CHAPTER 18: Curious Confessions

ARIA'S POV:

I laughed at the movie playing. Emily chuckled along also, but Spencer didn't seem to be as into it. After the movie finished, I leaned back on Emily's bed and sighed.

"Do you think we'll ever find out who A is?" I asked, not really expecting an answer. The topic popped in my head randomly, and I felt like sharing to see if anyone else had an opinion.

"I hope so. I hate knowing that someone is out there to get us, and hurt us, but not know who it is doing so." Emily muttered. I nodded along to her, agreeing.

"Spencer? Do you have an opinion?" I asked, curious.

Spencer's head was down, and she was looking at the floor, staring off. Her eyes were dark and sad.

"Not really. I guess we'll just find out when the time is right." She replied, not bothering to lift her eyes from the carpet.

I glanced at Emily and threw her a look, but she shrugged. Neither of us understood what Spencer was going through at the time, and we didn't know what was wrong.

I was about to ask Spencer something when the door to Emily's bedroom flung open.

"Did ya miss me?!" Hanna shrieked. Emily jumped, startled, but smiled.

"Hanna! How'd you get here? How'd you get in my house?" Emily pondered.

"Your mom let me in. And I finished my chores so I was free to come over. If you'll have me." Hanna joked.

"No no, come sit. It hasn't been the same without you." I laughed. Even Spencer had looked up, and a grin was on her face.

"It's good to see you Hanna." She chuckled.

I sighed, relieved that Spencer was back to her normal self. For a while she had me worried, I didn't know why she wasn't looking at us. But now her rich colored eyes darted about the room, analyzing everything and everyone like normal.

"Soooo, what have I missed?" Hanna questioned as she flung herself onto Emily's bed, nearly crushing Emily.

"Not much. We watched a movie, and were just talking." Spencer replied.

"Talking? About what?" Hanna continued, eager to get caught up in the conversation.

"About A. If we think we'll ever find who it is." I explained.

Hanna's mouth formed a giant O and she sighed.

"I don't think we'll ever figure it out." Hanna stated. "I think A's too smart, or too many people. Even if we figure out that someone's A, there's bound to be more A's out there. This couldn't possibly be the work of one person. It's like a team. The A Team. Ya know?" Hanna thought out loud.

"That makes sense I guess." Emily realized.

I glanced over at Spencer, whose head was hung once more. She looked almost like she was about to either scream, or cry, and I didn't want her to do either.

"Spencer are you okay?" I asked.

Emily looked over at Spencer and her face fell. She scooted closer to her and wrapped her arms around the brunette's body.

"There's something I need to tell you." She muttered.

"You can tell us anything Spence." Hanna confirmed. Spencer took a deep breath before continuing.

"I know who's on the A team." She said after a while.

"WHAT?!" Hanna shrieked. "Why didn't you tell us?!"

I shot Hanna a menacing glare, and she shut up.

"Sorry Spencer, I'm sure you had your reasons." She muttered quietly.

Spencer let out the breath she had been holding and her whole body shook. She was quiet for a while, leaving us in suspense.

"Who is it Spencer?" Emily asked softly.

"It's...Toby…" Spencer's voice cracked, and I could tell she was on the verge of tears.

"Toby?!" Emily gasped, and I felt my heart almost stop.

"You've got to be kidding, why would he do something like that?" I asked.

"I'm not kidding. When I went back to my house to get some things for our anniversary dinner, A, or someone I thought was A was standing in my kitchen. However, earlier I found a badge for Radley Sanitarium in Toby's apartment. It had his picture, but a different name. That's when I grew suspicious. I also found a key. I took the items and went home, that's when I found...A. When the figure turned around, it…..was Toby...I've never seen him look so menacing...I didn't know what to do…" Spencer choked. Emily rubbed her back quietly, letting her know we were here for her.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys earlier. I just….it was hard." She muttered.

