Author's Note: I had the idea for this story a few years ago, and I finally finished it this year. I hope you enjoy, there will only be 4 chapters and I will update weekly. It's the first time I've written anything in a long time so feedback is greatly appreciated!
The first time I saw Spencer, it was in her backyard. We were five and next-door neighbours, we still are. Our families were never close, just the occasional pleasantry if we happened to cross paths. I always knew there was something strange about their family. They were too perfect, Mr and Mrs Lawyer Hastings and their perfect daughters Melissa and Spencer. They definitely had some secrets lurking, but you would never know by looking at their pristine home and garden.
I decided that it was time to see if I could learn more and draw out the secrets the Hastings were hiding. I learnt from my mom a long time ago that you had to be selective with your friends, you never know who you could trust. I needed to know the dirt on the neighbours before we became close.
Spencer and I were going to be starting high school together and I thought it made sense to become friends, we had grown up next door to each other after all. Plus, from what I gathered, Spencer didn't have many friends, just people she played hockey with or studied with.
So, I followed her to the library one day after school and sat at a table across from her. She was studying for a test but also writing a paper at the same time. I don't know how she didn't get confused but she seemed to keep her focus.
"You know, if you take a picture it might last longer." She said, looking up from her book.
"Oh, sorry I was just wondering if you could help me with something?" I asked, I had my books open pretending to study for my own test. I'm not one to be phased by being caught staring.
"I really don't have time."
"But I'm totally gonna fail if I don't figure out a technique to keep this crap in my head." I pouted, surely, she can't turn down a sad, seemingly dumb blonde?
"Two minutes," she got up and walked over to me.
I showed her my textbook and she rolled her eyes. It was basic mathematics that anyone could do in their sleep, but I was committed to my role.
"See, these equations mean nothing to me."
She poured over the page for five minutes and then began scribbling on a note card on the desk. She was calculated and precise, and I liked that about her. She was someone I needed as a friend.
"Here, I hope this helps, I can't explain it better than this."
"Wow, thanks!" I took the card and looked down at her tiny, perfect handwriting. If anything, this made the math more confusing, but I took it anyway. "I'm Alison by the way." I felt the need to reintroduce myself since I don't remember the last time, we talked to one another.
"I know, we're neighbours, I'm Spencer," she gave me a small smile and then got up and went back to her desk. I guess that was the end of our interaction. Still, she knows who I am so that's something.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in the library across from her, pretending to work while watching her work. Eventually, someone else came into the library looking for her.
"There you are!" A girl said approaching Spencer from behind. "Come on, we gotta go."
"Why?" Spencer looked up, clearly annoyed at this girl.
"Mom told me to find you because we have a dinner reservation, plus your phone is off so she thought you might have been kidnapped."
Mom? Ah, this was Melissa - I didn't see much of her around growing up, she always seemed to be onto the next best thing. She's a few years older than me and Spencer so was already preparing for college. She was the spitting image of her mom, dressed in a smart business pencil dress with sensible heels. I could tell she was the boring sister.
Spencer sighed and began to pack up her things, while her sister pulled out her phone to call their mom.
"Hi...yeah, I found her...she was in the library like always..."
Spencer rolled her eyes listening to her sister on the phone and put away all her things, but as she stood up to leave, something fell out of her bag. When she left, I went to pick it up. It was a scrap of paper, nothing major but scribbled on it was a name with a heart around it. Ian Thomas. Who is that?
I packed up my things and went home to investigate. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. I did a quick search online and found a few photos of him with Melissa. He seemed to be the same age as her and it looked like he was always pining for her in photos. Not a good look for anyone.
Searching through a few more images I found a more recent one of Melissa and Ian in the papers, it was some golf tournament and the caption labelled them boyfriend and girlfriend. Looks like Ian has both Hastings sisters interested, but only one can have him. Maybe they could learn to share?
