“I’m sorry,” Ashley said softly with tears in her eyes.

            Spencer pulled Ashley into a tight hug. Ashley sobbed into Spencer’s neck. Spencer just rubbed Ashley’s back. She pulled away a few minutes later.

            “We need to get you some help,” Spencer said cupping Ashley’s face in her hands. “I can talk to my dad later and figure out some places to go.”

            “Ok,” Ashley nodded.

            “If you want,” Spencer said, “I’ll go with you to your appointments.”

            “I don’t know,” Ashley said. “I’ve been to see a shrink before but this time it’s different. This time I’m scared.”

            “It’ll be ok,” Spencer said. “I’ll go with you and everything will be fine.”

            Ashley picked up her shirt and put it back on. She wiped away a few tears. “Should I take you home?” she asked.

            “Probably,” Spencer said. “It’s almost time for dinner. My parents are probably getting worried. Not to mention my mom is probably ready to ground me.”

            “For what?” Ashley asked.

            “Slapping Glen this morning,” Spencer smiled.

            “What did you do that for?” Ashley asked.

            “He was being an ass and talking crap about us,” Spencer said.

            “That’s Glen though,” Ashley said.

            “I guess I was still upset about the fight,” Spencer said. “He just said the wrong thing so I took it out on him.”

            “Well I’m proud of you,” Ashley said.

            “Come on,” Spencer said. “I should get home.”

            Ashley drove Spencer home. She pulled in front of the house. “Call me later?” she asked.

            “I will,” Spencer said. “If you need anything, and I mean anything, call me. Please.”

            “Ok,” Ashley said. “I will.”

            Spencer leaned over and kissed Ashley lightly. “I love you,” she said.

            “I love you too,” Ashley said. “Now get your butt inside before you get in trouble.”

            Spencer smiled and hopped out of the car. She walked up to the door and turned around. She blew Ashley a kiss before walking inside. Ashley smiled and drove off.

            “Spencer, where have you been?” Paula asked as soon as she saw Spencer walk in the door.

            “I was at Ashley’s,” Spencer said. “I left my phone in her car. I’m sorry.”

            “Dinner’s ready,” Paula said. “We’ll have this discussion after dinner while you do the dishes.”

            “Fine,” Spencer said.

            The Carlins sat at the dinner table and had a civil meal. Afterwards, Spencer was doing the dishes when Paula came in with Arthur.

            “Why didn’t you call to tell us where you were?” Arthur asked.

            “Ashley wanted to talk,” Spencer said. “We went to the beach and then to her house. I didn’t think I would be gone long. When we got to her house, I accidentally left my phone in her car. I’m sorry.”

            “You still should have called,” Paula said.

            “I’m sorry,” Spencer said. “Ashley’s not doing very well. I needed to make sure she’s ok.”

            “I don’t care,” Paula said coldly. “That girl is never doing well.”

            “You know what mom?” Spencer said dropping the plate she was cleaning into the sink. “I’m tired of listening to you bad mouth Ashley. Whether you like it or not, she’s my girlfriend. I love her. And right now she is going through something terrible. No matter what you say, I’m going to spend time with her to make sure she gets through this. I’m going to talk to her on the phone. I’m going to go over to her house or she’s going to come here. Dad, I need to talk to you about something later. I’ll be in my room doing homework.”

            Spencer wiped her hands off and pushed past Paula, who was standing with her mouth wide open. She couldn’t believe what Spencer just said. Arthur smiled.

            “I told you it was going to happen someday,” Arthur said to Paula before turning and leaving the kitchen.