A/N: Thank you all for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I hope this 'sequel' won't disappoint you.
Rosewood, June 2018
[Monday morning]
She didn't know how many hours she spent crouched on the floor of her room with her knees pulled up to her chest, hiding her face in the space between her tighs.
She was scared, in pain and she was cold.
She felt overpowered. Humiliated. Pathetic.
She felt like shit.
Of course, Hanna has been through much worse in her young life. She's had it tough since she was only a child, and she swore herself through the years that she was done being a victim. She was done feeling unworthy and useless and at the mercy of some random asshole.
She had to endure her father's neglect and dislike, she had to endure her bullies. She had to endure betrayals and cyber-stalkers and killers and just all the worst our society had to offer.
So why did she have to feel this bad because of a scumbag like him?
'Oh, yeah. Because this time around I'm all alone'.
It was not like she didn't have friends whom would do anything for her. It was that she didn't want to call them and show how weak she still was. After all these years.
There was only one person who could make it better, who would make her feel at ease even in a moment like that, but sadly she lost the privilege to call her when she made the mistake to walk out of her life.
She had only one option left. Her last resort. Her safety net.
She knocked on her door.
"Hanna" Ashely Marin gasped in horror the moment she opened the door and saw her daughter's battered face.
"Oh my God, Hanna" the woman repeated, stricken. "What happened? Oh, baby. Come inside"
That was all it took to the blonde to collapse into her mother's soothing embrace.
She didn't remember much of the next few hours; she felt all blurry and disoriented and worn out. The redhead made her recount the events of the previous night and that was a tiring task in itself. Needless to say, when she finished her story her mom was the embodiment of fury.
[Monday night]
Unlike Hanna, the woman wasted no time to call Spencer for support. If there was a person in this world who was as protective of her little girl as she was, that had to be the brunette.
Not even twenty minutes later after receiving the call and there she was, in the Marin's living room, to get an explanation on what was going on.
Hanna woke up to the sound of two loud voices discussing animatedly.
"Who did this to her?" Spencer inquired. "Mrs. Marin, who did this to Hanna? It was him, wasn't it?"
She paced hysterically in circles, trying to regain some composure and calm down her nerves. Never in her life the tall brunette had experienced this level of raw, blinding rage.
"Yes" Ashley confirmed with a nod of her head.
"Son of a bitch" she hissed, her jaw clenched. "I swear I'm going to kill the bastard with my bare hands"
"Hey, I know how you feel, believe me. But please, don't do anything reckless" the older woman nearly begged, because she knew that Spencer was deadly serious with her threaten.
"I didn't call you so you would go after him. Your place is by Hanna's side"
"Mrs. Marin, I-"
"Please, Spencer. You're the only one I fully trust to take care of her, at least for the time being" she said sincerely. "She needs you"
"Alright" the brunette let out a shaky breath. "I'll take good care of her, I promise. That is, if she wants me to" she added, and there was almost shyness in her voice. Insecurity.
"You've always been her rock. Everything's different now, though nothing's really changed" the older woman couldn't help the warm smile gracing her features.
Spencer's head shot up at the words and she glanced curiously but intently at her. Ashley stared back with the same depth.
But then Hanna appeared, almost sneaking up on them seeing how quietly she padded in the room. As soon as she spotted Spencer, her heartbeat increased and the familiar feeling of butterfly in her stomach raised up and made her body tingle.
Even when she was at her lowest the brunette managed to make her feel… things. Of all sorts.
"Spence" Hanna breathed her name, "What are you doing here?"
"Hey, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine" she lied. "Seriously, what are you doing here? Did my mom call you?" The questions came out a little more harsh than she intended, but really, she felt ambushed in that precise moment.
She really didn't expect Spencer to be there.
"Han, I… Please, let me in. I just want to help"
She was going to protest before she made the mistake to look up into warm, kind chocolate brown eyes. She knew it was a mistake because, really, when has she ever been able to deny anything to Spencer when she looked at her like that.
"Good girl" the brunette smirked knowingly. Hanna never resisted the power of her best puppy-dog eyes.
"You're going to stay with me for a while, if that is okay with you. Your mom already packed some of your clothes"
"Do I have a choice?" Hanna arched an eyebrow, the faintest hint of mirth in her voice.
