~ 21 ~

Emily held Aaron in her arms and swayed back and forth in the loft to lull him to sleep. His eyes had barely closed when Jason opened the door and stepped inside. Emily gestured for him to keep quiet and he gave her a knowing smile.

"How's the shop?" she asked.

"Busy," Jason replied.

"I can go down as soon as I put Aaron in his crib," she offered.

"You don't have to do that," Jason told her. "You need your rest."

"More like I'm getting restless," Emily replied. "I'm used to running around and managing the place. Now I'm just up here all day napping and feeding Aaron."

"Trust me," he said, "you'll appreciate this break when you go back to work."

"Come on!" she begged. "Just an hour. While Aaron is down?"

"Okay," he pulled her apron out of his pocket. "Here you go."

"You knew?" she smiled.

"I had an inkling," he said.

Emily tied the apron around her hips and then skittered downstairs to the cafe. Just then the front door opened and a face from her past stepped inside. The familiar chime rang and Emily looked up to see Shana.

"Hi," Emily smiled at her.

"Hey," Shana replied. "I hear congratulations are in order."

"Thank you," Emily said. "What can I get you?"

"Two drip coffees," Shana said.

"Coming right up," Emily told her.

She turned around and grabbed two coffees filling them up. Then she handed them to Shana and rung her up. Shana thanked her and stepped outside. Emily watched through the window and saw a dark haired woman run up to Shana and grab the other coffee. When she turned, Emily recognized her face. It was Paige, who had clearly moved on.

Aria grabbed the edge of her desk and slowly brought herself to her feet. She was reeling from the weight of her stomach and missed the days when she could touch her toes. Just as she managed to stand up straight there was a knock on her door.

"Hey," she smiled looking up at Ezra.

"I'm off for the day," he told her. "I was going to grab dinner and I thought you might want to come."

"Uh," she paused. Things between her and Ezra had cooled down since Jake voiced his concerns about their newfound friendship.

"Never mind," Ezra retracted his offer. "It's Sunday night. Your husband's probably expecting you."

"Actually no," she laughed. "He's away on business."

"Then you have to come," he smiled.

"Sure," she said grabbing her bag and following him out.

They left the school and headed toward the center of town. As they walked Aria felt the eyes of passers-by glaring at her rounded stomach. At first it had annoyed her that everyone stared at her baby bump but she was so beyond that now. She had two little creatures growing inside of her and they needed her attention.

"So," she said, "my st- uh Zack's restaurant has some great food. Have you tried it yet?"

"I did actually," he replied, "but I'm always happy to go back."

"Alright," she led the way.

As they were walking toward the large corner property, an older woman flashed Aria a bright smile. Then Aria's heart fell as the woman approached and then came the dreaded questions.

"How far along are you?" the woman asked.

"Seven months," Aria replied.

"Wow, you look ready to pop," she stated the obvious.

"I'm having twins," Aria tried to be polite.

"Wonderful," the woman gushed. "You'll make a lovely family."

"Oh we're not-" Ezra corrected her.

"Thanks," Aria cut him off trying to scurry off.

They managed to break free of the curious bystander and made their way to the restaurant. When they arrived, Zack waived from the kitchen and a hostess led them to a small booth. Almost immediately a plate of assorted appetizers was placed in front of them.

"We're really getting the star treatment," Ezra told her.

"Well, the owner's sleeping with my mom so," Aria teased, "I guess he's trying to kiss up."

"How is your mom anyway?" he asked.

"She's good," Aria replied. "Ryan is six months old now and he's...Oh! Speak of the devil."

"Good evening," Ella approached them. "Glad to have you in tonight."

"Hi Mom!" Aria smiled. "Who's watching Ryan?"

"Your brother," Ella replied. "I think he's using him to pick up girls but I could use the break. How are you holding up?"

"Tired," Aria said, "but happy."

"What about Jake?" Ella asked casuing them all to exchange glances. "He helping out?"

"He's on business this weekend," Aria explained, "but he's good."

"Well, I'll let you get back to dinner," Ella said eyeing Ezra.

"Was she giving me side eye?" Ezra asked when Ella was out of earshot.

"She's concerned," Aria replied. "We do have a history."

