By age 14 the trio started to pull back together. There were a few big changes in the lives of our young friends. Ashley is struggling with her feelings for Spencer and dealing with a new sister. Aiden is keeping a secret, or at least what he thinks is one. Spencer is hiding her relationship with a boy.

    [One weekend Ashley, Spencer, Kyla and Aiden were all at the mall sitting around a big fountain. “Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys.” Kyla says. They all nod in one way or another. Spencer’s phone beeps. She’s been texting Chris all day. “Anybody want some food?” Aiden asks. Kyla shakes her head and Spencer keeps texting. Ashley gets up. “I guess I could eat.”

    On the way to the food court she notices that Aiden seems kinda twitchy. “Dude, are you ok?” She looks him up and down. He shakes his long hair out of his face. “I uh I have to tell you something. I just don’t know how to say it.”  He’s nervous.

    “It’s ok Aid, I know you’re gay. And I think I might be too.” Ashley claps his back. “Is it really that obvious? Do I need to work on my straight boy act?” He worries. “No, I just know you.” Ashley laughs a little. “Tell me about this thinking you’re gay.” he leads her to a bench. “I think I like Spencer.” Ashley whispers.

“What do you mean, you think you like her?”

    “I don’t know. I just catch myself staring at her sometimes. And recently I’ve been wondering what it would be like with a girl.”

    “Ash, there’s no doubt you love her but she’s a lost cause. If you come to GSA with me on Monday, I’ll hook you up.”

“I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet.”]

    Two months passed and no progress was made between Ashley and Spencer. Spencer dumped Chris and is now with Zach. Ashley’s starting to face the fact that she really is a lesbian. Aiden still hasn’t come out to Spencer or his dad. Kyla met a girl named Madison and now they hang out all the time. Ashley gives in to Aiden’s suggestion of hooking her up.

    [Ashley didn’t want to go it alone with her date so she made Aiden come too. He introduces the girl as Rose. She has light red hair and brown eyes. She’s a few inches taller than Ashley. They all go to Ashley’s game room to play Wii. After Aiden wins Mario Kart four times on a row they retire to the pool.

“Aiden, you’re such an ass! You couldn’t just lose on round.” Ashley pushes him in.

“He’s SO gonna kill you tomorrow. It took him like an hour to do his hair.” Rose laughs. “I know. He uses more product than anyone I know.”

“So, how long have you guys known each other?”

“Since we were like 4. A bully stuffed him into the tube slide and Spence, that’s our other friend, and I had to pull him out. Then I pushed the bully off the monkey bars.”

“Once a wimp always a wimp.”

“I AM NOT A WIMP!” Aiden yells across the pool.

“Brawny-Man over there said you’ve never been with a girl before. But I find that hard to believe.” Rose moves closer to Ashley.

“It’s true.” Ashley looks down wishing she had her cap on.

“It’s kool. Girls love virgins.” Rose lifts Ashley’s face. They inch closer and closer until-

a throat clears.

Ashley jumps up. “Mom! It’s not- we were just-”

“Stop. Don’t tell me. I’d rather not have to know. There’s money on your card. Look after Kyla. I’ll be in Italy, arrivederci.” Christine walks away. Ashley stares after her numbly.

“Ash, are you ok?” No response. Aiden gets out of the pool soaking wet.

“What happened?”

“Her mom just came out here and completely ignored the fact that we were about to kiss. Then said she’s going to Italy and left.” Rose waves her hand in front of Ashley’s face.

“Is that all I get? Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Not even a bit of emotion! How can she not care? Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Why doesn’t she care about me?” Ashley goes from a whisper to a scream, crying.]