Spencer nodded, her eyes wide and innocent, “She was being harassed by this guy. I couldn’t just leave…”

“She can join us for dinner, but that’s it.” Her mother determined, in a hushed whisper. As if she suspected the brunette of eavesdropping. Spencer nodded and turned on her heels, heading for the stairs.

“What are you doing now?” Glen questioned, arching one eyebrow.

“I think she is about my size, I’m getting her a change of clothes.”

Arthur smiled widely; proud he’d raised such a kind daughter. Paula on the other hand appeared exasperated, “I can’t quite put my finger on it Arthur, but I don’t like the looks of this girl.”

“Paula…” He spoke the name like a sigh as he returned into the kitchen. Spencer returned a moment later with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

“Ashley?” She spoke softly, knocking lightly on the bathroom door.

“…Uh… Naked.” The brunette spoke, having to raise her voice over the sound of running water.

Spencer blushed lightly, for reasons unbeknownst to her, “Oh, sorry… I uh… I just thought you might want some clean clothes.

Ashley paused a moment over the sink, trying to process why this girl was being so nice to her, “Oh.”

“If you don’t want them that’s okay. I just thought you looked like my size, and since you’re taking a shower and everything. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just-“ Her rambling was cut short by an interruption from the brunette.

“No, no. You’re right. Clothes would be great.” Ashley cracked the door open and accepted the clothing, trying to regain her composure. “Sorry I hesitated; I was just caught by surprise I guess.”

“That’s fine, I understand.” She replied, smiling to herself as she joined her brother on the couch in the living room.

About twenty minutes later Ashley was quietly exiting the restroom, her eyes scanning the hallway warily before she slipped out the door. Spencer’s clothes fit well, and smelled deliciously clean. It had been a while since she’d gotten to take a decent shower and put on fresh clothes. Her stomach growled unhappily as the smell of dinner wafted in from the kitchen. She stood stationary for a moment, looking for Spencer. And as if the blonde had a sixth sense for the girl’s presence she walked out of the living room and met her in the hallway.

“Good, they fit!” She spoke, seeming honestly thrilled.

“Yeah, they are perfect. Thanks.” She replied, smiling and shifting her weight from foot to foot. Being in this house, with this seemingly flawless family, was making her itch. If dinner didn’t smell so damn good she’d be tempted to bolt out the door.

Spencer opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by Arthur’s declaration of dinner. So instead she simply turned and walked into the dining room, checking over her shoulder to make sure Ashley followed. They all took their seats, saying a quick grace before digging in. It was quiet at first, everyone a little bit uncomfortable. Spencer’s father was of course the one to break the ice, “So where are you staying tonight Ashley?”

She jumped a little in her chair, surprised to hear her name mentioned, “Oh. I know a guy; he is letting me crash at his place.”

“Have you spoken to your parents? I’m sure they are worried about you.” He pressed, taking on his social worker tone.

“I don’t speak to my parents.” Ashley replied, her voice turning into ice.

Another awkward silence settled over the table and this time it wasn’t broken. Everyone was deep in their own thoughts, their faces serious with concentration. When everyone was done the pair was left with dish duty. To be more specific, it was Spencer’s turn to wash dishes and there was no way in hell Ashley was going to be around that family without her. So a cheerful Spencer washed as a morbid Ashley loaded the dishwasher. “I don’t think they like me.”

“They don’t know you.” The blonde replied, turning a plate over in her hands.

Ashley frowned, shaking her head slightly, “And you do?”

Spencer shrugged, not able to explain exactly why she felt so drawn to the girl beside her. Maybe they’d been friends in a past life, or maybe there was some sort of cosmic bond. All she knew was that there was something in those brown eyes that she liked.

“I don’t get you… Why you’re being so nice. Why you trust me.” Ashley murmured, placing a cup upside-down on the rack.

“Can you give me a reason why I shouldn’t?”