The days were a blur of shows and parties, and before Ashley knew it, Natalie was holding the adoption papers.

"I can't believe it. Today's the day you become my true daughter."

Ashley grinned and filled out the sheets. However she stopped before the "new given name" slot.

"What's up, Queenie," Millie asked. Ashley just smiled.

"I just wanted you guys to know what I wanted my new name to be."

"Well," Grace said, "What is it?"

"I was thinking. My current name is Ashley Howard Sanderson."

"And you want to change you middle name," Courtney asked. Ashley nodded.

"But not to any random name. I wanted my new name to be Ashley Seymour Paris."

Everyone turned to Natalie, who smiled with tears in her eyes.

"Caramel, that's amazing. If that's what you want, then just write it down."

Ashley smiled and wrote her new name on the paper.

Ashley Seymour Paris

***

Ashley went to her room and sighed with content. She was officially Natalie May Paris' adopted daughter, and nothing could spoil her mood.

"Shit!"

Ashley's heart fell to her stomach, and she ran out of her room.

"Erin? Erin?!"

She ran to Erin's room, and saw her on the floor, clutching her head.

Ashley assumed the worse and ran to help her, but the second Erin heard her, she yelled.

"Just leave me alone!"

Ashley recoiled, but didn't leave.

"Erin, if anything happened, I need to help."

"Oh really? Then how'd you help when I had to watch over you, making sure you didn't off yourself again?!"

Ashley felt her heart pound in her throat. Erin stood up and continued.

"What help did you give me when I lied awake for hours, just hoping tonight was nightmare free? What help did I get when the one person I loved despite all their flaws goes and treats me like human dirt? What help did I get, huh?!"

Ashley saw the tears forming in Erin's eyes.

"Erin. I didn't know-"

"No, of course you didn't. You didn't know how terrified I was when I found out what happened to you. I was always two seconds away from killing all those bastards who laid a finger on you. I wanted only the best for you, so I acted like this flawless and happy person, when in reality, I was suffering! Suffering because of you! Did you ever once asked me how I felt?! No, because you're too self-absorbed to pay attention to anyone but yourself!"

"No," Ashley yelled back, "I swear to God, I didn't want any of this to happen! It did, and there's nothing I could do. But I never, EVER, wanted you to feel responsible for my life. You didn't have to worry, and I didn't know you did. You're right, it's my fault, and you had nothing to do with it. I am so, so sorry, Erin. I didn't know what you were going through."

The whole atmosphere was dismal, and both women were crying.

But then Erin turned to Ashley. She walked over to her, and before either of them knew it, they were kissing.

It was long, painful, and well overdue. Ashley and Erin couldn't believe how much they missed each other, how much they meant to one another.

They broke apart slowly, not wanting to rush what fragile peace they'd made with each other.

"I'm-"

"Save it," Erin said, "I'm the one who fucked up. We both just miscommunicated with each other."

Ashley just started crying, and buried her face in Erin's shoulder.

"This is my fault. I should've asked you if anything was bothering you. I'm sorry."

"Don't be, RedHead. Truth be told, I yelled at you when you needed help. You just needed someone to watch your back."

They both stood, in Erin's room, apologizing like the adorkable couple they are, until they both realized that the one thing they truly needed from each other was a friend.