(***)
The next day while I was walking home from school, I saw Melissa pull up to the Hastings house. Of course, her parents bought her a car for graduating high school because on top of being perfect; the family was rich from being lawyers. She wasn't alone though; Ian was with her. I decided to crouch behind the bushes to see if I could hear them talking as they got out of the car.
"Do we have to do this?" Ian said, stepping out of the car. "We've been dating for almost a year now."
"I know but my parents insisted on having a proper dinner at home and welcoming you officially to the family." Melissa replied, smoothing out her skirt.
Meeting the family dinners are always a fun time, especially when your family is as perfect as the Hastings. I bet no one is good enough for their daughters, even though Ian does come across as well-bred. I did some digging on him and he seems to be from a good family, members of the country club, and run in the good society circles. Maybe he is the perfect match for Melissa. One thing I knew for sure was that I needed to be at that dinner.
I ran into the house to get changed into a pretty dress and immediately went over to Spencer's and knocked on the door. Spencer's mom, Veronica, opened the door.
"Hello Alison," She smiled, Veronica and her husband Peter were always kind to me when I needed to stop by for whatever reason. I just hoped they would continue to be kind as I invited myself over for dinner.
"Hi Mrs Hastings, is Spencer home?" I replied with my own sickly, sweet smile.
"Yes, she is, come on in. Though I must ask that you not be long, we are sitting down for a family dinner soon." She stepped aside to let me through the door.
"Oh, Spencer didn't tell you she invited me for dinner too?" I was in the hallway then, looking up at Veronica with innocent eyes. "I'm sorry to be a burden but my parents have gone out for the evening and knew I would be eating here."
My parents were most definitely home but I left a note saying I would be at Spencer's. Plus, it's not like Veronica to call over there to make sure I wasn't lying. Why would I lie?
"...No, she didn't." She didn't look happy, but as a lawyer, she was good at thinking on her feet. "But that's fine, I will set a place for you at the table."
"Thank you so much."
"Spencer is in her room," Veronica called as I headed for the stairs.
The Hastings's house was huge, from the outside it looked like a cosy suburban family home, but being inside I could see there was more than meets the eye. The downstairs was open plan and decorated with lush furniture picked out by Rosewood's top interior designers. Upstairs was more closed off with doors in every direction, who knew what secrets lurked behind them? I navigated the halls peeking in through open doors until I found Spencer's room.
I was about to knock on the door when a door to the left opened and Melissa stormed out of the room, Ian following looking upset. "I'm sorry babe, but we need to talk about this." He was saying, trying to keep his voice down so Melissa's parents wouldn't hear.
"No, I get it, I came on too strong, and you don't want this." They stopped in the hallway in front of me, as though I were invisible.
"I do! I just need some time-"
"Time?! What about summer break? Wasn't that enough?"
This is when Ian was looking around, trying to think of an excuse and he spotted me. "Who are you?"
"Hi, I'm Alison, Spencer's friend and also her next-door neighbour." I smiled.
"Alison? I didn't know you were friends with Spencer." Now Melissa was looking at me too.
"Yeah, it's new. Anyway, sorry I didn't mean to get into the middle of whatever this was. I gotta go." I slipped past Ian and pushed open Spencer's door and stepped inside.
Spencer was sprawled out on her bed surrounded by books and her laptop; she had her earphones in so didn't notice me enter the room. I took this opportunity to look around her space.
It was a large room, similar to the size of mine, she had a four-poster bed and a beautiful white, wooden desk. Her closet was set into the wall with the doors open and I could see that most of the clothes were just thrown in there rather than being hung up neatly. It was the only spot of chaos, minus her bed, in an otherwise pristine room. I guess the family liked to keep up appearances.
After a few minutes, I thought it was best to make myself known so she didn't think I was a total creeper. So, I leaned over and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Alison? What are you doing here?" Spencer sat up and took her earphones out.
