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Chapter 4

"What happened when I was gone?" Aria demanded.

"Spencer and Emily made up," Hanna said with a shrug. "Can I take a shit now?" They were in their usual gossip cove, the girls' restroom.

"I get that, but don't you think they've been a little touchy feely lately?" Her best friends were a lot more huggy and hands-on it seemed. Seeing the two strolling around with linked arms was a bit startling when compared to the tension from a few days ago.

"They've gotten closer and their friendship is blossoming. So what? Now excuse me before I become constipated." Hanna walked into a stall and locked it.

"Is this going to take a long time?"

"Oh, it's a whopper alright." Toilet conversations were commonplace to them. "How much discharge is normal? I swear, I have way more than I should have."

"That sounds like a question for your doctor, Hanna."

~x~

Spencer and Emily were already at their lunch table, laughing over something and shooting each other glances. Jesus, they were not good at hiding whatever they had going on. Did they want to get caught by Aria? Not that they had anything to hide. Those two idiots would never have been able to sneak around like me and Caleb, Hanna thought.

"Do you see them?!" Aria whispered angrily.

"Friendship game strong," Hanna commented. Just gals being pals...

"H-hey guys," Spencer said looking up. She was trying and failing to stop tittering.

"What are you two laughing at?" Aria asked with a shark-like smile.

"Nothing of importance, really." Aria's gaze intensified. Something suspicious was going on. They were both looking at Emily's phone, each with an earbud stuck in their ear.

Emily was not laughing as bad as Spencer but she was smiling nonetheless. Whatever they were watching seemed to end since they looked up finally to their friends and took their earbud out.

"Anything happen today with you?"

"What were you guys watching?" Aria inquired, ignoring Emily's question. "We're at school, hope you guys realize that and if you get sent to the Dean... I was not involved-"

Emily snickered. "Relax." She showed Aria her phone.

"Season 4 Episode 6 of Spongebob? What the fuck?" Aria exclaimed. Emily shrugged helplessly.

"Turns out Spencer never experienced this beloved show."

"How did Spongebob turn Spencer into a mess?!"

"Hey!" Spencer huffed indignantly.

"Yeah, don't shit on Spongebob. It was my life," Hanna confessed.

"You guys are so weird," Aria said.

"Aria... You wore a skirt made out of ties once. Let's not forget the foil pants and foil jacket. Or the pants that looked like-" Emily was interrupted with Aria speaking.

"Okay, I get it Ms. Flannel and Jeans."

"It's a classic combo," Emily argued.

"I like her flannel and jeans," Spencer said, gazing at Emily.

Aria looked at Hanna in disbelief. "What the hell happened when I was gone?!" She was so confused. It was almost like they were together, the way they were eye-fucking each other.

Spencer glanced at Emily as if looking for permission. Emily nodded slightly. "I'm just going to say this. I like Emily and she likes me. Romantically." Spencer waited for Aria's reaction.

Aria was flabbergasted. Two of her best friends together? Spencer and Emily? They were both gay but there were a lot of gay fish in the sea, right? Why each other? What if they broke up? Their group would be forever changed and broken in ways that wouldn't and couldn't be healed. Why would they try something that had the possibility of wrecking the only constant thing they had, their friendship? If they didn't have their friendship, A would win. Why would they give A the chance to win? Didn't they understand that they had fought for their life just to have what they had? Why would they even try rocking the boat? She felt a bit lightheaded but it only lasted a second.

Spencer studied Aria's expression of surprise. She looked frozen and her eyes were wide as saucers as if the information had overwhelmed her. "Are you okay?"

"I-I," Aria stuttered. "I don't know what to say."

"We were hoping that you'd be alright with it," Emily suggested gently.

Aria drew out her words slowly, "I'm not sure if I am."