"Not really" Spencer smiled.
Completely out of habit, even after three years, Spencer placed one hand on the small of the blonde's back while with the other she pick up her luggage, and she led Hanna to her car.
Ashley watched them driving away into the night. She silently prayed for everything to turn out for the better and for the two girls to find their way back to each other.
[Tuesday]
"I don't want to talk about it"
"Whenever you're ready, I'll be there"
"And I don't want the others to know. Not yet " Hanna said softly. "I'm not ready to face them"
"It's okay" Spencer reassured her. "Eventually they'll find out, though. And you know them, I don't think I'll be able to contain their hovering. But in the meantime, you don't have to do anything you don't want to"
"Thank you" she whispered gratefully.
That was the longest conversation they had since Spencer came back. Despite this, up to this point things have been strangely comfortable between them. Even without exchanging much words.
There was no need to talk when they had this innate ability to communicate effortlessly and understand each other with only a glance. There was something magical about it, really.
The night before, as soon as they got into the Hastings' barn Hanna collapsed onto the couch. Spencer watched over her for a while, until eventually she decided to carry her to the bed and taking the sofa for herself.
The blonde slept rather peacefully until, right just before dawn, she started to have a nightmare. Pained screams and whimpers alerted Spencer, whom immediately rushed to her side. Her heart broke at the sight of the girl she loved tossing and trashing around in bed, mumbling incoherent words.
She laid a hand to Hanna's shoulder, trying to shake her awake, but the innocent gesture only agitated the girl more.
The blonde jerked upright and flinched as Spencer's touch.
"Don't touch me! DON'T FUCKIN' TOUCH ME" she started to throw punch in the air, blindly.
"Hanna it's me, it's Spencer" the brunette said gently.
"No no no, stay away from me. Please don't hurt me" the smaller girl cried, shaking her head vehemently. "Please"
"Hanna, open your eyes. Look at me" Spencer tried to wake her from her trance. "Look at me, honey. I'm Spencer, I could never hurt you"
Pronouncing her name for the second time apparently made the trick, seeing as Hanna slowly calmed down and opened her eyes.
"Spence" she whispered brokenly. "Oh my God, Spence"
"Shhh, it's okay" Spencer soothed. "You're okay, he can't hurt you anymore. I promise. You're safe here"
"I-I was on the ground and he… he came back and he kicked me and then I-"
"Hanna, sweetheart. Look at me. You're safe now"
Hanna looked up at her for a moment and that was her undoing. She broke down. Spencer stood there watching her helplessly. She wanted to take her in her arms and hold her but she didn't know how the blonde would react to her touch; she had to restrain herself, for Hanna's sake. No matter how strong the impulse to comfort her was.
She sat on the other side of the bed, keeping her distance and at the same time being as much close to her as she could.
This situation was killing her.
She wished nothing more than to have the motherfucker who did this to the sweetest girl she has ever met at her mercy right now. Oh the things she would do to him.
It took a while, but Hanna eventually calmed down.
Spencer observed her as she laid down and closed her eyes. Her breath steadied.
She looked on the verge of falling back asleep, so Spencer quietly climbed off of the bed.
A small, cold hand clasped around her wrist and next she heard a whispered plead.
"Stay with me"
The brunette laid down beside her again.
"Always"
Hanna scooted closer to her, molding her back against Spencer's front. In response, Spencer wrapped an arm protectively around her waist, bringing her even closer.
"Is this okay?" she asked.
"Perfect"
"Go back to sleep. I won't let anything happen to you"
"I know"
There were their last words before they both slumbered back into a peaceful rest devoid of nightmares.
The next morning, Hanna woke up alone.
The bright rays of sunshine filtered through the curtains, forming suggestive games of light and shadow.
She heard faint noises coming from the kitchen and a strong smell of coffee invaded her nostrils. She walked out of the bedroom and spotted Spencer at the stove, intent on preparing breakfast. A sad smile tugged at her lips, as she lost herself in the reminiscence of happier days when she used to walk behind her, wrap her arms around her waist and kiss her good morning.
Oh, how much she missed those days.
