Chapter 5

Her First Party


On the night that they went bowling, everyone decided to play on teams. It was boys versus girls. The boys were clearly out numbered, but they had faith. Toby and Spencer made a little side wager. If Spencer's team won, then Toby had to at some point streak during the party tomorrow. And if Toby's team won, then Spencer had to ask her crush, Alex, out on a date. Toby had won and promised that'd he'd give her a few tips on how to do that.

That's what they were doing after everyone went bowling. Spencer dropped Toby off at his motorcycle, that had been sitting in front of the Grill since their disastrous study session. Toby got on his bike and followed Spencer back to her house. He followed Spencer up the stairs to her room, but Jason stopped him half-way up the steps and said there was no way in hell that he was going into Spencer's bedroom. It took some convincing, but Jason let them go in her room if they kept the door open.

As he went into the room, Toby immediately knew that the room represented the kind of person she was. The room was neat, in order, trendy, and a little intimidating. Toby laughed to himself as he thought about how he had to be threatened by his step-mom to keep his room like Spencer's.

"You don't like my room?" Spencer asked once she heard Toby's low chuckle.

"What? Oh, no, it's just you're room says a lot about you." Toby said as he walked further into her room and sat down on her red chair.

"And what exactly does my room say about me?"

"It's says that you really need to stop organizing so much and learn to enjoy life. Lucky for you I know how to enjoy life and know you'll get to experience it with me."

"When does the experience begin?"

"With Alex." Toby said and watched Spencer blush a little, but her eyes still lit up."Getting this guy for you will be easy because well you're you."

Spencer pulled out the desk chair and sat down, so that she could be closer to Toby."Alright, then let's get down to it."

"The girls are gonna come over and help you get ready tomorrow. I'll be gone while you'll do your hair, make-up, and whatever. When we get to the party I'll help you look for Alex. When we find him you'll go over to him and flirt, but not too much because you don't want to seem desperate. If he likes you he'll ask you to dance because he'd want to touch you. Don't be afraid to touch him, but stick to putting you hand on his arm or holding his hand. Talk to him about his interests and tell him about yourself. By the end of the night if he doesn't ask you out, then you ask him out."

"Okay, Toby, there are two things wrong in your plan. One, I don't dance. Two, what if he says no when I ask him out?"

"Okay, I'll come over tomorrow and I'll teach you how to dance. And if he says he doesn't want to go out, then it's his lose. Besides you always have a back up plan. Holden." Toby teased and Spencer hit him on the arm.

"I don't like Holden like that."

"He seems pretty taken with you."

"Well, I'll just have to let him down gently. But, thank you for today and for the advice."

"It was no big deal. I guess I should be heading home." Toby stood up and headed for the door, but Spencer turned him around and pulled him into a tight hug.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'll see you later, Spence." Toby said and Spencer released him from her arms.

Toby walked back down the stairs and said his goodbye to Jason before he left the Hastings residence.


Toby pulled up to his house a few minutes later and parked by the curb. He was about to get off when he saw someone approaching his motorcycle. He squinted his eyes to see better in the darkness. He let out a deep sigh once he realized it was Alison coming towards his bike.

He looked straight ahead even when he knew she stopped next to him. Minutes passed as Toby and Alison waited, not saying anything to each other.

"I'm sorry, Toby." Alison said to break the silence and Toby thought his ears were playing a trick on him. Alison never apologizes.

"What?"

"I said I was sorry. If Spencer's your friend, then fine. I'll leave her alone."

"And you'll apologize to her."

Alison rolled her eyes and sighed."Fine, I'll apologize to her on Monday."

"You can apologize to her tomorrow because she's going to Sean's party. I don't want any problems tomorrow, Ali." Toby demanded and finally looked over at Alison.

"Okay, whatever you want. Now, I've missed you so much. My parents aren't home and I could really use some company." Alison purred as she placed her hand on his thigh. Toby knew what she wanted and who was he to deny.

"Alright, let's get out of here." Toby kissed Alison. She hopped onto the back of his bike before he pulled away from his house and on to the road to get to Alison's house.


