It’s been a week since the kiss and Ashden has spent everyday with Spencer. They’re starting to become really close friends. Ashden’s playing games on his DS when Kyla comes into his room. “We need to talk.” They’re usually close but since the move Ashden has pulled away. “About what?” He turns off his game. “About Mom and Spencer.” Ashden sighs. Kyla sits on the end of his bed. “What’s going on with you and Spencer?”
“We’re just friends, but she kissed me last week.” Ashden admits. “I think you need to tell her.” Kyla advises. “I know. She’s coming over later, I’ll do it then.” He shifts. “Listen, I know you don’t wan to hear this but Mom told me she’s gonna send you away if you’re not ‘back to normal’ when she gets home. I love you so much. I don’t care who or what you are.” Kyla tells him.
“Love you too, sis. Thanks for actually caring.” he mumbles. “Whatever you choose, I’ll back you up.” Kyla hugs him and leaves.

“…And then Ashden said ‘Silence, I kill you!’” Spencer laughs. Shane sighs. “All you can say is Ashden. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you like him.”  “I don’t know.” Spencer mumbles averting her gaze. “What are you saying?” Shane asks hesitantly. “I dunno. I mean… well what’s it like being with a boy?” Spencer stutters. “You do like him!” Shane fumes.
“Am I so bad that you’d want to suck dick more than be with me?” Shane yells. “You’re such a bitch! Stringing me along, getting my hopes up…” Shane spits. “I’m sorry. I tried so hard to be with you, Shane.” Spencer cries. Shane stands up and yanks her off the bed. She kisses her roughly then punches her in the stomach and drops her to the floor. “Fucking cunt!” Shane screams before exiting the house and speeding away.
By the time Spencer is done crying it’s quarter to six. She changes into skinny jeans and a red wife beater. Ashden thinks she looks good in red.

Ashden checks his watch. It’s five of. When he opens the door Spencer is soaking wet. Rain is pouring down. “Are you ok?” They ask each other. “Yea, I just have to tell you something.” They answer. Ashden takes Spencer to his room and wraps her in a towel. They sit on his bed. “I had a fight with Shane.” Spencer says softly. “What about?” Ashden turns to her. “It’s complicated…” Spencer says. Ashden takes her hands.
“You can tell me anything; you know that right?”  “I lied about who I am. I-I’m a lesbian, and I was kinda dating Shane. I told her I… like hanging out with you. She got jealous and she-she hit me.” Spencer cries. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Ashden asks. “Because I’m scared and confused. You’re the only boy I’ve ever kissed. I just wanted to know what it’s like with a boy. Plus it only just happened.” Spencer sniffles. Ashden gets up and crosses the room. “I also lied about who I am, Spencer.” His shoulders fall. “I’m not a boy.” His voice cracks from soft male to husky female. Spencer gets up and hugs him. He starts to cry. “Ashley,” He chokes out.
“I don’t understand how.” Spencer says. “I was born a girl, still am, but for about a year I’ve wanted to be a boy.” Ashley says. “I started with clothes, then I cut my hair and started binding then stuffing.” he pulls away from her. “Please say something.” Ashden’s voice begs. “Binding and stuffing?” Spencer asks. He takes off his shirt and pants. Ashley has a large ACE bandage wrapped around her chest and a bulge in her briefs.
“I strap down my breasts. And stuff my pants…I’m so ashamed…” She cries, putting his clothes back on. “Please don’t hate me?” Ashden asks. “I couldn’t hate you.” Spencer says. “So, you’re ok with this?” Ashden asks. “Yea, I just have some questions.” Ashden picks her up and spins her around even though she’s taller. Spencer gasps and grabs her rib cage.
Ashden takes her to the bed and pushes her back. Lifting her shirt. She winces, scared. “Let me see.” Ashley says. Spencer moves her arm. There is a big purple bruise below her right breast. Ashley sighs. “How did this happen?” She asks. “She was jealous and pissed. I told her I couldn’t be with her.” Spencer whispers. “Are you sure you’re ok with me?” Ashden asks. “Yes, completely. You’re my friend. My only friend now. That’s all that matters to me. Boy or girl.” Spencer snuggles him close.
After a few minutes of quiet she asks “Are you gay?”  “I’m not sure. Your kiss was the only one I’ve had.” Ashden says. “What did you feel?” Spencer asks. “Scared.” He says. “Well, do you like boys or girls?” Spencer takes his hand. “Girls, but I don’t know which part it’s from.” Ashden says. “Do you like me?” Spencer asks, rubbing his hand. “I do, but Ashden can’t.” Ashley says.
“What do you mean can’t” Ashley leans close to Spencer’s ear. “He can’t, you know, fill you up inside.” Spencer nods, afraid to open her mouth and throw up. “Do you like me back Spence?” Ashden asks. “Yea, I do.” She smiles at him. He leans in to kiss her but she flinches. “Did I do something wrong?” He asks. “No, it’s just that I’ve never been with a guy before.” She mumbles. “I’m not a guy, not really.” Ashley says sadly.
“To me though, you’re still Ashden.” Spencer says. He smiles. “Spencer, what’s it like being with a girl?” Ashley asks. “Wonderful and fun. Like going on an adventure.”