Spencer fell asleep with her face in a textbook at midnight, not even hearing her phone buzz. She didn't get to check the message until she ran into to school after over sleeping and by then it was somewhat too late. Aria had made up her mind about the whole thing, feeling like a piece of crap. Jason still had a ton of explaining to do, that was for sure, but as of now, it didn't matter. Aria felt fooled again and hurt that Jason didn't mention this kind of thing when they talked about his past. Cece seemed to be showing up everywhere and helping some sorts. She took Emily's phone, calling Jenna and telling her to back away from Nate or else and it worked. He was stood up and was free for the taking by Emily. It wasn't the best way of doing things, but it was a very Ali style thing. All the girls disapproved of it, but there wasn't much they could do. Emily was back on her own to deal with Nate and Spencer was intervening in the lives of Jason and Aria to salvage their relationship once again.

"Okay, you need to start talking like…now," Spencer snapped to Jason over the phone after school. She was back home hanging low for the day while Aria was getting ready at work for Jenna's big party.

"What is going on? And what was with the violent message? Have you heard from Aria today? She hasn't picked up her phone or answered any of my messages. Is she okay?"

"There is a reason why I sent you that. And Aria's preoccupied – physically and mentally – right now. Jason, who the hell is Cece Drake?"

The line was quiet and Spencer was impatient for an answer. "We met her by chance yesterday at the coffee shop. She's here in Rosewood looking for you. She's a great girl, really bubbly actually. Kind of reminds me of Alison and hey guess what? You two dated for three or four years? Oh, and lets not forget the mention of your guys' past sex life she touched base on for us," Spencer said with babbling sarcasm.

"Please tell me Aria wasn't there," He breathed in tensely.

"Did you not hear about the rest I had to say?" Spencer asked sharply. "Jason, this is huge! She's a freaking Alison look alike. And you two dated? Slept together? It was so much I didn't need to know and beyond. And Aria? She took it like a champ. You are so lucky she has other things on her mind besides you!"

Spencer could hear some shuffling and numerous sighs coming from Jason. He was speechless which was expected but Spencer was on a roll of anger. Her best friend was hurt, Jenna's stupid party was tonight which by the way both Aria and Emily were going to (Emily had to work the party), and Caleb dumped Hanna! It was a horrible week only getting worse with the nice and lively CeCe Drake coming into their lives!

"Look Spencer, I can't come home until these last two deals are signed and done with. If you could please just try and talk to Aria so I can explain it to her…"

"When are you going to be back?" Spencer said cooling off.

"Not for another week…maybe more." Spencer shoved away her anger and felt sorry for Jason. She knew he loved Aria but she also couldn't help feel mad at him. He hid this from her – from all of them. Now while he was gone they had to deal with his ex. Really?

"I'm not sure if I can convince Aria of anything. You know how she is."

Jason's jaw clenched knowing how right Spencer's statement was. Aria was stubborn as a mule. Ella had once described her ways of shutting people out like getting frostbite and it was true. Once Aria gave you the cold shoulder and dropped you out of her life, it was lonely and cold as hell. "Please just try."

"I can't promise you any thing but I can guarantee you she won't be calling tonight. I wont have any chance to talk to her – she's working a party with Laurel and I know she wont want to hear anything I have to say about you for a few days. So don't stay up too late thinking you'll be getting a call." Spencer warned him, it was the best thing she could do right now until she could find he perfect opportunity to corner Aria.

"Jason I have to go. Emily's calling," Spencer noted, switching calls before he could say anything else. Listening to Emily fret on, she quickly grabbed her things and ran to the hospital. Paige was there and it was all her friend's fault!


Aria worked pictures with Laurel for hours, not even able to take a break after what went down with Paige. Apparently she had a little too much to drink during the party and raised a major scene. Jenna was pissed and Emily was concerned. Paige had been trying to get Emily's attention the whole party, rambling on about how they should be together and she still wanted to be friends with her.

"Go find yourself something to eat," Laurel instructed as the party started to die down.

"Are you sure?" Aria wondered with her camera still in her hand. She didn't mind going around taking pictures.

"I can go solo for a while. If I need ya, I'll come get ya," Laurel winked. Walking off, Aria smiled and went in the back to make a call and get some food. Checking in with Emily she heard from her that Paige was okay. She cut her head and went into the ER to get some stitches. Nate was waiting with her and Spencer was on her way for some more support.

"I have to go," Emily said talking with Aria. Paige was coming out of the room now ready to go home. "Okay, call me later," Aria stated before ending the conversation. Turning around to go and find something to eat, she was startled to see an upset looking Jenna coming into the empty room.

