Chapter Six- A Nemesis, Lie, & Divorce
Running over to his spot on the field, Lucas made sure that he was lined up correctly with his teammates before getting the call from Sean, who was under center. Looking up at the screaming fans that filled the stadium seats, which was impressive seeing as Rosewood was never a town for football, Lucas could see amongst the fans and spot out the one person that made him even more nervous at this point. Lucas's father had come out to cheer his son on and all Lucas could think about on the field at that moment was that he hoped his father wasn't drunk at the moment, but once the ball was snapped that had to be the least of his worries at this point. With a thirty seconds left on the clock, down by three points, Lucas main focus was to get open and put his team into field goal range and that's all he had to focus on, anything else would have been too much. His thought process narrowed in as he ran his route and before he knew it the ball had been thrown his way. Like pure amazement to even himself he had managed to catch the ball and put his team in more than enough field goal range.
After the game, Lucas was pretty much like a rockstar as he left the locker room receiving his fair amount of praise from his peers that at one point made fun of him. Deep down he'd be lying if he said that he didn't like the praise and recognition but football wasn't that for him, it was something that he needed to help take his mind off the hell he was in. Walking towards his car he could see that his father was waiting for him and was obviously dressed as if he had gone out for success. Cautiously walking towards him, Lucas's father could detect that his son was weary of him and that hurt him to know that he made things this way.
"I thought it was a joke at first but apparently my son can play football" Lucas's father smiled happily
"Yeah, it wasn't exactly my choice to play but its working out" Lucas replied "Did you go out today?" he asked
"I did. I went to a few job interviews, your dad put on the old suit and tie, did the little dance, so lets hope it will land us something" Lucas's father said giving him a slight laugh
"That's good dad, that's real good" Lucas replied "Does mom know?" he asked
"No. She's a little upset with me, and she has every right to be. I just wanted to surprise her" Lucas's father said
"She'd like that. Look, I know that things have been hard for you and I just want you to know that I'm not upset. I'm fine and we'll be fine" Lucas told his father
"I appreciate that but that still doesn't excuse my actions and I want to change them, I will change them" Lucas's father said "But it was really nice to come out here and see you play. Reminds me what's important and how much I want to be a part of this" he said
"I want you to" Lucas smiled
Making his late night food run before dwindling away the night with his new porn movies he had purchased, Alton had his mind all ready set on what he wanted to order. Aftering ordering his food, he had sat at the counter and just nonchalantly observed the customers in the restaurant until he laid eyes on Hanna sitting alone at a booth by herself. So much of their last conversation stuck with him because he feared that something deep may be behind her worries but then he just feared that by through him that was her only way of being connected to Lucas. He'd be lying if he said that it didn't bug him that the two people he cared most about weren't together, but he slowly but surely was accepting it but if it ever came a chance where he could help out then he'd do all that he could to help them. Grabbing his order he made his way over towards her table nearly catching her off guard.
"Hey" Alton said taking a seat "Why are you all dressed up?" he asked her
"I'm out. I like to be dressed up when I'm out in the public" Hanna said
"Your at the café, I hardly call this out" Alton shrugged as he pulled out his tray of fries "Want a fry?" he asked her
"No. You can go now" Hanna replied quickly
"Why?" Alton asked
"Because I can see that you've got a busy night ahead of you and I don't want to hold you up from…" Hanna said looking to Alton for some sort of confirmation as to what he was doing
"Watching She's Gotta Have It" Alton quickly replied
"What is that? Wait….I don't even want to know" Hanna replied posing the question but taking it back once she realized
"The real blockbuster is She's Coming Soon…get it" Alton laughed as Hanna looked at him with the disgust and confusion.
"That's really gross, even for you" Hanna said unable to control the slight laughter that she tried to so hard to keep in
"So why are you here? Did your mom make meatloaf again? We all know how that turned out last time" Alton said as he chomped away at his fries
"I'm out on a date" Hanna replied cautiously unaware as to what he would do. When she had said it he slowly dropped his fry and did his best to convey happiness for her when he looked at her.
