Spencer arrived home to find Clay sitting on the couch flicking through the channels. They had always been very close and Spencer saw an opening to bring things up to him.

She plopped down beside him on the couch, feeling her heart racing inside her chest. The beating was so fast and loud, it felt like her whole body was shaking.

"Hey brother, what’s new?"

"Not much Spence," he turned to face her, seeing the dread in her eyes.

"How about with you? Seems like we have hardly talked since we moved out here."

"I know, and I’m sorry, I’ve just had a lot going on."

"I can see that. Is everything okay with you? You have been really distant lately."

"Yeah…" Spencer hesitated, she knew this was her opening but wasn’t sure what to say to him.

Clay sat silent, waiting for her to continue. "Clay, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure Spence, you know you can talk to me about anything." He laid his hand on her shoulder in reassurance.

Spencer didn’t know where to begin. She began to ramble. "Well, it’s about Ashley…." She stopped, knowing that wasn’t true, this was about her and only her. It was about her life, her love and her future.

"What is it Spence, is she in trouble or something?"

"No, well, to be honest Clay, it’s more about me."

Clay lifted his lips into a slight smile. "Okay, what could it be that is bothering my beautiful sister so much?"

Spencer smiled in return and swallowed hard. A lump was forming in her throat as she struggled for the words.

"This is so hard." Spencer could feel the tears welling in her eyes.

Clay pulled her into a hug and she gratefully laid her head against his shoulder. "Whatever it is Spence, it’s going to be okay, just tell me."

Spencer pulled away again, wiping her eyes. She breathed deep to steady her voice.

"so much has changed since we moved to LA. Clay, I’m not the person I was when we left Ohio, but for the first time I feel real… and right."

She grasped hold of Clay’s hand. "If you hate me I will understand."

Clay let out a slight chuckle, "No matter what sis, I will never hate you."