Hailey giggled uncontrollably from her place on her twin sister, Spencer's lap as she along with her friends talked in the barn. The music was loud and the teens couldn't have been more relaxed... Until the power went out.
"What happened?" Aria asked switching on a flashlight
"It must be the storm." Spencer reassured just as the door of the barn creaked.
"Okay, something is out there." Aria whispered as the door pulled open.
"Guys," Hanna called, catching everyone's attention before they all stood to their feet and cautiously approached the door. The smashing of glass caused a shriek of terror to leave the lips of the five teen girls as they clustered together.
Alison laughed as the the girls screamed at her sudden appearance.
"That's so not funny." Spencer complained as the girls laughed it off.
"Ali did you download the new Beyoncé?" Hanna asked causing Hailey to look up from her glowing phone screen as she took a seat beside Spencer.
"Not yet," Alison replied
"I'm loving her new video." Emily announced smiling.
"Maybe a little too much Em." Ali commented, Hailey's grip tightened on her phone as she glanced at Emily whose smile fell slightly "Your turn."
Aria took the outstretched cup from Alison's hands before she put it to her lips.
"Careful Aria, take too much and you might tell us all your secrets." Spencer joked as the other girls giggled
"Friends share secrets, that's what keeps us close."
"Hey who are you texting?" Spencer whispered to her sister who hurriedly turned off her phone.
"No one important." Hailey laughed before meeting the accusing eyes of Alison that seemed to taunt her.
"Drink up." Ali said to Aria as another round of giggles left the girls.
Hailey woke to someone shaking her gently. "If it's not food, it's not important." The sleepy girl mumbled as her eyes fluttered open to meet those of Aria's.
"Where's Ali and Spencer?" Hanna asked causing Hailey to sit up abruptly.
"I don't know." Aria shook her head as she stood to her feet and approached the ajar barn door.
"Ali?"
"She's gone." Spencer spoke up as she approached the girl
"What do you mean she's gone?" Aria asked
"I've looked everywhere for her... I think I heard her scream."
: O N E Y E A R L A T E R :
Hailey sighed loudly as she sat behind her desk, elbows propped up on the surface as her eyes stay fixated on her laptop screen. This had been her pose for two hours straight and her eyes had begun to droop, the words she had written blurred together. The brunette stood to her feet rubbing her eyes while walking towards the bathroom. After splashing her face with cold water she slipped on her converse before pulling her hair back into a loose bun.
Everything had changed after what had happened a year ago. The girls had drifted apart, Hanna had went on to become the 'it' girl, Emily focused solely on her swimming and her studies, Aria and her family had moved to ice-land for her father's sabbatical, Spencer being the overachiever kept her head buried in books as she gave her studies all her attention and Hailey, Hailey sought comfort in someone no one knew about, while giving said person all of her attention.
The once perfect group now seemed fractured beyond repair... Or so they thought.
"Where are you going?" Melissa asked her younger sister as the tall girl approached the front door.
"I'm suppose to meet Spencer at the mall."
"Can't we just pour the whole thing in it?" Hailey groaned in annoyance as she held a tin of evaporated milk in her hand.
"No Hailey," Alex laughed as he removed the tin from her grasp turning her to face him. "What's wrong?"
"How do you know something's wrong?" Hailey asked face scrunched in confusion, as she narrowed her gaze on the boy before her.
"I'm very observant."
"It's nothing to worry about." Hailey reassured offering the brown haired boy a small smile.
"Talk to me Hailey." He mumbled softly as he stroked her cheek gazing down into her eyes.
"It's a year since Ali's Disappearance, i'm just a bit emotional."
Alex smiled sadly at the young girl before pressing a quick peck to her lips "You'll be okay."
"I know," Hailey smiled slightly before reaching up to kiss Alex once more "Now where were we?"
"You were suppose to measure th-"
"Food can wait, let's head to your room yeah?"
"How can you be so active on the first day back to school?" Hailey asked as she entered Spencer's room heading for the girl's closet.
"You're the one who's already dressed, how are you even awake? You came in really late last night." Spencer noted as her sister wrapped a scarf around her neck.
"You know studying takes a lot longer when you're practically tutoring your study buddy." Hailey answered as she glanced at her appearance in Spencer's body length mirror.
"Yeah, I guess." Spencer drawled just as the ding of Hailey's phone sounded "I'm going to get dressed."
"Yeah, I'll wait." Hailey smiled as she unlocked her phone glancing at the text notification from a blocked ID.
