Ashley’s Pov

I had just finished unpacking my bags when my cell started blasting Spencer’s ring tone. I smiled to myself and answered it. My smile quickly faded when I heard her crying on the other line.

Ashley: “Spencer, honey! What’s wrong?”
Spencer: “Can you come pick me up?”
Ashley: “Yes, of course. I’ll be at your house in 15.”
Spencer: “Thank you.”

She hung up on me and I ran out to my car. I had no idea what was wrong with her, but I have a feeling it was Paula. I told her I would keep her safe from her mother and I meant it. Her tears made me drive faster. I didn’t know how big of an emergency it was, but I treated it as if it was a life or death situation. When it comes to Spencer I don’t take chances and I don’t play around with her safety.

Spencer was waiting for me outside when I got there. She walked over to the car and climbed inside. She wasn’t crying anymore, but she looked like she could break down at any second. I reached for her face and I rubbed her damp cheeks. She looked over at me with so much pain in her eyes. It broke my heart to see her hurting like this. I started driving back to my house and she wasn’t saying anything.

Ashley: “Spence, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. I’m just letting you know that whenever you’re ready I am right here for you.”

She replied in a small voice.

Spencer: “I know. Thank you.”

She rested her head on the car door for the rest of the trip. I really wished she would open up and tell me what was wrong, but I respect her right to not tell me if she doesn’t want to.

We parked in front of my house and I opened her door for her. She took my hand and I helped her out of the car. We silently walked up to my room and I closed the door behind us. She climbed into my bed and curled up under the blankets. I wanted to join her to give her some comfort, but I didn’t want her to push me away if she wanted to be alone. I decided to go over anyway. It couldn’t really hurt to try. I pulled the blanket over me and I wrapped an arm around her. She grabbed my arm and pulled me closer. Good. I’m glad she wasn’t going to push me away. We were laying there for a long time before she spoke up. I heard her sigh and then she started talking.