Spencer's speech prep.

(Italics inside like this.) = Inner thoughts

Bold like this = emphasized words.

[Stuff in these = actions while speaking]

*-*-*-* = Time passing

Underlined is words on a computer

(A/N: Well I/we made it to chapter 5. Thank you for reading. I find it more rewarding than I expected to know people are reading. We left off in the shower Saturday morning. We pick up later that day. Remember this story is about Aria and Emily a couple not many have done stories about so I continue the 'odd couple' thought in a potential pairing in this chapter. I say this as a preemptive means against any super fans that will 'yell at me' for this…No spoilers…Okay on to the story…)

Aria's POV*

I walk down the stairs carrying Emily's bag and mine. I set them down by the door and go join my friends watching T.V. in the living room. "Come on guys are we really this boring? There has got to be something better to do than just sit around and watch T.V." I say as I sit next to Emily.

"I am too tired to do anything. Last night wiped me out. But I was right about going out it was worth this hang over." Hanna replies.

Spencer says, "You could have paced you drinking slower like the rest of us Hanna, so stop bitching about hang overs."

Hanna replies with, "I'm not bitching. I just am saying that I want to lounge around a while today."

I poke Emily in the ribs and say, "I know you aren't hung over. Come on let's go do something."

Emily fights off my tickling and says, "Stop. What do you propose we do?" I shrug and grin suggestively in response as I trace my finger across Emily's thigh.

She playfully swats it away and says, "Really? We just…"

I hear Spencer's voice interrupt and say, "I agree that this is boring. Hey Em isn't the planetarium having some big thing on the lunar cycle?" in her sly inquisitive tone.

Emily attempts to hold back a laugh as she says, "I think that was last week Spence."

"Hum. For some reason I thought it was today." Spencer says with a snicker.

(Why the sudden interest in the lunar cycle?) "Really the planetarium? Boring. Next idea." I say looking at Hanna. She just shrugs and looks back at T.V.

Emily looks at me with a sly smirk then over to Spencer and says, "How about the beach at the lake? Do you know if it's open yet Spence?"

"I'm not sure but I remember reading it's clothing optional this year." Spencer answers holding back a laugh. I smile briefly (This is starting to look like an ambush.) until I see Emily's face is about to explode from holding in her laughter. I turn and throw my leg over Emily's legs so I am now sitting in her lap facing her and quietly ask, "What did you tell her?" She smiles at me and replies, "Nothing." With a big giggle. I don't believe her and start tickling her.

She thwarts my attack quickly with a bear hug and whispers in my ear, "I didn't say anything I swear."

Spencer says, "I think there is a big umbrella out in the barn." I turn my head to look at her since I was still trapped by the bear hug Emily had me in."

Emily snickers, "We will need sun block too if we go." I turn my head back to glare at Emily. She loosens her hug a little and smiles at me.

"Yea does anyone have the kind with tint in it? Aria? No I'm sure you don't" Spencer laughs.

Hanna pipes in with, "Spencer why would you be interested in a nude beach? Wait why is everyone 'cept Aria laughing did I miss something?" Before I could speak.

I overlap Spencer with "You missed nothing Han..." As I struggle to get out of Emily's grasp.

"Yes Hanna you missed a lot…you missed everyth-" Spencer says but is laughing too hard to finish.

Emily is attempting to hold back her laughter and releases me to cover her mouth with her hands.

I start to laugh as I hear Hanna ask, "What is so funny? Come on tell me." Emily lowers hands and starts to say, "Aria was run-…" I cover her mouth with my hand and give her a 'don't you dare' look. She tickles my sides causing me to move my arms to stop her. She giggles in my ear; "I love it when you're face gets this red."

Spencer manages to say, "Aria…ran…through…the house naked this…morning." between laughs before I could do anything to stop her.

Emily hugs me tighter and says in my ear, "She was up and saw you. I didn't tell her."

I can't help but laugh when Hanna inquires, "She did WHAT!?" as she joins the laughter and looks at me.

I just shrug at her and say, "What? I needed my art stuff. And my ass is not that white Spencer. Really, tinted sun block? Is that the best you got?" (Good thing I covered my front I can imagine all the stripe jokes.)

I glare at Spencer before I bury my face into Emily's upper chest. She whispers, "I'm waiting for the Gremlins stripe references." I whisper back with a giggle, "I was just thinking that. I had that covered so if they do come you are in big trouble."

