Hey guys, sorry I didn't get a chance to update yesterday, I'm just starting a new job, and between working, interviews, and other things, I wasn't able to finish writing this. It's a little short because there's no Emily or Hanna in this one.

Spencer's POV

Who the hell does A think she is? It couldn't be Alison. I mean, she's dead. But who else knew? She even told me that she was going to tell Melissa herself. She always did like to play with everyone, it's like we were her toys. If it's not Ali, then who could it be? The only other person who knew was Ian. More importantly, where did A get this picture from? I mean, we only kissed that one time. Not that any of this matters anyway. A is going to show that picture to Melissa unless I report Aria's fling with Mr. Fitz, and there's no way I would do that to Aria. I know that reporting Mr. Fitz would likely keep Mr. Fitz from continuing to pursue Aria, but there's no way I could do it without hurting Aria, and her reputation within Rosewood. I would never, I could never do anything to hurt Aria.

"What's got you so worried, Spence?" Melissa asked, having just appeared in my doorway.

I so do not need this right now.

"Nothing," I said dismissively.

"Spence, we can hear you pacing downstairs" Melissa said.

I hadn't even realized I was pacing. Oh…whoops. Unfortunately my entire family seemed to know that I paced when I was really worried and I thought no one was around. I must have been so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't hear them get home.

I needed to think of an excuse, and fast. Melissa could not know what I was thinking.

"I think the new English teacher hates me, and he seems like the type of guy who might let his distaste for me interfere with his grading," I told Melissa.

It sounded good, like something I would legitimately worry about. Worrying about grades and things that might negatively impact them was a typical me thing. Actually it was a typical Hastings thing, so Melissa might actually be understanding about it.

Even better, it was true. I was worried about Mr. Fitz letting my outburst at dinner tonight cloud his judgment where my grades are concerned, but Melissa didn't need to know that this wasn't why I was pacing. In fact, compared to what I was really worrying about, this was nothing. By tomorrow, she'll probably hate me. More than the general dislike she has of me now.

"Why do you think he hates you?" Melissa asked. If I didn't know better, I might actually think she was concerned.

"I could see it in his eyes," I answered quickly, "Now, will you leave me alone?"

Aria's POV

I didn't know where to go, so I just started walking. It hadn't even been a week since we got home, but already I could feel my whole life unraveling. Home just didn't feel like home anymore.

I had no destination, but fittingly, I found myself at the playground where the five of us used to meet when Ali was alive. I supposed it was the best place I could have gone. It was quiet, and being that it was night, it was dark. The moon and the stars offered just enough light for me to be able to see what was directly in front of me. I found my way to the swings and sat down.

I pushed myself back and forth with my foot, mulling over memories of Alison, and in my own way, laying her to rest in peace. I smiled, remembering one of my earliest memories of Alison, and unsurprisingly, one of my favorites. It was the day Ali introduced me to Spencer.

Spencer. I wish she was here. She'd understand all the thoughts running through my head right now. We really need to talk anyway.

Suddenly I heard something crack behind me. I spun around quickly, my eyes scouring to see in the darkness. I heard another crack, whatever it was, it was closer now.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"Aria?"

I relaxed instantly. I would know that voice anywhere.

"Spencer!" I almost shouted.

I didn't try to hide my delight. It was as if she was granting my wish.

"Ar, what are you doing out here? It's late, and it's dark, and you're alone," Spencer said, the worry coloring her voice.

"Probably the same thing you're doing here" I retorted.

"Touché," Spencer said as she sat down in the swing next to me, "Are you alright?"

Was I alright? I wasn't entirely sure how to answer that. In some ways, I was, especially now that Spencer was here. But at the same time, I suppose I was falling apart.

"I was thinking about the day Ali introduced us," I said.

With the faint moonlight, I was just barely able to see the grin that spread across Spencer's face, probably thinking of that day.

"You were wearing that little blue dress with the black accents," Spencer murmured so softly I almost didn't hear it.

"You remember what I was wearing?" I asked, stunned.

Spencer laughed softly, "I do."

"Spence," I said hesitantly, not wanting to ruin the moment we were sharing, but knowing that this was something I needed.

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"I thought we were," Spencer said, her voice was light, but there was a trace of worry in it.

I laughed, "I mean, about us"

Spencer nodded, knowing that's what I meant all along.

I wondered where to begin.

I noticed her hands were fidgeting in her lap. I reached over and took her hand in mine, squeezing it lightly.

"About tonight," I started.

"I'm sorry about Ezra, he just…" I said at the same time as Spencer said, "I'm sorry if I overstepped, it just…"

"No, look, Spence, I meant what I said today, I really do love you. And I have for a while, now. I just never thought that you'd feel the same way, so I tried to move on. And then when you told me that you loved me, I was shocked, but you were wasted, and I had just made up with Ezra, and…"

I hadn't noticed that Spencer had gotten up from the swing beside me and was now standing directly in front of me, so when I felt her hand on my cheek, I was surprised. I looked up into her eyes that were filled with nothing but love. Then she leaned in and kissed me.

My arms flew around her neck, pulling her closer to me. She wrapped her arms around me, and I finally felt at home.

As always, reviews are welcomed and encouraged.