Toby groaned as the sun shined through Alison's bed room window. Last night Toby had sex with Alison. It wasn't the first time, but to Toby something was off. It wasn't him, it was her. He brushed it off and went to sleep after they were done.

"Toby, babe, get your phone." Alison said as she nudged his back to get up and get his vibrating phone.

Toby sat up in the bed, but made sure to leave his lower body cover because he and Alison were still naked. He reached over to her nightstand and picked up his phone.

Did you forget about our dance lesson?

-Spence

"Damn it." Toby muttered under his breath. He looked over at the alarm clock to see it was past three. He didn't mean to sleep so long, but he and Alison wore each other out last night.

"Toby, where are you going?" Alison asked when Toby jumped out of bed to put on his boxers and pants.

"I'm sorry, babe. I promised a friend I'd help them with something today and I'm late."

"It's Spencer, isn't it?" Alison asked and Toby stopped zipping up his pants to stop and look at her.

"Ali, she needs me."

"Toby, I need you. I'm your girlfriend, not her. I was planning on spending the day with you because you're my boyfriend. We just made up and you go running to her."

Toby ran a hand through his hair and sat down on Alison's bed."Ali, baby, I'm just trying to do the right thing. She needs me-"

"Toby, just stop you know she doesn't need you, but for some reason you need her. So just go to her, but if you do don't come back to me."

Toby looked into Alison serious eyes. She was hurt and upset. He didn't mean for her to feel this way. He loved Alison. He leaned over to her and kissed her. He kissed her roughly, forcing her to lie back and for him to hover above her.

"I'll stay if that's what you want."

"I want you to stay." Alison whispered before reconnecting their lips.


Toby left Alison's house around six and he was kicking himself. Spencer had been calling him, but he didn't answer because he was with Allison. He did the one thing he never wanted to do. Ignore her.

He headed home to shower and change, so he could at least still head over to Spencer's house to teach her a little dancing. Toby put on his blue long-sleeve shirt with faded jeans after his shower. He headed to his truck before his parents could ask him where he was going, not like they cared anyways.

Toby pulled up to Spencer's house a little after seven. He was hesitant about getting out and facing Spencer or Jason. Spencer would probably be sad and Jason would probably kick his ass. He took a deep breath and walked to the back door of the house. He knocked lightly and waited. The door opened and Toby lifted his head up and felt his jaw drop.

Spencer stood in the doorway with a red strapless dress on, stopping a little above the knee and that showed just enough cleavage for her outfit to still be classy. Her hair was down from her usual ponytail and the waves were descending down her back. She had a hint of make-up on, but only a little that you could still see her natural beauty. The heels so wore put her just an inch shorter than Toby, so they were almost eye to eye. She looked beautiful, glowing in the darkness.

"Toby, close your mouth, you'll catch flies." Spencer said sharply causing Toby to stop staring and close his mouth."Why are you here?"

"I came to teach you how to dance."

Spencer snorted and Toby looked down."Toby, you don't have to because I know you don't want to. Besides Jason already taught me how to dance when you didn't want to answer my texts."

"I'm sorry, Spence. I know I messed up with you today and I feel like a complete asshole. I want to make up to you."

"I should slam the door in your face, but Jason didn't get to teach me how to slow dance before he left."

"I'll teach you! We can do it right now." Toby said and tried to enter the house, but Spencer placed her hand on his chest, stopping him.

"My parents are home and it's not pretty in there. We can dance in the barn." Spencer grabbed Toby's hand and led him to the barn.

Spencer pulled the hidden key from up under the welcome mat to let them in. She stepped inside first and Toby followed behind her. She flicked on the light switch and Toby to a look around. The barn had been complete remodeled into a space where it's suitable for people to live. The barn had a spacious living room, a beautiful kitchen, and four doors leading to a bedroom, bathroom, another bedroom, and laundry room.

"The barns nice." Toby said and went to sit down on the couch.

"Thanks, it's really more for me, but when Melissa comes home, she stays here."

"You know I've noticed something about you. You never talk about you family or your sister."