"Morning" Spencer greeted, sensing the blonde's presence in the small room. "How did you sleep?"
"Hey" Hanna smiled back. "Fine, I guess. Considering everything. Though I don't remember making it to the bedroom?" she asked with the slightest inflection in her voice.
"That's because you passed out on the couch" the brunette chuckled. "I carried you to the bed. Thought you'd be more comfortable. Here's your coffee" she not so subtly deflected as she handed the smaller girl a mug.
Hanna eyed the cup carefully, then glanced up at Spencer with the same wary expression, earning a heartfelt roll of the eyes from the brunette.
"It's totally edible, totally amateurs' material" she reassured her.
"So it's not your usual fancy brew, you know, the one that smells like unhappy children and tastes like despair?" the blonde teased.
"Drink your coffee, Hanna" Spencer muttered, trying and failing to suppress a grin.
They sat together at the kitchen counter and ate breakfast in companionable silence.
"So, what are your plans for today?" Hanna asked as she stood up and went to sink to wash the dishes.
"I don't have much to do, so I guess we can do whatever you want" Spencer replied, but then she thought better. "Unless you prefer to be on your own, obviously"
"No, no it's fine" the blonde hurriedly assured. "I could use some company" she added softly.
"Okay, good. Anything you fancy?"
"Mmm, how about we watch a movie?"
"Movie it is, then"
They spent the whole afternoon on the couch watching comedies and eating popcorns. At some point their bodies must have started to gravitate towards each other on their own volition, because now their arms were brushing and their thighs were pressing together. Hanna took the opportunity to inch even closer to Spencer; she looped an arm through hers and rested her head peacefully on the taller girl's shoulder, emitting a contented sigh.
"I missed you so much"
"I missed you, too" Spencer turned her head and pressed a soft kiss to her temple.
The brunette, feeling suddenly bold, clasped her hand and intertwined their fingers together. The blonde squeezed back and started to brush her thumb across Spencer's knuckles, one by one and back.
"I don't love him" Hanna whispered. "Even before he did… even before he did this to me. I was never in love with him"
"Hanna, I-"
"I never stopped loving you" she finally found the strength to confess.
Hanna nuzzled her neck and, as she spoke, her hot breath fell against the brunette's exposed skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Spencer sighed because, dammit, she hadn't gone a night during these years without dreaming of the blonde's gentle touch, her silky skin, her smell, her lips…
But even if the sensation of Hanna's body pressed so tightly against hers felt so right, the timing couldn't be worse.
"We can't do this" Spencer said as she abruptly stood up. "Not right now"
"Spence-"
"Han, there's already so much going on at the moment. And… we're different people, we've changed. If we still have a chance to be together, eventually, I don't want to blow it away rushing things. I want to do everything right. I'm not willing to risk losing you again. Okay?" she asked softly.
"Okay"
[Wednesday]
Hanna was glad to have such wonderful people in her life who cared so much about her and never failed to support her whenever she was in need. Like now.
"Then he came back, after our first fight. I don't know how he managed to break in, all I remember was me getting out of the shower and… a second later, I was on the floor. He punched me. I-I tried to stand up but he started to kick me. He was so mad… he spat in my face. I must've passed out because next thing I know, he was no longer there. I left shortly after"
Emily, Aria, Alison and, of course, Spencer. They were all there for her while she was being questioned by Detective Cavanaugh and his partner, Detective Calderon, about the assault.
The officers took her statement and handed her a paper she had to compile to press charges against the man who did this to her. Who made her feel such a pathetic wreck.
"I don't want to be a victim" she whispered brokenly. "I don't want to feel so weak"
"Hey, you're not weak Han" Aria fiercely affirmed, squeezing her hand.
"Aria's right" Emily nodded. "You're one of the strongest person I know"
"We all have been through a lot, literally through hell and back. And we always made it in the end" Alison added her two cents. "Do you know why? Because we're fighters. And we stick together, no matter what"
"And this time is no different"
"We'll get through this"
Hanna was truly touched. She didn't know why she was so scared to confront them. Of course they would have never judged her, they would never think any less of her. They only wanted to help.
And she couldn't be more grateful.
