“Why would you do that?” questioned Melody.

“I don’t know why I did at the time,” Ashley responded with a sigh.  “Spencer and I went out on one date, but it was as a joke.  Madison had found out Spencer had this major crush on me and it was our way to mess with her.  Madison and I humiliated Spencer in front of everyone at this assembly just so I could be popular or whatever.  The thing was the moment Madison found out that I played for the other team she kicked me to the curb.”

“Whoa,” said a stunned Melody.  “I don’t even know you.”

“It’s not something that you want to broadcast,” Ashley replied in a desperate tone.  “I chose popularity over the only real friend I ever had and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret that damn decision, Mel.”

“So were you ever going to plan to tell me this?” asked Melody with concern.

“I don’t know,” Ashley admitted.  “I didn’t even know you two were best friends or anything.”

“Wrong answer,” responded Melody angrily.  “I’ll find someone else to give me a ride after school.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner,” Ashley began with a sigh.

“You’re apologizing to the wrong girl,” retorted Melody.  “You should be saying that to Spencer.”  Melody walked away.

After school, Spencer was sitting on the front steps at King High.  She was on her cell phone.  “Mom, you promised that we were going to go out to dinner tonight,” began Spencer on the verge of tears.  “Fine, I’ll take the bus then since you have to work.  I’ll see you around, Paula.”  Spencer hung up and groaned.

“That well?” Ashley said appearing.

“What do you want?” asked Spencer as a tear slid down her cheek. Ashley sat down next to Spencer.

“To help you,” Ashley answered.  “Is everything alright?  W-why are you crying?  Do you need a ride or something?”

“Yeah,” lied Spencer.  “I-I am not crying.  I h-have allergies.  Why are you asking me a ride?  So you could play some other joke on me or something?

“Yes, you are,” Ashley sighed.  “You don’t have allergies.  No, this is no trick.  I want to bury the hatchet once and for all.”

“Why?” asked Spencer with curiosity.  “Since you hooked up with my best friend and want to look good for her?  You never change.”  Spencer was about to get up, but Ashley stopped her.

“Spence, look at me,” Ashley pleaded.  Spencer reluctantly looked at Ashley and Ashley wiped away Spencer’s tear with her thumb.  “This has nothing to do with Melody.  It has to do with us.  I’m so sorry for hurting you.  I feel horrible for everything that went wrong with our friendship last year.  If I could take everything back that I did, I would.  You know that.  I want to make things right between us.  I miss h-hanging out with you.  I j-just miss you.”

“Fine, I’ll accept the ride,” stated Spencer.  A smile formed on Ashley’s lips.  “I need to get home sooner or later anyway and I don’t want to take public transportation.”

“Your parents bailed on picking you up?” Ashley asked knowingly.

“My relationship with them is all cats and the cradle like,” answered Spencer with a sigh.  “I could so write a song about it if I want to.”

“I’m sorry to hear that nothing has changed,” Ashley said.

“Whatever,” replied Spencer with a sigh.  “Let’s go.”  Spencer walked to Ashley’s Porsche and Ashley followed Spencer.

End of chapter

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