Missing Person

Chapter Three

“When my dad asked who you were staying with, and you said ‘a guy’, did you mean that same guy I saw today?” Spencer inquired gently as they both took a seat on the couch. They had finished the dishes in silence, with Ashley mulling over Spencer’s last inquiry.

The brunette nodded in response as she placed her bare feet on the coffee table, “The one and only. His name is Max.”

“Why do you stay with him? He seems dangerous.”

“Because he has a couch, food, and keeps people from fucking with me. I owe him a lot.” Ashley replied, staring not into Spencer’s eyes but over her head.

“You could stay here… We have a spare room.” The girl offered, sounding hopeful.

The idea of living in this quiet home was appealing for one short moment. Then Ashley recalled the blonde’s mother and immediately recoiled from the thought. Paula actually reminded her a bit of her own mother. An unacceptable occurrence. “I’m not really the type of girl you want living in your house.”

“Sure you are!” Spencer countered with a wide, good humored smile.

“Why do you want me to stay so badly anyways?” Ashley probed, wishing she could discern some ulterior motive that would make this girl real. Any small fault would do.

Spencer’s smile faded as her expression shifted into one of worry, “I’d like to know you’re safe is all.”

A thoughtful silence fell between the pair. Ashley was not only confused, but torn. How could a person care so much about someone they hardly knew? Spencer was the one to speak again, her voice soft and low, “Ashley, will you stay here tonight?”

Something in those endless blue eyes did not permit her to say no. After a brief pause Ashley nodded, causing the girl’s face to light up. Hearing her name spoken so quietly, so gently, it sent a small shiver down her spine. She couldn’t remember her own name ever sounding so good.

“I’ll get you a blanket and pillow, one second.” With that she was on her feet, rushing up the stairs with a smile still stretched across her face. Ashley watched, marveling quietly as she shook her head.

“Thank you… For everything.” Ashley spoke when she returned, her voice a little thick with gratitude.