“Spencer what’s going on here?” I turn to see the now empty spot where Ashley uses to be. Where could she have gone that quickly?

“Umm well …….Ashley “I call out looking around to see if I could spot her. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the top of her curly brown hair peeking out behind the far side of the couch. Ashley rose slowly gripping her ribs giving my dad a short wave.

“Hi Mr. Carlin” My dad gave her a glance over as he finally moved into the living room from the doorway. I don’t know if my dad had every met Ashley before or not but he’s was giving her a look of recognition. Maybe he has just taken notice of the uncanny resemble she had to Aiden.

“You can call me Arthur or Mr. C” he states putting out his hand for Ashley to shake. Ashley took the hand that was offered to her and shook it briefly then took a quick step back dropping her eyes back down to the floor.

“Have we met before?” My dad question

“No sir I don’t think so” Ashley answer her voice seemed to crack with nervousness

“I’m sure you have met my brother Aiden Sir” Crap I was hoping she wouldn’t mention that fact right now. My dad’s eyes widen with shock as he took in this new information.

“Spencer a word in the kitchen now” my father said already taking his leave; I released a heavy sigh and turned my attention back to Ashley who seemed to have become withdrawn back into herself. I approached her and ran my fingers lightly down her arms. Ashley quickly snapped her eyes up to meet my own leaving whatever little world she had just been in, her eyes quickly refocused on my face.

“I need to go talk to my dad for a minute but please don’t leave I’ll be right back” I pled with my eyes. It took her a few seconds to respond, I noticed she was busy watching my lips move.

“I….I don’t like to make promise that I can guarantee to keep”

“Ok I really think we need to finish talking but I can’t make you stay…. I hope you’re still here when I get back” I replied moving closer pulling Ashley’s body close wrapping my arms around her waist. She resisted at first by eventually placed her arms around my neck returning the hug. I placed a light kiss in the crook of her neck while breathing in her scent. Ashley’s body shivered slightly and she tighten her hold on me.