We were on our way up to my room when my mother intercepted us. She had in her arms a blanket and pillow and she handed the items to Ashley. “So the sofa bed is all made up for you Ashley.”

I shook my head and looked at Ashley who just shrugged. I mouthed an “I’m sorry” to her as she took the items to the living room.

I went inside my room and counted to 100 before sneaking out of my room to find Ashley lying down staring at the ceiling. I slid into the bed with her and wrapped my arms around her waist leaning my head against her shoulder.

“So…are you going to tell me what was wrong earlier?” She said as her hands moved up and down my body stroking me.

I hesitated and lowered my head to her chest. I could hear her heartbeat beat slowly as I thought of what to tell her. I felt torn because I wanted to go to my dream school but I didn’t want to leave Ashley behind. I felt the tears form in my eyes as I pulled her to my body tighter.

“Spence…please tell me.” She whispered softly.

I choked on the words as I tried to speak. “Tell…tell me not…not to…not to go…and I’ll stay…” I said into her chest.

She picked up my chin and looked into my water-filled eyes with a look of confusion. “What?”

“I won’t go…if you want me to stay…I will.” I said looking into her eyes intently.

“But its Harvard Spence…you will never get another opportunity like this again and I know you’ve wanted to go there ever since you were little.” She said pushing the hair that had fallen in my face back.

“I don’t want to leave you Ashley…I love you so much.” I said kissing her over and over.

She pulled me back and shook her head. “You aren’t leaving me Spence….its just college…it will be such an amazing experience and I will be there for you all the way.”

For some reason I felt like this was uncertain. I wanted to believe that no matter what Ashley and I would stay together forever but I wasn’t so sure of it anymore. I kissed her once more before slipping back to my room.