They were all around her the moment she filed the report, proud and determination to get justice shining in different sets of eyes.
"I'm proud of you" Spencer said, bending down to press a small kiss on her hair.
"Hey girls, keep an eye on this blondie here, would you? I'm going to see these two gentlemen out" the brunette said gesturing towards the two officers.
"Sure"
She escorted Toby and Lorenzo out on the driveway.
"Thank you, guys. I mean it" Spencer said looking straight into her friend's pale blue eyes.
"Just doin' our job" the dark skinned man replied with a kind smile. Then he excused himself and walked to the patrol car.
"When you'll catch him, don't restrain yourself"
"Oh, you'll be the first to know. Maybe I can even sneak you in the interrogation room. Off tapes, of course" Toby winked.
"Then you'll have to arrest me for his murder" the brunette retorted.
"Nah, orange is not your color" he chuckled. "Besides, who's gonna be my best man if they throw you in jail?"
Spencer's eyes grew as round as saucers before she burst out laughing.
"Ah, for a moment you almost had me there"
Toby gazed at her funny.
"Wait, are you serious?"
"Ehm, yeah…" he nodded slowly.
"Come on, you can't be serious man. Me? Your best man?" Spencer asked pointedly, putting emphasis on the last word. She didn't know if she should feel a little offended there.
"I swear I'll return the favor when it's your turn"
"What?"
"Well, I'd make a hot bridesmaid, don't you think?" Toby wiggled his eyebrows comically, and they both had to laugh at the ridiculousness of the conversation.
"Look Spence, you're my best friend and one of the people I care the most about. It'd be an honor for me to have you standing by my side in the most important day of my life"
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Cavanaugh" Spencer smirked. "And the honor is all mine, my friend"
"Wait, so does it mean…?"
"Yeah, of course I'll be your best woman"
"Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me"
They hugged tightly and, when they let go, there were tears pooling in both of their eyes.
"Don't thank me yet" Spencer warned. "Wait until Hanna takes you shopping for your bridesmaid's gown" she cracked up at her own joke.
"You know, she already made me promise that on our wedding da-" She stopped, realizing her mistake.
"Is that so, uh?" Toby smirked, taking a step towards her. "Looks like good ol' Toby won the bet" he sang-song in triumph.
Spencer stared hard at him for a long time, sulking in defeat.
'Damn you, Hastings. What a rookie mistake. Shame on you'
"Aw Spence, don't make that face come on. You should be happy I won. Honestly, you're the only person I know who would bet against you"
"Tobes" she sighed, "it's not really a good time to talk about this. Things are complicated and you know it"
"Bullshit" the young detective replied. "You two are meant to be. Remember Spence, there's no time like the present. Seize the day, you don't know what tomorrow will bring"
"Woah, stop it. You sound like my grandpa, it's freaking me out" she chuckled.
"Whatever. You know what I mean. And that I'm right"
"Remember me again why we're still friends?" the brunette groaned in frustration.
The guy was relentless. She appreciated Toby's words and his efforts to cheer her up, really. But she was starting to feel pressured and that made her feel uncomfortable.
Besides, with Jordan still wandering around she couldn't let her guard down.
" 'Cause you love me" the young man shrugged nonchalantly.
"That I do" Spencer sighed. "I'm heading back now. Keep me posted, okay?"
"Sure. And don't worry, we'll catch him"
"I know you will. Tell Yvonne I said hi"
"Yes ma'am, consider it done" Toby made a mock salute and ran off to his car.
Spencer shook her head, amused by his antics, and walked back to the barn.
She felt much more relieved, knowing that her best friend and one of Rosewood's finest was working on Jordan's case.
'The girls are right, we will get through this. I promise, Hanna' she thought on her way back.
[Thursday]
"God, honey, what happened to you?" Mona asked in mild distaste, squaring Hanna from head to toe.
The blonde knew her friend wasn't referring to her bruised face. They had already been there.
Instead, Mona was talking about her current attire: for days, now, she'd been wearing one of Spencer's baggy t-shirts and sweats. To compliment her already dreadful appearances, she had her hair pulled up in a high, messy pony tail and she was sporting massive bags under her eyes.
"No wonder Spencer flees every time you try coming on to her. How long have you been in… that?"
