Hey all! I know it's been a long time. Sorry about that. That's why this one is extra long. I decided to let you see the rest of what I have written. It's actually several "chapters" in one. I plan to finish the story. I just don't know when I'll be able to work on it again. I do hate when stories are left unfinished. So, I intend to continue writing this one. I hope you enjoy this post.

Please give feedback. I always appreciate it! I will respond to comments. I'm not sure if it will be here or as a private message. However, I will respond!

As always thanks to Lisa, Sarah B., Sarah M. for your help and support!

Thanks for every read, favorite, follow, comment, and PM! You're all awesome!

I don't own SoN

Later at their apartment, Spencer enters. Ashley is on the floor amongst the broken glass and other debris. She's only a few feet away from the door. looking downward. She is looking right at Spencer, but she might as well be looking through her. She's not at all worried about the damage done to her fiancé's face. It's as if she's oblivious to its presence, or too messed up to care. She's fuming mad as she asks "Why the hell did you destroy our place?"

Spencer answers in an agitated manner. "I didn't!"

Ashley is angrier because of what she thinks is another lie being told to her by Spencer.

She replies "Bullshit! What happened then? Wait, I know…Someone broke in and wrecked the place and left?" Even in her altered state Ashley has managed to be sarcastic.

This is something that Spencer is usually amused by, but not when Ashley's like this. It feels cruel this time.

Spencer takes a deep breath to calm down. She reminds herself that Ashley isn't Ashley right now. "You really don't know, do you?"

Ashley looks at Spencer and asks"What?"

Spencer calmly explains. "You did it… All of it."

Ashley is still angry, but also dismissive. "Here we go…this shit again? Really Spencer? You expect me to believe that I did all of this…" She takes a moment to gesture towards the mess all around her. Then she continues. "But somehow I'm too mentally unstable to remember?"

Spencer is on the verge of crying again. She screams "It's the fucking truth…I can prove it!"

Ashley is certain that Spencer is just being mean. She thinks Spencer's trying to upset her for some unknown reason. She dismisses Spencer again. "Oh, yeah? How're you going to do that? You're the one who needs help this is getting old!"

Spencer gets her phone out of her pocket. "Look!" Spencer plays the video to shows Ashley the proof that she did cause the damage to their place as well as the damage to Spencer's face.

Ashley watches the video in horrified shock as she cries. In that moment she is jarred back into reality "Oh my God! I can't believe I did that! I'm so sorry! I'll totally get it if you hate me now…I deserve it. I hate myself!"

"I could never hate you…it'd be a hell of a lot easier if I could. But I love you … You're ill… it's not your fault… I'm not innocent either, but if you don't agree to get help…we're done!" Ashley is shaken and desperate. "Please don't say that! I'll get help…I promise!"

The next day, the girls went to visit Spencer's parents. After a nice time was underway, the girls decided that it was a good time to tell Arthur and Paula what's been going on. Both parents empathized as well as wondering they're only hearing about it now. They immediately wanted to be there for the young couple in any way they can.

Spencer and Ashley asked for their assistance to get Ashley help. They realized that Arthur being a social worker, and Paula being a doctor meant that they may know a lot of people in the psychiatry field. Luckily, Arthur does. He informed them that he knows of a great place with excellent psychologists, and psychiatrists. He tells them he'll make a call to see if he can get Ashley seen as soon as possible.

Even with Arthur's help, it took three weeks for the girls to find anything out. It took one week to get the appointments, and there was a week in between them seeing the psychologist and psychiatrist. Those three weeks seemed like eternity to Ashley and Spencer. Thankfully, at the end of the third week they had some answers.

The day of Ashley's psychiatrist appointment:

Ashley and Spencer were in the waiting room. A woman in her thirties, around the same age as the girls, approached. She is an attractive, slender, Latin American woman, with long dark hair, and brown eyes. She is about 5 ft 5 inches tall. Thus, she's slightly taller than both of the other two girls.

