Spencer: “Was I complaining?” she asks with a smirk.

Ashley: “No?”

Spencer: “Right. Now, on a more serious note, what are you gonna do about your mom?”

Ashley: “What about her?”

Spencer: “Ash!”

Ashley: “I’m kidding!” I chuckle then sigh. “I guess I could, maybe try to get along with Jake-ass. For real this time.”

Spencer: “Good. So, home now?” I reluctantly nod, start the car and drive us home.

As I’m pulling up to the house I see that Marks car is still here. I pull into the driveway, turn off the car and turn to Spencer.

Ashley: “Do I have to?”

Spencer: “I’m not forcing you to do anything, but I think it would be good for everyone if you went through with it.”

I sigh and reach down to unbuckle my seatbelt. I feel Spencer’s hand on mine.

Spencer: “Hey, don’t worry. I’ll be there with you, every step of the way.” I smile and she kisses my cheek.

We step out of the car and Spencer takes my hand. We walk to the door and I hesitantly open it. Spencer and I walk in to see my mother and Paula sitting on the couch talking. I look up and see Mark in the kitchen talking to Jake. I look back at Spencer, who’s still standing in the foyer watching me. She smiles and signals me to go on. I walk closer, no one’s noticed I’m here yet.

Ashley: “Mom…” she and Paula look up at me. She looks so hurt.

Christine: “Where’ve you been?” she whispers sadly.

Ashley: “I just…I needed a drive, I needed to clear my head.” she nods and looks away from me.

Paula: “I’ll leave you two to talk.” I nod and she walks away. I take a seat next to her.

Ashley: “I’m sorry mom.” she looks at me. “He’s a jerk. Like literally, he’s a sexist pig. I hate the way he treats Spencer.”

Christine: “What has he done?”

Ashley: “If you could only hear some of the things he’s said to us. ” I shake my head. “He’s a complete jerk, he’s constantly hitting on Spencer, and not in a nice way. It’s always forward and sexist. He’s totally condescending…not to mention…he’s smacked Spencers’ butt before.”