Spencer said something about a song she found on the web but she was laughing too hard to understand as she runs to the kitchen.

I climb off Emily's lap do my best to hide my embarrassment and say, "I got an idea…"

Spencer interrupts me as she sets her laptop on the coffee table and says, "You guys have to hear this. It's from like 1974 but it's super funny." She hits play and Ray Stevens 'The streak' song plays on the computer. (Oh god one little nude trip and look what happens. I can see it already they will dedicate this song to me relentlessly.) Spencer and Hanna are laughing hysterically as they act out the video. Emily is laughing but trying to hide and I whisper in her ear, "Lucky for me I am in charge of the D.J.s at the parties. I will threaten them with death if they play this song." before I succumb to the infectious laughter.

After the song ends and the laughter subsides I say, "Let's go back to the place we were last light, have some lunch and see if we can have our graduation party there. Hanna was right it would be an awesome place for a party."

Hanna says, "As if there was any doubt. Thanks Aria. I'm in let's go!"

Monday morning: After a fun weekend the girls are hanging out in front of the school before class.

Aria's POV*

I walk across the grass to the table where my friends are. "Greetings all." I say cheerfully as I sit next to Emily and kiss her on the cheek. I whisper in her ear, "Good morning gorgeous, I missed you last night." I am treated to a big smile and she says, "Same to you cutie."

I hear Spencer say, "I got a coupon for that spray tan place you want it Aria?" I ignore her and reach my arm around Emily's lower back.

"Barf. Not this again. All this 'lovey dovey' crap is making me ill." Hanna grumps.

"Hanna what's up your ass this morning?" I retort.

"Sorry. It's just I watched you two all weekend and don't get me wrong I am happy for you but I'm a little envious that Caleb and I aren't still in the fun place that you guys are. I miss that and can't figure out how to get it back." She says with a sigh.

"Is he still smothering you?" Emily inquires as she places her had atop Hanna's

"Not as much…and I think that is worse. He is either all 'up in my business' like I'm a helpless kid or something or he is hanging out with my mom and ignores me. Any attempt that I make to talk about it with him ends in a fight. I don't know what to do." She says as a tear runs down her cheek.

"Want me to kick his ass? 'Cause I'll do It." Spencer jokes with a reassuring nudge to Hanna's shoulder.

"Sorry I snapped you Hanna. Spencer and I could tape him to a chair so you can talk to him." I joke attempting to lighten the situation.

"Hanna. Listen to me…[She places her other hand atop Hanna's] Caleb loves you. You two have something good; otherwise you would have dumped him already. You should remember though, Aria and I have been friends…best friends for a large majority of our lives, we have done all the work that you and Caleb are just beginning to do, it makes it very easy and comfortable for us, having that strong of a foundation to build on to discover where Aria and I are going..." Emily pauses as I move my hand and rub her back. I start to speak just as Emily does she looks at me and gives me the 'you go' head nod.

"Hanna we all can see that you and Caleb are well on your way to building that foundation and well…you've been building for like a week when you compare it to the many years that Emily and I have been building, even though we didn't know it would turn in to what we have now, but it does make it much more simple for us. You will get it back." I say as I fight from letting Hanna's tears become contagious.

Hanna wipes the tears from her face as she smiles and says, "Thanks but you have to stop I don't want to cry. I'll figure something out…I get it about the best friends I'm glad that I have all of you guys." Spencer gives her a one-arm hug. We all wipe the tears from our faces.

"We should get to class. Despite the fact we got a pass on finals I still got some work to do." Spencer says as she gathers her stuff and stands. Hanna follows and they start to walk to the door. Spencer turns her head and says' "Come on you two." I place my hand on Emily's leg as she starts to stand "Be there in a minute" I reply to Spencer as I place my hand on Emily's cheek kiss her and say, "Sorry I kinda took over your pep talk, but what you said was close to what I had been thinking about I just went with it. I love that and you. [kiss] I could use your help with something babe. You are still taking some of Sabrina's shifts this week aren't you?" I ask as I watch Emily's face change from happy to curious.

"I love you too. Thank you and I'm working three shifts…why? Oh I know that look. No. I don't want any part of your match making." She shoots me down before I can even finish.

"Pleeeease Emily. Spencer is too busy to do it herself and you are better at being subtle than I am. All you have to do is invite Dean to the party with a hint that Spencer wants him there." I plead.

"If I see him I'll see how it goes. No promises!" She reluctantly says giving me her disapproving look.

