Authors Note (A/N): Kinda wrote myself into a corner with my other story 'Martyr', so kindly indulge on this chapter while I exhaust my creative licences to save my story.

Enjoy the Chapter, remember reviews are love so please...leave some... Thanks

Chapter 3: As time Goes by...

*One Week Later*

Hanna's POV

It has been a week since my 'attack' and things have finally started to settle. After Spencer had saved me, I spent the next day in the hospital being tended to by my mother and surprisingly Mona. I was touched that Spencer had thought to reach out to the girl and had mouthed my thanks to her when Mona had rushed into my hospital room.

I had sustained some light bruising to my ribs and a small concussion over and above the injuries as a result of the 'rape'.

Rape...how could a four letter word have so much power over me? In the first few days I refused to say the word but now, after talking to my mum, the hospital therapist, my attorney Mrs Hastings and the police I am slowly becoming more comfortable with the word. After all it describes what had happened to me.

One thing I would never forget though is how Spencer behaved through the entire ordeal. She gave my mother and I space but was by my side in an instant when I panicked around an unknown male. She held my hand when the nurses drew my blood for follow up tests and she slept in the hard hospital chair beside my bed when my mother couldn't stay the night. She laughed at Mona's jokes and made sure I took my medication. The hospital had given me the 'morning after pill' as an emergency contraceptive but I was asked to come back in after a week to conduct follow up tests.

I had just stepped out of my doctors rooms and had been given a provisionally 'clean' bill of health, sure I was mortified to submit a urine sample but at the end of the day my doctor reassured me it was for the best that they be as through as possible. After all...with my attorneys being the Hastings, the hospital was probably trying to avoid a medical malpractice suit.

To celebrate my return to the 'Rosewood Social Scene' Alison was hosting a small 'welcome back' brunch at the Apple Rose Grille. The girls, apart from Spencer, were unaware of what had happened to me and I had fully intended on keeping it that way. I won't be able to handle Alison's pitying looks, Emily's concerned questioning or Aria's hovering. Lucky I had begged Spencer not to tell the girls, so to keep my privacy she and Mona had spread the word at school that I was highly contagious and in bed with the flu.

I had just exited the hospital and made my way towards an all familiar grey-blue Toyota hybrid that Spencer drives around and quickly joined my friend.

Spencer: "So...what did the doctor say?"

Hanna: "Well he gave me a promotionally clean bill of health..."

Spencer: "Provisionally...it's provisionally...but go on..."

'Ugh...I love it when she corrects me...like right now I deliberately get a word wrong and she rushes to correct me...she's soo cute when she does that, that little twinkle in her eye...ok..keep it in your pants Marin! She's looking at you...say Something!'

Hanna: "yeah..that...but they asked me for a few samples so they could run further tests...I think they're afraid that if they screw up your parents will sue.."

Spencer laughed at Hanna's observation before quipping

Spencer: "You're not wrong there...my parents like you Han...and it hurts them that you have to go through this..."

Hanna: "It was tough at first...but I have you..."

Spencer raised an eyebrow and realising the implications of her words Hanna quickly added

Hanna: "...and Mona...you two have been great...plus your parents have been soo supportive! Really...my mum and I appreciate it..."

'whew...that was close...even though everyone has been amazing these past few days, I feel safest when I'm with Spencer or my mum...'

Spencer: "It's no problem Han...we love you..."

I smirked at Spencer's words and smugly quipped

Hanna: "I know"

I added a wink for good measure and couldn't help but smile at Spencer's face. The brunette's smile was radiant as she chuckled and in a poor attempt to hide her laughter she fastened her seatbelt and started her car before motioning for me to buckle up. Once she deemed I was 'safe' enough she pulled out of the hospital parking lot and proceeded to our destination.

Usually Spencer was a 'laser-focused' driver but today...she seemed distracted, there was something on her mind and the constant drumming of her fingers against the steering wheel gave me a really good idea about her anxiety level.

Hanna: "Ok..spill Spence..what's on your mind..."

The faux indignant look she was sending me was clearly an attempt to avoid conversation but all it took was a soft look from me and her tough exterior cracked.

Spencer: " Um...Well...Hanna...you see...it's..."

'Awww..she's flustered...'

Hanna: "Spit it out Spencer..I want to hear this before I'm fifty..."

Spencer smirked at the blonde's faux annoyed tone before clearing her throat and continuing

Spencer: "Well...Han you're going to be seeing the girls after a week...they still don't know what happened to you and I was wondering if you were ever going to tell them?"

I huffed at this before snapping at Spencer

Hanna: "I'll tell them when I'm ready to..."

Spencer's face fell at my harsh tone and I was just about to apologise but I was cut off by her voice

Spencer: "I know...I know...It's just they're your friends too and they can help you in ways Mona and I can't...and they'll be really upset if they find out from someone else..."

I sighed, realising that Spencer was right.

'Emily and Aria will be hurt if I'm not the one to tell them...and Spencer is right...they're my friends..they can help me through this...'

Hanna: "I'll think about it..."

