Bell Rings

Ashley panicked. “Shit…I have to get to class. She races down the hall to her first class leaving Spencer confused and worried. Clay: Don’t worry Spence. Glen: Yeah, anybody who doesn’t want to be your friend because you’re disabled isn’t worth it. (Spencer smiles and laughs) I know you guys are trying  to help, but I’m Bi Polar, telling me not to worry is kind of like telling a five year old who’s hopped up on a million pixie stix to stand still…it ain’t going to happen. They all laugh. Clay: Well, we better get to our classes, and Spence if you’re going to worry no matter what, just try not to overdo it. Glen: Looks like you got one more thing to worry about thanks to Clay. Spencer: Yeah, now I got to worry about not worrying. Thanks Clay. She and Glen joke sarcastically with Clay. Clay: Any time, Spence! Clay plays along.

Lunch Time

Spencer pulled a chair out of the way, wheeled up to the table, and sat alone at the end of a table just staring at her food, depressed because Glen and Clay have another lunch period, and because of Ashley.

Spencer’s Inner Monologue

“This sucks! I need to figure out how to switch to Glen and Clay’s Lunch Period…What’s up with Ashley? She didn’t seem like the type to judge people because they’re different…She did though…I’m usually good at reading people…guess I was wrong. Guess she’s another close minded self centered two faced bi…”

End of Inner Monologue

Spencer’s thoughts are interrupted again by a familiar voice.

Ashley: Want some company? She said cheerfully. Spencer: I’d love some…just not yours. Spencer countered angrily. Ashley: What’s the matter? Ashley asked hesitant and concerned. Spencer: You! Ashley: I don’t know what I did, but I’d like to talk about it.  (Ashley sat down across from Spencer.)…I really want to be your friend. Spencer: Then why’d you run after you found out? Ashley: I had to get to class. Spencer: Bullshit! You could have taken an extra minute to say if you’d still be my friend or not. Spencer added. Ashley: I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. You’re right I should have said something before rushing off… (Her very apologetic response and obvious sincerity put a smile on Spencer’s face.) …Of course, I’ll still be your friend. Ashley added returning the smile.) Spencer: Even though I’m like this? (gestures to her body)  Some people are going say stupid shit about me and if you’re my friend they’ll probably be mean to you too. Spencer warned. Ashley: Yeah, people can say what they want…I’ll still be your friend. Hell, besides your obvious coolness, I want to be your friend because of your handicap…It makes you one of the most interesting people I know. Spencer: Really? Then, I bet you’re curious huh? Ashley: Yeah. Ashley hesitated. Its okay, everyone is. Tell you what…you got a piece of paper and something to write with? Spencer asked. Ashley: I think so…hold on. (She started rifling through her purse, and pulled out a pen and a little notepad.) …Here you go. Spencer took the pen and notepad from Ashley, and wrote the address to the Carlin home down, then, handed it back to Ashley…Come over after school and you can ask me anything you want.

Bell Rings End of Lunch

Ashley: (with a smile as she gets up from the table) see you after school, Spence! Spencer: (smiling back) Looking forward to it, Ash! Then, Ashley walks away in one direction as Spencer wheels off in the other both hoping the rest of their classes would fly by so they can hang out together at Spencer’s.

Next The Odyssey of Me, Ashley learns details about Spencer’s disability.