“That’s great! See Spencer, you’ll be able to sign in no time!” Mrs. Carlin exclaimed. Spencer couldn’t take her eyes off of Ashley and the sad look on her face. Aw man… I feel horrible! I’m the one who made her sad… Spencer thought to herself. “We’ll see mom. Today was the easy stuff, just think about how hard learning actual signs will be.” Spencer said, still looking at Ashley. Ashley turned and looked at Spencer for a few seconds and quickly turned away. “Well I think I should go.” Ashley said. She got up quickly and started walking to the door. “Wait Ashley, how about you stay for dinner?” Mr. Carlin suggested. Spencer looked up at her dad and she saw a knowing look on his face. Oh great… he suspects something! Spencer thought. Spencer spoke up and said “Yeah Ashley, stay for dinner! We can catch up with each other while mom and dad cook.” Ashley stopped and Spencer got up and walked over to where Ashley was standing. “Spencer, I don’t know if it’s a good idea if I stay.” Ashley said. “Why not?” Spencer questioned Ashley. “I told you, nothing has changed since middle school. That means I still like you.” Ashley explained. Spencer looked into Ashley’s eyes. “You don’t think anything has changed for me since then?” Spencer asked Ashley.

Up In Spencer’s Room

Spencer and Ashley were sitting on Spencer’s bed catching up with each other. “So, why haven’t I seen you around King?” Spencer asked. Ashley sat in silence for a few minutes. Oh no, did I ask the wrong question?? Spencer asked herself. Finally, Ashley spoke up. “I’ve been taking classes at the local college for high school credit.” Ashley stated. “Wow I didn’t know you were thinking about going to college!” Spencer exclaimed. Ashley laughed, “That’s what happens when you haven’t talked to someone for years!” Spencer absolutely loved Ashley’s laugh! That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever heard! Spencer exclaimed to herself. “So what did you mean when you asked me if I didn’t think anything has changed for you since then?” Ashley asked Spencer. Spencer laid down on her back and looked up at the ceiling. “Well, I’m going to be deaf soon, I lost my boyfriend, and I think I might have feelings for someone I shouldn’t have feelings for.” Spencer explained. Ashley looked at Spencer with a confused look. “Who do you think you have feelings for?” she asked, still looking at Spencer. OH MY GOD! I can’t believe I’m letting Ashley do this! Spencer thought. They were both laying down next to each other while Ashley was kissing Spencer slowly but softly. I have never kissed a girl before!! This is way too different!! Spencer yelled to herself. For some strange reason, Spencer felt more comfortable kissing Ashley than she did kissing Sam when he was alive. Ashley pulled away and stared at Spencer. “I’m sorry, am I going to fast?” Ashley asked. Spencer smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry, you’re not!” Spencer replied. Ashley smiled back at Spencer and started to snuggle up into Spencer. Spencer put her arms around Ashley’s waist and pulled her closer to her. “Spencer, Ashley! Time for dinner!” Mrs. Carlin yelled up the stairs. Ashley sighed and Spencer kissed her forehead. “Come on, let’s go eat so we can come back up here. Unless you have to go after dinner?” Spencer asked. Ashley looked up at Spencer and gave her a small kiss. “I should probably go after, don’t want my mom to think anything happened to me.” Ashley replied as she got up from Spencer’s bed. Spencer got up after her and walked down the stairs to the dining room.

At Dinner

Spencer felt like she had been sitting at the table for years! Her parent’s kept asking Ashley all these questions and she was starting to look a little uncomfortable. “Hey, can you guys stop asking so many questions? Ashley is starting to look really uncomfortable.” Spencer told her parents. Ashley gave Spencer a look of thanks from across the table. “I’m sorry Ashley! I didn’t mean to make things uncomfortable for you.” Mrs. Carlin stated. “It’s ok Mrs. C, I’m just not used to being asked so many questions.” Ashley replied, looking at Spencer with a longing look on her face. Spencer could guess what she wanted, she wanted to kiss her again and Spencer wanted to do the same thing. “Um mom, can Ashley and I be excused? Ashley needs to get home.” Spencer asked her mom. Mrs. Carlin nodded so Spencer and Ashley got up and walked to the front door.

Outside

“It was really nice to see you again Spencer. I can’t wait till’ tomorrow!” Ashley exclaimed as they got to her car. Spencer smiled and leaned towards Ashley. “It was nice to see you too, call me when you get home ok?” Spencer said as she kissed Ashley goodbye. Ashley nodded and pecked Spencer on the cheek right before she got into her car. Spencer watched as Ashley left the driveway and waited until Ashley was completely gone before screaming.