“No,” Eric stuttered embarrassed. “I didn’t get you that Ash.”

Ashley raised an eyebrow slyly, “On second thought, I don’t think you got me this jewelry box Eric. It’s got too much … taste to it. Wouldn’t you agree Ryan?”

Ryan nodded catching on, “Definitely, there’s no way Eric would pick something out this tasteful.”

“Hey,” Eric huffed. “I’m the one that got you damn thing!”

“Ah ha, so you admit it, you got me this,” Ashley yelled triumphantly.

“Aright stop picking on him Ashley,” Carl scolded. “We all know Eric has no sense of style.”

“Thank you Carol … wait hey!”

Although there were lots of jokes, Spencer sensed sadness in Ashley’s look as their eyes met, and the blonde couldn’t help recalling what the rocker had once said to her in Germany: “Christmas just won’t be the same without Daddy.”

“Oh look Ashley,” Spencer said, trying to distract Ashley with a small, colorfully wrapped present. “Here’s one more you forgot to open.” It was the blonde’s own gift to the rocker. Despite what Ashley requested, she still got a gift for her. Spencer held her breath as the brunette unwrapped it.

Ashley opened the delicately carved wooden box, a little angel custom dressed in punk attire popped up and began to play ‘Let it be me’. The song Ashley had sang to her the first day they had met.

“I love it baby,” the rocker whispered giving her girlfriend a gentle kiss.

When Spencer saw the twinkle in Ashley’s eyes, she vowed right then and there to always make her this happy.

***

After Christmas the group did something exciting every night, usually beginning after midnight. Sometimes they would have horror movie nights in the basement theatre, or other times Ashley would rent an entire roller skating rink.

Spencer was busy lacing up her skates when Rick and Danny came up to her.

“So, Spence, do you know how to skate,” Carrot Top asked.

“Yes,” the blonde answered.

“Yeah but, do you really know how to skate,” Rick persisted.

Spencer stared at them in confusion but she got the message real fast when she saw a box of knee pads being passed around.

“Why do we um … need knee pads,” the teen asked Kyla.