"Right," Ezra sighed. "I forget sometimes that this is taboo..."

"Look," she said seriously, "I love having you as a friend again and I don't care what anyone thinks."

"Even Jake?" he asked.

"Jake's my husband and I love him," she replied, "but he doesn't tell me what to do or who to see."

"I appreciate that," Ezra smiled, "but I'll still try to avoid him."

"Can't argue with that," Aria laughed.

Hanna gripped Caleb's hand under the table. The room was full of film industry executives dressed in sleek suits and bustled gowns. Hanna's heart felt like it was in her throat as the presenters approached the beauty categories. Across the table from her, Sandy was grinning widely waiting in anticipation.

"And the nominees for outstanding makeup for a single-camera series," the presenter announced.

Then a montage of clips from various shows played. As the scene from Winston High splashed on the screen, Hanna felt a bit of pressure on her side.

"She's kicking!" Hanna laughed as the montage came to an end.

"And the winner is," the presenter continued, "the team from Winston High."

"That's us!" Sandy squealed.

She grabbed Hanna's hand and dragged her onto the stage. At that point, everything became a blur and Hanna let Sandy and the other makeup artists handle the microphone. When the acceptance speech was over, she followed the rest of them to the table.

"You won," Caleb whispered in her ear.

"Thank you," she kissed his cheek. "You were so supportive. I couldn't have done it without you."

"This little girl is going to have a very special mom," he said resting a hand on her stomach."

Hanna kissed him and then rested her head on his shoulder as the awards proceeded. Sandy flashed her a bright smile and mouthed Congratulations.

Aria made her way up the front steps as Ezra followed closely behind. For a second, their fingertips grazed but he quickly pulled his hand away. She pretended not to notice.

"Thanks for walking me home," she said.

"It's late," he told her. "Couldn't let you come alone."

"Would you want to come in?" she asked. "I can't drink but I can offer you a nightcap."

"I don't think that's a good idea," he said.

"I'm seven months pregnant and I'm home alone," she replied. "I could use the company."

"Can't refute that," he laughed.

She smiled and led him inside where she poured him a glass of his favorite whiskey. Then she handed it to him and took a seat on the couch opposite Ezra.

"You remembered," he smiled as he took a sip.

"It's Jake's favorite too," Aria replied.

"Oh," Ezra paused. "I don't know if I've told you this, but I really am happy for you two."

"Thanks," Aria swallowed feeling a twinge of guilt.

"Are you okay?" he asked noticing the color disappear from her face.

"Truly, no," she replied. "There's something I have to tell you but I'm worried it will make you upset."

"Aria," he smiled, "I don't think I have a right to be upset about your life anymore."

"It's not about my life," she said breathing hard, "it's about ours."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Oh shit," she sighed unsure of how to tell him. "Do you remember when I was in high school and we were scared I might be pregnant?"

"Yeah," he replied. "It was negative."

"Right," Aria said. "But there was a second time after we broke up."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.

"You were spending all of your time with Malcolm," she explained. "I was trying to move on."

"I'm sorry," he said. "I should have been there for you."

"It's not you who should apologize," she told him. "I was ten weeks along when I found out but I knew that we could never give that child a proper life. I should have told you..."

Her voice started to waver and Ezra looked on in shock unable to process.

"Aria," he breathed.

"I'm so sorry," she let a stream of tears roll down her face. "If I had known you wouldn't get another chance..."

"Aria," he sat down next to her and rubbed her back. "You couldn't have known...and the accident, it wasn't your fault."

"You should probably go," she told him.

"I can't leave you alone like this," he said. "Let me make you some tea or something."

"You're not mad?" she asked. "You lost Malcolm and now I take another child from you."

"I didn't lose Malcolm," he explained. "He was never mine to begin with. And you're right. We would never have been able to give that child a proper life. Please, don't blame yourself."

"I'm sorry I can't stop crying," she sighed. "I've just felt so guilty for so long. After I lost the baby I thought..."

"What?" he asked concerned. "You lost..."

"I had a miscarriage," she explained. "Earlier this year. I was ten weeks, just like the last time. I thought it was my punishment. I was cursed."

"Aria honey," he pulled her into a hug.

