I haven’t exactly shared with Spencer the small crush I’ve developed for her, but it’s only because I love our friendship, I wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of that. Especially now, when I’m about to leave; I couldn’t let a step forward end up taking her and I twenty steps back. If I lost Spencer in my life, the way I have her now, I don’t know what I’d do.

"Oh … Mygoshh!! ASH! Tonight … was great! You were SO right. It was just studying and things were awesome! We looked over notes, actually go work done and I even understand it all better!" A smirk formed on my face, and she could hear it through the phone. "Don’t say it, Ash, don’t -" too late, "I told ya soooo!"

"Ugh … and you said it! But fine, you were right. You’re always right."

"Yes, yes I am. Remember that you said that in the future! So, what are you and Bradleyyy going to do next wednesday? Or tomorrow or .. oh my goshh we totally have to go shopping for your next outfit to …. math class!"

"Very funny, Ashley. Really — I’m cracking up over here…"

"Oh, I know, I’m obviously multi-talented! heh" I let the underlying message sink in for a second, because it always takes Spencer a minute or two to realize what I said can be taken two different ways.

"Oh goshhh Ashley!" She was laughing, and normally she would play along, but I tonight she was too excited about her new study buddy. "I bet Bradly is multi-talented too!"

"Ew! Spencer! So not an image I wanted to picture! But at least now I know what to get you for your birthday."

"Uhmmm … what?" Confusion sang through her tone.

"A school girls’ outfit, of course!" I burst into laughter, noticing that I was the only one thinking it was so funny.

"Sooo predictable, Ash. And I guess you’re going to ask me to try it on with you first, right?"

"Well, actually, I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, but hey – if I’m that irrisistable, you know I’m down for it!"

"This conversation is ending .. here. Good night Ashley." Spencer was chuckling, but I could tell she really was hanging up.

"Ahh well, the fun shall continue. Night, Red."

"Aww … sweet dreams, Roverr."

"Hahaa … I will always hate you for making me sound like a dog!"

"Hah – you so love me! Now, let me get some sleep!" And I hung up the phone to her laughter.

Spencer and I had come up with the nicknames when she was in the 3rd grade, myself in 4th. Not only was Red Rover our favorite game, but red was Spencer’s favorite color, and Rover was the name of my favorite stuffed puppy. And to put sentimental meaning behind it, we chose the names because when we needed it, we could simply yell RED ROVER! when we needed the other’s help … and they would come running – no matter what. That’s the kind of friendship Spencer and I have. And we’ve always had.