She greeted them with a warm smile. With a caring tone in her voice asked "Which one of you Ashley Davies?"

Ashley, was nervous about being there. She stood and timidly raised her hand. "That's me."

The woman put her hand out for Ashley to shake, and said "Hi Ashley, nice to meet you. I'm Cassandra Diaz."

Ashley uncharacteristically, shyly, shook Cassandra's hand. In an almost whisper like tone said "Nice to meet you too."

Miss Diaz saw and heard the worry coming from Ashley. She maintained the same caring nature as before as she said, "Let's go back to my office to talk."

Ashley's reaction hadn't changed. She looked back at Spencer who had remained seated. Then, turned her head back towards Cassandra asking in near desperation "Can she come back too?"

The other woman replied while smiling. "If you want her to. This process is all about you. I'm here to make sure you get whatever help you need in order to help you navigate through issues you're facing. If she is someone you feel can help you with that as well, then of course, she's welcome."

Ashley was still nervous, but comforted by the kindness being shown to her and her fiancé. Spencer stood, politely extending her hand to Cassandra. Cassandra shook her hand. Spencer introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Spencer Carlin."

The Latina woman says "Hey Spencer." Before turning her attention to Ashley asking "Shall we?"

Ashley looked at Spencer who gave her a reassuring smile. Ashley offered her hand for Spencer to hold. The two followed the therapist through a pair of double doors, turned right, and the three of them arrived at Cassandra's fairly large, office. The floor is covered by plush, blue carpet. The walls are white. There is a big window straight ahead, with a great view. There is a file cabinet in that corner. The girls took their seats in two, very soft, pillow esc. black chairs, that are positioned in front of a well-organized, desk. There is a degree from Stanford University located on the center of the wall behind it.

Cassandra, walked around her desk taking her seat in a similar chair. She scooted the chair towards her desk.

Once situated, Cassandra was about to speak when Ashley beat her to it. She worriedly said "Um…Miss Diaz."

Cassandra interrupted. "No need to be so formal. You can call me Cassie. Everyone does."

She smiled again. Ashley continued. "Um…Cassie, before we start, there's something we need to be clear about."

This statement made Cassie and Spencer curious. They both looked at Ashley more intently than before.

Cassie replied "What's that?" Ashley answered. "Spencer and I are engaged. Do you have a problem with us not being straight?"

Cassie isn't fazed at all. She wants the girls to know that she's more than okay with their relationship. She flashed her beautiful smile again, adding "Not unless you have a problem with me having a wife."

Spencer returned the smile and exclaimed "Awesome!"

Ashley was surprised. "Really?"

Cassie responded by saying "We've known each other since we were little. We realized we were in love in seventh grade. So, after high school, since we had both recently turned eighteen, we decided we wanted to get married but it wasn't legal. But, about a month later in June of 2008 Same sex marriage became legal in California. A week later we got married!"

Spencer and Ashley replied in unison. "Cool!"

As a result, Ashley was more at ease, and ready to get to the bottom of her issues.

Cassie asked Ashley to tell her about why she was seeking therapy. Ashley looked at Spencer as if she needed to know it would be okay to tell the truth. Spencer smiled and nodded as she took Ashley's hand in hers again. Ashley turned her attention back to Cassie and began trying to explain. Cassie took a notepad off of a neat stack in front of her on her desk. Then, taking a pen in her hand.

"This is going to be difficult." Ashley pauses. Cassie tried to ease her mind. "It's okay; take your time."

Ashley took another moment prior to speaking. "It's not just that its complicated…Part of the reason I wanted Spencer to come back with me is that I honestly don't know what's happening with me…"

Cassie wrote that down and told Ashley "Go on."

Ashley complied. "I've been saying and doing things that I normally wouldn't. Then, I don't remember it at all."

Cassie made note of Ashley's comments before addressing Spencer. "Spencer, can you help fill in the blanks, please?"

