“Don’t worry about it Spence…I’m here to help you through this…” She said leading me over to the sink.

I saw the reflection of us in the bathroom mirror and noticed the scratches that were on my face. I reached out and traced my reflection and then traced my own face.

“I look horrible…”

“No…you look beautiful…” She said stroking my hair.

“Well I certainly don’t feel beautiful…” I said taking a deep sigh.

“Do you want me to wait in here for you or outside?” She asked looking at me with concerned eyes in the mirror.

I turned around and smiled softly. “I think I can manage on my own in here…”

She nodded her head and stepped out closing the door behind her. I turned around and smiled briefly knowing that Ashley was here with me now. The smile quickly left though when Clay’s bloody image reappeared in my mind.

I bent over the toilet and felt my stomach lurch. I gagged and coughed over and over but nothing came out. The door swung open again and Ashley’s soft hands were on my back and pulling back my hair.

“It’s ok Spence…just breathe.” She said over and over.

“He’s really gone Ashley…” I said lowering my head to my forearm which was resting on the seat.

“I know sweetie…I know…”

I picked up my head and turned my body to wrap my arms around Ashley’s body. Feeling her arms around me always made me feel so safe like the whole outside world just disappeared and it was just me and her.

She wrapped her arms around my waist trying to avoid my back and we sat there on the floor of the bathroom just holding one another while tears ran down my face. I felt her fidget slightly and I pulled back to look into her eyes.

“So…you done in here?” She asked me softly.

“No…but just give me a minute…” I said as I attempted to stand. She held tightly onto my waist as she lifted us off the floor.

“Well I’m going to be right outside the door…” She said kissing my forehead softly.