She finally made her way to the picnic table and set her things down. She let the tears fall again as she sat down on the seat. She dropped her head and tried to hide herself as someone tapped her on the shoulder but she stayed sitting there and not responding.. The person behind her then sat down beside her. She knew it was Ashley and as much as she needed her right now she didn’t turn her head.

Ashley: “Spence, I know you don’t really like me right now but I’m really sorry for being stupid and not thinking. I know that all of this is new to you. Spencer please look at me.”

Then Ashley reached her hand out and grabbed Spencer’s face. Spencer let her tears fall more as she felt Ashley’s hand on her face. Ashley suddenly got a worrisome look on her face.

Ashley: “Spence, what’s wrong?”

Spencer didn’t answer but launched herself onto Ashley who immediately opened up her arms for her. Spencer cried into her chest as Ashley ran fingers through her hair soothing her. They ignored the bell ringing for the end of lunch and stayed in their spot with Ashley still holding a crying Spencer.

Ashley placed a kiss on Spencer’s forehead and pulled the girl at arms length. She then reached her hand up and began to wipe away the lone tears on her cheeks.

Ashley: “Spencer, what’s wrong? You have to tell me baby. Just tell me so I can make it all better.”

Ashley spoke these words softly with sincerity and kindness. Spencer appreciated Ashley’s soothing voice and smiled weakly causing Ashley to smile in return.

Ashley: “I’m happy you’re smiling, but what’s going on?”

Spencer: “Madison.”

Spencer closed her eyes as Ashley’s clouded over with anger.

Ashley: “What did she do Spencer?”

Ashley said this through clenched teeth and Spencer heard the anger in her voice knowing that something was bad was going to happen if she let this piece of information slip, but she needed to. She dropped her head feeling like a hopeless child and began to speak.

Spencer: “In the bathroom she umm she said things.”

Ashley reached out and took Spencer’s hands in her own taking Spencer’s feelings into consideration and not blowing up. Spencer needed her and she was going to be there and deal with Madison later.