Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW....

Wouldnt it be nice to know exactly what people are thinking? If everyones heads were like those clear Marc Jacobs totes, their opinions as visible as a set of car keys or a tube of Hard Candy lip gloss? Youd know what the student casting director really meant when she said, Good job, after your South Pacific audition. Or that your cute mixed doubles partner thinks your butt looks hot in your Lacoste tennis skirt. And, best of all, you wouldnt have to guess whether your best friend was mad that you ditched her for the hot senior with the crinkly-eyed smile at the New Years Eve party. Youd just peek into her head and know.

Unfortunately, everyones heads are locked tighter than the Pentagon. Sometimes people give away clues to whats going on insidelike the casting directors grimace when you missed that high A-sharp, or how your best friend frostily ignored all your texts on January 1. But more often than not, the most telling signs go unnoticed. In fact, four years ago, a certain Rosewood golden boy dropped a huge hint about something horrible going on inside his nasty little head. But people barely raised an eyebrow.

Maybe if someone had, a certain beautiful girl would still be alive.

The bike racks outside Rosewood Day overflowed with colorful twenty-one-speeds, a limited edition Trek that Noel Kahns father had gotten directly from Lance Armstrongs publicist, and a candy pink Razor scooter, shined to a sparkle. Seconds after the last bell of the day sounded and the sixth-grade class began to pour into the commons, a frizzy-haired girl skipped clumsily to the rack, gave the scooter an affectionate pat, and began to undo the bright yellow Kryptonite U-lock around its handlebars.

A flyer flapping against the stone wall caught her eye. Guys, she called to her three friends by the water fountains. Cmere.

What is it, Mona? Phi Templeton was busy untangling the string of her new butterfly-shaped Duncan yo-yo.

Mona Vanderwaal pointed at the piece of paper. Look! Chassey Bledsoe shoved her purple cat-eye glasses up the bridge of her nose. Whoa. Jenna Cavanaugh bit a baby pink fingernail. This is huge, she said in her sweet, high-pitched voice.

A gust of wind kicked up a few stray leaves from a carefully raked pile. It was mid-September, a few weeks into the new school year, and autumn was officially here. Every year, tourists from up and down the East Coast drove to Rosewood, Pennsylvania, to see the brilliant red, orange, yellow, and purple fall foliage. It was like something in the air made the leaves there extra gorgeous. Whatever it was made everything else in Rosewood extra gorgeous, too. Shiny-coated golden retrievers that loped around the towns well-kept dog parks. Pink-cheeked babies carefully nestled in their Burberry-by-Maclaren strollers. And buff, glowing soccer players running up and down the practice fields of Rosewood Day, the towns most venerable private school.

Aria Montgomery watched Mona and the others from her favorite spot on the schools low stone wall, her Moleskine journal open on her lap. Art was Arias last class of the day, and her teacher, Mrs. Cross, let her roam the Rosewood Day grounds and sketch whatever she liked. Mrs. Cross insisted it was because Aria was such a superior artist, but Aria suspected it was actually because she made her teacher uncomfortable. After all, Aria was the only girl in the class who didnt chatter with friends during Art Slide Day or flirt with boys when they were working on pastel still lifes. Aria wished she had friends, too, but that didnt mean Mrs. Cross had to banish her from the classroom.

Scott Chin, another sixth-grader, saw the flyer next. Sweet. He turned to his friend Hanna Marin, who was fiddling with the brand-new sterling-silver cuff bracelet her father had just bought her as an Im sorry Mom and I are fighting again present. Han, look! He nudged Hannas ribs.

Dont do that, Hanna snapped, recoiling. Even though she was almost positive Scott was gayhe liked looking through Hannas Teen Vogues almost more than she didshe hated when he touched her doughy, yucky stomach. She glanced at the flyer, raising her eyebrows in surprise. Huh.

Spencer Hastings was walking with Kirsten Cullen, chattering about Youth League field hockey. They almost bumped into dorky Mona Vanderwaal, whose Razor scooter was blocking the path. Then Spencer noticed the flyer. Her mouth dropped open. Tomorrow?

Emily Fields nearly missed the flyer, too, but her closest swimming friend, Gemma Curran, looked over. Em! she cried, pointing at the sign.

Emilys eyes danced over the headline. She shivered with excitement.

By now, practically every Rosewood Day sixth-grader was gathered around the bike rack, gawking at the piece of paper. Aria slid off the wall and squinted at the flyers big block letters.

Time Capsule Starts Tomorrow, it announced. Get ready! This is your chance to be immortalized!

The nub of charcoal slipped from Arias fingers. The Time Capsule game had been a school tradition since 1899, the year Rosewood Day was founded. The school forbade anyone younger than sixth grade to play, so finally getting to participate was as big a rite of passage as a girl buying her first Victorias

Secret bra...or a guy, well, getting excited over his first Victorias Secret catalogue.

Everyone knew the games rulestheyd been passed down by older brothers and sisters, outlined on MySpace blogs, and scribbled on the title pages of library books. Each year, the Rosewood Day administration cut up pieces of a Rosewood Day flag and had specially selected older students hide them in places around Rosewood. Cryptic clues leading to each piece were posted in the school lobby. Whoever found a piece was honored in an all-school assembly and got to decorate it however they wanted, and all the reunited pieces were sewn back together and buried in a time capsule behind the soccer fields. Needless to say, finding a piece of the Time Capsule flag was a huge deal.

Are you going to play? Gemma asked Emily, zipping up her Upper Main Line YMCA swimming parka to her chin.

I guess so. Emily giggled nervously. But do you think we have a shot? I hear they always hide the clues in the high school. Ive only been in there twice.

Hanna was thinking the same thing. She hadnt even been in the high school once. Everything about high school intimidated herespecially the beautiful girls who went there. Whenever Hanna went to Saks at the King James Mall with her mom, there would inevitably be a group of Rosewood Day high school cheerleaders gathered at the makeup counter. Hanna always covertly watched them from behind a rack of clothes, admiring how their low-slung jeans fit perfectly around their hips, how their hair hung straight and shiny down their backs, and how their smooth, peachy skin was blemish-free even without foundation. Before she went to sleep every night, Hanna prayed that she would wake up a beautiful Rosewood Day cheerleader, too, but every morning it was the same old Hanna in her heart-shaped makeup mirror, her hair poop brown, her skin blotchy, and her arms like chunky sausages.

At least you know Melissa, Kirsten murmured to Spencer, also overhearing what Emily said. Maybe she was one of the people who hid a piece of the flag.

Spencer shook her head. I wouldve heard about it already. It was as much an honor to be selected to hide a piece of the Time Capsule flag as it was to find one, and Spencers sister, Melissa, never failed to brag about her Rosewood Day responsibilitiesespecially when her family played Star Power, the game where they went around the table describing their most ambitious accomplishment of the day.

The schools heavy double doors opened, and the remaining sixth-graders spilled out, including a group of kids that seemed to have walked right out of a page of a J. Crew catalogue. Aria returned to the stone wall and pretended to be busy sketching. She didnt want to make eye contact with any of them againa few days ago, Naomi Zeigler had caught her staring and cawed, What, are you in love with us? These were the sixth-grade elite, after allor, as Aria called them, the Typical Rosewoods.

Every single one of the Typical Rosewoods lived in gated mansions, multi-acre-spanning compounds, or luxurious converted barns with horse stables and ten-car garages. They were such cookie cutters: the boys played soccer and had ultra-short haircuts; the girls had the exact same laughs, wore matching shades of Laura Mercier lip plumper, and carried Dooney & Bourke logo bags. If Aria squinted, she couldnt tell one Typical Rosewood from another.

Except for Alison DiLaurentis. No one mistook Alison for anyone else, ever.

And it was Alison leading the crowd down the schools stone path, her blond hair streaming behind her, her sapphire blue eyes sparkling, her ankles steady in her three-inch platforms. Naomi Zeigler and Riley Wolfe, her two closest confidantes, followed her, hanging on her every move. People had been bowing

down to Ali ever since shed moved to Rosewood in third grade.

Ali approached Emily and the other swimmers and stopped short. Emily was afraid Ali was going to tease them all about their dry, greenish-tinted, chlorine-damaged hairagainbut Alis attention was elsewhere. A sneaky smile crept over her face as she read the flyer. With a quick flip of her wrist, she tore the paper off the wall and spun around to face her friends.

My brothers hiding one of the pieces of the flag tonight, she said, loud enough for everyone else in the commons to hear. He already promised to tell me where it is.

Everyone began to murmur. Hanna nodded with aweshe admired Ali even more than the older cheerleaders. Spencer, on the other hand, seethed. Alis brother wasnt supposed to tell her where he was hiding his Time Capsule piece. That was cheating! Arias charcoal crayon flew furiously over her sketchbook, her eyes fixed on Alis heart-shaped face. And Emilys nose tickled with the lingering vanilla scent of Alis perfumeit was as heavenly as standing in the doorway of a bakery.

The older students began to descend the high schools majestic stone steps across the commons, interrupting Alis big announcement. Tall, aloof girls and preppy, handsome guys ambled past the sixth-graders, heading for their cars in the auxiliary lot. Ali watched them coolly, fanning her face with the Time Capsule flyer. A couple of puny sophomores, white iPod headphones dangling from their ears, looked downright intimidated by Ali as they unlocked their ten-speeds from the rack. Naomi and Riley snorted at them.

Then a tall blond junior noticed Ali and stopped. What up, Al? Nothing. Ali pursed her lips and stood up straighter. Whats up with you, Eee?

Scott Chin elbowed Hanna, and Hanna blushed. With his tanned, gorgeous face, curly blond hair, and stunning, soulful hazel eyes, Ian ThomasEeewas second on Hannas All-Time Hottie list, just under Sean Ackard, the boy shed crushed on since they were on the same kickball team in third grade. It was unclear how Ian and Ali knew one another, but the gossip said upperclassmen invited Ali to their A-list parties, despite the fact that she was a lot younger.

Ian leaned against the bike racks. Did I hear you saying you know where a piece of the Time Capsule flag is?

Alis cheeks pinkened. Why, is someone jealous? She shot him a saucy grin.

Ian shook his head. Id keep it down, if I were you. Someone might try and steal your piece from you. Its part of the game, you know.

Ali laughed, as if the idea was incomprehensible, but a wrinkle formed between her eyes. Ian was rightstealing someones piece of the flag was perfectly legal, etched in the Time Capsule Official Rule Book that Principal Appleton kept in a locked drawer of his desk. Last year, a ninth-grade goth boy had stolen a piece that was dangling out of a senior crew members gear bag. Two years ago, an eighth-grade band girl had snuck into the schools dance studio and stolen two pieces from two beautiful, thin ballerinas. The Stealing Clause, as it was known, leveled the playing field even moreif you werent smart enough to figure out the clues that would allow you to find the pieces, then maybe you were cunning enough to snag one from someones locker.

Spencer gazed at Alis perturbed expression, a thought slowly forming in her mind. I should steal Alis

piece of the flag. More than likely, everyone else in sixth grade would simply let Ali find the piece completely unfairly, and no one would dare to take it away from her. Spencer was tired of Ali getting everything handed to her so easily.

The same idea formed in Emilys mind. Imagine if I stole it from Ali, she thought, shuddering with an unidentifiable emotion. What would she say to Ali if she trapped her alone?

Could I steal it from Ali? Hanna bit an already nubby fingernail. Only...shed never stolen anything in her life. If she did, would Ali invite Hanna into her circle?

How awesome would it be to steal it from Ali? Aria thought too, her hand still moving over her sketchbook. Imagine, a Typical Rosewood dethroned...by someone like Aria. Poor Ali would have to go searching for another piece by actually reading the clues and using her brain for once.

Im not worried, Ali broke the silence. No one would dare steal it from me. Once I get the piece, its going to be on me at all times. She gave Ian a suggestive wink, and with a flip of her skirt, she added, The only way someone is going to get it from me is if they kill me first.

Ian leaned forward. Well, if thats what it takes. A muscle under Alis eye twitched, and her skin paled. Naomi Zeiglers smile wilted. There was a chilly

grimace on Ians face, but then he flashed an irresistible Im just kidding smile.

Someone coughed, making Ian and Ali look over. Alis brother, Jason, was walking straight up to Ian from the high school steps. His mouth tight and his shoulders hunched, Jason looked like he had overheard.

What did you just say? Jason stopped less than a few feet from Ians face. A crisp wind blew a few stray golden hairs up off his forehead.

Ian rocked back and forth in his black Vans. Nothing. We were just fooling around. Jasons eyes darkened. You sure about that? Jason! Ali hissed, indignant. She stepped between them. Whats up your butt?

Jason glared at Ali, then at the Time Capsule flyer in her hand, then back at Ian. The rest of the crowd exchanged confused glances, not sure whether this was a fake fight or something more serious. Ian and Jason were the same age, and both played varsity soccer. Maybe this was a pissing contest because Ian had stolen Jasons opportunity for a goal in yesterdays game against Pritchard Prep.

When Ian didnt answer, Jason smacked his arms to his sides. Fine. Whatever. He wheeled around, stomped to a black, late-sixties sedan that had pulled into the bus lane, and slumped in the passenger seat. Just go, he said to the driver as he slammed the car door. The car sputtered to life, coughed up a cloud of noxious-smelling exhaust, and squealed away from the curb. Ian shrugged and sauntered away, grinning victoriously.

Ali ran her hands through her hair. For a split second, her expression seemed a little off, like something had slipped out of her control. But it quickly passed. Hot tub at my house? she chirped to her posse, looping her elbow around Naomis. Her friends followed her to the woods behind the school, a shortcut back to her house. A now-familiar piece of paper peeked out of the side pocket of Alis yellow satchel.

Time Capsule Starts Tomorrow, it said. Get ready. Get ready, indeed.

A few short weeks later, after most of the Time Capsule pieces were found and buried, the members of Alis inner circle changed. All of a sudden, the regulars were ousted, and others took their places. Ali had found four new BFFsSpencer, Hanna, Emily, and Aria.

None of Alis new friends questioned why shed chosen them out of the entire sixth grade classthey didnt want to jinx things. Now and then, they thought about pre-Ali momentshow miserable theyd been, how lost theyd felt, how certain that theyd never mean anything at Rosewood Day. They thought about specific moments, too, including that day Time Capsule was announced. Once or twice they recalled what Ian had said to Ali, and how uncharacteristically worried Ali had seemed. Very little fazed her, after all.

For the most part, they shrugged off thoughts like thatit was more fun to think about their future than dwell on the past. They were now the girls of Rosewood Day, and with that came a lot of thrilling responsibility. They had a lot of good times to look forward to.

But maybe they shouldnt have forgotten that day so quickly. And maybe Jason shouldve tried a bit harder to keep Ali safe. Because, well, we all know what happened. Just a short year and a half later, Ian made good on his promise.

He killed Ali for real.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

1

DEAD AND BURIED

Emily Fields leaned back on the chestnut brown leather couch, picking at the chlorine-dried skin around her thumb. Her old best friends, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, and Hanna Marin, sat next to her, sipping Godiva hot chocolate from striped ceramic mugs. They were all in Spencers familys media room, which was filled with state-of-the-art electronics, a seven-foot movie screen, and surround-sound speakers. A large basket of Baked Tostitos sat on the coffee table, but none of them had touched it.

A woman named Marion Graves was perched on the checkered love seat across from them, a flattened, folded-up trash bag on her lap. While the girls were in ratty jeans, cashmere sweats, or, in Arias case, a beat-up denim miniskirt over a pair of tomato red long johns, Marion was in an expensive-looking deep blue wool blazer and matching pleated skirt. Her dark brown hair shone, and her skin smelled of lavender moisturizer.

Okay. Marion smiled at Emily and the others. Last time we met, I asked you guys to bring in certain items. Lets put them all on the coffee table.

Emily offered a pink patent leather change purse with a swirly E monogram on the pocket. Aria reached into her yak-fur tote and pulled out a creased, yellowed drawing. Hanna tossed out a folded-up piece of paper that looked like a note. And Spencer carefully laid down a black-and-white photograph along with a frayed blue rope bracelet. Emilys eyes filled with tearsshe recognized the bracelet instantly. Ali had

made one for each of them the summer after The Jenna Thing happened. It was supposed to bind them together in friendship, to remind them never to tell that theyd been the ones whod accidentally blinded Jenna Cavanaugh. Little did they know that the real Jenna Thing was a secret Ali was keeping from them, not something they all were keeping from the rest of the world. It turned out that Jenna had asked Ali to set off the firework and blame it on her stepbrother, Toby. This fact was one of the many heartbreaking things theyd discovered about Ali after shed died.

Emily swallowed hard. The leaden ball that had been lodged in the middle of her chest since September began to throb.

It was the day after New Years. School started again tomorrow, and Emily prayed this semester would be a little less action-packed than the last. Practically the minute she and her old friends stepped through Rosewood Days stone archway to start eleventh grade, each had received mysterious notes from someone known simply as A. At first, they all thoughtin Emilys case, hopedthat A might be Alison, their long-lost best friend, but then workers found Alis body in a cemented-over hole in Alis old backyard. The notes continued, prying deeper and deeper into their darkest secrets, and two dizzying months later, they found out that A was Mona Vanderwaal. In middle school, Mona had been a Fear Factorobsessed dork who spied on Emily, Ali, and the others during their regular Friday-night sleepovers, but once Ali disappeared, Mona transformed into a queen beeand became Hannas best friend. This fall, Mona had stolen Alisons diary, read all the secrets Ali had written about her friends, and set out to destroy their lives just as she believed Emily, Ali, and the others had ruined hers. Not only had they teased her, but sparks from the firework that blinded Jenna had burned Mona, too. The night Mona plunged to her death down Falling Man Quarryalmost bringing Spencer with herthe police also arrested Ian Thomas, Alis super-secret older boyfriend, for Alis murder. Ians trial was set to start at the end of that week. Emily and the others would have to testify against him, and while getting up on the witness stand was going to be a million times scarier than when Emily had had to sing a solo part at the Rosewood Day Holiday Concert, at least it would mean the ordeal would really, truly be over.

Because all of that was way too much for four teenage girls to handle, their parents had decided to call in professional help. Enter Marion, the very best grief counselor in the Philadelphia area. This was the third Sunday Emily and her friends had met with her. This particular session was dedicated to the girls letting go of the many horrible things that had happened.

Marion smoothed her skirt over her knees as she looked at the objects theyd laid on the table. All of these things remind you of Alison, right?

Everyone nodded. Marion shook open a black garbage bag. Lets put everything in here. After I leave, I want you girls to bury it in Spencers backyard. This ritual will symbolize laying Alison to rest. And with her, youll be burying all the harmful negativity that surrounded your friendship with her.

Marion always peppered her speech with New Age phrases like harmful negativity and the spiritual need for closure and confronting the grieving process. Last session, theyd had to chant, Alis death is not my fault, again and again, and drink stinky green tea that was supposed to cleanse their guilt chakras. Marion urged them to chant things into the mirror, too, stuff like, A is dead and never coming back, and, No one else wants to hurt me. Emily longed for the mantras to workwhat she wanted more than anything in the entire world was for her life to be normal again.

Okay, everyone up, Marion said, holding out the trash bag. Lets do this.

They all stood. Emilys bottom lip quivered as she eyed the pink change purse, a gift from Ali when theyd become friends in sixth grade. Maybe she shouldve brought something else to this purging

session, like one of Alis old school picturesshe had a million copies of those. Marion fixed her eyes on Emily and nudged her chin toward the bag. With a sob, Emily dropped the change purse in.

Aria picked up the pencil drawing shed brought, a sketch of Ali standing outside Rosewood Day. I drew this before we were even friends.

Spencer gingerly held the edges of the Jenna Thing bracelet between her index finger and thumb as if it were covered in snot. Good-bye, she whispered firmly. Hanna rolled her eyes as she tossed in her folded-up piece of paper. She didnt bother explaining what it was.

Emily watched as Spencer picked up the black-and-white photo. It was a candid of Ali standing next to a much younger-looking Noel Kahn. Both were laughing. There was something familiar about it. Emily grabbed Spencers arm before she could drop it in the bag as well.

Whered you get that?

Yearbook, before they tossed me out, Spencer admitted sheepishly. Remember how they did that whole spread of Ali pictures? This was on the cutting-room floor.

Dont throw that in, Emily said, ignoring Marions stern look. Its a really good picture of her.

Spencer raised an eyebrow but wordlessly put the photo on the mahogany credenza next to a large, wrought-iron statue of the Eiffel Tower. Out of all Alis old friends, Emily was definitely having the toughest time handling Alis death. It was just that shed never had a best friend like Ali, before or since. It didnt help, either, that Ali had also been Emilys first love, the very first girl shed ever kissed. If it were up to Emily, she wouldnt be burying Ali at all. She was perfectly fine with keeping her Ali memorabilia on her nightstand forever and ever.

We good? Marion pursed her merlot-colored lips. She cinched the bag tight and handed it to Spencer. Promise me youll bury this. It will help. Honest. And I think you girls should meet Tuesday afternoon, okay? Its your first week back at school, and I want you to stay connected and check up on one another. Can you all do that for me?

Everyone nodded glumly. They followed Marion out of the media room, down the Hastingses grand marble hall, and into the foyer. Marion said good-bye and climbed into her navy Range Rover, turning on the wipers to knock the excess snow off her windshield.

The big grandfather clock in the foyer began to strike the hour. Spencer shut the door and turned around to face Emily and the others. The trash bags red plastic ties dangled from her wrist. Well? Spencer said. Should we bury this?

Where? Emily asked quietly.

What about by the barn? Aria suggested, picking at a hole in her red leggings. Its appropriate, right? Its the last place we...saw her.

Emily nodded, a huge lump in her throat. What do you think, Hanna? Whatever, Hanna mumbled in a monotone, as if shed rather have been anywhere else. Everyone pulled on their coats and boots and tromped through the Hastingses snowy yard to the back

of the property. They were silent the whole way. Although theyd grown close again during As awful notes, Emily hadnt seen much of her old friends since Ians arraignment. Emily had tried to arrange outings at the King James Mall, and even between-classes meetings at Steam, Rosewood Days coffee bar, but the others hadnt seem interested. She suspected they were avoiding one another for the same reasons theyd drifted apart after Ali went missingit was just too weird to be together.

The old DiLaurentis house was on their right. The trees and shrubs that divided the yards were bare, and there was a crusty layer of ice on Alis back porch. The Ali Shrine, which consisted of candles, stuffed animals, flowers, and curling photos, was still on the front curb, but the news vans and camera crews that had camped out for a month after Alis body had been found had thankfully vanished. These days, the media were hanging around the Rosewood courthouse and the Chester County prison, hoping to get more news about Ian Thomass upcoming trial.

The house was also the new home of Maya St. Germain, Emilys ex. The St. Germains Acura SUV was in the driveway, which meant theyd moved back inthe family had steered clear of the house during the height of the media circus. Emily felt a pang as she looked at the cheerful wreath on the front door and the overflowing garbage bags of Christmas wrapping paper at the curb. When they were together, she and Maya had discussed what theyd get each other for ChristmasMaya wanted tripped-out, DJ-style headphones, and Emily wanted an iPod shuffle. Breaking up with Maya had been for the best, but it felt strange to be completely disconnected from Mayas life.

The others were ahead of her, approaching the back of the two yards. Emily jogged to catch up, her big toe dipping in a muddy slush puddle. To the left was Spencers barn, the site of their very last sleepover. It bordered the thick woods that stretched for more than a mile. To the right of the barn was the partially dug hole in the DiLaurentises old yard where Alis body had been found. Some of the yellow police tape had fallen down and was now half-buried in the snow, but there were a lot of fresh footprints, probably belonging to curious gawkers.

Emilys heart pounded as she dared to look at the hole. It was so dark. Her eyes filled with tears as she imagined Ian savagely shoving Ali down there, leaving her to die.

Its crazy, isnt it? Aria remarked quietly, looking into the hole, too. Ali was here all along.

Its a good thing you remembered, Spence, Hanna said, shivering in the frigid, late-afternoon air. Otherwise, Ian would still be out there.

Aria paled, looking worried. Emily bit her fingernail. The night of Ians arrest, theyd told the cops that everything they needed to know about what happened that night was in Alis diaryher very last entry was about how she was planning to meet up with Ian, her secret boyfriend, the night of their seventh-grade sleepover. Ali had given Ian an ultimatumeither he break up with Spencers sister, Melissa, or Ali was going to tell the world they were in love.

But what really convinced the cops was the repressed memory Spencer had recalled from that night. After Spencer and Ali had fought outside the Hastingses barn, Ali had run to someoneIan. It was the last anyone saw of Ali, ever, and everyone assumed exactly what happened next. Emily would never forget how Ian had stumbled into the courtroom the day of his arraignment and dared to plead innocent to Alis murder. After the judge ordered Ian to prison without bail and the bailiffs walked him back down the aisle, she caught Ian shooting them a searing, bitter glare. You girls picked the wrong person to mess with, his look seemed to say, loud and clear. It was obvious that he blamed them for his arrest.

Emily let out a little whimper and Spencer looked at her sternly. Stop. Were not supposed to dwell on

Ian...or any of this. She stopped at the back of the property, pulling her blue and white Fair Isle earflap hat farther down her forehead. Is this a good spot?

Emily blew on her fingers as the others nodded numbly. Spencer began to dig up mounds of half-frozen dirt with the shovel shed grabbed from the garage. After the hole was sufficiently deep, Spencer dropped the trash bag inside. It made a heavy plop in the snow. They all kicked the dirt and snow back on top of it.

Well? Spencer leaned against the shovel. Should we say something?

They all looked at one another. Bye, Ali, Emily said finally, her eyes filling with tears for about the millionth time that month.

Aria glanced at her, and then smiled. Bye, Ali, she echoed. She looked at Hanna next. Hanna shrugged, but then said, Bye, Ali.

As Aria took her hand, Emily felt...better. Her stomach unknotted and her neck relaxed. Suddenly it smelled so good back here, like fresh flowers. She felt that Alithe sweet, wonderful Ali from her memorieswas here, telling them that everything would be okay.

She glanced at the others. They all had placid smiles on their faces, as if they sensed something too. Maybe Marion was right. Maybe there was something to this ritual. It was time to put the whole dreadful fall to restAlis killer had been caught, and the whole A nightmare was behind them. The only thing left to do was look toward a calmer, happier future.

The sun was sinking through the trees fast, turning the sky and snowdrifts a milky lavender. The Hastingses windmill slowly rotated in the breeze, and a group of squirrels began fighting near a large pine. If one of the squirrels climbs the tree, things have settled down for good, Emily said to herself, playing the superstitious game shed relied on for years. And just like that, a squirrel scampered up the pine, all the way to the top.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

2

WE ARE FAMILY

A half hour later, Hanna Marin burst through the front door of her house, nuzzled her mini Doberman, Dot, and flung her embossed-snakeskin satchel on the living room couch. Sorry Im late, she called.

The kitchen smelled like tomato sauce and garlic bread, and Hannas father; his fiancŽe, Isabel; and Isabels daughter, Kate, were already seated in the dining room. There were big ceramic bowls of pasta and salad in the center of the table, and a scallop-edged plate, napkin, and tall flute of Perrier waited at Hannas empty seat. On her arrival Christmas Daypractically seconds after Hannas mother had boarded a jumbo jet to her new job in SingaporeIsabel had decided that every Sunday dinner would be in the dining room, to make things feel more special and family-esque.

Hanna slumped in her seat, trying to ignore everyones looks. Her father was shooting her a hopeful smile, and Isabel was making a face that indicated that she was either trying to contain a fart or was disappointed that Hanna was tardy to Family Time. Kate, on the other hand, tilted her head pityingly. And Hanna just knew which of them would speak first.

Kate smoothed her irritatingly straight chestnut-colored hair, her blue eyes round. Were you with your grief counselor?

Ding ding ding!

Uh-huh. Hanna took a giant gulp of Perrier. How did it go? Kate asked in her best Oprah voice. Is it helping?

Hanna sniffed haughtily. Honestly, she thought the meetings with Marion were bullshit. Maybe the rest of her old best friends could get on with their lives postAli and A, but Hanna was struggling with not one best friends death, but two. Hanna was reminded of Mona practically every moment of her day: when she let out Dot to run around the frozen backyard in the Burberry plaid doggy coat Mona had gotten him as a birthday gift last year. When she opened her walk-in closet and saw the silver Jill Stuart skirt shed borrowed from Mona but never returned. When she looked in the mirror, attempting to say Marions lame-ass chants, and saw the teardrop earrings she and Mona had stolen from Banana Republic last spring. She saw something else, too: the faded, Z-shaped scar on her chin from when Mona had hit Hanna with her SUV, after Hanna realized that Mona was A.

She hated that her future stepsister knew every detail of what happened to her this fallespecially that her best friend had tried to kill her. Then again, all of Rosewood knew; the local media had talked of little else since. Even weirder, the country had been infected with A mania. Kids across the country had reported receiving texts from someone called A, all of which ended up being from jilted ex-boyfriends or jealous classmates. Hanna had even received a few faux-A texts of her own, but they were obviously spamI know all your dirty secrets! And hey, wanna purchase three ringtones for a dollar? So lame.

Kates gaze remained fixed on Hanna, perhaps waiting for her to spill her guts. Hanna quickly grabbed a piece of garlic bread and took a giant bite so she wouldnt have to speak. Ever since Kate and Isabel set foot in this house, Hanna had been spending all her time either locked in her bedroom, retail-therapying at the King James Mall, or hiding at her boyfriend Lucass place. Even though things had been shaky between them before Mona died, Lucas had been unbelievably supportive in the aftermath. Now they were inseparable.

Hanna preferred to be out because whenever she was in plain view in her house, her dad kept assigning little chores for Hanna and Kate to do together: clearing out Hannas extra clothes from Kates brand-new bedroom closet, taking out the garbage, or shoveling snow off the front walk. But hello? Wasnt that what housekeepers and snow removal services were for? If only the snow removal people could remove Kate, too.

Are you girls excited to start school again tomorrow? Isabel wound pasta around her fork.

Hanna shrugged one shoulder and felt a familiar pain radiate down her right arm. Shed broken it when Mona slammed into her with her SUV, yet another lovely reminder that her friendship with Mona had been a sham.

Im excited, Kate filled the silence. I looked through the Rosewood Day catalogue again today. The school has really amazing activities. They put on four plays a year!

Mr. Marin and Isabel beamed. Hanna ground her molars together so furiously, her jaw started to go

numb. All Kate had talked about since arriving in Rosewood was how thrilled she was to be going to Rosewood Day. But whateverthe school was huge. Hanna planned on never seeing her.

The place seems so confusing, though. Kate daintily wiped her mouth with a napkin. They have separate buildings for different subjects, like a journalism barn and a science library and a greenhouse. Im going to get so lost. She twirled a piece of chestnut hair around her index finger. I would love it if you showed me around, Hanna.

Hanna almost burst out laughing. Kates voice was faker than a ninety-nine-cent pair of Chanel sunglasses on eBay. Shed pulled this lets be friends act at Le Bec-Fin, too, and Hanna would never forget how that had turned out. When Hanna fled into the restaurants bathroom during the appetizers, Kate followed behind, acting all sweet and concerned. Hanna broke down and explained to Kate that shed just received a notefrom A...er, Monathat Sean Ackard, whom shed thought she was still dating, was at the Foxy benefit with another girl. Kate immediately sympathized and urged Hanna to ditch their dinner, go back to Rosewood, and kick Seans ass. She even said shed cover for her. Thats what almost-stepsisters were for, right?

Wrong. When Hanna returned to Philadelphia, surprise! Kate had tattled instead and told Mr. Marin that Hanna was carrying around a bunch of Percocet in her purse. Mr. Marin had been so angry, hed cut the trip short...and hadnt spoken to Hanna for weeks.

Of course Hanna will show you around, Mr. Marin piped up. Hanna clenched her fists under the table and tried for a dismayed tone. Oh, wow, Id love to, but my

school day is so

jam-packed! Her father cocked an eyebrow. What about before school or at lunch?

