The Carlin house was unusually quiet. Paula hadn’t said a word to Arthur no matter how much he pleaded since they had arrived back from Ashley’s. She sat in the living area just staring into space feeling every emotion possible. Fear. Love. Anger. Frustration. Panic. Understanding. Hate. Sorrow. Relief. She dreaded her daughter’s arrival. She wanted to be calm when Spencer arrived so they could talk this out privately. She thought over and over about what had happened, what she saw, Spencer. Both Spencers.

Glen walked in, “Mom, what’s going on? You look like crap!”

Paula didn’t respond. He has no tact or sense of timing she thought. She just look passed him.

“Hey, Dad what’s wrong with mom?”

“Your mom is dealing with some things right now. Just give her some time”, Arthur whispered.

“It’s about Spencer and Ashley isn’t it? Something told me I shouldn’t have given in”

“Son, what are you talking about…?’

Remembering the return of his drug problem, “Nothing , Dad. Where’s Clay?”

“Oh yeah, he spent the night at Sean’s again and will be back later”

***

Spencer and Ashley sat outside of the Carlin house in the car. The feeling of the cool breeze in the air added to the serenity and completeness they felt in each other‘s company.

Ashley noticed how beautiful Spencer looked with her hair lightly whipping in the wind, “So what are you thinking, Spencer?” caressing her cheek.

Spencer leaned her head back on the car seat and lightly kissed Ashley‘s hand, “I don’t know what to think. Should I be angry at my mom or should I feel sad for her or should I feel guilty and embarrassed?

“You know normally I have some wisdom that I can pull from any one of my various therapy experiences to help you. But this time I’m stumped. I mean you and your mom have so much more in common than I would have ever known.”

“Tell me about it.”, she sighed. “ Her ex-girlfriend’s death has made her so bitter about this whole thing. It must have been really traumatic for her. Wow, my mom has an ex-girlfriend. She was probably her first real love, and I know that you never forget those”, smiling at Ashley.