CHAPTER TWELVE

Is it so wrong to still think about her? I mean, I know how much I hurt her, but still, I need her in my life. The past 10 years have been hell for me without her in my life. I need her… I need Ashley.

Spencer sat in her room the rest of the day and neither Ashley nor Spencer came out of their rooms for dinner. “Spencer? Come on sweetie, I just want you to eat a little something. Please Spencer, don’t do this right now.” Paula pleaded. “Mom, I’m not coming out, and as soon as I do, I’m going far away from here. I shouldn’t have even come, what was I thinking?”

Paula walked into the room Spencer was staying in and sat down on the bed next to Spencer. “Spence, you love Ashley. I know that, and I think she does too. Natalie has always just been the filler and even Nat is aware of that. You just need to wait. Ashley’s just lost right now and needs you there, as a friend. Just for now, maybe. You never know, anything can happen, you just need to be patient.”

Paula left the room and went to go check on Ashley but stopped at Ashley’s closed door hearing voices. “Ash, I know what I am, okay? We’re not meant to be and I know that. I love you, but you don’t love me… not like that anyways.”

“Then what are you doing here Natalie? Why are you here with me, why did you make me come to this stupid reunion? Why are you letting me go, right in front of Spencer?” “Because Ash, you needed to be pushed towards her. Just let it go. Let everything that happened 10 years ago, stay 10 years ago. Let it go and just forgive her completely. She needs you and you need her. I don’t understand why neither of you can understand that! God, just go to her, Ashley. Be with the one you want to be with. Be happy. That’s all I want for you.”

Natalie left the room and saw Paula standing close to the door. “You just talk to Spencer?” “Yes I did. Natalie, I need to ask you, how do you see Ashley?” “What do you mean?” “Do you love her?” “Yes.” “Are you in love with her?” “Honestly, I’m not sure. I mean, at one point we both really loved each other, but now… I know that she needs to be with Spencer. She belongs with Spence. They just need to see that. I’m not in love with Ash, but I’ll always be there to show her love. Does that make sense?”

Paula smiled and nodded her head. It made complete sense in her mind. Natalie was Ashley’s safety. Ash knew that if she was falling, Natalie would be there to pick her up, she had been there for 10 years and assured Ashley that no matter what, they’ll always be friends at the very least.

Spencer walked out of her room and saw Natalie and her mother talking. “Natalie, can I talk to you for a second?” Natalie nodded and walked into Spencer’s room.

“Okay, so… I need your help…” “With what Spencer?” “I need Ashley back… and you’re the only one who can help me with that. She trusts you more than anyone else and I just need you’re help.” Natalie sat down in shock. “If I help you, you better promise that if you ever hurt her again you’ll go and kill yourself.” “Don’t worry; I’d kill myself before even letting her get the least bit hurt. So how about it, will you help?” “I’ll help you Spencer. Operation SPASHLEY is in affect.”