(Spencer looks at Ashley, and sees the sincerity in her eyes. She finally took the time to look into them, where she also saw the hurt behind them. The pain. The pain she caused. Spencer realizes she made the biggest mistake of her life. Maybe in time, Ashley might have forgiven her. But this, this was unforgivable. This was the ultimate sin. And Spencer would pay the price.)

Spencer: Ashley…I…

(Ashley looks at Spencer. Spencer shivers at the look Ashley is giving her. Ashley’s face was set like stone. Unmoving. It was alarming for Spencer to see. Ashley always made sure to let you know what she thought or was thinking. Bu now, Ashley looked as if she didn’t care about anything or anyone.)

Ashley: Was it worth it?

(Spencer turned back to look at Ashley. She stared right into her eyes. Her once beautiful brown eyes, that were now lifeless. Spencer couldn’t take the intensity of the stare, and finally looked away. She couldn’t cope with what she saw behind those eyes. Ashley asked her the question again, and tears fell from Spencer’s eyes. After a few seconds, she finally looks up.

Ashley: Was it worth it?

Spencer: No.

Ashley: Good. Now you look, like I feel. I hope you got what you wanted.

Spencer: What?

Ashley: You won. You won, Spencer. You wanted me dead. Well, I may be walking, but inside….inside I am dead. I hope your satisfied now. I hope your happy.

Spencer: I—I am sorry.

Ashley: Me too. I’m sorry I’m not dead. I hope you have a nice life.

(Ashley opens the bedroom door and walks out to Mr. and Mrs. Carlin along with Clay and Glen. Ashley turns to look at Mrs. C.)

Ashley: You got your wish.

Mrs. Carlin: Ashley…I am so sorry….I never meant…

Ashley: It’s funny though…you thought I was the one that was going to hurt Spencer….but no one ever thought to consider she could be the one to hurt me. To break me.

(Mr. C and Glen went to comfort her, but she stuck her hand out to stop them.)

Ashley: I loved Spencer with all my heart. All I ever wanted was to love someone and have them love me back . Regardless of my faults or past. (turns to Mrs. C.) you never gave me a chance. You never got to know me. I am not as bad as everyone makes me out to be. I have heart and feelings. And now….now I have no one. Now, you won’t have to see me any more. Any of you.

(Ashley take one more look back at Spencer.)

Ashley: No matter how much you have hurt me. I still can’t hate you. And I want to. But all I can do…is still love you. Even though you don’t. Good-bye Spencer.

END OF FLASHBACK

That was the last time I saw Ashley. She turned and walked down the stairs, and out my life. I should’ve ran after her and grabbed her and never let her go. I should have done something. Anything. But I just sat there on my bed, unmoving.

Three days later, I got the phone call that would change my life. It was my mother, and she was crying. I knew. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. It was than that I realized I had paid the ultimate price. I cost someone their life.

How does one go on living, when a part of them is dead and in the ground?