“Class… nice.” Ashley tried to hide her smile.

“Class… great.” Aiden gave Spencer a confused look. Then suddenly realizing what was going on, he turned embarrassed. He looked at Ashley and then back at Spencer. The girls were sending each other fleeting glances and shy smiles. He so was intruding.

“Umm… speaking of class… umm… I should be going for mine.” Aiden tried to speak casually. He gave them a brief wave and hurriedly walked away.

After a while…

“That dress looks good.” Spencer smiled.

Awesome flirting line, Carlin! Keep it up and Ashley will nail you as an idiot!

“Thanks, yours too.” Ashley smiled back.

Wow Davies! For someone who’s known to have a rep with the ladies, you sure sound like a bumpkin.

“So… err… you doing anything tonight?” Spencer asked.

“Nothing. My mom is in New York with her latest boyfriend and I have the entire house to myself. I’m a little bored with it, actually.” Ashley rolled her eyes.

“Would you mind if I came over? I mean, my mom is inviting some of her hospital colleagues for dinner and I so don’t want to spend my time listening to gory tales of the operation table.”

Ashley grinned, “Sure, if Cruella De Ville allows you to.”

“Ash!” Spencer hit the girl playfully. “My mom is not that bad!”

“Yeah, she just reserves her best attitude for me.” Ashley mocked.

Unexpectedly, Spencer linked her fingers in the crook of Ashley’s arms and pulled her along as she walked.

“My mom just doesn’t know you. But when she does, she’ll see what I see.”

“And what do you see?” Ashley’s eyes met Spencer’s baby blue ones.

Spencer had a hard time speaking when her gaze was captivated by the emotions she saw reflected in Ashley. She swallowed hard and said, “I see a girl who has been through a lot and yet hasn’t lost her sincerity or her resolve. I see a girl who’s always there for people who matter to her. I see a girl who gives unconditionally. I see a girl…”

“Okay stop!” Ashley looked away, her cheeks flushed. “I’m not that great, you know.”

“Ashley…” Just the bell indicating the start of the first period rang. Both girls couldn’t help the feeling of dejection plague them.