Christmas vacation was drawing to a close and then it was back to reality. Ashley and I were heading back to her apartment. We had gone to the park. Ashley’s cell phone rang. “Yeah, Kyla?” Ashley said. You’re right on cue with calling thirty times a day while you’re with your husband. I chuckled.

“Very funny,” replied Kyla sarcastically. I’m not allowed to check up on my sister?

“Yes, you are,” Ashley stated. I’m just messing with you, Ky. What’s up?

“Before you get mad, I have to say I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” began Kyla with a sigh.

“Okay, what are you sorry for?” Ashley questioned confused.

“Christine’s in LA,” responded Kyla. She called me and has been asking about you.

“Wait, you’ve talking to Christine?” Ashley asked with concern. For how long have you two been speaking and you couldn’t even tell me? You didn’t tell her where we lived at, right?

“Yeah, that’s the part I’m sorry about,” answered Kyla with a sigh.

“The woman is probably broke and needs money for booze,” Ashley stated angrily.

“People can change, Ash,” responded Kyla. Look at you, Ash you changed. You’re not that same party girl from last year.

“Don’t even start comparing me to her or I will hang up on you,” Ashley warned. I changed because I wanted to. Someone like Christine doesn’t change overnight unless she has something up her sleeve.

“Even though she hasn’t been the best parent to you, she’s still your mother,” pointed out Kyla.

“Whatever,” Ashley sighed. Ashley hung up and threw the cell phone against the wall. The cell phone broke in pieces.

“Ash, it’s going to be okay,” I said reassuringly.

“No, it’s not, baby,” replied Ashley on the verge of tears. When Christine all of a sudden has an interest in me, nothing good can come out of it. I know this shouldn’t bother me, but it does so damn much. So how would you like to meet mother dearest? I hugged Ashley.

“I am so sorry,” I began.

“It’s fine,” responded Ashley. I gave Ashley an unconvinced look. Okay, it’s not fine, but I thought I could trust Kyla. What other things hasn’t she told me, Spence?

“I know,” I sighed.

“You’re the only one I can trust,” said Ashley. Let’s go face the music. Ashley held my hand.