Emily's breath hitched. It was likely that Aria had a problem with the fact that she and Spencer were together, not her being gay. But the possibility of it being a bad reaction to her sexuality was already attacking her mind. No matter how long she was completely out, the fear of backlash affected her. Not enough to not come out to people, but enough to be a bit hesitant.

"Why not?" Spencer asked, automatically sensing Emily's discomfort.

"If you guys break up, or if one of you gets hurt, we'll be forced to choose sides. This entire dynamic we have going will be ruined," Aria said. "I just don't want us to change. You, Em, and Hanna have been my family for a really long time. I don't want to lose that."

"You're not going to," Hanna told her. She understood where the shorter girl was coming from since she felt the same before. "They're still going to be our best friends. The only relationship that is changing is between the both of them, and it's a positive change. They're lucky that they've fallen in love with their best friend. Someone to accept who they are, someone to laugh with. I would kill to be with that person. Wouldn't we all?"

"Did you just somewhat quote Faking It?" Emily had recently gotten the blonde to watch it.

Aria gave them a tight smile, forced and fake. "I can't say I'm a hundred percent for this. I just don't know."

"C'mon Aria. We're still Sparia," Spencer said.

"Maybe when you need someone on your side after a breakup," Aria shot back. "Is it so bad that I want us not to get hurt?"

"And exactly what are you protecting us from? Me? Or Emily? You're just being selfish Aria," Spencer accused. "I can't believe you would be so afraid of a possibility instead of being excited by it." She angrily shoved salad in her mouth.

"Let's just enjoy our lunch then," Hanna said.

~x~

Spencer flopped onto the bed face down and screamed into her pillow.

"Yeah, yeah," Hanna said absently while painting her toes. "Should I do all of them the same color or mix it up a little?"

"It doesn't matter. Your employer is going to focus on what spews out your mouth not your toe nail color. Just don't try neon orange or something."

"Neon orange? Ugh, you don't give me enough credit," Hanna said. "That's more Aria's speed."

"Speaking of Aria...What the hell is her problem?" Spencer was annoyed with Aria's negative reaction to her relationship. She'd expected more enthusiasm and support.

"She just hasn't seen how you two act. Literally, you and Em are like teenage boys," Hanna said. "And I get what she's saying. She just wants her best friends to stay best friends. She's lost a lot. Her mom and dad aren't getting back together anytime soon and Mike hasn't been a model citizen either."

"You're right... It's just frustrating since nothing is going to change. Just between Emily and I. Yet she doesn't understand that."

"You're giving her space which is good."

"Mostly because I'm swamped with debate team work. One of my teammates had to go to a funeral in freaking Mexico so they'll be gone for a week and so I had to pick up where he left off. Not to mention the competition's in two weeks. Two!" Spencer buried her face into her hands.

"Yeah, whatever."

"Have a little compassion!"

"I have to nail this job interview or guess what? I can't afford college! I'm hoping to work for the boutique in Philly. It would help everything. If I had that job, it could count as field experience as well as going towards my tuition at a very expensive fashion school. So, sorry if I'm not completely interested in your problems but I'm trying to look out for my future." Hanna's tone was curt.

"I'm sorry," Spencer said. "I didn't realize you had a lot on your plate right now. You want me to help out with potential interview questions?"

Hanna let out a breath. "Yeah, I'd like that. Sorry for going at you like that."

"It's okay."

~x~

Spencer took out her textbook for her first period, Calculus BC. Normally, she would've looked forward to the class but the week had been torture. The debate work was a heavier burden than it seemed. Thank god that the school week ended on Fridays.

"Hey beautiful." Emily was holding a single deep red rose.

"Aw Em, you're sweet," Spencer gushed.

"Nothing less for you," Emily replied shyly. "Are you free Saturday?"

"Wait, hold that thought," Spencer fished out her phone and scrolled through her schedule praying that she didn't have anything planned. "Yep, I'm all yours."

"Great, I'll pick you up at three tomorrow. Dress casually."

"Oh, it's a surprise."

