“They love you too Ash!” Spencer responds happily.

“At least I have one parent who loves me…My dad will make sure Christine doesn’t hurt me.” She says trying to convince herself as much as Spencer.

“Still…just remember we’ll always be there if you need a little extra help dealin’…like when he’s not available.” Spencer says with a smile.

“Yeah, when he’s not available like now…” Ashley says sadly.

Ashley doesn’t say anything else just looks down. Spencer feels bad that he made Ashley think of her dad. Especially since he and his parents had discussed that bringing him up would probably make her miss him more. He is overly upset with himself.

“Shit! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you sad! I shouldn’t have brought him up…I already feel like I invaded your privacy…Stupid…stupid…stupid!” He finishes smacking himself each time he says stupid.”

Ashley lifts her head upon hearing the first smack and tries to grab his hand to stop him, but to no avail. After the third smack Ashley finally gets through to him.

“Stop, Spence! Its okay…it’s not your fault I miss Dad, and I won’t have too much longer…he’ll be back soon!” She says smiling once again, and then continues.

“How could you think you invaded my privacy?” She asks him with a puzzled expression on her face.

“’Cause, I don’t know if you realize this, but every time I’ve mentioned your dad you get distant or change the subject then you start humming…” Spencer tells her.

Then he stops talking to hum Hold On.

“I do?” Ashley asks. She’s surprised because as Spencer suspected she did not realize she does that.

Spencer continues.

“I understand why ya don’t wanna talk ‘bout him and why ya hum that song now….When I was talkin’ to Mom and Dad last night, they were askin’ ‘bout ya. My Dad’s Social Worker instincts kicked in…he asked ‘bout your dad ‘cause he wanted to understand your livin’ situation better. I told ‘em I didn’t know much except that he’s a rock star, he’s on tour, and the hummin’ thing. When I hummed the tune, Dad recognized it. He played me and Mom an old cassette tape with the song. When the song was over he told me that the bands name is Purple Venom and the Lead Singer’s name is Raife Davies…that’s your dad right?”