“It’s just second-nature now. People never ask doctors, ‘hey, why the hell are you still a doctor?’ It’s my job. It’s what I do.”

“What is it that you see in my sister? Why do you care?” she asked, suddenly very serious.

“I don’t know, Kyla. I really don’t. I feel very drawn to her and I really want to be her friend. I’m sincere about that.”

“I believe you.”

“Good. I’m glad somebody does.”

“You have to give her time…and you have to push her whether she likes it or not. ‘Cause she’s stubborn as hell, Spencer. She’ll put up a fight. I know this from experience.”

I consider asking Kyla what she knows about Ashley and Aiden, but I convince myself the timing isn’t right. And besides, if I really need to hear it from someone, it isn’t Kyla.

Ashley gets in late. Really late. And I hesitate to wonder why. But I see Eric drop her off and I wait a few minutes before going downstairs to talk to her. My conversation with Kyla convinces me that my pursuit is worth it. Maybe it’s time—after all—to actually work for something I want. Stop taking the easy way out of everything.

I slip downstairs and walk the distance to her door as quietly as possible. It takes only one knock on my part before she swings the door wide open and I am suddenly flooded in light.

“What?”

“Can I please talk to you?”

“No.”

“Ashley, please.”

“Why do people always assume that adding that word will change someone’s mind. I said no.”

“I’m not above sleeping in this hallway all night.”

I see her eyes light up just slightly, “Is that right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then you’re an idiot.”

“Fine, I’m an idiot. But only because I like you, not because I’m willing to prove it.”

“Spencer…”

“No, you’re going to hear me out. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, and maybe not willingly. But I’m not giving up. I want this friendship.”

“Get in here,” she says after a moment. She pulls me in by the sleeve of my t-shirt, and even when I’m safe inside she doesn’t let go. And I’m oh-so-aware of it. My breathing adjusts itself accordingly.