"I have a blindfold and everything." Spencer smirked, prompting Emily to quickly add, "Not for whatever you're thinking, weirdo."

"Whatever you say."

"You're so weird."

"But you like weird."

Emily sighed heavily, "Don't tell anyone that."

"My lips are sealed."

Emily rummaged through the side pockets of her messenger bag and pulled out a silver travel mug. "For you. It's coffee. Black like your soul."

"I'm offended but flattered. You did it how I like it." Spencer took a swig of the wonderful drink. "Thanks."

"No problem. I know you're stressed out as hell this week. I just wish you'd relax."

"If I was relaxed, I wouldn't be me."

"It just worries me a little bit. You're going at a hundred miles per second and I feel like I'm slowly inching along."

"I like being occupied."

"I like that about you," Emily confessed. Brown eyes met the others, both filled with passion. The two exchanged lip contact. It was hesitant at first, like asking for permission, since they didn't know how the other one felt about public displays of affection. They quickly loosened up and were approaching hot and heavy territory when they were abruptly interrupted.

"Ahem," Hanna announced to the pair.

Emily stared wide eyed at Hanna; Spencer had the same expression.

"Get a room. Or a janitor closet. It's not that hard, Jesus Christ."

"Morning Hanna," Spencer greeted.

"Good morning Hanna," Emily addressed.

"Yeah, yeah. Now explain the rose, you saps."

"I just asked Spencer out on a date this Saturday," Emily told her. "She accepted, by the way."

"Of course, what'd you expect? I would've too. You guys are too cute. I'm going to need to puke."

Spencer checked her watch. "Sorry guys but I have to turn in this speech to my debate coach before class starts."

"It's alright. Do you want me to come with you?"Emily offered.

"No! Calculus is on the way and it's all the way across the campus. I don't want you to walk all the way back."

"You sure?"

Spencer nodded. "Wow, being so possessive already. Damn, Em, give a girl room to breathe."

"Sorry."

"It's fine." Spencer kissed Emily's cheek. "Bye, beautiful."

"Thanks," Hanna responded.

~x~

Spencer checked her outfit one more time, just to make sure nothing was astray. She knew that Emily had told her to dress casually, and she had, but she had to satiate that urge to make absolutely certain that nothing was wrong. Not that much could go wrong with a plain grey v-neck, navy cardigan, and skinny jeans. True, she'd put a bit more effort on eyeliner today than she had yesterday, but Emily was worth that effort.

She descended the stairs to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

"Are you going anywhere today?" Her mother had started to take off weekends more it seemed.

"Yeah. I'd meant to tell you this earlier, but I'm going out with Emily."

"I'm guessing not as friends."

"You're right."

Veronica Hastings looked a bit haggard. Wrinkles that weren't there the last time Spencer had seen her were now on her skin. Her shoulders sagged with invisible weight. Spencer had always pushed aside the thought that A had affected her mother significantly aside from police hassle. But now with visual proof, Spencer was hit by guilt.

"Just don't get hurt Spencer. I like Emily. I don't think you two will get into trouble. Don't invite it." Her mother gave her a small smile.

"We won't."

The doorbell rang. Spencer checked the eyehole and opened the door for Emily. The swimmer was holding out a bouquet of roses, identical to the one from the day before. "Hi Spence."

"Wow, thank you!" Spencer took the bouquet from Emily carefully and set it on a table. "You're too sweet."

Emily blushed and looked down at the floor.

"Hello Emily." Her head snapped up.

"Hey Mrs. Hastings."

"I won't keep you two. Have a nice time." They both nodded.

"So, you want to go?" Emily inquired.

"Sure." The two walked down to Emily's sedan.

"Shotgun!" Spencer yelled as Emily unlocked her car. Spencer rushed inside leaving Emily trailing behind.

"Okay, let me just blindfold you real quick..." Emily took out a thick, red blindfold.