She melted in his arms. It was too familiar, too comforting. It made her rethink all of the decisions she had made since she was seventeen. Maybe if things had gone differently she and Ezra would be together today and that thought scared her.

Hanna held Caleb's hand as he helped her into the car. Then he ran around to the other side and drove them toward the house. When they arrived, she slid out of the front seat and nearly ran up the steps. She was desperate for a glass of water and a log nap.

"So," Caleb smirked when they got inside, "where are we putting your trophy."

"I don't care," she groaned. "I just want to sleep."

"Hey," he followed her into the bedroom, "you okay?"

"I'm just tired," she lay down against the pillows. "I spent ten hours on a plane this weekend and I'm almost nine months pregnant."

"I took off work," he told her. "I'm all yours today. I can make you that dinner you like so much."

"Caleb, babe," she sighed, "I love you but I don't want to be doted on right now."

"Okay, sorry," he said getting up.

"Holy fu-" she groaned clutching her stomach.

"What's wrong?" he asked turning around quickly.

"The baby," she laughed. "She's kicking really hard."

"Yeah," Caleb laughed. "I can see that."

Hanna lifted her shirt a little and poked just above her belly button.

"See," she pointed at the brief change in her shape, "I think that's her foot."

"Can I feel?" Caleb asked.

"Yeah," she nodded.

Caleb pressed his hand over her stomach and a smile spread across his face when he felt the tiny movements.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Yeah," Hanna replied.

"I'm sorry," he kissed her forehead. "You're a trooper."

"It's only gonna get worse," she scoffed.

"Han," he sighed, "I wish I could do this for you."

"No," she shook her head laughing. "You definitely don't."

He sighed and slinked away toward the door.

"Wait," she called out.

"What?" he turned around.

"I'm sorry," she told him. "For earlier. I'm just tired and hormonal."

"It's okay," he took a seat at the end of the bed. "You're going through a lot right now."

"It's no excuse," she replied. "You made a big effort to go Hollywood with me this weekend and you took the day off. I should be thankful."

"Why don't you take a nap," he offered. "I'll have lunch ready when you wake up."

"Pasta?" he eyes lit up.

"Sure," he smiled as he slipped out of the room.

Emily put Aaron down in his crib. A few seconds later Jason opened the door with two guests in tow. Spencer and Toby sat down on the couch and Emily turned to them pressing a finger to her lips.

"Aaron is sleeping," she said, "but there's something we wanted to ask you."

"What's that?" Toby asked concerned.

"We want you to be Aaron's godparents," Emily said.

"What?" Spencer gushed. "That is such an honor."

"So that's a yes?" Emily teased as Spencer hugged her awkwardly trying to wedge her huge stomach between them.

"It's definitely a yes," Spencer replied.

"I guess we're family then," Toby said giving his best friend a hug.

"We've always been family," Jason pointed to himself and Spencer. "And let me tell you, hurt my little sister and we'll revoke your godparentship."

"That's not a word," Toby laughed, "but rest assured, I will protect this girl with my life."

"Good," Jason smiled.

"Alright," Spencer smoothed out her dress, "as much as I want to stay here all day with you guys, I know you want to get some rest and I need to get to the office."

"Right, of course," Emily said. "But can we ask you to keep this quiet for now? We don't want our other friends and family getting jealous."

"Will do," Spencer replied. "Your secret's safe with us."

"Thanks," Emily gave them one last hug and then showed them out the door.

Spencer grabbed Toby's hand and they headed downstairs. He opened the door for her and led her toward her shop across the street. She unlocked the door and they slipped inside. He grabbed her waist and pressed her against the front desk. Using every ounce of strength she had, she saddled herself onto the desk and latched her legs around his waist as his lips met hers.

"Toby," she smirked pushing him away. "What are you doing?"

"I can't help myself," he breathed burying his head in her neck.

"Come on," she laughed. "Not here. There are windows everywhere."

"Fine," he sighed pulling himself away. "But when you get home, be prepared."

"Okay," she laughed.

Toby kissed her one last time and then turned around to leave. She watched him walk away from her, salivating at the thought of what they would be up to later. When he was out of sight, she leaned back into her desk chair and turned her attention to her work. That's when she saw his keys resting on the top of her desk.