Hanna sucked her teeth. Way to sell me out, Dad. Had her father forgotten that Kate had stabbed Hanna in the back at their disastrous dinner at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia this fallthe dinner that was supposed to be for Hanna and her dad only? But then, her dad hadnt seen it that way. In his mind, Kate wasnt a backstabber. She was perfect. Hanna looked back and forth from her father to Isabel to Kate, feeling more and more helpless. All at once, she felt a familiar tickle rising in the back of her throat. Pushing back her chair, she stood up, let out a grunt, and stumbled to the downstairs bathroom.

She hung over the sink and dry-heaved. Dont do this, she told herself. Shed been so good about the purging thing the past few months, but it was like Kate was a trigger. The very first time Hanna had puked on command was the one and only time Hanna had visited her father, Isabel, and Kate in Annapolis. Shed brought Ali along, and Ali and Kate had gotten along instantlythat pretty-girl bond or

somethingwhile Hanna shoveled handful after handful of popcorn into her mouth, feeling fat and hideous. Her dad calling her a little piggy had been the last straw. Shed run into the bathroom, snatched Kates toothbrush from a cup by the sink, and forced herself to vomit.

Ali had walked in as Hanna was in the middle of her second heave. Shed promised Hanna her secret was safe with her, but Hanna had learned a lot about Ali between then and now. Ali kept a lot of secrets from a lot of peopleand had played people against each other. Like how shed told Hanna and the others that theyd caused The Jenna Thing when really, Jenna and Ali had orchestrated it all along. Hanna wouldnt have been surprised to learn that Ali had marched back out to the patio that day and told Kate everything.

After a few minutes the sick feeling passed. Hanna took a deep breath, stood back up, and reached into her pocket for her BlackBerry. She opened up a new text message. You wont believe this, she typed. My dad wants me to be the Rosewood Day Welcome Wagon for Psycho Kate. Can we do emergency mani-pedis tomorrow a.m. to discuss?

She was halfway through scrolling down her Contacts list when she realized she had no one to send the text to. Mona had been the only person shed gotten mani-pedis with.

Hanna?

Hanna whirled around. Her father had cracked the bathroom door open a couple inches. His eyebrows were crinkled in concern. Are you okay? he asked, using a gentle tone of voice Hanna hadnt heard in so long.

Mr. Marin stepped closer and put his hand on Hannas shoulder. Hanna swallowed hard, ducking her head. Back when she was in seventh grade, before her parents divorced, she and her dad had been really close. It had broken her heart when hed left Rosewood after the divorce, and when hed moved in with Isabel and Kate, Hanna had worried that hed traded ugly, chubby, poop-brown-haired Hanna for pretty, skinny, perfect Kate. A few months ago, when Hanna was in the hospital after Mona hit her with her SUV, her dad had promised to be a bigger part of Hannas life. But in the week her dad had been here, hed been too busy helping redecorate the house according to Isabels tasteslots of velvet and tasselsto make much time for her.

But maybe he was going to apologize for all that. Maybe he was going to apologize for dropping her cold this past fall without getting her side of the story...and for dropping Hanna for Isabel and Kate for three whole years.

Mr. Marin patted her arm awkwardly. Listen. This fall has been terrible for you. And I know testifying at Ians trial on Friday must be creating stress for you. And I realize that Kate and Isabel moving here was a little...abrupt. But Hanna, this is a huge life change for Kate. She abandoned her friends in Annapolis to move here, and youve barely spoken to her. You need to start treating her like family.

Hannas smile drooped. It felt like her father had conked her over the head with the mint green soap holder on the porcelain sink. Kate certainly did not need Hannas help, not one bit. Kate was like Ali: graceful, beautiful, the object of everyones attention...and incredibly manipulative.

But as her dad lowered his chin, waiting for her to agree with him, Hanna realized there were two little words hed left off of his last statement. Two words that were very indicative of how things were going to be around here from now on.

Hanna needed to start treating Kate like family...or else. 3

ARIAS ART SCENE DEBUT

Oh, ew. Aria Montgomery wrinkled her nose as her brother, Mike, dipped a piece of bread into a ceramic cauldron of molten Swiss cheese. He swirled the bread around the bowl, pulled it out, and licked up a long, gooey string of cheese that hung off the fork. Do you have to turn everything into a sexual act?

Mike smirked at her and kept making out with the bread. Aria shuddered.

Aria couldnt believe that it was the very last day of a very weird winter break. Aria and Mikes mother, Ella, had decided to treat them to homemade cheese fondue with the fondue set shed found in the basement under some boxes of glass Christmas ornaments and Mikes Hot Wheels racetrack. Aria was almost positive the set had been a wedding present for Ella and Arias father, Byron, but she didnt dare ask. Shed tried to avoid all references to her fathersuch as the weird hours she and Mike had spent with him and his girlfriend, Meredith, at the Bear Claw ski slope on Christmas Eve. Meredith had sat in the lodge the whole time, doing yoga stretches, nursing her small-but-obviously-pregnant stomach, and begging Aria to teach her how to knit a pair of baby booties. Arias parents had only officially separated a few months ago, at least partly because Mona-as-A had sent Ella a letter telling her that Byron was cheating on her with Meredith, and Aria was pretty sure Ella hadnt gotten over Byron yet.

Mike eyed Ellas bottle of Heineken. You sure I cant have one little sip? No, Ella answered. For the third time. Mike frowned. Ive had beer before, you know. Not in this house. Ella glared at him.

Why do you want beer so badly? Aria asked curiously. Is Mikey nervous about his first date?

Its not a date. Mike pulled his Burton snowboard beanie lower down on his forehead. Shes just a friend.

Aria smiled knowingly. Amazingly, a girl had fallen for Mike. Her name was Savannah, and she was a sophomore at the public school. Theyd met in a Facebook group aboutbig surpriselacrosse. Apparently Savannah was as obsessed with the game as Mike was.

Mikeys going on a date at the mall, Aria singsonged. So are you going to get a second dinner at the food court? Mr. Wongs Great Wall of Chicken?

Shut up, Mike snapped. Were going to Rive Gauche for dessert. But dude, its not a date. I mean, she goes to public school. He said public school like others would say sewage-filled pit of leeches. I only date girls with money.

Aria narrowed her eyes. Youre disgusting.

Watch it, Shakespeare-lover. Mike smirked.

Aria paled. Shakespeare was Mikes nickname for Ezra Fitz, Arias quasiex-boyfriendand exAP English teacher. It was the other secret Mona-as-A had tormented her about. The media had tactfully kept all their A secrets private, but Aria suspected Mike had found out about Ezra from Noel Kahn, his lacrosse teammate and Rosewood Days biggest gossip. Aria had made Mike swear never to tell Ella, but he couldnt resist dropping a few hints.

Ella speared a piece of bread. I might have a date coming up, too, she suddenly blurted.

Aria lowered her long fondue fork. She couldnt have been more stunned if Ella just told her she was moving back to Reykjav’k, Iceland, where her family had spent the past three years. What? When?

Ella fiddled with her chunky turquoise necklace. Tuesday. With who?

Ella ducked her head, revealing a thin strip of gray roots at her scalp. Just someone Ive been talking to on Match.com. He sounds nice...but who knows? Its not like I know that much about him. Weve talked mostly about music. We both like the Rolling Stones.

Aria shrugged. As seventies rock went, she was more of a Velvet Underground girlMick Jagger was thinner than she was, and Keith Richards was downright terrifying. So what does he do?

Ella smiled sheepishly. I actually have no idea. All I know is that his name is Wolfgang.

Wolfgang? Aria almost spit out a bite of bread. As in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

Ellas face was getting more and more flushed. Maybe I wont go.

No, no, you should! Aria cried. I think its great! And she was happy for Ella. Why should her father have all the fun? I think its gross, Mike piped up. It should be illegal for people over forty to date.

Aria ignored him. What are you going to wear?

Ella stared down at her favorite eggplant-colored tunic. It had floral embroidery around the neck and what looked like a scrambled egg stain near the hem. Whats wrong with this?

Aria widened her eyes and shook her head.

I got it in that sweet little fishing village in Denmark last year, Ella protested. You were with me! That old woman with no teeth sold it to us.

We have to get you something else, Aria demanded. And re-dye your hair. And let me do your makeup. She squinted, envisioning her mothers bathroom counter. Usually it was cluttered with watercolor paints, tins of turpentine, and half-finished jewelry projects. Do you even own makeup?

Ella took another long sip of her beer. Shouldnt he like me for who I am without all that...embellishment?

Itll still be you. Just better, Aria encouraged.

Mike swiveled back and forth between them, then brightened. You know what I think makes women look better? Implants!

Ella gathered their plates and carried them to the sink. Fine, she said to Aria. Ill let you give me a makeover for my date, okay? But now I have to drive Mike to his date.

Its not a date! Mike whined, stomping out of the room and up the stairs.

Aria and Ella snickered. Once he was gone, they regarded each other shyly, something warm and unspoken passing between them. The last few months hadnt been particularly easy. Mona-as-A had also told Ella that Aria had kept her fathers secret for three long years, and for a while, Ella had been too disgusted to even let her daughter in the house. Eventually, shed forgiven Aria, and they were working hard on getting their relationship back to normal. They werent quite there yet. There were a lot of things Aria still couldnt mention; they still hardly spent any time alone; and Ella hadnt confided in Aria once, which she used to do all the time. But it was getting better every day.

Ella raised an eyebrow and reached into her tunics kangaroo pocket. I just remembered. She pulled out a rectangular card with three intersecting blue lines on the front. I was supposed to go to this art opening tonight, but I dont have time. You want to go instead?

I dont know. Aria shrugged. Im tired. Go, Ella urged. Youve been too cooped up lately. No more being miserable.

Aria opened her mouth to protest, but Ella had a point. Shed spent the whole winter break in her bedroom, knitting scarves and absently flicking the Shakespeare bobblehead Ezra had given her before he left Rosewood in November. Every day she thought shed hear something from himan e-mail, a text, anythingespecially since so much about Rosewood, Ali, and even Aria herself had been on the news. The months slid by...and nothing.

She pressed the corner of the invitation into the pit of her palm. If Ella was brave enough to get back into the world, then so was she. And there was no better time to start than right now.

On her way to the art opening, Aria had to pass Alis old street. There was her house, same as it had been earlier that day. Spencers house was next door, and the Cavanaughs was across the street. Aria wondered if Jenna was inside, getting ready for her first day back at Rosewood Day. Shed heard that Jenna would be having private, all-day tutoring sessions.

A day didnt go by when Aria didnt think about the lastand onlytime she and Jenna had spoken. It had been at the Hollis art studio, when Aria had had a panic attack during a thunderstorm. Aria had tried to apologize once and for all for what theyd done to her that horrible night when Jenna was blinded, but Jenna explained that she and Ali had conspired together to launch the firework to get rid of Jennas stepbrother, Toby, for good. Ali had agreed to the plan because, apparently, she had sibling problems too.

For a while, Aria obsessed over what sibling problems meant. Toby used to touch Jenna inappropriatelycould Alis brother, Jason, have been doing the same thing to Ali? But Aria hated to think that way. Shed never sensed anything weird between Ali and Jason. Hed always seemed so

protective.

And then it hit Aria. Of course. Ali didnt have problems with Jason; shed simply made that up as a way to earn Jennas trust and get her to spill what was going on. Shed done the same thing with Aria, acting all empathetic and devastated when she and Aria had caught Bryon and Meredith making out in the Hollis parking lot. Once she knew Arias secret, Ali had held it over Arias head for months. And shed done the same thing to her other friends. Only, why had Ali cared about something dorky Jenna Cavanaugh was hiding?

Fifteen minutes later, Aria reached the gallery. The art opening was being held in an old, lofty farmhouse in the woods. As she parked Ellas Subaru on the gravel embankment and got out, she heard rustling. The sky was so black out here.

Something made a strange squawking noise off in the woods. And then...more rustling. Aria took a step back. Hello? she called quietly.

A pair of curious eyes stared back at her from behind a dilapidated wooden fence. For a moment, Arias heart stopped. But then she realized the eyes were surrounded by white fur. It was only an alpaca. As several more trotted to the edge of the fence, batting their enviably long eyelashes, Aria smiled and exhaled, figuring the farm must have a whole herd of them. After months of being stalked, it was hard to shake the paranoid feeling that someone was watching.

The inside of the farmhouse smelled like freshly baked bread, and a Billie Holliday song was playing softly over the stereo. A waitress carrying a large tray of Bellinis swept past. Aria eagerly grabbed a glass. After she downed the whole thing, she looked around the room. There were at least fifty paintings on the walls, with small plaques bearing the title, artists name, and price. Thin women with angularly cut dark hair loitered in clusters near the appetizers. A guy in dark-framed glasses talked anxiously to a buxom woman with a beet-red beehive. A wild-eyed man with frizzy gray hair sipped what looked like a glass of bourbon, whispering something to his Sienna-Miller-look-alike wife.

Arias heart thumped. These werent the normal, local collectors who came to Rosewood art openingspeople like Spencers parents, who dressed in business suits and carried thousand-dollar Chanel purses. Aria was pretty sure this was the authentic art world, maybe even from New York City.

The exhibit featured three different artists, but the majority of the onlookers were gathered around abstract paintings by someone named Xavier Reeves. Aria walked up to one of his only pieces that didnt have an enormous crowd of people around it and assumed her best art critic posehand on chin and frowning like she was deep in thought. The painting was of a large purple circle with a small, darker purple circle in the middle.

Interesting, Aria thought to herself. But honestly...it looked like a giant nipple. What do you think of the brushstrokes? someone murmured behind her.

Aria turned around and found herself looking into the soft brown eyes of a tall guy in a ribbed black sweater and dark blue jeans. An excited jolt shot through her body, leaving her toes tingling in her scuffed satin flats. With his prominent cheekbones and super-short hair that stood up in a tuft at the front, he reminded Aria of Sondre, the hot musician shed met in Norway last year. She and Sondre had spent hours in a fishermans pub in Bergen, drinking homemade whiskey and making up stories about the mounted trophy fish that hung on the pubs wood-paneled walls.

Aria assessed the painting again. The brushstrokes are very...powerful.

True, the guy agreed. And emotional.

Definitely. Aria was thrilled to be having an authentic art critic conversation, especially with someone so cute. It was also nice to not be around Rosewood people and have to listen to the constant gossip about Ians upcoming trial. She scrambled for something else to say. It makes me think of...

The guy leaned closer, smirking. Suckling, maybe?

Arias eyes widened in surprise. So she wasnt the only one who saw the resemblance. It does look a little bit like that, doesnt it? she giggled. But I think were supposed to take this seriously. The paintings called The Impossibility of the Space Between. Xavier Reeves probably painted it to represent solitude. Or the proletarian struggle.

Shit. The guy was so close to Aria, she could smell his cinnamon-gum-and-Bellini-scented breath. I guess that means the one over there called Time Moves Handily isnt a penis, huh?

An older woman in multicolored cat-eye glasses looked over, startled. Aria covered her mouth to keep from laughing, noticing how there was a crescent moonshaped freckle right by her new friends left ear. If only she hadnt worn the same pilled green cowl-necked sweater shed lived in the entire winter break. She shouldve wiped the fondue stain off the collar, too.

He polished off the rest of his drink. So whats your name? Aria. She chewed coyly on the swizzle stick that had come with her Bellini.

Its nice to meet you, Aria. A group of people swept by, pushing Aria and her new friend closer together. As his hand bumped against her waist, heat rose to Arias cheeks. Had he touched her by accident...or on purpose?

He grabbed two more drinks and handed one to her. So do you work around here, or are you still in school?

Aria opened her mouth, contemplating. She wondered how old this guy was. He looked young enough to be a college student, and she could picture him living in one of the shabby-chic Victorian houses near Hollis College. But shed made that same assumption about Ezra, too.

Before Aria could say a word, a woman in a fitted houndstooth suit inserted herself between them. With her spiky black hair, she bore more than a passing resemblance to Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Mind if I borrow him? Cruella looped her arm around his elbow. He gave Cruellas arm a little squeeze.

Oh. Sure. Aria stepped away, disappointed.

Sorry. Cruella smiled apologetically at Aria. Her lipstick was so dark it was almost black. But Xaviers quite in demand, as you know.

Xavier? Arias stomach dropped. She grabbed his arm. Youre...the artist? Her new friend stopped. There was a naughty little sparkle in his eye. Busted, he said, leaning in to her.

And by the way, the painting really is a boob.

With that, Cruella pulled Xavier forward. He fell into step with Cruella and flirtatiously whispered something in her ear. They both giggled before marching into the throng of the art elite, where everyone gushed over how brilliant and inspirational Xaviers paintings were. As Xavier grinned and shook his admirers hands, Aria wished there was a trapdoor in the wood floor she could disappear through. Shed broken the cardinal rule of art openingsdont talk about the work to strangers, since you never know whos who. And for Gods sake, dont insult an up-and-coming hotshots masterpiece.

But judging by the sneaky little smile Xavier had just shot in Arias direction, maybe he didnt mind her interpretation much at all. And that made Aria very, very happy, indeed.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

4

BOTTOM OF THE CLASS

Monday morning, Spencer Hastings hunched over her desk in AP English, scribbling a few sentences on her timed The Sun Also Rises essay quiz. She wanted to add a few quotes from one of the Hemingway critical essays in the back of the book in an attempt to earn some extra brownie points with her teacher, Mrs. Stafford. These days, she had to scramble for every little crumb of brownie she could get.

The PA speaker at the front of the room crackled. Mrs. Stafford? called Mrs. Wagner, the school secretary. Can you please send Spencer Hastings to the office?

All thirteen students looked up from their papers, staring at Spencer as if shed come to school in the lacy blue Eberjay bra and panties set shed bought at the Saks after-Christmas sale. Mrs. Stafford, who looked nearly identical to Martha Stewart, but who had almost certainly never cracked an egg or embroidered an apron in her life, laid down her wrinkled copy of Ulysses. Fine, go. She shot Spencer a what have you done this time? look. Spencer couldnt help but ask herself the same question.

Spencer stood up, did a few covert yoga fire breaths, and placed her quiz facedown on Mrs. Staffords desk. She couldnt really blame her teacher for treating her like this. Spencer had been the very first Rosewood Day student to be nominated for a Golden Orchid essay award. It had been a huge deal, big enough to land her on the front page of the Philadelphia Sentinel. In the very last round, when the judge had called Spencer to tell her that shed won, shed finally blurted out the truththat shed stolen the AP Economics paper from her sister, Melissa. Now, all of her other teachers wondered if shed cheated in their classes, too. She was no longer in the running for valedictorian, and the school had asked her to step down as student council vice president, bow out of her role in the school play, and resign as the yearbook editor in chief. They had even threatened to expel her, but Spencers parents had cut some sort of deal that most likely involved a hefty donation to the school.

Spencer understood why Rosewood Day couldnt just let this blow over. But after all the tests shed aced, committees shed commandeered, and clubs shed created, couldnt they cut her just a teensy bit of slack? Didnt they care that Alis body had been found a few feet from her own backyard, or that shed received horrific messages from crazy Mona Vanderwaal, who was trying to impersonate her old, dead best friend? Or that Mona had almost pushed Spencer over the precipice of Falling Man Gorge because Spencer hadnt wanted to be A along with her, or that it was because of Spencer that Alis murderer was now in jail? Nope. The only thing that mattered was that Spencer had made Rosewood Day look foolish.

She shut the door of the English room and started toward the office. The hall smelled as it always did, like pine-scented floor wax and a confused tangle of perfume and cologne. Hundreds of glitter-covered paper snowflakes hung overhead. Every December, Rosewood Day Elementary held a schoolwide snowflake-making contest, and the winning designs were displayed in the elementary and high schools all winter. Spencer used to feel so devastated when her classroom lostthe judges announced the winner right before winter break, so it kind of ruined Christmas. Then again, Spencer found every defeat crushing. She still seethed at how Andrew Campbell had been elected class president instead of her, that Ali had taken Spencers rightful spot on the JV field hockey team in seventh grade, and that she hadnt gotten to decorate a piece of the Time Capsule flag in sixth grade. Even though the school had continued to hold the contest every year after that, it had never mattered as much as it had that first year shed been able to play. Then again, Ali hadnt gotten to decorate a piece in the end, either, which had softened the blow.

Spencer? Someone crept around the corner. Speak of the devil, Spencer thought grumpily. It was Andrew Campbell, Mr. Class President himself.

Andrew walked up to her, pushing his longish blond hair behind his ears. What are you doing roaming the halls?

Typical nosy Andrew. He was undoubtedly thrilled that Spencer was no longer in the running for valedictorianthe Spencer voodoo doll she was convinced he had stashed under his bed had finally worked its magic. He probably thought it was comeuppance, too, for how Spencer had invited him to the Foxy benefit last fall, only to ditch him once they got there.

They want me in the office, Spencer said icily, hoping against hope that it wasnt bad news. She picked up the pace, her chunky-heeled boots ringing out on the polished wooden floor.

Im going that way, too, Andrew chirped, walking alongside her. Mr. Rosen wants to talk to me about the trip I took to Greece over the break. Mr. Rosen was the Model UN advisor. I went with the Philadelphia Young Leaders Club. Actually, I thought you were coming too.

Spencer wanted to slap Andrews ruddy cheeks. After the whole Golden Orchid debacle, PhYLCwhich always reminded Spencer of the noise one made when hocking up phlegmhad immediately revoked her membership. She was positive Andrew knew. I had a conflict of interest, she said frostily. Which was actually true: Shed had to house-sit while her parents went to their ski chalet in Beaver Creek, Colorado. They hadnt bothered to invite Spencer along.

Oh. Andrew peered at her curiously. Is something...wrong? Spencer stopped dead, astonished. She threw up her hands. Of course somethings wrong.

Everythings wrong. Happy now? Andrew stepped back, blinking rapidly. Realization washed slowly over his face. Ohhh. The Golden

Orchid...stuff. I forgot about all that. He squeezed his eyes shut. Im an idiot.

Whatever. Spencer gritted her teeth. Could Andrew seriously have forgotten what had happened to her? That was almost worse than him gloating about it all winter break. She glared at a neatly cut-out snowflake over the handicapped water fountain. Andrew used to be good at cutting out snowflakes, too. Even back then, it was a private battle between the two of them to see who could be the best at everything.

I guess I put it out of my head, Andrew blurted out, his voice rising higher and higher. Which was why I was so surprised when I didnt see you in Greece. Its too bad you werent there. No one on the trip was really very...I dont know. Smart. Or cool.

Spencer fidgeted with the leather tassels on her Coach bucket bag. It was the nicest thing anyone had said to her in quite a while, but it was too much for her to bear, especially coming from Andrew. I have to go, she said, and hurried down the hall to the headmasters office.

Hes expecting you, the head secretary said when Spencer burst through the offices double glass doors. Spencer walked toward Appletons office, passing the large papier-m‰chŽ shark that had been left over from last years Founders Day float parade. What did Appleton want, anyway? Maybe hed realized hed been too harsh on her and was ready to apologize. Maybe he wanted to reinstate her class rank or let her do the play after all. The drama club had planned to perform The Tempest, but right before winter break, Rosewood Day told Christophe Briggs, the senior director, that he wasnt allowed to use water or pyrotechnics onstage to replicate the plays signature storm. Christophe, kicking up a tempest of his own, had shut down The Tempest for good and started casting for Hamlet. Since everyone was learning new parts, Spencer hadnt even missed any rehearsals.

When she carefully closed Appletons door behind her and turned around, her blood turned to ice. Her parents were sitting side by side in stiff leather chairs. Veronica Hastings was in a black wool dress, her hair pulled back with a velvet headband, her face puffy and red with tears. Peter Hastings was in a three-piece suit and shiny loafers. He was clenching the muscles in his jaw so tightly they looked as though they might snap.

Ah, Appleton blustered, rising from his desk. Ill leave you three alone. He huffed out of the office and shut the door.

Spencers ears rang in the silence. W-whats going on? she asked, slowly lowering herself into a chair. Her dad shifted uncomfortably. Spencer, your grandmother died this morning. Spencer blinked. Nana?

Yes, Spencers mother said quietly. She had a heart attack. She folded her hands in her lap, clicking into business mode. Her will reading is tomorrow morning because your dad needs to fly to Florida to take care of the estate before her funeral next Monday.

Oh my God, Spencer whispered faintly.

She sat very still, waiting for the tears to come. When had she last seen Nana? Theyd just been to Nanas house in Cape May, New Jersey, a couple months ago, but Nana had been in Floridashe hadnt come up north in years. The thing was, Spencer had struggled through so many other deaths lately, and of people much younger. Nana had lived a rich, happy ninety-one years. Plus, Nana hadnt always been the warmest of grandmothers. Sure, shed generously built Spencer and Melissa an enormous playroom in her Cape May manse, outfitting it with dollhouses and My Little Ponies and big trash buckets of Legos. But Nana always used to stiffen when Spencer tried to hug her, never wanted to see the sloppy birthday cards Spencer made for her, and grumbled about the Lego airplanes Spencer carried out of the playroom and left on top of Nanas Steinway baby grand piano. Sometimes, Spencer wondered if Nana even liked children or whether the playroom had just been a way to get Spencer and her sister out of her hair.

Mrs. Hastings took a big swig of her Starbucks latte. We were in a meeting with Appleton when we got the news, she said after swallowing.

Spencer stiffened. Her parents had already been here? Were you meeting about me? No, Mrs. Hastings said tightly.

Spencer let out a loud sniffle. Her mother closed her purse and stood, and her father followed. Mr. Hastings checked his watch. Well, Ive got to get back.

An ache rippled through Spencers body. All she wanted was for them to comfort her, but theyd been acting cold to her for months, all because of the Golden Orchid scandal. Her parents had known Spencer stole Melissas work, but theyd wanted her to keep quiet about it and accept the award anyway. Not that they were admitting that now. When Spencer confessed the truth, her parents had pretended to be shocked by the news.

Mom? Her voice cracked as she spoke. Dad? Could you maybe...stay a few more minutes?

Her mother paused for a moment and Spencers heart lifted. Then Mrs. Hastings looped her cashmere scarf around her neck, grabbed Mr. Hastingss hand, and turned for the door, leaving Spencer all alone in the office.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

5

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

At lunchtime on Monday, Hanna sauntered down the arts hall toward her advanced fabrics classroom. There was nothing like starting off a new semester looking absolutely fierce. Shed lost five pounds over the break and her auburn hair gleamed, thanks to the ylang-ylang deep-conditioning treatment shed charged to her fathers for-emergencies-only credit card. A group of boys in matching Rosewood Day ice hockey jerseys leaned up against their lockers, ogling her as she passed. One of them even whistled.

Thats right, Hanna smirked, giving them a three-finger wave. She could still bring it.

Of course, there had been a few instances when she hadnt quite felt like shed returned to fabulous Hannadom. Take right now: Lunch was the time of the school day to see and be seen, but Hanna wasnt sure where she should go. Shed assumed she would eat with Lucas, but he was at debate team practice. Back in the day, she and Mona used to camp out at Steam, sipping Americanos and critiquing everyones handbags and shoes. Then, after theyd scarfed down their Splenda yogurts and Smart Waters, they would claim prime spots in front of the mirrors in the English wings bathroom to touch up their makeup. But today shed avoided both of those places. It seemed desperate to sit at a cafŽ table alone, and Hannas makeup didnt really need fixing.

She sighed, gazing jealously at a group of happy girls on their way to the cafeteria, wishing she could hang out with them for at least a few minutes. But that had always been the problem with her friendship with Monathere had never been room for anyone else. And now Hanna couldnt shake the nagging feeling that the whole school thought of her as That Girl Whose Best Friend Tried to Kill Her.

Hanna! a voice called. Hey! Hanna paused and squinted down the hall at the tall, thin figure waving at her. A sour taste filled her

mouth. Kate.

It was beyond nauseating to see Kate in a Rosewood Dayissue navy blue blazer and plaid skirt. Hanna wanted to run in the other direction, but Kate approached at breakneck speed, navigating deftly in her three-inch-heeled boots. Kates face was as earnest and cheerful as a Disney cartoon characters, and her breath smelled like shed eaten about eight Listerine breath strips. Ive been looking all over for you!

Huh, Hanna grunted, searching around for someone to interrupt them. Shed have settled for that smart-ass Mike Montgomery, or even her prudish, virginity-pledging ex, Sean Ackard. But the only people in the hall were the members of the Rosewood Day madrigal choir, and theyd just broken into an impromptu Gregorian chant. Freaks. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall, beautiful raven-haired girl in enormous Gucci sunglasses sweep around the corner, a golden retriever guide dog at her side.

Jenna Cavanaugh.

A shiver went through Hanna. There was so much about Jenna shed never known. Jenna and Mona had been friends, and Mona had been walking over to the Cavanaughs house to visit Jenna the night she was blinded by the firework. That meant Mona had known about the horrible thing theyd accidentally done to Jenna the entire time she and Hanna were best friends. It was almost inconceivable to imagine. All those hours Mona had spent at Hannas house, all those spring break trips to the Caribbean, all those bonding shopping and spa sessions...and never once had Hanna suspected that the firework that had blinded Jenna had burned Mona too.

What are you doing for lunch? Kate chirped, making Hanna jump. Is this a good time for a tour?

Hanna started walking again. Im busy, she said haughtily. Screw her father and his treat Kate like family lecture. Go to the office and tell them youre lost. Im sure they could draw you a map.

With that, she tried to steer around Kate, but Kate stayed right with her. Hanna got a noseful of Kates peach-scented shower gel. Fake peach, Hanna decided, was her least favorite scent in the whole world.

How about coffee? Kate said firmly. Ill buy.

Hanna narrowed her eyes. Kate had to be an idiot if she thought Hanna would so easily be swayed by ass-kissing. When she and Mona had become friends at the beginning of eighth grade, Mona had won Hanna over by kissing her assand look what happened there. But even though Kates expression was irritatingly friendly, it was obvious she wasnt going to take no for an answer. Something occurred to Hanna: If she was enough of a bitch, Kate might tattle on her again, Le Bec-Fin style.

Hanna let out a blustering sigh and threw her hair over her shoulder. Fine.

They backtracked to Steam, which was only a few doors away. Panic at the Disco was on the stereo, both espresso machines were running, and the tables bustled with students. The drama club was meeting in the corner, talking about holding auditions for Hamlet. Now that Spencer Hastings had been barred from the play, Hanna had heard that a talented sophomore named Nora had a good shot at Ophelia. There were a few younger girls gaping at an old flyer for the Rosewood Stalker, who hadnt resurfaced

since the whole A thing endedthe police figured it had most likely been Mona. A group of soccer boys leaned against one of the computer consoles. Hanna thought she felt their eyes burning into her back, but when she turned to wave, they werent looking at her at all. They were looking at pretty, skinny, round-butt, C-cup Kate.

As they took their place in line and Kate studied the menu board, Hanna heard loud whispers on the other side of the room. She whirled around. Naomi Zeigler and Riley Wolfeher oldest, nastiest enemiesstared at Hanna from the big wooden four-top that used to be Hanna and Monas favorite table.

Hi, Hanna, Naomi teased, waving. Shed gotten a short and shaggy haircut over the break. The style was similar to Agyness Deyns, but the supermodels trademark cut made Naomi look like a pinhead.

Riley Wolfe, whose penny-colored hair was wound into a tight, ballet dancerstyle bun, waved too. Her eyes zeroed right in on the Z-shaped scar on Hannas chin.

Hannas insides burbled, but she resisted covering the scar with her hands. No amount of foundation, powder, or mega-expensive laser treatments had been able to make it disappear completely.

Kate followed Hannas gaze across the room. Oh! That blond girls in my French class. She seems super nice. Are they friends of yours?

Before Hanna could say, Absolutely not, Naomi was waving to Kate and mouthing hello. Kate flounced across the room to their table. Hanna lingered a few paces behind, pretending to be really interested in the Steam menu board, even though she had it memorized. It wasnt like she cared what Naomi and Riley said to Kate. It wasnt like they mattered.

Youre new, right? Naomi asked Kate as she approached.