"Are you serious right now?" Spencer asked incredulously.

"Duh, it's a surprise. Heard of it?"

"Fine, fine." Spencer gave up and let Emily tie the headband around her eyes. "You know, we're driving around in public. People are going to think you're kidnapping me or something."

"No, they'll think we're being kinky."

"Don't blame me if we get pulled over by the cops because of my suspicious appearance."

"Nothing is going to happen, nerd."

"If you say so..."

"Just sit here while I check on something." Spencer heard Emily open her door and close it. After two minutes, the door opened and closed again.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. Now we can go." Emily started up the engine but experimented a bit with the brakes and gas. Spencer could hear her testing the turn signals too. And then they finally hit the road.

"What were you checking back there?" Spencer had a pretty good idea of what Emily was doing since she did the same.

"Nothing."

"Should I be worried?" Spencer joked.

"Nope."

They drove for a while in silence. Emily sighed delicately, just barely audible to Spencer's ears. "I was giving the car a once-over, y'know, just checking that nothing was out of place or whatever. Nothing stray attached. I guess it's just a nervous tick. From the car accident." Emily cleared her throat. "I didn't want you to know. It's kinda illogical, I know. And insanely paranoid of me."

"It's okay Em. If I said anything different, I'd be a hypocrite because I do the same thing."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You probably don't know that Aria hasn't been able to drive at all." Spencer had heard from Mike that Aria shook so much at the wheel that she could barely insert the key, much less drive.

"I don't blame her."

"I don't either." Hell, it had taken her a month before she could step foot into a car. "Are we there yet?" Spencer asked in an uncanny Spongebob imitation.

"We're almost there, you weirdo. Just a few minutes now."

The car stopped at last. Emily reached over, lightly grazing Spencer's cheek as she untied the blindfold. "Hi." Spencer's eyes adjusted until she saw Emily's eyes staring at hers.

"Where are we?" She tore her eyes from Emily's and observed her surroundings. They were in a parking lot, but not too far from them was an arcade. "An arcade? And pizza?"

"Yep. I figured our first date should be as relaxed and casual as possible. Unless you wanted something more formal. If you do, we can just go back and resched-" She was stopped by Spencer's finger on her mouth.

"Shush, you idiot. It's perfect."

"Thanks." Emily kissed Spencer's fingertip. "C'mon, nerd."

~x~

Slice o' Fun was a regular, honest pizza parlor and amusement arcade. Chock full of air hockey tables, skeeball, car racers, and pinball machines. The place was a myriad of game sounds and colored lights. Spencer was practically vibrating from excitement and Emily couldn't help smiling from the brunette's eagerness.

"You want to get some food first or play first?"

"Anything's fine. I'm not too hungry right now."

"Alright. I'm going to go get a game card. Can you go buy the pizza?"

"Sure."

Emily returned to the table they were at before and saw Spencer waiting for her at their table with the pizza. "You could've just ate a slice already."

"No, I needed to wait for you." They each got a paper plate and a slice. Emily took a bite out of her slice and moaned at how delicious it tasted. The cheese was there, stretchy and abundant. The pepperoni slices were thick and the slice as a whole was a thing of heft. In short, they were in heaven.

"I don't know about you, but I plan on finishing this whole thing," Emily said.

"Don't count me out too soon!" Spencer exclaimed, taking an enormous bite for emphasis.

"You've got tomato sauce on the left corner of your mouth. No, not that left. Your left. Up. Right there."

"Thanks." Spencer took another huge bite, getting even more tomato sauce on herself. Emily restrained herself from commenting until Spencer was done.

Unsurprisingly, Spencer finished first. Her stomach was infamous in its ability to hold everything but not show a thing.

"How?!" Spencer had just polished off her third slice while Emily was still on her second.

"It's a gift."

Emily decided that she couldn't handle another slice. "I think I'm done."

"Here let me take your trash," Spencer offered.

