ASHLEY’S P.O.V.

My mom walks back over and sits next to me.

Christine: “Mark will take care of it.”

Ashley: “Yeah…about Mark…” Hmm, should I sneak attack or just be blunt about it?

Christine: “What is it?” she asks concerned. Guess I should just say it.

Ashley: “I don’t like him.” I blurt out. She gives me a confused look and I proceed to explain. “I know nothing about him, but I’m scared to death of him.”

Christine: “Why?” she asks confused.

Ashley: “I know you’re lonely, and I know dad’s gone…but I still miss him. There’s just the thought of you with another guy. It feels like you’re betraying him.”

Christine: “Ashley, I loved your father very much, but fifteen years…that’s a long time to go without someone. I’ve tried, but I can’t keep a commitment to someone who’s no longer here.”

Ashley: “It just-” I sniffle. “It feels like you’re trying to replace him. I don’t care that you’re with Mark, I mean…I do, but if he makes you happy, then go for it. It’s just the fact that…he will never be my dad, no matter what. Even if you marry him, or whatever, I will never see him as a dad. I can’t.”

Christine: “I’m not asking you to. I’m just asking you to be flexible.” I think for a moment.

Ashley: “For you…ok.” She smiles at me. “But only for you, because you’re my mother…supposedly.” we chuckle and I hug her. “I love you mom.” I whisper.

Christine: “I love you too Ash.”

I hear someone squeal. I pull away from the hug to see Spencer looking at us smiling and jumping up and down.

Spencer: “Group hug!” she says lunging at me and my mom. I can’t help but laugh at her. Spencer releases her tight grasp from me and my mom and sits next to me.

Ashley: “Oh my God, you’re such a spaz!” I chuckle. Her mouth drops and her eyebrows furrow.

Spencer: “I am not.” she exclaims.

Ashley: “You are.” I say while trying not to laugh.

She makes a face at me and shakes her head no. I shake my head yes.

Ashley: “You are. But a totally adorable one.” her frown turns into a suppressed smile.