Ashley’s chest rose and fell with desperation as she tried to catch her breath. “I did it again, Spenny.” She hoarsely mumbled, her voice soft, hollow. Her body turned towards her and the blonde immediately gasped at the sight. In the moonlight she made out the violent dark circle staining the skin around Ashley’s left eye. She stepped closer and with a shaky hand reached out, cupping her friend’s soft face. “Oh Ash,” She whispered lightly running her thumb over the bruise bringing tears to her eyes. 

Her wrist was taken and Ashley linked their hands together, a smile making its way onto her lips as she gazed into her blue eyes. “Don’t be sad, Spenny. It doesn’t hurt.” The 12 year old took her hand away, crying harder, she wrapped her arms around Ashley’s waist, sobbing into her shirt. “It didn’t hurt, Spenny.” Ashley murmured into her ear. “I took some medicine and didn’t feel anything when she hit me. Valium, Spencer. I took three and I didn’t feel anything when she hit me. Nothing hurts anymore.” 

Ashley sunk to the ground, her back against the wall as she cradled her friend in her arms. Spencer looked up at the brunette, tears continuing to fall, flooding her face. “I’ll kill her,” She sobbed. “I’ll make her disappear. I’ll make her stop hurting you.”

“No,” The brunette brushed the tears from her face. “It’s okay. I feel great.” She reassured, her head lulling back against the wall. “I just had to go for a walk, but then I started running, faster and faster, “Her eyes fell shut. “I had to leave.” She paused. “And then I came here.” 

Spencer leaned forward and kissed away the two tears falling from the brunette’s closed eyes. “I love you Ashley.” She whispered tenderly cupping Ashley’s face in her hands. Brown eyes opened and gazed sadly into blue. “I love you too, Spenny.” The blonde pulled her friend into a tender embrace, Ashley’s head rested against her chest. “Stay here forever.” The blonde pleaded as she ran her fingers through Ashley’s hair, messaging her scalp. 

“I can’t.” The brunette mumbled as the blonde’s fingers began caressing her face. “I don’t want to make her mad again.” 

She moved her fingers under her chin, urging her to look up. Spencer stared deeply into her friend’s dazed eyes, wanting to take her pain away. “Then spend the night. Please?”