The humorous comment caused laughter to spill out of everyone at the table, immediately lightening the mood, much to everyone’s relief. Spencer had to remind her self to look away from Ashley, not wanting to stare and make her feel uncomfortable. But it was hard not to look; she looked so different, yet hauntingly familiar. Feeling the hand of Lily grasp hers beneath the table, she squeezed it lightly, grateful for the comforting gesture.

Ashley too forced herself to look away, eyes shifting from Spencer, to Lily, to Spencer, and then to a random painting on the wall, then back to Spencer. She avoided making eye contact, because no matter how different she might look, her eyes were exactly the same, and every time she even glanced into them she got this terrifying feeling that Spencer could read her mind. Looking at her hands she smiled lightly before looking back up at her, “So, I’ve been told you’re a therapist?”

Lily and Kyla watched with curiosity as the two tried to look anywhere else but at each other. While Kyla looked concerned, Lily looked amused by their antics. She was mentally noting each flicker of the eyes, each little sigh and twitch. This was fantastic material, undeniably so. It was clear feelings still lingered, as they always did, but she didn’t really worry. After all, Spencer was nothing less than a saint the majority of the time. Well, when she wasn’t drinking.

“Yep. I specialize in therapy for victims of abuse.” She shrugged a bit, as if she didn’t expect Ashley to find it the least bit interesting.
“Hah, then I guess you got in plenty of practice on me.” Ashley chuckled. It seemed fitting Spencer would choose that career.
“You need more help than I have to offer Davies.” Spencer teased; laughing although she prayed it wouldn’t be taken the wrong way.
“Oh that is sooo true.” Kyla chimed in, grinning as Ashley shoved her lightly in the shoulder with her own.

Lily watched them banter, leaning forward a bit and smiling as she felt Spencer’s thumb rub the top of her knuckles beneath the table. It was her way of miming she was glad Lily found them. She shifted her head, eyes meeting Spencer’s for a moment as they shared an invisible word of happiness between them. Like many couples that have been together for a long time, they could communicate an entire conversation without uttering even a word.