She placed them in her desk drawer to keep them safe and then picked up her phone to call him. Just as it was ringing, a client approached the front door. She dropped the phone and looked up to find Colleen staring at her with daggers in her eyes.

"How can I help you?" Spencer asked.

"How could you?" Colleen cackled. "You let me think that you were a kind and benign person when you're sleeping with my fiance."

"Colleen, no," Spencer tried to stave her off. "I'm not sleeping with Andrew."

"Explain this!" Colleen threw a crumpled paper in her lap.

"What's this?" Spencer asked.

Colleen didn't reply. She glared at Spencer as she opened the photograph to find a series of frames taken from the security camera at the country club. They showed her and Andrew sneaking into the phone booth. Her heart sunk as she noticed the red A traced over the timestamp which read mArch 19, 2013 22:41

"I can explain," Spencer pleaded.

"What?" Colleen laughed. "That I'm marrying an asshole?"

"I can' argue with that," Spencer tried to ease the tension, "but I didn't know he was with someone. I swear. It was a mistake."

"You're having his child!" Colleen exploded. "And you were going to plan my wedding to him. You're insane. You two deserve each other."

"It was just once," Spencer sighed. "I don't want anything from him. I was trying to help the two of you be happy together."

"You thought we'd be happy together?" Colleen scoffed. "You thought that this lying cheating scum would make me happy? I fucking hate you!"

"Colleen stop," Spencer told her. "You're pregnant. You can't get wound up like this. It's bad for the baby."

"Like you give a fuck about this baby!" Colleen shrieked. "Go to hell!"

Then she stormed out of the shop and out of sight. Now alone, Spencer struggled to compose herself when the door opened again. She panicked as she prepared to face Colleen's wrath once again but instead saw Toby.

"I forgot my-" he paused as her eyes lit up when she saw him.

"I'm so glad you're here," she ran toward him and he enveloped her into a hug.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I am," she sighed, "not that I'm with you."

"What happened?" he asked.

"Colleen came in here seething," Spencer explained. "A sent her a photo of the night..."

"Oh," Toby paused.

"I'm fine," Spencer assured him. "Just a little shaken up."

"I'm so sorry," he told her. "I should have been here."

"You are now," she smiled. "Thank you."

SNEAK PREVIEW

"Seriously," Spencer said as they piled in for a photo, "you guys are amazing for putting this together."

"Anything for our best friend!" Hanna wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Smile!" Mona said as she snapped a picture.

The girls posed as Mona took a few more shots. Then Spencer's eyes landed on the door where a familiar petite woman with long brown hair stood glaring at her.

"Oh shit," she breathed.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Colleen commanded attention as she took the microphone from the DJ. "I think you would all be interested in seeing what the female half of this happy couple was up to nine months ago."

As Colleen finished the words, the lights went out and a clip played on the wall. Spencer stood in horror as the security tape from the club rolled revealing her tryst with Andrew.

"Stop this!" Aria lunged for the lights. Then she ran behind the DJ booth and helped him cut the feed.

"What," Colleen turned to her, "are you going to do about it?"

"No one hurts my friends," Aria said cooly. "You have no idea who you are messing with."

"You pretty little liars think you're a gift to this town," Colleen spat at them. She pointed at Mona. "I let you order me around in high school like I was your bitch. And the rest of you, Ali's minions, you're no better than here. You're all evil."

She looked around the room and glared at Spencer. Then she grabbed a floral centerpiece and lunged it at the girls. Thankfully she missed by quite a bit, nearly hitting Aria by the DJ booth and then stormed out.

"Oh,"Aria whimpered struggling to catch her breath.

"What the fuck?" Mona breathed. "Then she turned and saw Aria doubled over."

"Aria!" Emily ran to her. "Are you okay."

Aria couldn't respond. A stinging pain coursed through her stomach ending at the bottom of her spine. She recognized this feeling but it was worse than it had ever been before. She silently prayed for the safety of her twins before she collapsed into a chair with her friends' help.

Sneak previews are back! Sorry it's been a while but I hope you're still enjoying the story. Twelve reviews for the next update :)