"Neither do you." Spencer retorted back before she turned the stereo on to slow music.

Toby stood up on instinct and pushed the coffee table out of the middle of the living room, giving them room. Spencer came and stood in front of him and waited for him to start. He took her arms and wrapped him around his neck. He placed his hands on her hips and heard Spencer laugh.

"I can't believe you're teaching me how to slow dance." Spencer muttered and Toby chuckled.

"I can't believe it either because truthfully I know how to dance, but I don't really know how to slow dance."

"Really?"

"Yep, but enough about that. Let's get dancing." Toby held her hips a little more tightly and began slowly swaying to the music.

"For someone who doesn't know how to dance, you sure are pretty good." Spencer said and kept her eyes on their feet trying to make sure her heels don't connect with his feet.

Toby used his fingers to lift her head up, making her look into his eyes."Don't think about your feet. Talk, let's take your mind off this."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Tell me about your parents."

Spencer's smile fell and she momentarily took her eyes off Toby, but looked right back into them."My parents work a lot. I'm usually home only, if Jason or Melissa aren't there. I know they love me, but..."

"But what?" Toby asked concerned and Spencer smiled at him weakly.

"I jut feel like I'm not important enough for them anymore. I just get the feeling like sometimes that no matter how perfect I am, I can't fix my family." Spencer felt the tears running down her face and Toby's heart ached.

He removed one his hand from her waist to wipe away her tears with his thumb."Don't cry. Everything will be alright I promise. I'll be there for you."

"Your turn. Tell me about your parents."

"Ouch!" Toby yelled when Spencer stepped on his toes.

"I am so sorry! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll live. Now, where were we?"

"You were about to tell me about your parents."

"My parents are parents. They make sure I have food on the table and clothes on my back. I don't even think they care about what I do. Just like your folks, they don't pay me much attention."

"Is that why you seek the attention of others?" Spencer asked and gasped a little when Toby dipped her and brought her right back up into his arms.

"What do you mean I seek the attention of others?"

"Oh, please. You're Toby Cavanaugh. Everybody knows you and everybody loves you."

"Sometimes I think they just love me because I'm Alison's boyfriend."

"Is that where you were today? When I tried to call you were you with her?"

Toby looked into Spencer's serious brown eyes and nearly choked. He didn't want to lie to her, but didn't want her to cry again.

"Yes...I was with Ali."

"What were you doing that took you hours to come see me?" Spencer asked and noticed Toby turn a bright red. She pushed him back playfully and he laughed." Toby that's disgusting. You touch me after you had sex with her."

"What? I went home to shower and brushed my teeth before I came over here." Toby said through his laughter.

"Still I don't want you to hold me after your afternoon romp. Let's get going."

Toby glanced around and found a clock on the wall. It was 8:30, they wouldn't be that because the started a long time ago and wouldn't end for hours. But he knew Spencer wanted to get there a little early to see Alex.

"Miss Hastings, your chariot awaits." Toby said and motioned for her to come outside with him.


Toby and Spencer pulled up to Holden's house to see that the party was in full swing. Toby had a little difficulty finding a parking spot because a lot of cars were already filling, so he had to park down the street.

"Alright, there are going to be some rules," Toby said as he put the truck and park, then turned to Spencer."Rule number one: don't accept drinks from anyone unless you are watching them make your drink. Rule number two: don't go upstairs with anyone. If you get drunk and have to throw up, go outside and do it in a bush, but do it in sight, not in the shadows. Rule number three:...you save me a dance."

Spencer smirked and rolled her eyes at Toby."Save you a dance? What kind of rule is that?"

"One that you'll need to follow unless I'll have to drag you out of that party."

"Fine, I'll save my dance with you for last."

"Good, always save the best for last." Toby winked at her and hopped out of his car. He went around to the other side to open Spencer's door for her.

Toby and Spencer walked up to Holden's house. Toby grabbed Spencer's hand to squeeze their way through the crowds of people, so they could get inside. They walked into the house and Toby pressed Spencer closer to him, so that she wouldn't get trampled by all the drunken idiots.

