A facade; That is what most people saw when they looked at Ashley Davies. An intricately crafted array of rumors, truths, and attitude that were the makeup of a persona she cherished so dearly for serving its purpose but despised to no end for the need of its existence. They were the walls that she built for herself, her prison, and she held the key to the courtyard where she was still imprisoned, but at least she could get some fresh air.

And it was in that place where she allowed her ‘family’ to get to know her. In that safe, controlled environment where she could run back inside the fortress if she needed too. Most of the time she did but she always left a piece of herself behind for the person who was willing to put the complex puzzle that was the real her together. For most, it took years. For Spencer, it was the blink of an eye.

“Stop being such a pussy and look in the mirror Davies.” In the echo of the bathroom she realized just how hoarse her voice had become. It sounded like a smokers voice. She could use a quick drag right then.

She didn’t look up though, instead, she took off her clothes and put on the sweats that Dano had provided for her. The shoes were soft clouds in comparison to the heels she had decided to wear that night and she knew that blisters had to be forming on the soles of her feet.

The sweatshirt and pants were worn in and comfortable. In the back of her mind she registered them as belonging to Dano’s younger sister but the thought left as quickly as it came. Her eyes remained focused on tying the shoes and when she stood up straight she finally looked in the mirror.

She summed up her appearance fairly accurately ‘To say that I look like absolute shit would be the grossest understatement of all time.’

Smeared makeup and tear stains coupled with black lines of mascara and the gaunt look in her usually healthy features made her look something akin to the living dead. ‘No wonder Spencer lied to me and said I looked alright that morning. She was probably lying to herself to make her feel less shocked.’ She chuckled softly at that time. Everything was going so well until her mother walked in and gave one of her patented ‘crush the moment and crush your spirit with my heart of silicone’ rants.

She turned the faucet on and splashed the cool water on her face. She felt it, but she didn’t really feel it. The sensation of cold was there, but her body didn’t register it. It was strange. It was that numb feeling. Reaching for a paper towel, she wiped away all traces of make up and tossed the used paper in the trash before turning out the door and walking into the waiting room.

Sean, Boz, and Chelsea were gone, ‘Must’ve gone home.’ But Aiden and Dano remained sitting next to each other on the chairs. Aiden looked as if he was already asleep, his eyes were closed and his head was rolled back with his arms folded over his chest. Dano was halfway to dream land with her eyelids half-way covering her green orbs. Ashley walked over to them and watched as Dano lifted her head, causing the brunette to stop in front of her with her stare.

The silent language that they had created was of no use then. They were too tired to read into things. Too tired to decipher the code. So Dano used actions. She beckoned Ashley over, which the girl complied, and pulled her into her lap, cradling her in her arms and resting her chin on top of the soft tendrils.

She felt safe and cared about and was more than willing to curl up and hide in the embrace, more than willing to let her heavy eyes shut for the first time that night. But even with what little comfort Dano provided, she just wasn’t Spencer.