"No I can do it myself," Emily started but Spencer had already snatched her plate. "Thanks."

"No problem." Spencer disposed their plates in a nearby trash can. "Now can we play that?"

"Air hockey?"

"Yeah, that."

Emily swiped the game card, grabbed her mallet, and obtained the puck from the slot on the bottom of her side of the table. "You ready?"

"Of course."

Emily gave an easy stroke to Spencer. The brunette returned swiftly.

"I know the basics, but I have to admit that I've never played this before. Or been to an arcade."

"You're doing great for a beginner." They'd been going back and forth with no goals on either side. Suddenly, Spencer hit the puck with more intensity, winning her a point. "Oh it's on." Emily concentrated her strokes more, attacking with ferociousness. The swimmer tied the score.

"Letting out the big guns now?" Spencer caught on quickly, defending her area well, but Emily had much more experience. The preppy brunette stuck with straight shots while Emily risked taking wild angles, bouncing the puck off the air hockey table's sides. The two were evenly matched, down to a win or die point. Emily leaned over to shoot the puck from the side, but Spencer anticipated this and shot into her goal when she was exposed. "Yes!"

"Two out of three?"

"You're being a sore loser."

"I let you have a couple points in the beginning. For real this time."

Spencer's eyes narrowed. "Okay, but whoever loses has to do Hanna's math homework for a week."

"Deal."

The two put an incredible amount of effort in, enough to draw a small crowd of three families to watch them as they dueled. Emily did an unexpected straight shot into the goal, quick as a bullet. Spencer flew to defend her area but it was too late.

"Ohhhhh! And Emily defends her rightful throne as the air hockey champion!" Emily commentated. The crowd hooted and clapped, drawing a couple more spectators in.

"Oh shut up! We have one last game. This game defines everything."

Emily cracked her knuckles. "Let's go."

The two played a practically perfect game, each scoring and gaining evenly, like before. The game came down to the last point like the others did. It was Emily's turn to serve the puck, but she hit it strangely, sending the puck into the air and crashing into Spencer's hand.

"Ow!" Spencer cried out from the unexpected pain.

"Oh god!" Emily immediately dropped her mallet and rushed over to Spencer's side. Spencer was massaging her middle and index finger. Her digits had red spots that Emily worried would bruise. "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault; I think I have a first aid kit in my bag. Wait here while I-"

"Calm down Em! I'm fine! It was just unexpected. As long as someone doesn't randomly put a dumbbell on my hand, I'll be fine," Spencer said reassuringly.

"Are you sure? You want me to get ice?" Emily asked nervously.

"No, let's just finish this game and settle this once and for all." Before Emily could protest, Spencer asked her, "Where's the puck?"

The puck had disappeared after bouncing off Spencer's hand. "Okay, let's try to look for it. Can't be too far."

The crowd of spectators had also started to help them look for the elusive puck. Using her phone as a flashlight, Emily scoured the floor. Spencer was searching under game machines in a prone position, lying down. Emily smiled at Spencer's commitment. She looked up a little and then her eyes saw the familiar object in the tight grasp of a toddler in a stroller.

"Found the puck!" Emily yelled. The crowd came back and so did the mother of the toddler.

"Um hello. Your kid's holding the puck." She gestured towards the child. "Would you mind if I took it back?" Emily asked politely.

"Oh sure. Eric takes after his father. My husband plays baseball on the weekends, so I guess that hand eye coordination gene got inherited. Thank god, he didn't take after me. One time I was staying at my in-laws' place for the holidays and there was an incident with their crystal figurines and my sweaty hands. I got such a rough time with his mother after that. Gosh, you should've seen that woman..."

Spencer made eye contact with Emily. Emily tried to tell Spencer with her eyes that the kid had the puck. It didn't work so she ended up gesturing quickly while nodding with what the woman was talking about. Spencer slowly pried the puck away from the toddler's hold.