"I see Alex." Spencer whispered in his ear. He followed her gaze to see Alex, leaning against a wall and talking to Emily.

Toby nudged her forward and smiled down at her." Well, go over to him and talk. I'll find you later and get my dance, but if you need me don't hesitate to find me, the girls, or Caleb and Holden."

"Don't worry, Toby. I'm a big girl."

Spencer moved away from Toby's body and went over to Alex. Toby watched the encounter between Spencer and Alex. She was smiling and his face lit up when he saw her. They easily began to flow into conversation and Emily stealthily walk away, but not before giving a thumbs up to Toby.

"Hey." Toby turned his head to the right to see Alison, holding a cup out towards him.

He took the cup and slung his arm around her shoulders. She kissed his cheek and snuggled into his side."Hey, babe. I missed you."

"Good, now let's mingle."

Alison held his hand as she led him through the crowds. He tried to keep up with her, but it was hard balancing a drink in your hand and walking through a crowd, the liquor burning down his throat didn't help. He would occasionally see his friends around, but Alison kept dragging him along to the next group of people, so he didn't really have a chance to chat that long with them. He was hoping they got to Spencer soon so that Alison could apologize.

He saw the two people that he dreaded seeing. Sean and Noel. He made eye contact with his former friends and they glared at each other. He started to feel dizzy and he had a little trouble standing up.

"I'll be right back." Alison let go of Toby and disappeared somewhere.

Toby's body instantly felt light, he could feel himself having to sit down. His eyes caught a glimpse of Spencer, smiling and laughing with Alex as they danced. For some reason his body didn't feel so light anymore and he didn't feel dizzy. He looked over to see Noel and Sean coming over to him with evil smirks on their face.

"Toby, buddy, you don't look so good." Noel said as he patted Toby's shoulder, but Toby jerked out his reach.

"Wow, what's the matter, man? I thought we were friends?" Sean asked.

"I'm not friends with assholes and you know that."

"Listen, Cavanaugh. We don't care if you're not our friend because we don't need you. We'll destroy and your little geek friend."

"Shut. Up." Toby growled through his teeth.

"Spencer the geek is looking great tonight. I wonder how long it will take me to get her to lift that little dress up for me and lock her legs-" Noel stopped his taunting when Toby pushed him hard causing Noel to stumble back and his drink to spill all over his shirt and pants. The guys were drawing a crowd now.

"Noel, don't make me kick your ass all over this house."

"Why!" Noel yelled loud enough so that everyone could hear. That's when Toby noticed that the music that was playing had been cut."You don't want Spencer Hastings to know what you did!?"

Toby made a move towards Noel, but Sean got behind Toby and out him in some sort of chokehold.

"You don't want Spencer to know that the only reason that you're her friend is because you told everyone that you could get in her pants in a few weeks!" Sean yelled loudly. Toby heard the murmurs and gasps as he finally got released from Sean's choke hold.

He saw out of the corner of his eye, a dumbfounded Alex, looking on hurt and confused. The thing that pissed Toby off was that he knew Spencer had left probably in tears. Toby was tired of all the games and it was ending. Here. Tonight. Right now. He hit Sean with all the force he could and Sean went falling down instantly. Noel was approaching him, but Toby was too quick, he lunged towards Noel and they both went flying over the couch and noticed that they knocked it over when they landed on the ground. Toby gave Noel his hardest punch, but Noel got in a few good hit in too, but it wasn't enough to defend himself from Toby's rage.

Toby was able to gain the upper hand by getting Noel flat on the ground and sitting on his chest. Toby continued to hammer Noel's face in, but he still could hear the crowd yelling for him to fight or pleading with him to stop. He don't care because the only thing that came to mind was what the horror of what Spencer's face must of looked like when Noel and Sean said what they said. Toby's arms were starting to get heavy, but he still didn't care until another body came crashing into his. He didn't have to figure out long who it was when he felt the fist start to connect with his body and sometimes face. It was Sean. Sean wasn't on him for long because somebody pulled him off of him. Toby had some help standing up and he could tell my the familiar fruity perfume that it was the girls.