Yep, Kate said with a huge smile. Kate Randall. Im Hannas stepsister. Well, stepsister-to-be. I just moved here from Annapolis.

We didnt know Hanna had a stepsister-to-be! Naomis grin reminded Hanna of a creepy jack-o-lantern.

She does. Kate spread her arms out dramatically. Moi.

I love those boots. Riley pointed to them. Are they Marc Jacobs?

Vintage, Kate admitted. I got them in Paris.

Oh, Im so special, Ive been to Paris, Hanna mimicked in her head.

Mason Byers was asking about you. Riley gave Kate a sly look.

Kates eyes glittered. Which one is Mason?

Hes really hot, Naomi said. You wanna sit? She swiveled around and stole a chair from a table of band girls, carelessly tossing someones backpack to the floor.

Kate glanced at Hanna over her shoulder, raising one eyebrow as if to say, Why not? Hanna took a big

step away, shaking her head forcefully.

Riley pursed her shimmery lips. Are you too good to sit with us, Hanna? Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Or are you on a friends-free diet, now that Monas gone?

Maybe shes on a friend purge, Naomi suggested, nudging Riley slyly.

Kate glanced at Hanna, then back to Naomi and Riley. It looked as if she were debating whether or not to laugh. Hannas chest felt tight, like her bra had shrunk three sizes too small. Trying her best to ignore them, she whirled around, tossed her hair, and strutted into the crowded hall.

But once she was safe amid the throng of people streaming out of the cafeteria, her composure crumpled. Friends-free diet. Friends purge. Leave it to Kate to bond immediately with the bitches she hated most. Right now, Naomi and Riley were probably telling Kate about the time A had made Hanna tell them she had a little binging and purging problem and that Sean Ackard had turned her down cold when she propositioned him for sex at Noel Kahns field party. Hanna could just picture Kate throwing her head back in laughter, all of them insta-BFFs.

Hanna angrily made her way down the hall back to the fabrics room, elbowing slow freshman out of her way. Even though she was supposed to despise Mona these days, Hanna would have given anything to have her back right then. A few months ago, when Naomi and Riley had teased Hanna about purging, Mona had quickly stepped in, stomped the rumor flat, and reminded them who was truly in charge at Rosewood Day. It had been beautiful.

Unfortunately, there was no best girlfriend to get Hannas back today. And maybe there would never be one, ever again.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

6

EMILYS CHURCH MIRACLE

Monday evening after swim practice, Emily clomped up the stairs to the bedroom she and her sister Carolyn shared, shut the door, and flopped down on the bed. Practice hadnt been that grueling, but she felt so tired, like all of her limbs were weighted down with bricks.

She flipped on the radio and spun the dial. As she passed a news station, she heard a chilling, familiar name and paused.

Ian Thomass trial begins on Friday morning in Rosewood, a clipped, efficient-sounding newswoman said. However, Mr. Thomas staunchly denies involvement in Alison DiLaurentiss death, and some sources close to the district attorneys office are saying his case might not even go to trial due to insufficient evidence.

Emily sat up in bed, feeling dizzy. Insufficient evidence? Of course Ian was denying brutally killing Ali, but how could anyone believe him? Especially with Spencers testimony. Emily thought about an online interview she had discovered a few weeks ago that Ian had given from inside the Chester County jail. Hed kept repeating, I didnt kill Alison. Why would people think I killed her? Why would someone say that? Beads of sweat clung to his brow, and he looked pale and gaunt. At the very end of the interview, right before the clip ended, Ian ranted, Someone wants me here. Someones concealing the truth.

Theyre going to pay. The next day, when Emily went online to watch the interview again, the clip had mysteriously vanished.

She turned up the volume, waiting to hear whether the newscaster would say anything else, but the station had already moved on to a Shadow Traffic report.

There was a soft knock on the bedroom door. Mrs. Fields stuck her head in. Dinners ready. I made homemade mac and cheese.

Emily pulled her favorite stuffed walrus to her chest. Usually she could eat a whole pot of her moms homemade mac and cheese in one sitting, but today her stomach felt swollen and angry. Im not hungry, she mumbled.

Mrs. Fields walked into the room, wiping her hands on her chicken-printed apron. Are you okay?

Uh-huh, Emily lied, trying to muster a brave smile. But all through the day, shed fought the urge to burst into tears. Shed tried to be strong when theyd done the Ali-purge ritual yesterday, but not so deep down, she hated that all of a sudden Ali was supposed to be dead and gone. Over. The end. Finito. Emily couldnt even count how many times shed felt the overwhelming need to run out of school, drive to Spencers house, dig up her Ali coin purse, and never let it out of her sight again.

More than that, being back at Rosewood Day just felt...uncomfortable. Emily had spent the whole day dodging Maya, afraid of a confrontation. And she was just going through the motions at swim team. She hadnt been able to shake off the lingering feelings of wanting to quit, and her ex-boyfriend Ben and his best friend, Seth Cardiff, had kept giving her smirking, dirty looks, clearly bitter that she preferred girls to guys.

Mrs. Fields pursed her lips, making her Im not buying that face. She squeezed Emilys hand. Why dont you come to the Holy Trinity fund-raiser with me tonight?

Emily raised a suspicious eyebrow. You want me to go to something at the church? From what Emily had gathered, Catholic churches and lesbians went together about as well as stripes and plaids.

Father Tyson asked about you, Mrs. Fields said. And not because of the gay thing, she quickly added. He was worried about how you were doing after everything that happened with Mona last semester. And the fund-raiser will be funtheyre going to have music and a silent auction. Maybe youll feel peaceful just being back there.

Emily leaned appreciatively on her moms shoulder. Just a few months ago, her mother wouldnt even

speak to her, let alone invite her to church. She was thrilled to be sleeping in her comfy bed in Rosewood instead of on a foldout cot in her Ÿber-puritan aunt and uncles drafty farmhouse in Iowa, where Emily had been sent to exorcise her so-called gay demons. And she was so happy that Carolyn was sleeping in their shared bedroom again, too, not shying away from Emily because she might get lesbian germs. It hardly mattered that Emily was no longer in love with Maya. Nor did it matter that the whole school knew she was gay or that most of the boys followed her around hoping they might catch her randomly making out with a girl. Because, you know, lesbians did that all the time.

What was important was that her family was going out of their way to accept her. For Christmas, Carolyn had given Emily a poster of the Olympic champion Amanda Beard in a two-piece TYR racing suit as a replacement for Emilys old poster of Michael Phelps in a teensy Speedo. Emilys father had given her a big tin of jasmine tea because hed read on the Internet that uh, ladies like you preferred tea to coffee. Jake and Beth, her older brother and sister, had pooled together and gotten her the complete L Word series on DVD. Theyd even offered to watch a few episodes with Emily after Christmas dinner. Their efforts made Emily feel a little awkwardshe cringed at the thought of her dad reading about lesbians on the Internetbut also really happy.

Her familys 180-degree attitude adjustment made Emily want to try harder with them, too. And maybe her mom was onto something. All Emily wanted was for her life to go back to the way it had been before all this A stuff happened. Her family had been going to Holy Trinity, Rosewoods biggest Catholic church, ever since she could remember. Maybe it could help her feel better. Okay, Emily said, climbing out of bed. Ill come.

Good. Mrs. Fields beamed. Im leaving in forty-five minutes. With that, she padded out of the room.

Emily stood up and walked to her big bedroom window, resting her elbows on the sill. The moon had risen above the trees, the dark cornfields behind her house were blanketed in untouched snow, and a thick sheet of ice covered the roof of her neighbors castle-shaped swing set.

Suddenly, something white streaked through a row of dead cornstalks. Emily stood up straight, her nerves tingling. She told herself it was just a deer, but it was impossible to know for sure. Because when she squinted harder, there was only darkness.

Holy Trinity was one of the oldest churches in Rosewood. The church building was made of crumbling stone, and the little cemetery out back had messily arranged head-stones that reminded Emily of rows of crooked teeth. Around Halloween in seventh grade, Ali had told them a ghost story about a girl who haunted her younger sisters dreams. Shed dared Emily and the others to sneak into this very cemetery at midnight and chant, My dead sisters bones, twenty times without screaming and running away. Only Hanna, who wouldve streaked naked through the Rosewood Day commons to prove to Ali that she was cool, had been able to do it.

The inside of the church smelled just like Emily remembered, a strange mix of mildew, pot roast, and cat pee. The same beautiful but slightly scary stained-glass windows, all depicting biblical stories, lined the walls and the ceiling. Emily wondered if God, whoever he or she was, was looking down on them, horrified that Emily was in such a holy place. She hoped he wouldnt send Rosewood a locust attack for this. Mrs. Fields waved to Father Tyson, the kindly, white-haired priest who had baptized Emily, taught her the Ten Commandments, and gotten her hooked on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then she grabbed two coffees from the bar that had been set up next to a large statue of Mary and led Emily toward the stage.

As they settled in behind a tall man and his two young children, Mrs. Fields looked at the music program. Up now is a band called Carpe Diem. Oh, fun! The people in the band are juniors at Holy Trinity Academy.

Emily groaned. Between fourth and fifth grades, her parents had sent her to Camp Long Pines, a sleepaway Bible camp. Jeffrey Kane, one of her counselors, had a band, and they performed the last night of camp. They covered Creed songs, and Jeffrey made the goofiest, most contorted faces, like he was having some sort of godly epiphany. She could only imagine what a Catholic school band called Carpe Diem would be like.

Twangy chords began to fill the room. Their view of the stage was partially obscured by a large amplifier, so Emily saw only a scruffy-haired guy playing drums. As the instrumental progressed, Carpe Diem sounded more emo rock than Creed II. And when the singer started the first verse, Emily was surprised that his voice sounded...good.

She pushed around the man next to her and his kids to get a better look at the band. A lanky guy stood in front of the microphone, a honey-colored acoustic guitar slung across his chest. He wore a threadbare oatmeal-colored T-shirt, black jeans, and the same burgundy Vans skater shoes Emily had on. It was a nice surpriseshed expected the singer to be a Jeffrey Kane clone.

A girl next to Emily started mouthing along to the words. Listening to the lyrics, Emily instantly realized the band was covering her favorite Avril Lavigne song, Nobodys Home. Shed listened to it over and over on the plane ride to Iowa, feeling like she was the confused, empty girl Avril was singing about.

When the band finished the song, the singer stepped back from the microphone and peered out into the crowd. His clear, light blue eyes landed on Emily, and he smiled. Suddenly, electricity rushed through her, starting at the top of her head and zipping down to her feet. It felt like her coffee was pumped with ten times its usual amount of caffeine.

Emily glanced surreptitiously around. Her mother had wandered over to the coffee kiosk to talk her choir friends, Mrs. Jamison and Mrs. Hart. A bunch of older ladies sat upright in the pews as if it were a church service, staring confusedly at the stage. Father Tyson was by the confession area, doubling over laughing at something an older man had just said. It was amazing no one had witnessed what had just happened. Shed felt this lightning strike only twice before. The first time was when she kissed Ali in her tree house in seventh grade. The second time was when she kissed Maya in Noel Kahns photo booth last fall. But it was probably just a reaction to swimming so hard at practice today. Or an allergic reaction to the new flavor of PowerBar shed eaten before practice.

The singer set his guitar on a stand and waved to the crowd. Im Isaac, and this is Keith and Chris, he said, gesturing to his bandmates. Were going to take a quick break, but well be back. As Isaac stood up, he glanced at Emily again and took a step toward her. Emilys heart hammered and she lifted her hand to wave at him, but just then his drummer dropped one of his cymbals. Isaac turned back to his band.

You moron, Isaac said with a laugh, punching the drummer in the shoulder before following the other guys through a pale pink curtain that led to the churchs makeshift backstage.

Emily clenched her teeth. Why had she waved? Do you know him? an envious-sounding voice behind her asked.

Emily turned. Two girls dressed in the Holy Trinity Academy uniformwhite blouses and crisply pleated black skirtswere staring at her.

Uh, no, Emily answered. The girls turned back to each other, satisfied. Isaacs in my math class, gushed the blonde to her friend.

Hes so mysterious. I didnt even know he had a band. Does he have a girlfriend? her dark-haired friend murmured.

Emily shifted from one foot to the other. They were Catholic school versions of Hanna Marin: super thin, with long, glossy hair, perfect makeup, and matching Coach bags. Emily touched her own limp, chlorine-frizzed hair, and smoothed her Old Navy khakis, which were at least a size too big. She suddenly regretted not putting on any makeupnot that she usually wore it.

There wasnt, of course, any reason to feel competitive with these girls. It wasnt like Emily liked this Isaac guy. That electric feeling that had passed through her, and still resonated in her fingertips, had just been a...fluke. A blip. Yep, that was it. Just then, Emily felt a tap on her shoulder. She jumped and turned around.

It was Isaac. And he was smiling at her. Hi. Uh, hi, Emily said, ignoring the fluttering in her chest. Im Emily.

Isaac. Up close, he smelled a little like Body Shop orange shampoothe very same stuff Emily had used for years.

I loved your cover of Nobodys Home, Emily said before she could stop herself. That song really helped me get through this trip I took to Iowa.

Iowa, huh? I guess it can be pretty rough there, he joked. I went with my youth group once. Why did you go?

Emily hesitated, scratching the back of her neck. She could feel the Catholic school girls staring. Maybe it had been a mistake to bring up Iowaor that she identified with such desperate, hopeless lyrics. Oh, just visiting family, she finally answered, fiddling with the plastic top to her coffee cup. My aunt and uncle live outside of Des Moines.

Gotcha, Isaac said. He stepped aside to let a bunch of kindergarten-age kids playing tag dart past. I hear you about identifying with the song. I got made fun of when I first started singing about a girl, but I think the song applies to everyone. Its like...all those feelings of Where do I fit in? and Why cant I find anyone to talk to? I think everyone feels that from time to time.

Me too, Emily agreed, feeling grateful that someone else felt the same way she did. She glanced over her shoulder at her mother. She was still deep in conversation with her friends by the coffee kiosk. Which was goodEmily wasnt sure if she could handle her mothers scrutiny right now.

Isaac drummed his fingers on the worn church pew next to them. You dont go to Holy Trinity. Emily shook her head. Rosewood Day.

Ah. Isaac lowered his eyes shyly. Listen, I have to go back onstage in a minute, but maybe youd want to talk about music and stuff some other time? Get dinner? Go for a walk? You know, like a date.

Emily almost choked on a sip of coffee. Like a...date? She wanted to correct himshe didnt date guysbut it was as if the muscles in her mouth didnt know how to form those words. A walk, in this weather? she blurted out instead, gesturing to the piles of snow lining the stained-glass windows.

Why not? Isaac shrugged. Maybe we could go sledding. I have a couple of snow tubes, and theres a great hill behind Hollis.

Emily widened her eyes. You mean the big hill behind the chemistry building? Isaac pushed his hair off his forehead and nodded. Thats the one.

I used to drag my friends there all the time. Some of Emilys fondest winter memories were of when she, Ali, and the others sledded down Hollis Hill. Ali had deemed sledding dorky after sixth grade, though, and Emily had never found anyone else who wanted to go with her.

After a deep breath, Emily said, Id love to go sledding with you. Isaacs eyes gleamed. Great!

They exchanged phone numbers, the Holy Trinity girls gaping. As Isaac waved good-bye and Emily drifted over to her mother and her choir friends, she wondered what on earth shed just agreed to. She couldnt have just made a date with him. They were going sledding just as friends. Shed set him straightso to speakthe next time she saw him.

Only, as Emily watched Isaac drift away through the crowd, stopping every so often to talk to other kids or members of the congregation, she wasnt sure if she wanted to just be friends. Suddenly, she wasnt sure what she wanted at all.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

7

ONE BIG HAPPY HASTINGS FAMILY

Early Tuesday morning, Spencer followed her sister up the steps of the Rosewood courthouse, the wind whipping at her back. Her family and relatives were meeting Ernest Calloway, the Hastings family lawyer, for the reading of Nanas will.

Melissa held the front door for her. The courthouse hallway was drafty and dim, lit only by a few yellow hallway lightsit was way too early for anyone who worked here to have arrived yet. Spencer shivered with dreadthe last time shed been here was for Ians arraignment. And the next time shed be here would be at the end of this week, to testify at his trial.

Their footsteps echoed on the hard marble floors as they climbed the stairs. The conference room where Mr. Calloway had scheduled the reading was still locked tight; Spencer and Melissa were the first to arrive. Spencer slid down the hallways wall to the Oriental rug, staring at a large oil painting of a constipated-looking William W. Rosewood, who had founded the town in the seventeenth century with a bunch of other Quakers. For more than a hundred years, the town of Rosewood had belonged to only

three farming families and had had more cows than people. The King James Mall had been built on top of an enormous old dairy pasture.

Melissa slumped against the wall next to her, pressing yet another pink Kleenex to her eyes. Shed been crying on and off since Nana had died. Both the sisters listened to the wind pressing against the windows, making the whole building creak. Melissa took a sip of the cappuccino shed grabbed from Starbucks before they arrived. She caught Spencers eye. Want some?

Spencer nodded. Melissa had been especially nice lately, a bizarre shift from the sisters usual pattern of cat-fighting and one-upmanshipwith Melissa generally winning. It was probably because their parents were peeved at Melissa, too. Shed lied to the police for years, saying that she and Ian, who was her boyfriend at the time, had been together the whole night Ali went missing. Truthfully, Melissa had woken up at one point and found Ian gone. Shed been too afraid to say anything because she and Ian had been smashed, and Little Miss Perfect Valedictorian didnt do such tawdry things as get drunk and share a bed with her boyfriend. Still, Melissa seemed extra charitable this morning, which was setting off little warning bells in Spencers head.

Melissa took a long sip of her coffee and eyed Spencer carefully. Have you heard some of the news stories? Theyre saying theres not enough evidence for Ian to be convicted.

Spencer tensed. I heard a report about that this morning. But shed also heard a rebuttal from Jackson Hughes, the Rosewood D.A., saying there was plenty of evidence, and that the people of Rosewood deserved to have this horrible crime put to rest. Spencer and her old friends had met with Mr. Hughes countless times to discuss the trial. Spencer had met with Jackson a few more sessions than the others because, according to Mr. Hughes, her testimonythat she remembered seeing Ali and Ian together the split second before Ali vanishedwas the most important piece of evidence of all. Hed gone through what questions she was going to be asked, how she should respond, and how she should and shouldnt act. To Spencer, it didnt seem that different from performing a part in a play, except instead of everyone clapping at the end, someone was going to go to prison for the rest of his life.

Melissa let out a small sniffle, and Spencer looked over. Her sisters eyes were lowered and her lips were pressed together in worry. What? Spencer asked suspiciously. The alarm in her head was getting louder and louder.

You know why theyre saying theres insufficient evidence, right? Melissa asked quietly. Spencer shook her head.

Its because of the Golden Orchid thing. Melissa glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. You lied about the essay. So they arent sure youre exactly...trustworthy.

Spencers throat felt tight. But this is different! Melissa pressed her lips together and pointedly stared out the window.

You believe me, dont you? Spencer asked urgently. For a long time, she hadnt remembered anything about the night Ali vanished. Then little pieces began coming back to her, one by one. Her final suppressed memory was of two shadowy figures in the woodsone was Ali, and the other was definitely Ian. I know what I saw, Spencer went on. Ian was there.

Its just talk, Melissa mumbled. Then she glanced at Spencer, biting hard on her top lip. Theres

something else. She swallowed. Ian sort of...called me last night.

From jail? Spencer felt the same sensation she had the time Melissa pushed her out of the big oak in their backyardfirst shock, and then, when she hit the ground, searing pain. W-what did he say?

It was so quiet in the hall, Spencer could hear her sisters gulping swallow. Well, his mom is really sick, for one.

Sick...like how?

Cancer, but I dont know what kind. Hes devastated. Ian was so close to his mom, and hes afraid that his conviction and the trial brought it on.

Spencer flicked a piece of lint off her cashmere coat, apathetic. Ian had brought the trial on himself.

Melissa cleared her throat, her red-rimmed eyes round. He doesnt understand why we did this to him, Spence. He begged us not to testify against him in the trialhe kept saying it was all a misunderstanding. He didnt kill her. He sounded so...desperate.

Spencers mouth dropped open. Are you saying youre not going to testify against him?

A vein in Melissas swanlike neck fluttered. She fiddled with her Tiffany key chain. I just cant get over it, thats all. If Ian did do it, we would have been dating at the time. How could I not have suspected anything?

Spencer nodded, suddenly exhausted. Despite everything, she understood Melissas perspective. Melissa and Ian had been the model couple in high school, and Spencer remembered how upset Melissa had been when Ian broke up with her halfway into their college freshman year. When Ian blew back into Rosewood this fall to coach Spencers hockey teamcreepy!he and Melissa quickly got back together. Outwardly, Ian had seemed like the ideal boyfriend: attentive, sweet, honest, and genuine. He was the kind of guy whod help old ladies cross the street. It would be like if Spencer and Andrew Campbell were dating and he got arrested for dealing meth out of his Mini Cooper.

A snowplow grumbled outside, and Spencer looked up sharply. Not that she and Andrew would ever be a couple. It was merely an example. Because she didnt like Andrew. He was simply another example of a Rosewood Day Golden Boy, that was all.

Melissa started to say something else, but the main doors downstairs opened, and Mr. and Mrs. Hastings strode into the vestibule. Spencers uncle Daniel, her aunt Genevieve, and her cousins Jonathan and Smith followed behind. Daniel, Genevieve, Jonathan, and Smith all looked weary, as if theyd driven across the country to get here, when in fact they lived in Haverford, only fifteen minutes away.

Mr. Calloway was the last person through the door. He bounded up the stairs, unlocked the boardroom, and ushered everyone inside. Mrs. Hastings swept past Spencer, tugging off her suede Herm�s gloves with her teeth, Chanel No. 5 wafting behind her.

Spencer sat in one of the leather swivel chairs around the large, cherry conference table. Melissa pulled out the seat next to hers. Their dad settled on the other side of the room, and Mr. Calloway sat down next to him. Genevieve wriggled out of her sable coat while Smith and Jonathan powered off their BlackBerrys and straightened their Brooks Brothers ties. Both boys had been prissy ever since Spencer could remember. Back when the families celebrated Christmas together, Smith and Jonathan always

carefully sliced their presents wrapping paper at the seams so they wouldnt rip it.

Lets start, shall we? Mr. Calloway shoved his tortoiseshell glasses higher up on his nose and pulled a thick document out of a manila file. The overhead light glinted off the top of his bald head as he read through the opening preamble of Nanas last will and testament, indicating that she was of sound mind and body when she composed it. Nana stated that she would divide her Florida mansion, the Cape May beach house, and her Philadelphia penthouse apartment along with the bulk of her net worth between her children: Spencers father, uncle Daniel, and aunt Penelope. When Mr. Calloway said Penelopes name out loud, everyone looked startled. They gazed around, as if Penelope were there and no one had noticed. Of course, she wasnt.

Spencer wasnt sure when shed last seen Aunt Penelope. The family always grumbled about her. She was the baby of the family and had never married. Shed bounced from career to career, trying her hand at fashion design, then moving to journalism, even starting an online tarot cardreading site out of her beach house in Bali. After that, shed disappeared, traveling the world, eating up her trust fund, and neglecting to visit for years. It was pretty clear that everyone was horrified that Penelope had been bequeathed anything at all. Spencer suddenly felt a kinship with her auntmaybe every Hastings generation needed a black sheep.

As for Mrs. Hastingss other assets, Mr. Calloway said, flipping a page, she bequeaths two million dollars to each of her natural-born grandchildren as follows.

Smith and Jonathan leaned forward. Spencer gaped. Two million dollars?

Mr. Calloway squinted at the words. Two million dollars to her grandson Smithson, two million dollars to her grandson Jonathan, and two million dollars to her granddaughter Melissa. He paused, his eyes landing momentarily on Spencer. An awkward look fluttered over his face. And...okay. We just need everyone to sign here.

Uh, Spencer started. It came out like a grunt, and everyone looked over. I-Im sorry, she stammered, self-consciously touching her hair. I think you forgot a grandchild.

Mr. Calloway opened his mouth and closed it again, like one of the goldfish that swam in the Hastingses backyard reflecting pond. Mrs. Hastings stood up abruptly, doing the goldfish thing with her mouth too. Genevieve cleared her throat, pointedly staring down at her three-carat emerald ring. Uncle Daniel flared his enormous nostrils. Spencers cousins and Melissa gathered over the will. Right here, Mr. Calloway said quietly, pointing to the page.

Uh, Mr. Calloway? Spencer goaded. She whipped her head back and forth between the lawyer and her parents. Finally, she let out a nervous laugh. I am mentioned in the will, arent I?

Her eyes wide, Melissa grabbed the will from Smith and handed it to Spencer. Spencer stared at the document for a moment, her heart like a jackhammer.

There it was. Nana had left two million dollars to Smithson Pierpont Hastings, Jonathan Barnard Hastings, and Melissa Josephine Hastings. Spencers name was nowhere to be found.

Whats going on? Spencer whispered. Her father stood up abruptly. Spencer, maybe you should wait in your car.

What? Spencer squeaked, horrified.

Her father took her arm and began to guide her out of the room. Please, he said under his breath. Wait for us there.

Spencer wasnt sure what else to do but to obey. Her father shut the door fast, the slam reverberating off the courtrooms quiet marble walls. Spencer listened to her own breathing for a few moments, and then, suppressing a sob, she wheeled around, sprinted to her car, gunned the ignition, and peeled out of the parking lot. Screw waiting. She wanted to be as far away from this courthousefrom whatever had just happenedas she possibly could.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

8

ISNT INTERNET DATING GREAT?

Early Tuesday evening, Aria sat on a cloth stool in her mothers bathroom, her floral-printed Orla Kiely makeup bag in her lap. She glanced at Ella in her mirror. Oh my God, no, she said quickly, widening her eyes at the orange stripes on Ellas cheeks. Thats way too much bronzer. Youre supposed to look sun-kissed, not sun-broiled.

Her mother frowned and wiped her cheeks with a Kleenex. Its the dead of winter! What idiot is sun-kissed right now anyway?

You want to look like you did when we were in Crete. Remember how tan we all got from that puffin-watching boat cruise? And Aria halted abruptly. Maybe she shouldnt have brought up Crete. Byron had been on that trip, too.

But Ella didnt seem fazed. Tan skin screams melanoma. She touched the pink, spongy roller in her hair. When do we take these out?

Aria checked her watch. Ellas big Match.com date, the Rolling Stonesloving mystery man named shudderWolfgang, would be here in fifteen minutes. Now, I guess. She unclipped the first roller. A lock of Ellas dark hair cascaded down her back. Aria undid the rest, shook the can of Rave, and gave her mothers head a quick spritz. Voilˆ.

Ella sat back. It looks great.

Hair and makeup normally werent Arias thing, but not only had styling Ella for her big date been fun, it had also been the most time theyd spent together since Aria moved back in. Even better, Ellas makeover had been a good distraction from thinking about Xavier. Aria had obsessed over their conversation at the gallery for the past two days, trying to pick apart whether it had been flirtatious banter or friendly chitchat. Artists were so touchy-feelyit was impossible to tell what they actually meant. Still, she hoped he would call. Aria had signed her first name and cell number in the gallerys register, putting an asterisk by it. Artists looked at those register books, didnt they? She couldnt help but picture their first dateit would start with finger-painting and end with a messy make-out session on Xaviers studio floor.

Ella picked up a mascara wand and leaned in to the mirror. Are you sure youre okay with me going on a date?

Of course. But the truth was that Aria wasnt sure how promising this date was going to be. The guys name was Wolfgang, for Gods sake. What if he spoke in rhymes? What if he was the guy who impersonated Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for the Hollis Conservatorys Great Composers of History festival? What if he showed up in a doublet and hose and a powdered wig?

Ella stood up and walked back into the bedroom. Halfway across the carpet, she abruptly stopped. Oh.

Her eyes were on the teal dress Aria had laid out on the queen-size bed. Earlier that afternoon, Aria had gone through Ellas closet for an appropriate date outfit, worried she wouldnt find anything among the dashikis, tunics, and Tibetan prayer robes Ella typically wore. The dress had been stuffed in the back, still wrapped in dry-cleaning plastic. It was simple and slimming, with just the tiniest scalloping at the neck. Aria had thought it was a perfect choice...but judging by her mothers face, she suddenly wasnt so sure.

Her mother sat down next to the dress, touching its silky fabric. I forgot I had this, she said in a small voice. I wore it to a Hollis benefit when Byron finally got tenure. It was the same night you slept over at Alison DiLaurentiss house for the first time. We had to run out and get you a sleeping bag because you didnt have one, remember?

Aria sank down in the striped wing chair in the corner of the room. She remembered the first sleepover at Alis house perfectly. It was right after Ali had approached Aria at the Rosewood Day charity drive and asked for her help in sorting through the luxury items. Arias first instinct had been that Ali had done it on a dare. Just the week before, Ali had asked Chassey Bledsoe to try a spritz of a new perfume shed discovered. It turned out that the perfume was actually murky, poop-filled water from the Rosewood duck pond.

Ella cradled the dress in her lap. So I guess you know about Byronsthat Merediths... She cupped her hands near her stomach, miming a pregnant belly.

Aria bit her lip and nodded silently, her heart aching. This was the first time Ella had mentioned Merediths condition. Shed tried her hardest to steer Ella away from all pregnancy references in the past month, but it was foolish to think she could avoid it forever.

Ella sighed, her jaw tense. Well, I guess its time to create a new memory in this dress. Its time to move on. She glanced at Aria. How about you? Have you moved on?

Aria raised an eyebrow. From Byron? Ella pushed her wavy hair over her shoulder. No. I meant your teacher. Mr.... Fitz. You...know about that?

Ella traced her finger down the dresss side zipper. Your dad told me. She smiled uncomfortably. I guess Mr. Fitz went to Hollis. Bryon heard something about him being asked to leave Rosewood Day...because of you. She glanced at Aria again. I wish you wouldve come to me about this.

Aria stared across the room at a large abstract painting Ella had done of Aria and Mike floating through outer space. She hadnt reached out to Ella at the time because Ella hadnt been answering her calls.

Ellas eyes lowered sheepishly, as if shed just realized this too. He didnt...take advantage of you, did

he?

Aria shook her head, hiding behind her hair. No. It was pretty innocent.

She thought about the few times shed actually spent with Ezrathe dark, sticky make-out session in the bathroom at Snookers, a kiss in his school office, a few stolen hours at his apartment in Old Hollis. Ezra had been the first guy Aria thought she loved, and it had seemed that he loved her, too. When hed told Aria to look him up in a few years, Aria had figured that meant he would wait for her. But someone who was waiting for her would have called every once in a while, right? She wondered if shed been really na•ve.

Aria took a deep breath. Maybe we werent right for each other. But I mightve met someone new.

Really? Ella sat down on the bed and began to remove her slippers and socks. Who?

Just...someone, Aria said lightly. She didnt want to jinx things. Im not sure about it yet.

Well, thats great. Ella touched the top of Arias head so lovingly, tears came to Arias eyes. They were finally talking. Maybe things were becoming normal between them again.

Ella lifted up the dress by its hanger and carried it in the bathroom. As she shut the door and turned on the tap, the doorbell rang.

Shit. Ella poked her head out of the bathroom door, her smoky eyes wide. Hes early. Will you get it?

Me? Aria squeaked. Tell him Ill be down in a second. Ella slammed the door shut.

Aria blinked. The doorbell rang again. She rushed over to the bathroom. What should I do if hes really ugly? she whispered loudly through the door. What if he has hair growing out of his ears?

Its only one date, Aria, Ella laughed.

Aria squared her shoulders and walked to the foot of the stairs. She could see a shadowy figure shifting back and forth through the mottled glass of the front door.

Taking a deep breath, she whipped the door open. A guy with short hair stood on the stoop. For a moment, Aria couldnt speak.

...Xavier? she finally squeaked. Aria? Xavier narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Are...you...?