"Thanks. [I give her a quick kiss.] You're the best." I say as we stand and make our way to class. "See you at lunch?" I ask as we pause just outside the door of Emily's class. She nods and walks in. I hurry to my class as the bell rings.

Aria's POV*

I am sitting in class after lunch watching the others occupy themselves with various activities. My brain is running through all the stuff I need to do. Good thing I got almost two weeks to get it all done. (Order the cake, Figure out what to get for a gift, Get the decorations, Ask Spencer's parents to help with keeping her from figuring out the surprise when do they get back? Music…)

I feel someone kicking my leg. "Ouch! What?" I grump as I look over to see Hanna staring at me with a mad face. "I've been talking to you for like 5 minutes and you haven't heard anything I said."

"Sorry just thinking about all the stuff I have to do for the party. What did I miss?" I ask.

"Do you really think that Dean and Spence want to get together?" She asks.

"Yes I do. I mean I'm not trying to force anything to happen I just want Spencer to be happy. You've seen how she is when she talks about him. She is still hurting from all the Toby crap so she isn't thinking clearly enough to see it or at least admit it to herself. I am just going to nudge them towards each other and hope for the best. I promise." I say with confidence answering Hanna's doubts before she can say them.

She looks at me surprised and says, "You were listening, or you are a mind reader. I can never tell with you."

"How are you doing? Change your mind about tying Caleb down? I got duct tape in my trunk for the decorations. Just kidding. I'm here for you if you need anything though."

"Very funny. I know and I appreciate it…I was thinking that I might just ask mom to 'disappear' for the night sometime this week, have a nice dinner and just jump him. You know… just Fuck all the problems out of each other." She says with her cheesy grin.

"That is a plan only you could come up with Hanna or at least phrase so bluntly." I laugh, "Not saying it won't work, it might be just you both need." I say as I laugh and shake my head.

"What? Talking doesn't seem to be working. I might take that duct tape…so we can't talk." Hanna laughs as the bell rings.

We laugh and walk to our lockers to meet Emily and Spencer. I open my locker put my stuff inside and close it.

"What is so funny?" Emily asks as she raps her arms 'round my waist. I lean back into her body returning the hug as best I can and say, "Nothing, just Hanna's got a plan…"

"Aria! Stop." Hanna interrupts.

"Well if it's Hanna's plan I'll bet there is good reason to laugh." Spencer jokes.

"I think it might just work." I say failing to hold back a laugh.

"Well are you going to tell us the plan or what?" Emily asks looking at Hanna then turns me so that I am facing her. I look at Hanna who shakes her head. "Nope. I don't think I could say it as good as Hanna did anyway." I say cracking up more. "One of those had to be there moments." I crack up again after Hanna did.

"I got to get going. I have to meet the pool guy to go over the schedule for the summer and pay him. See you later." Spencer says as she starts to walk away.

"Is he hot? Should I come with you?" Hanna jokes.

"He's like a grandpa Hanna. So you can try if that is your thing." She quips

"Spence, are we still meeting up later at the brew to work on your speech?" I inquire.

"Yes. Thanks Aria. Around 6 p.m. sound good? What am I even asking for, you'll be there 'cause Emily is working tonight. I got to go" Spencer replies as she jogs down the hall.

"I should go too. See ya later cutie." Emily gives me a kiss and leaves. (Damn long shirt blocking my view.) "Hanna. Let's go. We got a lot to do." I say.

"I'm waiting for you miss can't stop checking out Emily's ass." Hanna laughs as we walk to the door.

Spencer's POV*

I am fumbling with my bag to get my laptop out as I'm walking down the sidewalk just outside the brew on my way to meet Aria. I hear my name so I naturally look up. I see Dean. (What the hell is that grin for?) "Hi there." I say politely.

"Hello. I haven't seen you at a meeting in a while. How are you?" He asks me.

"I know I know I haven't been to a meeting in a while. I got a lot to do before graduation. I'm good though. Really things haven't been this good in a long time. Look I would like to catch up but I got to go meet my friend and get my valedictorian speech finished so I can have the rest of the time free for all the family stuff coming up next week." I say as I stand there and look at him impatiently.

"Wow. That is a lot. I'll let you go but I'll hold you to your word on catching up, sooner than later. You still got my number?" Dean asks.

