A/N. Thanks to all the loyal readers who are sticking with this story. It means a lot to me that you guys continue to read and review. I wish I could thank you all individually, but I can't. At least not now, cuz I have to sleep now. But you guys frickin rock. This story means something to me, and I'm glad that you guys are enjoying it too. Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint!
Chapter Eighteen
"Ash, take it easy," Spencer warned as Ashley stubbed her toe on the stairs. "The doctor's said to take it slow."
Ashley grumbled a reply. "I can get this Spencer." Ashley struggled with her crutches as she exited her car. "Seriously Spencer," she groaned when Spencer went to grab the door, "I got it. It's bad enough that you get to drive my car, but don't baby me," she grumbled through gritted teeth. The brunette glanced over her shoulder, noticing the defeated look on Spencer's face. "Spence, I'm sorry. I just…I'm tired ok? And I hate the fact that you are spending your summer taking care of me." Ashley paused and dropped her gaze to the ground. "I just don't like being a burden."
Spencer furrowed her forehead and moved towards the hurt girl. "Ashley," she said, cupping Ashley's chin in her hand, "You could never be a burden to me."
Ashley's tear-filled brown eyes met Spencer's as she spoke softly, "I'm not?"
Spencer grinned slightly, "Of course not Ashley. I love you. When I thought that you weren't going to wake up…God…I couldn't even breathe. You are going to have to beg me to leave."
That's not all I might be begging for, Ashley thought, unconsciously licking her lips. Spencer took the hint and leaned forward, pressing her lips hard against the brunettes. Ashley could taste Spencer's strawberry lip gloss, the intoxicating flavor that drew Ashley closer. A low moan escaped Ashley's lips as Spencer's tongue tangled with hers. Spencer bit down on Ashley's lower lip, causing the older girl to shudder. "Spencer," Ashley whispered, feeling herself float away from her body, letting nature take over. Ashley's body felt light as she reached her arms out to the blonde. Suddenly, Ashley felt her body grow weak. "Spencer?" Ashley questioned, struggling to open her eyes. "What's…?" Ashley's world fell into darkness…
Glen limped into the kitchen, struggling to grab a carton of milk from the fridge. It'd been a few weeks since Glen had tore his ACL and, according to his doctor, he had made great progress in getting better. Glen didn't feel that way. All he felt was pain. His medication was running out and the doctor insisted that he didn't need any more. "What does he know about my pain?" Glen grumbled.
"Talking to yourself again, man?" Clay quipped as he entered the kitchen. When Glen didn't respond, Clay gave his full attention. "What's going on with you lately, Glen? You never do anything, your grades are slipping, you don't even try to play basketball anymore, you don't talk to Spencer or I anymore."
"Spencer has her own problems with Ashley. That girl is taking Spencer away from the family. Ashley's playing the victim here, but what about Dad? If Ashley hadn't caused so many problems, then Dad…"
"Whoa, Glen. That's crazy. Dad drove drunk. He made his own decision to drink and drive that night. Ashley is the victim here. And Spencer has every right to want to take care of her. They love each other, man. What is it going to take for you to see that our baby sister is happy?" Clay questioned.
Glen scoffed at this, mumbling "Whatever" as he left the kitchen. Clay shook his head, wondering when his family would be happy again.
"Ash? Ashley?" a soft voice whispered in the darkness. "Ashley, please open your eyes."
Ashley's eyes opened slowly, grimacing as the light shone brightly into her eyes. "Ugh, what happened?"
"You fainted," another voice replied. "Ashley turned her gaze towards Dodge. "Hey sunshine, welcome back." She walked over to the brunette and placed her hand on the young girl's forehead. "You know, when we let you go home, we were under the impression that you would actually rest and relax…not make out with your girlfriend to the point of exhaustion." She raised an eyebrow at the two embarrassed girls. "Do I need to separate you two?"
Spencer shook her head, "No, we'll be good."
"We promise," Ashley added, meeting Dodger's gaze. "So, what happened?"
"Well," Dodger began, "As sweet and innocent Spence here tells it, you two were kissing, and then you fainted. Do you remember that?" Ashley nodded. "Good, then no harm done. You probably just overexerted yourself. Good thing I was nearby when she called, or poor Spencer would have had one hell-of-a-time dragging you upstairs."
"Sorry," Ashley apologized sheepishly, "I didn't mean to get carried away."
"No biggie, sometimes getting 'carried away' makes for the best kisses," she said, winking at the brunette, who uncharacteristically blushed.
"Hey Spencer, could you grab me some water?" Ashley asked, rubbing her throat. Spencer nodded and left the room.
"Well, that was subtle," Dodger joked, moving to sit on the end of Ashley's bed. "What's on your mind, kid?"
"Spencer."
"Well that much is obvious."
"How did she…I mean, we talked a little…about when I was in the coma. But, I mean, I don't really…I can tell that she…" Ashley started.
"That's she's killing herself worrying about you? Yeah, trust me, I know. I talked to her about it, before you woke up," Dodger sighed. "Look, Ashley, you may need help from Spencer physically, but I'm worried that she may need help from you emotionally right now. It seems that, aside from Aiden and Clay, no one is on her side right now." She closed her eyes, running her fingers through her dark hair. "I'm honestly worried about her, Ashley. It looks like her strength is starting to wane. She feels so guilty about what happened to you. And, I'm sorry if I'm overstepping my bounds right now, but I think that she needs to know that you love her."
Ashley nodded, fighting back tears. She'd had no idea that Spencer was feeling that way. "Thank you," she whispered, "I'm really glad that Spencer had you for a friend."
"Hey, don't sell yourself short, sunshine," Dodger said, leaning forward to hug Ashley, "You are my friend too."
"Everything ok in here?" Spencer asked, entering the dimly lit bedroom.
"Peachy keen, kid," Dodger said with a smile, winking at Ashley. "It looks like you two need some time alone. I know when it's time to leave. I'll see you two around."
Spencer and Ashley gave a small wave to Dodger as she left the room. Spencer turned and gaze Ashley a serious stare. "What was all that about?"
Ashley didn't respond. She sat up and wrapped her arms around Spencer, pulling the younger girl close to her. Pulling away, Ashley laid down on her side, back facing Spencer, and a small smile hit her face as Spencer wrapped her arms around her. "Just lie with me Spencer, please," Ashley whispered softly.
Spencer pressed her chest against the smaller girl's back, breathing in Ashley's scent. Her arm hung loosely around Ashley's abdomen, tracing small circles over the tight muscles. "I missed being around you Ashley," Spencer spoke softly. Ashley's body shuddered as Spencer's warm breath swept across her neck. "There were so many things that I wanted to tell you. So many things that I wanted to apologize for. I never got to thank you, for giving me the best birthday present ever…you."
Ashley smiled, "I think you have that backwards Spencer. I should be thanking you," she turned and faced the blonde. "My world began the day that you entered my life. You became my family." Ashley traced her finger along Spencer's cheek, wiping away a tear that had fallen. "Shh, don't cry. I'm so sorry that I had to leave you for awhile. I never wanted to hurt you, Spencer."
The tears continued to fall as Spencer spoke, "What happened to you. It was all my fault Ashley. My dad…and you wouldn't have even been on the beach if I hadn't."
"Shh, baby," Ashley said, kissing away the falling tears. "There's something that I have to tell you." She pressed her lips against Spencer's. A kiss of emotion, not of passion. Spencer calmed as she fell into Ashley's warm embrace. When she pulled away, Ashley cupped Spencer's cheek with her hand and whispered, "I love you, Spencer Carlin. I love you."