Spencer spoke up; sadly, recalling previous events. She started with the time when she was getting ready for her and Aiden's meeting with Pacific Pictures regarding their current movie. Ashley was is surprised to hear about this incident. It was the first time she had. Spencer found it hard to power through her sadness, but she managed to continue.

"Every time it happens, I feel worse than the time before… She puts me down... Says things like 'I liked you better when you were pretty.' She says she doesn't know why she's with me, and she's going to leave me… Sometimes, she says she hates me."

That last sentence was hard for Spencer to say and hard for Ashley to hear.

Ashley whispered I'm so sorry."

Maybe it was that the wounds were too fresh, maybe it was reliving those painful memories, but Spencer didn't feel like excusing Ashley's actions, or forgiving her in that moment. However, she had been trying to accept that Ashley was sick. So, she didn't get mad. Instead, she simply looked at her and said "I know."

Cassie spoke up after waiting to see if Spencer was done telling that story. "I'm sorry that both of you are dealing with this, but can you tell me about other instances?"

Ashley was filled with dread. Spencer knew that she was going to become sadder and sadder as the session progressed. However, she also knew she had to keep going. Otherwise, Ashley couldn't get the help she needs.

Spencer was determined to be completed honest about everything that occurred between her and Ashley during her breaks from reality. However, she continually chose to leave out the details of what she did after. She moved on to the time when they fought and she left because she couldn't deal with it right then. She skipped ahead to the next day when she walked into their place and Ashley was super excited to see her. She let them know that Ashley apologized, and she thought things might be okay, but it was too good to be true. She brought up that they were kissing on their couch. Then, out of nowhere, Ashley started calling her names and saying awful things to her. When Ashley heard that she had called the love her life a fat ass and a whore she was devastated, ashamed. It would've been the sorriest she had ever been if she didn't know what came next.

She looked down at the floor with her head in her hands sobbing. Repeatedly saying "I'm sorry!"

Spencer reached across the short distance between them and gently pulled Ashley in for a hug. Cassie couldn't help but be affected by the outpouring of emotion. The love between the couple was as evident as the pain both girls were experiencing. Although, it wasn't exactly a traditional response for a therapist, Cassie grabbed the box of tissues on her desk, and left her seat. Then, she walked over to them, handed Ashley the box, and joined in their hug. She assured both girls that it was going to be okay. After that, she asked if they wanted to stop the session. Because, they could continue at a different time. However, Ashley and Spencer felt it was necessary to go on.

Moments later, the three women were back in their previous positions. Spencer tried to explain the details of the most recent incident, but her words failed her. Her tears betrayed her. The brief calm which had recently come over the room had faded instantly. Ashley presented Spencer with the tissue box.

As Spencer wiped tears from her eyes she said. "I can't even say it. I'll just have to show you." With that, she retrieved her phone from her pocket, and brought up the video. She held it out for Cassie to grab. When she did, Spencer instructed her to press play. The therapist even surprised herself that she was able not to react in a way that showed her sadness and shock at the sight of Ashley striking Spencer. She had seen violence between couples before, but this bothered her more than she expected. Nevertheless, she kept her composure. Spencer and Ashley seemed to as well, but Cassie could tell they were hurting badly on the inside.

There was a pause. No one could figure out what to say. Finally, Ashley broke the silence out of a defeated desperation. "What's wrong with me?"

Cassie quickly responded with her trademark calm, compassionate tone. "Try not to think of it like that. There's nothing wrong with who you are as a person. Struggling with mental health issues is just like struggling with physical ones. In fact, they can be related. One can cause the other. But your condition isn't your fault.

Spencer knew in her mind that Ashley wouldn't intentionally hurt her. Yet, she was somewhat relieved to hear that Ashley actions are not a result of a conscious decision on her part. Ashley was also somewhat at ease at Cassie's claim. That didn't really change things. The girls still needed to know what Ashley's "condition" is.

