short filler chapter... sawwy.

i wanted to address one of the reviews from a guest: i'm SO GLAD you mentioned those characters, because i agree. i really wish that i had incorporated lucas, mona, etc more in my other fic. Mona definitely has a big role in this, too. I never thought about adding Wes in there- good call :)

Ch 2

I wake up the following morning fairly early. I was too excited to sleep last night. I sit up and stretch before stepping out of my four-poster bed. I make sure to smooth the covers and make the bed before I get dressed.

"Morning, Emily."

To my surprise, I turn around only to come face to face with Hanna. I wasn't expecting anyone else to be up this early. I finish putting on the last bit of my uniform before I answer.

"Hey," I croak awkwardly. My voice is so weird in the morning.

"Wanna go grab some breakfast and coffee? Maybe explore the castle a little bit?" she winks at me. I nod my head furiously and follow her out of the dormitory and into our common room.

It's completely empty, except for two older girls who are gossiping in the corner. I make eye contact with one of them and she smiles, but it looks fake.

Hanna and I exit the Gryffindor common room via that giant portrait that guards our secret dorm. It closes behind us, making a loud clacking sound.

We make our way down the stairs, chatting idly about the school year and our interests. I find out that she's very into fashion—could have guessed—and boys. Her mom works as a secretary for the famous Hastings Law Firm. Rumor has it that Veronica Hastings has never lost a case.

I talked to her about my parents, but only briefly. By the time we got around to me, we were just sitting down, and Hanna looks like she's ready to feast.

"Hey, Em," Aria's voice comes from behind me. She made her way over from the other end of the Ravenclaw table so that she could be next to us. Spencer, whom I remember from last night, follows her.

"Hey, Aria!" I smile and give her a huge hug. She laughs at my enthusiasm and shakes her head lightly.

Spencer gives Hanna an awkward hug and then looks at me.

"I'm Spencer," the brunette extends her hand. I shake it with confidence, something I didn't even realize I had attained.

"Emily," I smile.

Since it's not dinnertime, all students are allowed to sit at whatever table they like. We can socialize with the friends who aren't part of our houses.

I sit next to Hanna, across from Spencer, with Aria diagonally to my left. Our conversations go from talking about imaginary boyfriends to the toast on the table to our favorite shows to basically everything.

Hanna is about to tell a story when Spencer's face goes white. She stares over my shoulder, evidently horrified by what she sees. Hanna turns around to see what she's looking at, not caring that she should be subtle. She groans, which piques my curiosity. I follow her lead and look behind me.

It's the beautiful blonde from last night, Alison.

"What's wrong?" Aria asks, her voice full of concern.

"I just hate that girl so much," Spencer's voice shakes. She clenches her teeth as Alison looks over in our direction. She gives Spencer a very fake smile and wiggles her fingers at her in a mock greeting.

"Ugh, I know," Hanna mumbles. "Who doesn't?"

"Who are the other girls?" I ask casually, trying not to sound too interested. My eyes have fallen upon the other blonde from last night and a girl with dark brown hair. They all look like they just stepped off of the runway of a major fashion show.

"The other blonde," Spencer points to her, "is Cece Drake. And the brunette is Mona Vanderwaal. They were the power three at Hanna and my elementary school."

"Oh," I say quietly and turn back around to watch Spencer.

"They're just horrible people," she continues, stabbing a piece of sausage on her plate. She lifts it up to her mouth and chews it, swallowing loudly. "Ugh, kill me, they're coming over here."

"They make fun of a lot of people, but they enjoy pissing Spencer off the most," Hanna whispers to me. She nods her head dramatically to emphasize the truth in her statement.

"Oh my god, Spencer!" the girl named Cece gushes. "I've been wondering when we were going to run into you. I'm so glad you made friends."

The sarcasm dripping from her voice makes me feel sick.

"Yeah, you tripled the amount you had in elementary school," Mona interjects, causing Cece and Alison to burst out into laughter. She lays a hand on Alison's shoulder, clearly trying to impress her. Alison just rolls her eyes in response.

"Glad you guys are in such a good mood," Spencer says through gritted teeth. She glares at Mona.

"Oh, Hanna," Alison finally speaks, startled. She has a hand on her chest as if someone just scared her.

Oh my god she sounds like an angel. I think I just found my new favorite sound.

"What, Alison?" she snaps.

"I didn't even notice you without a triple chocolate cake in front of you," she sneers. Her voice cuts through the air around us. Hanna slumps forward onto the table, clearly upset.

Alison watches Hanna gleefully while Cece and Mona howl with laughter. She smiles at Spencer next and shrugs her shoulders. I silently curse myself for still loving the sound of her voice.

"We'll see you guys around," Cece flips her hair over her shoulder and waves sarcastically. Alison links her arms with both of the girls and leads them away without saying anything else.

All of us watch their retreating figures with vehemence and anger. I bite down on my lip and look up at the other girls. They all share the same horrified expression.

Note to self: steer clear of the 'Power Three.'

so i hope you guys enjoyed! lemme know what you think :) i can't wait to hear from you! next update will be soon, i promise!