I could see Glen out of the corner of my eye and saw that he was making faces at our group hug. I noticed my father reach out and grab him by his collar pulling him in to join the hug.

I knew that Ashley was still behind me and I reached out sliding my hand into hers. She squeezed tightly letting me know that she was there.

Finally after a few minutes of family bonding, we all pulled back and laughed together. I walked over to where Ashley was standing and slid my arm around her waist.

“So…in honor of Spencer’s acceptance I say we go out to eat and celebrate!” My mother said giddy with excitement.

“Oh sweet!” Glen said finally showing a little emotion other than annoyance.

I looked at Ashley and noticed that she was staring off into the distance. I wondered what was troubling her and I reached out to touch her cheek softly.

“Are you ok?” I asked her quietly.

She broke her daze and smiled at me. “I’m fine…let’s get going.” She said leading me out after my family who was already getting into their cars.

As we walked out, I knew that something was bothering Ashley. Throughout the dinner, I finally figured it out and realized what Ashley must have been feeling. I had just been accepted to a school that was on the opposite side of the country and didn’t even give a second thought to what I would be leaving behind.

We arrived back at my house and everyone moved into the living room for awhile. We laughed and talked about random things and everyone was in a good mood; everyone that is except for me.

Ashley leaned over to me and whispered in my ear. “What’s the matter Spence? You look upset.”

I looked into her eyes and let my hand glide over her cheek. “I’ll explain later…”

She nodded and held my hand as my family continued to talk. After another half hour, we were all ready for bed. My mother was in such a good mood that night that she even said it was alright for Ashley to stay over for the night. Ashley smiled and squeezed my hand.