Previously on Bringing it Home:

Who was that,’ I asked desperate to know.

‘Ashley.’ Was the only answer I got as she pulled me over to the bed. Ashley.

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We all sat round in the kitchen in stunned silence, our breakfast and hangover’s forgotten. We couldn’t believe what had happened. Although no-one except Kyla had known him directly the situation surrounding his death could have been any of ours.

We were the lucky ones. The ones with friends, and in most cases, families who loved and supported them when they came out. He had no-one. In that knowledge we were also guilty. We were the ones that should have known and prevented this tragedy from happening. Also guilty were the school and parents who turned a blind eye to the bullying that went on. We knew what the official line would be, depression or maybe deviant behaviour he’d bought it on himself.

I glanced up from the counter. I had been staring at it fixedly since Kyla had broken the news. I moved my head around the room and caught the eyes of each of my friends in turn. Firstly Kyla’s, which were red rimmed from crying. Madison’s were dark with anger. This was the look I also saw in Austin’s and Maggie’s. I flinched at the deep hatred I saw in Kate’s. Finally I came to Addison. She looked broken and small, sheltering in Kate’s arms.

I pushed myself off my stool, my breakfast forgotten. I felt sick to my stomach. I went over to where Kate and Addy were standing. I sought Kate’s permission and opened my arms to Addison. She came to me and I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her gently on the forehead. I kissed her eyelids and then her mouth.

I heard gasps from the girls in the room.

‘Spencer…..’ Addison whispered into my hair as she nestled into me and I held her close.

‘You need to tell them’ I stated quietly. I think only she heard.

She nodded. She turned and looked at Kate.

‘I’m sorry, something happened last weekend that you need to know about’ she hung her head avoiding Kate’s eyes. I kept my arms around her waist, offering my silent support.

Kate straightened up and crossed her arms across her chest her puzzlement turning to a frown.