Author's Note: Double the chapters for everybody!

Alison was flicking through the calendar on her phone, looking for a suitable date to throw a party. Rosewood Prep didn't hold an official Christmas party, so she had an idea to hold an unofficial one at a venue in town. She ran it by the dean, who said that it wasn't their business if she was paying for it, so Alison took that as a yes. With her father's AmEx number memorised, she had the resources necessary to pull it off.

There were only two and half weeks until Christmas break, yet nothing exciting had happened at school so far. She tried to stir things up by getting Emily in front of the disciplinary committee, then trying to mess with Hanna and Caleb's relationship, but those girls were different this time around. They were older, and less tolerant of her old tricks.

What she found on Paige McCullers's laptop crossed her mind. It was loaded information, but she didn't know what do with it yet. Emily was single and out of the closet, so whoever she kissed was firstly, not anyone's business, and secondly, no longer ammunition to ruin her reputation. Creating a mess on Paige's end was the better idea, but Alison knew nothing about the girl, besides the fact that she was sort of friends with Emily's friends - and they would shut the whole thing down.

She needed to approach this from another angle. She went onto Google and typed "Paige McCullers Connecticut".

Jenna entered the room, startling Alison a little. She switched clicked out of the search results to a website for a party hire service.

"Whatcha doing?" asked Jenna. She read the screen over Alison's shoulder. "Why are you looking at helium balloon party packages?"

"I'm throwing an unofficial Rosewood Prep Christmas party," Alison replied excitedly.

Jenna raised an eyebrow. "Really? They're letting you do that?"

"Only if I paid for it," said Alison. "Which I will."

"You mean Daddy will."

"Yes, that," said Alison. "My only problem is I can't think of the venue. I didn't really like the one we used for the Halloween dance, and I have an inkling those tacky Sheridan girls would have booked it for their Christmas party already. Have you got any ideas?"

"I may have a few," said Jenna. "Are you planning to have booze?"

"Do you think I should?"

"If you're paying for it, why not? I know someone who can get us some kegs on the sly. We can just conceal it really well," said Jenna. She sat down next to Alison. "I have an idea."

"Enlighten me."

"Hire out the church hall."

"Are you joking? We're not going to have a booze up in a church hall," said Alison. "Plus, it's probably booked for pre-Christmas Jesus freak prayer circles anyway."

"Sean Ackard's dad is the reverend at that church. I'm sure if you mention his son for the night he'll free it up for us," said Jenna.

"And the kegs?"

"That's the thing." Jenna smiled triumphantly. "If we hold it in the church hall, the grown-ups will think it's a wholesome party."

"Smart." Alison nodded. "I think that we shouldn't tell anyone about the kegs at all. They'll have to find out for themselves when they come to the party. That way we won't get busted before we even start."

"Great idea," said Jenna. "I can get Noel and a few of his friends to help us with moving stuff. I won't tell them about the kegs until the date itself. Wait, when are you planning to have this party?"

"I'm still thinking about it. Help me."

Emily and Hanna were in the Thompson Hall basement doing their laundry. "So, are you and Mona swapping rooms again on Friday night?" Hanna asked Emily. "I kind of enjoy the sleepovers."

"I have a meet on Friday afternoon, so I don't think I'd want to train."

"This is the second weekend you skipped the sleepover."

"It's not a sleepover, it's an early morning training regime," corrected Emily.

"Touchy," said Hanna. "Did you and Paige have a fight or something?" Before Emily could reply, Hanna's phone started ringing. "It's Aria." She held the phone to her ear. "You rang?" she said sweetly.

"Shut up," said Aria. "Did you get an invite?"

"An invite to what?" Hanna frowned and gestured aimlessly at Emily.

"Ali and Jenna are throwing a Christmas party. Invites sent out today. Didn't you know? It got slipped under my room door."

"Well, I'm doing laundry with Emily right now," said Hanna. "If they've just been delivered then I'll probably see mine when we get back to our room."