"Well, excuse me if I don't feel like dressing up" Hanna replied indignantly. "It's not like I'm expected to attend Paris fashion week, so why bother?"
"Yeah but, girl, when you opened the door I thought I had the wrong place and that I ended up in Oz" Mona waved a hand in the air. "You looked like the Wicked Witch of the West"
"For the ninth time, Mona, I was waiting for the mud mask to dry" Hanna threw her hands in the air, exasperated.
"I'm just glad there weren't witnesses. Someone might've been traumatized"
"That's it, I'm kickin' you out bitch" Hanna smirked and a moment later the both of them erupted in boisterous laughs.
"Seriously, Han" Mona said after a while, switching back to serious-talk. "How are you doing?"
"I'm much better now, honestly" the blonde smile sincerely. "The bruises are healing, I haven't had any more nightmares… I'm doing okay. And I have to thank all of you for that"
The small brunette stared at her for a long time, as if she was trying to decipher her.
"And hopefully they'll catch him soon, so I'm not worried about it" Hanna continued.
"So is this about Spencer?" Mona asked, already knowing the answer.
"What?"
"Hanna…"
"Fine" the blonde sighed, defeated. "It's just… I love her, and I know that she loves me. We've already wasted so much time, why can't we be together now?"
"She made a good point, though. Jordan's thing aside, things between you and her have changed. You're not the same people you were three years ago. I think you've got to get to know each other again before getting in a relationship"
"I know that too. But… have we really changed that much?"
It was a rhetorical question, but Hanna's eyes almost begged her for an answer.
"I don't know" Mona replied earnestly. "But you have all the time to find out"
Hanna gazed curiously at her.
"Look Han, I've been your friend for a very long time. I've been watching you pining and fawning over her for years. I've seen how Spencer was always there for you, even before realizing her feelings. I saw the two of you getting closer and closer through the years. I was there every step of the way, even if you never noticed me"
Hanna was about to say something but Mona held out her hand, stopping her.
"What I'm trying to say is, you've been together your whole life. As friends, as lovers, as partners. What you two lovebirds have is rare, Han. It's something that goes beyond time and space. And nothing, nothing, can come between the two of you. So don't be afraid and just give it time. Because true love waits"
Hanna had tears streaming down her face.
She leapt forward and engulfed Mona in a bone-crushing hug.
"Look at you, Miss Vanderwaal. All sweet and romantic" she sniffled, pulling away; "What's his name?" she smirked knowingly.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Mona tried, but the slight blush creeping up her neck and cheeks gave her away.
Hanna leveled a glare on her.
"Spill"
At that, she had to comply.
[A few hours later]
Hanna and Mona were still in Spencer's living room, chatting and catching up. Much to the small brunette's relief, they had finally moved on from the subject of her love-life.
They were making small talk, but there was something about Hanna that was off. She seemed to be anxious, restless. She was nervously picking at her nails and, every now and then, she would cast a glance at the wall clock.
"So, where did Spencer go, again?" Mona asked, knowing that was the cause of her friend's distress.
"She said she had to run some errands for her mother but… it's been already five hours and I still hadn't heard from her" Hanna sighed. "What if…" she started, only to stop because the thought was too much to handle.
"Oh sweetie, don't go there. I'm sure she's fine" Mona reassured, patting her shoulder.
"I don't know, I just can't shake off this really negative feeling…"
"Do you think he would go after her?"
"I don't know" Hanna said in a trembling voice. "I just wish she was here" she admitted.
And not ten seconds later the door swung open and there she was.
Hanna didn't know if it had to do with magic, fate or if Spencer had suddenly developed a sixth sense for times when the blonde was in need of her, but there she was.
Tired, sweaty and slightly disheveled.
And she had never been more beautiful in Hanna's eyes.
Her body moved on its own accord and she didn't know how it happened, but her hands were grasping Spencer's face and her lips were on the brunette's mouth and they were kissing.
After three years. The longest of her life.
"Hey, what's wro-" Spencer started to say when they pulled apart.
"Don't ever do this to me again" Hanna cut her off, pressing their bodies impossibly closer together and tucking her head in the crook of the taller girl's neck.