Hello? Ella glided down the stairs behind them, fastening a hoop earring in her ear. The teal dress fit her perfectly, and her dark hair spilled down her back. Hi! Ella chirped to Xavier, grinning widely. You must be Wolfgang!

Oh God, no. Xaviers hand flew to his mouth. Thats my profile name. His eyes darted from Aria to Ella. A smile bloomed across his lips, almost like he was trying not to laugh. Standing under the light in

the foyer, he looked quite a bit olderprobably in his early thirties, at least. My name is Xavier, actually. And youre Ella?

Yes. Ella put her hand on Arias shoulder. And this is my daughter, Aria. I know, Xavier said slowly.

Ella looked confused. We met on Sunday, Aria quickly interjected, still not able to shake the baffled tone from her voice. At that gallery opening. Xavier was one of the artists.

Youre Xavier Reeves? Ella cried gleefully. I was going to go to your show, but I gave my invite to Aria instead. She looked at Aria. I was so busy today I didnt even ask you about it! Was it good?

Aria blinked rapidly. I...

Xavier touched Ellas arm. She cant say anything bad about it with me standing here! Ask her after Im gone.

Ella chortled as if this was the funniest thing anyone had ever said. Then she slung her arm around Arias shoulders. Aria could feel her mothers forearm shaking. Shes nervous, Aria thought. Ella had totally fallen for Xavier at first sight.

This is a crazy coincidence, huh? Xavier said. Its a wonderful coincidence, Ella corrected.

She turned to Aria expectantly. Aria felt the need to paste the same dumb smile on her face. Its wonderful, she echoed. Wonderfully weird.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

9

YOURE NOT PARANOID IF HES REALLY AFTER YOU

Later that same Tuesday, Emily slammed the door to her moms Volvo and walked across Spencers enormous front yard. Shed skipped the second half of swim practice to meet with her old friends, as Marion had suggested, to check in with one another and talk.

Just as she was about to ring the bell, her Nokia chimed. Emily dug it out of her bright yellow ski parka and looked at the screen. Isaac had sent her a ringtone. When she opened it up, she heard her favorite Jimmy Eat World song, the one that included the line, Can you still feel the butterflies? Shed listened to it a lot last September when she was falling for Maya. Hey Emily, said the accompanying text. This song reminds me of you. See you at Chem Hill tomorrow!

Emily blushed, pleased. She and Isaac had texted back and forth all day. Hed filled her in on the details of his religion classtaught by none other than Father Tyson, whod gotten Isaac into the Lord of the Rings books tooand Emily had recapped the horror that had been her oral report on the Battle of Bunker Hill for history. Theyd compared favorite books and TV shows and discovered they both liked

M. Night Shyamalan movies, even though he was terrible at dialogue. Emily had never been one of those girls who was glued to her phone during school hoursand anyway, it was technically forbidden at Rosewood Daybut whenever she heard her phone make a low-pitched little ping, she felt the urge to write back to Isaac immediately.

Shed asked herself several times that day exactly what she was doing and grappled to assess her feelings. Did she like Isaac? Was she even capable of that?

A branch cracked nearby, and Emily looked down Spencers front walk to the dark, quiet street. The air smelled cold, like nothing. A thick coating of ice had turned the Cavanaugh mailbox flag from red to white. Down the street was the Vanderwaals, eerily unoccupiedMonas family had disappeared from town after she died. A shiver ran up Emilys spine. A had lived just steps away from Spencer the whole time, and none of them had known.

Shuddering, Emily dropped her phone back into her jacket pocket and pressed Spencers front bell. There were footsteps, and then Spencer flung open the door, her dirty-blond hair spilling down her shoulders. Were back in the media room, she mumbled.

The smell of butter permeated the air, and Aria and Hanna were perched on the edge of the couch, picking at a big plastic bowl of microwave popcorn. The TV was tuned to The Hills, the sound on mute. So, Emily said, flopping onto the chaise. Are we supposed to call Marion, or what?

Spencer shrugged. She didnt really say. She just said we should...talk. They all looked around at one another, silent. So, girls, are we all doing our chants? Hanna said in a fake-concerned voice. Ommmm, Aria hummed, erupting into giggles.

Emily picked at a loose thread on her navy blue Rosewood Day blazer, kind of wanting to defend Marion. She was trying to help. She gazed around the room, noticing something propped up against the base of a large wire sculpture of the Eiffel Tower. It was the black-and-white photograph of Ali standing in front of the Rosewood Day bike racks, her school blazer slung over her armthe one Emily had asked Spencer not to burn.

Emily studied the candid. There was something very sharp and realistic about it. She could practically feel the crisp autumn air and smell the crabapple trees on Rosewood Days front lawn. Ali was staring at the camera dead-on, her mouth open in laughter. There was a piece of paper in her right hand. Emily squinted at the words. Time Capsule Starts Tomorrow! Get Ready!

Whoa. Emily leapt off the chaise and held up the photo for the others to see. Aria read the flyer and widened her eyes too. Do you remember that day? Emily asked. When Ali announced that she was going to find one of the pieces of the flag?

What day? Hanna unfolded her long legs and walked over to them. Oh. Huh.

Spencer was behind them now, finally curious. The common was totally mobbed. Everyone saw the sign at once.

Emily hadnt thought about that day in a long time. Shed been so excited when shed seen the flyer

about the Time Capsule game beginning. And then Ali had marched outside with Naomi and Riley, pushed through the crowd, torn down the sign, and announced that one of the pieces was as good as hers.

Emily looked up, startled by the memory of what had happened next. Guys. Ian came up to her. Remember?

Spencer nodded slowly. He teased her that she shouldnt brag that she was going to find a piece, because someone might try to steal it from her.

Hannas hand fluttered to her mouth. And Ali said there was no way that could be true. Whoever wanted her piece would have to...

...kill her to get it. Spencers face was ashen. And then Ian said something like, Well, if thats what it takes.

God, Aria whispered.

Emilys stomach rumbled. Ians words had been so eerily prophetic, but how could they have known to take him seriously? Back then, the only thing Emily had known about Ian Thomas was that he was Rosewood Days go-to guy if they needed an upperclassman representative to help out at the elementary schools field day or corral kids in the cafeteria when a big snowstorm made the buses late. That day, after Ali strolled away with her posse, Ian had turned and walked casually to his car. It didnt seem like the behavior of someone who was planning murder...which made the whole thing creepier.

And then the next morning she was so smug, everyone knew shed found the piece, Spencer said with a frown, like it still bothered her that Ali had found the flag instead of her.

Hanna stared at the photo. I wanted Alis piece of the Time Capsule flag so badly.

Me too, Emily admitted. She glanced over at Aria, who shifted uncomfortably and seemed to be studiously avoiding everyones eyes.

We all wanted to win. Spencer sat back down on the couch and hugged a blue satin pillow to her chest. Otherwise we wouldnt have shown up in her yard two days later to steal it.

Isnt it weird someone else stole Alis piece first? Hanna asked, turning a chunky turquoise bracelet around and around her wrist. I wonder whatever happened to it?

Suddenly, Spencers sister, Melissa, burst into the room. She wore a baggy beige sweater and wide-leg jeans. Her round face was ashen. Guys. Her voice shook. Turn on the news. Now. She pointed to the TV.

Emily and the others stared at Melissa for a beat without moving. Frustrated, Melissa grabbed the remote and keyed in channel four herself. The screen showed a crowd of people thrusting microphones in someones face. The news camera wobbled, as if it was constantly being jostled around. Then, some of the heads parted. First, Emily saw a guy with a strong jaw and stunning green eyes. It was Darren Wilden, Rosewoods youngest cop, the officer who had helped them find Spencer when Mona had kidnapped her. When Wilden stepped away, the camera fixed on someone in a rumpled suit. His floppy golden hair was unforgettable. Emilys whole body went limp.

Ian? she whispered. Aria grabbed Emilys hand. Spencer stared at Melissa, her face completely white. Whats going on? Why isnt he in prison? Melissa shook her head helplessly. I dont know.

Ians blond hair shone like that of a polished bronze statue, but his face looked sallow. The screen switched to a News 4 reporter. Mr. Thomass mother has been diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer, she explained. There has just been an emergency hearing, and Thomas has been granted temporary bail to visit her.

What? Hanna screamed.

A banner at the bottom of the screen said: JUDGE BAXTER RULES ON THOMAS BAIL REQUEST . Emilys heart hammered in her ears. Ians lawyer, a silver-haired man in a pin-striped suit, pushed to the front of the crowd and stood in front of the cameras. Flashbulbs flared in the background. It was my clients mothers dying wish to spend her last days with her son, he announced. And Im thrilled we won the motion for temporary bail. Ian will be under house arrest until his trial starts on Friday.

Emily felt faint. House arrest? she repeated, dropping Arias hand. Ians family lived in a big Cape Codstyle house less than a mile from the Hastingses farmhouse. Once, back when Ali was still alive and Ian and Melissa were dating, Emily had overheard Ian telling Melissa that he could see the Hastingses windmill from his bedroom window.

This cant be happening, Aria said in a catatonic voice.

The reporters thrust microphones in Ians face. How do you feel about the decision? they asked. What has the county jail been like for you? Do you feel youve been wrongfully accused?

Yes, Ive been wrongfully accused, Ian said, in a strong, angry voice. And jail has been exactly what youd expecthell. He pursed his lips together, glaring right into the camera lens. Im going to do everything in my power never to go back there.

A chill ran up Emilys spine. She thought of Ian on that online interview shed seen before Christmas.

Someone wants me here. Someones concealing the truth. Theyre going to pay.

The reporters chased Ian as he walked to a waiting black limousine. What do you mean, youre not going back there? they cried. Did someone else do it? Do you know something we dont?

Ian didnt answer. He just let his lawyer guide him toward the waiting limo. Emily looked around at the others. Hannas face was green. Aria was chewing on the collar of her sweater. Melissa ran out of the room, letting the door slam shut behind her. Spencer stood up and faced all of them.

Were going to be okay, she said forcefully. We cant freak out.

He might come looking for us, Emily whispered, her heart booming. Hes so angry. And he blames us.

A tiny muscle near Spencers mouth quivered.

The TV camera zoomed in on Ian as he climbed into the backseat of the limo. For a moment, it seemed like his deranged eyes were looking through the camera lens, like he could see Emily and her friends. Hanna let out a small eep.

The girls watched as Ian settled into the leather seat and reached for something in his jacket pocket. Then Ians lawyer slammed the door shut behind him, and the camera pulled away, switching back to the News 4 reporter. Below her the banner now read: JUDGE BAXTER GRANTS THOMAS TEMPORARY BAIL .

Suddenly, Emilys phone beeped, making her jump. At the same time, a chime sounded from Hannas purse.

Then, there was a bleep. Arias Treo, which was sitting in her lap, lit up. Spencers Sidekick rang, two loud bleats like an old British telephone.

The TV flickered in the background. All they could see were the taillights of Ians limo, pulling into the street and slowly driving away. Emily exchanged glances with her friends, all the blood slowly draining from her head.

Emily stared at her phones LCD window. ONE NEW TEXT MESSAGE . Her hands shook as she hit Read.

Honestly, bitches...did you really think Id let you off that easy? You havent gotten nearly what you deserve. And I cant wait to give it to you. Mwah!

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

10

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER...IF YOURE REALLY FAMILY, THAT IS

A

Seconds later, Spencer was on the phone with Officer Wilden. She put the call on speaker so her friends could hear. Thats right, she barked into the mouthpiece. Ian just sent us a threatening text.

Are you sure its Ian? Wildens voice crackled on the other end.

Positive, Spencer said. She looked at the others, and they nodded. Who else could have sent this, after all? Ian had to be furious at them. Their evidence had sent him to jail, and their testimonyspecifically her testimonyat his upcoming trial would put him in prison for the rest of his life. Plus, hed reached into his pocket just as the limo door had closed, as if searching for a cell phone...

Im a couple miles from your house, Wilden replied. Ill be there in a sec.

They heard his car pulling into the driveway a minute later. Wilden wore a heavy, down-filled Rosewood PD jacket that smelled slightly of mothballs. There was a gun in his holster and his ever-present walkie-talkie. When he took off his black wool hat, his hair was matted.

I cant believe the judge let him out. Wildens voice was razor-sharp. I seriously cant believe it. He stormed into the foyer with a lot of pent-up energy, like a lion prowling around his habitat at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Spencer raised an eyebrow. She hadnt seen Wilden this keyed up since high school, when Principal Appleton had threatened to expel him for attempting to steal his vintage Ducati motorcycle. Even the night Mona died, when Wilden had had to tackle Ian in Spencers backyard to make sure he didnt run, hed remained stoic and unruffled.

But it was reassuring that he was as furious as they were. Heres the note, Spencer said, thrusting her Sidekick under Wildens nose. He frowned and studied the screen. His walkie made a few squawks and bleeps, but he ignored them.

Finally, Wilden handed the device back to Spencer. So you think this is from Ian?

Of course its from Ian, Emily urged.

Wilden pushed his hands into his pockets. He sank down on the rose-printed wingback living room couch. I know how this must look, he started carefully. And I promise I will investigate this. But I want you guys to entertain the possibility that this is just from a copycat.

A copycat? Hanna screeched.

Think about it. Wilden leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Ever since your story has been on the news, there have been tons of people sending threatening notes, calling themselves A. And although weve tried to keep your cell numbers private, people have ways of getting hold of information. He pointed to Spencers phone. Whoever wrote that probably timed it with Ians release, making it look like hed sent it, thats all.

But what if it really is Ian? Spencer squealed. She waved her hands toward the media room, where the TV was still playing. What if he wants to scare us into keeping quiet at his trial?

Wilden gave her a slightly condescending, closed-mouth smile. I can see why youd jump to that conclusion. But think about this from Ians perspective. Even if he is mad, hes out of jail now. He wants to stay out. He wouldnt try something as blatantly stupid as this.

Spencer ran her hand over the back of her neck. She felt like she had the time shed gotten to try out one of the NASA astronaut training machines on a family trip to the Kennedy Space Center in

Floridanauseated and unsure which end was up. But he killed Ali, she blurted out.

Cant you just re-arrest him until his trial? Aria suggested.

Guys, the law doesnt work like that, Wilden said. I cant just go around arresting anyone I please. Its not really for me to decide. He gazed around at all of them, noting their dissatisfaction. Ill check Ian out personally, okay? And well try and track down where this text came from. Whoever is sending these will be stoppedI promise. Meanwhile, try not to worry. Someones just messing with your heads. More than likely, its just some dumb kid who has nothing better to do. Now, can we all take a deep breath and try not to think too hard about this?

None of them said a word. Wilden tilted his head. Please?

A shrill ring sounded from his belt, making them all flinch. Wilden glanced down, unclipping his cell phone. I gotta take this, okay? Ill see you girls later. He gave them all a small, apologetic wave, and let himself out.

The door closed quietly, filling the foyer with a burst of crisp, freezing-cold air. The room was silent except for the faraway murmurings of the television. Spencer turned her Sidekick over in her hands. I guess Wilden could be right, she said quietly, not really believing her own words. Maybe its just a copycat.

Yeah, Hanna said, pausing to swallow. Ive gotten a couple copycat notes. Spencer gritted her teeth. She had, toobut theyd been nothing like this. Same drill, I guess? Aria suggested. If we get more notes, we tell each other?

They all shrugged in agreement. But Spencer knew how well that plan had gone beforeA had sent her plenty of devastatingly personal notes she hadnt dared tell the others about, and her friends hadnt shared theirs either. Only, those notes had been from Mona, who, thanks to Alis diary, knew their darkest secrets, and had been able to skulk around, digging up dirt on them left and right. Ian had been in jail for more than two months. What could he really know about them, besides that they were afraid? Nothing. And Wilden had promised to look into it.

Not that any of this made her feel much better.

There was nothing to do except to usher her old friends out the front door. Spencer watched as they trudged down her front walk toward their cars in the carefully shoveled circular driveway. The world was absolutely still, stunned by winter. A patch of long, weapon-sharp icicles hung off the garage, glittering under the floodlights.

Something flickered near the thick line of black trees that separated part of Spencers yard from Alis. Then she heard a cough, and Spencer spun around and screamed. Melissa was standing behind her in the foyer, her hands clasped at her waist, a ghostly expression on her face. God, Spencer said, pressing her hand to her chest.

Sorry, Melissa croaked. She moved quietly into the living room and brushed her hands along the top of the antique harp. I heard what you told Wilden. You guys got another note?

Spencer raised a suspicious eyebrow. Had Melissa been hovering in the doorway, spying? If you were

listening, why didnt you tell Wilden that Ian called you from prison and begged us not to testify? Spencer demanded. Then Wilden might have believed that Ian wrote the note. He might have been able to re-arrest him.

Melissa plucked a harp string. There was a helpless expression on her face. Did you see Ian on TV? He looked so...thin. Its like they didnt even let him eat when he was in jail.

Rage and disbelief rushed through Spencers body. Did Melissa actually feel sorry for him? Just admit it, she sputtered. You think Im lying about seeing Ian with Ali that night, just like I lied about the Golden Orchid. And youd rather Ian hurt us than believe he couldve killed herand that he deserves to go back to jail.

Melissa shrugged and plucked another string. A sour note filled the room. Of course I dont want anyone to hurt you. But...like I said. What if this is all a mistake? What if Ian didnt do it?

He did, Spencer yelled, her chest burning. Interesting, she thought, that Melissa didnt admit whether she thought Spencer was lying or telling the truth.

Melissa waved her hand dismissively, as if she didnt feel like getting into it again. In any case, I do think Wildens right about those notes. Its not Ian. He wouldnt be stupid enough to threaten you. Ian might be upset, but hes not an idiot.

Spencer turned away from her sister, frustrated, and peered out over the cold, empty front yard just as her mothers car pulled into the driveway. Moments later, the door from the garage to the kitchen slammed, and Mrs. Hastingss high heels clacked across the kitchen floor. Melissa sighed and padded down the hall. Spencer heard them murmuring, then the crackle of grocery bags.

Spencers heart began to pound. She had the urge to run upstairs, hide in her room, and try not to think about Ian or anything else, but this was her first opportunity to confront her mother about Nanas will.

Rolling back her shoulders, Spencer took a deep breath and walked down the long hallway into the kitchen. Her mother was leaning over the counter, pulling a fresh-baked rosemary bread loaf out of a Fresh Fields grocery bag. Melissa scuttled in from the garage, a case of Mo‘t champagne in her arms.

Whats all that champagne for? Spencer asked, wrinkling her nose. The fund-raiser, of course. Melissa shot her a duh look. Spencer frowned. What fund-raiser?

Melissa lowered her chin, surprised. She glanced at their mother, but Mrs. Hastings continued unpacking organic vegetables and whole-wheat pasta, her lips pressed tightly together. Were having a Rosewood Day fund-raiser here this weekend, Melissa explained.

A little squeak escaped from Spencers throat. A fund-raiser? Event planning was something she and her mom always did together. Spencer organized the invitations, helped plan the menu, took RSVP calls, and even arranged the classical music playlist. It was one of the few things Spencer did better than Melissafew people were OCD enough to create dossiers on each invitee, complete with information as to who didnt eat veal and who didnt mind sitting next to the vile Pembrokes at dinner.

Spencer turned to face her mother, her heart pounding. Mom?

Spencers mother whirled around. She touched her diamond tennis bracelet protectively, as if she thought Spencer might try to steal it.

Do you...need help with the fund-raiser? Spencers voice broke.

Mrs. Hastings tightly gripped the sides of a jar of organic blackberry preserves. Ive got it covered, thank you.

There was a cold hard knot at the pit of Spencers stomach. She took a deep breath. I also wanted to ask you about Nanas will. Why was I left out? Is it even legal to give some grandchildren money and not others?

Her mother placed the preserves on a pantry shelf and let out a chilling snicker. Of course its legal, Spencer. Nana can do whatever she wants with her money. She pulled her black cashmere cape around her shoulders and strode past Spencer to the garage.

But..., Spencer cried. Her mother didnt turn around. She slammed the door on her way out. The sleigh bells hanging from the doorknob jangled loudly, startling the two dogs from sleep.

Spencers body went slack. So that was it. She was really, truly disowned. Maybe her parents had told Nana about the Golden Orchid debacle a few months ago. Maybe theyd even encouraged Nana to alter her will, deliberately leaving Spencer out because shed disgraced the family. Spencer squeezed her eyes shut, wondering what her life would be like right now if shed just kept quiet and accepted the Golden Orchid award. Could she have gone on Good Morning America, as the other Golden Orchid winners had done, and accepted everyones congratulations? Could she seriously have attended a college that had given her early admission based on an essay she hadnt writtenand didnt even really understand? If shed just kept quiet, would there still be this chatter that Ian was going to be acquitted due to lack of reliable evidence?

She leaned against the granite-topped island and let out a small, pathetic whimper. Melissa dropped a folded grocery bag to the table and walked over to her. Im so sorry, Spence, she said quietly. She hesitated a moment and then wrapped her thin arms around Spencers shoulders. Spencer was too numb to resist. Theyre being so awful to you.

Spencer plopped into a seat at the kitchen table, reached for a napkin from the holder, and dabbed at her teary eyes.

Melissa sat down next to her. I just dont understand it. Ive been going over and over it, and I dont know why Nana would leave you out of her will.

She hated me, Spencer said flatly, her nose getting that peppery, about-to-sneeze feeling it always did whenever she was about to start bawling. I stole your paper. Then I admitted I stole it. Im a huge disgrace.

I dont think it has anything to do with that. Melissa leaned closer. Spencer could smell Neutrogena sunscreenMelissa was so anal, she put on sunscreen even when she was going to be spending the entire day indoors. Something about it was really suspect.

Spencer lowered the napkin from her eyes. Suspect...how?

Melissa scraped the chair closer. Nana left money to each of her natural-born grandchildren. She tapped the kitchen table three times to emphasize the last three words, and then stared at Spencer searchingly, as if Spencer was supposed to deduce something from this. Then Melissa glanced out the window, where their mother was still unloading groceries from the car. I think there are a lot of secrets in this family, she whispered. Things you and I arent allowed to know. Everything has to look all perfect on the outside, but... She trailed off.

Spencer squinted. Even though she had no idea what Melissa was talking about, a sick, swooping feeling began to wash over her. Will you just spit out what youre trying to say?

Melissa sat back. Natural-born grandchildren, she repeated. Spence...maybe you were adopted. 11

IF YOU CANT BEAT HER, JOIN FORCES WITH HER

Wednesday morning, Hanna burrowed under her down comforter, trying to drown out the sound of Kate singing scales in the shower. Shes so sure shes going to get the lead in the play, Hanna grumbled into her BlackBerry. I wish I could see her face when the director tells her its Shakespeare, not a musical.

Lucas chuckled. Did she seriously threaten to tell on you when you werent going to give her a tour of the school?

Basically, Hanna growled. Can I move in with you until we graduate? I wish, Lucas murmured. Although wed have to share a bedroom. I wouldnt mind, Hanna purred. Me neither. Hanna could tell he was smiling.

There was a knock at the door, and Isabel poked her head in. Before shed gotten engaged to Hannas father, shed been an ER nurse, and she still wore hospital-issue scrubs to bed. Yecch. Hanna? Isabels eyes were even droopier than usual. No talking on the phone if you havent made your bed, remember?

Hanna scowled. Fine, she said under her breath. Seconds after Isabel had hauled in her Tumi luggage and replaced the custom-made plantation shutters with purple, crushed-velvet drapes, shed laid down all these rules: No Internet after 9 P . M . No talking on cell phones if chores werent finished. Absolutely no boys in the house when Isabel and Hannas father werent home. Hanna was basically living in a police state.

Im being forced to get off the phone, Hanna said into her BlackBerry, loud enough for Isabel to hear. Its okay, Lucas said. I need to get moving. Photography club meets this morning. He made a kissing sound and hung up. Hanna wiggled her toes, all of her irritations and worries melting

away. Lucas was a way better boyfriend than Sean Ackard, and he almost made up for the fact that Hanna was essentially girlfriendless. He understood how hard she was taking what Mona had done to her, and he always snickered at her evil Kate stories. Plus, with a new salon haircut and a Jack Spade messenger bag to replace his ratty JanSport backpack, Lucas wasnt half as dorky as hed been when they first became friends.

Once Hanna was certain Isabel had retreated down the hall to the bedroom she and Hannas father shareddouble ughhshe crawled out of bed, haphazardly pulling up the covers so it looked like shed made it. She then sat down at her makeup table and snapped on her LCD TV. The Action News Morning Report song blared out of the speakers. ROSEWOOD REACTS TO IAN THOMASS TEMPORARY RELEASE flashed in big black block letters at the bottom of the screen. Hanna paused. As much as she didnt want to watch the report, she couldnt tear her eyes away.

A petite, redheaded news reporter was at the local SEPTA train station, canvassing commuters for their thoughts about the trial. Its despicable, said a thin, stately older woman in a high-necked cashmere coat. They shouldnt let that boy out for even a minute after what he did to that poor girl.

The camera moved to a dark-haired girl in her twenties. Her name, Alexandra Pratt, appeared below her face. Hanna recognized her. Shed once been Rosewood Days star field hockey player, but had graduated when Hanna was in sixth grade, a year ahead of Ian, Melissa Hastings, and Alis brother, Jason. Hes definitely guilty, Alexandra said, not bothering to take off her enormous Valentino sunglasses. Alison occasionally played field hockey with a group of us on the weekends. Ian sometimes talked to Ali after the games. I never knew Ali that well, but I think he made her uncomfortable. I mean, she was so young.

Hanna uncapped her Mederma scar cream. That wasnt how she remembered it. Alis cheeks flushed and her eyes lit up any time Ian was around. At one of their sleepovers, when they were practicing kissing on the monkey pillow Ali had sewn in sixth-grade home ec, Spencer had made each of them confess which boy they wanted to kiss in real life. Ian Thomas, Ali had blurted out, and then quickly covered her mouth.

Ians senior picture was now on the screen, his smile so white, wide...and fake. Hanna looked away. Yesterday, after another awkward dinner with her new family, Hanna had dug out Officer Wildens business card from the bottom of her bag. She wanted to ask him how strict Ians house arrest was going to be. Would he be chained to his bed? Would he have on one of those ankle bracelet thingies that Martha Stewart had to wear? She wanted to believe Wilden was right about yesterdays A notethat it was just a copycatbut every bit of reassurance would help. Plus, she thought Wilden might give her a little extra info. Hed always tried to be buddy-buddy with her back when he and her mom were dating.

Only useless Wilden had said, Sorry, Hanna, but Im really not allowed to discuss the case. Then, as Hanna was about to hang up, Wilden had cleared his throat. Look, I want him to fry as much as you do. Ian deserves to be locked up for a long, long time for what he did.

Hanna clicked off the TV as the morning news moved on to a story about an E. coli scare in local grocery store lettuce. After a few more layers of Mederma, foundation, and powder, Hanna decided her scar was as hidden as it was going to get. She spritzed herself with Narciso Rodriguez perfume, straightened her uniform skirt, threw all her crap into her Fendi-logo tote, and walked downstairs.

Kate was already at the breakfast table. When she saw Hanna, her whole face broke into a dazzling smile. Omigod, Hanna! she cried. Tom brought this amazing organic honeydew at Fresh Fields last night. You have to try it.

Hanna hated how Kate called her father Tom, like he was their age. It wasnt like Hanna called Isabel by her first name. Actually, she avoided calling Isabel anything at all. Hanna walked across the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. I hate honeydew, she said primly. It tastes like sperm.

Hanna, her father scolded. Hanna hadnt noticed him by the kitchen island, finishing a slice of buttered toast. Isabel was next to him, still in those hideous puke-green scrubs, looking particularly faux-tan orange.

Mr. Marin approached the girls. He put one hand on Kates shoulder and one hand on Hannas. Im off. See you girls tonight.

Bye, Tom, Kate said sweetly.

Her father left, and Isabel clomped back upstairs. Hanna stared at the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer her father had left on the table, but unfortunately, all the headlines were about Ians bail hearing. Kate kept eating her melon. Hanna wanted to just get up and leave, but why should she have to be the one to go? This was her house.

Hanna, Kate said in a small, sad voice. Hanna glanced up, giving Kate an arch look. Hanna, Im sorry , Kate rushed on. I cant do this anymore. I cant just...sit here and not talk. I know youre mad about this fallabout what happened at Le Bec-Fin. I was such a mess back then. And Im really sorry.

Hanna flipped to the next page of the newspaper. The obituaries, good. She pretended to be fascinated by an article about Ethel Norris, eighty-five, choreographer of a modern dance troupe in Philadelphia. Shed died yesterday in her sleep.

Im finding this difficult too. Kates voice shook. I miss my dad. I wish he were still alive. No offense to Tom, but its weird to see my mom with someone else. And its weird to be all happy for both of them, just like that. They dont think about us, do they?

Hanna was so outraged, she wanted to throw Kates melon across the kitchen. Everything out of Kates mouth was so scripted, it was like shed downloaded some perfect feel bad for me speech off the Internet.

Kate took a breath. Im sorry about what I did to you in Philly, but I had other stuff going on that day. Stuff I shouldnt have taken out on you. There was a little clink as she set down her fork. Something really scary happened to me right before that dinner. I hadnt told my mom yet, and I was sure she was going to lose it.

Hanna frowned, glancing at Kate for a split second. Trouble?

Kate pushed her plate away. I was going out with this guy, Connor, last summer. One night, one of the last weekends before school started, things went kind of...far. Her forehead wrinkled, and her bottom lip started to tremble. He broke up with me the next day. About a month later, I went to the gynecologist, and there were...complications.

Hanna widened her eyes. Were you pregnant? Kate shook her head quickly. No. It was...something else.

Hanna was pretty sure that if her mouth gaped open any farther, it would graze the top of the table. Her brain raced a million miles a minute, trying to figure out what complications meant. An STD? A third ovary? A funny-looking nipple? So...are you okay?

Kate shrugged. I am now. But it sucked for a while. It was really scary. Hanna narrowed her eyes. Why are you telling me all this?

Because I wanted to explain what was going on, Kate admitted. Her eyes glistened with tears. Look, please dont tell anyone what I just told you. My mom knows, but Tom doesnt.

Hanna took a sip of her coffee. She was floored by Kates wordsand also a little relieved. Perfect Kate had screwed up. And never in a zillion years did Hanna think shed ever see Kate cry. I wont say anything, Hanna said. We all have issues.

Kate let out a big, dubious sniff. Right. Whats your issue?

Hanna set down her polka-dotted coffee cup, debating. If nothing else, she could learn whether Ali had told Kate her secret. Fine. But you probably already know it. The first time it happened was that time Alison and I came to Annapolis.

She peeked at Kate, trying to gauge if she understood. Kate poked her fork into a piece of honeydew, shifting her eyes uneasily around the room. Youre still doing that? she asked quietly. Hanna felt a mixture of thrill and disappointmentso Ali had run back to the patio and told her.

Not really, Hanna mumbled.

They were silent for a moment. Hanna stared out the window at a big snowdrift in the neighbors backyard. Even though it was the ass-crack of dawn, the bratty six-year-old twins were out in the snow, pitching icy snowballs at squirrels. Then Kate cocked her head quizzically. I meant to ask you. Whats up with you and Naomi and Riley?

Hanna gritted her teeth. Why are you asking me? Arent they your brand-new BFFs?

Kate thoughtfully pushed a strand of chestnut hair behind her ears. You know, I think they want to be friends. Maybe you should give them a chance.

Hanna snorted. Sorry, I dont talk to girls who insult me to my face.

Kate leaned forward on her elbows. They probably say that stuff because theyre jealous of you. If you were nice to them, I bet theyd be nice back. And think about itif we join up with them, we could be unstoppable.

Hanna raised an eyebrow. We? Face it, Hanna. Kates eyes danced. You and I would totally rule their group.

Hanna blinked. She gazed at the hanging rack over the kitchen island, which held a bunch of All-Clad pots and pans Hannas mother had bought a few years ago at Williams-Sonoma. Ms. Marin had left most of her personal belongings behind when she left for Singapore, and Isabel had had no problem claiming them as her own.

