I was running around the halls of Rosewood High trying to look for my next class; English Literature with a teacher named, Mr. Fitz. Did I mention I felt scattered too ? I had my textbooks in one arm and my laptop in another arm. I looked like a mess. I probably was. I was in a hurry in the morning; stuffing cereal into my mouth as my mom berated me for leaving a mess on the Kitchen counter. Whatever, right ?

I probably should have looked ahead however because I suddenly crashed into another person full force.

" AHHH ! " The person screamed. It was a girl. I was closing my Eyes so I didn't see who it was; being so scared of what happened. I opened my eyes; and a girl with Long Brown hair was on the ground; she looked frazzled as well. At least I'm not the only one.

" I am so sorry ! " I said frantically; as I tried to pick up my own books that fell; along with her books. This was embarrassing.

" It's okay. It's okay. " The girl said getting up., " This is probably your first day, so I understand the franticness." The girl seemed rather short to me.

I shook my head as I put my textbooks in my backpack, " Yeah but…. I should have looked ahead." Why was I so dumb ?

She laughed and sighed, " Don't worry. You're new to Rosewood right ? Welcome. My Name is Aria, Aria Montgomery. " She extended her hand, and I shook it.

" You are going to Mr. Fitz's class for English right ? "

" Yes. " I replied, " And then I have Math, and PE afterwards". Aria and I started to walk towards the classroom.

" He's a new teacher I think." I said. Aria nodded in response and pointed towards the back upon entering. In her direction, I saw another brunette, who seemed to be a Flipino.

" That's Emily Fields. Come, I'll introduce you to her. " Aria said. I followed her.

" Hey Emily !" Aria said smiling.

" What's up Aria ? How was your year-long trip to Iceland ? " Emily asked and pointed to me, " And who's your friend here ?

" My Name is Joseph Carter. " I said immediately. Probably a bit too fast.

" He's new here. " Aria sighed, " I've been trying to help him navigate Rosewood. "

I shook my head as we all took our seats. Suddenly, two other girls walked in. Aria and Emily's faces went shocked.

" Is that ? Is that ? MONA ? " Aria whispered a bit too loudly. I was confused. Who is Mona ?

" Yep, and that's Hanna. Emily said, pointing at the Blonde girl, " It seems as if Mona has changed alot… ". I was so oblivious to what was happening. I didn't know anyone ! Except for of course, Aria and Emily. I saw Aria waving to this Hanna girl, but Hanna didnt seem to wave back. Aria looked back at Emily.

" We all fell out of touch with each other. '' Emily shrugged. I was too busy looking for my textbooks in my backpack but I did notice both Aria and Emily pointing to a girl named " Spencer ". Huh, interesting. She looks nice enough.

A tall black haired man walked in in a business suit. I guess that was the teacher. He's dressed a bit too nice for a teacher though.

" Hi my name is… " Mr. Fitz began, but then stopped and stared straight at Aria. Aria strared straight back. What the hell was going on ? Aria then was fidgeting through her backpack. I saw the Hanna person giggling. Aria pulled out her cell phone and was reading something I guess and her face went pale as white. I was confused but decided to put it off.

The class went on without any more complications. When the bell rang; Aria darted out of the room.

" Aria ! Wait ! " I try to shout through the large crowds in the halls.. She turned around and her face was still very pale.

" Are you okay ? " I asked, " You looked like you were going to die.".

" I'm okay. I'm okay. " Aria replied, shaking her head, " Joseph, would you like to have me tour you around the school ? It can help you. " I nodded. During the 15 minute break time after Mr. Fitz's class, Aria took me on a tour of the school, showing me every little nook and secret hiding place.

" This school is full of cliches. " Aria whispered to me as we were exploring the Gym together, " They judge you. The whole school "

The rest of the day went by without much hassle. Aria and I exchanged Phone Numbers, promising to meet up for a study session on the first English exam. I was glad to have Aria as my first friend here. She seemed cool; albeit that moment with Mr. Fitz was a bit weird.

A few weeks went by; without any hassle. Although, my only friend so far seemed to be only Aria. I never got to see Hanna, Emily, or Spencer that much. They probably had different classes than me. The odd part however, was ALISON. Alison seemed to have a hold over this school; I didn't even have to mention her name. I noticed however; that they would constantly whisper about her, everyone. Like why would they whisper about her; like she was still alive or something ? She's probably dead after one year of being missing. I accepted that she was dead, so why couldn't she ?