“Come on in and have a seat,” Paula said. She walked me into the living room. I sat on the couch while she sat in a chair. “Would you like something to drink?”

            “Sure,” I said. “I’ll have some water.”

            “Ok,” Paula said getting up. “I’ll be right back.”

            She went into the kitchen and Spencer and her dad walked in.

            “Dad,” Spencer said, “this is Ashley. Ashley, this is my dad.”

            “Nice to meet you, Mr. Carlin,” I said smiling.

            “Nice to meet you too,” he said. He came over and hugged me tightly. I was caught off guard but hugged him back. I could see Spencer laughing.

            “Dad,” Spencer said. “Ash, isn’t used to all the hugging.”

            “Oh,” he said letting go, “sorry, kiddo.”

            “It’s ok,” I smiled. “I can get used to it.”

            “Well you better if you’re going to be around us for a while,” he said.

            “Don’t worry,” Spencer said, “she will be.”

            I looked at her and smiled. Paula came back in with my water.

            “Thank you,” I said taking it.

            “Have you girls eaten lunch yet?” Arthur asked.

            “No not yet,” Spencer said.

            “Are you hungry?” he asked.

            “Starved,” I said.

            “Well good,” he laughed. “I’ll fix something real quick for the four of us.”

            He went off to the kitchen and Paula followed. Spencer and I sat on the couch.

            “Sorry about my dad,” Spencer said. “I forgot to warn you about that.”

            “It’s ok,” I said. “I’ll get used to it.”

            “I know you will,” she smiled. She leaned over and kissed me softly. “Come on. I’ll show you my room.”

            She took my hand and led me upstairs. Her room was so cute. It was definitely her. She had pictures of her and her friends all over. It was cute.

            “Nice,” I said looking around.

            “Thanks,” she said. “I know it’s not as nice as yours but I like it.”

            “No,” I said. “It’s still nice. I like it.”

            I sat down on her bed. It was comfy.

            “I’ll change so you can have your clothes back,” she said.