Kate definitely had a point. Naomi and Riley were insecure to the corethey had been ever since Alison DiLaurentis had dropped them for seemingly no reason in sixth grade and decided to be friends with Hanna, Spencer, Aria, and Emily instead. It certainly would be nice to have a clique againespecially one she could rule.

Okay. Im in, Hanna decided.

Kate grinned. Awesome. She raised her orange juice glass in a toast. Hanna clinked it with her coffee mug. They both smiled and sipped. Then Hanna glanced back down at the newspaper, which was still open in front of her. Her eyes went right to an ad for vacation packages to Bermuda. All your dreams will come true, the ad copy assured her.

Theyd better.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

12

ITS ALL JUST A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

Early Wednesday evening, Aria and Mike sat down at Rabbit Rabbit, the Montgomery familys favorite vegetarian restaurant. The room smelled like a mix of basil, oregano, and soy cheese. A Regina Spektor song played loudly over the stereo, and the place was bustling with families, couples, and kids her age. After Ians chilling release and the new A note yesterday, it felt good to be surrounded by so many people.

Mike scowled around the dining room and pulled up the hood of his oversize Champion sweatshirt. I dont get why we have to meet this dude anyway. Moms only gone out with him twice.

Aria didnt quite understand either. When Ella had returned home from her date with Xavier last night, shed raved about how wonderfully it had gone and how easily she and Xavier had connected. Apparently, Xavier had given Ella a studio tour this afternoon, and when shed gotten home from school today, Aria had found a note from Ella on the kitchen table, asking that she and Mike clean themselves up and meet her at Rabbit Rabbit at 7 P . M . sharp. Oh yeah, and Xavier was coming. Who knew both her parents could fall in love again so easily? They werent even officially divorced yet.

Aria felt happy for Ella, of course, but she also felt embarrassed for herself. Shed been so certain that Xavier was interested in her. It was mortifying that shed read the situation at the gallery so wrong.

Mike sniffed loudly, breaking Aria from her thoughts. It smells like rabbit pee in here. He made a retching noise.

Aria rolled her eyes. Youre just pissed Mom picked a place that doesnt serve wings. Mike crumpled his napkin. Can you blame me? A virile man like me cant live on vegetables alone.

Aria cringed, grossed out that Mike was referring to himself as both virile and a man. How was your date with Savannah the other day, by the way?

Mike cracked his knuckles, thumbing through the menu. Thats for me to know and for you to obsess about.

Aria raised an eyebrow. Aha! You didnt immediately correct me that it wasnt a date.

Mike shrugged, stabbing his fork into the cactus centerpiece. Aria picked up a cornflower blue crayon from the little cup in the middle of the table; Rabbit Rabbit put crayons on every table and encouraged its patrons to draw on the backs of their place mats. Finished drawings were hung on the restaurants walls. These days, the walls were all covered, so the staff had started hanging place mats from the ceiling.

You made it! Ella cried as she walked through the doorway with Xavier. Ellas newly dyed hair shone. Xaviers cheeks were adorably pink from the cold. Aria tried to smile, but she had a feeling it came out more like a grimace.

Ella made a flourishing gesture at Xavier. Aria, you two have already met. But Xavier, this is my son, Michelangelo.

Mike looked like he was going to puke. No one calls me that. I wont tell. Xavier stuck out his hand. Nice to meet you. He glanced at Aria. Good to see you

again.

Aria gave him a tight smile, too embarrassed to make eye contact. She gazed around the room, searching out the last place mat Ali had decorated before she vanished. Ali had come here with Arias family and had drawn a cartoon girl and a guy holding hands, skipping off toward a rainbow. Theyre secret boyfriend and girlfriend, shed announced to the table, her eyes on Aria. This wasnt long after Ali and Aria had caught Byron with Meredith...but looking back now, maybe Ali had been referring to her secret relationship with Ian.

Xavier and Ella shrugged out of their coats and sat down. Xavier looked around, clearly amused by all the drawings on the walls. Ella kept clucking nervously, fidgeting with her hair, her jewelry, her fork. After a few seconds of silence, Mike narrowed his eyes at Xavier. How old are you, anyway?

Ella shot him a look, but Xavier answered, Thirty-four. You know our mom is forty, right?

Mike, Ella gasped. But Aria thought it was sweet. Shed never seen Mike be protective of Ella before.

I know that. Xavier laughed. She told me.

Their waitress, a busty girl with dreadlocks and a pierced septum, asked what everyone wanted to drink. Aria ordered green tea, and Xavier and Ella ordered glasses of cabernet. Mike tried to order cabernet too, but the waitress just pursed her lips and turned away.

Xavier looked at Mike and Aria. So I heard you guys lived in Iceland for a while. Ive been there a few times.

Really! Aria exclaimed, surprised.

And let me guessyou loved it, Mike interrupted in a droll voice, fiddling with the rubber Rosewood Day lacrosse bracelet around his wrist. Because its so cultural. And so pristinely untouched. And everyones so educated there.

Xavier rubbed his chin. Actually, I thought Iceland was weird. Who wants to bathe in water that smells like rotten eggs? And whats with the miniature horse obsession? I didnt get it.

Mikes eyes boggled. He gaped at Ella. Did you tell him to say that? Ella shook her head, looking a bit dismayed.

Mike turned back to Xavier, ecstatic. Thank you. Thats what Ive been trying to tell my family for years! But noooo, they all loved the horses! Everyone thought they were so cute. But do you know what would happen if one of those pansy-ass horses got in a smackdown with a Clydesdale from the Budweiser commercials? The Clydesdale would kick its ass. There wouldnt be anything of that gay little horse left!

Damn right. Xavier nodded emphatically.

Mike rubbed his hands together, obviously thrilled. Aria tried to hide a smirk. She had her own suspicions about the real reason Mike hated Icelandic horses. A few days after theyd arrived in Reykjav’k, she and Mike had gone on a riding tour on a volcanic trail. Even though the stable boy offered Mike the oldest, fattest, slowest Icelandic horse to ride, the minute Mike climbed in the saddle, his face went disturbingly pale. He claimed he had a leg cramp and should stay behind. Mike had never gotten a leg cramp before...or since, for that matter, but he still refused to admit that he was scared.

The waitress delivered their drinks, and Mike and Xavier chattered on about all the other things they hated about Iceland: that one of the countrys delicacies was rotten shark. How Icelanders all believed that huldufolkelveslived in rocks and cliffs. How they all queerly went by first names only, because everyone descended from the same three incestuous Viking tribes.

Every so often, Ella glanced Arias way, probably wondering why Aria wasnt defending Iceland. But Aria simply wasnt in the mood for talking.

At the end of the dinner, just as they were finishing a plate of the restaurants famous homemade organic oatmeal cookies, Mikes iPhone rang. He looked at the screen and stood up. Hold on, he mumbled evasively, ducking out the front door.

Aria and Ella exchanged a knowing look. Usually, Mike had no problem talking on the phone right at the dinner table, even if the conversation was about, say, the size of a girls boobs. We suspect Mike has a girlfriend, Ella stage-whispered to Xavier. She stood up. Ill be back in a minute, she announced, walking toward the ladies room.

Aria fiddled with the napkin in her lap, staring helplessly as Ella wove between the tables. She wanted to follow her mother, but she didnt want Xavier to know that she didnt want to be alone with him.

She could feel Xaviers eyes on her. He took a long, slow sip of his second glass of wine. Youve been really quiet, he pointed out.

Aria shrugged. Maybe Im always this quiet.

I doubt that.

Aria looked up sharply. Xavier smiled, but his expression wasnt particularly easy to read. He plucked a dark green crayon out of the cup and started scribbling on his place mat. So are you okay with this? he asked. Me and your mom?

Uh-huh, Aria answered quickly, fidgeting with the spoon from her after-dinner cappuccino. Was he asking because he sensed she liked him? Or because she was Ellas daughter, and it was the polite thing to do?

Xavier put the green crayon back in the cup and dug around for a black one. So your mom said youre an artist too.

I guess, Aria said distantly. Who are your influences?

Aria chewed on her lip, feeling put on the spot. I like the surrealists. You know, Klee, Max Ernst, Magritte, M. C. Escher.

Xavier grimaced. Escher.

Whats wrong with Escher?

He shook his head. Every kid at my high school had an Escher poster in their bedroom, thinking they were so deep. Ooh, birds morphing into fish. Wow, one hand drawing another. Different perspectives. Trippy.

Aria leaned back in her chair, amused. What, did you know M. C. Escher personally? Did he kick you when you were a little boy? Steal your Big Wheel?

He died in the early seventies, I think, Xavier said, snorting. Im not that old. Couldve fooled me. Aria raised an eyebrow. Xavier smirked. Its just...Eschers a sellout. Aria shook her head. He was brilliant! And how can you be a sellout if youre dead?

Xavier stared at her for a moment, slowly grinning. Okay then, Miss Escher Fan. How about a contest? He twirled the crayon in his hands. We both draw something in this room. Whoevers drawing is better is right about Mr. Escher. And the winner gets that last oatmeal cookie. He pointed at the plate. Ive noticed you ogling it. Or havent you taken it because youre secretly on a diet?

Aria scoffed. Ive never dieted in my life.

Thats what every girl says. Xaviers eyes glimmered. But theyre all lying.

Like you know anything about girls! Aria crowed, giggling at their banter. She felt like they were in her favorite old movie, The Philadelphia Story, where Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant got off on

bickering constantly.

Ill take part in your little contest. Aria reached for a red crayon. She never could resist showing off her sketching skills. But lets give it a time limit. One minute.

Got it. Xavier checked the tomato-shaped clock over the bar. The second hand was at the twelve. Go.

Aria searched around the room for something to sketch. She finally settled on an old man hunched at the bar, nursing a ceramic mug. Her crayon flew deftly over the place mat, capturing his weary-but-peaceful expression. After she filled in a few more details, the hand on the clock swept past the twelve again. Time, she called.

Xavier covered his place mat with his hand. You first, he said. Aria pushed her drawing toward him. He nodded, impressed, his eyes seesawing from the paper to the old man. Howd you do that in just one minute?

Years of practice, Aria answered. I used to secretly sketch kids at my school all the time. So does that mean I get the cookie? She poked Xaviers hand, which was still covering his drawing. Poor Mr. Abstract Painter. Is yours so bad youre embarrassed to show it?

No... Xavier slowly moved his hands away from his place mat. His drawing, all softlines and deft shading, was of a pretty, dark-haired girl. She had big hoop earrings, just like Arias. And that wasnt the only resemblance.

Oh. Aria swallowed hard. Xavier had even captured the little mole on her cheek and the freckles across her nose. It was as if hed been studying her this whole dinner, waiting for this moment.

The sharp odor of tahini floated out from the kitchen, making Arias stomach roil. Taken one way, Xaviers drawing was sweether moms boyfriend was trying to bond with her. But taken another...it was kind of wrong.

You dont like it? Xavier asked, sounding surprised.

Aria was opening her mouth to reply when she heard a chime sound from inside her bag. Um, just a sec, she mumbled. She pulled her Treo out of her purses pocket: Two new picture texts. Aria cupped her hands around the phones little window to cut the glare.

Xavier was still watching her carefully, so Aria struggled not to gasp. Someone had sent her a picture of

Aria and Xavier at the art exhibit on Sunday. They were leaning close together, Xaviers lips almost grazing Arias ear. The next photo opened immediately afterward, this one of Aria and Xavier at this very table at Rabbit Rabbit. Xavier was covering his drawing with his hands, and Aria was leaning across the table, poking him teasingly, trying to get him to show it off. The camera had managed to capture a split second where it looked as if they were happily holding hands. Both photos painted a pretty convincing picture.

And the second one had been taken just seconds ago. Her heart in her throat, she glared around the restaurant. There was Mike, still chatting animatedly outside. Her mom was just coming out of the bathroom. The man she had drawn was in the middle of a coughing fit.

Her phone buzzed one last time. With trembling hands, Aria opened her new text. It was a poem. Artists like mŽnages ‡ trois, Mommy just might too. But if you ferme la bouche about me,

Ill do the same for you.

A The cell phone slipped from Arias fingers. She stood up abruptly, practically upending her water glass.

I have to go, she blurted out, snatching Xaviers drawing from the table and stuffing it into her bag.

What? Why? Xavier looked confused.

Just...because. She pulled her coat tight around her, and pointed at the cookie on the corn on the cobshaped plate. Its yours. Good job. Then she whirled around, nearly colliding with a waitress carrying a big tray of tofu stir-fries. Copycat A or not, the photos proved one thing: The farther she stayed away from her mom and her new relationship, the better.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

13

STRANGE CHEMISTRY ON CHEMISTRY HILL

At the same time on Wednesday, just as the moon rose over the trees and the big Hollis parking lot floodlights snapped on, Emily stood at the top of Chemistry Hill, holding a donut-shaped snow tube in her mittened hand. You sure you want to race me? she teased Isaac, who was holding his own snow tube. Im the fastest sledder in all of Rosewood.

Says who? Isaacs eyes sparkled. Youve never raced me before.

Emily grabbed the snow tubes purple handles. The first one to that big tree at the bottom wins. Ready...set...

Go! Isaac preempted her, jumping on his snow tube and whizzing down the hill.

Hey! Emily yelled, belly flopping on her own tube. She bent her knees, picking up her boots so they wouldnt drag on the ground, and angled her tube toward the steepest part of the hill. Unfortunately, Isaac was steering his tube in that direction too. Emily approached him at a hurtling speed, and they collided in the middle of the hill, rolling off their sleds into the soft snow.

Isaacs snow tube continued down the hill without him, heading straight into the woods. Hey! he cried, pointing to the tube as it drifted past the tree theyd designated as the finish line. Technically, I won!

You cheated, Emily grumbled good-naturedly. My brother used to start races before me too. It drove me crazy.

Does that mean I drive you crazy too? Isaac smiled impishly. Emily stared down at her red fleece mittens. I dont know, she said in a quieter voice. Maybe.

Color began to rise to her already pink cheeks. The moment Emily had pulled into the chemistry building parking lot and seen Isaac standing next to his truck with two sleds in his hands, her heart had started pounding wildly. Isaac looked even cuter all dressed up for playing in the snow than he did in his emo-rock T-shirt and jeans. His navy wool hat was pulled low on his forehead, smushing his hair over his ears and making his eyes look extra blue. Both his mittens had reindeer knitted on the palms. Hed sheepishly admitted his mom made him a new pair every year. And there was something about how his scarf was looped twice around his neck, covering every inch of skin, that made him seem both cuddly and vulnerable.

Emily wanted to think the zingy, snappy feelings inside her were merely excitement over making a new friend...or maybe side effects of acute hypothermia, as the little thermometer inside her moms Volvo said it was only nineteen degrees out. But really, she had no idea what was going on with her emotions.

I havent been here in ages. Emily broke the silence, gazing at the brick chemistry building at the bottom of the hill. My brother and sister found this place. Theyre in college now, in California. I dont understand how they couldve gone somewhere where it never snows.

Youre lucky to have brothers and sisters, Isaac admitted. Im an only child.

I used to wish I was an only child. Emily groaned. There were always way too people at my house. And I never got new clothesonly hand-me-downs.

Nah, being an only child is lonely, Isaac said. When I was little, my family lived in a neighborhood where there werent many other kids nearby, so I had to entertain myself. I used to go on these walks all alone, pretending I was an explorer. Id narrate what I did to myself. Now the Great Isaac forges a mighty stream. Now the Great Isaac discovers a mountain. Im sure anyone who heard me thought I was crazy.

The Great Isaac, huh? Emily giggled, finding it unbelievably cute. Well, siblings can be overrated. Im not that close with my brothers and sisters. Weve actually had some major issues recently.

Isaac propped himself up on one elbow, facing her. Why?

The snow was beginning to seep through Emilys jeans and long underwear to her skin. She was referring to how her family had reacted to the news that she liked Maya. Not only had Carolyn freaked, but Jake and Beth had taken her off their e-mail joke lists for a while.

Oh, just normal family stuff, she finally said. Nothing that interesting.

Isaac nodded, then stood up and announced hed better go down and rescue his snow tube from the woods before it got too dark. Emily watched him tromp down the hill, an uneasy, gnawing feeling coursing through her. Why hadnt she just told Isaac the truth about who she was? Why did it seem so...difficult?

Then, her eyes moved to the empty chemistry building parking lot. A car was making a wide circle around the parking spaces, coming to a stop under a spotlight at the bottom of Hollis Hill, not that far from where she and Isaac had crashed. Rosewood PD was printed on the cars side. Emily squinted, recognizing the drivers familiar brown hair. It was Officer Wilden.

Wildens forehead was creased with worry, and he was barking something into his phone. Emily watched for a moment. Back when she was younger, she and Carolyn used to haul the portable kitchen TV into their bedroom and watch late-night horror movies at ultra-low volume. Emilys lipreading was rusty, but she was pretty sure shed just caught Wilden telling whoever was on the phone to just stay away.

Emilys heart knocked in her chest. Just stay away? At that very moment, Wilden noticed Emily on the hill. He widened his eyes. After a second, he gave her a tight nod and then looked down sharply.

Emily shifted uncomfortably, wondering if Wilden had come here to get a little privacy to deal with something personal. It was silly to think that his entire life revolved around the Ali case.

When her phone, which was tucked into a little zippered pocket in her parka, began to ring, Emily let out a yelp. She pulled it out of her pocket, her body electrified. Arias name flashed on the caller ID. Hey, Emily sighed, relieved. Whats up?

Have you gotten any more weird texts? Aria demanded.

As Emily shifted her weight, the snow beneath her crunched. She watched Isaac disappear into the thick pine forest, in search of his snow tube. No...

Well, I did. Just now. Whoever it is took a picture of me, Emily. Tonight. The person writing these notes knows where we are and what were doing.

A gust of wind knifed across Emilys face, bringing tears to her eyes. Are you sure?

I called Wilden at the station twenty minutes ago, Aria went on, but he said he was going into an important meeting there and couldnt talk.

Wait. Emily rubbed her numb jaw, confused. Wilden isnt at the station. I just saw him a second ago. She gazed back down the hill. The spot where Wildens car had been was now empty. The knot in her belly tightened. Wilden must have told Aria hed be driving around, not going into a meeting. Shed probably just heard him wrong.

Where are you anyway? Aria asked.

Isaac emerged from the woods with his tube. He looked up at her and waved. Emily swallowed hard, her heart pounding. I have to go, she said abruptly. Ill call you back.

Wait! Aria sounded worried. But I havent

Emily snapped her phone closed, cutting Aria off. Isaac raised the snow tube over his head, triumphant. The Great Isaac had to wrestle this back from a bear! he yelled. Emily forced a giggle, trying to settle down. There had to be a logical explanation for Arias text. It couldnt be anything serious.

Isaac plopped down on his sled and examined her carefully. So we never decided what my prize is for winning the race down the hill.

Emily sniffed, allowing herself to relax into the moment. How about the title of Worlds Biggest Cheater? Or a snowball, right in the face?

Or how about this? Isaac asked. Before she knew it, Isaac was leaning in to her, kissing her softly on the lips. When he pulled away, Emily put her hands to her mouth. She tasted the wintergreen Tic Tac Isaac had been sucking on, and her lips tingled, as if theyd just been stung.

Isaacs eyes widened, registering Emilys expression. Was that...okay? Emily smiled goofily. Yeah, she said slowly. And as soon as the words left her lips, she knew that

somehow, it was okay. Isaac grinned as he took her mittened hand in his. Emilys head spun like it had just been on a few rounds

of a carnival Tilt-a-Whirl ride. Suddenly, her phone chirped again. Sorry. My friend just called, she explained, reaching for it. Its

probably her calling back. She turned slightly away and looked at the screen: One new text message. Emilys heart leapt to her throat. She looked around the vast, dark hill, but she and Isaac were the only

people there. Slowly, she opened the text. Hi, Em! Doesnt the Bible say good Christian boys shouldnt kiss girls like you? So WWADWhat

Would A Do? I wont confess your sins if you dont confess mine. XX, A 14

VIVA LA HANNA!

A little later that Wednesday evening, Hanna hovered in the entrance of Rive Gauche, the King James Malls French bistro, balling up her fists and releasing them. Serge Gains-bourg lilted out of the carefully hidden speakers, and the air smelled like steak frites, melted goat cheese, and Dior JAdore. If Hanna shut her eyes, she could almost imagine it was last winter and Mona was at her side. Nothing had gone wrong yetAlis body hadnt turned up in that awful hole, there was no garish scar on her chin, no creepy Ian out on temporary bail, no new fake A notes. Hanna and Mona were still BFFs, checking out their reflections in the antique mirrors that hung over the booths and ogling the newest copies of Elle and Us Weekly.

Shed come to Rive Gauche since Mona, of courseLucas worked here on the weekends, and he always slipped Hanna free Diet Cokes with the teensiest splash of rum. But it wasnt Lucas standing next to her tonight either. It was...Kate.

Kate looked goodfabulous, even. Her chestnut hair was held back by a black silk headband. She wore a vermilion empire-waist dress with a pair of dark brown Loeffler Randall boots. Hanna was wearing her favorite black patent leather Marc Jacobs heels, a fuchsia cashmere cowl-neck, skinny jeans, and her favorite ultra-red Nars lipstick. Together, they looked a gazillion times better than Naomi and Riley, who were huddled like ugly garden gnomes at Hannas rightful table.

Hanna glowered. Naomis super-short hair and stumpy neck made her look like a turtle. Rileys ratlike nose twitched as she wiped her nonexistent lips with a napkin.

Kate glanced at Hanna, registering what was happening. Theyre not your frenemies anymore, remember? she said out of the corner of her mouth.

Hanna let out a sigh. In theory, she backed Kates if you cant beat em, join em plan. But in reality... Kate faced Hanna. She was three inches taller than Hanna, so she had to look down at her when she

talked. We need them as friends, Kate said calmly. Strength in numbers. Its just Do you even know why you hate them? Kate snapped.

Hanna shrugged. She hated them because they were bitchy...and because Ali had hated them. Only, Ali had never explained the odious thing Naomi and Riley had done that had made her drop them cold. And it wasnt like Hanna couldve asked Naomi and Riley about what theyd done. Ali made Hanna and the others promise never to speak to Naomi and Riley, ever.

Come on. Kate put her hands on her hips. Lets do this.

Hanna groaned, glowering at her soon-to-be stepsister. There was a tiny indication of a blemish at the corner of Kates lip. Hanna wasnt sure if it was just a pimple...or something else. Shed been obsessing over the puzzling secret Kate had alluded to yesterday at breakfastthat shed slept with a guy, but it had led to a complication. Herpes was certainly a complication, wasnt it? And didnt herpes lead to cold sores?

Fine, lets go, Hanna snarled. Kate smiled, grabbed her hand again, and proceeded toward Naomi and Rileys table. The girls noticed them, waving at Kate but looking at Hanna suspiciously. Kate marched right up to the banquette and plopped down on the plushy red seat. How are you guys! she squealed, giving them air kisses.

Naomi and Riley fawned over Kate for a few moments, admiring her dress, bracelet, and boots, pushing their uneaten fries in her direction. Then Naomi glanced at Hanna, who had remained standing by the dessert cart. Whats she doing here? she said in a low voice.

Kate pushed a fry into her mouth. She was, Hanna had observed, the kind of girl who could super-size everything and not gain an ounce. Bitch. Hannas here because she has something to say to you guys, Kate announced.

Riley raised an arched eyebrow. She does?

Kate nodded, folding her hands. She wants to apologize for all the mean things shes done to you over the years.

What? Hanna was too stunned to speak. Kate had said they should be nice, not sell out. Why should she apologize to Naomi and Riley? Theyd done just as much to Hanna over the years as Hanna had done to them.

Kate continued. She wants to start fresh with you guys. She told me she didnt even know why you were fighting in the first place.

Hanna shot Kate a look that could have frozen molten lava. But Kate didnt flinch. Trust me, her expression said. This will work.

Hanna faced forward, running her hand through her hair. Fine, she mumbled, lowering her eyes. Im sorry.

Good! Kate crowed. She faced the others encouragingly. So, truce?

Naomi and Riley glanced at each other, then smiled. Truce! Naomi exclaimed loudly, making the diners at the next table look over in annoyance. Mona screwed us over, too. She acted all BFF and then dumped us after your car accident. For no reason at all!

Well, now we know the reason, Riley corrected, raising a finger. She wanted to ditch us to get back on your good side so, like, no one would suspect that she hit you with her car.

God. Riley pressed her palm to her chest. So evil. Hanna winced. Did they really need to get into all that right now?

Anyway, we feel so awful for what you had to go through, Hanna, Naomi simpered. And were sorry, too, about our fight. So truce, definitely! She jiggled up and down excitedly.

Great! Kate cried. She nudged Hanna, and Hanna mustered a smile too.

So sit, Hanna! Naomi said. Hanna sat cautiously, feeling like a Chihuahua who had walked into a testy Rottweilers yard. This seemed way too easy.

We were just looking at the new Teen Vogue, Riley announced, shoving a dog-eared magazine toward them. Theres that benefit this weekend, after all. We have to beat all those ugly bitches to the best dresses.

Hanna raised a suspicious eyebrow, noticing the date on the Teen Vogue cover. I thought this issue didnt come out for another few weeks.

Riley took a sip of her seltzer and cranberry juice. My cousin works there. This is just a mock-up, but the issues already been put to bed. She sends me early issues all the time. Sometimes she even sends me local sample-sale invites, stuff the public never gets invited to.

Kates blue eyes were saucers. Nice.

Riley leafed through a few pages of the magazine and pointed at a flirty black cocktail dress. Omigod, this would look so beautiful on you, Hanna.

Who makes that? Hanna leaned forward curiously.

And this would look awesome with your eyes, Kate. Naomi pointed at a robins egg blue sheath by BCBG. Prada makes these gorgeous satin shoes in the exact same color. Have you been to the Prada store yet? Its just over there. She pointed.

Kate shook her head. Naomi clapped her hand over her mouth, mock horrified. Kate giggled and then glanced down at the magazine again. I bet were supposed to bring dates to this

benefit, right? she said, touching the glossy pages. I dont even know any guys here. You have nothing to worry about. Naomi rolled her eyes. Every guy in school has been talking about

you. Riley flipped a page. And Hanna, you already have a date.

Hanna immediately tensed. Was that sarcasm she detected in Rileys voice? And what was with that ugly smile on Naomis face? Suddenly, it hit herthey were going to make a snarky crack about Lucas. About his after-school-club obsession, maybe, or about the queer vest he had to wear when he bussed tables at Rive Gauche, or that he wasnt a lacrosse player. There was even that ridiculousand very untruerumor Ali had seeded years ago that Lucas was a hermaphrodite.

Hanna clenched her fists, waiting. Shed known this forgive-and-forget thing was too good to be true.

But Naomi simply gave Hanna a benign smile. Riley clucked her tongue. Lucky bitch.

A model-thin waitress laid down the leather booklet with the check at the corner of the table. Across the room, a young couple in their twenties was sitting under Hannas favorite old French poster, a green devil dancing with a bottle of absinthe. Hanna peeked at Naomi and Riley, the girls who had been her enemies for as long as she could remember. The things she and Mona used to tease them about suddenly didnt seem so valid anymore. Rileys love of leggings was actually pretty fashion-forwardshed started wearing them before Rachel Zoe picked them out for Lindsay Lohan. And Naomis new haircut did make her look chic, and she definitely got credit for trying something so daring.

She stared down at the magazine, suddenly feeling magnanimous. Riley, youd look stunning in this Foley and Corrina, she said, pointing to an emerald green gown.

I was thinking the same thing! Riley agreed, giving Hanna a high five. Then she got a cunning look on her face. You know, the malls still open for another hour. Wanna hit Saks?

Naomis eyes lit up. She gazed at Hanna and Kate. What do you say, girls?

Hanna suddenly felt like someone had wrapped her in a big, cozy cashmere scarf. Here she was at Rive Gauche with a group of girls, getting ready to hit all her favorite stores. It made everything shed been worried about just minutes ago ooze away. Who had time to be bitter or afraid when there was shopping to be done with her new BFFs? Hanna thought of the dream shed had when she was in the hospital after her accident, where Ali leaned over Hannas hospital bed and told her everything was going to be okay.

Maybe Dream Ali had been referring to this moment.

As she reached down to grab her bag to follow the others out, she noticed her BlackBerry was flashing with a new text. Hanna glanced up. Kate was busy shrugging into her princess-seamed coat, Naomi was signing the bill, and Riley was reapplying her lip gloss. The waiters swirled around Rive Gauche, taking orders and clearing plates. She tossed her hair behind her shoulders and opened the text.

Dear Little Piggy,

Those who dont remember the past are doomed to repeat it. Remember your unfortunate accident? Tell anyone about little ol moi, and this time Ill make sure you dont wake up. But just to show that Im willing to play nice, heres a helpful hint: Someone in your life isnt what they seem. Love ya!A

Hanna?

Hanna covered the BlackBerrys screen fast. Kate was a few paces away, waiting by the marble-topped bar. Everything okay?

Hanna took a deep breath, and slowly, the spots in front of her eyes receded. She let her cell phone slip back into her bag. Whatever. Screw knockoff Aanyone could have heard about that Little Piggy stuff and her accident. She was back on top where she belonged, and she wasnt about to let some stupid kid mess with her.

Everythings perfect, Hanna chirped, zipping up her bag. Then she strode across the restaurant and joined the others.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

15

EVEN LIBRARIES ARENT SAFE

Spencer watched blankly as steam from her stainless-steel coffee carafe evaporated into the air. Andrew Campbell sat across from her, flipping a page of their massive AP econ textbook. He tapped a highlighted chart.

Okay, this is talking about how the Federal Reserve controls the money supply, Andrew explained. Like, if the Fed worries that the economy is going into a recession, it lowers its reserve requirements and interest rates for borrowing money. Remember when we talked about this in class?

Uh-huh, Spencer mumbled vaguely. The only thing she knew about the Federal Reserve was that when it lowered interest rates, her parents got all excited because that meant their stocks would go up and her mother could redecorate the living roomagain. But Spencer didnt recall talking about this in class at all. She felt the same frustrated, helpless feeling about AP econ as she did about her recurring dream of being trapped in an underground room that was slowly filling with water. Every time she tried to dial 911, the numbers on the phone kept moving around on her. And then the buttons turned to gummy bears and the water rose over her mouth and nose.

It was after 8 P . M . on Wednesday night, and Spencer and Andrew were sitting in one of the Rosewood Public Librarys private, book-lined study rooms, going over the latest econ unit. Because shed plagiarized an econ paper, Rosewood Day had mandated that if she didnt get an A this semester, she

would be removed from the class permanently. Her parents certainly werent going to shell out the money for a tutorand they still hadnt reopened Spencers credit card accountsso Spencer had broken down and called Andrew, who had the highest grade in the class. Weirdly, Andrew had been happy to meet with her, even though they had tons of AP English, calculus, and chemistry homework tonight.

And then theres the monetary equation of exchange here, Andrew said, tapping the book again. You remember this? Lets do some chapter problems using it.

A piece of Andrews thick blond hair fell over his eyes as he reached for his calculator. She thought she detected the chestnutty smell of Kiehls Facial Fuel, her favorite guy soap smell. Had he always used that, or was it something new? She was pretty sure he hadnt worn it to Foxy, the last time shed been this close to him.

Earth to Spencer? Andrew waved his hand in front of her face. Hello? Spencer blinked. Sorry, she stammered. Andrew folded his hands over the textbook. Have you heard anything Ive said?

Sure, Spencer assured him, although when she tried to remember, her brain called up other things instead. Like the A note theyd received after Ian was released on bail. Or the news reports about Ians upcoming trial on Friday. Or that her mother was planning a fund-raiser without her. Or, the clincher, that Spencer might not truly have been to the Hastings manor born.

Melissa didnt have much to back up the theory shed blurted out Tuesday night. Her only proof that Spencer was possibly adopted was that their cousin Smith had teased her about it once when they were little. Genevieve had quickly spanked him and sent him to his room. And, come to think of it, Melissa couldnt remember their mother actually being pregnant with Spencer for nine months, either.

