Spencer’s body began to shake, beginning with her legs and rising up towards her mid-section. Ashley felt wetness in her eyes, as she released a bit of pressure from between them, uncertain if Spencer was crying or if it was something else.

Immediately, the heat from Spencer’s skin slipped away, as the girl removed her arms from Ashley’s back, slinking away from the hug, and dropping back down to the bed.

Her head dropped between her knees, the flats of her palms rubbing against her thighs. Ashley could see her muscles contracting and twitching through her sweat pants, as Spencer’s jerky arms attempted to suppress the movements.

Spencer glanced up at Ash, her eyes wide, her teeth gripping her bottom lip, a nervous, twitchy smile forced its way to the surface, but immediately thrust back down inside her, most likely a response to the worried look on Ashley’s face.

“Um…it does that sometimes…it doesn’t last long, though.” Spencer shifted on the bed, her embarrassment tangible amongst the smell of breakfast and sweat.

Ashley could almost touch the humiliation with her fingertips, Spencer frantically attempting to suppress her muscle’s fit, yet knowing full well that this was payback; payback for the long hours on the bathroom floor, twisted and contorted, the pain becoming almost unbearable.

Dropping to her knees with a wince, Ashley leaned toward Spencer and gripped her shaky arms, running her palms softly along the skin, attempting to soothe her muscles into submission, physically informing them that someone else aside from their owner was here, and that soon they would be sleeping in late.

A short, thick sob forced its way from Spencer’s chest, followed by a quick intake of breath. Ashley avoided her eyes, not wanting to fuel the fire, knowing full well that Spencer was most likely on the brink of an emotional outpour.

The shaking soon stopped, as her muscles recanted their previous statement, her skin beginning to cool. Ash’s hands ceased moving, allowing Spencer’s forehead to momentarily drop to her shoulder. She kept her hands on Spencer’s thighs, her heart sputtering to life, her right palm consciously aware of the tiny mountain ranges that rested on Spencer’s bare thigh, underneath the thick cotton. Ash’s senses were on overdrive, aware of any sudden shift or movement from Spence that indicated she knew Ashley had seen the cuts. Seconds ticked past, and satisifed Spencer couldn’t read her thoughts, Ashley allowed a faint sigh of relief to escape her lips.