"I seriously wish we didn't have to come here." I roll my eyes as Spencer and I walk up the stairs to my parents house.

"Ashley your family really isn't that bad." She shakes her head and laughs. But she hasn't met Ashton and Kyla yet. And both of them are here today. Now she'll see what I'm talking about.

"Right." I nod, opening up the front door. "Mom we're here!" I shout into the house, a few moments later a familiar squeal comes from the top of the stairs. Well if this isn't deja vu.

"Ashley, Spencer!" She greets us as she pulls us into a hug.

"Mom let go." I tell her, trying to pull myself free.

–

I wake up at the vibration at my phone going off. I rub my face tiredly and pull back a little to see Spencer sleeping. I smile as her hair covers her face. She's so beautiful and I think about how we declared our love to each other. Nothing happened, the declaration was enough and we fell into conversation the way we always do. Forgetting that other people exist in the world and it's been the best I've had in a long time it reminds me a lot of the first night Spencer and stayed up late the first night together getting to know each other.

I sigh contentedly and push her hair from her face and place a soft kiss on her forehead. I gently pull myself from her arms and walk away to read my texts. A few from Lexy and I decide to respond to her later. Several from my mother and I groan as I remember that I promised to meet with my parents today but I really don't want to leave Spencer.

I feel my phone vibrate and smile sadly at the name. I answer and put on my best cheery voice. "Hey Lex."

"Good morning baby how'd your night go?"

"It went well we stayed up talking all night pretty much."

"Well you sound a lot better than when I left. I knew Spencer could get you to cheer up."

"She definitely did."

"She's amazing isn't she?"

I smile as I take a peek at a sleeping Spencer. "She really is. How's your trip with your boss."

She hesitates for a second but I don't read too much into it she always gets nervous whenever she talks about her boss. "It was interesting but it's going well. What are you up today?"

"Nothing really. I'll probably just hang with Spencer."

"That's sounds good. I miss you."

I sigh and my heart breaks a little because I haven't missed her as much as I should. I tell her I do anyway after that lie she gets off the phone I'm afraid the longer we stay on the more lies I tell. We say our goodbyes and I think about my plans for today.

I couldn't tell Lexy that I was going to my parent's house and I definitely couldn't tell her that I'm taking Spencer with me.

I smirk as the thought dawns on me and as much as they drive me nuts I kind of really want my parents to meet Spencer. I'll whip her up some breakfast after my shower if some coaxing is necessary.

So I'm totally not a morning person but any time with Spencer makes me happy so it just comes off as if I were. She doesn't notice me in the kitchen as she texts on her phone. I'm sure it's Madison and I'm curious to meet this other friend that's claimed the best friend title in Spencer's life.

"Good morning." I tell her and she greets me with a smile. I get shy at the fact that I made her everything in fridge but she's a good sport about it. I don't get shy around people I'm pretty confident in everything I do and I mean everything but the fact that I'm doing this for Spencer or anything for Spencer I get nervous because for someone makes me nervous about how I'm doing something. I'm also nervous at the fact that I want to take her to meet my parents not the fact that my parents may not like her because that's far from the truth. In fact I'm sure they'll love her it's just…I try not to bring living, breathing, sensible people around them because I'm pretty certain they had a lobotomy at one point in their lives.

I tell her I want to take her somewhere and she gets me to reveal where and she looks a little panicky. Probably how I looked when she wanted to take me to meet her parents. It's the same thing isn't it?

I mean yeah we told each other we loved each other last night but I'm pretty sure the feelings were already there before we even admitted them to be true so it's just as serious. She looks as though she's about to be sick and I quickly second guess my invitation. I try to back out but she reassures profusely that she would love to go see my crazy parents with me.

I hold down my excitement and my nervousness flares up again and I take the tray of food and order her to get ready.

I think I'm going to be sick. No seriously I feel clammy. What's that mean when you're clammy? Isn't that like a symptom for malaria?! I've got malaria we can't go. Apparently my hands and feet don't care that I have malaria because we're here.

