Back to Me

"I love you, so much"

Spencer POV

It was time for lunch but I didn't go to the cafeteria with the girls. Instead, I went to the old chemistry lab and found Toby waiting. I enjoyed my time with him just like I always did, but I could still feel the cloud overhead.

"What's wrong, Spence?" Toby asked me when I let out a sigh and leaned my head on his shoulder.

"I'm just going to miss this." I shrugged.

Toby had been doing home school since he got out of jail. But with recent events, he was feeling more and more like an outsider in his own house. So he was working on getting his G.E.D. so that he could get a job and a place of his own. Jason had offered him his place, but it only had one room and the mattress on his futon really sucked. Usually I took Jason's bed and he opted for a sleeping bag on the floor with lots of pillows when I stayed over.

"I will too, Spence. But I can always stop by during lunch if the girls let me steal you away." He said trying to cheer me up.

"That might be easier said than done." I teased.

"I'll find a way to make it work." He laughed. "And I know it might not be the same but it's for the best."

"I know it is, and I'm happy for you, really. I know you put a lot of thought into your decision, and that a G.E.D. takes a lot of work to get. But I'm proud of you, and I know you can do it." I told him as I placed my hand on his cheek.

"If I pass, it will only be because I had you as a tutor." He told me as he removed my hand only to place it on his lap intertwined with his.

"Oh, you'll pass alright. Like you said, I'm tutoring you." I told him very confidently. "And once you've passed, you'll get a job doing what you love."

"And once I've saved up enough money, I'll get my own place. I know Jason is your escape from your parents and Melissa, but I think you need an escape from Jason sometimes too. And we'll both need an escape from him once the two weeks is up."

"Don't remind me." I said shaking my head. "But it will definitely be nice for you to have a place of your own. I guess I'm just in a sentimental mood today. And it's kind of bittersweet to think this might be the last time we hang out in here."

"This won't be the last time, Spence. Like you said, it won't be the same. But it won't be the last, I promise." He assured me and placed a kiss on my lips.

/

"Toby, I'm so sorry!" I cried as soon as he opened door.

I knew it was risky coming to his place after what happened today, but I just had to see him.

"Spencer, what are you doing here?" He demanded. "Jenna will be back any minute. You being here will only make things worse."

"I know, Toby, but please just give me a minute. I understand that you're mad, but I didn't mean for this to happen. I had no idea, Toby, honest. I'll leave you alone, if that's what you want, but please tell me that you believe me."

"Of course I believe you, Spencer. And I'm not mad you, but Jenna is. I don't want you two crossing paths anytime soon." He sighed and as he let me into the house.

"I can handle Jenna." I told him and couldn't help rolling my eyes. "But will you be okay?"

It was then that I noticed his face. A bruise was starting to form on his left cheek. And I knew it was most likely caused by Jenna.

Today at school Alison looked through my texts and read all the messages that Toby and I had sent each other. By the time lunch rolled around the damage had already been done. Ali never said a word but I knew that she knew about me Toby. With every jab and snide comment I knew she was planning on making me and Toby miserable.