"Wow, that is a great story. I'm sorry but I need to finish up the game."

"Oh of course! You and your girlfriend are so energetic and serious about this."

"Er, she's not my girlfriend yet." The woman gave her a pitying look. Emily ran back to the air hockey table. She frowned when she saw that their tied scores had been wiped. "What the hell?"

"Right? What happened?"

"I think they reset it automatically. Whatever. You want to play some skeeball?"

"Sure."

They walked over to the skeeball area slowly, taking their time. Emily stared at Spencer's hand, wanting to hold it, but she noticed something. "Oh gosh, your fingers are bruised! Why didn't you tell me?"

Spencer observed her fingers. "Why should I have? This just means that you hit harder than I thought," Spencer teased.

"I'm worried, okay? And you should get that iced," Emily said. Spencer's fingers had a light purple bruise and it was her fault. "I'm sorry."

"It was an accident. Don't stress yourself about it. Let's just play some skeeball." Emily gave her the card to use. "So I just roll the ball to land in those holes for points?"

"Basically, yeah."

"Seems simple enough." Spencer reached down for the ball and threw the ball harshly, thudding on the lane to land no points. Spencer rolled up her sleeves and quickly grabbed another ball to get a measly ten points.

"Your throw needs to be more fluid. Let the ramp do most of the work for you." Emily demonstrated a throw and got a solid 75 points.

"Oh no, I can no longer move my arms. I need someone to guide my body. Help," Spencer said in a mocking damsel in distress tone.

Emily rolled her eyes but obliged, wrapping her body around Spencer's. She held the back of Spencer's hand and pulled it back, making Spencer lean against her body. She swung her arm with ease and the ball rolled nicely, scoring 50 points. "There you go," Emily said quietly.

Spencer's eyes looked at her with longing and Emily would be lying if she didn't reciprocate. The brunette leaned in and closed the small distance between them. Their lips met and that undeniable spark was there again. It was like they were meant to do this, like it was fate's intention. They both pulled away for breath.

"Am I a good noodle now?" Spencer asked, quoting Spongebob. "Or have I soiled our friendship garden?"

"Oh shut up, you dork." Emily lightly smacked Spencer's shoulder.

"Wow, punching the injured. Very nice of you," Spencer drawled.

Emily shot her a glare. "You are so getting your ass kicked at skeeball."

"You're on."

~x~

Spencer ended up winning by a narrow ten points. As much as Emily complained, she knew it was a win nonetheless. They'd gone around the arcade going at all the games they could find. Emily was quite sure she'd never see a sight as precious as Spencer's child like state when playing stupid arcade games. She was absolutely adorable when she was at ease, having fun. Emily felt herself smiling whenever Spencer's eyes lit up from scoring points. Emily hadn't seen Spencer like this in forever. Even in junior high Spencer's schedule was hectic. Overachiever since preschool it seemed.

The two were sitting the car now. Emily was driving Spencer back home after- what she hoped to be- a wonderful date. "I had a great time. Did you?" Emily was nervous for Spencer's answer even though she knew that Spencer probably had at least a tolerable time.

"Is that even a question? Of course I did."

"I'm glad to hear that. I figured you might like the arcade."

"I'm assuming you knew that I'd never gone to the arcade before." Emily nodded. "I love how you gave it some thought, even though it was casual. But seriously, if you took me to a dumpster I would've thought it was a great date too. You just make everything easy, like I can just let go and relax."

"I feel the same way. I don't know. You make me happy. When you smile, I smile." Emily pulled into the driveway. "We're here."

"Good, that means I get to do this." Spencer held Emily's face as she kissed her. Emily moaned into the kiss. She never wanted this to stop. Spencer pulled away guiltily.

"Needed air," Spencer explained. "We could've hung out more. It's barely ten-thirty."

"My mom's paranoid," Emily said, rolling her eyes. "She doesn't want me dead before my dad gets here so she has an eleven o'clock curfew for me."

