Resting in between her palms as she stood on her doorstep, Ashley slowly ripped open the envelope.  Her hands were moist and shaky; her nerves were definitely getting the best of her.

The brunette’s eyes quickly skimmed the sheet of paper taking in the contents with a sudden appreciation.  ‘Congratulations…you have been accepted to…’  Ashley swiftly read through the letter, holding back the flood gates that were threatening to break at any moment.

“Hey.”  Kasey greeted meekly from behind, her hands submissively resting in the depths of her jeans’ pockets.  Ashley spun around in surprise, desperately trying to conceal the letter behind her.

“Hey. What’s up?”  The brunette responded, fidgeting nervously.

Kasey shrugged, leaning back on her heels then rocked forward on her toes.  “Just thought I’d stop by on my way to Aiden’s. Is everything ok?”  She asked, noticing the faraway look in Ashley’s eyes.

The older Davies sibling sighed before plopping down on her front steps.  “No, well…yea it is, kinda.”  She shook her head, trying to sort things out in her mind.

“Alright, you lost me.”  Kasey timidly made her way to the brunette’s side, silently asking permission to join her.  Ashley smiled, making space for the awkward teen.

“I’m….”  Ashley hesitated; she knew this news would affect not only her relationship with Spencer and Kyla but ultimately with her friends.  Kasey’s warm grin encouraged her to continue despite the nagging tug at her heart.  “I’m going to MSU.”  She whispered, avoiding the short haired brunette’s gaze.

“You’re going to miss me?”  Kasey asked, slightly perplexed by the statement.  Ashley couldn’t help but chuckle.

“No Kase…I’m going to MSU.”  She handed her the letter.  Kasey swallowed hard as her eyes danced across the page.

“Wow.”  A moment of silence settled upon them.  “I mean, that’s great Ash.  Congrats.”  She placed the letter back into Ashley’s palms.  “Really, this is great.”  Kasey forced a smile, desperately trying to conceal her disappointment and sadness as she slung an arm around the girl’s shoulder.  Everyone simply thought that their small group would never be broken up.  It was sort of a silent agreement that everyone was going to attend UCLA together.

“Thanks.”  Ashley whispered, leaning into the embrace.