“I know.  And I understand.  Have a good night.  Tell Spencer bye for me.  Goodbye Ashley.”  Scott waved as he walked down their driveway.  Ashley slowly closed the door, resting her head against it for a few moments.  She locked up and walked into the kitchen.

She opened the cabinet and got out a glass, filled it with ice, and then walked into her home office.  She reached into the liquor cabinet and bulled out the half empty bottle of Jack Daniels, and filled the glass halfway.  She paused and stared into the glass for a moment, going over the events of the night.  She tipped the bottle again, filling it almost to the brim before walking into the backyard with both in hand.

She took a seat at the table and put her feet up on the other chair.  She took a big gulp, and smiled as it burned down her throat into her stomach warming her insides.  She glanced back at the house before reaching under the table and finding the brand new pack of Camel Turkish Gold that she had hidden there.  She sighed as she opened them up and pulled one out.  She grabbed the lighter that was lying next to the candle on the table and she flicked it on.  She stared at the flame for a moment before lighting her cigarette.  She promised Spencer she wouldn’t smoke anymore, but tonight is an exception.  She breathed the toxins in deep, and then slowly exhaled, watching as the smoke twisted and turned in the dark night.  She watched it until it completely dissolved into the air.  She took another drink and just listened to the silence.

Spencer awoke alone in the room.  She got off of the bed and wrapped her robe around herself while she walked into the hall.  She checked her bedroom, but when she didn’t find Ashley she walked downstairs.  She searched the kitchen and then the living room, but with no luck she looked outside to see Ashley sitting at the patio table.  She opened the glass door and walked over to it.  Ashley didn’t turn her head when she heard the door open, nor when the footsteps got closer to her.  She took another drag from the cigarette and just waited.  Spencer sat on the table next to her and just looked at her.  There were no words spoken for several minutes.  Finally Spencer reached out and placed her hand in the brunette’s that wasn’t holding the cigarette.  Ashley laced their fingers and gave her a light squeeze.