Spencer looked at the dials of her digital clock. It was almost midnight. She went to her washroom and examined herself in the mirror. Her face was caked with dried tears. Her eyes were red-rimmed. A faint mark still lingered where her mother had hit her.

As memories came back to her, she felt fresh tears hound her eyes. She leant against the sink and let it drop on the white porcelain.

Eventually feeling as if all tears had been squeezed dry from her, she washed her face.

Spencer went and checked her cell phone. Ashley had called twice and sent her an SMS.

“Juz wanted 2 kno if everything is fine. Call me. Luv Ash.”

“Ashley…” Spencer clutched her phone tight against her. She could only hope that her mother will eventually come around and accept her relationship with Ashley. Until then, there was no chance that Spencer could meet her girl. Right then, she did not have the strength to tell Ashley that.

She hadn’t wanted to reveal to her mother the nature of their relationship so quickly. They had hardly even started dating and were just getting used to the whole ‘couple’ thing. And now, she had spoiled everything even before it started. But Paula’s homophobic hatred had started a fire within Spencer that refused to be doused and she lashed against her mother. The urge to upset and hurt her mother had been that strong.

There was a knock on her door. She did not answer. She stupidly hoped it was her mother to come and tell her she was okay with everything. It wasn’t. It was her father.

“Spencer?” He called out.

“What is it?”

“Can you open the door?” Arthur’s gentle voice did little to soothe her tensed muscles. “Spencer, we have to talk.”

She sighed. Her father was laidback most of the times. But when he was in his ‘counseling’ mood, he was hard to back down. She knew he would stand there asking for her to open the door even if it was for the entire night.

She walked towards her door and opened it; half fearing half hoping her mother was there too. Her father was alone.

She left the door ajar. Arthur stepped in and softly closed it behind.