I just smiled back at her, kissing her lightly on the lips, before we left the hospital…ready to face everything that lied ahead.

Even though I was afraid for the future, Spencer’s warm hand on mine reassured me as we traveled down the hall. That is, until we rounded a corner, and saw Aiden’s parents, talking to a nurse in the hall. I looked at Spencer, and saw her eyes fill with worry as the nurse scurried away, and Aiden’s dad spotted us.

To my surprise, he approached me. I thought he would be angry at the events that took place, but he just opened his arms. I ran towards him, and hugged Mr. Dennison. I’d always liked the guy anyways. And I felt horrible things had to turn out this way.

“I’m sorry Ashley.” He whispered so only I could hear. “I’m sorry my son did that to you.” That only made me cry harder, as I realized the nurses in Aiden’s room were about to take him to the morgue.

“Can I say goodbye?” I choked out. Mr. Dennison seemed shocked I would want to pay respects to his son, who had tried to kill me. Nevertheless, he let me in anyways. I gestured to Spencer to join me in his room.

Looking down at Aiden’s face, a rush of emotions came through me. I didn’t see the Aiden who raped me, or the Aiden who tried to kill me. I saw the old Aiden Dennison, the one who loved me and treated me better than any guy had. I touched his cold face and whispered “Goodbye” before running into Spencer’s arms, aching for comfort.

“Sh…Ashley. It’s going to be ok. We can make it through.” She whispered into my ear, as she rubbed my back, trying to make the sorrow go away. As we headed out of the room, I looked back at Aiden’s dead body one more time, before closing the door behind me. Spencer and I both hugged Aiden’s parents goodbye, and left the hospital doors.

On the ride to the station, all the memories with Aiden kept flooding into my head. I don’t know why either. He had hurt me. But I had loved him. And I would miss the old him. Kyla seemed to read my mind.

“It’s ok to miss him Ash.” She said, giving me a smile.

“Yeah, I know. I just wish it could have been different…”

“Everybody does…” She replied.

I heard Spencer start to cry in the backseat so I turned in my chair to look at her.

“Spencer? What’s the matter babe?”

“I’m just worried…I-I hope Glen is ok…” She cried, putting her head into her hands and crying even harder.

“He will be ok Spence.” I replied. “I owe a lot to your brother. He saved my life…”

“Thank god you’re here.” She whispered, looking up at me with her tear-filled eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

As we pulled into the police station, we saw Mr. and Mrs. Carlin walking out with Glen. He looked completely shaken up and Paula was rubbing his back, trying to make him feel better.

“Glen…” I said, stepping out of the car. “Are you ok?” He just nodded back at me and I had to hug him. “Thank you. You saved my life.”

Kyla and Spencer walked up, wanting to know what was going to happen.

“It’s going to be ok girls.” Mr. Carlin reassured us. “The police know what happened. They just want Ashley and Kyla’s side of the story.”

“Thanks Mr. Carlin. I’m sure you are exhausted. You guys don’t have to stay around any longer…” I said.

“But Ashley…I want to stay. I want to make sure you’re ok…” Spencer said.

“I’ll be fine Spence. Trust me. Just go home.” She still had a worried look on her face, as if she was not convinced. I sighed. “Do you want me to come over? After everything gets worked out?”

She just smiled and nodded. “That would be great.” She gave me a quick kiss on the lips before walking towards her parent’s car. “Just call me.”

“ok…I love you.”

Spencer’s grin seemed to light up the evening sky. “I love you too Ashley.” And with that, they drove away, and I watched Spencer till the car was out of sight.