“We’ve talked ‘bout it…even kissed once…my first real kiss…his too…”  She blurts out quickly, trying to get this part of the conversation over with.

Spencer interrupts jokingly. “That bad huh?”

“No not at all, but afterwards, we decided our friendship was too important.” Her vulnerability won’t allow her to speak much higher than a whisper.

Spencer reaches his good hand across the table and places it atop Ashley’s.

“Now, ya have me too!” He says with a smile.

He’s trying to make her see that she can always talk to him. Then, Ashley smile’s back, taking her other hand, and placing it atop Spencer’s bad one. This causes Spencer to look down. Seeing her hand gently resting on his deformity proves not only that he will always be able to talk to her, but also in his mind, the gesture confirms something he already knows, but can’t be reminded of enough, she truly accepts him for who he is.

         “We have each other!”

They continue smiling as they sit in silence for a moment just holding hands. The moment is nice, but they both realize that it could get awkward, and pull their hands away at the same time.

“Ok that was kinda weird…we musta looked like a Hallmark greeting card commercial.” Spencer says though laughter.

“Yeah…” Ashley agrees, laughing as well. “But seriously it’s good to know that we have each other!”

“Yep, ‘cause I might need ya tomorrow.” Spencer’s tone has turned into one of worried sincerity.

“Of course, I got your back, but why ya think it’s gonna be bad?” She asks with concerned confusion in her voice.

“Sometimes when I get in large groups of people, even if its family…or sometimes when I even think ‘bout bein’ in large groups of people…like I’m startin’ to…I start havin’ anxiety attacks. Then, if somethin’ isn’t right in my mind that makes it even worse ‘cause I get all Bi Polary, and shit.

It’ll be okay Spence….I promise if it gets rough we’ll get outta there….We’ll go somewhere and hang out…just me and you k?” Ashley says hoping to calm her friend down, and reassures him that things will be alright.

“I don’t know, Ash maybe you should go without me…” Spencer pauses. “…But if ya think ya can handle it…ok.”