"My parents and older brother have last-minute plans and they didn't trust me alone so I'm hanging out here," I explained casually. I vaguely remember being asked to stay with the Hastings when I was younger while my family went out. My brother, Jason, and I kept to ourselves while Spencer and Melissa did their own thing.
"Oh okay, do you know when they will be back?" I could tell Spencer was annoyed that I had entered her room and invaded her space without permission, but she knew she couldn't complain to her parents about it as I was a guest.
"No, but your mom said I could stay for dinner." I walked over and took a seat at her desk. "Your room is really nice."
"Thanks, so how have you been?" Ah so now began the awkward small talk, I needed to put a stop to that.
"I've been good, thank you for helping me with math the other day by the way. So, your sister is dating a new guy?" I was never one for small talk.
"Oh yeah, Ian. They've been together for like a year or something. She spends most of her time with him, so I don't see her around much."
"Do you like him?"
Spencer blushed, "he's okay, I don't know much about him."
"Well, it sounded like he was having a fight with your sister when I was coming up the stairs."
"I'm not surprised...Melissa can be intense; she likes when everyone fits into her life plan and I guess Ian isn't ready for that."
"Your sister has a life plan?" I smiled, I expected nothing less of her.
"Yeah, it started when we were little, we were encouraged to goal set and plan for the future, Melissa took to it like a fish in water, she has been planning her life ever since." Spencer sighed beginning to clear away her books, she knew she wasn't going to get any work done now. "She wanted to be a doctor and have a successful husband and live in New York...I guess she thinks Ian is Mr Right."
"And what about you? What are your life plans?"
"Honestly? Just to make it through high school. My parents think I should be focused but as long as I'm getting the grades in the classes they want me to take, it should be fine."
"Sounds kind of crappy."
"It is."
We sat in silence for a while and then we heard Melissa and Ian fighting again. Spencer didn't really react, but I saw a hint of a smile as she was fiddling with her bedspread.
"So, do you have any crushes?" I ask.
"What?" Spencer looked up. "Oh, no, do you?"
"I have a few like Noel Kahn." I smile thinking of the lacrosse player; Noel was a year older than us and his family was known for throwing all the best parties. He was super dreamy. "And I guess Ian is kind of cute, don't ya think?"
"Ian? I guess, but he's dating my sister so that's weird...Hey, what made you want to come over here anyway, don't you have other friends you could hang out with?" Spencer said quickly, trying to change the subject. I guess she couldn't handle how forward I was being.
"Not really, besides I was thinking we should be friends. We've known each other a long time and it makes no sense."
"We're just different people is all," Spencer said defensively. "Just because we live next to each other doesn't mean we need to be friends."
"I guess, I just thought I would try." I never liked showing my cards, but I wanted her to trust me.
"Well, I guess you picked a good night to start, family dinners always suck and if you are here it might take pressure off of Ian, which should hopefully mean my sister doesn't have a nervous breakdown if he says the wrong thing," Spencer said. "I wouldn't mind us being friends and I guess if you can survive tonight then you can survive anything."
It was interesting to see Spencer let her guard down, or at least give in. I noticed she didn't have a lot of pictures in her room of people outside her family, so I guess she was also lonely. I think we could be good for each other.
(***)
Dinner was an awkward event. We were all called down to the Hastings's dining table which was next to their open kitchen/living space. It was a beautiful table, set out with fancy place settings and a gorgeous flower centrepiece. Ian and Melissa were already at the table sitting across from one another. I made sure to slip in next to Melissa so that Spencer had to sit next to Ian.
Mr Hastings sat down at one end of the table and Mrs Hastings shortly followed, she removed the floral centrepiece to replace it with the dinner items she pretended to cook herself before sitting down at the other end of the table. She and Mr Hastings were full-time workers, they had definitely hired a chef to prepare this meal.
"Should we say grace before we get started?" Veronica said, looking around the table. She was met with confused looks from everyone at the table, it was clear 'saying Grace' was not a Hastings tradition.
"I will do it." I volunteered.
