Chapter 12

(Italics inside like this.) = Inner thoughts

Bold like this = emphasized words.

[Stuff in these = actions while speaking]

*-*-*-* = Time passing

(A/N: Just a quick note to all the die-hard super fans of the show. I did investigate the dates based on the show information and had to twist them slightly to fit my story. Further explanation would give away this chapter. Thanks for reading.)

Friday morning.

Hanna's POV*

I walk up to the table outside the school and realize that this is last time I will see my friends like this. (High school is over. Where did the time go?) The past three years' highlights play in my head. I am brought back to awareness by an object hitting my chest. I look to see a wad of paper on the grass and hear Spencer say, "Hanna. Did you find out yet?"

I think for a split second and answer, "Find out what? And before I forget mom wants all of us at my house after school. She said to drag you kicking and screaming if I had to, and that it wouldn't take long. I tried to get details but got nothing."

Spencer asks, "Did you find out if Caleb got the contract?"

I answer, "Oh. Not yet but it is pretty much in the bag."

Aria asks, "Judging by the fact that we haven't seen much of you this week and that smile is it safe to say that your plan worked?"

I laugh and say, "Best plan ever. Worked better than I thought it would."

Emily says, "Is it just me or are you guys thinking about the blur of the last three years? It seems more of a relief than a triumph that this is the last day of high school. For me at least."

Spencer and Aria say, "Yea me too."

I look at their faces turning from happy to somber and say, "Hey! Stop with all the boring trip down memory lane stuff. We got a lot of great things ahead of us and should be going full speed ahead. I can see it now! Fighting to get back stage at Aria's sold out concert. Watching Emily get a gold metal on T.V. in whatever country the next Olympics are in…scratch that I will fly us to see it live in my private jet after I take over the fashion industry. And Spencer…damn, I can't think of something great that brainiacs get but I know you will get it."

Aria laughs and says, "Concert? You saying I'm gonna be a rock star?"

I answer, "Hell yes. I heard about yet another great performance at your family party."

Emily says, "Thanks for the fantasy Hanna but…"

I stop her with, "Oh hell no. This is full speed ahead fun day NO slowing it down with all that reality crap."

That achieved my desired result of all of us laughing.

*-*-*-*Not much later that day.

Emily's POV*

I am standing in the hall with Hanna and Spencer waiting for Aria so we can go to the commencement rehearsal. I feel Hanna lift my arm and ask, "What is this? Did you get a new car?" referring to the controller to Aria's remote vibe hanging from my wrist since I didn't have pockets in my dress.

I feel my face get warm from blushing and answer, "Nothing." Trying to hide the controller from Hanna.

Spencer smiles at me and says, "Hanna stop. It's obvious that Emily doesn't want to tell us."

Hanna says, "That's why I have to know."

I give in and say, "Fine." I whisper in Hanna's ear what it is and does.

Hanna laughs and asks, "So if you two are away from each other, which is like never, but you could use that like the car thing in a parking lot and listen for the shriek of pleasure to find the other person?" (Filter Hanna. Use it.)

I ponder that idea and answer, "I guess so. It's more like a shriek of shock though."

Spencer asks as Aria walks up, "What are you talking about?" Hanna whispers in Spencer's ear and I fix my eyes on the floor. Spencer laughs with Hanna.

I look up to see Aria is totally lost as she takes my hand and asks, "Why are you laughing?" As we walk to the auditorium.

Hanna saves me by saying, "How lame is it that we have to practice walking across a stage? I mean think about it, it's like they are insulting themselves by implying they didn't teach us enough to know how to walk."

Spencer laughs and says, "I love your logic sometimes Hanna."

I further change the subject and ask, "Are you rehearsing your speech Spence?"

She answers, "Not today…at least not here. I've been working at home a lot. Aria nailed the words so all I have to polish is my delivery."

Aria responds with, "Thanks Spence, but you had all the pieces all I did was arrange them." As we enter the auditorium.

The announcement to take our places comes over the speakers. Aria hugs me and says, "Stupid alphabet. I don't get to sit next to you." I chuckle and say, "Awe poor thing."

We find our way to the correct line file in and take our seats. I feel a quick buzz shift slightly in my seat, smile, and look back to see Aria with her 'who me?' look on her face. (I sure hope she doesn't do that when I'm walking on the stage.) I wait knowing that she will be expecting a return buzz but can't resist and push the on button on the controller move my thumb immediately to push the off button. I manage to resist the urge to look back. I wave to Spencer standing at the podium pretending to give a speech she does a beauty pageant contestant style wave back as directs the happenings on stage. I hear Hanna yell, "Louder Hastings we can't hear you!" Causing a roar of laughter.

The announcement of names begins after the first row stands and walks to the stage stairs. The other rows of students rise in front of me and move into the line.