"A date. With who?" Alton asked giving her a fake smile
"His name is Dave Narco" Hanna replied
"Dave Narco? Wait…the basketball player?" Alton asked
"Yeah. I mean Luke has moved on and I figured I should to" Hanna said
"Yeah, yeah…it's clear you two aren't together anymore so why pretend that you'll get together in the near future or from two to three months like I projected" Alton said
"What?" Hanna asked trying to clarify the last thing he said
"Nothing" Alton replied "Where is lover boy?" he asked
"He's in the restroom" Hanna said almost a bit embarrassed to say that sentence realizing how gross it sounded
"I see he had your mother's meatloaf" Alton joked before Hanna kicked him in the shin under the table causing him to lean down in pain with a bit of laughter in between "I'm joking" he said before he slowly got out of the booth
"He's a nice guy" Hanna replied
"Yeah, nice. Well I'll wish you the best with your nice guy and I hope you have great evening" Alton said just as he stood to his feet
"Do you mean that?" Hanna asked
"Yes. I mean that with my whole heart" Alton smiled "Just a word of advice though" he then added as Hanna rolled her eyes knowing there was a point to his madness
"What?" Hanna asked
"Just say no if he tries to get admittance into Pantyville" Alton laughed before he slowly walked away
"Goodnight Al" Hanna laughed to herself as she brought out her cell phone to begin texting.
Noticing that Hanna's attention was turned towards her cell phone, that allowed Alton to have enough time to sneak off into the men's restroom. Not wanting to come across as stalkerish, Alton checked the stalls as stealthy as he could but knew he to be somewhat evasive if he wanted to find this guy before he made his way over to Hanna. Finally finding him over by the sink, washing his hands, Alton shook his head in disapproval to see that Dave was talking to himself like he was trying to get pumped up for a game. Throwing his food in the trash as he approached the sink next to Dave, Alton did his best to act smooth.
"Hey. What's up?" Alton asked the guy trying to act smooth and cool
"Hey" Dave replied
"I saw you come in with Hanna Marin. Nice" Alton replied in total guy mode
"Yeah, we're on a date" Dave said
"Date? Wow, she's dating so soon" Alton said surprised
"Yeah. Why?" Dave asked "I thought you broke up with that Lucas guy?" he then asked
"Oh, yeah. They broke up but the way they broke up was so tragic" Alton said
"What do you mean?" Dave asked
"You didn't hear? Luke found out about little…." Alton said scanning the restroom for some inspiration for some names "Charmin and….Dove" he said noticing the toilet paper and the soap dispenser
"Who is Charmin and Dove?" Dave asked
"Just her welfare babies. Luke loved the girl but he couldn't take Julio always threatening him about his kids" Alton lied
"Who is Julio?" Dave asked becoming more intrigued with all things Hanna
"No one. Just some ex-gang member she dated. He was really a nice guy, when he wasn't stabbing who ever thought they could date Hanna" Alton said "But looking at the two of you together you look like you have good health insurance so you'd be able to foot the bill" he said
"What? You've got to be kidding me" Dave said in total disbelief
"Hey, don't listen to what I said…she's a great girl. I just don't want her to get mad at me for telling you this because she's really trying to find a father figure for the kids…you know no child left behind thing" Alton said
"No, no, no. I won't say a word" Dave replied "Thank you though for telling me" he said "Hanna never even told me" he then said
"Bless her heart. She's just trying to survive in this cold, cold world but you can't turn a pinto into a Mercedes" Alton said before Dave extended his hand to shake
"I would but I really don't know where your hands have been" Alton replied
Letting out a deep sigh of frustration, Lucas sat at his desk looking down at the test in which he had received a failing grade for. Noticing Lucas's facial expression, Hanna sneaked a peek to see that he had received an "D" on the paper and was simply taken aback by it. The final bell rang before the class dispersed out into the hallway, unable to break stride away from each other Hanna and Lucas made their way out of the classroom. Lucas quickly stopped off at his locker to exchange his books while Hanna contemplated whether she should continue to walk away but she found herself unable to walk away. Quickly making her way over towards him, she leaned up against the locker then stood straight then leaned, just unsure as to how she should even be around him.
