Chapter 14

The Games People Play

Things were going good. Actually, they were going too good. That's why Spencer thought it was all gonna come crashing down any second. She was just waiting for that moment where everything would be ruined again.

It's been a week since the incident that caused Toby to be put in the hospital. It's been a week since Toby moved into the Hastings home. It's been pretty great if you didn't include the fact that her parents watched over them like hawks. And they hadn't touched or kissed in over a week. Spencer thought she was gonna go crazy because she really missed that part of their relationship.

That's why on nights many nights, she'd stay awake thinking of him. He was only down the hall, but still it felt so far away. She was worrying about him because on some nights she'd hear him moaning and groaning in his sleep. Maybe it was just a bad dream, but it sound like some nightmare. Like, tonight he was quiet as mouse and that worried her.

She got out of bed and planned to sneak down the hall, but a light tapping at her window caused her to stop at her door. She hesitantly approached her window and opened the curtains. She covered her mouth before the scream came out because outside Toby was hanging from the side of the house.

"What are you doing?" She whispered to him, but then remembered that the window was closed, so he couldn't hear her. She slid open the window before she asked again."What are you doing?"

He climbed through the window and quietly entered her room. He smiled up at her when he finally had his footing."I came to see you."

"You scaled the side of the house just because you wanted to come see me? Toby, you're still hurt and you could have fallen and broken your neck."

He only chuckled over her worked up state. He walked closer to her and took her hands in his as he leaned their foreheads together."I didn't scale the side of the house just to come see you, but to do this too," His lips meet hers and he felt like he was going to melt right then and there. She finally gave in kissed him back, even though she shouldn't be rewarding his actions.

His tongue slipped past her lips to mingle with her tongue earning a soft moan from Spencer. That encouraged him to deepen the kiss and pull her flush against him. His lungs felt like they were about to explode, but he just couldn't stop until he got his fill of her. She bit down on his bottom lip earning a low deep groan from him.

Things were getting pretty heated fast, so Toby decided to be the responsible one and stop it. He pecked her lips softly again and again, until he finally pulled back. He looked into her eyes to see that they were glazed over and his had to be the same way.

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that." She whispered with a smile on her face.

"Me either." He said as he leaned forward to rub their noses together."I just couldn't help myself, Spence. With all these rules we haven't had a chance to really be together. And if I have to scale the side of this house every night just to kiss you one time a day, then I will. Even with my broken arm and the rest of my injures."

"I really like you."

He chuckled at her choice of words before he whispered back."I really like you too."

She leaned up again for another kiss, but they heard footsteps. She looked at him with wide-eyes, but he just smirked before kissing her head. He slipped out of her window and she closed it behind him before laying down in her bed. Suddenly, she didn't feel wide awake anymore. Maybe all she needed was him to help her fall asleep.

School. It used to be boring, but it got even more boring since Toby still couldn't come to school. After last night all Spencer's been thinking about was that kiss. This morning was a little awkward during breakfast. Toby kept staring at Spencer from across the table and Spencer just couldn't stop blushing. Her parents asked them multiple times if everything was alright and they just smiled and said everything was great.

Now, Spencer wished she could be home to help take care of Toby. He said he didn't need any help and that he was feeling better, but she still didn't want to risk it. But no, her parents made her come to school and here she was trying her hardest to pay attention to Mr. Fitz.

The bell rang for lunch and everyone was out of there seat in a flash. She noticed that Aria was lingering behind as she left the room. Spencer just brushed it off and went to her locker. When she opened it up, she found a note inside.

I'm won't stop loving you.

-Andrew

She frantically looked around, but he was no where in sight. She balled the note up and threw it into the back of her locker. As she was closing her locker, she noticed that Hanna was coming up to her.

"Spence, are you alright you look like you're gonna be sick?" Hanna asked while placing a comforting hand on her friends shoulder.

Spencer smiled weakly before nodding."Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just hungry."

"Then lets go get some lunch." Emily piped up from behind them before heading down the hall with them following close behind.

"Shouldn't we wait on, Aria?" Spencer questioned as they got into the lunch line. Emily and Hanna just shrugged.

"She'll be here soon don't worry I'm sure she'll understand. You need to eat something, Spence, so you can feel better." Emily instructed and Spencer dreaded when they acted like this. Ever since she told them about Andrew, they've been protecting her like a momma bear would do her cubs. But she was strong and didn't want them to worry about her.

"Listen, guys, I need to tell you something," She said firmly as they sat down at their usual table."I know you guys are worried about me because of the whole situation with Andrew, but you don't have to be. I'm trying to move on and I can't do that if you guys keep babying me like this. I'm you're friend, but I'm not helpless."

"We're sorry, Spence." Hanna apologized.

"Good, now can we please move on to another topic?" Spencer suggested just as Aria sat down.

Aria looked around at her friends faces."What'd I miss?"

"Nothing, I was just about to ask Spencer if she was going to the homecoming dance next week." Emily said and Spencer mouthed the words thank you for her changing the subject.

"I think I might go if Toby's feeling up for it." Spencer said nonchalantly, but didn't miss the looks of curiosity on her friends faces.