A nervous Ashley asks "What condition?" Cassie answered "I believe that the episodes you've been having are a result of Dissociation…" Spencer interjects to say what both girls are thing. "Dissociation? What's that?" Cassie answered "Normally, a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions or sense of who he or she is are connected. Dissociation is when they're not." Ashley and Spencer thought they were starting to understand, but Ashley is still confused. "Like, doing things you'd never do in your right mind and not remembering a damn bit of it?" Cassie's answer was simple. "Unfortunately, yes."

The girls didn't know how to process the new information. They were experiencing a mixture of relief because they were finally getting answers, and fear because those answers are scary.

Then, Cassie asked Ashley an important question. "Did you have any traumatic experiences in your childhood?"

Ashley's answer was very blunt and semi-sarcastic. "Childhood? More like most of my life…" She began rapidly listing her traumas Let's see, my rock star dad was gone so much that if I wanted to know anything about him, I had to read about it in online or in some magazine like some fan. That sucked, but I can't really be mad at him. Even though I barely saw him, he was a better parent than my mom is. He actually cared. Not enough to tell me I have a sister before he died, but I know he loved me. The only thing my mom loves about me is that I was a link between her, and his money. She sent me to one of those conversion therapy places when she found out I like girls…"

Cassie let out an audible gasp knowing how devastating those places can be to a gay person's psyche.

Spencer was surprised to learn that detail as well. She'd always thought Ashley had mentioned that as an example of what could happen to her once Paula found out that she's gay. She never knew Ashley was forced to go to a gay detox camp, as Ashley called it.

She wondered in silence "Did she suppress details about that too?"

Ashley continued rattling off more of her list of traumas. "When that didn't work, she tried to beat the gay out of me herself. Next, I fell for a guy, got pregnant, and lost the baby…The only person I would've had at the time that I could've loved and would've loved me unconditionally. Lots of relationship drama, and pain mostly self-inflicted…"

Spencer kindly interrupted. "That wasn't all you, Ash."

Ashley ignored her fiancé. Instead opting to finish her list. "Skipping ahead to more recent tragedies… my sister got hit by a drunk driver, she could've died, and well, you know the rest. Then, she took a deep breath and asked "Why?"

Cassie who had been a captive audience throughout Ashley's revelations, offered an empathetic smile before replying. "In most, not all, but most cases, Dissociation stems from childhood trauma. However, it can be triggered in adults if an event or a series of events are damaging enough to a person's mind."

Spencer spoke up out of curiosity. "So, it's like a coping mechanism?"

Cassie nodded, responding "Exactly, when something bad happens we try to forget about it. But, sometimes something so bad happens that our minds try to protect us by hiding our most painful memories. We all dissociate from ourselves at times…"

The young ladies perked up a bit when Cassie revealed the commonality. This quickly ended when Cassie continued. "The difference is its usually temporary and minor. Yours is more severe, Ashley."

Ashley sadly said "Lucky me."

Cassie smiled that disarming smile again, and answered. "In a way you are lucky."

The girls looked at her in annoyed, disbelief as if to say "How dare you say that?"

Cassie explained. "You're lucky because your condition can be treated relatively easily."

A glimmer of hope washes over the faces of the couple. The therapist is happy to see it.

She went on. "There isn't a cure, but your symptoms can be managed through different types of therapy. So, I recommend that you come back to talk with me regularly. A big part of battling this will be recognizing the things that trigger your dissociations. Then hopefully, we can get you to a point when you can calm yourself. Thus, you could avoid a major episode. My next suggestion would be difficult. But it may help for you and Spencer to discuss everything that has or could potentially be a cause…"

Cassie looks directly at Ashley "Ashley when you're feeling badly write about it." Ashley nods and Cassie shifts her attention to Spencer.

"Spencer If she does have a bad bout of dissociation you can write about it. That way you can make her aware of it, after..."

The girls cautiously smile.

Then, Cassie thoughts, memories, feelings, actions or sense of who he or she is.

finished, optimistically. "In addition, I imagine that when you meet with Dr. Ridley next, he will prescribe you some medication. It won't be easy, but I'm confident that with the right combination of treatments, we'll get you on the right track. Sound good?"

