“Nothing!” she instantly regretted saying that. It was out of instinct, the need to protect her relationship from the world with the wall of denial but when she saw the ‘Who are you kidding?’ look in her brothers brown eyes, she knew it was time to start taking some of those bricks down.

“You know that I love you right? That there’s nothing in this world that can change the fact that you’re my sister and I’m here for you whenever and where ever?”

The look of worry changed to an expression of hope and pleading. “Whatever too?”

Clay smiled softly and nodded his head. “Whatever you are or aren’t.”

Tears were beginning to fight their way out and Spencer didn’t feel like she had the strength to push them back anymore. One by one they slipped down her cheeks, leaving wet trails of pain and relief only to meet their end as wet spots on her shirt.

His eyes furrowed as he slipped an arm around her little sister and pulled her close, wishing he could take away all the hurt that filled their world now. “Shh. It’s alright.” he whispered soothingly.

She let them fall freely now and didn’t attempt to hold back the sobs that wracked her body. The feeling of her brothers arms wrapped protectively around her gave her a sense of safety and familial love she had not felt in a long time. Too long had it been since her family felt whole, too long since she was united with her siblings. Right then, she couldn’t have been more grateful for Clay’s understanding and unconditional love.

“Me and Ashley. We’ve been dating since the night mom left.” she managed to get out between sniffles.

“That long? I could’ve sworn it was only a week.”

“You’ve known for a week?” she asked with surprise.

“Well I’ve had a hunch that you guys meant more to each other than just friends for a while. I just didn’t think you did anything about it till that time I saw you guys talking in front of your locker. A little too friendly if you ask me.” he explained as she smiled down at Spencer, taking note of her puffy red eyes.

The blond smiled at the time he was referring too. It was the end of lunch and they were both getting their things ready for the rest of the day. Ashley had her back against the locker, wearing a Guns N Roses shirt that was short enough to see her taught stomach, a jean mini skirt, and a pair of eyes that were screaming ‘Fuck me.’