Aria squinted her eyes at Spencer and smiled "So what's going on with you and Toby anyways?"

Spencer blushed before she shrugged"Nothing, we're just Spencer and Toby."

"Is that code for something?" Hanna teased and Spencer playfully rolled her eyes.

"No, it means that we're just seeing where it goes. I don't know it's just something really different, but I like it."

"So it's not weird with him living in your house with you and your parents?" Emily asked.

"Weird? No. Frustrating? Yes. It's like he and I never have a moment alone together. My parents made all these rules, so it's pretty complicated, but we're going to make it work."

"Wow, Spencer Hastings, you sound like a girl who's in love." Aria teased and Spencer blushed.

"No, I'm not in love with him, but I'm in strong like." She said honestly and she started thinking of him again. His eyes, his smile, his hair, and everything else about him brought a smile to her face.

Yep, he was all she needed to pick her day back up. Now, school didn't seem all that bad because she had something to look forward to afterwards.

"I don't care if he's busy I need to talk to him!" Melissa demanded as she slammed her hand hard down on the desk, earning a few stares in the process.

"Look, what do you want me to do? He said he didn't want any visitors in his office right now." Garrett whispered back to Melissa to calm her down."Now, I could tell him you stopped by and he can get back to you later."

"Garrett, we've known each other for years and I know almost everything about you. Now, I could make a scene in this police station and embarrass you in front of all your police buddies with stories of your past or you could escort me to Wilden's office." She whispers back to him with a sinister smile on her.

Garrett stood there for a moment looking at her almost like he was calling her bluff. When she held his stare, he knew that she meant business. He nodded his head for her to follow him before he lead her down the hall. They stopped in front of a door where you could hear raised voices coming from.

"Thank you, but I'll take it from here." Melissa dismissed him before turning the knob on the door and letting herself in the room. She wasn't surprised when she saw Wilden, Andrew, and Andrews father inside the room."You know, if you want to have a private meeting, then you should probably lower your voices."

Wilden was the first one to stand and address her."What are you doing back here? I specifically said no one was allowed back here until I gave the okay."

"Well, Garrett and I have an understanding. It was his reputation or simply letting me back here," Melissa shut the door behind and strolled more into the room."As you can see he made the right choice."

"Alright, you're back here, so what do you want?" Wilden asked, but Melissa's gazed landed on Andrew.

"I didn't come here for you Wilden. I knew that Andrew was gonna be here and I wanted to talk to him."

Andrew scoffed before finally turning in his chair to look at her."What is that you want? To hit me upside the head again with a field hockey stick?"

She smirked at him."Well, I wish, but I didn't come here to hit you. I came here to tell you to stay away from Spencer."

Andrew laughed and his father joined in on his laughter."Are you threatening me?"

"I wasn't at first, but if that's what it takes for you, then yes."

Robert stood up and approached Melissa."Look, why don't you calm down and think about what you're saying."

"Oh, I know what I'm saying and I mean it." She brushed past Robert to tower over Andrew."I mean it, Andrew, don't lay another finger on my sister again."

Andrew stood up, so that he and Melissa were basically nose to nose as they glared at each other."I can touch your sister however and whenever I want."

"Trust me, you'll be in a grave first before I let that happen." She said and matched his glare for a few more minutes before speaking again."I won't let the same thing happen to her like I let it happen to me."

Andrew chuckled lightly."And we all know how that ended? I take it that you and Ian aren't talking much these days." His hand immediately touched his cheek when he felt the sting of her slap.

"Like I said just back off." Melissa said before turning and leaving the office. She had made her point and hopefully they'd listen.

Toby cautiously walked down the stairs. He walked through the living to get to the kitchen. He had planned to make himself a sandwich for lunch and Spencer a snack for when she got home. He was allowed to go into her room, so when she got home from school he was gonna sit with her and listen to every detail of her day. Even if it was the most boring thing in the world, he would still sit there just to hear her talk.

It wasn't easy to make a sandwich with only one good arm. And plus, his muscles were aching from his little Romeo stunt he pulled last night, but in the end it was worth it. He was almost finished making his lunch when he heard the backdoor open. He looked up and saw Mr. Hastings come in and started heading towards the kitchen.

"Toby." Peter acknowledged him as he walked into the kitchen.

Toby didn't want to be rude because he was living in this mans house, but there was still something off about him."Hello, Mr. Hastings."

"Do you need any help with that?" He nodded down towards Toby's almost complete sandwich and Toby looked at him confused.

"No..." He said slowly because he was in shock that Mr. Hastings would even offer. Ever since he's moved in Mr. Hastings has really been giving him the cold shoulder.

"So when do you think you'll be feeling better, so that you can continue with your plans. You know, like school and getting your own place."

There it was. He was being subtle about it, but Toby saw right through it. He knew exactly what Me. Hastings was trying to ask him.

"You mean, when will I be well enough to move out of here and far away your daughter." Toby said nonchalantly as he focused on his sandwich. He wanted for Mr. Hastings comeback, but he didn't have one."I take it that your silence means that I'm correct."

