“Yeah,” I said. I ran my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know what to do.”

            “I don’t think there is anything you can do,” Kyla said. “Just be there for Spencer.”

            “Yeah,” I said. I turned to Kyla. “What?”

            “I didn’t say anything,” Kyla said.

            “I thought I heard my name,” I said. I heard it again. “Spencer.”

            I jumped up and ran into my room. I went over to the bed and sat next to her. “Ashley?” she said.

            “Yeah,” I said. “I’m right here.”

            “Don’t leave,” she said softly.

            “I won’t,” I whispered. “I won’t.”

            Spencer slowly drifted off to sleep. I got up and changed then got her changed. I laid down next to her and pulled her to me. She got as close to me as she possibly could. I kissed her shoulder and fell asleep.

            The alarm went off at 6 the next morning. I rolled over and turned it off. I laid on my back, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes. Spencer sat up and looked over at me.

            “Morning,” she said softly.

            “Morning,” I said sitting up and looking at her. “Spencer, oh my god, what happened to you?”

            “What are you talking about?” she asked panicked.

            “You have a huge bruise on your face,” I said reaching out and brushing it lightly with my thumb.

            “Oh,” Spencer said reaching up with her own hand. “That’s where my mom smacked me last night.”

            “What?” I shouted. “What else did she do?”

            “She called me a slut and a lesbian whore,” she said tearing up.

            I pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry,” I said. “I wish I could have been in there with you.”

            “You would have killed my mom,” she said.

            “Well yeah,” I said. “No one can touch you. I’ll kill anyone that does.”

            “Thank you,” she said letting go.

            I kissed her softly. “You’re welcome,” I smiled. “We better hurry up and get ready or we’re gonna be late. I call dibs on the shower!”

            I got up and ran to the bathroom. Spencer chased after me. “No fair!” she shouted. “Cheater!”

            I locked the bathroom door behind me. “Yes but you love me anyway,” I said through the door.