"That sucks."

"Not really. Rosewood is kind of boring without a bloodthirsty stalker on your trail."

"True." Spencer sighed. "I shouldn't keep you." She opened her door and got out. Emily did the same and escorted her.

Spencer kissed her again at the door. "Thanks Em. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Spencer."

After quickly checking her car, Emily drove home. After she parked, she took out her phone. She had an unread text message from Spencer.

Spencer: Again, thank you for giving me an awesome time. Ok, that sounded dirty but whatever. I forgot to tell you this today... You looked beautiful. But don't you always. I hope you have a nice night.

Cute. So freaking cute. Emily quickly typed out a reply.

Emily: I would do anything for you. Not because you're so gorgeous (which you are btw) but because you make me smile till my face hurts. Goodnight. Don't let the bedbugs bite.

~x~

Aria opened her door to a determined looking, albeit a bit nervous, Emily.

"Hi," Emily greeted awkwardly.

"Hi," Aria said back with a little confusion. She moved aside. "Come in." They both took a seat on the couch.

"Look, I just figured that it would be better for me to talk to you rather than Spencer since I don't really know her head is at. I can't tell if she wants to rip your head off or let you go."

Aria elected to ignore Spencer's state for now. "Talk to me about what?"

"You know what. Spencer and I's relationship that you're against."

"I'm not against you and Spencer."

"Yes you are. You're either with us or against us and you're definitely not with us."

"I just don't think it's the best idea."

"Well it's not your decision to make. Wouldn't you have liked everyone to support you and Ezra? Same for Spencer and I."

"Don't bring Ezra into this!" Aria declared with hurt.

Emily realized she had struck a nerve. "I'm sorry."

Aria had her fair share of letting things slip out when she was upset, so she forgave Emily. "It's fine. I get it."

"I just..." Emily fixed the sleeve of her flannel thoughtfully. "She makes me happy." Emily said finally. "All of you guys do but what I have with her is on another level. Yesterday I had a fantastic time with her at an arcade. She just had the most infectious smile. This is special- and our friendships are too- but I can't pass up this feeling that this was meant to be. And I promise you that if we ever fight, it won't divide our friendship."

Emily's face had glowed when she talked about Spencer like the way Aria used to look like with Ezra. She was hurting for sure, but it was selfish of her to hold the people supporting her on such a tight leash. She was just choking their necks until they broke the leash and left. She needed to let go and trust that they'd come back to her.

Aria took a deep breath. "You can't promise me that. One of you will need support because of some stupid argument about whatever and Hanna and I will have to comfort our designated best friend. Hanna and I will try to kill each other sometime or the other, but it's okay if we argue if it's about you or Spencer's happiness."

The shorter girl peered up at Emily's face. Her breathing was erratic and her eyes were growing wet. "I want you to remember that you, Spencer, and Hanna are all I have. Mike's a fucking mess doing god knows what to land his body in rehab, my parents don't have their own shitty lives together, and I have no fucking idea what the hell I'm going to do with my life right now so please, please don't fuck up the one thing keeping me sane." Aria wiped the tears with her sleeve. "You keep that in mind and I'll be good. We've lost too much already. So, if this is some sort of fleeting fancy or whatever, then please stop. If you're sure, then go ahead. Who am I to stop you? But remember what I said. We've lost too much."

Emily sympathized with Aria. She'd been ignorant of it before, but now she could see the weight on Aria's shoulders so much more clearly. Aria was small, but fiercely protective even with the girls.

"I wouldn't try if I wasn't sure. Trust me."

"I do. I just hope you don't break it."

"I won't," Emily affirmed. "You know, sometime in the future we're going to have to discuss the accident and everything. Sooner or later you're going to have let down your walls. But thank you. I know it was hard to accept my relationship with Spencer. Thank you." Aria nodded shakily and Emily gave her a small smile before she left.