Ashley had a hard time trying to stop laughing but she managed. “Thanks for the heads up.” Ashley said and she began to walk around the room. A little girl ran up to her and looked at her expectedly. Ashley knelt down to her level and Spencer realized how much she really appreciated Ashley dressing differently than she did five nights ago. “What’s your name?” She asked.

“Emily,” The little girl said.

“Well it’s nice to meet you, Emily.” Spencer watched everything that was happening. She couldn’t believe how good Ashley was with the children. The last time Spencer brought Aiden to school, 3 kids cried, 4 got away with eating glue, and 2 of them got in a fight.

“I want to be a magician like you!” The little girl said. Ashley had to giggle at the little girl’s mistake.

“I think you mean…” She noted the look Spencer had on her face moments before about how insulted little kids got. “Well, all you have to do is stay in school and believe that you can do it. With a little bit of talent, you will become the next big…magician.” Ashley said. Soon the little girl’s arms were wrapped around Ashley’s neck in a hug. “Oh…Um…wow, Okay,” Ashley said as she pulled out of the surprise hug. “Why don’t you go do a finger painting?” Ashley suggested. The little girl took off to a corner were the paint supplies were set up and she began to paint with her hands.

Spencer showed up next to her and smiled as she stood up. “Nicely handled, Ashley. I didn’t even get through my first sneak attack hug alive.”

“What can I say?” Ashley said grabbing two corners of her shirt, pinching, pulling it up and releasing it. “I have skills.” She received a playful push from Spencer causing her to almost lose balance, but she regained it and carried on.

By the time lunch rolled around, there was a huge mess to clean up. Glue was stuck on the tables as was paint and pieces of scrap paper were thrown everywhere. A lot of clean up was ahead of these girls. Ashley began scrubbing the tables while Spencer picked up the little bits of paper.

“So, I had fun that night.” Ashley said desperate for conversation.

“Me too, I haven’t danced like that since I was in high school.” Spencer laughed.

“Do you maybe want to do it again sometime? I know this cool little place off of MLK Boulevard.” Ashley offered.

Spencer’s heart fluttered a bit in her chest as many thoughts passed through her mind. The feeling of them dancing together was incredible, how could she deny doing it again? “Um, yeah, actually it sounds like loads of fun.”

“So how’s tonight?” Ashley offered. She sure was one for short notice.

“Sure, sounds great. Just one thing, no drinking for me because I have to be here again tomorrow.” Spencer explained.

“Why don’t you just call in sick?” Ashley suggested. Spencer put serious thought into it but remained silent. She wanted to say no, but her heart wasn’t in it. “Oh, come on,” Ashley pushed. “We can stay up late; you can even stay at my house since we would be drinking and we can watch lame movies and then hang out for breakfast. I promise to have you home by noon.” Ashley pleaded.

“Fine, fine, you win. But this is a one time thing; don’t get too caught up in it.” Spencer said. “Just excuse me a minute to call Aiden.” Ashley nodded and Spencer stepped into the empty hallway and dialed home.

“Hello Baby!” Aiden said obviously recognizing caller ID.

“Hey,” She couldn’t return the ‘baby’ comment. “I was just calling to let you know that I will be home tonight, but only for an hour or so. I’m gonna hang out with a friend tonight and I’ll be home by tomorrow after noon.”

“What, Spencer!”

“What?” Spencer said obviously not getting the point he was making.

He sighed through the phone. “Forget it. Have fun.” And the line went dead. Spencer obviously didn’t remember her celebratory plans.

TBC