Spencer and Ashley remained cautious as the simultaneously nodded and said "Yeah."

After that the girls and Cassie said their goodbyes. A week later they met with Psychologist, Dr. Raymond Ridley who did as Miss Diaz suspected he would. He prescribed Ashley an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer.

Ashley's first journal entry:

I hope I'm on the right path now. I need to get back to being the me that people like…the one who for some reason, Spencer still loves…the version of me that I actually like…Not just the fake version that pretends. Is that too much to ask?

Days later at Spencer and Ashley's apartment 3:00 P.M.

There's a knock at the door. Spencer isn't expecting anyone. So, she's wondering who it could be. She opens the door and is happy to see that It's Aiden. She steps aside allowing him to enter.

She asks "What brings you by?"

Aiden happily tells her "I was on my way back from seeing Kyla. Since your place is on the way to mine, I decided to stop here. I thought you two might want to know how the visit went."

Spencer smiles. Then, she appreciatively says "That's nice of you…"

Aiden smiles back. Then, Spencer continues. "But Ash is at a psychiatrist appointment."

Aiden nods to acknowledge the information. He's glad to here is at another therapy appointment. He thinks it's great that she's finally getting help.

Spencer adds "Take a seat in the living room. I'll get us some sodas. That way our mouths don't get super dry; if we end up having one of our epically long conversations."

Aiden chuckles, and says "Good thinking."

Spencer gets two 24-ounce bottles out of her refrigerator. One is a Pepsi for her. The other is a Dr. Pepper for Aiden.

They are now sitting on the couch facing each other with their drinks in hand. He is in a normal seated position on the right cushion. She has decided to sit Indian Style. (cross legged, Lotus Position) This may seem like an odd choice. However, it doesn't faze him as she often sits like that when in conversation with friends.

Spencer starts the conversation by asking "So, how's Kyla today?"

Aiden is excited to report that "I was there when she was doing Physical Therapy. The therapist said She's doing great…And her doctor came by after. He told her that if she keeps improving, she'll get to leave soon!"

Spencer smiles really big at this news. She adds "I'm sure she's thrilled about that! …" Aiden nods happily. Spencer continues. "Ash and I were there the other day. She did seem to be doing well. Nobody said anything about her getting to leave, though…Ash will be so happy!"

They both smile again. Then the mood gets serious. Because, Aiden brings up the tough situation they're in. The one that they had been avoiding for a while…their sex life. All of their happiness fades.

"There is one thing that Ash won't be happy about…"

Obviously, Spencer knows what he's referring to right away. With great sadness, she replies "I know."

Aiden regrets having made her sad, but doesn't regret bringing up the subject. He knows they can't hide the truth forever.

"Have you decided what to do?"

Spencer pauses before answering. "I've thought about it a lot… I want to be totally honest with her… I NEED to be."

Aiden nods understandingly. Then, adds with sincerity "I'll support you in whatever way you want me to. We can tell her together… if you want."

They sit there in silent contemplation for a few moments.

Then, Spencer addresses Aiden's offer. "You're such a good guy… This is so complicated…. Yes, I want you there."

She takes a big drink of her Pepsi. In this moment, she wishes it were something stronger. She is thirsty, but not as much as her long chugging suggests. In reality she's using the time to stall the conversation. Aiden takes a drink of his Dr. Pepper as well. When her drink is gone, Spencer Speaks in the same sad fashion as before.

"The thing is… I'm not sure she can handle it."

Aiden agrees, but feels the need to point something out. "On the other hand, it's not going to go well…no matter when she finds out. Also, you guys told me that her disorder won't go away. So, putting it off for that reason might be pointless."

Spencer takes in Aiden's statement. She thinks it's a good point. Its something she has considered several times. Yet, she is no closer to finding the right answer than the second she started trying to figure out the difficult decision.

"Yeah, but should we wait until she's further along in her treatment before throwing a grenade into her life… You know, to make sure her meds are working properly, and she has better ways of coping?"