"Should we go? It's kinda weird, going to a party the evil twins have organised, you know? It's kind of short notice so we have to RSVP like, ASAP."

"We'll talk about it at dinner," said Hanna. "Did Spencer get an invite?"

"Yeah, but she's not here yet." Aria sighed. "I'll see you at dinner then." She disconnected the call.

"What was that about?" asked Emily, as Hanna put her phone back in her pocket.

"Apparently Alison and Jenna are throwing a Christmas party together," replied Hanna. "Aria and Spencer were both invited."

"Alison as in Ali?" Emily looked bewildered. "And Jenna as in Toby's android stepsister? I thought those two were destined to be mortal enemies."

Hanna nodded.

"Something tells me this is a bad idea," said Emily, brow furrowed

"Why do you think I'm pulling a Hastings and calling a group meeting over it?" The dryer beeped and Hanna pulled her clothes out of the machine into a basket. "Oh, get Toby and Paige to sit with us too. It would be cool to have them in on this. The more the merrier!"

Emily changed the subject at the mention of Paige. "That is so not Hastings," she said. "Spencer would say that the more people in a group, the harder it is to come to a consensus."

"Spencer is no fun."

"You probably shouldn't tell her that."

"Don't worry, I won't," said Hanna. "She'll beat me with a hockey stick."

"No," said Emily. "She'd challenge you to a game of Scrabble, whup your ass and force you to admit that you had fun, even if you really didn't."

Alison was late again. Paige rubbed her forehead while staring at her computer clock. Their biology project was due in a week, but Alison never looked bothered about it - not that she was as invested in the project as Paige was. Paige needed the grades for a college scholarship. Alison probably just needed her last name.

The blonde waltzed into the library, a gold envelope in hand. "This is for you," she said, placing it in front of Paige. She put her bag on the desk, but didn't make any moves to open it.

"What is that?"

"I'm throwing a Christmas party in the church hall. It's the Saturday before we go away for break," explained Alison. "I'm inviting everyone in the junior and senior class."

Paige slipped the envelope in the front pocket of her messenger bag. "Thanks," she said. "Alison, you really need to start doing your end of this project. The deadline is so soon."

There was a flash of annoyance on Alison's face. "I'm trying, okay? I'm just busy with this party."

"You didn't have to organise it."

"This place is boring. Of course I did."

Paige stood up, towering over Alison. "I really need a good grade for this, okay? I want a scholarship, and colleges will be combing over my grades."

"God, Paige, why do you have to be so selfish? I'm trying to have fun here."

Shocked at Alison's audacity, Paige let out a humourless laugh. "I'm the one being selfish? Really? You're the one planning a party and doing god knows what else instead of this biology project."

"Well, I'm sorry that you have to work so hard for things." Alison paused. "You really must have something to prove, haven't you, Paige?"

Paige's face twitched. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Alison began to list things, counting on her fingers for emphasis. "Your family doesn't come from money. You come to Rosewood Prep on a sport scholarship. Also, unlike your classmates, whose parents are venture capitalists and property moguls, your father is a college water polo coach." Alison smirked. "But at least he's a well-known one, right?"

"How do you know that?" asked Paige.

"Wasn't hard to find out," said Alison, shrugging. She looked Paige straight in the eye. "Do the project and get off my back about the party."

Paige matched the blonde's stare. "Or what?"

"Nicholas McCullers has an email address on his UConn profile, you know," said Alison, slowly. "You wouldn't want Daddy to be tipped off about your Internet history, would you?"

"What?" Paige faltered.

"Oasis Journals, Paige, really? That was a subtle thread you left open on your computer. Kissing your best friend, huh?"

Paige stiffened. She was sure she closed that tab, not left it open for the whole world to see. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Alison slung her bag over her shoulder. "Finish the project alone, don't go running to anyone about it, or your dad finds out," she told Paige firmly. "The sooner you finish, the sooner you can put together an outfit for my party!" With a smug air of triumph, she walked out of the library, leaving Paige standing there, horrified.