"Oh Spence, it's okay. We get it. I'm so sorry you had to keep that to yourself for so long. It must have been hard." I reassured her.

"Yeah." She mumbled.

"You know, we are here for you. You don't have to be brave for us Spencer. You can cry if you want to." Hanna reminded her.

"Oh no, I've already cried over him so much, I don't think I have any tears left. Besides, I don't love him anymore. Not after what he's done." Spencer stated, confident with what she was saying.

"Okay. I get that." Emily smiled sympathetically.

"Yeah. Hey, do you mind if I use your bathroom?" Spencer asked. Emily nodded, but was hesitant.

"Thanks." Spencer got up and walked over to Emily's bathroom.

"She's not...you know.." Hanna mentioned, but Emily shook her head violently.

"No, she wouldn't. She promised us. Besides, we're all here, it would be pretty stupid of her." Emily responded. Hanna nodded.

"Makes sense. Is she okay though?" She asked.

"I have no idea. I think she's better. And I'm sure after tonight she'll be even better than before, now that that weight is off her shoulders." I added.

Spencer returned, looking a little better. I glanced at her arms quickly, but she was wearing sleeves so I couldn't tell.

"You okay?" Hanna asked, unsure of what else to say.

"Yeah, much better. Thank you." Spencer smiled, and I felt relieved, but was still worried slightly.

"I'm glad." Hanna grinned, and laid her head on Emily's pillows.

We spent the rest of the night discussing family, and events in our lives. We played a few board games, and eventually ended up watching another movie. However, halfway through Spencer and Hanna passed out, and were sleeping soundly. After that Emily and I ended up shutting the movie off.

"Oh shoot, I should call Mrs. Hastings. I don't want to move Spencer, but she had said something about picking her up." Emily realized.

She left the room and talked to Spencer's mom. I yawned and stretched my arms. I was getting tired too, and should head to bed soon.

"Spencer's mom said she can stay the night. She understood, and didn't mind." Emily said as she walked back into her room.

"Oh cool, that's good." I replied. I glanced over at Spencer, and then back at Emily.

"Oh my god, you like her don't you?" I asked, as I noticed Emily look at Spencer lovingly.

"What?! No, of course not!" Emily snapped, defensive, her cheeks reddening.

I grinned coyly. "Yeah right. I saw the way you just looked at her. You loooooooveee her!" I teased, while still being serious.

Emily sighed, defeated. "I don't know. I really do think I love her...that's why Paige broke up with me. She thought I was in love with Spencer, and was irritated that I didn't feel the same way about her." Emily explained.

I nodded. "I understand. But really? You like her?" I asked again.

Emily nodded sheepishly. "I've tried to deny it for so long, but I don't think I can." She blushed.

"Well, are you going to tell her?" I questioned. Emily's eyes went wide.

"Oh gosh no! No. Now isn't a good time anyways. She just got over what happened to Toby. She's never going to consider another relationship this soon. Besides, I don't think she likes me. She's into guys. And we're friends, it just wouldn't work out." Emily sighed. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Oh come on gloomy goose. You never know, you might have more of a chance than you realize!" I pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Emily was confused.

"I've seen the way you look at Spencer, but I've also seen how she looks at you. I think she feels the same Em. Besides, you're such good friends, if you confess it too her, even if she doesn't feel the same way she'll still treat you the same. You know that." I reassured her.

"I guess so. You really think she likes me?" Emily asked, unable to hide the hope in her expression. I laughed.

"I'm almost 100% positive. I think it's cute. You guys would be team...Spemily." I giggled. Emily rolled her eyes.

"If you say that in front of her I swear…" She threatened as she rolled over and laid down on the bed. However, I could tell she was amused.

I laughed. "Well I'm going to turn in for the night, I'm exhausted. Good night Emily, sweet dreams." I said as I laid back on Emily's bed. It was crowded, but comfy.

"Goodnight Aria. Thanks for everything." I heard Emily reply.

I laughed. "Anytime Em, anytime."