"Thank you, Alison," Veronica smiled and bowed her head.
"Dear Lord, thank you so much for this food we are about to consume. Also thank you for family and friends who are able to come together and enjoy each other's company. Amen." Everyone looked up and Spencer gave me a look as if to say 'impressive'.
"So, Alison, what brings you here?" Asked Mr Hastings. Peter was the owner of the law firm in the city, so he was always away. Veronica worked in a different law firm because they didn't want to make things awkward, but it just made them crazy competitive. But as she was in a lower position than Peter, she was home more often.
"Oh, my parents were out tonight, and Spencer and I have become closer lately so she said I could hang out with her," I replied, watching Spencer as I blatantly lied to her parents. A flash of surprise crossed her face, but she seemed to be good at hiding it.
"Yeah sorry Dad, I didn't realise this was going to be a special dinner or anything," Spencer replied quickly, glancing at Ian.
"It's no worries, it's nice to see you making friends." He smiled. "Now let's eat." We sat in awkward silence for a while before Melissa spoke.
"Where are my manners? I'm sorry everyone. This is my boyfriend Ian, I meant to introduce him earlier, but I guess he already feels like part of the family." She laughed nervously looking at Ian who was ignoring her and focusing on his plate, there was a dull thump sound under the table and Ian jumped up straight. I'm guessing Melissa had kicked him.
"It's nice to meet you all," Ian said, smiling at everyone. "Thank you for inviting me over Mr and Mrs Hastings."
"It is nice to finally have this time to get to know you," Veronica replied. "So, Ian, tell us about yourself." I noticed that she wasn't warming up to him immediately, no 'call me Veronica' or overly enthusiastic voice.
"Well actually, I'm training to be a sports coach right now."
I could almost hear Veronica's heartbreak when she realised her perfect daughter who was destined to be a doctor was shacking up with an athlete who never went pro.
"A sports coach, that's... interesting. So, are you two going to live together when Melissa starts at Hollis?"
Hollis is a college that is located just outside of Rosewood, its campus is beautiful and while the school is not quite the Ivy Leagues it is still a respectable school. Almost 90% of Rosewood High School students end up there because they don't want to leave home.
Ian choked on his water, but Melissa was prepared for this question. "Yes, we have been looking around but haven't found anywhere yet. And I think Ian will make a great coach." She reached across the table and stroked Ian's hand. She really knew how to play the perfect girlfriend.
"Well you must let us see a place before you decide to rent, you know landlords are always trying to scam you," Peter said, reaching for seconds. Typical lawyer mindset.
As the meal went on Veronica and Peter would ask Ian the odd question. I guess they still were undecided about him. It was like the rest of us weren't at the table, every so often Melissa would step in to answer something if Ian was struggling, and you could tell she really wanted this to work. Spencer sat the whole time picking at her food and not paying attention, that or she was secretly noting down in her mind what Ian was saying.
After dinner, Ian excused himself to go get some fresh air, while Peter, Veronica and Melissa went into the kitchen to prepare dessert. I excused myself to the bathroom but once everyone's backs were turned, I slipped out the door to follow Ian. I wanted to speak with him one on one. Spencer sat by herself at the table on her phone.
"That was intense," I said, sneaking up behind Ian. He jumped and almost dropped his cigarette. "You smoke?"
"Alison you scared me, and sometimes when I'm stressed. Don't let the in-laws know." Ian joked.
"Do you think you'll really marry her?"
"I don't know, I mean it would look good to be on the arm of a Hastings..."
"Sure, but which one?" I looked over to Spencer who was scrolling endlessly on her phone. A good friend wouldn't have left her alone, but a great friend would help her get together with her crush.
"You think Spencer would be interested?" Ian was now also looking at Spencer.
"Who wouldn't be?" I batted my eyes at him.
"Well even if Spencer was, I don't think I could do that to Melissa. Dating her sister? She would have a fit."