I pull into the very large driveway and we have a small discussion about the fact that I would do anything for her and I would. I really would because this girl…no doubt in my mind she's the love of my life. I lean forward and kiss her and announce our arrival.

I try to ignore her reaction because few people know about my parents' wealth. It's not my money even though my parents always buy me stuff I don't take it because well I'd rather work for things myself. I value it more.

Spencer stammers for a little bit and I pull her into the house.

"Mom, dad I'm here!"

Whelp they're not here lets go. I hear a shriek and my second of excitement goes away. I sigh as I see my mother.

"Hi mom."

My mother greets me and kisses me on the cheek and then lets me go to greet Spencer.

"And you must be Lexy!"

Snap…yeah that's going to be a problem. I feel Spencer's eyes on me and I'm just trying to keep my best poker face. See I never brought Lexy here obviously. It's just meeting parents, especially my parents, is kind of a big deal.

My mom tries to get Spencer to call her Teenie goodness she's been shipping that name since I was in the fifth grade. Let it go mom!

"No mom, she will not call you Teenie." I ask for my dad because things have been going so smoothly so far.

My father appears and I drag Spencer to him like a rag doll. He greets me then her and I break the second time there woulda been this isn't Lexy mishap. My dad just brushes over it like I knew he would unlike my mother and that's why he's my favorite.

My dad pulls Spencer into another hug and I mouth an apology she's not much of a huger. We're told that there's food in the kitchen and I take the chance to apologize to her. She pulls away from my dad and her eyes are murderous.

You think she'll kill someone with malaria?

"How could you not have told me you never brought Lexy here?"

"I don't know." I shrug and I'm definitely not making the situation better. "It's not a big deal, Spencer, It's just…not everyone can handle my parents and I didn't want to—"

"To what, Ashley? Nothing you say right now can excuse the fact that you—"

So what's the point of being asked questions if nothing I say will fix it. My mom interrupts us and Spencer does a one eighty and she's happy Hannah all of a sudden calling my mom ma'am. My mom leaves us in the kitchen and I stupidly ask if she's mad. I guess I'm an ass hat because she answers with a sarcastic statement that leads to a sarcastic question and she follows all that up with the silent treatment.

Come on! Seriously!

"Spencer seriously, you can't ignore me all day."

She gives me this look and I'm pretty sure I've tested her patience enough to where she's going to prove me wrong.

So far she's succeeding and I hate it. Why does she want to talk to my mom more than me anyway I'm the awesome one. They're talking about school right now and my mom is bragging about me and it's obnoxious and it makes me uncomfortable. She reveals that I got into Tisch and I realize that if I didn't go the music route and went to school, Spencer and I could've been together for longer. It would've been the right way but right or wrong I'm still very much in love with her. It was inevitable.

She breaks and asks me a question. Ha! She quickly realizes she broke her ignore Ashley game and slaps her head. I answer as smug as I can. We have a little banter and she reminds me that she's still not talking to me even though she's talking to me. We have a stare off and then my mom's question breaks our little competition. She asks Spencer why she's in Tisch and now it's my turn to brag.

"She's amazing mom, you should see the pictures she took of me and the band. They're freaking amazing."

My mother scolds me for saying freaking. Really? This only leads to my father telling my mother to leave me alone and reminds her that I never visit. Thanks dad you could've stopped at 'leave them alone'. I just ignore them because this is normal and I'm just splashing a dry Spencer.

"Ashley, Francesca called."

Way to ruin life mom bringing up Francesca. "I already told you mom, I'm not doing it."

My parents bought me the penthouse suite of the Ritz Carlton. My dad jumps in and since this is going to get heated real fast. I need to get out of here. I snap at my mother but make sure I'm not a complete ass. I get out of the water and I hear Spencer follow me.