Didn't you have fun studying last night? I wonder what everyone will think when they find out little miss perfect is a cheater. -A
Attachment
Hailey hesitantly opened the attachment gasping loudly once her eyes caught sight of the picture. It was a picture of her and Alex kissing outside of his apartment building. Her grip tightened on the phone as her mind raced with different thoughts but one name echoing in the back of her mind.
"Alison."
"Who is this?" At Alison's voice Hailey glanced up from her place on the floor of her bedroom where she sorted through her shoes to find the blond brandishing her phone aiming an accusing look her way.
"Who is who?" Hailey sighed as she reached for her phone "Why are you going through my pictures?"
Hailey glared at Alison accusingly as her eyes darted to the picture of her and Alex.
"Isn't this the guy that works at the country club?"
"He works part time." Hailey corrected as she locked her phone "And what's wrong if it's him."
"Your parents think you're dating Noel, isn't that considered cheating?"
Hailey eyes widened as she glanced around Spencer's room as if she'd magically find the culprit but to no avail.
"Why didn't you show at the mall yesterday? I thought you had nothing to wear for the dinner." Spencer announced as she left the bathroom fully dressed and hair styled.
"Oh I don't, last minute change of plans." Hailey laughed
"I know you're lying." Spencer laughed "I bet you went stalk that guy you're crushing on, why don't you just talk to him?"
"That'll just complicate things besides there's Noel."
"Who you've been avoiding every chance you get." Spencer laughed at her twin "I'm pretty sure you haven't kissed him in forever."
"Who knows when the flu will strike?" Hailey shrugged
"I miss this," Spencer said softly as she grabbed her book bag "I miss us talking boys and just spending time together."
"I miss us too but we've both been busy."
"Well it's time we started making time for each other."
"Yes mom." Hailey joked smiling "Let's get our sappy derriere to school."
The drive to Rosewood high was filled with the Hastings twin going over their schedules and making plans for their afternoon before family dinner that is.
Hailey and Spencer entered their English class hurriedly while Spencer waved at Hanna, Hailey typed furiously to cancel her plans with Alex all the while manoeuvering her way to her desk that was behind Spencer's.
Hailey put her phone away as the bell rung just in time for the new teacher to walk into the classroom. He immediately wrote his name on the board before turning to face what was now his class, his smile faltered as they landed on Aria.
"Holy crap."
All eyes darted to the girl, Hailey smirked wiggling her eyebrows though Aria never took notice as her eyes were now on Mr. Fitz.
As if things couldn't get worst her phone went off.
"Sorry." She apologized
"Uh I'm Mr. Fitz, your new English teacher."
The day went on uneventful as Hailey had done her best to avoid her boyfriend'. In reality Noel was just a cover up for her real boyfriend though none of the boys were aware of the girls actions. She knew that even if her parents met Alex they would dismiss him before he even got a chance to say hello, after all he was just they guy that works part time at the country club.
Hailey wiggled from her place at the breakfast bar, she was waiting for Spencer to return from outside to see what their ever so perfect sister had to say about the barn's new décor.
Noel's name flashed across the screen causing a strangled groan to leave her lips before she begrudgingly answered.
"Aloha!" She greeted in her most cheery voice.
"Hey babe," Hailey cringed at his voice rolling her eyes, he was definitely no Alex. "I didn't see you in school today, I asked Spencer she said you weren't feeling well. I just wanted to know of you we're okay."
"Yeah, yeah, my eyes kept watering, my nose was running. I was an absolute mess." Hailey lied smoothly as she rested her head on the countertop "I'm okay now though."
"Great, that's great, uh do you think you could come over tonight? We could watch your favorite movie." Noel proposed
"The movie you always fall asleep during before it even hits the thirty minute mark?" Hailey raised an eyebrow though the boy couldn't see her.
"I won't, I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
Sudden guilt gnawed at Hailey's inside as she chewed on her lower lip. What she was doing wasn't fair to Noel or Alex.
'Alex...' She thought, she knew everything would go to hell if he found out which is why he couldn't, he wouldn't.
"I don't know about tonight but we can hang tomorrow, I promise Spencer we'd do homework together." Hailey almost winced at how awful that sounded.
Who turned down movies for homework? Apparently Hailey Hastings did.
"That sounds terrible, but sure tomorrow sounds great." Noel chuckled another reminder that he's no Alex. Alex would tell her that studying was essential if she want to maintain her high grades then he'd joke.
"Kay, bye."
"Lo-" Hailey ended the call before he could finish his sentence just as Spencer stomped into the room.
"Unbelievable!" Spencer exclaimed
"What happened? Didn't she like it?" Hailey asked as she hopped off the stool and moved to stand before her sister.
"She liked it yes, she likes it so much she and her fiancée is moving in until they re-do her place in the city."
