“Why’d I call you New Year’s Eve?” She inhales deeply.

                “Yeah.”

                “Because I promised you I would.” She replies, staring at the wood burning in the fireplace.

                “And you didn’t break it.” I say quietly.

                “I didn’t break it.” She repeats, finally making eye contact with me.

                “Why?”  I ask.

                “Because with everything that happened…nothing changed. I still loved you.” How could I be so stupid to ever let her go? I should’ve fought.

                “I can’t believe I didn’t say anything.” The call caught me so off guard I was left doing a fish impression, my mouth wouldn’t stay closed.

                “Yeah…”

                “After you hung up, I tried calling you back…but your phone was off.” I say, wondering why.

                “Yeah…sorry about that, it was just hard you know?” She says looking me deep in the eyes.

                “Yeah…” I reply, never breaking contact with her.

We share a few moments of just admiring each other’s features, until she breaks it.

                “So did you meet anyone while you were in New York?” She asks.

                “What? No.” I let out a laugh. Is she crazy? It was always just her…no one else.

                “How the hell do you manage that?” She asks somewhat surprised.

                “There wasn’t anyone worth it.” I reply honestly. Her eyes find their way back to mine. She’s smiling now, knowing exactly what I meant and I can’t help but return it.

                “Yeah…I know what you mean.” Her smile stays plastered on her face, and it only gets bigger.

                “Ashley, I still want to give us—“

                “I know…so do I, but…don’t you think its too soon? I mean you just cleared your chest about everything that happened in high school.” She has a point there.

                “Yeah…” I reply understandingly.

                “I think we should continue building our friendship first…as a foundation.” She gives me a reassuring smile.

                “You mean it?” I ask.

                “Yes I mean it…I wouldn’t say it otherwise.” Her reply only makes my smile grow bigger.

Ashley takes a look at the clock on her cable box, I follow her eyes realizing it’s extremely late…or early whichever way you want to take it.

                “God it’s already three?” I ask.

                “Yeah, time flies when you’re having a serious conversation.” She replies

                “Isn’t it when you’re having fun?” I ask jokingly.

                “No, not here.” She laughs. I’m so glad I did this today, now I can sleep in peace knowing everything is that much better.

                “Okay…I should get going.” I say getting up from the couch.

                “Don’t be crazy, you can crash here.” Um, no I don’t think so.

                “Ashley, seriously its oka—“

                “Spencer, I’m not letting you drive at this time.” Why? I’m so wide awake right now it’s crazy.

                “Really I don’t live tha—“

                “Good, guest room is down the hall to your left.”  She’s already heading down the hall to I guess her room?

                “Ashley—“

                “Everything’s clean in there, thanks for the talk and I’ll see you tomorrow.” And she’s gone, leaving me in the living room, mouth agape.

I guess I’m spending the night.

Good…Bad??