I overhear my parents arguing and I groan in annoyance as my mother wraps Spencer in the argument. I am so sorry Spencer. I grab a drink and just sit on the stool at the island and try to calm down. The only thing that works is the sound of her voice.

"I'm sorry I brought you here. I don't know what I was thinking." I roll my eyes at myself, why did I think it was a good idea I'm such an idiot. My parents complete lunatics I can barely stand them how can I expect people who are strangers to them to. She tries to play it off and say it's not a big deal but I know she's a little weirded out.

I'm ready to go and I tell the maid to let my parents know we're leaving because I'm not going back into that warzone.

"Is this why you never brought Lexy here? You didn't want to see what your family was like?"

She asks me and I really think that's only part of the answer. I think it's more of the fact that I'd only want my parents to meet the person that I'm truly in love with and if they can deal with my family…then maybe they can deal with me.

She calls me and I already know what she's going to ask. I don't really want to go but we all know whatever Spencer wants I'll give her. I easily break down and drive in the direction of the hotel that I never go to.

"You're such an idiot!" I sigh at the sound of my sister's voice.

"Kyla cut it out!" My mother shouts and leaves me and Spencer alone again.

"Home sweet home." I mumble unenthusiastically and Spencer squeezes my hand lovingly and turn to her and give her a sad smile.

"It'll be fine baby come on let's go."

She pulls me further into my house. No seriously she's pulling me I don't want to be here but I have to talk to my dad.

"Ashley stop struggling." My beautiful girlfriend tells me with a laugh and we get further into the kitchen closer to the yelling.

"Mom he ruined my brand new Prada bag! There are only five of these total, five!"

"Oh so you can count!" My older brother Ashton shouts back. I just shake my head.

"Can you two please stop it! I'm getting a headache and your sister is here."

I really wish she didn't announce me now I actually have to interact with them. Both my older brother and sister look at me for a moment before making sure they make it observant that they are blatantly ignoring my presence. You feel that? That's love right there.

"You shouldn't have put your bag on the counter in the kitchen where food and drinks can easily spill."

"I hate you! Daddy!" Kyla grabs her ruined purse and storms out of the kitchen and my mother sighs walking in the other direction probably to get a glass of wine.

My brother mimics my sister as he lifts a glass of water to his lips and I see him staring at my girlfriend. Not in that curious way either in that judging kind of way.

"Who are you?" He asks pompously.

"Watch it." I say protectively and he just scoffs rolling his eyes.

"I'm merely asking a question little sister is that a crime?" I just glare at him and he smirks devilishly at me. "So who are you?"

I look over at Spencer as she lets go of my hand and walks towards my brother and holds her hand out. "I'm Spencer Ashley's girlfriend."

My brother looks at her hand then back at her. I clench my fists as my anger grows. Spencer looks back at me then faces my sibling again dropping her hand at her side. I'm about to defend her to my rude ass brother but she handles it on her own.

"Oh so you're ambidextrous? You're right you don't want to tire either out cause I'm sure they're really busy when you're alone."

My brother glares at my girlfriend with fire in his eyes and smile at her proudly. Chuckling softly at the girl I've fallen for she steps back and puts her hand back into mine. I feel a peace overcome me at the gesture.

"So Ashton how's Paris?" I try to kill some time as I wait for my dad to appear I would go looking for him but I don't want to run into my sister, or my mother.

He shrugs and leans against the counter. "Well you know…Paris is Paris."

I just roll my eyes. My brother is an asshole.

"So how is…I'm sorry I don't know anything that you do?" I stare at him blankly.

"Fine."

"Marvelous. Well as pleasurable as this is I must go." He doesn't specify but he has nowhere in particular he needs to be he's just a jerk.

Spencer turns to me and smiles softly. Seriously love this woman. "You're adopted right?"

She asks and I can only laugh because seriously I've looked for the papers myself. I shake my head with a smile and kiss her softly. "I love you."

She smiles widely and I can totally wake up to the smile everyday for the rest of my life.

