“The cops are here looking for Ashley, is she there?” 

She turned her head and met Ashley’s gaze. The brunette stood by the bed, her arms tightly folded around her body. “I’m here, Mrs. C.” She watched Ashley look away and walk over to the door. 

“They’re waiting downstairs, Honey.” Her mother told Ashley. “They want to bring you back home. Say goodnight to Spencer and come down.” She walked away from the open door, Ashley turned around. “I’ll see you around, Spenny. Good night.” The words were rushed and she didn’t once look her in the eye. Spencer didn’t sleep much that night. Confusion, fear, anger, and even sorrow kept her from dreaming. She wasn’t sure what happened. Did they have sex? Was that sex? Can you have sex with another girl? Her exhaustion finally got the best of her as the sun began to rise. She fell into a dreamless, miserable sleep. 

The next time she saw Ashley was at school the following Monday. She was talking to Glen in one of the many hallways. They were talking more and more often. He had a broken leg and she had a shattered soul. It was a beautiful combination.  

“Phoenix!” Madison plopped down beside her looking more trashed then the last time she saw her. “Do you need another drink?” She slurred handing her an empty red cup. 

“No thank you.” She politely declined. “ I think I’m going to get out of here.” 

“Come on, the party just got started .You don’t want to leave!” 

“I’m tired. You know with the game and everything.” She leaned over and gave the head cheerleader as good a hug as their positions allowed. “I’ll see you around.” 

The blonde stood up and walked away from the warm fire, approaching the glass sliding doors. Her footsteps abruptly stopped before entering the house. She spotted Aiden in the living room. He stood talking animatedly to a guy she had never seen before. The joy on his face convinced her to stay longer. With a sigh, she turned around and wondered what to do next. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with her intoxicated friends and contemplated sitting alone somewhere until Aiden was ready to leave. 

She decided to go with it.