Aiden has struggled throughout much of the conversation to find the right things to say and do. However, this time he's quite confident. So, without hesitation he speaks "However you want to handle it is okay with me. But I wish Ash wouldn't get hurt when she finds out."

Just as Aiden uttered that last word, the pair hear Ashley say "What will hurt me when I find out?" She needs to know what they were talking about urgently. She asked with force. Making it clear that they have to tell her the truth now.

Spencer and Aiden are Startled. They both jump when they see her standing at the entrance to the living room.

In unison they fearfully say "Ashley!"

Aiden adds "We didn't know you were back!"

Then Spencer asks "How long have you been standing there?!"

Ashley continues to address them in a forceful manner. "Long enough to know you two are keeping something from me. Tell me what is, now!"

Spencer and Aiden glance at each other. Then, they return their focuses to Ashley.

Spencer timidly responds. "Okay, we'll tell you, but you're going to want to sit down for this."

That worries Ashley. "What is it? You're scaring me." She tells them.

Aiden speaks up in the same timid tone Spencer uttered. "Just come sit down, please. He pleads.

Both he and Spencer are experiencing conflicting feelings. They are afraid of what Ashley's reaction will be. They are disappointed in themselves. It's not because they regret sleeping together, but rather because it will hurt Ashley. They are also pleased to a small degree. Because, they're about to unburden themselves of their secret.

Ashley answers "Okay?" as she takes a seat across from them in a chair that matches the couch.

She continues "I'm sitting…Now spill it!" She finishes demandingly.

The old Spencer would've taken her time. She would've tried to find a way to break the news delicately. However, the new assertive Spencer wants to "rip off the Band-Aid" so to speak.

She bluntly informs her fiancé that "Aiden and I have been having sex."

Ashley looks furious. "How the fuck could you do this to me?" She asks emphatically.

Aiden tries to apologize sincerely "I'm sorry…"

As Spencer sits in silence. Ashley cuts Aiden off. She is now turning her whole focus to him. "I don't give a fuck if you're sorry! How could you do this to her? You're supposed to be our best friend, Aiden! How could you use my sickness to get her into bed?"

Before Spencer has a chance to correct Ashley's misconception, Aiden takes the blame.

"You're right…It's all my fault…Spencer's been going through a lot lately. I shouldn't have taken advantage of her vulnerability like that." He claims. A sad look is upon his face.

Spencer realizes what Aiden is trying to do. He is trying to take all of the consequences. That way it will at least minimize the damage done to Spashley's relationship. Spencer loves him for the selflessness. But she can't let him take the fall.

She turns to Aiden "Thanks, but I can't let you do this."

Turning her attention back to Ashley Spencer says "Don't blame him. It was my idea. I initiated it every time."

Ashley is stunned. She can't believe what she just heard. Stunned disbelief turns into denial as she processes the new information. "No, you're lying! I don't know why you're lying, but you're lying! You'd never do that to me…definitely not with Aiden!"

Spencer replies emphatically correcting Ashley. "The old me wouldn't the new me would… and did."

Ashley continues to be stunned by Spencer's assertion. "The new you? What the hell does that mean?

Spencer's attempts to clarify. First, she asks Ashley an important question. "Do you remember the fight we had the night of the charity auction?"

She stops to allow Ashley to answer.

Ashley does remember. The events play back in her mind at the mention of them. Saddened by how things went down, all she can say is "Yeah."

Spencer resumes her explanation. "That was my breaking point. I had kept a lot of things inside for basically my entire life. Something about the way you reacted to my being late was my breaking point. I had always surrendered control of my life to others. I felt like I constantly went along with whatever anyone else wanted. Because, I wanted them to be happy. It wasn't just you. It was you, friends, family… everyone…"

Ashley tries to interrupt, but Spencer won't let her. "I'm not done yet!"