They were still standing by the opened door, without a care in the world. Only for each other.
"I was worried sick. Why didn't you text me? What were you do-"
This time, it was Spencer to cut her off with a slow, tender kiss. Because she had gone way too long without it.
Mona watched them with a big smile on her face, although she was mildly annoyed at being ignored like that.
"Ahem" she cleared her throat, and the girls finally acknowledged her. "I guess I'll be going now. Despite what you think, I know when I'm not wanted" she smirked at her friend's embarrassed faces.
"You're such a drama queen" Hanna groaned. "But you know what? You're absolutely right. Bye" she added with a grin and a wink.
"Han" Spencer chastised.
"It's okay" Mona interjected, already out on the porch. "I'm sure I'll find a way to get back at her"
"Whatever you say, bitch"
"Bye, Mona" Spencer said, chuckling at their antics.
"What am I going to do with you?" she looked down at the blonde lovingly.
"I'm sure you'll think of something" Hanna smiled suggestively.
"I might just had" Spencer replied, taking her chin gently between her palms and bending down to kiss her.
Without breaking apart, she ushered the blonde inside and closed the door behind her back to avoid prying eyes.
But it was too late.
Jordan had been following the brunette the whole day and he saw everything from his hiding spot.
'Fucking bitch. You think you can take her away from me? We'll see'.
[Friday]
Alison looked up to the cloudless sky and smiled.
The weather was nice, the air warm but not muggy, and she was greatly enjoying this beautiful, summer day. And tomorrow would be even better.
At this exact time, tomorrow, she would be a married woman.
She glanced at her fiancé, whom was standing on the porch in full talk with Spencer and Jason.
He arrived the night before directly from London and immediately requested to meet all her friends, eager to introduce himself and made an impression. A good one, he hoped.
Archer's enthusiasm pushed her to organize this impromptu barbeque in her backyard. After all, what better way to introduce people and socialize than sharing a meal together?
So far, everyone was having fun and even Emily managed to remain civil. She was even being friendly with him.
Alison made a mental note to thanks her later, hoping they would clear things up and move past the current awkwardness.
That was the first time she felt happy in years. She was surrounded by her friends – her family, really – and she was in love. What could go wrong?
Everything.
They didn't see him arrive.
She was in the kitchen, slicing vegetables; Aria and Emily were helping her while Hanna gingerly sat on a stool by the counter, gushing and talking non-stop about Spencer and how the two were finally on the same page and ready to move forward.
They didn't have the time to tell her bubbly friend how happy they were for them. How she and Spencer deserved their happy ending perhaps more than anyone else in that room.
Voices from outside raised and they heard a loud, feral growl escape Spencer's mouth.
"What the hell are you doing here?" the brunette shouted.
Then, they heard it. Him.
"You're in my way, Spencer. Move" Jordan's voice was low, guttural. Lethal.
The four of them exchanged worried looks.
"What's he doing here?" Hanna asked trembling.
"I don't know and I don't want to find out" Aria replied, concern written all over her face. "I'm calling Toby" she added.
The others nodded and listened as the quarrel outside went on.
"I SAID MOVE, SPENCER" Jordan barked. "I have no business with you. I'm here to get my girlfriend, so back the fuck off"
"Your girlfriend?" Spencer repeated in bewilderment. "Are you freakin' kidding me? I swear Jordan, if you go anywhere near her again I'll kill you, you hear me?"
Jason was trying really hard to hold her back, while Archer stood there a little dumbfounded. They both had no idea what was going on.
"You've got to be a special kind of cunt to come here after what you did to her" the brunette yelled again. She was raging.
"Toby's on his way" Aria said, rushing out to inform Spencer.
"Good" she nodded back at her short friend.
"Spencer, for the last time. Don't get in my way" he said as he stepped closer, approaching the others on the porch. He brought his hand on his back, near his belt, and was about to grab something when the door swung open and Hanna walked out, followed closer by Emily and Alison.
"My love" the guy leered at her with a smile that made Hanna feel sick. "Come on, let's go home" he said, extending his hand and waiting for the blonde to take it.
She stepped back, moving to stand beside Spencer and their friends.