"Oh…sorry," Aria said awkwardly. Jenna had tears running down her cheeks clearly distraught. "Its fine, my party's ruined anyways."

"Why would you say that? It seems like a hit to me," Aria stated, hesitantly stepping forward to comfort her. "Your party is amazing – all the funky hat and great pictures. Honestly it's a great night you having."

"Paige just totally made a scene and ruined everything. People will remember this instead of all that," she snapped waving her hands around. Aria smashed her lips together and tried to think of something else to cheer her up. It was somewhat true what Jenna was saying, but if she were in her place, Aria would want some comforting words too.

"Look maybe you're right. Maybe people will keep talking about what happened with Paige, but I think once they see all the amazing pictures and gifts you are giving everyone as they leave, they'll forget it like a past memory. People are still hanging around, all for you. Getting your sight back and being here to host this party is much bigger news than Paige crashing into some of your props."

Jenna sniffled and glanced up to Aria, standing a few feet away from her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Aria said playing with her fingers. "A birthday girl should never cry at her own party." Jenna nodded, wiping some more tears away. "Your nothing like them."

Aria tilted her head to the side wondering exactly what she meant. Like who? "I remember Ali and her little posse always around. She treated people like crap – acting as if she owned the world. I always thought you four were like them and sometimes I still think so. But…you're not. You're different and nothing like her."

"Ali did have her moments," Aria replied, knowing her dead best friend could be a real jerk sometimes.

"Thank you Aria," Jenna said with much more composure. "I really couldn't have done this without you."

Aria nodded, watching Jenna leave the room fresh and new. As much as she wanted to call back out to Jenna to try and get a fresh start, apologizing for everything, she couldn't yet. What Ali did to her and what she went along with…it was horrible and didn't feel any better but something was holding her back and she wasn't sure what.

Teetering around the kitchen a while longer, Aria went back out to the party and grabbed some food. No one at this place was really worth talking to anymore. Emily wasn't here, Spencer didn't attend and Hanna was a wreck at home. She felt awkward now without her friends. "Put me to work," Aria instructed to Laurel when she found her again.

"I thought I told you to go eat?" Laurel replied, snapping a shot of two people from school. "I did – I'm done," Aria answered quickly. Skeptical, the older woman told Aria to grab her camera and start taking more pictures. The two of them worked till everyone was gone…


"You should just call him, maybe let him explain," Spencer nagged to Aria a few days later when they met for coffee. She had been annoying her for a while now trying to get her to call Jason and talk to him.

"There's no point," Aria stated, setting her phone down on the table and grabbing her order.

"There is a huge point! Its called getting answers and gigantic explanation."

"There wouldn't need to be an explanation if he didn't lead me on and make me think it was always about me. I feel like a fool."

"Aria, he's practically a grown man. You can't hate the guy for having a past relationship."

"I don't," Aria snapped, moving to go sit down on the couches and get some peace. "But the fact where he wasn't the one to break up with her and the relationship lasting for almost four years gets me. Spence, that's pretty much saying they were close to getting engaged. I don't want to know all those deep answers." She stared into her coffee feeling her heart ache. She really liked Jason a lot and was burned again. It felt like her and Ezra. She spent so much time and effort in their relationship and all it ends with is a blank and dreary ending. It didn't make the situation any better that Jason had slept with Cece. That whole thing made her uncomfortable. Mr. DiLaurentis was right…Aria wasn't Jason's type.

"Just let him explain," Spencer stated again. Aria wanted to let out a large irritated noise, but before she could Cece Drake came up to them waving Aria's phone. "Is this one of your girls' phone?"

"Yes! Mine," Aria said quickly dashing for it.

"Nice to see you guys again. You must be addicted to coffee like I am," Cece said holding up her cup.

"Very," Spencer replied back with a fake smile.

"So look, there is this adult function thing at Hollis I was invited to tonight. I know it sounds like a total bore but I was thinking, if you girls wanted to tag along with me, I could get you into a party afterwards?"

"Why us?" Aria wondered.

"I don't know many people in this town – not everyone is so welcoming."

Spencer and Aria understood that.

"Plus, it's like this weird function where representatives from different colleges come together and talk. I don't know why they do it or the purpose, but they do."

"What colleges?" Spencer said expressing some interest.

"Penn State, Hollis of course, Columbia, and probably others around here. Are you two interested?"

"Sure," Spencer nodded thinking it would help her get a one up on her future. Always the Hastings…

Aria looked over to her friend like she was crazy and tried to politely decline "…as great as it sounds Hanna is going through a breakup so I'm going over there tonight."