"If it isn't my favorite daughter!" My dad announces as he enters the kitchen. I smile and because I know he's telling the truth.

"Hey dad."

"Baby girl. Spencer."

"Mr. Davies…Raife." She quickly corrects as he glares at her playfully. He feels old when someone calls him that.

Before I can get a word Kyla comes storming back in and starts slamming cabinets like the child that she is. Really I'm the baby of the group and she's claiming that spot for her own. Typical.

"Kyla stop slamming the cabinets." She groans and crosses her arms and I notice Spencer's less than pleased face. My father just shakes his head and groans. "You mentioned you wanted to talk to me sweetie."

"Uh yeah…can it be in private though?" He nods and I turn to Spencer. "I'll be right back."

She gives me this face and it's been growing more worried with every private conversation I have. Just hang in there Spence it'll all make sense soon.

She opens her mouth to protest and I really do feel bad leaving her alone here, especially with my bratty ass sister. I don't take my eyes off of her but lose sight of her when I turn the corner into the foyer to speak to my dad.

"So what's up honey?"

I work up the courage to ask my father for some help. I've been doing so much without either of my parents help but I'll overcome my pride to give Spencer a future that she can pre proud of.

"Okay there's this house in New York that I've been…"

"Say no more, how much do you need?" He starts walking towards his office I'm guessing to get his checkbook.

"That's it, I had like a whole speech planned and…"

He laughs as he opens up the door and walks towards his desk. "Honey stop it, you know I'd do anything for you."

"I know dad I just don't want…"

"I do not think you're like your brother and sister." Okay he's creepy. "I'm not creepy."

Ah! Get out of my head.

He sits in his leather chair and grabs a pen and checkbook. He looks up at me expectantly. I sigh and rub the back of my neck.

"Dad I'll pay you back."

"Pay dad back for what?" Kyla asks as she barges into my dad's office. I groan and roll my eyes.

"Kyla can you get out!"

She just scoffs at my annoyed request and drops into the seat in front of the desk. He stares at my older sister with a disapproving look.

"Kyla please give Ashley and I some privacy."

"But why I haven't seen Ash in so long I just want to know what's going on in her life."

She whines out and if I hadn't been around her my whole life I'd totally fall for that. My dad just shakes his head and knows the only way to get rid of her is to tell her something she wants to hear.

"Ashley's moving to New York for good." He tells her dryly as he starts to fill out the check but I hear a bit of sadness in his voice.

"Does that mean I get to have the penthouse!" She shrieks and shoots up with excitement.

"No!" I protest quickly not knowing where it came from.

"Why not you don't even stay there or want it."

She's right but it holds so many memories, I can't just give it up like that.

"Holy crap." I smirk at Spencer's reaction as soon as we step out of the elevator. That was mine the first time I stepped in here and I knew it was too much. Spencer makes herself comfortable and I can't help but marvel at the idea of having a place like this with her someday.

I usher Francesca out of the room. There's no need for her to be here. She's got a family and I'm sure she'd rather spend time with them than do things that Spencer and I are more than capable of doing ourselves. Plus more time alone with Spencer is extremely pleasing.

We spend more time talking and though that's not the idea I had in mind it's still nice to getting to talk to her. We have a little playful banter and she reassures me that I'm the only one she loves. I'll never get tired of hearing her telling me that. It hurts to tell Lexy though that I love her because I know it hurts Spencer and I'm letting Lexy think I love her the way that I love Spencer when I don't even though I should.

We get word that Madison is grounded for the night and we have the rest of the day to ourselves. Spencer decides to try everything that the hotel has to offer. If it were anyone else I'd find this obnoxious but she's just too damn cute to think anything bad about her.

We spent the day getting massages and I swear if I get one more massage my body will definitely melt into nothingness. I feel so relaxed it may just be because Spencer's grazing my hand with her thumb as we watch Titanic, the one with the alternate ending. I mean really how much of an alternate ending could this movie have. No matter what the ship is still going to sink.