"I'm not going anywhere with you" the blonde shrieked, and Spencer wrapped her arms around her in a sideway hug.
"Baby doll" he sighed, more resigned than disappointed. "You see, I'm giving you a choice here: you can either come back to New York with me right now, and nobody will get hurt" he said, this time grabbing the item hidden behind his back. "Or, we can do it the hard way"
They all gasped in unison and took several steps back when the clearly disturbed man standing in front of them produced a gun from the waistline of his jeans.
"In any case, I will take back what's mine" Jordan said as he fired a warning shot, to show just how serious he was.
But then, all hell broke loose from there.
All happened at once. Too fast to relly register what was going on.
"Roosewood's police" Toby yelled from behind him, rushing out of the car. "Drop your weapon"
Jordan froze, realizing that this time he wouldn't be able to get away with it.
"DROP THE GUN" the other detective ordered.
Two officers had him at gunpoint.
There was nowhere to run. This time, he was really, truly screwed.
Jordan looked straight into Hanna's eyes pleadingly. But the girl he was so desperately in love with, didn't want anything to do with him. She chose a fucking girl over him.
"Hanna, please. I love you" he cried.
It was the end for him and he knew it.
"It's over, Jordan. Just give up already" Spencer interjected.
And he snapped.
"YOU SHUT UP, BITCH"
He raised his gun at her, but then changed his mind and pointed the weapon at Hanna, the one he held responsible for his troubles. The source of his despair.
"You know what, Spence?" the man laughed maniacally. "If I can't have her, then no one else will. Especially not you"
Spencer saw the movement in his gun arm and knew exactly what was about to happen. She didn't think; she didn't calculate odds or statistics or trajectories. She just acted.
By the time Jordan pulled the trigger to shoot at Hanna, Spencer had already stepped into the line of fire.
Screams and cries pierced the air and then, for just a fraction of a second everything was still. The girls were all huddled together in the far angle of the porch, unaware of everything except the sounds of multiple shots being fired.
They opened their eyes to see Jordan's lifeless body colliding with the ground.
Then, a loud thud made them jump and, next thing they knew, Spencer was in front of them, on her knees.
Archer and Toby were the first ones to snap out of their trance state and rush at her aid, startling everyone around.
But Hanna couldn't move. She didn't know how anymore. She just stood there, staring into nothingness. Random images flashed through her mind.
Yesterday, she and Spencer kissed.
This morning, they ate their breakfast in bed.
An hour ago, she was watching her friends cutting tomatoes and cucumbers.
Barely a minute ago, she had a gun pointed to her face.
And now, now the love of her life was on the ground surrounded by a bunch of people. They were crying. They were desperate.
There was blood on Spencer's white, pristine shirt.
"Oh my God" she brought her hands to her mouth.
"No. No, no, no, no, no" She shook her head.
The more her brain registered the information her eyes were sending, the more she felt her heart shattering in million, tiny pieces.
"Spencer!" She called as she finally snapped out of her reverie and ran to the brunette. "SPENCER"
"Help me put pressure on the wound! Where the hell are the EMTs?" Archer shouted.
"They're on the way" Toby replied, his baby blue eyes teary. "Please Spence, you have to hang in there"
Hanna kneeled down beside her and clutched the brunette's hand tightly.
"Don't leave me" she cried. "You can't leave me, Spencer. You hear me? I love you. I need you. Don't you dare me leave me"
Aria was crying in Jason's arms, but when she heard Hanna's sobs she pulled away and rushed to her, along with Alison and Emily.
They were all crying hysterically, begging their friend to not leave them.
Her breath was hollow and the edges of her vision began to blur. Icy agony burned throughout her chest. She heard faint voices calling her name. Pleading for something.
"I can't live without you! Please baby, please. I can't lose you. Don't leave me" Hanna sobbed.
Crumpled up on the hard wooden floor, Spencer's eyes slid shut.
The EMT's finally arrived and, while she was ushered inside the ambulance, her last thoughts before she lost consciousness went to her one, true love.
'Hey baby, remember when we were seventeen and you asked me if we would have been together forever? I made a promise to you then. Don't cry, sweet girl. I'm not giving up on us. I'm not going anywhere'.