“Sound familiar, Spence?” Dad asks smiling.

 I nodded with a smile as I continued to listen. Dad let the song finish. Then, he turned the player off.

“That tape is by a band called Purple Venom…Their lead singer’s name is Raife Davies!”Dad explained happily.”

I must make Ashley miss him more when I bring him up…that’s why she acts differently. I said aloud.

“It probably does make her think of him, but it’s not your fault. You know that…if you’re worried…try to avoid askin’ her things ‘bout her dad.”

I wish he was home maybe he could keep Christine in check. He’s gotta be a better parent than her! I said with a flood of negative emotions mainly sadness and anger towards that bitch.

“In the mean time, make sure Ashley knows she’s always welcome here even if she’s not welcome anywhere else.” Dad said sincerely.

I could tell he didn’t want me to get sad again, but he didn’t just say that to make me happy. He wouldn’t do that. He wanted to let me know that Ash could come here when she wanted/needed to ‘cause, he knew I needed to know that she’d be ok. Still, for him to offer not knowin’ how bad the situation is or isn’t…I mean…Isn’t my Dad Great?!

End of Spencer’s P.O.V. Now In the Present Time

“You feel any better sense we started talkin’, Spence?” Mrs. Carlin asks hopefully yet concerned.

“A little…I guess.” Spencer replies with a half smile, not knowing for sure what he feels, but he liked the talk he had with his parents especially, learning that it is almost definitely Ashley’s Dad who sings the song she’s always humming, and that the reason why is because she misses her Dad; not that she’s trying top keep anything from Spencer.

“Good…Well, I better start dinner your brothers will be home soon.” Arthur says getting up from the table and heading to the kitchen.

“Where’re they at?” Spencer asks Paula.

“Clay’s at Chelsea’s and Glen had basketball practice after school. Since he’s not back yet, I bet he’s at the park perfecting his jump shot. You know how anal he can be.

Spencer’s Inner Monologue

“Mom thinks Glen’s a fan of anal too? Does she know somethin’ I don’t? ”