"What do you want Hanna?" Lucas sighed as he closed the locker
"I saw the test. This is the fifth failing grade you've received this month, and I know you know this stuff" Hanna rambled
"Maybe I just don't know this stuff. I'm allowed to have a bad day" Lucas said
"Days, not day" Hanna said "Does this have to do with your dad?" she asked in a low whisper before Lucas slammed his locker door
"We're not having this conversation" Lucas replied
"Look I know you think you have this under control but this is school we're talking about" Hanna said
"And I have it covered. So I really don't need you telling me what's wrong with me" Lucas said before he walked away just as Emily, Spencer, and Aria made their way over towards the defeated young woman
"I see another conversation gone bad" Aria said
"Yeah, something like that" Hanna replied
"So give us the details? How did Dave Narco fare with you last night?" Emily asked as Hanna got even more depressed with that topic
"It went well until he came out of the bathroom" Hanna said
"What happened?" Spencer asked
"He said he had to leave because he wasn't ready to take on so much responsibility…then he mentioned something about Charmin and Dove" Hanna said recalling last nights events "It was all so strange" she said
"Charmin and Dove?" Aria asked confused "Where the hell did he get that from?" she asked
"The hell if I know. Maybe I'm just doomed, maybe my dating life has come to an end and Lucas will be my last" Hanna complained
"Stop. I'm actually quite glad you didn't hit it off with him because I think I've found someone for you" Spencer told her
"Oh, God. A Spencer Hastings date, this should be interesting" Hanna laughed
"His name is Ryan Jacks, and he's uber cute" Spencer said
"Ryan Jacks, fortune five hundred and Mr. Conservative" Aria laughed
"So he's a little uptight but I'm sure with your help that he'll loosen up. When I him about you he sounded very interested" Spencer said
"Yeah because he probably thought I'd cross the aisle" Hanna laughed
"Just give him a try" Spencer said
"Okay, fine. Set it up" Hanna replied reluctantly
Listening to his ipod as he walked down the sidewalk, Lucas had a bit of comfort just walking rather than driving home. His failing grades weighed heavy on his mind as he thought back to those nights he had to drag his dad up the stairs and hold his head over the toilet so he could puke with out falling asleep on the toilet. A lot of what changed in the house had took away his opportunities to keep up with his studies because so much of his attention had to be towards his father and his mother's safety to where the was no room to worry about himself. He had peace to know that he only needed his English class to pass but everything else was gimme classes, but his grades were lagging in his English class so that he had to pass his next tests or else he could possibly be screwed. Coming up the driveway, Lucas was surprised to see his grandmother's car parked in the driveway. Nearly in an hallucination, Lucas quickly ran into the house to find the woman in the kitchen slaving away over a stove like she was known to do.
"Grandma, what are you doing here?" Lucas asked as he ran over to hug her
"Oh, I hadn't heard much from your father and you know how I worry. So I packed up the car and came down here to check on things" Lucas's grandmother said
"Check on things? Things are good. Things are in order and in place like you've taught me" Lucas said
"Well that's good but a mother needs to check on her son. So tell me how has he been?" Lucas's grandmother asked him
"He's been doing good. He even went out on interviews" Lucas reported to his grandmother
"And your mother? How is she holding up?" Lucas's grandmother asked
"She's doing good. You know, holding up" Lucas lied as his grandmother studied him for a moment "And your lady?" she asked
"My lady?" Lucas asked confused as to what she meant
"The Hanna girl" Lucas's grandmother smiled
"Oh…she's…uh, she's away" Lucas lied trying to find the words
"I saw her outside earlier with her mother" Lucas's grandmother told him
"Oh, she's back. Yay" Lucas replied
"You should invite her over for dinner tonight" Lucas's grandmother said
"She's probably tired and wants to get rest since she's been traveling" Lucas said trying to come up with an excuse that would stick
"Go! Invite her and don't come back until she says yes" Lucas's grandmother told him before he reluctantly did so.
Cursing to himself as he crossed the street hating the fact that he didn't have the guts to tell his grandmother the truth. This use to be routine to him, going to her house but now it was a path he wanted to forget, a path that would never be traveled if it were up to him. Knocking on the door, Lucas waited for a moment before Hanna finally came down to the door.
"Hey" Hanna said surprised to see him standing at her door step
"Hey. Look my grandma has made a surprise visit, and she would like to know if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight" Lucas asked her
"Your grandmother? What is she doing here?" Hanna asked as she stepped outside making sure to close the door behind her
"She just stopped in, I have no reason as to why she's here" Lucas replied "So are you coming or not? If your sick or can fake being sick that would be greatly appreciated" he then said
"Did your mom call her?" Hanna asked "Because she did want you to call" she said
"What? No or at least I don't think so" Lucas said confused
"Doesn't your grandma know that we're broken up?" Hanna asked
"I haven't quite updated her on our current status. So are you in or out Hanna? I really need to do some homework and not worry about getting a wooden spoon to my ass" Lucas said
"What time?" Hanna asked
"Be over in the next three hours, that's what time my mom comes home" Lucas said before he walked off in a huff
"Thanks for the invite" Hanna said knowing that this wasn't Lucas's idea by a long shot just by the way he was acting
Making her way down the aisle of the library, Spencer scanned the library in search of her target. Doing a bit of research, Spencer was able to learn the usual routine of Jake, Alton's little helper, so much so that she had followed him around a few times to confirm what she all ready knew. Every Friday like clock work, Jake came to the library to try to upload and scan textbooks so that he could sell them to a few of the students at school for a cheaper price, in every sense of the word Jake was far from a law abiding citizen. Grabbing just any text book, Spencer made her way over to his table that sat off in the corner of the library so that no one could see what he was doing. Catching him by surprise as she approached him she soon flashed her million dollar smile as she knew it was showtime.