"I hereby declare this group meeting open," announced Spencer, tapping her glass lightly with her fork. Meetings were never held in Rosewood Prep's dining hall, or anywhere in campus that was public. The four girls, along with Caleb, Toby and Paige, sat around one of the bigger tables in the Apple Rose Grille.

Caleb leaned in closer to whisper in Hanna's ear. "I thought you were the one who called this meeting?"

"I did," Hanna whispered back, "but Spencer thinks that a meeting like this should be," she did her best imitation, "facilitated by someone who has experience."

"Hanna, Caleb." Spencer was shooting them a stern look. "I will have order. Thank you."

The two separated, with Caleb muttering, "Freak," under his breath.

"Okay, so today our first - and only - order of discussion is whether or not we're going to attend Ali and Jenna's Christmas party," said Spencer. "I will be taking speakers for, then against."

"I thought you said we were going to talk about the party over dinner," Toby said to Emily, as quietly as he could. "I didn't realise it was going to be a Model UN." His voice had a hint of amusement in it.

"Do you have anything to say, Toby?" asked Spencer.

The smile was wiped off Toby's face as it flushed a deep red.

"I think that we're overthinking this," said Caleb. "Let's just go to the party. I know Ali's evil and Jenna's a bit..."

"Robotic?" supplied Spencer.

Caleb looked satisfied.

"Jenna's evil too, take it from me," said Toby.

"Amen," chorused Hanna and Aria.

"I bet we won't even see them at the party." Caleb looked annoyed. "Besides, it's the last time we'll probably have fun before the holiday season. Boarding school sucks. You're either rich enough to plan New Year's Eve in St Barts with your crew or you're spending it home alone with your crazy aunt."

"I think Caleb's right," said Emily. "Everyone would go to that party, we can just stick to our own and we'll never have to run into them."

"It's still a bit weird going to a party that is organised by someone who makes your life hell," said Aria.

"Yeah," Paige finally spoke up, but to no one in particular. "But not turning up means proving a point that whatever they're doing to you is working." After the incident with Alison in the library, she was rather shaken up and gratefully accepted the invitation to dinner off-campus, even if Emily was going to be present. Paige had dealt with bullies before, but Alison had dangerous information. She can't appear cowardly, though. "I want to go to this party, but I'm not going alone."

"I'm with Paige." Caleb put his fork down. "I want a New Year's kiss with Hanna, even if it's like ten days early."

Hanna put her arms around Caleb. "Oh, you're too sweet! I'm in."

Spencer turned to Aria. "I suppose we're gonna have to go," she said.

Aria nodded.

"Oh no, not me," said Toby. "Parties and dressing up aren't my thing."

"Dude, the dress code is casual," said Caleb. "Don't leave me alone with these girls."

"It would be really nice to have the whole group together, Toby," said Spencer, who made eye contact with him. "You and Paige included."

Toby looked away shyly. "I suppose," he said.

"That settles it then. We're going to a Christmas party." Spencer declared the meeting over.

Emily and Toby walked around town that Saturday, a week before the party."You are not going to the party dressed like you are now.".

"Why? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Toby frantically examined his threadbare long-sleeved t-shirt under his duffel coat, tattered jeans and faded Converse with unravelling laces.

"Do you want the list in ascending order from least to most offensive or the other way around?"

Toby pouted.

"We'll get you some nice clothes," Emily watched as Toby pushed hair out of his eyes. "And maybe a haircut."

"I like my hair," said Toby defensively.

"Sure, if you're going for the anthropomorphised version of a floor mop." Emily laughed. "Don't look so down. We're not going to get rid of the coat. I like the coat. As for everything else..."

Toby crossed his arms.

