Sat in her room, Ashley was bent over her notebook writing. Not writing anything in particular, just a jumble of words going round and round in her head. She was depressed.
Last week had started like any other week, she and Spencer had done classes, and sometimes they’d done the beach instead. Ashley was torn between behaving and going to lessons because Spencer would be pleased with her if she did, or ditching lessons so Spencer would tell her off. It was another of her games, to see if Spencer cared about her. Her mum didn’t care, no doubt about that! Well, not unless her latest boy-toy was interesting in education. She could only think of one type of education her mum was interested in and sometimes, late at night she’d fantasize doing some educating of her own. With Spencer.
By Wednesday she and Spencer had plans for the weekend. She was going to Spencer’s on Friday, staying over and they were going shopping on Saturday. She had been on her best behaviour so far and didn’t plan on doing anything to upset Spencer; it had been a total accident.
Walking past the gym on her way to hey car after school she overheard Spencer’s name in the boys changing rooms and some whooping and laughing. She opened the door slightly to hear better what was being said.
"…and that cute ‘lil ass…"
"mmm, yeah oh and what about her…”
"Guys! Guys! I bet you $20 that I’ll have had her by the prom. She digs me man, I can tell"
She recognised the last voice. It was Aiden. She briefly wondered where Glen was before she swung the door open and eighteen pairs of eyes swung her way.
She thought.
There were comments from some of the boys but most of them sucked their stomachs in and preened.
It was obvious Aiden was holding court and Ashley glared at him.
"Aiden! I can’t believe you! You pompous, big-headed dick"
There was jeering from most of the guys as she realised just what she’d said, and how these horny basketball players would take it.
"Hey sweetheart, sick of sushi? Want to get some real meat between those thighs?" His eyes betrayed his panic as Ashley marched up to him and slapped him. (More jeering from the boys)
"Aww, poor Aiden, does it hurt that you were so bad in bed you turned your first proper girlfriend gay? And your latest target turned after one kiss!!" She shouted.
Now the guys were howling with laughter and at first no one noticed Glen had walked in at some point during their conversation, Ashley was still glaring at Aiden and Aiden was looking rather embarrassed until he glanced to his right and saw Glen drop his sports bag on the floor, then he looked downright ashamed. Taking a step back he grabbed his sweater and bag putting both on as he exited through the gym doors. Glen didn’t follow him, he just stared at Ashley. When they made eye contact he was at a loss what to do. If Aiden had been mouthing off he would have muttered a few choice words and slapped him around a little. But Ashley?! He couldn’t hit a girl! And anyway, it wasn’t true. Was it?
He saw realisation dawn on her face and she looked close to tears.
"Get out" he said quietly.
She turned and fled.
Glen glared at the other guys in the changing room daring them to speak. They all turned and finished getting changed. Glen made for his car. His only thought – confronting Spencer.