"But I thought we were going to move into the loft for junior year?" Hailey asked confused
"Apparently we'll just have to wait." Spencer said repeat in Melissa's words.
"Want us to sack her?" Hailey asked trying to lift the mood as she knew that moving into this loft was all that Spencer had dreamt about, they gave up their summer for it, well Spencer gave up hers, Hailey gave up half.
"Believe me I've considered it." Spencer replied her tone serious.
"Okay, let's go to your room. We don't need blood on your hands now do we?"
Night had fallen, Hailey had managed to convince Spencer to go out back to read a book while they waited for the pending family dinner, while she stayed back in her room to get ready.
She had chosen a blue dress which stopped mid thigh that was hidden in the back of her closet, while she tied her hair in a messy up do. She hadn't pierced her ears so the only accessory she wore was a silver locket, one she never removed. Her feet were buried in comfortable black heeled boots as she couldn't be bothered to search for anything else. A dress and boots would never pass her mother which is why she waited until last minute to leave her room.
"Hey," Melissa pushed the door open not bothering to knock as she entered.
"Is dinner ready?" Hailey asked as she made sure that her makeup covered the love bites that were left on her neck.
"Yeah..." Melissa replied softly "You can say it."
"You know how hard Spencer worked on that loft, we had yelling matches Melissa. It wasn't pretty."
"Wren and I are a couple, couples need their own space and besides mom and dad are okay with it."
"They're okay with everything you do or say. I'm not," Hailey stated "Close the door on your way out."
Spencer and Hailey laughed as they entered the girl's locker room before parting to go to their separate lockers. Hailey leant against hers as she saw Emily clad in a white towel, her hair wet.
"Hey Em," Hailey smiled at the girl who offered a small grin before turning back to her locker.
"Have you been hanging out with Aria?" Spencer asked from her place in front of her locker.
"Not really." Emily replied causing both girls to glance in her direction. Hailey perked up once Emily begun unfolding a paper she took from the locker, curious she moved to stand beside Spencer nudging her sister once she saw Emily freeze.
"Emily?" Spencer called moving closer as she raised an eyebrow in Hailey's direction. "Is everything alright?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Emily smiled folding the paper
"You kind of-"
"Everything's fine." Emily stated cutting Hailey's sentence short.
Hailey raised her hands in surrender before tugging Spencer out of the locker room.
"Pick up those balls boy!" Hailey called in a stern voice as she spotted Alex on the tennis court.
"Haha very funny." Alex smiled thinly as the girl approached
"Need help with your balls?" Hailey asked to which Alex raised an eyebrow amused.
"My balls?"
"God no! The tennis balls." Hailey laughed slapping his hand playfully "Today seems awfully dull."
"Yeah, it does." Alex agreed
"No, you're suppose to say something really cheesy like 'it's a lot brighter now that you're here' or something." Hailey whined pouting earning a loud laugh from Alex.
"I thought you hated cheesy." Alex kissed her pout before continuing his job.
"I do, well sort of."
"Do you want to come over tonight? We could read that book you've been wailing about."
"I would but I haven't purchased the book, I can't believe I missed the release date. Stupid online stores." Hailey's shoulder sagged as she bit her lip
"Believe me I know you haven't had a chance to buy it, my ears were bleeding the other night after hearing you go on and on about it. So to avoid that happening I got you the book." Alex grinned as he stood straight the dimple in his chin ever prominent.
"What? No," Hailey started "I let you buy me food like all the time, I don't want you to waste your hard earned money on stupid books I want."
"Too bad, I want to." Alex laughed rolling his eyes "So are we on?"
"Ye-" Hailey's sentence came to a stand still as her phone began ringing. A groan left her lips as she pulled device from her back pocket.
"It'll only be a minute." She reassured as she slid her thumb across the screen.
"Hello?"
"Which do you prefer Chinese takeout or Pizza?" Noel asked from the other line
"None of the above, what are you talking about?"
"Don't tell me you forgot, we're suppose to hang out tonight." Noel reminded
"Right, I remembered. Clearly you forgot I live for Italian or Indian."
"Pizza is Italian." Noel replied in a duh tone.
"Whatever, I'll see you later." Hailey grumbled as she glanced at Alex who was now approaching, haven discarded of the balls that were laying around.
"Who was that?" Alex asked after Hailey ended the call.
"Melissa, we're having a girls night which I completely forgot about." Hailey lied as she kept her eyes on her phone screen knowing if she met his eyes he'd knew she was lying. "How about tomorrow?"
"Yeah, sure." Alex smiled
"I should get going." Hailey met his eyes now that he was standing in front of her "I'll call you."
