A little Party Never Killed Nobody

The afternoon was as nice as it could be. After school, Aria went directly to Ezra's apartment, where they spent the day watching movies, talking, making out and even eating Thai, something that'd become like a ritual. Her relationship was fine again and she couldn't be happier about it. But as the sun set got closer, Aria knew it was time to say goodbye and go home to grab some clothes and go to Hanna Marin's place to get ready for the big party.

Her mother wasn't home, as usual, so she left a note explaining what her plans for the evening were. Aria picked up a nice red dress and some beautiful sandals. She hoped she wouldn't be too underdressed.

Luckily, as Aria arrived at Hanna's, she noticed the girls were wearing similar clothes as her. Emily was even wearing jeans and converses. Hanna was the only one who actually cared what others would think of her look, so she spent a pretty big amount of time in her bathroom, applying make up while the others gossiped in her room.

"You won't believe it. Sean told me Robert will be at the party." Robert was Spencer's ex-boyfriend

"Maybe it's not a bad thing" said Aria lying on the bed.

"How come?" asked Spencer curiously

"Maybe you two can bond"

"You mean get back together?" asked Emily, who was reading a sports magazine

"Not really, I meant just try and be friends again. You two used to be best friends, maybe there's still a connection in there"

"Aria, that's cute, but I don't think I want to bond with my ex. At least not after he cheated on me with that slut"

"Come on, I thought you were over him."

"I am." Aria looked at her with distrust "I swear, I totally am. I just don't feel like meeting him tonight. But who cares? Let's change the subject."

"Alright, what do you wanna talk about?"

"Noel." said Emily and Spencer in unison

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Oh come on! The guy is so into you" insisted Spencer

"Not. Gonna. Happen."

"Aria, why not? He's single, you're single, you guys are friends, he's super hot!" said Emily

"I simply don't like him that way." she shrugged

"Let's hope you'll change your mind tonight, because I'm sure he'll want to talk to you in particular tonight" said Spencer and Emily nodded

"Even if he does, nothing will happen."

"Let's go, girls?" said Hanna leaving the bathroom looking stunning

The party was bigger than Aria imagined. Noel lived in a mansion a little far from downtown. His house had three floors and a huge backyard with a lake. The party was occupying the whole backyard and first floor. It looked like the whole school had been invited and some college kids too. It would be definitely the best party of the year.

Not too long after arriving, Spencer and Hanna had already vanished from Aria's sight, leaving her with Emily. Drunk guys tried to hit on Aria but she didn't mind, Aria was in a great mood and nothing could ruin it, and thinking about it, the cheesy catch up lines were actually pretty funny.

After a few drinks, Emily was already ignited. They decided to dance a little, but of course vodka turned it into something much bigger. Emily Fields started jumping, twerking and dub stepping all at the same time; she even created some new dance moves. Aria tried to stop her friend, but couldn't help but laugh. After the long and embarrassing minutes of dancing, they decided to explore the party in the house.

The music was great and everyone was drunkenly happy. Aria was watching Emily terribly lose a match of beer pong when Noel arrived.

"Enjoying the party?"

"Yeah, it's pretty nice"

"Want some beer?" he offered her a can

"No, thank you. I don't drink..."

"You don't?" Noel seemed surprised

"No."

"All right then." he gave the beer to someone who was passing by. "Do you already know the house?"

"Yes, it's beautiful."

He smiled

"It was my great grandfather's. I never got to know him, but he sure had a nice taste for architecture."

"It's pretty nice. I wish I lived in a place like this." she daydreamed

"Come. Let me show you around." He put one hand on her back and led her outside. They walked through the whole garden; there were parts that looked more like a private forest. In the woods, drunken girls were doing things they'd probably regret the next morning. Aria thought about stopping them, but decided against it. Noel took her to an old pier by the lake. She really wished she had a lake on her backyard. Just the thought of canoeing in the middle of an afternoon was a dream for Aria. They took off their shoes and put their feet in the water.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" said Noel

"It is. You're really lucky to live in such a beautiful place." said Aria, without looking anywhere but the dark forest horizon. A light wind came from the water making her petite body shiver.

"Are you cold?" he asked

"Just a little." Noel took off his jacket and gave it to her.

"Here. It should warm you up."

"Thanks. But won't you be cold?"

"I can handle it."

She smiled but then heard a breaking noise in the background that worried her a little

"You sure you shouldn't go check what's going on?"

"My brothers are probably taking care of it. And plus, why would I go anywhere if I have the prettiest girl from school sitting right next to me?"

He looked right in her eyes and slowly leaned in for a kiss.

"Noel... I can't" said Aria and quickly stood up

"Why not?" he asked

"Look, you're really nice and every girl in school wants you..."

"So why don't you?" he cut her off

"I just don't like you that way"

"Just give me one chance. It can't be so bad." he pleaded

Suddenly, police sirens went off. Red and blue lights hit the forest trees so hard that made her eyes hurt.

"Fuck. I need to go." said Noel already starting to run towards the house leaving her alone in the dark

Aria quickly called Spencer's phone

"Aria, where the hell are you?"
"I'll be right there! Just wait for me by the car!"

"Hurry! Police cars are everywhere!"

"I swear I won't take long!"

She hung up and started running to the same direction Noel had moments before. Arriving at the yard, she realized Spencer wasn't exaggerating. There were about five police cars around the house. Most teenagers had already vanished, but left Noel and his two big brothers alone to talk to the cops.

Aria found Hanna's car and quickly ran towards it. She got in and Spencer started the ignition shortly after.

"Where were you? We were worried!" said Spencer

"I was with Noel by the lake..."

"So, how was it?" yelled Hanna

"How was what?"

"The kiss, you dumbass"

"It didn't happen"

"What?!" they all said together

"I told you guys it wouldn't happen and it didn't!"

"Come on, Aria. We know you are a good liar, but you were alone with Noel in his house's pier. Of course something happened!" said Emily

"Alright! He tried kissing me, but as I said, it -didn't- happen!"

"Sometimes I just don't get you" said Hanna making Aria laugh

"What do you guys think that will happen to Noel?" asked Spencer

"You mean about the kiss?" said Hanna

"No, about the cops."

"I don't think he'll get in a lot of trouble with the police. But he surely will be grounded for weeks" said Emily

Hanna was checking her phone messages and almost yelled when found the precious information

"GUYS! Noel was arrested!"