They walk back to Rosewood Prep, Toby's arms laden with shopping bags, his new hairdo exposing the tops of his ears and his forehead to the winter chill. Emily had convinced him to get two button-down shirts, chinos, jeans and a new pair of Converse. "I'll look stupid carrying all these bags in to school."

"But they're your clothes, Toby," said Emily.

"Guys don't go shopping or get haircuts. Why do you think Noel still doesn't wear any clothes that aren't from the Brooks Brothers?"

"Noel gets haircuts. And probably deep conditions." Emily waved it off. "Well, they won't think you're gay."

"They already do," admitted Toby. "Because I hang out with you."

"Then it's your chance to ask Spencer out." Emily shrugged.

"No way!" Toby shook his head vigorously. "I'm not asking her out because I have to prove that I'm straight." He hung his head. "I don't think she even likes me."

Emily patted Toby on the back. "She's noticed you. It's a good sign."

Alison read the slip of paper Jenna gave her. Noel's brother's beer guy, she told her. She dialled the number. Someone picked up on the other end. "Hi, can I get two kegs for a party next Saturday?" she asked.

"Who's this?" the guy on the other end demanded. "And how did you get this number?"

"I'm a friend of Noel Kahn's," said Alison tentatively.

"Eric's little bro, kicking up a storm," said the guy. "So you're from Rosewood Prep then?"

"Yeah."

"That'll cost you seventy bucks a keg."

"What! For cheap warm beer?"

"Hey, girl." There was a bite in the guy's voice. "If you knew the lengths the guys and I have to go to just to make sure that we won't get arrested for supplying to kids like you, then you'd get it."
"Discount for knowing Noel?"

He laughed. "I don't even know him, and I haven't heard from Eric in ages either so don't even try. Seventy bucks each or nothing. And in cash too. I don't want a paper trail through your daddy's credit card."

Alison sighed. "Fine," she said. "When and how do I pay you?"

"Tell me when and where the party is and you pay me there when I deliver the kegs."

Alison told him the details. "Are solo cups included?" she asked.

"You gotta be joking." The guy hung up.

That was another fifty bucks on the AmEx.

Paige sat with Caleb in the Barnes Hall lounge watching the basketball on the television. Hanna chose to opt out of joining them, preferring to go with Mona to get her nails done. They were alone in the lounge, as many kids at Rosewood didn't care much about the NBA in the first place.

"Caleb?"

"Hmm?" Caleb was on his laptop browsing gaming message boards.

"What do you think of Emily?""

Caleb looked up from his screen. "I don't think I'm qualified to talk about that. She is Hanna's best friend. But personality-wise, I think she's really sweet. Why?"

"Just curious," said Paige, avoiding Caleb's eye.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "You two haven't been talking lately," he said. "And whenever we're around the group, you've been sulking and so has she. Did she beat you at butterfly or something? Just beat her at freestyle and she'll call it even."

"No."

"Then what?" Caleb observed the expression on Paige's face. "Oh no, don't tell me you've got a crush on her!"

"No, I don't!" Paige denied quickly. "Why, is it bad?"

"So you do like her!" exclaimed Caleb.

Paige worriedly looked around, to see if anyone was in earshot. "Not too loud!"

"Did you guys have a thing over Thanksgiving or something?"

Paige shifted uncomfortably. "Not exactly."

"Then what?"

"She kissed me when she was tipsy. After a long spiel about how I don't take myself too seriously or something."

Caleb laughed. "Tipsy Emily is the best Emily," he said. "Wait, does she remember that she kissed you?"

"Yeah," said Paige. "But I don't think either of us know how to feel about it. I like Emily well enough, but I'm straight - or at least I think I am." She sighed wearily. "I need to figure stuff out." She didn't mention how Alison had threatened her by finding out about her little soul search.

"You do, and then you need to talk to Emily to tell her what you want," said Caleb. "If Emily gets to Hanna first, she'll go crazy over you. You don't want that to happen, trust me. It's like matchmaker meets Bridezilla."