It wasnt much, but the more Spencer thought about it, the more it felt like an important puzzle piece snapping into place. Except for their similarly colored dirty-blond hair, she and Melissa looked nothing alike. And Spencer always wondered why her mom had acted so spazzy when she caught Spencer, Ali, and the others playing We Are All Secretly Sisters in sixth grade. Theyd made up this fantasy that their birth mother was really worldly, rich, and connected, but shed lost her five beautiful daughters in the Kuala Lumpur airport (mostly because they liked the words Kuala Lumpur) because she was schizo (mostly because they liked the word schizo). Usually Mrs. Hastings pretended Spencer and her friends didnt exist. But when shed heard what they were doing, shed quickly interjected, saying it wasnt funny to joke about mental illness or mothers abandoning their children. But hello? It was a game.

It explained a lot of other things, too. Like why her parents always favored Melissa over Spencer. Why they were always so disappointed in her. Maybe it wasnt disappointment at allmaybe they were snubbing her because she wasnt really a Hastings. But why hadnt they admitted it years ago? Adoption wasnt scandalous. Kirsten Cullen was adopted; her birth mother was from South Africa. The first show-and-tell of every elementary school year, Kirsten would bring in pictures from her summer trip to Cape Town, her birthplace, and every girl in Spencers class would ooh with jealousy. Spencer used to wish shed been adopted too. It seemed so exotic.

Spencer stared through the study rooms porthole window at the enormous blue modern art mobile hanging from the library ceiling. Sorry, she admitted to Andrew. Im a little stressed.

Andrew furrowed his brow. Because of econ?

Spencer breathed in, ready to shoo him away and tell him it was none of his business. Only, he was looking at her so eagerly, and he was helping her. She thought more about that horrible night at Foxy. Andrew had been really excited when he thought they were actually going on a date, but had become dejected and angry when he found out Spencer was just using him. All that A and Toby Cavanaugh stuff had happened right after Andrew found out that she was dating someone else. Had Spencer even properly apologized?

Spencer began capping her multicolored highlighters and putting them back in their plastic sleeve, careful to make sure the markers were all turned the exact same way. Just as she slid the electric blue pen back in its place, everything inside her started to fizz, like she was a science-fair volcano about to bubble over.

I got this application to Yales pre-college summer program in the mail yesterday, and my mother threw it away before I could even look at it, she blurted out. She couldnt tell Andrew about Ian or A, but it felt good to at least say something. She said there was no chance in hell Yale would be letting me in to their summer program. And...and my parents are planning a Rosewood Day fund-raiser this weekend, but my mom didnt even tell me about it. Usually I help her plan them. And then my grandmother died on Monday, and

Your grandmother died? Andrews eyes widened. Why didnt you say anything?

Spencer blinked, thrown off track. Why would she tell Andrew her grandmother died? It wasnt as if they were friends. I dont know. But anyway, she left a will, and I wasnt in it, she went on. At first I thought it was because of this Golden Orchid mess, but then my sister was talking about how the will said natural-born grandchildren. I didnt believe her right away, but then I started thinking about it. It makes perfect sense. I shouldve known.

Slow down, Andrew said, shaking his head. I dont understand. You shouldve known...what? Spencer took a breath. Sorry, she said softly. Natural-born grandchildren means that one of us is

not naturally born. It means Im...adopted.

Spencer tapped her nails against the wood-grain patterns in the study rooms big mahogany desk. Someone had etched Angela is a slut into the surface. It felt weird for Spencer to say the words out loudIm adopted.

Maybe its a good thing, Spencer mused, stretching her long legs under the table. Maybe my real mother would actually care about me. And maybe I could get out of Rosewood.

Andrew was silent. Spencer glanced at him, wondering if shed said something offensive. Finally he turned and looked straight into her eyes.

I love you, Andrew announced.

Spencers eyes popped out. Excuse me?

Its a Web site, Andrew went on, unfazed. His chair creaked as he leaned back. I love you dot com. Or maybe you is just the letter u, Im not sure. It matches adopted kids to their birth mothers. This girl I met on the trip to Greece told me about it. She wrote me the other day saying it worked. Shes meeting her birth mother next week.

Oh. Spencer pretended to smooth down her already perfectly ironed skirt, feeling a little flustered. Of course she hadnt thought Andrew was actually saying he loved her or anything.

Do you want to register for it? Andrew began to load his books into his backpack. If youre not adopted, they just wont find a match. If you are...maybe they will.

Um... Spencers head spun. Okay. Sure.

Andrew made a beeline through the library for the computer lab, and Spencer followed. The main reading room was mostly empty save for a few late-night studiers, two boys hovering around the copier, no doubt contemplating whether to copy their faces or their butts, and what looked like a cult meetingevery single middle-aged woman was in some sort of blue hat. Spencer thought she saw someone quickly duck behind one of the autobiography shelves, but when she looked again, no one was there.

The computer lab was at the front of the library, surrounded on all sides by large glass windows. Andrew sat down at a console and Spencer pulled out a chair next to him. He wiggled the mouse, and the screen flickered on. Okay. Andrew started typing and tilted the screen toward Spencer. See?

Reconnecting families, announced flowery pink script at the top of the page. On the left of the screen were a series of pictures and testimonials from people who had already used the service. Spencer wondered if Andrews little Greece friend was picturedand if she was pretty. Not that she would have been jealous or anything.

Spencer clicked on a link that said, Sign up here. A new page popped up, asking her to answer various questions about herself, which the site would then use to match Spencer with her potential mother.

Spencers eyes floated back to the testimonials. I thought I would never find my son! Sadie, age forty-nine, wrote. Now were reunited and best friends! A girl named Angela, twenty-four, exclaimed, I always wondered who my true mother was. Now Ive found her, and were starting an accessories business together! Spencer knew the world wasnt this innocent and na•vethings didnt work out this easily. But she couldnt help but hope all the same.

She swallowed hard. What if it actually works? Andrew pushed his hands into his blazer pockets. Well, thats good, right?

Spencer rubbed her jaw, took a deep breath, and started to type her name, cell phone number, and e-mail address. She filled in the blanks of where and when shed been born, any health problems shed had, and her blood type. When she got to the question that asked, Please explain why youre conducting this search, her fingers hovered over the keyboard, searching for the appropriate answer. Because my family hates me, she wanted to type. Because I mean nothing to them.

Andrew shifted over her shoulder. Curiosity, Spencer finally typed. Then she took a deep breath and hit Send.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star tinkled over the computers tiny speakers, and onto the screen floated an animated picture of a stork flying around the world, as if diligently searching for Spencers match.

Spencer cracked her knuckles, numb to what shed just done. As she looked around, everything suddenly seemed unfamiliar. Shed been coming to this library all her life, but shed never noticed that all

the oil paintings on the computer rooms walls were of woodsy landscapes. Or that the big sign on the back of the door said, LIBRARY USERS : WHEN ON INTERNET , NO FACEBOOK OR MYSPACE , EVER ! Shed never really looked at the sand-colored wood floors, or the huge, pentagon-shaped lamps that hung majestically from the library ceiling.

When she glanced at Andrew, he was kind of unfamiliar tooin a good way. Spencer blushed, feeling vulnerable. Thank you.

Youre welcome. Andrew stood up and leaned against the doorjamb. So, you feel less stressed? She nodded. Yeah. I do. Good. Andrew smiled and checked his watch. I have to go, but Ill see you in class tomorrow.

Spencer watched as he strode through the library, waved to Mrs. Jamison, the librarian, and pushed out through the turnstile. She then turned back to the computer, logging into her e-mail. The adoption site had sent her a welcome message, stating that she would most likely hear results in anywhere from the next few days to six months. As she was about to log out, a new e-mail popped up in her inbox. The senders name was a jumble of letters and numbers, and the subject line read, Im watching.

Prickles ran up Spencers back. She opened the e-mail and squinted at the words.

I thought we were friends, Spence. I send you a sweet little note, and you call the cops.... What do I have to do to keep you girls quiet? Actually, dont tempt me!

A

Oh my God, Spencer whispered.

A thumping noise sounded behind her. Spencer turned, her muscles rigid. No one else was in the computer room. A spotlight shone on the courtyard behind the library, but there wasnt a single footprint in the bright white snow. Then Spencer noticed something on the outside of one of the windowpanesa quickly fading smudge from someones breath.

Spencers blood turned cold. Im watching. Someone had been right there just seconds ago...and she hadnt had any idea.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

16

WEIRDOS ATTRACT

The next morning, Aria walked downstairs, rubbing her eyes. The smell of the organic coffee Ella bought at the farmers marketone of the few items she paid premium price for without complaininglured her to the kitchen. Ella had already left for work, but Mike was at the table, inhaling a bowl of Fruity Pebbles and Twittering on his iPhone. When Aria saw who was sitting next to Mike, she let out a startled cry.

Oh. Xavier looked up, alarmed. Hey. Xavier was wearing a plain white T-shirt and very familiar plaid pajama pants. At first, Aria thought they

might be ones Byron had left behind, but then she realized they were Ellas. Byrons favorite old Hollis College coffee mug sat in front of Xaviers place, as did todays Philadelphia Inquirer

cryptoquote. Aria pressed her arms tightly and chastely against her chest. She hadnt thought she needed to put on a bra for breakfast.

A horn honked outside. The chair made an angry scrape as Mike stood up, milk dribbling from his chin. Thats Noel. He grabbed his enormous bag of lacrosse gear and regarded Xavier. Wii tonight, right?

Ill be there, Xavier answered.

Aria looked at her watch. Its seven twenty. School started in an hour, and Mike usually procrastinated until the very last second.

Were getting a prime seat at Steam so we can check out Hanna Marin and her hot stepsister. Mikes eyes goggled. Have you seen that Kate girl? I cant believe the two of them live together! You talk to Hanna sometimesdo you know if they sleep in the same bed?

Aria gave him an exasperated look. Do you honestly expect me to answer that?

Mike hefted his bag over his shoulder and sauntered into the hall, knocking over the enormous frog-faced totem pole Ella had found at a junk shop in Turkey. The front door slammed heavily. Aria heard an engine gunning...and then nothing.

The house was maddeningly still. The only thing Aria heard was the Indian sitar music Ella always listened to before workshe often left it on all day, maintaining that it was soothing for their cat, Polo, and the plants.

Do you want a part of the paper? Xavier broke the silence.

He held up the front page. Splayed across the top was the headline Ian Thomas Vows to Find Real DiLaurentis Killer Before Trial Tomorrow. Aria shuddered. Thats okay. She quickly poured herself a cup of coffee and headed back toward the stairs.

Wait, Xavier said loudly. Aria stopped so abruptly, some of her coffee spilled to the floor. Im sorry if I might have made you uncomfortable at the restaurant last night, Xavier said solemnly. Thats the last thing I meant to do. And I wanted to be gone before you came down todayI didnt want to skeev you out more. I know how weird this must be.

Aria wanted to ask if he meant that it must be weird because he knew she had been interested in him, or because he was dating her not-yet-divorced mom.

Its...fine. Aria set her coffee down on the telephone table next to the door. It was littered with a whole bunch of flyers and postcards of Xaviers recent showsElla must have been boning up on his work. Then she adjusted her way-too-short gray terry-cloth pajama shorts. If only she hadnt been wearing the ones with the enormous pink Pegasus silk-screened across the butt.

She thought about the A note shed received at Rabbit Rabbit yesterday. Wilden had promised to call her once he traced the origin of her latest A note. She hoped shed hear from him today so she could put the whole thing behind her.

Aria had debated just explaining the photos of her and Xavier to Ella before A had the chance. She tried to picture it. The thing is, I kind of liked Xavier before you started dating him, she could say. But its not like I do now! So if anyone sends you a note or pictures, ignore them, okay? But their relationship was just too fragile to broach something like thisespecially if she didnt need to.

In truth, Wilden was probably right. The notes had to be from some dumb kid. And there wasnt much of a reason to be angry at Xavierall hed done was draw a sketch of hera really good sketch. That was it. Even if Ella saw the pictures A had sent Aria, Xavier would jump in to explain that nothing had been going on. He probably hadnt even realized the message hed sent, drawing Arias portrait in such detail. Xavier was an artiste, after all, and artists werent the most socially adept creatures in the world. Take Byron: When hed held cocktail parties for his Hollis undergrad students, hed often hidden up in the bedroom, forcing Ella to entertain.

Xavier stood up, wiping his chin with a napkin. How about I make it up to you? Ill go get dressed and then give you a ride to school.

Aria lowered her shoulders. Ella had taken the car to work that morning, and getting a ride definitely beat taking the Rosewood Day bus, which was filled with elementary school boys who never got tired of farting contests. Okay, she agreed. Thanks.

Twenty minutes later, Aria was shrugging into the black bouclŽ coat shed bought at a vintage shop in Paris and stepping out onto the front porch. Xaviers car, a pristinely restored, late-sixties BMW 2002, chugged in the driveway. Aria slid into the front seat, admiring the sleek chrome interior. Now this is how an old car should look. She whistled, impressed. Have you seen my moms ancient Honda? Theres mold growing on the seats.

Xavier chuckled. My dad had one of these when I was growing up. He began to back out of the driveway. After my parents divorced and he moved to Oregon, I missed the car more than him.

He glanced at Aria, giving her a sympathetic look. I really do know how weird this is, you know. My mom started dating right away after she got divorced. I hated it.

So thats what hed meant. Aria stared pointedly in the other direction, watching a couple of younger public school students crunch clumsily over the quickly melting snowdrifts at the bus stop. The last thing she wanted to hear was another Ive been there story. Sean Ackard, who shed gone out with for about a minute this fall, had earnestly revealed his struggles with his moms death and his dads remarriage. And Ezra had bemoaned that when his parents divorced, hed smoked tons of pot. Woo-hoo, everyone elses lives sucked ass too. It didnt really make Arias problems any easier.

All my moms boyfriends tried to bond with me, Xavier went on. Every single one of them brought me sports equipment, like baseball gloves, basketballs, once even a whole hockey uniform, complete with

pads and stuff. If theyd really attempted to learn anything about me, they wouldve known to bring me a handheld mixer. Or Bundt cake pans. Or muffin tins.

Aria looked over, intrigued. Muffin tins?

Xavier smiled sheepishly. I was really into baking. He hit the brakes at a crosswalk, waiting for a bunch of little kids to pass. It helped to calm me down. I was especially good at meringues. This was before I discovered art. I was the only guy in my schools home ec club. Actually, thats where my Match.com nickname comes fromWolfgang. I was obsessed with Wolfgang Puck when I was in high school. He had this restaurant in L.A. called Spago, and this one time, I drove down there from Seattle, where I went to high school, thinking I could just walk in without reservations. He rolled his eyes. I ended up eating at Arbys.

Aria looked at him, noting his serious expression. She burst out laughing. You are such a girl. I know. Xavier ducked his head. I wasnt very popular in high school. No one really got me. Aria ran her fingers through her long, black ponytail. I used to be really unpopular too. You? Xavier waved his hand. Nah. Its true, Aria said quietly. No one understood me at all.

She sat back in the seat, thrust into thought. Aria had always tried very hard not to dwell on the lonely, friendless years before shed become friends with Ali, but seeing that black-and-white photo of her the other daythe one from when Time Capsule was announcedhad jostled a whole bunch of memories free.

When Aria was in fourth grade, everyone in her Rosewood Day class was friends with everyone else. But in fifth, things suddenly...changed. Tight-knit cliques cropped up literally overnight, and everyone knew their place. It was like a game of musical chairs: after the music stopped, all her classmates easily found a seat, while Aria was still floundering around, chairless.

Aria tried to find a group of friends. One week, she dressed in black and Doc Martens and loitered around the hooligans that shoplifted from Wawa and shared cigarettes behind the dragon-shaped slide before school. But she had nothing in common with them. They all despised reading, even fun things like Narnia. Another week, she dug out her frilly vintage clothes and tried to hang with the prissy girls who loved Hello Kitty and thought boys were gross. But they were so high-maintenance. One of the girls cried for three hours because shed accidentally stepped on a ladybug at recess. No group fit her, so Aria eventually stopped trying. She spent a lot of time by herself, ignoring everyone else as best she could.

Everyone, that was, except Ali. Sure, Ali was a Typical Rosewood Girl, but something about her fascinated Aria. The day Ali strolled out of the school and announced she was going to win Time Capsule, Aria couldnt help but sketch Alis beautiful, heart-shaped face and stunning smile. She envied how effortless Ali was around boyseven older ones like Ian. But the thing Aria liked most about Ali was Alis gorgeous, sensitive older brother.

The day Jason strutted up to Ian and told him to leave Ali alone, Aria had already developed a full-blown, unbridled, very painful crush on him. For weeks, shed been sneaking over to the high school library during her free periods to watch him studying with his German class. She would hide behind a tree

that overlooked the soccer fields to spy on him as he stretched near the goalie pen. Sometimes she would leaf through old yearbooks in the yearbook room to find out all the information she could about Jason. It was one of the few times Aria was glad not to have any friends. She could enjoy her unrequited crush in peace, without having to explain it to anyone.

Right after Time Capsule was announced, Aria slipped Byrons signed copy of Slaughterhouse-Five in her knapsackone of the things shed read about Jason in an old yearbook was how much he loved Kurt Vonnegut. Arias heart pounded as she waited for Jason to emerge from the Journalism Barn after his Principles of Newspaper Writing class. When she saw him, she reached into her bag for the book, hoping to show it to him as he walked by. When Jason found out Aria liked Vonnegut too, maybe hed realize they were soul mates.

But Mrs. Wagner, the high schools head secretary, cut in front of Aria at the last minute and grabbed Jasons arm. There was an important call for him in the office. A girl, Mrs. Wagner explained. Jasons face clouded. He brushed past Aria without even looking at her. Aria dropped the book back into her bag, embarrassed. The girl on the phone was probably Jasons age and stunningly beautiful, while Aria was just some sixth-grade freak. The day after that, Aria, Emily, Spencer, and Hanna had all shown up in Alis backyard at the same time. Theyd clearly all had the same hope and plan: to snag Alis Time Capsule flag. By that point, Aria didnt care so much about stealing Alis flagshe just wanted another opportunity to see Jason. Little did she know at the time that shed finally get her wish. Xavier pulled up the old BMWs brake, jolting Aria back to reality. They were in a parking space right in front of Rosewood Day. I still dont feel like people g et me, Aria concluded, staring at the stately brick school in front of them. Even now.

Well, maybe thats because youre an artist, Xavier said gently. Artists never feel understood. But thats what makes you special.

Aria ran her fingers along the sides of her yak-fur bag. Thanks, she said, really appreciating his words. Then she added with a smirk, Wolfgang.

Xavier winced. Later. He waved and drove away.

Aria watched as his BMW snaked down the long drive and out to the street. Then, she heard what sounded like a giggle, close in her ear. She whipped around, trying to figure out where it was coming from, but no one was looking at her. The schools parking lot was packed with kids. Devon Arliss and Mason Byers were trying to shove each other into a dirty patch of slush. Scott Chin, the yearbook photographer, was aiming his camera at the gnarled bare upper branches of a tree, and beyond him, Jenna Cavanaugh and her guide dog were standing on the slippery walk. Jennas head was held high, her pale skin shone, and her dark hair fanned out over her red wool trench. If it werent for the white cane and the service dog, Jenna wouldve been a gorgeous Typical Rosewood.

Jenna had paused just a few yards from Aria, seemingly staring right at her. Aria paused for a moment. Hi, Jenna, she called quietly.

Jenna cocked her headnot hearing, and certainly not seeingbefore she pulled on the dogs collar and continued down the path into the school.

Goose bumps began to rise up on Arias arms and legs, and an icy shiver went from the top of her head all the way down to her feet. Even though it was frigid outside, Aria was pretty sure neither response was due to the weather.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

17

OH, THE SACRIFICES TO BE POPULAR

Something about Kirsten Cullen looks fatter, Naomi whispered in Hannas ear. Is it her upper arms?

Definitely, Hanna whispered back. But thats what happens when you drink full-calorie beer at Christmas parties. She watched as Sienna Morgan, a pretty sophomore, walked past, her prized monogrammed Vuitton tote swinging. And you guys know the truth about Siennas bag, right? She looked around at the others, pausing for dramatic effect. She got it at an outlet.

Naomi clapped her hand over her mouth. Riley stuck out her tongue, disgusted. Kate flicked her chestnut hair over her shoulder, reaching inside her own, bona fide Vuitton bag for lipstick. I hear the stuff at outlets is fake, Kate murmured.

It was Thursday morning before school, and Hanna was sitting with Kate, Naomi, and Riley at Steams best table. Classical music began to play over the loudspeakers, which meant it was time to get moving to homeroom. Hanna and Kate stood up and linked arms, and Naomi and Riley brought up the rear. They were a four-girl parade, with a small entourage of guys following. Hannas auburn hair bounced. Naomi looked fashion-forward in her forest green ankle boots. Normally flat-chested Riley looked rather buxom today, thanks to the Wonderbra theyd made her get at the King James yesterday. It had definitely been the best shopping spree Hanna had been on in a long time. No wonder the small knot of sophomore girls by the lost-and-found were gazing at them with envy. No wonder Noel Kahn, Mike Montgomery, James Freed, and the rest of the lacrosse team had been ogling them from a table at the back of the cafŽ. Only a handful of hours had passed since Hanna apologized to Naomi and Riley, but everyone in school already understood that they were the people to envy, the girls to know. And it felt so frickin good.

Suddenly, Hanna felt a hand on her arm. Do you have a sec?

Spencer twitched against the lockers. Her dirty-blond hair was pulled off her face and her eyes darted back and forth. It seemed as if the little mechanical key in her back had been wound way too tight. Uh, Im busy, Hanna said, trying walk past.

Spencer pulled her into the water fountain alcove anyway. Kate glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow, but Hanna waved her on. She turned back to her old friend. God, what? she snapped.

I got another note last night. Spencer shoved her Sidekick under Hannas nose. Look. Hanna read the text silently. I thought we were friends, Spence! Blah, blah, blah. So? she snapped.

I was in the Rosewood library at the time. And when I turned around, I saw steam on the window. Breath marks. I swear to God its Ian. Hes watching us.

Hanna sniffed. This probably would be the time to mention her own A note from yesterday, but that would mean she believed the notes were something to be afraid of. Wilden told us its just a copycat, she whispered. Not Ian.

Its got to be Ian! Spencer shrieked so shrilly that a pack of younger girls dressed in winter

cheerleading uniforms looked over in alarm. Hes out of jail. He doesnt want us to testify against him, so hes trying to scare us. It totally makes sense, doesnt it?

Ians under lockdown, Hanna reminded her. This is probably just from some loser kid from Rosewood who saw you on the news, thought you were hot, and thinks this is a way to get your attention. And you know what? He has your attention. Hes won. The best thing you can do is just ignore him.

Aria got another note too. Spencer whipped her head around and looked down the hall, as if Aria would miraculously materialize. Did she say anything about it to you? Do you know if Emily has gotten any?

Why dont you bother Wilden with this instead? Hanna said hurriedly, taking a step back.

Do you think I should? Spencer put her finger to her chin. This note says I should keep quiet. Hanna groaned. You are so lame, she said. Its. A. Fake.

With that, she gave Spencer a parting shrug and whirled away. Spencer let out a squeak of disbelief, but Hanna ignored her. She was not about to let Knockoff A manipulate hershe would not be that scared, weak little girl from just a few months ago. Her life was different now.

Kate, Naomi, and Riley were clumped at the end of the hall near the big picture window that looked out onto the snowy soccer fields. Hanna rushed back to them, hoping she hadnt missed anything good. The three of them were chattering about what they were going to wear to the Rosewood Day charity benefit at Spencers house Saturday night. The plan was to spray-tan at Sun Land in the morning, get mani-pedis at Fermata in the afternoon, and then change and do makeup at Naomis before hopping in a rented town car. Theyd considered arriving in a stretch Hummer limo, but Kate had informed them that Hummers were so two years ago.

Society photographers might be there, so Im going to go for my Derek Lam halter dress. Naomi swept a lock of long white-blond bangs out of her eyes. My mom said I had to save it for prom, but I know shell forget in a week and let me get something else.

Or we could all dress alike, Riley suggested, pausing to gaze into her Dior compact. What about those Sweetface dresses we saw at Saks yesterday?

Sweetface, blegh. Naomi stuck out her tongue. Celebs should not be allowed to design clothes. Those dresses are totally short and cute, Riley urged, not giving up.

Stop cat-fighting, Kate said, bored. Well go to the King James again this afternoon, okay? There are probably tons of stores we didnt hit. Well all find something fabulous. What do you think, Hanna?

Done. Hanna nodded. Naomi and Riley quickly straightened up and agreed.

And we need to find you a boyfriend, too, Kate. Naomi wound her arm around Kates waist. There are so many cuties in this town.

What about Noels brother Eric? Riley suggested, edging her scrawny butt against the heat vents by the windowsill. Hes so hot.

He went out with Mona, though. Naomi glanced at Hanna. Is that, like, weird? Nah, Hanna said quickly. For the first time, she didnt feel a twinge at hearing Monas name.

Eric would be perfect for Kate. Naomi widened her eyes. I heard that when he was dating Briony Kogan, they snuck off to New York and stayed in a penthouse at the Mandarin Oriental. Eric took her on a carriage ride around Central Park and bought her a love bracelet from Cartier.

I heard that too. Riley swooned.

Well, I certainly could use some romance like that, Kate admitted. She shot Hanna a covert pout. Hanna nodded back, catching Kates oblique reference to her secret, the disastrous, complicated relationship with Herpes Boy in Annapolis. Though Kate still hadnt confirmed it was herpes, shed asked that Hanna not get into it with their new friends.

Hanna felt another hand on her arm and exasperatedly turned, thinking it was Spencer again. Instead, it was Lucas.

Oh, hi. Hanna coolly ran her hands through her hair. Over the past few days, shed communicated with Lucas via only a few terse e-mails and texts, ignoring his repeated calls. But shed been busy cultivating her new clique, which was as delicate an art as hand-beading a couture gown. Surely Lucas would understand.

Hanna noticed a tiny speck of what looked like pink donut frosting on the tip of Lucass nose. Normally, she found Lucass inability to get all of his food in his mouth cute, but with Kate, Naomi, and Riley here, it was embarrassing. She quickly wiped it off. She wished she could also tuck in his shirt, tie the laces on one of his Converse sneakers, and muss up his hair a littleit appeared hed forgotten to use the Ceylon-scented styling gel shed bought him at Sephorabut that might seem really high-maintenance.

Kate stepped forward, grinning broadly. Hi, Lucas. Nice to see you again.

Lucass eyes darted back and forth from Kates arm, which was linked around Hannas, to Hannas face, then back to Kates arm again. Hanna smiled dumbly, praying that Lucas would keep his mouth shut. The last time hed seen Hanna and Kate together was over winter break, when hed picked Hanna up to go skiing. Hanna hadnt even bothered to acknowledge Kate, pretending like she was merely another piece of living room furniture. She hadnt had time to tell him about the latest turn of events.

Kate cleared her throat, looking amused. Well. We should leave the lovebirds alone, girls. Ill catch up with you, Hanna said tightly. Bye, Lucas, Kate trilled as she, Naomi, and Riley clacked down the hall. Lucas shifted the books in his arms. So...

I know what youre going to say, Hanna interrupted, her vocal cords taut. I decided to give Kate a chance.

But I thought you said she was demonic. Hanna put her hands on her hips. What am I supposed to do? She lives in my house. My father basically

told me that hell disown me if Im not nice to her. She apologized to me, and I decided to accept her apology. Why cant you just be happy for me?

Okay, okay. Lucas stepped back in surrender. I am happy for you. I didnt mean for it to sound like I wasnt. Im sorry.

Hanna let out a long, fiery breath through her nose. Its fine. But Lucas had killed her buzz. She strained to hear what Kate, Naomi, and Riley were saying, but they were too far away. Were they still talking about dresses, or had they moved on to shoes?

Lucas waved an arm in front of Hanna, a concerned look on his face. Are you okay? You seem kind of...weird.

Hanna snapped back to him, mustering up the best smile she could. Im fine. Great, actually. But we should go, right? Were going to be late to class.

Lucas nodded, still looking at Hanna funny. Finally, he sighed, leaned over, and kissed her neck. Well talk more about this later.

Hanna watched Lucas as he loped down the hall to the science wing. Over the winter break, Hanna and Lucas had built a huge snowwoman in the snow, something Hanna hadnt done since she was little. Lucas had given the snowwoman big plastic surgery boobs, and Hanna had tied her Burberry scarf around the snowwomans neck. After they finished, they had a snowball fight, then went inside and baked chocolate chip cookies. Hanna virtuously ate only two.

It had been Hannas favorite winter break memory, but now she wondered if she and Lucas shouldve been doing something more mature. Like sneaking off to the Mandarin Oriental in New York City, for example, and shopping for jewelry on Fifth Avenue.

The halls were almost empty, and many of the teachers were shutting their classroom doors. Hanna started down the hall, tossing her hair and trying her hardest to snap out of her weirdness. A tiny beeping sound from inside her bag made her jump. Her cell phone.

A small seed of worry began to throb in the pit of Hannas stomach. When she looked at the screen, she was relieved to see it was just from Lucas. I forgot to ask, he wrote. Are we still hanging out this afternoon? Text me when you get this.

The between-classes classical music went silent, meaning Hanna was late. Shed forgotten that shed offered to help Lucas pick out new jeans at the mall. But she hated the idea of Kate, Naomi, and Riley dress-shopping without her, and it seemed weird to have Lucas tag along.

Cant, she replied, typing while walking. Sorry.

She hit Send and clapped her phone shut. When she turned the corner, she saw her new BFFs standing at the end of the hallway, waiting for her. She smiled and caught up to them, pushing her sinking, guilty feelings out of her head. After all, she was Hanna Marin, and she was fabulous.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

18

A JURY OF ONE

Thursday evening, Spencer sat at the dinner table all alone. Melissa had left with friends an hour ago, and her parents had made themselves scarce and then pointedly breezed out the front door, barely saying good-bye. Shed had to scavenge in the fridge for some leftover cartons of Chinese food for dinner.

She stared at the pile of mail on the kitchen table. Fenniworth College, some podunk school in central Pennsylvania, had sent her a catalogue and an accompanying letter saying they would be thrilled to show her around their campus. But the only reason Fenniworth was still willing to let Spencer apply was probably because of how much money her family had. Money shed thought she was entitled tountil now.

Spencer pulled her Sidekick out of her pocket and checked her e-mail inbox for the third time in fifteen minutes. Nothing from the adoption site. Nothing else from that creepy new A. And, unfortunately, nothing from Wilden. At Hannas suggestion, shed called him about the note shed received in the library, adding that she was positive someone had been watching her through the windows.

But Wilden had seemed distracted. Or maybe he didnt believe herperhaps he thought Spencer was an unreliable witness too. Hed reassured her yet again that this was just some bored kid making trouble, and that he and the rest of the Rosewood PD were investigating the origin of the notes. Then hed hung up on Spencer when she was in the middle of a sentence. Shed stared at the phone, peeved.

Candace, the familys housekeeper, started scrubbing the stove, filling the room with eucalyptus-scented cleaner. The latest season of Americas Next Top Model, Candaces favorite show, droned on the little flat-screen TV above the cabinets. The caterers had just come to drop off some of the ingredients for Saturdays fund-raiser, and the alcohol distributor had brought in several cases of wine. A few magnum bottles sat on the kitchen island, constant reminders that Spencer was not included in these preparations. If she had been, she certainly wouldnt have ordered merlotshe wouldve gone for something classier, like Barolo.

Spencer looked up at the TV, staring as a bunch of pretty girls walked down a makeshift runway in a morgue, modeling what looked like crosses between bikinis and straitjackets. Suddenly, the TV went dark. Spencer cocked her head. Candace let out a frustrated grunt. A news logo flashed on the screen. We have breaking news from Rosewood, said a voice-over. Spencer reached over to the remote and turned up the volume.