He was up on feet and could see the damage that he, Noel, and Sean had did. Bottles were smashed, a side table was broken, the couch was flipped over and their were blood stains all over to carpet. He looked around at the crowd and saw that some of them were amused and some were terrified. Toby looked down at his beaten up friends and his chest ached. He knew he didn't look as bad as they did because Toby's face wasn't covered in much blood, but Noel's faces were covered with it and Sean had a bleeding nose. His chest also ached because these were once the people that he called friends and here they were fighting. Toby couldn't take it any more and he had to get out now. He pushed through the crowds of people and headed to his truck to find Spencer. He heard his friends calling his name, but blocked them out. He felt Alison try to stop him from leaving, but he brushed off her hands. He walked hastily down the streets and headed to his parked truck. He hopped into the driver seat and immediately digging his pocket for his keys, but heard somebody clear their throat. Toby jumped back and looked up to see Spencer sitting next to him in the truck.

"Spencer-"

"You wanted your dance, so lets go dance," Spencer cut him off and didn't even look at him."Drive and follow my directions as we go."

Toby didn't argue and did as he was told. He pulled the truck away from the curb and began to following her directions.


Toby pulled his truck up to a hill past the "Welcome to Rosewood" sign. He and Spencer hasn't talk the whole ride up their. He didn't want to upset her and she was still upset and confused. Toby put the truck in park once he made it up the hill. Spencer turned on the radio to a slow song and then go out of the truck before Toby could even ask the name of the beautiful song. Toby slowly made his way out of the car, afraid that if he made one wrong move, Spencer would bury him. He walked and stood by Spencer's side as she looked over the view of Rosewood at night.

"Wow, this place is beautiful." Toby muttered under his breath.

"I know I used to runaway up here when I was little, still do sometimes." Spencer said as she still gazed out at the town.

"I would have loved this place as a kid. As you can see my life isn't all that easy." Toby chuckled sadly and felt Spencer slide her hand into his.

"Let's dance."

Spencer pulled Toby back a little bit and placed her hand on his shoulders. Toby placed his hands on her waist and they began swaying to the music with Spencer not looking at him and Toby staring down at her.

Spencer laughed a little and looked up into Toby's eyes." My first party...was very entertaining. I think you broke a lot more rules tonight than me."

Toby chucked and shook his head to get serious." None of what was said tonight was a lie and I'm sorry of I ruined your chances with Alex."

"I know that it wasn't true because you're not that type of guy. Alex, on the other hand, he asked me out on a date before I left the party!" Spencer said excitedly as she smiled a wide pearly white smile.

"That's great, Spence. Do you need me to go with you? I could go and we could have like a double date."

"No, I just want it to be me and Alex."

Toby leaned back and have her look as if he was offended." So you miss Hastings don't want to hang out with me or my girlfriend?"

Spencer smacked his arm, but they still laughed."That's not it. I can handle being alone with a guy for a few hours."

"Alright, but if you need me don't hesitate to call."

"Okay, the dates not till next week, so...," Spencer looked up at Toby with an idea forming in her head."Do you want to come over to the barn and watch movies tonight?"

"Sure or...we could go have dangerously stupid fun?" Toby asked with mischief in his eyes.

"What kind of dangerously stupid fun?"

"The kind that's fun, dangerous, stupid, and exciting!" Toby exclaimed and he could tell by the look on Spencer's face that she was having a battle with herself whether to go or not.

"Alright, but what could we possibly do at," Spencer glanced down at her watch, but Toby covered it with his hand so that she couldn't see.

"Fun is has no time. Trust me. I promise you'll enjoy yourself."

"Okay, let's just go." Spencer and Toby walked back over to his truck and hopped in.

Toby smiled at her wickedly and started the engine."We just have to make one stop to get my motorcycle."

Spencer went wide and groaned before throwing her head back against the seat."What have I gotten myself into?"

"You got in to living life, Hastings. Get used to the feeling because we are about to have some fun."