CHAPTER 9: Demons of the Night

SPENCER'S POV:

I looked up at Hanna. I was lightheaded, and my head hurt like no other, but I couldn't let my friends know that. I didn't even know why I was so out of it, but then it dawned on me. I bet it was the blood loss…I thought. My body's not used to losing so much blood in such a short period of time, I bet that's it. I sighed and turned to Hanna.

"Sure." I whispered harshly.

Hanna grinned and searched for something to eat while we watched the movie. Aria got up and put something in, I didn't even pay attention to what it was. I curled up into the couch and sighed, when I felt something warm on my back. Emily had draped a blanket over me, and was holding me with her arms. I let out a deep breath and leaned into her embrace, my head resting on her shoulder.

"I'm always here for you, you know that right?" She whispered. I nodded slowly.

I felt her squeeze my shoulder gently and affectionately, before turning her head back to the television. Hanna had returned with popcorn and pretzels, but I didn't have an appetite. I was content sitting on the couch with my friends. Aria hopped up onto the couch next to me, and Hanna sat next to Emily.

I tried to watch the movie with them, but it was one I had already seen before and I could feel myself drifting off. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

EMILY'S POV:

I was laughing at the movie when I felt my shoulder grow heavy. I looked over at Spencer, who had fallen dead asleep. Her eyes were closed, and she looked peaceful and free of all troubles. I smiled and looked back at the screen.

When the movie was over, Hanna and Aria helped clean up. I offered to help, but they said it was best to not disturb Spencer.

I was glad it was a Friday, because I wanted nothing more than to sit with my friends and spend time with them.

After everything was cleaned up, and parents were contacted, Hanna and Aria returned to their spots on the couch.

"When are Spencer's parents getting home?" I asked Aria, who had called them.

"They won't be home tonight. I guess a last minute meeting was scheduled, and they had to get a hotel. Mrs. Hastings said that Melissa is sleeping in their room tonight if we need anything." Aria responded.

"Okay, thanks." I yawned. Pulling the blanket up to cover both Spencer and me, I leaned back on the couch and closed my eyes. Spencer was still sound asleep, and Hanna was nearly passed out. Too much junk food.

"Goodnight everyone." I mumbled before drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

SPENCER'S POV:

I woke up in the middle of the night, confused and alert. I looked over at Emily who was sound asleep next to me, and Aria and Hanna who were also crashed. I didn't realize they were going to be spending the night.

Suddenly a wave of anxiety passed over me. What if they had seen my cuts? I was asleep, I wouldn't know if they did or not! What are they going to do?

My mind was on hyper drive, shooting questions, and scenarios at me with lightning speed. I felt my fingers shaking with nervousness, and I was taking harsh, shallow breaths. I needed to calm down.

I got up shakily and made my way over to the bathroom. I closed and locked the door behind me before turning the light on.

Groaning, I reached into the cabinet and pulled out another piece of glass I had stashed. Sinking to the floor, I brought it to my wrist and let myself go.

ARIA'S POV:

I woke up feeling cold. I had accidentally kicked the blanket off of me at some point in the night. Sighing, I looked over to check on Spencer.

My heart skipped a beat when all I saw was Emily and Hanna.

"Guys!" I whispered harshly. Emily jerked awake, and Hanna got up drowsily.

"Huh? What's wrong?" Hanna slurred sleepily.

"Where's Spencer?" I questioned nervously. Emily stood up immediately.

"Shit! Where did she go?" Emily panicked.

"I don't know, she was here when we fell asleep…" I trailed off.

"Ya know….the bathroom light's on…." Hanna droned.

I quickly got up and walked over there, following Emily, who I think traveled at the speed of light to get to that door.

"It's locked." Emily's voice rose in pitch as her anxiety grew.

"I got it…." Hanna rambled as she pulled a bobby pin out of her pocket. She fumbled with the door for a while before it clicked.

"Thanks Hanna." I smiled at her. She nodded and waved me on."

"Whatever.." She was obviously nowhere near being awake at the moment.

Emily thrust the door open, and screamed.