"Then what about me?" I challenged him, if Ian was looking for a way out with Melissa, maybe I was it.
"I think you're cute Alison but realistically you know it could never work."
"Oh, come on, it's not like I'm asking you to marry me, I just think we could have a little fun that's all." This wasn't my original plan, but I was having fun with Ian and making him squirm. Plus, it didn't seem like being with me was out of the realm of possibility for him, making this whole game a lot more interesting.
"And no one needs to know?" He asked, taking another drag of his cigarette to give him courage.
"No one at all." I reached up and grabbed him by the shirt collar to kiss him.
At first, Ian hesitated, but then he began to lean into the kiss. His lips tasted of wine and cigarettes and I felt a shiver going down my spine. This was exciting and new, and I never wanted it to end, I just hoped Ian felt the same way.
We were kissing for a while and then Ian must've caught sight of Melissa coming towards the door as he pushed me away and made sure to bury the stub of his cigarette in the dirt. He was bent down pretending to tie his shoe when Melissa opened the door.
"Dessert's ready!" She gave me a strange look as I skipped past her and then focused her gaze on Ian. I could tell he was in trouble; but for what I'm not sure, depends on what she saw.
As I sat down, I decided to sit in Melissa's old seat, so I was facing Ian. Spencer raised her eyebrow at me confused as to why I was outside with Ian and I just winked back. I could see myself fitting in here nicely. The best friend, the perfect daughter the Hastings wished they had and the mistress to the sister's boyfriend. It all sounded so wonderful.
Dessert was more relaxed than dinner had been with polite conversation flowing with extra effort made to not dwell too much on Ian. I guess Melissa warned her parents to not scare Ian off. They asked me and Spencer about school and asked Melissa about how her plans for college are going. You know boring small talk parents always make.
The whole time I kept watching Ian, making sure to catch his eye as I was licking my spoon or doing my best to look flirty.
After dinner, I hung out with Spencer for a while in her room. She was not pleased with me.
"What the hell were you doing with Ian?" Spencer demanded.
"What do you mean?" I was lying on my stomach on Spencer's bed while she paced in front of me. I felt like she was my mom or something.
"Oh, come on Alison. It was so obvious you were flirting with him!"
"So? It was just a bit of fun to rile him up before he goes off with your boring sister. Besides, why do you care? Are you jealous?"
Spencer was silent for a moment, she stood with her arms folded and she looked like she was trying to be careful with her words. "Can you keep a secret?"
My eyes lit up, "of course," I sat up on the bed and Spencer sat down next to me.
"I do have a crush on Ian..." Spencer whispered, watching the door as she spoke. "And Ian actually kissed me once."
"What?!" I was shocked. No wonder he wasn't so quick to step back when I had kissed him.
"Yeah, it was last summer, he was helping me with hockey training in the backyard. We were getting closer and next thing you know...it just happened."
"So, do you have feelings for him?"
"Yes, but I told him nothing would ever happen between me and him because of Melissa. He tried to convince me that it would somehow work out but..." Spencer cleared her throat, I thought she might start crying. "But I knew it would only end in disaster and my sister would blame me because she always does. So now Ian and I keep our distance."
"I know this is going to sound crazy, but I think you need to tell Melissa."
"What?! Are you crazy?"
"No, I just think she needs to hear this from you before it comes out," I explained.
"How would it come out? I'm not going to tell her, and neither is Ian." Spencer looked hurt. "You better not tell her Alison! You told me you could keep a secret!"
"Well, I just think she has a right to know. She needs to know her boyfriend is a potential man-slut."
"Please Alison, don't say anything, I'll do anything you want. Just please leave me to deal with this, it's between me and my sister."
"Fine, I won't say anything."
"Thank you so much."
After that, things were kind of tense with me and Spencer for a while. She was always on edge, making sure not to upset me in case I was going to tell her sister about Ian. It was kind of fun holding this secret over her. I knew we were going to be great friends after that, and it was only the beginning for us.