"Jake" Spencer smiled
"Yeah" Jake replied
"Hi, I'm…" Spencer said before he cut her off
"Spencer Hastings, I'm well aware of who you are" Jake said
"I don't know if that's a good thing. I know Alton doesn't think highly of me" Spencer said
"No, nothing but good at least my perception of you" Jake smiled as if he had a school boy crush on her
"I'm actually quite glad the awkwardness is out of the way, I mean I had no one else to go to" Spencer said pulling out all the stops as she rested her hand on his "I need your help with something" she said
"Sure. What do need?" Jake answered nervously as he gave all his attention to her
"Well for starters I'm trying to figure out how I ask a guy like you out for dinner?" Spencer smiled as Jake nearly was over loaded with joy. With that smile she knew that she had him locked and sealed.
For most of the evening everyone had put on their best faces and managed to convey the happy family down to a tee. Hanna had made a point to not make too much eye contact with Lucas's father in fear that she'd get flashbacks of him at his worst, but she knew deep down inside that he wasn't the man he had portrayed himself that night. Lucas's grandmother was more than gracious to her, she treated her like she was part of the family and some points when Lucas and her were dating she was glad to be a part of a solid family, a family that on every aspect could be your typical Brady Bunch. Hanna felt a wave of guilt as she sat in their home because she knew that she had hurt the very boy they all thought highly of. Lucas's mother had done her best to convey as much happiness and love but Hanna knew that there was still a lot of hurt behind her tear stained eyes, but she couldn't think like that she had to focus on keeping the appearance alive.
"So it's been almost a year for you two?" Lucas's grandmother asked Hanna
"Uh, yes. We've been together for almost a year" Hanna replied
"It'd be eleven months" Lucas said almost embarrassed that he knew exactly how long they would have been together.
"Aw, you've got him trained well. Always make a man remember the importance of dates" Lucas's grandmother smiled
"They've been through a lot, and they remain such good friends" Lucas's mother smiled assuredly letting the two of them know that she knew what they were doing.
"Friendship is the root to everything" Lucas's grandmother smiled "Just glad to know that everything has remained the same" she said looking at them all with a stern look
"Yeah, nothing has changed" Lucas's father said as he did his best to avoid the eyes around the table
"Family is important to me, and I'll do anything to protect it, but I can only protect what I'm aware of" Lucas's grandmother said "So is there anything I should know?" she asked once again as everyone became silent.
"I have to step outside. It's getting really hot in here" Lucas's father said quickly getting up from his seat to go outside.
"I guess I have my answer" Lucas's grandmother said
"No, he's just upset about work" Lucas said in his defense
"Lucas I love you but I do not like lies" Lucas's grandmother scolded him
"It's been tough but we're managing" Lucas's mother said
"So then explain why my son isn't calling as much as he used to. I used to hear my son's voice two, three times a day and now its silence" Lucas's grandmother said
"That's something you have to take up with him then, but we're managing" Lucas's mother said
After what felt like an intense session of questioning, Hanna and Lucas were glad to come out alive because the more she saw the sterness in his grandmother the more she feared to even continue the lie. Stepping out onto the porch, Lucas wasn't surprised to see that his father had gone off somewhere but he had hoped that he wouldn't be dumb enough to come home drunk. Standing in silence for a few moments, Lucas knew he couldn't be an ass to Hanna anymore because she had come through for him in a major way, and although he didn't want to hear her worries he knew that he had to find some way to move past what happened and muster up the strength to be civil.
"Thank you for tonight" Lucas said as the two of them took a seat on the bench
"No problem. Just make sure your grandmother doesn't find out about us because I think I'm truly afraid of her" Hanna laughed as he too couldn't help but let out a laugh himself.
"She's gonna want answers soon and I don't think we can maintain this" Lucas sighed
"Then give her the answers. She only wants to help Luke" Hanna told her
"Yeah, but to hear that her son is…it'd break her heart and that would only make him worse" Lucas said "Its damned if I do, damned if I don't" he said
"Well then you have to do what you feel is right, but you can't pretend like nothing is wrong because its starting to show" Hanna said
"My dad went on a few interviews, so hopefully he'll land a job" Lucas replied
"Hopefully" Hanna said as she rose to her feet "Thank you for an awkward dinner, and I will see you around" she said before she turned to walk towards her house.
