“I’m back!” Ashley shouted throughout the dark apartment. She expected a loud rumbling then to be swiftly pounced on by a blurry figure. But there was no sound whatsoever. She sighed heavily; knowing Spencer was more than likely very upset with her. It wasn’t her fault her flight back in was delayed. Ashley figured her friend was probably out somewhere doing God knows what.

She readjusted the strap over her shoulder, the bag it clung to pulling it down digging deep into her skin. The photographer made her way around in the darkness, occasionally bumping into a wall or a piece of furniture. When she reached her room, she swiftly swung her luggage on the floor and flopped into bed.

Ashley felt awful, scared, happy, and stressed all at the same time. She felt really bad she had missed Spencer’s birthday when she promised she’d be here. But she was happy to be home; Jason’s family had drove her up the wall with all their openness. She wanted to tell her best friend about her vacation torture, but Spencer obviously didn’t want to see her. Ashley, most of all, felt completely frightened about the future, especially the changes when she went to Arkansas. Her gut told her Spencer would turn furious madwoman when she found out what had happened.

Ashley slid off the comfy bed reluctantly and treaded out of her room. She walked sleepily all the way down to the end of the hallway. She stared at the closed door wondering if Spencer was actually home; it was late after all. Taking a deep breath, she twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open silently. There was a soft glowing light from the digital clock that revealed a shivering lump on the king-sized bed. Ashley had almost wished that Spencer wasn’t home and was rather having fun at some bar.

She tiptoed over, stopping when the sight before her suddenly unfolded into a picture of chaos. Spencer was surrounded by tissues, pills were poured out on the bedside table, and empty bottles of what used to contain strong liquors. The normal tanned face was deathly pale, hair was ragged, dry and cracked lips were quivering, and the entire body shuddering underneath the plush comforter. Spencer looked like she was in an awkward position; one arm and leg dangling over the side, the other arm draped across this forehead in a dramatic pose. Ashley had never seen her like this.