Back to Me

Second Chance

It was a few days after I tried to apologize to Spencer again. I was pulling into the driveway after making a run to the hardware store. I probably shouldn't have been driving with a broken arm but it was only quick trip. I was shocked when I saw that Mona's car was in the driveway and both my parent's cars were gone.

"Hey, Toby," Mona greeted me as she got out of her car.

"Mona, what are you doing here? I thought I was supposed to meet you at your place tomorrow?"

"I'm not here about that." She shook her head. "Spencer wants to talk to you and I agreed to give her a ride over here."

"Hi," Spencer said quietly and I hadn't even noticed her get out of the car and make her way over to us.

"Hey, Spence," I replied hoping she didn't hear how nervous I sounded. But knowing her she definitely did.

"Can we talk?" She asked and she sounded nervous as well.

"Sure, do you want to go inside or we can talk in the truck?" I suggested.

"We can talk in the truck." Spencer nodded.

"I'll wait in the car. But don't worry, take your time." Mona told us and then she disappeared back into her car.

Usually I would hold Spencer's hand or place mine on the small of her back. I knew that she was independent and didn't need help but that wasn't the reason I did it. But now I didn't know what to do and I felt like I was walking on eggshells around her. I didn't like this one bit and I wanted more than anything for things to go back to the way they were.

"Look, just so you know, I am still hurt by what you said." Spencer stated as soon as we got in the truck.

"Then why are you here?" I asked.

We had talked about this so much and I didn't know what to say anymore. I just wanted to make things better. But Spencer was so stubborn and could hold a grudge for years if she wanted to.

"Because I missed you. Shutting you out is killing me." She confessed. "I want to forgive and forget. I really do, Toby. I'm just not ready; I don't want to risk getting hurt again."

"So you came here to tell me you're not ready to be here." I stated and smirked and the irony.

"Something like that." She laughed quietly.

I knew it was taking a big leap and there was a chance that Spencer might smack me but I did it anyway. I scooted over on the bench seat and held the back of her head as I kissed her. Spencer returned the kiss immediately as if the past week and a half hadn't happened.

"I've missed you too, Spence." I said when we broke apart. "And I'll do whatever I need to do to earn your trust back."

"I do trust you, Toby. That hasn't changed." She told me. "I should get going. I need to study for a huge test tomorrow."

I shook my head as she opened the truck door. Spencer would ace that test even if she only studied for five minutes before hand. She jumped down from the seat and I reached across and grabbed something from the glove compartment.

"Spencer, wait a second." I called out and she turned back around.

"What?" She asked in surprise.

"I love you." I told her.

I placed a kiss on her cheek and then slipped the item from the glove compartment into the bag hanging from her arm. She embraced me in a short hug and then I walked her back to Mona's car. I stood in the driveway and watched the two girls drive off and then got back in my truck.