I feel a little bit of nervous flutter in my tummy even though this is only rehearsal as the row I'm in stands and joins the line. I prepare for a buzz as I reach the top stairs and pause until my name is announced. I walk over act like I take my diploma step away and turn to the crowd and pretend clutch a diploma against my chest and wave. I look out and see Aria and Hanna clapping their hands above their heads. I turn and smile at Spencer as I step out of the line I walk behind the curtain and wait for Aria and Hanna instead of file back to the seats. (Hell with the rules I'm going to hug my friends) Spencer and I exchange some silent I'm bored and this is lame communication. Spencer motions her head causing me look over to see Hanna at the top of the stairs. She stops gets her 'troublemaker' look on her face and says, "Hey can you help me out here. Is it left right left, or right left right? I somehow forgot how to walk. I've only been doing it since I was three."

I was laughing too hard to see his reaction. Hanna sees me and rushes over. I hold out my arms inviting a hug. She hugs me and says, "Look at you being all rebellious and not returning to your seat. I'm proud of you Em." As we let go of the hug the controller on my wrist catches on Hanna's shirt as she reaches to unsnag it she turns her head. I figure out what she has in mind and struggle with her to get the controller. She wins and I try to get it back and say, "Hanna NO. Please. She was nice and didn't buzz me."

Hanna studies the controller and watches the stage ignoring me. Without looking she says, "Come on Em. Live a little."

I watch through my fingers covering my face as Hanna pushes the button and Aria stumbles on the stage. I hear Spencer laugh. I step over and slap Hanna's arm repeatedly. Hanna hands me the controller and steps behind me. I look up to see Aria glaring at me. Hanna says, "Looks like I'm not the only one who forgot how to walk today." I try to step away but Hanna moves with me keeping me as a shield between her and Aria. We struggle for a second or two before Aria stops and says, "I don't really care now who did it but would whomever has the controller turn it off! It's on fricken high!"

I find the off button with my thumb and press it keeping the controller hidden.

Aria says, "Thank you. I can't decide who I want to punish first…"

Hanna says, "Come on Aria you liked it. It's only practice. I'm sorry? But that was hilarious." (I'm just glad that she knows it was Han or is too mad to turn mine on.)

Aria smiles and says, "It was a little funny. How did to go straight to high though? And how did Hanna know?" She looks directly at me. I smile and shrug.

I feel mine buzz and can't control the reaction but manage not to make a sound and straighten up fast. The speed increases and I say, "Okay. Uncle. I surrender. I'm sorry. Oh yea! Turn it up. Oooo OH ooooo." I try every thing I can think of to make her stop it.

She laughs, turns it off and says, "I should make you ware it Monday."

I walk over hug her and say, "Truce? I'm sorry. Han took…"

Hanna interrupts and says, "I have got to get me one of those things. Is this lame thing over yet? Hey Spence come on we're out of here."

Aria says to me, "What's got her so wound up today?" Then speaks up as Spencer arrives, "Where are we going?"

Hanna gathers all of us in a group hug that morphs into a huddle and says, "Okay. You guys are the most awesome friends I could possibly ask for. I for one am not staying in this depressing place for the rest of the day. What are they going to do kick us out of school? Give us detention? Hell no. I am going to the bar and I hope, beg, plead, and will bribe you with the first two rounds to come with me. Okay hands in." We put our hands in. Hanna says, "Full speed ahead on three. Ready?" We shake our hands up and down 1,2,3. All say, "FULL SPEED AHEAD!"

We stand there looking to at each other for a second and I say, "I hate to be the wet blanket but hasn't our presence been requested at Hanna's house after school? It's only like 11am."

Hanna says, "There you go attempting to slow things down again Em. Don't sweat it I got it." She digs out her phone and motions for us to be quiet. She speak into the phone, "Hi mom guess what they are letting us go. School is over…Yes I was just checking to see if you still want us to come…Sure. I will. Oh hey don't forget I'm going to Spencer's party so I may not be home till late…we might I will text you if I do…Mom I have to go." She puts her phone away and says, "Lets go I'll tell you on the way."

*-*-*-*-*A short drive later.

Aria's POV*

We are sitting at the bar waiting for the bartender to make our drinks. I see Jeff the sound guy walk in, then Alex and Shawn [part of the band] come in behind him. I try to hide behind Emily and act like I just want to hug her.

The guys walk up and Shawn says, "Hey Hanna. Hey Aria did we forget a rehearsal today?" (Damn it Shawn.) I give him a silent it's supposed to be a surprise gesture making sure Spencer couldn't see me and answer, "No just hangin' celebrating Spencer's birthday." pointing to Spencer.

They causality wish her a happy birthday. Spencer thanks them.

"We know Aria and Hanna, now we know Spencer, I recognize you from last weekend but I never got your name, I'm Jeff [he gestures] these two don't matter." He offers Emily his hand. She politely shakes it and says, "I'm Emily."