"Oh," Cece sighed. "Well if she wants to tag along she is welcome to." Aria gave dry smile to that and nodded. "Okay, well I'm off. See you tonight Spencer."

When Cece was gone and out of sight, Aria hit Spencer's arm. "What was that all about? Sure I'll come, why not?" Aria stated imitating her.

"First off, I don't sound like that and there is going to be college representatives there! Why would I pass that up? I need all the help I can get for my future."

Aria groaned and sat back against the couch. "You should still come. And I think Hanna's spending some quality time with herself and some very sad songs tonight."

"She's been doing that every night," Aria pointed out.

"Exactly," Spencer noted, "and I don't know about you – but I don't know if I can take another mixed CD of ballads put on repeat."

Spencer ended up convincing Aria to come, thinking that maybe NYU would be there for some reason. The two of them got ready at Spencer's house and met Cece in the parking lot of Hollis.

"So…how did you get involved with this thing?" Aria wondered as they walked in.

"Oh, I am a representative for U-Pen."

Both Aria and Spencer looked stunned. "Don't look so surprised," Cece laughed. "I worked hard for the job." Immediately they were hit with people in suits and nice dress attire. Everyone looked professional except for the well-dressed Cece. She had a mixed style of going to a party and nice wear to this event.

"Aria?" A voice asked. Spinning around, Aria was met with the sight of Ezra Fitz and a pregnant Jackie attached to his side. Aria's eyes couldn't seem to come off of Jackie's stomach. She was pregnant?!

"What are you doing here?" Mr. Fitz wondered.

"…I'm with Cece Drake," Aria stated trying to plaster on a smile and meet both their eyes.

"Uhh…congratulations," she swallowed while giving Jackie another warm smile.

"Thank you," the woman smiled back warmly. "It was a bit of a surprise but very welcome."

"So…have you two gotten married yet?" Aria wondered.

"We pushed it off until this little one is born," Jackie said rubbing her little bump.

"That's great," Aria said trying to look happy on the outside while feeling like a mess on the inside. "Well, if you would excuse me," she said politely. "Nice to see you both."

When she escaped the couple, heading over to stand by Cece and Spencer again who were waiting patiently to be let into the council room, she bumped into her father.

"Aria? What are you doing here?" Byron wondered. Oh this night couldn't get any better, Aria thought sarcastically in her head.

"Hey dad, I'm here with a friend. Hi Opal," Aria said cordially. There next to her dad, like Jackie was with Ezra, stood Opal Montgomery pregnant and in full bubbles.

"Aria, its good to see you," she replied.

"I'm surprised you're here. Are you looking into Hollis again?"

"No," Aria quickly answered, "I just came along to see what this was all about. Spencer thought it was a good idea."

"Oh," Bryon answered knowing Spencer was always into the school things. Aria stood awkwardly with her step mom and dad for a while longer, making small chat until they were all ready to be brought in. Saying her goodbyes, she walked back over to Cece and Spencer and walked into the room with them.


Aria had no clue why she was at this function or what anyone was even talking about. Spencer was sitting next to her, clearly following whatever topic the conversation was about while Cece sat at a certain table adding her input. This event was long and never ending, making Aria want to fall asleep. Shifting again in her spot, she felt her phone buzz constantly and saw it was Jason calling every two seconds. He'd switch from call to text to call and back to text. It was blowing up her phone and driving her insane. Pressing ignore once again, she switched her phone to silent and waited for this whole event to be over with.

"Wow, I am so glad I came," Spencer said when it was all over with.

"Yea, me too," Aria said not even halfway interested.

"Aria, you weren't even paying attention. All you were doing was staring at your phone watching Jason call again… and again."

Aria grumbled to herself knowing Spencer was right. She kept her phone on her lap, watching it light up with Jason's name on the screen wondering if she should just pick it up and deal with him. But by the time she decided to, the event was closing and she took the easy way out not to. "You seriously should just talk to him."

"Ready to party?" Cece murmured to them with a smile on her face. She stuck herself in-between Aria and Spencer, wrapping her arms around both their shoulders. She was acting like they were her best friends but in reality they weren't. Aria wanted to hate Cece so bad, but she couldn't. Cece was nothing but kind – a little abrupt and to the point – but nice enough that neither girl could really hate her. She reminded Aria a lot like Ali and how she used to be, but it was like an upgraded version. One that was improved and had a tad bit more manners than the original.

The two of them hopped into Cece's car, letting her drive to wherever they were going. Hoping this was going to be better than the last event, Aria sat in the backseat watching the world go by.


