SPENCER’S P.O.V.

So, it’s Friday. I have nothing to do. I turned down Aiden’s offer to go to the movies. Ash had called all the adults in the house into the living room. I wonder what’s going on. I’m sitting on the steps and watching from a distance. Christine, mom and dad are sitting on the couch while Ashley is pacing the floor back and forth, keeping her gaze on the floor, running her hands through her hair.

ASHLEY’S P.O.V.

I’ve been pacing in front of them for a while now. I’m pretty sure if I keep at it, I can make a nice sized hole in the floor. Am I ready to tell them?

Christine: “Honey, what’s going on?” I stop pacing and look at her, but I don’t speak. I begin nervously pacing again.

Christine: “What is it? You can tell me anything, you know that.” I’d really love to believe that. She’s my mom, she’s a really good mom, but it’s hard telling her this, let alone aunt Paula and uncle Art.

Everyone’s just looking at me. I know Spencer’s somewhere watching, I can feel her eyes on me. I take a deep breath then exhale. Everyone’s watching, waiting for me to speak. I turn to them, my gaze focused on my shoes. I gulp one last time.

Ashley: “I-I…I’m going on a date tonight.” everyone looks at each other, then back at me.

Christine: “Honey, that’s great!”

Arthur: “So what’s the problem? You need me to rough this guy up before he takes you out.” I chuckle nervously. This is one of the things I was afraid of.

Ashley: “Uh…I don’t think she’d like that.” I say nervously. Everyone’s thrown into confusion.

Paula: “She?” she asks confused.

Ashley: “Yes…she.” I look down, I feel everyone’s eyes on me. “I…I’m gay.” I raise my gaze to the three adults before me. They’re sitting there, agape. Huh, went better than I expected.

Ashley: “Ok, well I’m gonna be on my way.” I say quickly, then head towards the door.

Christine: “Gay?” she says hurt. I stop in my tracks. I see Spencer on the steps, peeking through the rail. I knew she was watching. I peek over my shoulder and look at my mom.

Paula: “I think this is something you two should talk about alone.” her and uncle Art get up, walk past me patting me on the shoulder, and head up the steps.

Paula: “Spencer!” she whispers sternly. Spencer gives me a sympathetic look then gets up and walks up the steps. I turn to my mom.

Christine: “Gay?” she whimpers. I can see the tears forming in her eyes. “This is why you’ve never talked about dating before?” I nod.

Christine: “So, you like…you like…”

Ashley: “Girls.” she looked at me.

Christine: “How long have you known?” I see a tear roll down her cheek.

Ashley: “A while. So long, I can’t remember.” I say looking down.

Christine: “Have you ever…” long pause. “…with a girl?” I nod, keeping my focus on my shoes.

Christine: “With who?”

Ashley: “Mom.” I whine, looking up at her with pleading eyes.

Christine: “I’m s-sorry. This is just…overwhelming.” she says, putting her face in her hands. I cautiously sit be her and look at the floor.

Ashley: “I-I’m sorry.”

Christine: “No. Don’t be. Like I said, its just overwhelming. I think I always knew though.” I look at her.

Ashley: “Really?” she nodded.

Christine: “I mean, you’re at that age where, guys should be all you think about, buy I’ve never heard you mention one thing about liking any guy.”

Ashley: “So, you’re ok with it?” I ask cautiously.

Christine: “You’re my daughter. My only daughter. And I’ll love you no matter what.” I could feel the tears welling into my eyes.

Ashley: “I love you mom.” I said tearfully. I hug her tightly and she hugged me back tighter. I pulled back and she wiped the tears from my eyes.

Christine: “Well…” she sniffled. “This…this is good. Now I don’t have to worry about you coming home pregnant.” we chuckle. “I guess you should get going. Don’t want to keep her waiting.” I smile. “Bring her over one day. I’d like to meet her.” I nod, get up and walk to the door. This went so well, my mom’s so cool. I turn to look at her before leaving.

Ashley: “I’ll be back around midnight.” she nodded then I left.