Noticing that Spencer was off to herself, Alton relished in the opportunity to disrupt her day. Sifting through her books Spencer was trying to cram for her next class not expecting to see Alton leaning up against the locker beside her. Giving him a look of annoyance, Spencer returned her attention towards preparing for class not allowing Alton to get to her. Unable to take his presence any more she slammed her locker door and stared him down with as much anger as she had stored up in her before Alton couldn't help but let out a laugh. Coming out of her class, Aria couldn't help but notice the two of them together and almost had half the mind to give them privacy but she needed a laugh and she was sure their banter would give her what she needed.
"I thought our arrangement was clear? This is no more" Spencer told him just as Aria walked up towards them
"Hey guys, do I even need to guess what your arguing about?" Aria asked
"Oh, nothing really. Just hangin' with my sworn enemy. We're thinking of doing it Batman vs. Riddler style" Alton laughed
"Alton and I have declared ourselves nemesis's" Spencer said as Alton couldn't help but laugh
"Really? Who says that? You're my nemesis" Alton laughed
"Yeah, I don't think you say that" Aria laughed
"Laugh now but we'll see who will get the last laugh" Spencer gloated to Alton
"Oh, go choke yourself" Alton replied "I'm actually not here to speak to my nemesis, I'm here to talk to Hanna" he said
"Was she suppose to meet up with you?" Aria asked
"No, I just wanted to report my findings on Lucas. I'm supposed to look out for him but I think that's subtext for make sure his ass stays single talk" Alton sighed
"Or it could be….be a friend to your best friend" Spencer replied
"Nemesis's don't talk unless a threat is behind it" Alton pointed out
"Look out for Lucas or else Hanna is going to kill you" Spencer quickly replied
"Let's choose a word that's not so heavy on the letter "s", I feel like I'm going to choke on the damn letter" Alton said "Lets do rival" he suggested
"When did Hanna ask you that?" Aria asked wanting to break away from his random thought
"A couple of days ago, and so far my findings have concluded…..he's still single" Alton replied
"Maybe she isn't ready to start dating. Maybe she does miss Lucas and is keeping tabs on him" Aria turned to tell Spencer
"She's not just going to up and get over him but she needs to try" Spencer said
"Why? Just because you haven't penciled in love on your to do list doesn't mean Hanna can't fight for the one she loves" Alton said
"You know unlike yourself I'm actually looking out for my friend and her waiting around for Lucas is not doing her any good" Spencer replied
"Because that might actually means she gives a damn about him" Alton quickly fired back
"Guys, calm down" Aria told them feeling like she had to refereeing the two of them "Hanna and Lucas had a sad ending but they should both be happy. Hanna's even going on a date tonight?" she said
"With who?" Alton asked
"Ryan Jacks" Spencer smiled proudly before Alton looked at her strangely
"Are you trying to help her or send her first class to hell. Ryan Jacks is a uptight stick in the mud, and I'm saying that lightly. He was my partner for history…I think I still have his number" Alton said "I mean could you imagine if the two of them ever had sex, it'd be like boning Sara Palin. Instead of screaming oh, God she'd be screaming oh, Russia I see you clearly now" he joked
"Your disgusting" Spencer replied
"What's with you and boning?" Aria asked noticing his choice of words
"He's sick and perverted…this is normal" Spencer said
"Instead of trying to hook her up with random political candidates who will bang the first hooker they come across, you need to help me put them back together. End the madness, I mean this is like our Brangelina…they're not right if their not together…save Hucas" Alton declared
"Hucas?" Spencer asked "Why do I feel like your living your lack of a romantic life through them?
"And why do I feel like Webster will be your current and last boyfriend. Just think, he'll never run out words, he's all ready your perfect boyfriend" Alton replied "So are we in or out. Team Hucas?" he asked the two girls
"I have to be supportive of my friend" Aria said before she patted him on the back
"And you kill joy? Are you in or out? That phrase should sound familiar to you" Alton laughed
"I'm so going to enjoy my revenge on you" Spencer laughed to herself before Aria and Spencer walked off together
"What the hell is that suppose to mean?" Alton said to himself as he looked at Spencer confused but just chalked it up to her not knowing how to give a good come back. Pulling out his cell phone Alton scrolls through his contact list before hitting the call button on Ryan Jacks. Getting the answering machine, Alton let out a sigh before leaving a message on his answering machine "Ryan, hey. I just heard that you scored a date with Hanna Marin, you two would make an…interesting couple. I figured since Hanna and I are friends I would let you in on a deal breaker with her. One word will sum up the reasons you'll love her….atheist. Well have fun tonight, and tell your mom God bless" he said before he ended the phone call "Spencer you make my job too easy" he said as he began to walk down the hallway with a feeling of victory within himself
Entering into the classroom, Lucas knew fully what his mentor would scold him for he had just hoped that it wouldn't be too bad of a thrashing from him. Standing at his chalk board, Mr. Smith cleared the board from today's lesson before tried to clear his hand of all things chalk just as he sat down in his chair. With almost a half witted smile, Mr. Smith motioned for Lucas to come sit down in the desk in front of his and like an obedient child he followed his command. Grabbing his seat, Lucas let out a sigh feeling the weight of tiredness come down on him all at once before he could finally see that he needed to rest or else he'd have more explaining to do. For a moment the two sat in silence as Mr. Smith just looked on at his young protégé in wonder as to what the big plan was, what was the overall thought process that was going on in his head.