"Yes. It was good to see you. Sorry just I'm very busy." I shrug as I walk away and enter the brew. I see Aria reading a book with a cup on the table in front of her. I wave at Emily as I walk over to sit at the table with Aria. "Been here long?" I ask grinning at Aria as I set my laptop on the table. "No. I actually just got here about 10 minutes ago. Hanna and I got a lot done…for the graduation party." She replies as she places her bookmark closes her book and sets it on the table. "So I'm not sure I can do anything to help you Spencer. You are the 'brains' of the group remember?" She jokes.

"Aria stop. You aced all the advanced English lit and creative writing classes offered at school so I know you can help. I'm completely stuck and it is stressing me out big time." I confess as I take a seat.

Aria's POV*

"Sure thing Spence. Take a deep breath and relax while I go over what you got so far." I say to her as I turn the laptop so I can see it. I start to read and I hear Spencer's nails tapping on the table. I look up at her, motion with my eyes at her tapping. She stops as I look back at the computer…

Approximately 235 years ago and 20 miles form where I stand now. A great man was tasked with writing the document that started a Country.

As I pondered what it might have been like for him, the immense pressure he must have felt, the necessity to get every detail correct.

I can picture Mr. Jefferson in my mind. Sitting at a large wooden table in the tavern with a scroll of paper, a small bottle of ink, and a mug of beer in front of him.

The task I had to write this speech seems a much lesser one than his. I would like to share some of what resulted from his work.

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

Today people would seem to be more inclined to pick up their smart phone, text SCREW YOU ENGLAND and go on about their day. Where is the decent respect in that? When did that decent respect get forgotten?

There are 300,000 veterans that are homeless, people who risked their lives fighting for this country that is trillions of dollars in debt. The people that send them to war spend billions on getting elected. Think carefully about these facts all that money being spent on parties and election ads while there are others who sleep on the streets and beg for food. This begs the questions, are we paying attention to whom we elect and whose interests are their true priorities? Are we electing people who truly represent us or are they in it for themselves first? Who is at fault? What can be done to fix it?

"Spencer. This is good. What do you need my help for? You got this, just separate the questions and fill in the rest with the future is yours and all that stuff." I say as I see her look at me with her annoyed face and say, "I don't want that standard crap I want to make them want to change for the better. I want to make them feel like their lives depend on doing that…I want to make them pay attention to what is wrong and convince them that they need to and have the ability to fix things…"

She stops talking but I am too busy typing away to look up at her. "Go on I'm listening." I say.

"What are you writing? You're not typing what I'm saying are you?" She asks sounding like she is near a panic attack.

I stop look up at her with my very annoyed face and say, "Spencer relax! We have got to switch you to decaf or you are going to explode. We got this. You got a great start here so just continue with what you want to say calmly and I'll make it happen." I smile and watch her take a breath. She grumps, "Don't even joke about taking away my caffeine. It's all that I have in my life. 'cept for you guys of course." She grins and continues as I listen for a bit then go back to typing.

Emily's POV*

I hand two cups to the man in front of me and say, "Here's your order. Thank you." The nice man says "No thank you." In a flirtatious manor. I just look down pick up a rag and start polishing the cappuccino machine. He leaves. I look around to see if anyone was ready for refills I spot Aria and Spencer sitting at a table near the back of the room. I can't stop the smile from forming on my face when I see Aria. I notice Spencer doesn't have a drink so I grab a cup reach for the decanter of the coffee I know she like's pour the cup a little over half full then top it off with decaf.

I walk over say "Hi" and set the cup on the table. I get a nod of appreciation and a smile from Spencer Aria didn't look up from the computer. I hear what sounds like an argument so I turn and leave them. I ask the few other customers if they want refills as I clear the empty tables pocketing my tips as I go.

I take the bus tub to the dishwasher and return to the front counter. I serve a few people and exchange waves with Spencer as she leaves. I turn to look if I missed Aria. I watch her gather her stuff, pick up the mugs from the table and walk towards me.

I smile as she walks up and asks with a smile, "Are you still coming over when you're shift is over?"

"Yes. Is everything okay? It sounded like you were arguing with Spencer." I reply.

"Oh. That wasn't arguing. That was Spencer ranting and, me interrupting her rant into her speech. It turned out great." Aria replies as she looks around. "Where is the 'boss'? I don't want to get you in trouble when I do this." She gives me a big kiss before I could answer. I felt the warmness in my cheeks of my blush. "Aria. At least let me answer…" Another kiss interrupts me. "See you soon." Aria says with a smile as she leaves.