"Look, Toby, the sooner you get out of here the better." Peter whispered to him in a hushed tone.

"Why? So you can send Spencer back to Andrew?" Toby snapped back sharply, but he wasn't finished."What do you get out of trading Spencer to the devil? I know you've got to be doing this, so that it works as an advantage for you."

"Hey, I love my daughter."

Toby scoffed as he rolled his eyes."Really because I couldn't tell from the way you pushed her into the arms of that monster."

"I'm not a bad guy, Toby." Peter explained in an almost desperate tone and that got Toby's attention."I just made some bad decisions in life and now my family's suffering for it."

"Sir, if you really cared about your family, then you'd stop their suffering at any costs, not add to it."

Peter sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair."I'm trying to make things right, but it's taking a lot longer than I planned. And I just wanted to come in here and warn you. Something big is coming your way."

"Well, I can handle whatever Andrew, his father, or those asshole cops throw at me."

Peter looked like he wanted to say something else, but the jingling of keys stopped him. A few moments later, Spencer strolled into the kitchen causing a smile to break out on Toby's face.

"Hey," Spencer greeted everyone as she walked up to her father and kissed his cheek. She wanted to kiss Toby, but just settled for a smile."What are we talking about?"

"Nothing, just grabbing some lunch." Peter explained with a reassuring smile.

"Okay, then I have a ton of work to do, so I'll be up in my room if you guys need me." She said before looking at Toby and he sent her a look telling her headed be there in a minute.

Peter waited for her to be up the stairs and in her room before he spoke again."Toby, remember what I said. All of this is just a game these people are playing and you're just a pawn in their game."

Spencer laid on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She'd just spent the entire afternoon talking with Toby about her day. And she loved the fact that he hung on to every word. Toby had dismissed himself a while ago to go take his medicine and have a nap. When he left, Spencer shut her door and got on the phone with the girls to make arrangements to go dress shopping for the homecoming dance.

Toby hadn't asked her yet and she still didn't know if he'd be up for it. He probably didn't know about the dance because he hadn't been at school, but she was sure she mentioned it. Either way, she wanted to go with or without him because she felt like she deserved a stress free night. Expect, the image of Toby dressed in a tux kept plaguing her thoughts.

There was a knock at her door that broke her thoughts and her door was being opened before she could say come in, her door was being pushed open and the first thing she saw was a big bouquet of roses inside a vase. Her father peeked behind the flowers to give her an apologetic look.

"Sorry for bargaining in, but these flowers are kind of heavy." He grunted as he walked over to her desk and sat the flower down."Someone sent these to you and I believe you have a card that comes with it." He reached into the center of the flowers to pull out a card, then handed over to Spencer.

I hope it's not too late. Will you please be my homecoming date?

-Andrew

Spencer rolled her eyes at the card before tossing it on the night stand."You can throw the flowers away. I don't want them."

"Spencer," He said her name in a calm tone as he sat down across from her on her bed."I know that Andrew sent you these flowers. Maybe this is his way of saying that's he's changed and wants to prove to you that he's a better man."

She scoffed and shook her head."He told me that he was changing before, but he didn't. In fact, after I broke up with him, he threw a vase towards my head."

"Things get tough in a relationship, Spence, but that doesn't mean you give up on the person you love."

"But that's the thing dad. I don't think I love him anymore. I don't think I ever really did love him."

Peter sighed heavily."I know that you're having doubts about you and Andrew, but don't give up. If me and your mother had given up when he first started dating; then you wouldn't be here."

"But dad-"

He scooted closer to her hand held her hand in his."I'm not saying get back together with him. It's just he put a lot of effort into showing you that he wants to go to the dance with him. Just go to the dance with him. Please, do it for me?"

She thought about it for a moment. She thought about the countless chances she's given him over the past three years. The countless times she's had to deal begin smacked around for anything. Or the times when she had to scrub her skin raw just to get rid of the feeling of shame. More importantly, she thought about all the times she did everything for her family instead of doing things for herself. Well, not anymore.

"No," She said meekly and then sat up straighter to look at her father before firmly saying again."No, I'm not going to do anything with Andrew anymore. Him and I are done and nothing is gonna change."

"Spencer, please-"

She held up her hand to stop him."Dad, I don't want to talk it anymore. And if that's all you want to talk about then," She stood up and walked over to her door to open it."you can just leave."

He looked shocked for a moment before holding his hands up in defense and stood up."I only want what's best for the family, Spencer."

"And I want what's best for me." She said sharply."Goodnight, dad."

He left out of the room and she shut the door behind her. She settled down onto her bed with a victorious smile on her face. She'd finally put her foot down and she was happy she did. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Her smile grew even wider when she heard a faint tapping on her window. She jumped up immediately to open it just to see those beautiful blue eyes on more time before she went to bed.

NEXT CHAPTER: Spencer finally comes face to face with Jenna, Toby has an encounter with Alison, Melissa reveals her past with Ian, Veronica finds out about Peters arrangement with the Campbell family,Andrew finally gets what he wants, and Someone gets asked to homecoming.