"So are you going to bring it up or should I?" Mr. Smith asked breaking the silence between the two of them
"You called me in here so I figured you wanted to deliver the refreshing news" Lucas replied trying his best not to try sarcastic but his tiredness wouldn't allow him to do so
"Don't be a smart ass with me. I'm the last person you want to be a smart ass with. Luke, what the hell are you doing?" Mr. Smith asked him
"It doesn't help that I have football, school, and then family to worry about" Lucas replied "Football eats up a lot more time than you think" he then added
"You have one class…a class that I'm pretty sure you can ace in your sleep, but somehow your teetering on a C and D" Mr. Smith said
"It's going to be fine. I'm going to get it under control. I have a test coming up that I've been working my ass of to pass, and I'll be back on track to at least a B" Lucas said
"B sounds good if you were a typical student here" Mr. Smith said
"Well maybe I'm just that, a typical student. I wish you would stop treating me like I'm some damn brain child" Lucas replied angrily "I get it! You have big hopes for me and you want me to succeed" he added
"So you failing your tests is my fault, I'm putting pressure on you. Well this is not pressure, this is me being concerned about you because this isn't like you" Mr. Smith said
"Yeah, well maybe it is like me. Maybe this is me enjoying my senior year and saying screw everything else" Lucas replied
"Stop being dramatic" Mr. Smith said to Lucas's rant before Lucas quickly got up from his seat.
"I'm through with this. I don't need this!" Lucas replied before he stormed out of the classroom
"Luke….dammit!" Mr. Smith said in attempt to call after him but failing.
Pulling into the parking lot, Hanna leaned forward to scan inside the diner to see that Alton had made his usual late night porn food run. Quickly making her way out of the car still dressed for her date that evening, Hanna stormed into the diner and made a quick bee line for Alton. Sitting like usual at his table chomping away at his fries, Alton checked his phone hoping that Jake would have sent him something by now. He didn't want to seem to worried but he was a tad bit worried or concerned that his friend hadn't made any contact with him for the past couple of days. Just as he was about to send Jake a text for him to get in contact with him, Hanna made her way over to the table and quickly threw down her purse before she took a seat. Sitting in complete confusion, Alton did his best to rack his brain as to what Hanna seemed so upset with.
"Okay, bad night?" Alton asked taking a stab at trying to uncover what was going on
"Bad night? I know what you did you ass!" Hanna scolded him
"Hey, I resent you calling me that. Besides how do you know I had something to do with whatever your accusing me of?" Alton asked
"Cut the crap Al, I know you sabotaged my dates" Hanna said "Really? An atheist, do you hate me or something? I mean are you like an undercover spy for Mona or something?" she asked
"I wish, I mean in the aspects of being in Mona's near vicinity is what I would wish for. Look I just don't think your ready to start dating other guys because its still pretty clear that your in love with Lucas. Why waste some others guys time when your hung up on someone else" Alton told her
"So you make me out to be a baby mama and an atheist. I'm a Christian by the way so I take serious offense to that. I just can't believe you'd go that far" Hanna said
"Because your just acting out. Luke and you…" Alton said before Hanna cut him off
"Lucas and I are gonna get back together! Alton, its over between us" Hanna replied
"But you wanted me to look out for him, which was basically code for make sure he didn't date anyone else because I still love him" Alton said
"No, it was code for look out for him, no subtext" Hanna replied
"Hanna c'mon, Dave Narco and Ryan Jacks are downgrades from Lucas. I did you a favor and you'll realize that" Alton said "In time you and Lucas will find your way back to each other" he said
"No we won't because Lucas hates me or can barely even look at me without disgust" Hanna said
"Oh come on. Lucas and you are still made for each other" Alton said
"Will you listen to yourself! You sound like my own little annoying personal cheerleader. Luke will never date me again or ever be made for me again because I'm pretty sure he doesn't want a girlfriend who cheated on him" Hanna said in a tirade causing Alton to become shocked with what she had just said
"What? You cheated on Lucas? How…how" Alton said trying to find the words
"I slept with Noel Kahn at last years party. I'm the reason why Lucas just up and left at the end of the summer because he saw Noel and I together" Hanna told him feeling a little scared with each word that she said not realizing what effect this would have on Alton
"Wow, I really didn't expect that. I mean I always wondered why you two broke up but I never thought that you would do something like that" Alton said still in disbelief over what she said
"So now do you understand why I have to move on?" Hanna asked Alton nervously hoping that he would understand
"Yeah, I understand, I understand that your selfish and ungrateful" Alton replied leaving Hanna unsure as to whether he was joking or not in his usual manner
"Your joking right?" Hanna asked unaware of what to make of his statement
