Walking back in the front door praying Ash is still in bed, I really don’t want to face her just yet. Especially when she realizes the kids are not here.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I walk in to the living room and it is all quiet.

Sitting down on the sofa I start to reflect on everything that has happened. How did I end up here?

“So you’re finally back.”

I jump as I hear the words spat out from behind me.

“You scared me Ash.”

“Where the hell have you been Spencer?”

“I took the kids to Kyla’s.”

“Are you fucking stupid?” She screams as she grabs me and yanks me off the sofa.

“What the fuck did you tell her Spencer?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me Spencer. I am not fucking stupid. No way in hell did you turn up at Ky’s looking like that and she didn’t ask fucking questions!”

“I told her I was mugged.”

“You’re fucking lying!”

“I’m not Ash. You really think if I told her the truth that she would let me back here?”

“She wouldn’t fucking believe you anyway!” She spits as she shoves me back on to the sofa then storms upstairs.

Laying down on the sofa as I feel the tears start to flow.

What am I going to do?

Closing my eyes, I start to drift off to memories of how it used to be.

It is a warm sunny day. Ash and I are walking down the beach hand in hand. Just talking and laughing and just enjoying being together.
The cold surf running over our feet as we walk towards our spot at the foot of the cliff. It was our favourite spot were we could just be alone together. We ended up here on our first date and we have been back ever since.

Reaching our spot we sit down, Ash behind and I sat in between her legs as she holds me tight.

Saying nothing we both just sit there content in each others company as we watch the sun start to set. The glow of the setting sun only adding to the beauty of the view.

Ash is the first to break the silence.