A bug-eyed reporter with a crew cut stood in front of the Rosewood courthouse. We have an update about the much-anticipated Alison DiLaurentis murder trial, he announced. Despite speculation about lack of evidence, the D.A.s office announced just minutes ago that the trial will take place as scheduled.

Spencer pulled her cashmere cardigan closer around her, letting out a huge sigh of relief. Then the broadcast cut to a shot of the front of Ians house, a big, rambling compound with an American flag prominently over the front porch. Mr. Thomas has been released on temporary bail until his trial begins, the reporters voice announced off-camera. We spoke with him last night to see how he was doing.

Ians image swam onto the screen. Im innocent, he protested, his eyes wide. Someone else is guilty of this, not me.

Ugh, Candace spat, shaking her head. I cant believe that boy was ever in this house! She picked up a can of Febreeze and squirted it toward the TV camera, as if Ians mere presence on the screen had let

a bad odor into the room.

The report ended, and ANTM came back on. Spencer stood up, feeling dizzy. She needed to get some air...and clear Ian from her head. She stumbled out the back door and onto the patio, a chilly gust of wind hitting her in the face. The heron-shaped thermometer that swung from a post next to the grill said the temperature was only thirty-five degrees, but Spencer didnt bother to go back inside to get a jacket.

It was quiet and dark on the porch. The woods behind the barnthe very last place Spencer had seen Ali aliveseemed darker than usual. When she turned and looked toward her front yard, a light in the Cavanaughs house snapped on. A tall, dark-haired figure floated by the living room bay window. Jenna. She was pacing around, talking into her cell phone, her lips moving quickly. Spencer shuddered, uneasy. It was such a disconnect to see someone wearing sunglasses indoors...and at night.

Spencer, someone whispered, very close.

Spencer whirled around toward the voice, and her knees buckled. Ian was standing on the other side of the deck. He wore a black North Face down jacket zipped up to his nose and a black ski hat pulled down to his eyebrows. The only thing Spencer could see was his eyes.

Spencer started to cry out, but Ian held up his hand. Shhhh. Just listen for a sec. Spencer was so terrified, she could have sworn her heart was leaping around in her chest. H-how did

you get out of your house?

Ians eyes glimmered. I have my ways.

Spencer glanced into the back window, but Candace had left the kitchen. Spencers Sidekick was only feet away, nestled in its mint green Kate Spade leather case on the wet patio table. She started to reach for it.

Dont, Ian pleaded, his voice softening. He unzipped his jacket slightly and took off his hat. It looked as if hed lost weight in his face, and his tawny blond hair stood on end. I just want to talk to you, he said. You and I used to be such good friends. Why did you do this to me?

Spencers mouth dropped open. Because you murdered my best friend, thats why!

Ian rummaged in his jacket pocket, his eyes on her the whole time. Slowly, he pulled out a pack of Parliaments and lit one with a Zippo. It was something Spencer thought shed never see. Ian used to do local public service ads for the Great American Smokeout with several other clean-cut Rosewood kids.

A plume of bluish smoke trailed out of his mouth. You know I didnt kill Alison. I wouldnt hurt a hair on her head.

Spencer gripped the smooth wooden posts along the side of her deck for balance. You did kill her, she reiterated, her voice wobbly. And if you think the notes youve sent us are going to scare us into not testifying against you, youre wrong. Were not afraid of you.

Ian cocked his head, confounded. What notes? Dont play dumb, Spencer squeaked.

Ian sniffed, still acting confused. Spencer glanced at the hole in the DiLaurentises yard. It was so close. Her eyes moved to the barn, the site of their very last sleepover.

Theyd all been so excited that seventh grade was over. Sure, thered been some tension between all of them, and sure, Ali had done a lot of things that had pissed Spencer off, but Spencer had been certain that if they spent enough time together that summer, away from everyone else at Rosewood Day, theyd be as close as ever before.

But then she and Ali had had that stupid fight about closing the blinds so Ali could hypnotize them. Before Spencer knew it, the argument had spiraled out of control. She told Ali to leave...and Ali did.

For a long time, Spencer felt terrible about what happened. If she hadnt told Ali to leave, maybe Ali wouldnt be dead. But now she knew that nothing she couldve done would have made a difference. Ali had been planning to ditch them all along. She was probably dying to meet Ian to see what hed decidedto break up with Melissa, or to let Ali tell the world about their oh-so-inappropriate relationship. Ali thrived on stuff like that, seeing just how far she could manipulate people. Still, that didnt give Ian permission to murder her.

Spencers eyes brimmed with tears. She thought about that old picture theyd looked at just before the news came on announcing Ians temporary bail, the one from the day Time Capsule was announced. Ian had had the audacity to stroll right up to Ali and tell her he was going to kill her. Who knew, maybe hed wanted to even then. Maybe hed had some death wish for Ali all along. And maybe hed seen it as the perfect crime. No one will ever suspect me, hed probably thought. Im Ian Thomas, after all.

She glared at Ian, her body shaking. Did you really think youd get away with what you did? What was going through your head, even fooling around with Ali? Didnt you know it was wrong? Didnt you realize you were taking advantage of her?

A crow cawed in the distance, loud and ugly. I wasnt taking advantage of her, Ian said.

Spencer sniffed. She was in seventh gradeyou were in twelfth. That doesnt seem weird to you?

Ian blinked.

So she pestered you with a stupid ultimatum, Spencer went on, her nostrils flaring. You didnt have to take her seriously. You shouldve just told her you didnt want to see her anymore!

Thats how you think it was? Ian sounded truly astonished. That Ali liked me more than I liked her? He laughed. Ali and I flirted a lot, but that was all. She never seemed interested in taking it further than that.

Right, Spencer said through clenched teeth. But then...suddenly...she changed her mind, Ian went on. At first I thought she was paying attention

to me just to make someone else mad.

A few slow seconds went by. A bird landed on the feeder on the back deck, pecking at the birdseed. Spencer put her hands on her hips. And I suppose that would be me, right? Ali decided to like you because it would make me mad?

Huh? A stiff wind blew up the edges of Ians black scarf.

Spencer snorted. Did she really have to spell it out? I. Liked. You. Back in seventh grade. I know Ali told you. She convinced you to kiss me.

Ian breathed out, his brow still furrowed. I dont know. It was a long time ago.

Stop lying, Spencer snapped, her cheeks burning. You killed Ali, she repeated. Stop pretending you didnt.

Ian opened his mouth, but no sound came out. What if I told you theres something you dont know? he finally blurted.

An airplane rumbled softly overhead. A few houses down, Mr. Hurst started up his snowblower. What are you talking about? Spencer whispered.

Ian took another drag of his cigarette. Its something big. I think the cops know about it too, but theyre ignoring it. Theyre trying to frame me, but by tomorrow Ill have my hands on evidence that will prove my innocence. He leaned closer to Spencer, blowing the smoke in her face. Believe me, its something that will turn your life upside down.

Spencers entire body went numb. So tell me what it is.

Ian looked away. I cant say yet. I want to know for sure.

Spencer laughed bitterly. You expect me to just...take your word for it? I dont owe you any favors. Maybe you should be talking to Melissa instead of me. I think shell be more sympathetic to your little sob story.

A wary look Spencer couldnt quite read passed over Ians face, as if he didnt like that idea at all. The toxic smell of his cigarette settled over them like a shroud. I may have been drunk that night, but I know what I saw, Ian said. I went out there intending to meet up with Ali...but I saw two blondes in the woods instead. One of them was Alison. The other... He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Two blondes in the woods. Spencer shook her head quickly, understanding what Ian was implying. It wasnt me. I followed Ali out of the barn. But then she left meto find you.

It was another blonde, then.

If you saw someone, why didnt you say something to the cops when Ali first went missing?

Ians eyes darted left. He took another nervous drag. Spencer snapped her fingers and pointed at him. You never said anything, because you never saw anything. There isnt any big secret the cops are ignoring...period. You killed her, Ian, and youre going to fry. End of story.

Ian held her gaze for a long few seconds. Then, he moved his shoulder jerkily, flicking his cigarette butt into the yard. Youve got it all wrong, he said in a dead voice. And just like that, he whirled around and stomped off the deck, skulking through Spencers side yard and slipping into the woods. Spencer waited until he was past the tree line before she collapsed weakly to her knees, barely noticing as the slush immediately soaked through her jeans. Hot, frightened tears slid down her face. Several long minutes passed before she noticed that her Sidekick, still sitting on the patio table, was ringing.

She leapt up and grabbed it. There was one new text in her inbox.

Question: If poor little Miss Not-So-Perfect suddenly vanished, would anyone even care? You told on me twice. Three strikes and well find out if your parents will cry over the loss of your pathetic life. Tread softly, Spence.

Spencer looked up at the trees at the back of the property. Not sending notes, huh, Ian? she screamed out into the emptiness, her voice raw. Come out where I can see you!

The wind swirled silently. Ian didnt answer. The only evidence that he had been here at all was the angry, red-tipped ember of his cigarette butt, slowly dying in the middle of the yard.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

19

FORTUNE COOKIES USUALLY NEVER SAY ANYTHING THIS GOOD

Thursday night after swimming, Emily stood in front of the full-length mirror in the Rosewood Day natatorium, examining her outfit. She had on her favorite pair of chocolate brown corduroys, a pale pink blouse with just a teensy bit of ruffle, and dark pink flats. Was the look appropriate for a dinner at China Rose with Isaac? Or was it too girly and un-Emily? Not that she knew what constituted Emily these days.

Why are you looking all cute? Carolyn burst around the corner, making Emily jump. You got a date? No! Emily said quickly, horrified. Carolyn cocked her head knowingly. Who is she? Anyone I know? She. Emily sucked her teeth. Im just meeting a guy for dinner. A friend. Thats all.

Carolyn flitted over and adjusted Emilys collar. Is that the story you gave Mom, too?

Actually, it was the story Emily had given her mother. She was probably the only girl in Rosewood who could tell her parents she was going out with a boy without getting any paranoid lectures about how sex is a serious thing and should be between two people who were much older and in love.

Ever since her kiss with Isaac yesterday, shed been wandering around in a perplexed haze. She had no idea what had happened in any of her classes today. Her peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunch couldve been made with sawdust and sardines, for all shed noticed. And shed barely flinched when Mike Montgomery and Noel Kahn waved to her in the parking lot after swim practice, asking if shed had a good Christmas break. Is there a lesbian version of Santa Claus? Mike had yelled excitedly. Did you sit on her lap? Are there lesbian elves?

Emily hadnt even been offended, and that worried her tooif gay jokes no longer bothered her, did that mean she wasnt gay? But wasnt that the big, scary thing shed figured out about herself over the past

A

few months? The reason her parents had shipped her off to Iowa? If she felt the same emotions for Isaac as she had for Maya and Ali, what did that make her? Straight? Bi? Confused?

As much as she wanted to tell her family about Isaache was, ironically, the model boy to bring home to her parentsshe felt sheepish. What if they didnt believe her? What if they laughed? What if they got angry? Shed put them through a lot this fall. Now she liked a boy again, just like that? And her note from A had actually made a good point. She had no idea how conservative Isaac was or how hed react to the secrets of her past. What if it made him uncomfortable and he never spoke to her again?

Emily slammed her locker shut, spun the dial, and then scooped up her canvas bag. Good luck, Carolyn singsonged breezily as Emily left the locker room. Im sure shell love you. Emily winced, but didnt correct her.

China Rose was a few miles down Route 30, a cheerful little stand-alone building next to a falling-down stone structure that used to be a spring. To get there, Emily had to drive through the parking lot of a Kinkos, a yarn store, and the Amish market, which sold homemade apple butter and paintings of farm animals on lacquered slabs of wood. When she got out of the car, the parking lot was eerily silent. Too silent? The hair on the back of her neck began to rise. Emily had never called Aria back last night to discuss New A. Frankly, Emily had been too afraid to talk to anyone about it, and decided that if she just didnt think about it, maybe it would go away. Aria hadnt called back either. Emily wondered if she was trying to block it out too.

The Rosewood Bowl-O-Rama was in the business complex too, although it was in the process of being remodeled into yet another Whole Foods.

Emily, Ali, and the others used to go bowling at this very alley on Friday nights at the beginning of sixth grade, right after theyd become friends. At first, Emily had thought it was strange. Shed assumed theyd be hanging out at the King James Mall, where Ali and her old posse used to go on the weekends. But Ali said she needed a break from the King Jamesand from everyone else at Rosewood Day. New friends need alone time, dont you think? Ali told them. And no one from school will find us here.

It had been in this very bowling alley that Emily asked Ali her one and only question about the Time Capsule gameand the spooky thing Ian had said to Ali that day. They had been fooling around in a lane, getting a sugar rush off fountain sodas from the snack bar and seeing if they could knock down more pins by bowling between their legs. Emily felt extra brave that night, more willing to delve into the past that they all tried so hard to avoid. When Spencer got up to bowl and Hanna and Aria ran off to the vending machines, Emily turned to Ali, who was busy drawing cartoon smiley faces in the margins of the scorecard.

Do you remember that fight Ian Thomas and your brother got into that day Time Capsule was announced? Emily asked casually, as if she hadnt been thinking about it for weeks.

Ali laid down the nubby scorecard pencil and stared at Emily for nearly a minute. Finally she leaned over and retied her already tight shoelace. Jasons a freak, she mumbled. I teased him about it when he gave me a ride home that day.

But Jason hadnt given Ali a ride home that dayhed sped away in a black car, and Ali and her posse had headed toward the woods. So that fight didnt upset you, then?

Ali looked up, grinning. Easy there, Killer! I can take care of myself! It was the first time Ali had ever called her Killeras in, her personal, protective pit bulland the name had stuck.

Looking back on it now, Emily wondered if Ali had gone to meet Ian that day and covered it up with her lie about riding home with Jason. Shaking all thoughts of Ali from her head, Emily slammed the door of the Volvo, put her keys in her pocket, and made her way down the little brick path to China Roses front door. The inside of the restaurant was decorated to look like a thatch-roofed hut, with bamboo sheaths covering the ceiling and a big aquarium filled with bloated, silvery goldfish. Emily wove around the takeout waiting area, the smell of ginger and green onions tickling her nose. A bunch of cooks hovered over enormous woks in the chaotic open kitchen. Thankfully, she didnt see anyone she recognized from Rosewood Day.

Isaac was waving at her from a table toward the rear. Emily waved back, wondering if her face was contorted with nerves. Feeling wobbly, she walked toward him, trying not to bump into any of the tightly grouped tables.

Hi, Isaac said. He was wearing a dark blue button-down that brought out his eyes. His hair was pushed back from his face, showing off his chiseled cheekbones.

Hi, Emily answered. There was a pregnant pause as she sat down. Thanks for coming, Isaac said, rather formally. Youre welcome. Emily tried to sound shy and demure. I missed you, Isaac added.

Oh, Emily squeaked, having no clue how to respond. She took a sip of water so she wouldnt have to answer.

A waitress interrupted, handing them menus and towels for their hands. Emily laid the towel over her wrists, trying to calm down. Feeling the moist heat against her skin made her think of the time she and Maya had gone swimming in the Marwyn trail stream in the fall. The creek water had been so warm from the midday sun, as soothing as a hot tub.

A pan clattered in the kitchen, shattering Emilys thoughts. Why on earth had Maya popped into her head? Isaac gazed at her curiously, as if he knew what she was thinking. It made her blush even more.

Emily stared down at the place mats of the Chinese zodiac, eager to get her mind off Maya. Along the place mat margins was the regular zodiac too. Whats your sign? she blurted.

Virgo, Isaac answered promptly. Generous, shy, and a perfectionist. What are you? Taurus, Emily answered. That means were compatible. Isaac gave her a little smile. Emily raised an eyebrow, startled. You know about astrology?

My aunts into it, Isaac explained, running the hot towel over his palms. Shes at our house all the time, and she does my chart a couple times a year. Ive known all about my moon and rising sign since I was six. Shell do your chart, if you want.

Emily grinned, thrilled. Id love that.

But actually, did you know were not really the astrological signs we think we are? Isaac took a sip of his green tea. I saw something about it on the Science Channel. People created the zodiac thousands of years ago, but between then and now, the earth has slowly moved on its axis. The zodiac constellations and the months in which they appear in the sky are out of synch by one whole astrological sign. I didnt quite get all the logistics, but technically, youre not a Taurus. Youre an Aries.

Emilys mind boggled. Aries? That was impossible. Her whole life lined up perfectly with what was right for a Taurus, from choosing what colors to wear to what her best swimming stroke was. Ali used to tease that dependable, stubborn Tauruses always had the most boring horoscopes, but Emily liked her sign. The only thing she knew about Aries people was that they were impatient, had to be the center of attention, and were sometimes kind of slutty. Spencer was an Aries. Ali had been, too. Or were they really Pisceans?

Isaac leaned forward, pushing his menu to the side. And Im a Leo. And were still compatible. He laid down his menu. So now that weve gotten the whole astrology thing out of the way, what else should I know about you?

A niggling little voice inside of Emilys head said there were lots of things he should know, but she just shrugged. Why dont you tell me about you first?

Okay... Isaac took a sip of water, thinking. Well, besides playing the guitar, I also play the piano. Ive taken lessons since I was three.

Wow, Emily exclaimed. I took lessons when I was younger, but I found it way too boring. My parents used to yell at me because I never practiced.

Isaac smiled. My parents forced me to practice, too. So...what else? Well, my dad owns a catering company. And because Im a nice guy and his son and therefore cheap labor, I work a lot of his events.

Emily grinned. So you can cook?

Isaac shook his head. Nope, Im patheticI cant even make toast. All I do is serve. Next week Im working a fund-raiser at this burn rehab place. Its a plastic surgery hospital too, but hopefully the party isnt to raise money for any of that. He made a face.

Emily widened her eyes. There was only one burn rehab/plastic surgery clinic around here. You mean the William Atlantic?

Isaac nodded, smiling questioningly.

Emily looked away, gazing blankly at the big bronze gong near the hostess stand. Some little boy with two missing front teeth was trying desperately to kick it while his dad held him back. The William Atlanticor Bill Beach, as a lot of people called itwas where Jenna Cavanaugh had been treated for her burns after Ali accidentally blinded her with the firework. Or maybe Ali burned her on purpose...Emily didnt know what was true anymore. Mona Vanderwaal had been treated there for the burns shed received that same night.

Isaacs eyebrows lowered. Whats the matter? Did I say something wrong? Emily shrugged. I, uh, I know the kid whose dad founded the burn clinic. You know David Ackards son? He goes to my school.

Isaac nodded. Right. Rosewood Day.

Im on partial scholarship, Emily said quickly. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was one of the privileged, spoiled rich kids.

You must be really smart, Isaac said. Emily ducked her head. Nah.

A waitress passed by, balancing multiple plates of General Tsos Chicken. My dad is catering a Rosewood Day fundraiser on Saturday. Its at some ten-bedroom farmhouse.

Oh yeah? Emilys stomach burbled. Isaac was obviously talking about the event at Spencers housethered been an announcement about the fund-raiser that morning in homeroom. Nearly every parent attended school fund-raisers, and most students went too, as no one could resist an opportunity to dress up and sneak glasses of champagne while their parents werent watching.

So will I see you there? Isaacs face lit up.

Emily pressed the tines of her fork into her palm. If she went, people were bound to ask questions about why they were together. But if she didnt go and Isaac asked around about her, someone might tell him the truth about her past. Like Noel Kahn or Mike Montgomery, or maybe even Ben, Emilys old boyfriend. Maybe New A would be there, too.

I guess you will see me there, she decided. Great. Isaac smiled. Ill be the one in the caterers tuxedo. Emily blushed. Maybe you can serve me personally, she flirted. Done, Isaac said. He squeezed her hand, and Emilys heart did a somersault. Suddenly, Isaac looked beyond Emilys head, smiling at something behind her. When Emily swiveled

around, her heart dropped to her knees. She blinked several times, hoping the girl standing there was just a mirage.

Hey, Emily. Maya St. Germain pushed a curly lock of hair out of her tiger yellow eyes. She was wearing a heavy white sweater, a denim skirt, and white cable-knit tights. Her eyes kept ping-ponging back and forth from Emily to Isaac, trying to figure out what they were doing together.

Emily pulled her hand away from Isaacs. Isaac, she croaked, this is Maya. We go to school together.

Isaac stood up halfway, offering his hand. Hi. Im Emilys date. Maya widened her eyes and took a step back, as if Isaac had just said that he was made of cow manure.

Right, she joked. Her date. Good one.

Isaacs eyebrows knitted together. Im...sorry?

Mayas forehead furrowed. And then time seemed to slow down. Emily saw the precise moment when the realization rolled over Mayas faceit wasnt a joke. A slow, amused smile grew across her lips. Youre on an actual date with him. Mayas eyes gleamed nastily. And you havent told him what you are, just like you didnt tell Toby Cavanaugh. Emily realized how angry Maya must be with herEmily had jerked Maya around all autumn, cheated on her with Trista, a girl shed met in Iowa, accused Maya of being A, and hadnt said a word to her for months. Here was Mayas big chance to get Emily back for all of that.

As Maya opened her mouth to speak, Emily leapt up, ripped her jacket off the back of her chair, grabbed her purse, and began weaving around the tables toward the door. There was no point being here when Maya told Isaac. She didnt want to see the disappointmentand most certainly disguston Isaacs face.

The freezing air whipped around her. When she reached her car, she leaned over the hood, trying to regain her balance. She didnt dare look back inside the restaurant. It would be best if she just got in the car, drove away, and never came to this shopping village again.

Wind swirled around the desolate parking lot. A big streetlight above Emilys head flickered and swayed. Then something rustled behind a massive Cadillac Escalade. Two spots down Emily stood on her tiptoes. Was that a shadow? Was someone there? She rifled for her car keys, but they were lost in the depths of her purse.

Her cell phone beeped, and Emily let out a muffled scream. She fumbled for it in her pocket, her hands trembling. One new text message. She stabbed at her keypad, opening it up.

Hi EmDont you just hate it when your ex shows up and ruins your romantic night? I wonder how she knew where to find you.... Let this be a warning. Talk, and your past will be the least of your problems.

A Emily ran her hands over her hair. It made perfect senseA had sent Maya a text that she was at the

restaurant, and Maya, wanting revenge, had taken the bait. Or, even worse, maybe Maya was New A. Emily?

She whirled around, her heart racing. Isaac stood behind her. He wasnt wearing his coat, and his cheeks flared red from the cold. What are you doing out here? he asked.

Emily stared at the fluorescent lines that demarcated the parking spaces, unable to meet his eyes. I-I thought it would be better if I left.

Why?

She paused. Isaac didnt sound angry. He sounded...confused. She glanced through the windows of the restaurant, watching as the waitresses walked up and down the rows of tables. Was it possible Maya hadnt said anything?

Im sorry about what I said in there, Isaac went on, shivering. That I was your date. I didnt mean to define tonight like that.

His face was full of earnest shame. Suddenly, Emily saw it from his perspectivewhat hed blurted out, the delicate mistake he thought hed made. Dont apologize, she burst out, steadying his chilled hands. God, please dont apologize!

Isaac blinked. One corner of his mouth pulled up into a tentative smile.

I wanted this to be a date, Emily breathed. As soon as she said it, she knew it was the absolute truth. In fact, that Rosewood Day fund-raiser youre working? You should see if your dad will let you off for the night. Id love it if you could come with me...as my date.

Isaac grinned. I think he could let me off work just this once. Then he squeezed her hands hard and pulled her close. Then, as an afterthought, he murmured, So who was that girl in the restaurant, anyway?

Emily stiffened, a sharp feeling of guilt prodding her side. She should just tell Isaac the truth before A did. Would it really be so bad? Hadnt she spent the entire fall coming to terms with being out in the open about this?

But nothe deal was if Emily kept her mouth shut about A, A would keep quiet to Isaac. Right? The hug was so cozy and warm, and it seemed a shame to ruin the moment. Oh, just this girl who goes to my school, she finally answered, pushing the truth down deep. No one important at all.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

20

SO MUCH FOR A NEW FATHER FIGURE

An hour later on Thursday, Aria sat rigidly on the couch in her den. Mike sat beside her, clicking through the setup windows of his Wii, which Byron had bought him for Christmas as an attempt to apologize for wrecking the family and impregnating Meredith. Mike was making yet another Mii character, flipping through the options for eyes, ears, and noses. Why cant I make my biceps bigger? he grumbled, assessing his character. I look so puny.

You should make your head bigger, Aria grumbled.

Want to see the Mii Noel Kahn made of you? Mike clicked back to the main screen, tossing Aria a someone still likes you look. Noel had had a thing for Aria back in the fall. He made one of himself, too. You guys could get it on in Wii-land.

Aria just slumped down in the couch, reached into the big plastic bowl that sat in the middle of the couch for another cheese curl, and said nothing.

Heres the Mii Xavier made. Mike clicked over to a large-headed character with short hair and big brown eyes. That dude kills at bowling. But I kicked his ass at tennis.

Aria scratched the back of her neck, an ambivalent heaviness in her chest. So you...like Xavier? Yeah, hes pretty cool. Mike clicked back to the Wiis main menu. Why, dont you?

Hes...okay. Aria licked her lips. She wanted to point out that Mike suddenly seemed to be taking their parents divorce in stride, considering that after theyd split up, hed obsessively played lacrosse in the rain. But if she said something like that, Mike would roll his eyes and ignore her for a week.

Mike glared at her, turning off the Wii and switching the television back to the news. Youre acting like youre on drugs or something. Are you nervous about the trial tomorrow? Youre going to rock on that witness stand. Just do some JŠger shots before you go up there. Itll be all good.

Aria sniffed and stared at her lap. Tomorrows just opening statements. I wont be testifying until late next week at least.

So? Do a shot of JŠger tomorrow anyway. Aria shot him a weary look. If only a JŠger shot could cure all her problems.

The six oclock news was on. The screen showed yet another shot of the Rosewood courthouse. A reporter was getting more civilians thoughts about the start of tomorrows big murder trial. Aria buried her head into the pillow, not wanting to watch.

Hey, dont you know that chick? Mike asked, pointing at the TV. What chick? Aria asked, her voice muffled by the pillow. That blind chick.

Aria whipped her head up. Sure enough, Jenna Cavanaugh was on television, a microphone thrust under her chin. She was wearing her fabulous, oversize Gucci sunglasses and a bright red wool coat. Her seeing-eye golden retriever was standing obediently by her side.

I hope this trial is over quickly, Jenna said to the reporter. I think its bringing a lot of bad press to Rosewood.

You know, shes pretty sexy for a blind chick, Mike remarked. Id do her.

Aria groaned and smacked her brother with a pillow. Then, Mikes iPhone bleated, and he jumped up and rushed out of the room. As he clomped up the stairs, Aria turned her attention back to the television.

Ians mug shot popped up. His hair was a mess and he wasnt smiling. After that, a camera panned over the snowy hole in the DiLaurentises backyard where Alis body had been found. The wind made the police tape flap and dance. A blurry shadow shimmered between two enormous pine trees. Aria leaned forward, her pulse suddenly racing. Was that...a person? The picture changed again, back to another shot of the reporter in front of the courthouse. The case is proceeding as planned, the reporter said, but many are still saying the evidence is too thin.

You shouldnt put yourself through this torture.

Aria whirled around. Xavier leaned against the doorway. He was wearing an untucked striped button-down, baggy jeans, and Adidas sneakers. A chunky watch dangled from his left wrist. His eyes flicked from the TV screen to Arias face.

I, um, think Ella is still at the gallery, Aria said. She had to work a private show.

Xavier took a step into the room. I know. We had coffee before she had to go back. Theres no electricity at my place, thoughI guess ice knocked down some power lines. She said I could hang out here until were sure its back on. He grinned. Is that okay? I could make dinner.

Aria ran her hands through her hair. Sure, she said, trying to act natural. Things were fine between them, after all. She scooted to the corner of the couch and put the bowl of cheese curls on the coffee table. You want to sit?

Xavier plopped down two cushions away. The news was walking through their projection of the night of Alis murder, complete with reenactments. Ten thirty P . M ., Alison and Spencer Hastings get into an argument. Alison leaves the barn, a voice-over said. The girl who played Spencer looked pinched and sour. The petite blond girl who played Ali wasnt nearly as pretty as the real Ali was. Ten forty P . M ., Melissa Hastings wakes up from a nap and notices that Ian Thomas is missing. The girl who played Spencers sister looked like she was about thirty-five.

Xavier looked at her hesitantly. Your mom said you were with Alison that night.

Aria winced and nodded. Ten fifty P . M ., Ian Thomas and Alison are near the hole in the DiLaurentises backyard, continued the voice-over. A shadowy Ian fought with Ali. Its alleged that there was a struggle, Thomas pushed DiLaurentis in and was back inside the house by eleven-oh-five.

Im so sorry, Xavier said softly. I cant even imagine what this must be like. Aria bit her lip, hugging one of the couchs chenille throw pillows to her chest.

Xavier scratched his head. I gotta say, I was really surprised when they announced Ian Thomas was their suspect. It seems like that kid had it all.

Aria bristled. So what if Ian was a groomed, well-mannered rich kid? It didnt make him a saint. Well, he did, Aria snapped. End of story.

Xavier nodded sheepishly. I didnt mean for it to come out like that. Goes to show that you dont really know anything about anyone, huh?

You can say that again, Aria groaned. Xavier took a long sip from his water bottle. Is there anything I can do to help?

Aria stared blankly across the room. Her mother still hadnt taken down any of the family photos with Byron in them, including Arias favorite, one of all four of them standing on the edge of the Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland. Theyd walked all the way out to the slippery edge of the cliff above the waterfall.

You could beam me back to Iceland, Aria said wistfully. Because, unlike you and my brother, I loved it there. Puny horses and all.

Xavier smirked. His eyes twinkled. Actually, I have a secret for you. I really like Iceland too. I said that stuff to get on Mikes good side.

Arias eyes widened. I cant believe it! She smacked him with her pillow. Youre such a kiss-ass!

Xavier grabbed the pillow on his side of the couch and held it menacingly over his head. A kiss-ass, huh? Youd better take that back!

Okay, okay. Aria giggled, raising a finger. Truce. Its too late for that, Xavier cackled.

He lowered down to his knees, his face close. Too close. And all of a sudden, his lips were pressed to hers.

It took Aria a few stunned seconds to realize what was going on. Her eyes bulged. Xavier held her shoulders, his hands digging into her skin. Aria let out a small squeak and wrenched her head away. What the hell? she gasped.

Xavier shot back. For a moment, Aria was too baffled to move. Then she shot up as fast as she could. Aria... Xaviers face crumpled. Wait. Im...

She couldnt answer. Her knees buckled out from under her, and she nearly twisted her ankle as she climbed off the couch. Aria! Xavier called again.

But Aria kept going. As she reached the top of the stairs, her Treo, which was sitting on the desk in her bedroom, started to chime. One new text message, the screen taunted.

Gasping, she pounced on it and opened it up. The text was one simple word: Gotcha! And, as usual, it was punctuated with a crisp, concise letter A.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

21

SPENCER HOLDS HER BREATH

The flyer was pinned above the bike rack for everyone to see. Time Capsule Starts Tomorrow, it said

in big black letters. Get ready!

The final bell of the day rang. Spencer noticed Aria sitting on the stone wall, scribbling. Hanna stood next to Scott Chin, her cheeks round and puffy. Emily was whispering to some other swimmers, Mona Vanderwaal was unlocking her scooter, and Toby Cavanaugh was crouched under a distant tree, shoving a stick into a small pile of dirt.

Ali pushed through the crowd and snatched down the flyer. Jasons hiding one of the pieces. And hes going to tell me where it is.

Everyone cheered. Ali pranced through the throng of kids and gave Spencer a high five. Which was startlingAli had never paid attention to Spencer before, even though they lived next to each other.

But today, it appeared they were friends. Ali bumped Spencers hip. Arent you excited for me? Uh, sure, Spencer stammered. Ali narrowed her eyes. Youre not going to try and steal it, are you? Spencer shook her head. No! Absolutely not!