"Do you know what Lucas gave up to be with you. He nearly gave up his dream school because he thought you were the one and that's how you repay him. I can't believe that I defended you, I mean I constantly kept telling Luke that he made a mistake for letting you go and just up and leaving you like that when all along it was you that drove him away" Alton said angrily "Yeah, you deserve to move on, straight to hell" he said before he got up from his seat and angrily made his way out of the diner. Sitting in her chair Hanna felt dejected by his words because she never thought that Alton would be this upset with her and as much as she wanted to shake this off as just another person mad at her, somehow she just couldn't, somehow this hurt deep.
Heading inside his house Lucas could tell that his grandma had left just by the lack of aroma that he came into, deep down he had enjoyed her visit and hated that he lied to her but he knew the last thing his dad needed was his mom to be on his case. Throwing down his back pack on the closet floor before he made his way inside the kitchen to make himself some leftovers. Just as he put the portions he wanted onto his plate he couldn't help but notice the paper that was on the kitchen counter. Looking at it closely he shook his head in disbelief as he had just realized that things weren't going to get better as he thought with his dad receiving the we regret to inform you letter on top bills that were due. Just as he anxiously racked his brain of how to help his dad see the positive in his actions for the past couple of days there came a knock at the door that tore him away from his thoughts. Answering the door, Lucas was surprised to see Hanna standing on the other side so dressed up.
"Uh, hello" Lucas said confused as to why she was so dressed up
"Is your grandmother still here?" Hanna sighed
"No, but so glad that you were anxious to see her. We can stop pretending, she left today" Lucas said
"Oh, so we're gonna go back to you basically hating my guts, that's nice to know" Hanna replied
"I don't hate you. It's hard to be around you, but I don't hate you" Lucas replied as Hanna grabbed a seat on the bench on the porch
"I just told Alton the reason why we broke up and now he hates me" Hanna huffed in frustration
"I'm surprised you told him" Lucas replied "I was kind of thinking you were going to keep that between us" he said
"That was the plan, but that was until Alton sabotage my dates all in an attempt that I'd stay single and you'd stay single so we'd get back together" Hanna said as he couldn't help but laugh
"Alton has the strangest way of looking at things" Lucas laughed "He see's rainbow when there is just a cloud" he said
"I'd laugh at that but you should have seen his face. It was like I told him Santa Clause wasn't real or something" Hanna said
"Santa Clause isn't real" Lucas replied
"You know what I mean" Hanna said "I just don't want him to be mad at me because in some odd way I enjoy talking and hanging out with him, he's like a brother to me, an annoying one, but a brother to me" she said
"Don't worry he's upset but he'll come around. Just get him the latest porn video with extra buttery popcorn and he'll forgive you, it always works for me" Lucas said
"Why extra butter?" Hanna asked
"Do you really want to know?" Lucas asked her
"No, I really don't" Hanna said in agreement with Lucas "So eleven months huh? That would have been my longest relationship" she said
"Yeah, well don't get to excited. I'm just good with numbers" Lucas told her
"That you were, numbers were always your thing" Hanna laughed
"And that would be the sexual innuendo part of the conversation" Lucas laughed
"God, I miss this. I miss just talking to you" Hanna said
"I have my moments when I don't get upset with you, and partially because you know the biggest drama that's going on with me right now that not even my best friend knows about" Lucas said
"That is pretty good leverage to have on someone" Hanna laughed Your dad seemed fine the other night. These past couple of days to be exact" she said
"Seeing as I saw a letter of rejection for one of the places he interviewed for I would think that he's out somewhere getting plastered right now" Lucas sighed "And then I have Smith riding my ass at school so all in all this week has been too much" he said
"Smith cares about you, he just wants to help" Hanna said "Just have faith that your dad will change for your mom and you" she told him
"Believe me, I'm holding on to that" Lucas said
"I'm sorry. I know I've said this a lot over the course of you being back but I never meant to hurt you and I sincerely regret how we ended. I hope that we can be friends" Hanna said
"It's going to take time but I have a feeling we'll be friends" Lucas told her
"Well I should get home so I can avoid my dad and his want to have a movie night" Hanna said as she got up from her seat next to him
"Goodnight Hanna" Lucas told her
"Goodnight Lucas" Hanna smiled before she turned to walk over towards her house
Waiting for what felt like hours for Jake to show up, Alton began to lose faith that Jake would even show up. A couple of times he couldn't help but reminisce about the promise of payback from Spencer, which he just shook off as her attempt to be mean since they were now nemesis's. Thinking of her calling them that always made him laugh because it was cute in a dorkable way that she took the time to even call them something so serious like that. Finishing up the last of his coffee, Alton soon gave up hope that Jake was gonna come so he packed up his lap top and prepared to leave for the day. Hanna enters into the café with gift bag in hand as she approaches Alton, who is appearing to leave. The two stand in awkward silence but Alton stands wanting nothing more than to leave.