She continues. "You had started breaking too. Only you were having points in time where your mind was taking breaks from reality. I couldn't handle the new you. I needed to take control of my life. So, I did. I saw Aiden at the bar. I went in; and we got drunk. Then, I admitted something I hadn't told anyone else. The truth is…Like you, I never stopped finding guys attractive. By itself, that would be a big deal. But the thing is I still have fantasies about having sex with a guy, more specifically I wanted to have sex with Aiden. So, we did."

Ashley is reeling. She asks Aiden "I suppose you were just thinking with your dick?"

Aiden is feeling a tremendous amount of remorse. "I'm not going to lie and say that wasn't part of it. Being drunk didn't help, but I swear I didn't plan on it. Neither of us wanted to hurt you."

Ashley is thinking" You didn't want to hurt me" Bullshit! If you didn't want to hurt me you wouldn't have fucked my fiancé!"

She's furious, but Spencer just interrupted her before she can express it. Spencer's words are about to make Asley madder. Spencer matter-of-factly states "Actually, I did."

Aiden remembers her telling him that after they slept together the first time. He remembers wanting to believe she didn't mean it, but knowing that a part of her did. That has troubled him up to and including this moment.

Spencer's words have cut a metaphorical whole in Ashley's heart. It may not be a literal, but the real thing wouldn't feel any different. She's shaking as tears form in her eyes.

She wonders aloud "You wanted to hurt me? …"

She pauses briefly. As the tears begin to flow from her eyes, she wipes them away with the back of her right hand.

Then, she continues. "Congratulations you succeeded!"

You have to understand I was hurt. I was pissed. My head was fucked up before me and Aiden fucked."

Now Spencer is crying. Aiden wants to comfort both girls, but he knows that nothing he says or does can help right now. So, he remains motionless in his spot on the couch.

Ashley breaks the moment of deafening silence with a moment of extreme loudness. "Stop! No more excuses! I'm done! I don't want to hear any more of this bullshit!"

A still crying Spencer wipes her tears away with her hand just as Ashley did. After that, she did her best to gather the courage to advance the conversation without completely falling apart. She feels the need to correct what Ashley said.

She insists "These aren't excuses…They're reasons."

Ashley responds angerly "Reasons? Well, you know what? She asks rhetorically; not allowing Spencer to answer. She goes on. "You're the reason we're done!

She throws her engagement ring at Spencer. Then, she rises from her chair, and runs to her and Spencer's bedroom. Spencer stands and tries to run after her, but Aiden gets up to hold her back by grabbing her shoulders.

He calmly says "You've got to leave her alone for now. As mad as she is now you going after won't do any good. It'd probably make things much worse. "

Spencer understands what he means. Her escalating the situation could trigger another breakdown in Ashley. If the most recent events aren't going to cause one already, that is. She's almost comforted for a second. Because even though the truth has certainly taken its toll on Ashley, she still seems to be reacting to it as herself. Unfortunately, Spencer's comfort gives way to worry.

Her voice sounds like it will soon betray her she speaks in what sounds like a whisper on account of her crying "But I love her!"

Aiden attempts to reassure her. "She knows."

Ashley emerges with a rolling a suitcase behind her. She's still filled with anger, but no longer crying. She wheels the suitcase passed Spencer and Aiden, and into the kitchen to get her pills from the medicine cabinet, and places the bottles in one of the suitcase's outer compartments. She is doing all of this without acknowledging their presence.

Now that she's completed this task, she addresses the other two. She blurts out "This time I'M leaving!"

Spencer pleads to know "Where are you going?"

Ashley answers dismissively ignoring Spencer's concern. I'm going to use Kyla's spare key and stay there. I MIGHT be back when she's home and well enough to be on her own. You two can stay here and fuck for all I care!

Aiden responds trying to convince her that won't happen. "We're done with that. I promise!"

Ashley goes back to not acknowledging them. Instead, she wheels her suitcase to the door opens, walks out, and slams the door behind her. The force of this action rattled the inside so much that the picture of the couple that they put on the wall next to the door on the day they moved in, to commemorate their love, and the start of a new chapter fell to the ground, shattering the glass.