CHAPTER 28: Smart Girl; Stupid Choices

SPENCER'S POV:

I woke up groggy, and not feeling well. My head hurt like hell, and I felt dizzy and hot. I sighed, flopping my head back on the pillow. I shut my eyes tight to rid myself of the dots that were swarming in my eyes, but my head pounded like a stampede of elephants.

I groaned, turned over, and nearly screamed. I had forgotten that Emily was still here, and memories of last night flashed through my head.

I jolted up into a sitting position, but immediately regretted it. My vision went blurry, and a white light flashed in my eyes. I was so light-headed, I feared I would pass out and fall off the bed.

"Spence?" Emily groaned, clearly not awake. I wanted to glance over at her, but it was taking all I had to stay conscious.

"Hey." I replied, letting out a shaky breath.

Emily sat up next to me and glanced at me. I wouldn't meet her eyes. Not because I didn't want to, or was scared, but I was worried if I moved my head I would pass out. Black spots danced in front of my eyes, and I could feel myself swaying.

"Spence?" Emily repeated, and placed a hand on my shoulder to steady me. "Are you okay?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After about three minutes, my head stopped pounding as hard, and my vision was back to normal.

"Yeah, just sat up too fast." I smiled. Emily smiled back, and slid off my bed.

"Are you okay about last night?" She asked. I nodded slowly, not wanting to bring more pain.

"Yeah. I really am." I grinned and shakily climbed out of bed. My parents had gotten back last night, and were catching up on sleep. Melissa was downstairs making breakfast.

I headed downstairs towards the scent of eggs, and Emily followed. I sat down at the table, and Melissa turned and grinned at me.

"I take it things went well last night?" She smirked. "No one ran out of here crying, and I didn't hear a lot of yelling."

Emily blushed, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks as well. "Things went fine." I replied.

Melissa set out three plates on the table. She brought over the eggs she had made and placed some on each of the plates.

I was about to dive in when the scent fully reached my nose. It wasn't that they smelled bad, they smelled and looked delicious. I was just not feeling well at all, and the scent made my even more light-headed and sick.

"I'm good, but thanks Melissa." I smiled politely and handed her plate back.

"Are you sure? Are you feeling okay?" She asked, clearly concerned. Emily snapped her fingers.

"That's right! I was going to check your temperature this morning. You felt really warm last night, and I want to make sure you aren't sick." Emily stretched her arm out so she could feel my forehead, but I swatted it away.

"I'm fine, really. I just don't have much of an appetite this morning." I smiled and tried to brush it off. I knew I was sick, but I didn't need them to worry about it. I'd lie down and take some medicine later, and be back on my feet within hours after that.

"If you insist." Emily sighed, clearly not going to let up on her opinion. She ate the rest of her breakfast, but I could feel her constantly glancing over at me, checking to make sure I was okay.

I felt glad that I had friends that cared so much, but I really couldn't get away with anything. They knew me too well, Emily especially.

After breakfast, I thanked Melissa and we went back upstairs. I pulled some clothes on, and brushed my hair so that the two of us could head over to Hanna's for coffee. Aria was going to meet us there. I was unaware of the meeting, but I assumed Emily texted them to let the two of them know we were talking again.

I bid my goodbye to Melissa, who was bringing some eggs to my parents who had just woken up. I knew they wanted to talk to me, but I figured it could wait a bit. They'd understand.

I hopped in the passenger seat of Emily's car, and we headed to Hanna's. The vertigo of the moving car didn't help my head, but I did my best to conceal my discomfort. Emily didn't need to worry about me, and I didn't want her to send me home.

We arrived shortly after Aria did, and walked with her inside. No conversation was made, for we were all freezing cold. Hanna opened the door for us in record time, and we dropped our coats by the door. Except for me. I was still cold, even without it, and needed it on me or I would probably start shaking. No one noticed, or said anything, so I figured it would be okay.

Hanna's mom poured some coffee, and then left to go upstairs and get some work done. The four of us sat at the table, waiting for someone to originate the conversation.

"Well since World War III is no longer in session, are we still on for Friday?" Hanna joked. Emily rolled her eyes.

"This Friday right?" She asked.

"Yeah. Four days from now." Aria responded.

"That sounds perfect." Emily replied with a smile.

I nodded my understanding, and set my coffee aside. The taste was gross in my mouth, and made my head spin even more.

"Soooooo, give us the details?" Hanna smirked, looking between Emily and I.

Emily blushed, but I kind of ignored the question. I was trying to keep myself from passing out again, the cold must have zapped what little energy I had left.

"There's nothing to give. We talked, cried a little. Then we went to sleep. That's all." Emily stated, plain and clear.

Aria sighed. "Come on, that can't be just it." She rolled her eyes.

"That's all that happened." Emily blushed a little, trying to avoid talking about the confessions they'd made to each other. I felt her grab my hand gently and give it a squeeze, asking for my permission to announce our new relationship status.

I squeezed back, before shoving my hand in my pocket. It was so cold.

"Well…Spencer and I are…um.." Emily was at a loss for words. She glanced at me, and I gave her the okay once more.

"OMG ARE YOU TWO A THING NOW?" Hanna shrieked. I flinched at the loud noise, and closed my eyes. The sudden pitch hurt my head.

"Hanna, calm down!" Aria scolded, but looked at us playfully. "Sooo, is it for real now?"

I nodded before Emily could respond and Hanna clapped loudly. I flinched away again, and felt Emily grab my hand gently. She knew I wasn't feeling my best somehow, and was trying to be sympathetic.

I smiled at her before glancing over at Hanna.

"Gosh, finally! You two were so meant to be." Hanna smiled, excited for the two of us. I was glad for her support and enthusiasm, but didn't need so much of it at the moment.

The three of them talked for a little while longer. I'm not sure what about, I zoned them out. About five to ten minutes went by before Emily nudged me.

"Spence? You okay?" She asked. I mumbled something and nodded, not wanting to spend more energy on talking.

"Spence…." Emily raised an eyebrow. I sighed.

"I'm fine." I coughed.

Aria was immediately over to my side. She had her hand up to my forehead before I could take a breath.

"Spencer Jill Hastings!" She scolded. "You are sick." She crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked at me pointedly.

"What? No!" Emily placed her hand against my forehead and immediately pulled back.

"Spencer! You said you were fine!" She snapped. I understood that they were worried, but my head spun so much, I couldn't do anything but rest it on the table and close my eyes.

"Spence, come on. Let's get you home." Emily placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Nah, I'm fine." I mumbled, not wanting to worry them.

"Spencer get your ass out of that chair. You are sick. Stop denying it. Come on." Emily demanded. I sighed and pulled myself out of the chair. Standing up was a chore, and I was immediately rewarded with more black fuzzy dots. I felt Emily grab my shoulders with her hands as I swayed.

"Come on." She soothed, as we walked to the door. She turned to Aria and Hanna before we left.

"Friday. See you there." She smiled and we walked out the door. The air was bitter, and I felt myself shiver.

We got in the car, and Emily drove me home.

"Spencer, for such a smart girl you do some pretty stupid things." She sighed.

I giggled softly, and placed my hand on her leg. Emily blushed at the contact, but said nothing.

"You worry too much." I rasped.

"I worry because I care." She teased, and smiled back at me. I rolled my eyes, and we drove the rest of the way in peaceful silence.