"I know your upset with me and you have every right to be but will you just sit?" Hanna asked
"I'd sit for someone who was faithful but you don't meet that standard, so I really don't owe you anything" Lucas said trying to walk away before Hanna steps in front of him.
"I got you something that you will like" Hanna said handing him the gift bag
"I can't be bought" Alton replied
"Al, will you give me something here" Hanna said
"Why should I?" Alton asked
"Because I like to believe that whether Lucas and I are together or not that we'll still be friends" Hanna said "Your still my friend" she said as Alton takes a moment to think before he takes a seat as well as Hanna.
"Let me guess, you bought the latest and greatest porn video that you thought I would be interested in" Alton said as Hanna sighed knowing that he had hit it right on the nose what she had given him
"I just got a new release. It's sickening going into an adult shop to request porn, so this is me trying" Hanna said
"This doesn't erase what you did. For months on months I ragged on Lucas for running away when all that he was running from was a cheating girlfriend" Alton said
"I made a mistake, a mistake that I regret" Hanna said
"Because you got caught" Alton said "He did catch you right?" he asked
"Yes" Hanna said
"Then that's all we need to discuss" Alton said
"So then that just means the end to our friendship. We were only friends because of Lucas? Is that what our friendship was about?" Hanna asked
"No, our friendship was based on the fact that I thought you were a good person and that you were different from all the popular jackasses that act like their God's gift, that you cared about the geeks like Lucas and I" Alton said
"I care about the geeks, I lost my virginity to one" Hanna quickly replied
"And you also cheated on the geek, so that still places you back at square one" Alton said
"So what does this mean? Are we not friends anymore? Are we nemeses now?" Hanna asked as Alton got up from his seat
"I really hate that word, and I despise Spencer for even bringing that word out of the dictionary" Alton told her "But moving onto more serious things since its clear that we are unable to solve our problems, we should probably discuss our custody schedule of Emily, Aria, and Maya" he stated as Hanna just looked at him with confusion
"They're my friends. I would hope if we're ending our friendship we'd leave with what we entered into the friendship with" Hanna replied taking him seriously
"Fair enough" Alton said as he got up from his seat
"Will you at least take your gift. Think of it as a missed birthday or Christmas gift" Hanna told him as she extended the bag towards him before he reluctantly took the bag
"See you around" Alton said before he turned to leave the café.
Hanna hung her head low feeling the defeat that had just taken place. Letting out a sigh, she knew that eventually her actions would catch up to her and she had no one to blame but herself. Running her fingers through her hair in frustration, Hanna prepared to get up before she saw the door open once more as Alton came back in. Standing in fear of what else he might say on her actions, Hanna couldn't help but take a deep breath.
"I…I just came back in to tell you that I have this one all ready. So maybe you can get your money back on this" Alton said as he handed the movie back over to her
"Sorry" Hanna said as she took the gift
"But this…this is something I've always wanted" Alton said as he slowly cracked a smile as he held up a picture of Mona in a towel in the girls locker room "Welcome to the perv side" he laughed
"Now I officially know what it's like to be in your head" Hanna said "Get me out" she said as Alton laughed "Are we good?" she then asked him
"Yeah, we're good. I'll have to cancel my Hucas fan club t-shirts but I guess its something I have to cope with on my own" Alton replied making Hanna laugh
"Alton, really? A fan club?" Hanna asked as they both proceeded to leave the café together
"Hey, it could have spread" Alton said as he followed her.