Spencer smiled and said the words that made my heart flutter

Spencer: "That's my girl"

*Same Day- The Apple Rose Grill*

Spencer and I had arrived at the grille and I had to practically tear myself away from Aria and Emily before we sat down. The two girls were so concerned about me and I smiled happily as I answered their questions with the answers I had been rehearsing in the hospital some of which went along the lines of 'Yes...it was awful...high temperature...I slept most of the time...oh no it's fine, Spencer and Mona managed to get my homework assignments...now if I only can get one of them to actually do my homework...'

Emily and Aria smiled and laughed at my attempts of humour, clearly enjoying my return. My heart was filled with a tingling warmth ever since we entered the restaurant and I couldn't help the smile that danced across my face and it was all because of Spencer Hastings.

The girl had held my hand when we stepped in, had opened the door and pulled out my chair for me. I knew she was just being thoughtful, trying to put me at ease after all I had been through and honestly...I was loving every second of it. Ali sat at the Head of the table, putting Spencer between me and her with Aria and Emily sitting directly opposite us. Ever the captive audience Aria and Emily had sent quizzical glances my way and 'aww-ed' every time the taller brunette did anything remotely chivalrous but I just shrugged it of...playing ignorant to the reason behind Spencer's sudden rush of attention.

The only person who didn't seem happy to see me was Alison...which was totally weird because this whole brunch was her idea. She had been glaring at me ever since I stepped in and I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Picking up on my uneasiness Spencer had leaned closer to me and whispered

Spencer: "You okay Han?"

I looked over Spencer's shoulder and inwardly cringed at the glare Alison was sending me, not wanting to upset the other blonde I answered

Hanna: "yeah..I'm fine..."

Spencer was about to inquire further and luckily I was pulled away from her 'third degree' by the beeping of my phone. My heart stopped when I saw the number for Rosewood Memorial flash across the screen. I tried to hide the device from Spencer but the brunette had already seen the identity of the caller. She nodded at me, giving me the assurance that I could take the call away from the table and that she would cover for me.

I excused myself and rushed outside to take the call. Had I known then how drastically that one phone call was to change my life I would have at least enjoyed a few more moments of ignorance before the storm blew in.

Spencer's POV

My heart clenched in fear as soon as I saw that all too familiar number pop up on Hanna's screen. The blonde had tried to hide the device from me but sighed in defeat when she had realised that I had already seen it. Her cerulean eyes widened before meeting mine, her expression asking me for permission to answer the call without me. Once I had given her the go ahead, Hanna excused herself from our table, earning a few curious glances from our friends.

Emily: "What was that about?"

Aria: "Well...she has been a little off...maybe she's still recovering..."

Spencer smiled at the concern Emily and Aria had for their friend but it was Alison's snort of disdain that caused an anger to rise within her.

Alison: "Oh please...hefty is fine..all she needs to do is unload and she'll be as good as new..."

Alison smiled at her own comment, clearly pleased that she had managed to execute the insult of without hesitation, her words fuelling the rage that was clearly stirring in my gut.

Spencer: "Don't...Alison...just don't..."

Alison: "Come on Spence... I'm just teasing..."

Spencer: "No Ali...you weren't...get one thing clear...from now own no more jokes about Hanna's weight, no calling her 'hefty' and no giving her any 'brilliant' ideas on how to lose the weight quickly..."

Alison's eyes widened in surprise and was about to provide a snarky retort when I cut her off

Spencer: "Yes Alison...I know about all the weight loss tips you've been giving Han and if I catch her again, or if I catch you giving her a hard time about her weight...I will make things very difficult for you..."

Emily and Aria were shocked at the ferocity in my tone, but I paid them no heed as I locked eyes with Alison, clearly challenging her to defy me. Alison smirked and was about to retort when something had caught her eye.

Alison: "Well..it looks like you're going to have to make good on your threat sooner than you think Spence...Hanna's on her way to the restroom..."

With a final glare at Alison, I rushed off after Hanna, expertly weaving my way through the crowded restaurant towards the restrooms.

I caught sight of blond locks as the door to the ladies had closed. Fearing what Hanna was about to do, I rushed in and sighed in relief when I hadn't found Hanna hunched over a toilet bowl and emptying the contents of her stomach. Instead the blond was standing against the sink, her eyes puffy and red. It was then that I had noticed the stream of tears rushing down her face. Crossing over to her in quick strides, I took her in my arms and let her sob into my shoulder. I waited for her to calm a bit before I questioned her

Spencer: "Han...what's wrong? What did your doctor say?"

She mumbled something into the crook of my neck and immediately burst into a fresh batch of tears. Sensing her discomfort I began rubbing soothing circles on her back and waited patiently for her to calm down. Once her breathing evened slightly I spoke once more

Spencer: "No matter what Han, I'm here for you...I'll be by your side throughout...whatever you need, I'll do it..."

Hanna: "N-N-No...No Y-y-ou w-won't...y-you'll l-leave..."

Pulling her closer into my embrace I confidently said

Spencer: "No Han...I won't"

Hanna: "Y-yes you will...you'll run...no one sticks around for 'hefty Hanna'... and it's going to be worse now that I'm pregnant..."

Those last two words registered in my brain and I couldn't help the surprised shriek that escaped my lips

Spencer: "You're WHAT?"

A/N: Want to know what happens next? Will Spencer Stand by Hanna's side? Review and the next chapter will be here that much faster...