Spencer felt as if she were on fire. She had missed Ashley terribly and was glad she was back; she even more thrilled at the current position. But a sharp knife had driven deep in her heart when she had woken up to an empty apartment once again. Her best friend–no, her love was slipping away slowly. Spencer feared the day Ashley would finally let go, leaving her all alone in this already lonely world. She choked back the tears, not wanting to appear vulnerable or weak. She wanted to stop time and never have to move again. It felt just like that day summers ago, like she belonged right beside Ashley.

Spencer heard breathing from Ashley, indicating that Ashley had fallen asleep. Spencer smiled at the fantasy playing out, but it disappeared when she realized that it was just a fantasy. In the morning, Ashley will brush the night off forever like dust on a dress. But Spencer didn’t want to be brushed off; she wanted to always have a part in Ashley’s life–to be a stain on that damned dress that, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get rid of it.

Spencer opened her clenched fist and unfolded the paper that fell out. It was the picture she had laid eyes on Thanksgiving Day. She remembered everything of that exact moment. She remembered Ashley pulling out her digital camera form the black backpack. Remembered Ashley, swung her arm around her pulling her in tightly. They both put on cheesy smiles as she held up the camera and took the picture. Then they both were reviewing the photo taken, both laughing at their tacky expressions. Then they took vows of never-ending friendship. Spencer would make sure that Ashley would keep that one promise, even if she broke all her others.

—

When Spencer awoke, she was quite aware of the heat pressed up against her back. Last night flooded her mind and she couldn’t help but genuinely smile. It may have been, overall, a dreadful birthday, but the birth night had been wonderful. Spencer squirmed out of Ashley’s embrace and headed for the bathroom. She had a good feeling about today.

They had had a great breakfast, Ashley’s cooking being top-notch. Ashley had then told Spencer all about what had happened, and although Spencer didn’t particularly care for some details, she was happy to hear that Ashley would have rather have stayed home.

Come lunchtime, they had shared a few good laughs over the disasters Ashley had over her trip. Spencer’s personal favorite was the part where Jason’s mother, Dixie, had spent the night in bed with her; in fear his supposed twenty-eight year old virgin son wouldn’t be able to resist his girlfriend’s sex attempts.

“It was the most embarrassing night in my entire life,” Ashley said. “I never got an ounce of sleep. She kept asking me questions all night. Very personal questions.”

“Like what?” Spencer asked completely fascinated.

Ashley lowered her voice and added a southern accent. “How many times have you had sex? Have you ever watched a pornographic movie? Do you masturbate often? Ever had a one night stand? Do you cheat on you boyfriends? When are you two going to get married?” Spencer laughed heartily throughout, until the last question. She stopped laughing abruptly and stared at Ashley whom was smiling sheepishly.

“Married?” Spencer questioned with a nervous giggle. “Isn’t it too soon?” She watched as the brunette next to her quickly averted her eyes. “Ashley?”

“eh osed ze at harrie em,” Ashley mumbled into her palm.

“Come again?” Panic started to rise inside Spencer.

Slowly, Ashley removed her hand and looked straight into blue eyes. She repeated more clearly, “He asked me to marry him,” she pause then look down and added, “And I said yes.” It was a whisper, but loud enough for Spencer to hear.

Before her eyes, Spencer saw the love of her life up on the altar, pledging undying love till death to him. Spencer’s life had come to another road block, and she had no idea how to get around it. She began laughing; she couldn’t help it. Ashley looked at her crazily.

“OH! You’re…you’re getting married!” Spencer patted Ashley on the shoulder awkwardly. “That’s…that’s…wow.” Spencer stood up from her seat and exited the living room quickly. She ran up the stairs and into her room, shutting the door firmly. She realized her whole body was shaking. Spencer slid down the door and fell into a heap on the floor.

“How could you?” She whisper before the tears pour down her smooth face.