Jeff says, "It is nice to meet you. Forgive me in advance I suck at names so if I call you lucky don't be offended." They wave and start to walk away. I silently stop Jeff.

Emily's face changes from confused to a smile as she talks with Spencer and remembers Jeff from last weekend. I didn't hear all of what they said. I was gesture talking with Jeff.

I look over and the drinks are sitting on the bar. I pick mine up and raise it high and say, "A toast to Spencer's birthday." I wait for the others.

Clink and drink. (I'm going to need something stronger for the next one.) I feel my face crinkle from the sour and shake my head as I put my glass on the bar.

Emily turns to face me smiles and asks, "Since when are you on a first name basis with the band?"

I shrug and say, "Last week." I look to see if Spencer is paying attention and she is talking with Hanna. I whisper my plan in Emily's ear. She whispers back, "You are good. I had no clue." I smile and look away to the bartender and wave.

She comes over I say, "Could I get what she had for my next one please? That first one was a little too sour." She says, "Sure thing. Same for the others?" They nod.

The drinks arrive soon after and Hanna gathers us in and says quietly, "We can't toast all of this one loud in here but here's to the end of High School and…[she speaks loud]…full speed ahead."

Clink and drink. I feel the whisky burn down my throat cover my mouth and cough.

Emily chuckles as she asks, "You okay?" I nod. She says, "We should eat. Someone made us miss breakfast again."

*-*-*-*After eating.

Aria's POV*

I check myself in the mirror before I exit the lady's room. (I'm glad it's not busy yet.)

As I walk back to the table I stop at the front of the stage wave at Jeff to come closer. He sets the guitar he was tuning in it's stand and walks over to the front of the stage. As he crouches down I ask, "Is everyone here?" Jeff answers, "Yep. Corry and Ryan came in about 10min. ago. We should be ready in a few. You want them to coax you up or are you going to volunteer?"

I say, "Jeff you are too young to have Alzheimer's. They coax me."

I walk over and sit at the table.

Spencer says, "Emily that is great news. I have been so focused on getting into law school for so long. After all that has happened…I know we agreed to not talk about it and I won't beyond saying that it's effected my thought process and it doesn't bother me as much as I figured it would to say I don't want to go directly to college. I totally have no plan and look no straight jacket."

Hanna says, "Good for you Spence. I am going to go call Caleb. I'll be back." She walks to the door and goes outside.

I say, "I'm with you Spence. I have a few prospects but I don't know for sure what I want to do."

Emily pats my thigh as she stands and asks, "Who wants a drink? We are headed down memory lane and need a detour."

I say, "Thanks babe. I don't want a shot though. I don't know what it's called but the one with apple, peach, and that whisky you like."

Spencer says, "That sounds like what I had last time. I'll have one too. Thanks Em."

Emily says, "Three modified Forbidden Fruits coming up. Right? Hanna likes them too? [We nod] I don't now how you do that sweet stuff."

She starts to walk to the bar as Spencer says, "If the fitness business doesn't work out for you there is always bartending. How did you know the name of the drink?" Emily shrugs her answer and walks away.

Spencer says, "Not like her to not answer. So how is shacking up going?"

I laugh and answer, "Too fast. Only two days left and I don't want it to end. We talked about getting a place together and plan to go to look tomorrow after noon."

Spencer says, "I was hoping for some dirty details since I don't have someone right now. It's not a little weird to be talking about living together having been dating just a week?"

I laugh and say, "Normally it wouldn't even be a topic but with Emily and I things are so comfortable it just works. Sorry to disappoint on the details but will a there are a lot that I'm not going to share work? What about Dean? I saw you talking to him the day we did your speech."

Emily sets our drinks on the table sits and asks, "Talking to who?"

Spenser answers, "Dean and I are just friends. I don't know if it could be more or not. So Em you didn't answer before."

Emily says, "Sorry. I wasn't avoiding the question. Lisa, the bartender, and I talked a little last Saturday when we were here. I guess I just have a knack for it."

I say, "Lisa? The attractive bartender?…"

Emily takes my face in her hands and says, "Awe you are so cute when you are jealous over nothing. She was working and witnessed you singing to me. That is how the conversation started. She said I was lucky to have someone do that for me and wished her boyfriend would do something like that."

I hear Hanna ask, "Who did what to whose boyfriend?" As I concentrate on Emily's face.

Emily says, "Nothing important. Did they just announce Aria?"

I hear my name over the sound system and all of us look towards the stage.

Alex speaking into the mic says looking at me, "Looks like she wasn't paying attention. I was just telling everyone that we had a special talent in the house in hopes of persuading you to join us for a song? Come on everyone let's get her up here with some applause." The small crowd applauds. Emily, Hanna, and Spencer gesture for me to go. Even though I knew it was coming I am still a little nervous but I stand and walk to the stage.