"Noel Kahn's cabin?" Aria stated in surprise as they pulled up to the place.

"You know the little brother?" Cece wondered as she got out of her car.

"Aria dated him for a little while," Spencer explained for their group.

"I didn't actually date him…it was just like…whatever," Aria grumbled realizing the whole Noel thing wasn't one of her finer moments. They didn't necessarily date date – like a couple and stuff, but they did go out a few times. He had charm what could she say…

"Oh…an ex. Well, it shouldn't be too bad. He might not even show up anyways," Cece shrugged and waved off. Walking up to a big bouncer in the driveway, Cece said her name, introduced Spencer and Aria and walked in.

Cece led them downstairs, going straight for the booze. "Did you girls want something?"

"No thank you," Aria politely declined for her and Spencer.

"You sure? No one will know or try to spike it. You're fine to drink here."

"No thanks," Spencer politely said for them again. Shrugging, Cece poured herself a large drink and stood in the room watching people. "The only rule you really have to know for down here is that you have to be doing something – playing something. There is Truth or Dare…Billiards, Fooseball…- whatever floats your boat."

"Cool," Spencer noted, still glancing all around.

"Cece Drake," a voice called out to her. Turning heads, all three girls looked for the man calling. Smiling, a 6'0" tall dark brown haired man, looking a lot like Noel, sat on the couch.

"Eric Kahn," Cece said right back, flirting almost.

"Who are your friends?" he asked getting up with his drink in hand.

"This is Spencer Hastings and Aria Montgomery."

"Ah, the baby sister of Melissa," Eric said standing in front of them. "And Aria huh? Nice to meet you." He held out his hand for her, giving her this pearly white smile, like he was flirting with her. Unimpressed, she took his hand limply and continued to stand around. Eric was obviously not used to people deflecting the attention he gave them – especially girls- so it caused him to pursue her more.

"Can I get you ladies a drink?" Eric asked to Spencer and Aria.

"No thank you," Spencer answered for them.

"Aria?"

"No, I'm good thanks," she said still feeling out of place.

"Well, if Cece didn't already tell you the only rule down here is that you have to do something. Would you like to play a game Aria?" Eric asked her. Spencer raised her eyebrow at the guy obviously hitting on her while Aria took it as a friendly gesture.

"I'll see you all later," Cece winked at them, heading to talk to some person in the corner.

"Sure," Aria said taking his hand he offered to her. Grinning like he won the lottery, Eric brought them to the couches.

"Truth and Dare seems a little lame since we don't really know if the truths are actual truths about either other. So how about 20 questions?"

Spencer had to admit this guy was slick with his words. The truths may not be true so lets get to know each other? Oh please… what a womanizer. Spencer sat next to Aria rolling her eyes at the cheesiness of it all, but Aria seemed to play along. "About each other?" she asked.

"No Aria, about the guy next door," Spencer said sarcastically. Eric gave a laugh and nodded to Aria, still flashing that playboy smile. "Yes, about each other."

"How about 10?" she challenged.

"Alright, I'll take what I can get," he agreed, sitting back in his seat. Both girls rolled their eyes and waited for the game to begin to fire off questions.

"What is something most people don't know about you?" Eric started.

"I sing," Aria answered simply.

"For fun or do you take lessons?"

Aria shook her head and gave a sly smirk. That was another question. "My turn." Thinking on it for a bit, she wondered what to ask the stranger. "Why does Noel always act like an only child?" It was probably a stupid question to ask but in all honesty, Aria had never once heard about Eric or where he went to school.

"He likes to think he is one – Noel loves to be the center or attention and think he's the hot shot."

"He must get that from you," Spencer muttered. Eyebrows raised and Aria turned to her. Rude much? She thought.

"Okay, back to you. Why don't most people know you sing? And why the interest in my brother?" Eric questioned, ignoring the dislike Spencer was feeding him. It was clear that Hastings' women were not good choices for him.

"Two questions – does that really count?" Aria wondered.

Eric shrugged a grin appearing again on his face. "Why so technical with the rules? Afraid I might get to know you?" Aria rolled her eyes again at his cheesy lines and answered both. "I'm not the type to put everything out there. I sing because I like to and I can. I don't need to prove myself to the world."

"And Noel?" he pushed again. Aria huffed, "I go to school with him – we used to be friends."

Eric gazed at her for a while, still smirking and enjoying the game.

"How do you know Cece Drake?" Aria wondered.

"Her and I go way back from high school and college. She was a party girl known by most people," he spoke with a light tease in his voice.

"Heard that!" Cece replied from across the room.

