So we got the movie and are now headed towards home… or well, Ash’s home… which is like my home so home. Anyways, I’m just looking out the window watching stars in the sky. I know Ash is watching me, I can feel it every time she looks at me. I know how her eyes feel on me. That sounded wrong, but you know what I mean. “Ashley, are you ok?” “Yeah Spencer, I’m fine, why?” “Because you seem really out of it. What are you thinking about?” “Just stuff Spencer.” “What stuff? Come on Ash, you can tell me.” “Ok ok, Um… I think there’s more to what you’re telling me. I know there is. You’re just too quiet and I know something is really off with you. I just want you to be able to trust me and help me out a bit.” “There is more Ashley, and I do trust you. I…I’ll tell you when we get to your house ok. I promise” “Ok Spencer, if you say so.”

Shit… Now I either need to tell her the truth about my mom, or make up an amazing lie… I’ll just tell her the truth. She expects me to tell her the truth right? Ugh. Before I know it, we’re at her house. The two of us are just sitting there, waiting for the other to make the next move. “Let’s go inside, ok Ash.” She doesn’t answer me, just nods. This is going to be harder than I thought.

“Ok… so more to it, um… It’s my mom. She-.” “What about your mom Spencer? What shit is she giving you? Do you need me to do anything? Anything at all, you just tell me Spencer ok.” “Shut up Ash… Listen. Anyways, Ever since Glen left to go to the army, she’s been getting mad, like, really easily. And lately… she… She hits me.” “WHAT!?! SPENCER! Why didn’t you tell me? Does your dad know? Honey we need to tell someone! You can’t keep dealing with this from her! Especially after getting shot.” Shit, just how I imagined her taking this. “Ashley, I didn’t tell you because I knew this is how you would react. And yes, my dad knows, and we can’t tell anyone. Not until my dad gets sober again. If we call child services or the cops or who ever, they will take me away from both of my parents. I love my dad, Ash, I can’t leave him.” Great, I’m crying now. The one thing I didn’t want to do. “Spencer, they won’t take you away. Do you want to know why? It’s because you’re 17. You can legally get emancipated at 16. Honey, you won’t have to go anywhere. You can stay with me forever if need be.”