out of instinct. Ashley had the most beautiful voice, I found myself becoming hypnotized by it Finally the thing stopped and she placed it back in the carrier. She looked up and saw me staring.

"What?" she asked with a soft smile.

"You're pretty amazing," I whispered and she gave me one of her nose crinkling grins. We were in our own little bubble here. Nothing could touch us, especially in these soft moments together; no drama, no friend trouble, no insecurities. I found myself falling deeper and deeper for Ashley, and I was inexplicably happy about it.