Spencer’s P.O.V.

The cool ocean wind blew against my face as I sat on the beach. I had gotten both the notes from Ashley and Carmen to meet me here, under the pier. Why did life have to be so damn complicated? I mean, I liked Carmen a lot. She was everything Ashley wasn’t, which was kind of a good thing. I loved Ashley, but if she kept messing around with Aiden, I couldn’t deal with her anymore.

Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a smiling Carmen, looking adorable in a Hollister hoodie and jean shorts.

“Hey Carm.” I said, giving her a light kiss on the cheek.

“Hey.” She responded, interlocking our fingers. “So I wanted to talk to you about today. Ashley and I got in a fight. We are suspended for a week.”

“Oh my god! Are you ok Carmen?” I asked, knowing Ashley was pretty skilled in the fighting department.

“Yeah. I’m fine. You should see Ashley-.”

I cut her off immediately. Why would she brag about hurting a girl that obviously means so much to me. “What did you do to her?”

“She…um…has a black eye.”

“Oh shit.” I said standing up. “Why are you two doing this to me? It’s so hard and there’s so much pressure!”

“I never meant to put pressure on you Spencer.”

“Well you are! Both of you are!” I said, starting to cry.

“Shh…Spencer.” She said, wrapping me in her arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things harder. I’m so sorry.” I returned the hug, and buried my face in her shoulder. It was weird, but I felt strangely comfortable here, with my eyes closed, just breathing in Carmen’s sweet vanilla scent. When I finally opened my eyes, I noticed Ashley, standing in the parking lot staring at us. She looked absolutely heartbroken. She held my favorite flowers, lilies, in her hands, as she walked up to us. I broke the hug quickly.

“There is no way,” She said loudly. “That I’m giving her up without a fight. I’m not going to lose her Carmen. You are.” She set the flowers down on the rock we were sitting on.