Ashley trembled from the sight; her heart wrenching painfully. She managed to drag herself over to her co-worker and tugged at Spencer’s limbs to place her in a better position. She shoved the leg back under the covers and removed the arm on her head and stuck that under the sheets as well. Ashley then grabbed a hold of the other arm dangling off the bed. She held the blonde’s wrist lightly, her amber eyes catching sight of a wadded up piece of paper enclosed between refined fingers. Trying to pry the paper from the strong grip proved to be harder as Spencer clenched her fist tighter. Ashley glanced back into the sleeping face and was shocked to find two piercing blue eyes staring back at her.

Ashley had no idea what to say, but knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to ask what had happened, but was afraid of the answer. She wanted to know if Spencer had fallen ill. She also wanted to apologize for breaking her promise. She wanted to see Spencer’s striking, heart-warming smile because she was happy Ashley was home.

In the dull light, Ashley saw that Spencer’s face was glistening with wetness. Tears pooled in the blue eyes, but never fell. Ashley squeezed her friend’s wrist firmly. They stared at each other, both waiting for the other to speak. Ashley was aware her mouth kept opening and closing like a fish, but she couldn’t will it to stop.

“I hate you.”

Ashley’s eyes widened when she heard the scratchy voice say one of the most dreaded phrases. She searched Spencer’s eyes for some sort of sign that she wasn’t serious, but only cold, unforgiving eyes glared back. Ashley dropped Spencer’s wrist and took a step backward, almost tripping over an empty container.

“Spence, I–”

“Don’t care,” Spencer snapped.

“But–”

“Go away.”

“Listen to me!”

“No.” Spencer turned over on her other side, giving Ashley the cold shoulder. Ashley crawled onto the bed desperately, and place a hand on a blonde’s shoulder. It quivered under her touch.

“Please, let me explain,” Ashley whispered into Spencer’s ear. She received no argument so she continued softly, “I couldn’t help it. The flight was delayed because of engine trouble. Wouldn‘t you rather have me alive and late, than dead and never have made it at all?” She lay completely down beside the younger woman, burrowing her head in Spencer’s back and then wrapping her arms around the slender body. “I was going to call, but everything was so hectic. Please, forgive me.”