"Yeah, sure." Hailey leant forward pressing her lips to his lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Love you." He mumbled again her lips
"Love you too." She smiled before pulling away
"Are you sure you're okay?" Alex asked before she could turn away. And for a moment she thought to herself, was I?
"Never better."
"Thank God, you called." Hailey breathe as she exit Noel's house. The boy had indeed pass out during the movie giving her time to escape. "It's a long walk home but I don't care."
"You're walking?" Wren asked confused
"Yeah, what's up?" Hailey asked the fiancée of her older sister.
"Who is Alex to you?" Wren asked
"How do you know Alex?" The teen asked as her heart sped up as did her walking.
"She invited him over to dinner because she thinks you guys are good friends but apparently he thought you three were having a girls night, Melissa made it look like you ditched him. I thought you should know you'd have some damaged control to do."
"That little she-devil." Hailey groaned "Thanks for telling, I can explain when I get home."
"You don't have to." Wren replied just a lot rounded the corner frowning at the flashing lights and the crowd gathered before Alison's old house.
"Spencer, what happ-" The words died in her throat as she saw it. A body was being wheeled on a stretcher, though in a body bag it didn't take rocket science to guess what was happening, or specifically who was in the body bag.
Aria approached the gaping twins moving to stand beside Spencer "I heard the cops took Hanna to the police station today."
"You don't think she'd ever talk about-" The twins started simultaneously
"The Jenna thing?" Hanna's voice asked "We made a promise."
Hailey held onto Spencer's hand as they along with their parents approached the entrance of the church pausing momentarily as Emily and her mother approached. All three girls exchanged hugs before they entered the church, the place was crowded with a ridiculous amount of people. Mrs. Dilaurentis had asked the girls to sit up front, which was where they sat.
"You okay?" Spencer asked glancing at Hailey who once again checked her phone.
"Yeah, i'm fine." She smiled in reply though she was still weary of the fact that Alex hadn't called. Surely he'd let her explain...
Hanna reached for Aria's hand causing the girl to turn her gaze away from the picture of Alison and the casket that held her and toward the four girls. They adjusted their selves on the pew making room for the short girl, before returning their gazes to the front.
"Poor Ali," Emily said sadly.
"Can you believe what a scene this is?" Hanna shook her head
"Alison would've loved it." Aria breathe
"Popular in life and death." The twins spoke simultaneously.
Hanna glanced at Emily before passing her the flask she had carried in her clutch.
"No thanks, I don't-"
"Today I think you do." Hanna said softly cutting Emily's previous sentence off. Aria's phone went off causing the girl's eyes to dart towards her.
"Anyone we know?" Hanna asked as the girls waited with bated breath.
"No, it's just my mom sending me a text." Aria reassured before realisation dawned on her "Emily and I aren't the only ones who got messages from A, are we?"
They all glanced at each other, while Hailey raised an eyebrow at Spencer and vice versa.
Mummers set off amongst the people in the church causing Spencer to glance over her shoulder gasping. This in turn catch the attention of the other girls. "Oh my god... It's Jenna."
All five girls turned to stare at the visually impaired girl as she was getting seated, all eyes on her. They slowly turned around as Mrs. Dilaurentis joined them at the front.
"Did you see that Jenna Marshall is here?" She asked staring at the girls "I didn't realize she and Ali were friends."
Hailey snorted to herself as Spencer spoke up "They weren't."
"The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away."
Hailey stood in the middle of Spencer and Emily as the exited the church hand in hand.
"Emily, Hailey, Spencer, Aria an Hanna."
"Do we know you?" Spencer asked the suit clad man who had approached them.
"I'm detective Wilden." He started "I understand you were all too friends with he victim."
"Yeah, we were." Hailey answered eyes squinted at the detective as her sister looked at the card he had given to her.
"I'm gonna need to talk to each one of you."
"We talked to the police when Alison went missing." Spencer said looking back at the man.
"An I intend to go over every one of your statements as this is no longer a missing person's investigation, it's a murder." Detective Wilden informed
"No shit Sherlock." Hailey mumbled under her breath growing impatient and slightly nervous.
"And rest assured I will find out what happened that summer."
The girls watched as he walked away before turning their attention to Jenna who was being escorted into a waiting car. Hailey turned away with clammy palms as pictures from the incident that was never to be spoken of played through her mind.
"You think he knows about the-" Aria started
"No, how could he?" Hanna asked cutting her off just as all their phones went off. Hailey along with the other girls read the message.
"It's from-"
"I got one too." Emily announced
"I'm still here bitches," Spencer read
"And I know everything. A."