I made myself comfortable on the floor as far away from my door as possible with Jack resting next to my legs.  He was eyeing my sandwich but I guess he had enough manners not to beg, so I tore it in half and gave part of it to him.  We talked for at least fifteen minutes, mostly about Ashley but also about my life back home.  I did most of the actual speaking but he replied by licking my hand or making little noises, he never interrupted me.  I learned why dogs are considered man’s best friend.

We only stopped our conversation when Glen came out of the room beside mine and asked what I was doing.  I was going to answer when Ashley rushed from my room dragging Aiden by his arm.  She shot me an apologetic look but neither of them said anything.  Glen stared at me intently, as if he was searching for something.  I was first to break the silence.

 “Everyone else is gone, why are you still here?”

“I help the Montanios around the house, buying groceries and making sure they get their medicine, stuff like that.  I started living here full time about 6 months ago.”  The closer I looked at him, the older he seemed.  Glen definitely was not a teenager but I’m guessing he was in his early twenties.

“Oh so that is your room.”  He nodded.

“I want to talk to you about something else though.  Ashley.”

“What about her?”

“What just happened there?”

“Slight disagreement.”

“Look, I don’t want to get all ‘Big Brother’ with you but try to watch out okay.  I’ve known her since we were kids; I know how she can be.”  Before I could ask anymore questions my phone beeped saying I had a text.  It was Ashley.

Ash: getting kinda late.  still comin?  pleeaaase…

Spence:  on my way

I looked up and noticed Glen’s blank stare.

“It’s okay.  I can take care of myself.”  I was trying to reassure myself more than him. 

“Okay then.”

I put my phone away and went to my room so I could change into my outfit for the night.  After about three outfit changes I chose a navy blue baby doll top, jeans that were comfy but kind of tight, and a pair of old white Air Forces.  I looked good.  Maybe it was the new environment but, I felt sure of myself for once.  I was planning on showing Ashley what she couldn’t have, however, as I closed in on Ashley’s front door my confidence started to fade.  I had finally found the courage to knock when the door swung open, but it wasn’t Ashley.