But, things with Michael had been different. He was such a sweet guy, and even though she still constantly thought of Ashley, there was no way she could confuse their features. And she did enjoy being around him, the attention he always gave her, the way she felt so confident that his eyes were never wandering. It was a kind of security she never felt with Ashley.

Speaking of the infamous brunette, she just so happened to be a witness to Spencer’s new found romance. She watched from a distance, her mouth hanging open a bit as she swore she could feel her heart stop. Spencer? And some guy? She’d never even seen him before, and now he had his arms around her and she was kissing him. It was one thing if Spencer had been dating other girls, but this was a whole new animal.

“Ash. Ashley. Ashley!”  Kyla finally managed to get her attention. “What are you staring at?”

“Did you know about this?” Ashley spoke, gesturing with a disgusted jerk of her chin in the happy couples direction.

Her sister followed her gaze, almost groaning when she saw them, “Ash… I was trying to find a good way to tell you…”

“Uh, the second you found out would have been nice.” Ashley was mad now, and she had to direct it at someone. “How long have they been… You know…”

“About two months.” She sighed, placing a hand on Ashley’s arm..

“Two months? And no one felt the need to share this with me?” She was angry and betrayed, her eyes drifting back to Spencer and Michael. They were standing side by side now, her tucked beneath his arm with her arm snaked around his waist. It made her want to throw up, seeing them chatting happily with Clay and Chelsea.

“We tried it’s just… We knew you’d be upset…” Kyla watched the same scene, wishing the pair would take their PDA elsewhere.

“How could she?” Ashley could feel her heart breaking all over again. She had waited patiently all summer for Spencer to come back to her. She’d only had one little one night stand, and had regretted it for months. (By all rights the girl was blonde, if that counts for anything). And now Spencer was doing this? She had to know how much this would hurt her, and yet here she was, hanging all over him with that smile like electricity darting across her lips. Ashley had never felt more like a botched science experiment in her life.

“I don’t know Ash, but you should quit staring because they are coming this direction.” This statement was enough to make her head snap back towards Kyla as she attempted to look as casual as possible.

“Your sure you want to do this alone?” Michael inquired, looking uncertain as they came to a stop about 15 feet away from the Davies sisters.

“ I really should. Just go to class, I’ll see you at lunch, okay?” Spencer met his lips for another kiss, smiling into it as she felt him nod.

“Yeah.” With that he turned, strolling away as Spencer took a deep breath. She needed to do this, and the more she stalled, the worse it was going to be. Approaching the spot where Ashley and Kyla sat, she attempted a smile, her arms crossing self consciously.

“Hey Spence.” Kyla spoke, smiling as she subtly elbowed Ashley to say something.

“Find time away from your boyfriend?” The bitter tone in her words surprised everyone, and Spencer looked like she might cry for a second. But, she regained her composure quickly.

“I’m sorry Ashley… It just happened.” Spencer’s tone was even and apologetic, her eyes pleading for some kind of forgiveness.

“Does he know your gay?” She spoke, slightly sarcastic as she arched a brow in challenge.

“I’ve told him about us if that is what your asking.” Spencer was frowning now, her heart pounding against her chest. For some reason it felt so imperative to her that she get Ashley’s approval of her relationship.

“So your actually serious about this?” Ashley felt even more betrayed than before.

“Yeah Ash, I really am.” She leaned against the table with her hip, feeling a bit unsteady as she stood there.

“Whatever Spence. Have fun in the closet.” With that Ashley rose to her feet, storming off and leaving Spencer with her mouth slightly agape. She had been fairly certain that Ashley would react like this, but now that it all was actually happening she felt suddenly overwhelmed. One thing was for certain, today promised to be an interesting day.