"Like it isn't true?" Eric wondered turning over his shoulder to smile at her. She gave a goofy grin and shrugged. So it wasn't up for protest but she wasn't a fan of his words.

The game of supposedly 10 questions lasted for much longer than that being more 20 and then some. "Okay, are we done here?" Spencer wondered, as she got bored. She was tired of listening to Eric try and flirt with her friend and give cheesy lines. She knit picked him enough in her head for one night and it was about time they left the couch for good – every time they tried Eric seriously wouldn't let Aria leave. He was still curious about her every breath she decided to take and made Spencer want to gag.

Taking Spencer's cue, Aria got up from the couch to leave, only to be stopped by the new company that arrived downstairs. "What is he doing here?" Spencer murmured to Aria as she held her arm.

"He practically owns this place," Aria murmured back as they watched Noel and Jenna walk down the steps.

"Great," Spencer breathed after both Jenna and Noel noticed them. The couple was walking right towards them.

"Spencer," Noel said with a cocky grin.

"Aria its good to see you," Jenna said actually with kindness in her voice. Smiling back, Spencer quickly interrupted them. "We were actually just getting ready to go upstairs and walk around to stretch our legs."

Confusedly following along, Aria waved to the small group and left with Spencer, struggling along the way as Spencer tugged her outside. "What was that about?" Aria asked making Spencer leave go of her arm.

"Hello! It was Jenna and Noel Kahn in there. I was literally just saving our asses."

"I get Noel," Aria stated "but…"

"Oh, please don't tell me your actually somewhat friends with Jenna now," Spencer said clearly disproving and pissed off. "Aria! Do you know what-"

"Yes I do!" Aria said speaking up to her friend in a shout. "I was there Spence, I went through everything like you did. But I'm tired of this; I'm tired of not making a change. We keep holding grudges and doing the same old things getting us nowhere. I was serious when I said I wanted a fresh start. One way or another im going to get it."

"Fine. Whatever," Spencer said crossing her arms and holding a grudge. Now ticked off too, Aria turned around on heel and walked off. She didn't need this from Spencer right now. They were both dealing with so much already, could she just be somewhat manageable?

Walking down by herself to the dock to watch the water, she leaned against the edge and felt the wind hit her face. It calmed her down from Spencer's anger and helped her think. She was doing the right thing –fixing her mistakes and trying to be friendly to everyone. When Jenna told her that she wasn't like Ali and her group, it felt good to hear that. Aria didn't want to be like how Ali was.

Leaning back, Aria looked into the darkness and then closed her eyes. The scene reminded her of when she went to the art fair with Jason. He took her down to the dock and they watched the view. Trying to place herself there, her heart ached for him. She missed Jason so much. It was so hard to be mad at him and try to realize that he hid things from her. It was supposed to be a fresh start. Hearing her cell phone ring, she hoped it was Jason but looked at the screen and saw it was Mike. Confusion clouded her head and she pressed the answer button.

"Aria, mom and I got into a car accident. We are at the hospital right now – I'm okay but mom just went into surgery. The doctors said she lost a lot of blood Aria."

"Oh my god," Aria breathed, standing on the wooden dock under the lamp. "Please hurry up and come here. Aria I don't know what to do," Mike panicked. She could hear the loud PA system in the background of their conversation.

"I'm on my way Mike. Stay there – don't go anywhere." Snapping her phone closed, Aria pushed her feet to move and ran into Eric. "Hey, I was just coming to see you. Everything okay?"

"I have to go – I have to get to the hospital," Aria stated in autopilot. Eric's face quickly dropped its smirk and saw how serious and scared Aria was looking. "Who is it? Are they going to be okay?" he asked rushing with her.

"Its my mom. Her and my brother just got into an accident," she replied, pushing her way through people to rush and get to her family. Hitting the driveway, she gave a helpless grunt, clearly frustrated after realizing she didn't drive here.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Eric wondered following her the whole way. Aria was now almost in tears. "I didn't drive here – my car is back at Hollis when Cece drove us from the college function here. I have to go find her."

Turning on heel, Eric quickly stepped in front of her and caught her shoulders to keep her balance from slipping. "We'll take my car then come on."

"But what about your party?"

"It will still be there without me," he commented, flashing her a small smile. Wiping a fallen tear, she nodded and followed him to his Ferrari.

"You would own this," she teased, getting into the passenger side. Smiling along with her, Eric revved the engine and sped his way to the hospital.

A/N: So what are you all thinking? Ideas of what are going to happen?!

p.s. I'll be quicker with my updates now. Again, i'm so sorry. Leave me a review on what you think though! I'd love to hear your thoughts!