Yeah, she is, said a voice behind them. A second, older Ali stood on the sidewalk. She was a little taller and her face was a little thinner. A blue string bracelet was tied around her wristthe very bracelet Ali had made for them after The Jenna Thingand she wore a pale blue American Apparel T-shirt and a rolled-up-at-the-waist hockey kilt. It was the same outfit Ali had worn to the end-of-seventh-grade sleepover in Spencers barn.

Shes totally going to try and steal it from you, the second Ali confirmed, giving Younger Ali a sidelong glance. But she doesnt. Someone else does.

Younger Ali narrowed her eyes. Right. Someones going to have to kill me to get my flag.

The crowd of Rosewood Day students parted, and Ian slipped through. He opened his mouth, an evil look on his face. If thats what it takes, he was about to tell Ali. But when he breathed in to speak, he made a fire engine sound instead, shrill and piercingly loud.

Both Alis covered their ears. Younger Ali took a step back.

Older Ali put her hands on her hips, kicking Younger Ali with the side of her foot. Whats wrong with you? Go flirt with him. Hes gorgeous.

No, Younger Ali said. Yes, Older Ali insisted. They were fighting as bitterly as Spencer and Melissa did.

Older Ali rolled her eyes and faced Spencer. You shouldnt have thrown it away, Spencer. Everything you needed was there. All the answers.

Thrown...what away? Spencer asked, confused. Younger Ali and Older Ali exchanged a glance. A frightened look washed over Younger Alis face, like

she suddenly understood what Older Ali was talking about. It, Younger Ali said. That was a huge mistake, Spencer. And its almost too late.

What do you mean? Spencer cried. What is it? And why am I almost too late?

Youre going to have to fix this, Younger Ali and Older Ali said in unison, their voices identical now. They joined hands and fused back into one Ali. Its up to you, Spencer. You shouldnt have thrown it away.

Ians siren grew louder and louder. A gust of wind kicked up, blowing the Time Capsule flyer right out of Alis hands. It hung in the air for a moment, then blew straight for Spencer, smacking her square in the face hard, feeling more like a rock than a piece of paper. Get ready! it said, right in front of Spencers eyes.

Spencer shot up in bed, sweat drenching her neck. Alis vanilla body cream tickled her nose, but she wasnt in the Rosewood Day commons anymoreshe was in her spotless, silent bedroom. The sun streamed through the window. Her dogs were racing around the front yard, filthy from the dirty slush. It was Friday, the first day of Ians trial.

Spencer? Melissas face swam into view. She hovered over Spencers bed, her blunt-cut blond hair hanging down over her face, the strings of her blue-and-white striped hoodie almost grazing Spencers nose. Are you okay?

Spencer shut her eyes and remembered last night. How Ian had materialized on the porch, smoking that cigarette, saying all of those crazy, terrifying things. And then that note: If Poor Little Miss Perfect were to suddenly vanish, would anyone even care? As much as she wanted to, Spencer had been too afraid to tell anyone about it. Calling Wilden and telling him that Ian had broken his house arrest would probably have gotten him thrown back in jail, but Spencer was afraid that as soon as she told Wilden, something awful would happen to heror to someone else. After what had happened to Mona, she couldnt bear to have any more blood on her hands.

Spencer swallowed hard, facing her sister. Im going to testify against Ian. I know you dont want him to go to prison, but Im going to have to tell the truth on the witness stand about what I saw.

Melissas face remained placid. Light bounced off her Asscher-cut diamond earrings. I know, she said vaguely, like her mind was elsewhere. Im not asking you to lie.

With that, Melissa patted Spencers shoulder and walked out of the room. Spencer stood up slowly, taking deep yoga fire breaths. Both Ali voices still bonged in her ears. She took one more careful look around her bedroom, half expecting one of them to be standing over her. But of course no one was there.

An hour later, Spencer pulled her Mercedes into a parking space at Rosewood Day and hurried to the elementary school. Most of the snow had melted, but there were still a couple of die-hard little kids outside, making pathetic little snow angels and playing Find the Yellow Snow. Her friends were waiting by the elementary school swings, their old secret meeting spot. Ians trial was starting at 1 P.M ., and they wanted to talk before it began.

Aria waved as Spencer jogged toward her friends, visibly shivering in her fur-lined hooded jacket. Hanna had purple circles under her eyes and was nervously tapping the pointy toe of her Jimmy Choo boot. Emily looked as if she was about to cry. Seeing them together in their old spot made something inside

Spencer break. You should tell them what happened, she thought. It didnt feel right keeping Ians visit a secret. But Ians message was ever-present in her mind: If you tell anyone about me...

So, are we ready? Hanna asked, chewing nervously on her lips. I guess, Emily answered. Its going to be weird to...you know. See Ian. Seriously, Aria whispered. Uh-huh, Spencer stammered nervously, keeping her eyes glued on a zigzagging crack in the pavement.

The sun poked through a cloud, reflecting blindingly against the remaining snow. A shadow moved behind the jungle gym, but when Spencer turned, it was only a bird. She thought about the dream shed had this morning. Younger Ali had seemed uninterested, but Older Ali had urged her to flirt with Ianhe was gorgeous. It was a lot like what Ian had said to Spencer yesterday. At first, Ali hadnt taken him very seriously. When she started liking him, it was instantaneous, like a light had switched on.

Do you guys happen to remember Ali ever saying anything...negative...about Ian? Spencer blurted out. Like maybe that she thought he was too old or too skeevy?

Aria blinked, looking confused. No...

Emily shook her head too, her blondish-red ponytail swishing from side to side. Ali talked to me about Ian a couple times. She never said his name, only that he was older, and she was totally into him. She shuddered, staring down at the muddy ground.

Thats what I thought, Spencer said, satisfied.

Hanna ran her fingers over her scar. Actually, I heard something weird on the news the other day. They were interviewing people at the train station about Ians bail hearing. And this girl, Alexandra something, she said she was pretty sure Ali thought Ian was perverted.

Spencer stared at her. Alexandra Pratt? Hanna nodded, shrugging. I think so. Shes a lot older?

Spencer let out a shaky breath. Alexandra Pratt had been a senior when Spencer and Ali were sixth-graders. As the captain of the varsity field hockey team, Alexandra had been the main student judge for JV tryouts. At Rosewood Day, sixth-graders were allowed to try out for JV, but only one would make the team any given year. Ali boasted she might have a leg up because shed practiced with Alexandra and the other older players a couple of times in the fall, but Spencer had simply laughed it offAli wasnt nearly as good as she was.

For whatever reason, Alexandra didnt like Spencer. She was constantly critiquing Spencers dribbling skills and telling her she held her hockey stick wrongas if Spencer hadnt spent every single summer at field hockey camp, learning from the very best of the best. When the team was announced and Alis name was on the list and Spencers wasnt, Spencer stormed home in disbelief and rage, not bothering to wait for Ali to walk with her. You can always try out next year, Ali simpered to Spencer on the phone later. And cmon, Spence. You cant be the best at everything.

And then shed giggled gleefully. That very night, Ali had begun hanging her brand-new JV uniform in her

bedroom window, knowing that Spencer would look out and see it.

It wasnt just field hockey. Everything between Spencer and Ali had been a competition. In seventh grade, theyd made a bet about who could hook up with the most older boys. Although neither of them would come out and say it, they both knew their number one target was Ian. Every time they were at Spencers house and Melissa and Ian were there too, Ali made a point of walking by Ian, hiking up her field hockey shirt or standing up straighter to stick out her boobs.

She certainly hadnt acted like she thought Ian was perverted. Alexandra Pratt obviously had her facts wrong.

A bus roared into the drop-off lane, making Spencer jump. Aria was staring at her curiously. Why are you asking that, anyway?

Spencer swallowed hard. Tell them, she thought. But her mouth clamped closed. Just curious, she finally answered. She sighed heavily. I wish there was something we could

findsomething concrete that would put Ian away for good. Hanna kicked at a hard clump of snow. Yeah, but what?

This morning, Ali kept saying I was missing something, Spencer said thoughtfully. Like a big piece of evidence.

Ali? Sunlight glinted sharply off Emilys small silver hoop earrings.

I had a dream about her, Spencer explained, shoving her hands in her pockets. Actually, there were two Alis in the dream. One Ali was in sixth grade, and one Ali was in seventh. They both were pissed at me, acting like there was something really obvious that I wasnt seeing. They said it was up to me...and that soon it would be too late. She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ease her pounding tension headache.

Aria chewed on her thumbnail. I had a dream about Ali a couple of months ago that was a lot like that. It was right when we realized shed been secretly dating Ian, and she kept saying, The truth is right in front of you, the truth is right in front of you.

And I had that dream about Ali in the hospital, Hanna reminded them. She was standing right over me. She kept telling me to stop worrying. That she was okay.

A cold shiver ran down Spencers spine. She exchanged a glance with the others, trying to swallow the enormous lump in her throat.

More buses pulled up to the curb. Little kids skipped down the elementary sidewalks, their lunch boxes swinging, all of them talking at once. Spencer thought again of how Ian had smirked at her yesterday and then disappeared into the trees. It was almost like he thought this was all a game.

Just a few more hours, she reminded herself. The D.A. would get Ian to cave and admit hed killed Ali after all. Maybe hed even get Ian to confess to taunting Spencer and the others, pretending to be a new A. Ian had a lot of moneyhe could hire a whole team of A spies and direct the whole operation from house arrest. And it made sense why he was sending notes: He didnt want any of them to testify against him. He wanted to scare Spencer into recanting her statement, into saying she hadnt seen Ian with Ali

that night she disappeared. That she had really made it all up.

Im glad Ian gets locked up again after today, Emily breathed out. We can all relax at the benefit tomorrow.

Im not going to feel calm until hes gone for good, Spencer answered, her throat thick with tears. Her voice carried up beyond the gnarled tree branches, high into the turquoise blue winter sky. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger until it almost snapped. Only a few more hours, she repeated. But those few hours suddenly seemed like an eternity.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

22

DƒJË VU ALL OVER AGAIN

Hanna shrugged out of her red ChloŽ leather jacket and tossed it into her locker as Dvoraks New World Symphony played loudly over the Rosewood Day hallway speakers. Naomi, Riley, and Kate were next to her, chattering about all the boys who had gotten instant crushes on Kate.

Maybe you should keep your options open, Naomi was saying, draining the last little bit of her hazelnut cappuccino. Eric Kahn is really sexy, but Mason Byers is the catch of Rosewood Day. Whenever he opens his mouth I want to tear off his clothes. Masons family had lived in Sydney for ten years, so he spoke with a slight Australian accent. He sounded like hed spent his whole life on a sun-soaked beach.

Masons on the volleyball team. Rileys eyes lit up. I saw a yearbook proof of him at a recent tournamenthe had his shirt off. Gor-geous.

Doesnt the volleyball team practice after school? Naomi rubbed her hands together excitedly. Maybe we all should make a special appearance as Masons personal cheering section. She looked at Kate for approval.

Kate gave her a high five. Im game. She turned to Hanna. What do you think, Han? You in?

Hanna looked back and forth between them, flustered. I have to leave school early today.... I have that trial thing.

Oh. Kates face clouded. Right.

Hanna waited, expecting Kate to say something more, but she, Naomi, and Riley just went back to gossiping about Mason. Hanna pressed her nails into her palm, feeling the teensiest bit hurt. Part of her had figured theyd come with her to Ians trial as a show of moral support. Naomi was in the middle of cracking a joke about the size of Mason Byerss didgeridoo when Hanna felt someone tapping her shoulder.

Hanna? Lucass face swam in front of her. As usual, he was carrying various paraphernalia from the clubs he took part ina schedule for future chemistry club meetings, a list of names for the Stop Putting Sugary Drinks in the Vending Machine petition he was trying to get passed, and a blazer lapel pin that said Future Politicians of America. Whats up?

Hanna wearily pushed a lock of hair over her shoulder. Kate, Naomi, and Riley glanced at them and moved a few feet away. Not much, she mumbled.

There was an awkward pause. Out of the corner of her eye, Hanna noticed Jenna Cavanaugh slipping into an empty classroom, her dog in tow. Every time Hanna saw Jenna around Rosewood Day, an uncomfortable sensation surged through her.

I missed you yesterday, Lucas was saying. I ended up not going to the mallI wanted to wait to go with you.

Uh-huh, Hanna murmured, only half listening. Her gaze moved to Kate and the others. They were now at the end of the hall near the Watercolor II class exhibit, whispering and chuckling. Hanna wondered what was so funny.

When she looked back at Lucas, he was frowning. Whats going on with you? he asked. Are you mad at me?

No. Hanna fiddled with her blazers cuff. Ive just been...busy. Lucas touched her wrist. Are you nervous about Ians trial? Do you need a ride?

Hannas sudden irritation was palpable, like a hot poker shoved into her thigh. Dont go to the trial, she snapped.

Lucas jumped back like shed slapped him. But...I thought you wanted me to go.

Hanna turned away. Its not going to be that interesting, she muttered, deflated. Its just opening statements. Youll be bored out of your mind.

Lucas stared at her, ignoring the rush of students drifting past them. A bunch of them were kids heading to drivers ed, their Pennsylvania driving rules booklets in their hands. But I want to be there for you.

Hanna clenched her jaw and looked away. Seriously. Ill be fine. Is there a reason you dont want me to go?

Just drop it, okay? Hanna waved her arms in front of her, putting up a barrier between them. I have to get to class. Ill see you at the benefit tomorrow.

With that, she slammed her locker shut and brushed past Lucas. She couldnt quite explain why she didnt just turn around, take his hand, and apologize for being bitchy. Why did she want Kate, Naomi, and Riley to accompany her to Ians trial, but when Lucas offeredso loyally and sincerelyshe just got annoyed? Lucas was her boyfriend, and the past few months with him had been awesome. After Mona had died, Hanna had gone around in a numb haze until she and Lucas got back together. Once they did, theyd spent all their time together, hanging out at his house, playing Grand Theft Auto, and spending hours and hours skiing at Elk Ridge Mountain. Hanna hadnt been to a mall or a spa once during the entire nine days theyd had off at Christmas. Half the time she spent with Lucas, she didnt even put on makeup, except stuff to cover her scar.

These past few months with Lucas might have been the first time shed felt purely, simply happy. Why wasnt that enough?

Only it just wasnt, and she knew it. When she and Lucas had reunited, she hadnt thought there was much chance of becoming Fabulous Hanna Marin ever againand now there was. Being the most popular girl at Rosewood Day was threaded through every single molecule of Hannas DNA. From fourth grade on, shed memorized even the most minuscule designers in Vogue, Womens Wear Daily, and Nylon. Back then, she rehearsed snarky comments about girls in her class to Scott Chin, one of her only friends, who giggled gleefully that she was a perfect bitch-in-training.

In sixth grade, right after Time Capsule ended, Hanna had gone to the Rosewood Day charity drive and spotted a Herm�s scarf that someone had foolishly placed in the fifty-cent pile. Mere seconds later, Ali sidled up to her, complimenting Hannas keen eye. And then theyd started talking. Hanna was certain that Ali chose Hanna to be her new best friend not because Hanna was the prettiest, not because she was the thinnest, not even because shed been ballsy enough to show up in Alis backyard to steal her piece of the Time Capsule flag, but because Hanna was most qualified for the job. And because she wanted it the most.

Hanna smoothed her hair, trying hard to forget about everything that had just happened with Lucas. As she turned the corner, she saw Kate, Naomi, and Riley stare straight at her before bursting into nasty giggles.

Suddenly, Hannas eyes began to blur, and all at once, it wasnt Kate standing there, laughingit was Mona. It was just a few months ago, mere days before Monas Sweet Seventeen party. Hanna would never forget the swirling feelings of disbelief when shed seen Mona standing with Naomi and Riley, acting as if they were her brand-new BFFs, whispering about how much of a loser Hanna was.

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Kate, Naomi, and Riley werent laughing at her, were they?

And then Hannas vision cleared. Kate noticed Hanna and waved enthusiastically. Meet at Steam next period? she mouthed, pointing toward the coffee bar.

Hanna nodded feebly. Kate blew her a kiss and disappeared around the corner.

Whirling around, Hanna pushed into the girls bathroom. Thankfully, it was empty. She rushed to one of the sinks and leaned over the basin, her stomach raging. The sharp, ammonia smell of cleaning products filled her nose. She stared in the mirror, getting close so she could see each and every pore.

They were not laughing at you. Youre Hanna Marin, she mouthed to her reflection. The most popular girl in school. Everyone wants to be you.

Her BlackBerry, which was tucked into one of her purses side pockets, began to buzz. Hanna flinched and pulled it out. One new text message.

The little mosaic-tiled bathroom was still. A droplet of water leaked from the sink. The chrome hand dryers made Hannas face look bulbous and misshapen. She peeked underneath the stall doors for feet. No one.

She took a deep breath and opened the new text. HannaA glutton for Cheez-Its...and punishment, too, it seems. Ruin her before she ruins you.

A Rage coursed hotly through her veins. Shed had enough of Nouveau A. Hanna opened up a reply text

and began to sloppily type. Rot in hell. You dont know a thing about me. Her BlackBerry made an efficient little ping to indicate the text had been sent. Just as Hanna was sliding

it back in its suede case, it chimed again.

I know that someone sometimes makes herself puke in the girls bathroom. And I know someones sad because she isnt daddys only little girl anymore. And I know someone dearly misses her old BFF, even though she wanted her dead. How do I know so much? Because I grew up in Rosewood, Hannakins. Just like you.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

23

THE QUIETEST COURTROOM ON THE MAIN LINE

Aria stepped out of Spencers Mercedes, gaping at the media circus in front of the Rosewood courthouse. The steps were crammed with reporters, cameras, and guys in quilted down jackets wielding booms and microphones. There were clusters of people with picket signs, too. Some conspiracy theorists were protesting the trial, saying it was a left-wing witch huntthey were after Ian because his father was a CEO for a big pharmaceutical company in Philadelphia. Angry people on the other side of the steps demanded that Ian deserved to go to the electric chair for what hed done. And there were, of course, the Ali Fanspeople who came simply to hold up big pictures of Alis face and signs that said, WE MISS YOU , ALI , even though most of them had never met her.

Whoa, Aria whispered, her stomach churning.

Halfway across the sidewalk, Aria noticed two people walking slowly from the auxiliary parking lot. Ellas arm was looped around Xaviers, and they were both in thick wool coats.

Aria hid under her big, fur-lined hood. Last night, after Xavier had kissed her, shed run upstairs and locked herself in her room. When shed finally emerged a few hours later, she found Mike at the kitchen

A

table, eating an enormous bowl of Count Chocula. He scowled at her when she entered the room. Did you say something shitty to Xavier? Mike spat. When I got off the phone, he was hightailing it out of here. Are you trying to screw it up for Mom?

Aria had turned away, too ashamed to say anything. She was pretty sure the kiss had been a mistake, something done on a whim. Even Xavier had seemed surprised and regretful about what hed just done. But she certainly didnt want Mikeor anyone elseto know. Unfortunately, someone did know: A. And Aria had crossed A by telling Wilden about her previous note. All night, Aria had anticipated a phone call from Ella, saying shed received a mysterious message that said Aria had made a pass at Xavier and not the other way around. If Ella ever found out, Aria would probably be excommunicated from the family for the rest of her life.

Aria! Ella called, spying Aria under her hood. She started to wave, signaling for Aria to come over. Xavier had a sheepish expression on his face. As soon as Xavier got a second with her alone, Aria was certain he would apologize. But she was too overwhelmed to deal with it today, on top of everything else.

She grabbed Spencers arm, turning away from her mother. Lets go in, she said urgently. Now.

Spencer shrugged. They faced the throng on the steps. Aria pulled her hood over her head again and Spencer covered her face with her sleeve, but the reporters still descended on them anyway. Spencer! What do you think will happen at todays trial? they screamed. Aria! What kind of toll has all this taken on you? Aria and Spencer clutched hands tightly, moving as fast as they could. A Rosewood cop stood at the courthouse door, holding it open for them. They ducked inside, breathing hard.

The hallway smelled like floor wax and aftershave. Ian and his lawyers hadnt arrived yet, so a lot of people were milling outside the courtroom. Many of them were Rosewood cops and city officials, as well as neighbors and friends. Aria and Spencer waved to Jackson Hughes, the distinguished-looking D.A. When Jackson stepped out of the way, Arias minty gum slid down her throat. Alis family was standing behind him. There was Mrs. DiLaurentis, Mr. DiLaurentis, and...Jason. Aria had seen him not all that long agohed come to Alis memorial and Ians arraignmentbut each time she saw him she was floored by how gorgeous he still was.

Hi, girls, Mrs. DiLaurentis said, walking over. The lines by her eyes were more pronounced than Aria remembered, but she was still svelte and elegant. She assessed Aria and Spencer. Youve both gotten so tall, she said sadly, as if to imply that if Ali were still alive, she wouldve gotten taller too.

Are you holding up okay? Spencer asked in her best adult voice. Best we can. Mrs. DiLaurentis smiled bravely.

Are you staying in the city again? Aria asked. The family had stayed in Philadelphia for Ians arraignment a few months ago.

Mrs. DiLaurentis shook her head. Weve rented a house a few towns over for the duration of the trial. We thought it might be too difficult to commute back here every day from the city. Wed rather be somewhere close.

Aria raised an eyebrow, surprised. Is there anything we can do for you? Aria asked. Like...help around the house? Do you need your driveway shoveled? My brother and I could come over.

An ambiguous expression flickered over Mrs. DiLaurentiss face. Her hands fluttered to the freshwater pearl necklace at her throat. Thanks, dear, but that wont be necessary. She gave them a tight, distracted smile and excused herself.

Aria watched Mrs. DiLaurentis walk back across the lobby to her family. She held her head so stiff and straight, as if she had a book balanced on top of it. She seemed...weird, Aria murmured.

I cant imagine what this is like for her. Spencer shivered. This trial is probably hell.

They pushed through the heavy wooden doors into the courtroom. Hanna and Emily were already sitting in the second row, right behind the big tables for the lawyers. Hanna had taken off her Rosewood Day blazer and slung it over the back of her chair. Emily was picking at a piece of lint on her pleated plaid uniform skirt. Both girls nodded quietly at Aria and Spencer as they slid into seats next to them.

The courtroom filled up fast. Jackson had set up a bunch of folders and files on his table. Ians lawyer arrived and took his place across the aisle. Off to the side the jury box was filled with twelve people Aria had never seen before, handpicked by both lawyers. The actual courtroom was closed to the media and most of Rosewood, and only close family and friends were allowed in, along with police and witnesses. When Aria looked around, she saw Emilys parents, Hannas dad and soon-to-be step-mom, and Spencers sister, Melissa. On the other side of the courtroom Aria spied her father, Byron. He was slowly helping Meredith into a seat, even though she wasnt that pregnant.

Byron looked around the courtroom, as if he sensed Arias gaze. He found her and waved. Hi, Aria mouthed. Byron smiled. Meredith noticed her too, widened her eyes, and mouthed, You okay? Aria wondered if Byron knew Ella was hereand that shed brought her new boyfriend.

Emily poked Arias side. You know the night you called me saying you got a note from New A? I got one that night too.

A shiver ran up Arias back. What did it say?

Emily ducked her head, fiddling with a loose button on her blouse. Just...nothing, really. Did Wilden ever get back to you about who they could be from?

No. Aria scanned the courtroom, thinking Wilden might be here. She didnt see him. She peered around Emily to look at Hanna. Have you gotten any?

Hannas expression became guarded. I dont really want to talk about it right now.

Aria frowned. Did that mean she had or she hadnt? What about you, Spencer?

Spencer looked at them nervously. She didnt answer. A sour taste welled in Arias mouth. Did this mean theyd all gotten more notes from this new A?

Emily chewed nervously on her bottom lip. Well, I guess it wont matter soon, right? If its Ian, itll be over as soon as hes back in jail....

Hopefully, Aria murmured.

The DiLaurentises finally paraded in and sat on the bench right in front of them. Jason settled next to his parents, but he kept fidgeting, first buttoning his jacket, then unbuttoning it, then reaching for his cell

phone, checking the screen, turning it off, and turning it on again. Then, suddenly, Jason turned around and stared right at Aria. His blue eyes lingered on her for a good three seconds. He had the same exact eyes as Aliit was like looking at a ghost.

One corner of Jasons mouth curled into a smile of recognition. He gave Ariabut seemingly only Ariaa little wave, as if he remembered her better than he did the other girls. Aria checked to see whether any of her old friends had noticed, but Hanna was reapplying her lipstick, and Spencer and Emily were whispering about how Mrs. DiLaurentis had told them that the family had moved a few towns away from Rosewood for the trial. When Aria looked back at Jason, his back was to her again.

Twenty more minutes slowly passed. Ians side was still empty. Shouldnt he be here by now? Aria whispered to Spencer.

Spencers eyebrows knitted together. Why are you asking me? she hissed. Why would I know? Aria held up her hands and sat back. Sorry, she whispered sharply. I wasnt asking you specifically. Spencer let out a huffing sigh and faced forward. She was clenching her jaw very tightly.

Ians lawyer stood up and walked to the back of the courtroom, a worried look on his face. Aria looked at the wooden doors to the lobby, expecting Ian and his police escorts to burst through at any second, ready to commence the trial. But the doors remained closed. She ran her hand over the back of her neck, uneasy. The murmurs in the courtroom grew louder.

Aria stared out the side window in an attempt to calm down. The courthouse was on a snowy hill overlooking the Rosewood Valley. In the summer, the thick foliage blocked the view, but now that the trees were bare, all of Rosewood was splayed out below. The Hollis spire looked so small, Aria could squish it between her thumb and pointer finger. The tiny Victorian houses below were like dollhouse toys, and Aria could even make out the star-shaped neon sign outside of Snookers, where shed first met Ezra. Beyond that were the vast, untouched fields of the Rosewood Country Club golf course. She, Ali, and the others had spent every day of that first summer they were friends around the country club pool, ogling the older lifeguards. The lifeguard they ogled most was Ian.

She wished she could go back to that summer and revise everything that had happened to Aligo back to before the workers even started digging that hole for the DiLaurentises big twenty-person gazebo. The first time Aria had been in Alis backyard, shed stood almost precisely where that holeand Alis bodywould end up being, way at the back of the property near the woods. It was that fateful Saturday at the beginning of sixth grade, when theyd all shown up in Alis yard to steal the piece of her Time Capsule flag. Aria wished she could go back and change what had happened that day, too.

Judge Baxter emerged from his chamber. He was portly and red-faced, and had a squished-down nose and small, beady eyes. Aria suspected hed smell like a cigar if she were closer. When Baxter summoned the two lawyers to the bench, Aria sat up straighter. The three of them talked heatedly, pointing every so often at Ians empty seat.

This is crazy, Hanna murmured, glancing over her shoulder. Ians really late.

The courtroom doors burst open, and the girls jumped. A cop Aria recognized from Ians arraignment strode up the aisle, right through the saloon-style doors and straight to the bench. I just reached his family, he said in a gruff voice. Sunlight glimmered off his silvery badge, bouncing shards of light all over the room. Theyre looking.

Arias throat went dry. Looking? She exchanged a look with the others. What do they mean by that? Emily squeaked. Spencer bit her thumbnail. Oh my God.

Through the still-open door, Aria could see a black sedan pulled up to the curb. Ians father got out of the backseat. He was wearing funeral black and had a solemn, terrified look on his face. Aria assumed his mother wasnt there because she was in the hospital.

A police car pulled up behind the sedan, but only two Rosewood police officers got out.

In seconds, Ians father walked up the aisle to the bench. He was in his bedroom last night, Mr. Thomas murmured quietly to Baxterbut not quietly enough. I dont know how this could happen.

The judges face twitched for a moment. What do you mean? he asked. Ians father hung his head solemnly. Hes...gone.

Arias mouth dropped open, her heart ricocheting around in her chest. Emily let out a moan. Hanna clutched her stomach, a gurgling noise escaping from the back of her throat. Spencer stood up halfway. I think I should..., she started, but trailed off and sat back down.

Judge Baxter banged his gavel. Im calling a recess, he shouted to the crowd. Until further notice. Well call you back when were ready.

He made a motioning signal with his hands. All at once, about twenty Rosewood cops approached the bench, walkie-talkies blaring, guns poised in their holsters, ready to be pulled out and fired. After a few instructions, the cops turned away from the bench and started marching out of the courtroom to their cars.

Hes gone. Aria glanced out the window again, into the valley. There was a lot of Rosewood down there. Plenty of places for Ian to hide.

Emily sank onto the bench, raking her hands through her hair. How could this happen?

Wasnt there a cop watching him at all times? Hanna echoed. I mean, how could he have slipped out of the house without them seeing? Its not possible!

Yes, it is.

They all looked over at Spencer. Her eyes darted back and forth mechanically, and her hands fluttered. She slowly raised her head and gazed at the three of them, her face dripping with guilt. Theres something I need to tell you, she whispered. About...Ian. And youre not going to like it.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

24

ET TU, KATE?

On your left! Hanna screamed.

A woman walking a wiener dog jumped and scuttled out of Hannas way. It was Friday evening after dinner, and Hanna was running the Stockbridge Trail, a three-mile loop that wound behind the old stone mansion that was now owned by the Rosewood Y. It probably wasnt the safest thing, running on a secluded path with Ian Thomas allegedly on the loose. Although if Spencer had just sucked it up and told the cops Ian had broken house arrest and visited her the day before, he wouldnt have escaped.

But Ian be damnedHanna needed a run tonight. She usually came here to purge her stomach after shed binged on too many Cheez-Its, but tonight, it was Hannas memory that needed purging instead.

The notes from A had begun to plague her. She didnt want to believe that this new A was real...but what if what the notes said was true? And if New A was Ian and hed been able to break house arrest, then it made sense that he could know what Kate was up to, right?

Hanna flew past the snow-covered benches and a big green sign that said, PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG !

Had she been a fool to so easily befriend Kate? Was this another one of Kates tricks? What if Kate was as diabolical as Mona was, and this was all a well-laid plan to ruin Hannas life? Slowly, she let her mind creep over the intricate details of her and Monas friendshipor maybe enemy-ship. They had become friends in eighth grade, after Ali had been missing for months. Mona had been the one whod approached Hanna, complimenting her D&G sneakers and the David Yurman bracelet shed gotten for her birthday. Hanna was weirded out at firstMona was a dork, after allbut eventually, shed seen beyond Monas exterior. Besides, she needed a new BFF.

But maybe Mona was never her BFF. Maybe she had just been waiting for the precise moment to take Hanna down, to get revenge for all the horrible things Hanna and her friends had said to her. It was Mona who cut Hanna off from her old friends, and it was Mona who had further perpetuated the animosity with Naomi and Riley. Hanna had considered trying to make amends with them after Ali was presumed dead, but Mona had said absolutely not. Naomi and Riley were strictly B-listers, and they should have nothing to do with them.

It was Mona, too, who first suggested that they shoplift, telling Hanna that it would give her such a high. And then there were the things Mona had pulled off as A. Mona had had it so easy with Hannashe was witness to so many of Hannas blunders. Whod been sitting next to Hanna the night shed totaled Sean Ackards fathers BMW? Whod been with Hanna when shed gotten busted for shoplifting from Tiffany?

Her feet sank into random pockets of slush, but she kept running. Everything else Mona had done gushed into her mind, as sloppy and uncontrollable as champagne fizzing out of an uncorked bottle. Mona-as-A had sent her that child-size court dress, knowing that Hanna would wear it to Monas birthday party and the dresss seams would burst. Mona-as-A had gleefully sent Hanna that note that Sean was at Foxy with Aria, knowing for sure that Hanna would rush back to Rosewood and chew Sean out, ruining her dinner with her dad and making Kate look like the perfect, obedient little daughter yet again.

Wait a minute. Hanna stopped short under a copse of trees. Something about that didnt fit. Hanna had told Mona that she was back in touch with her dad, but she hadnt told her she was ditching Foxy to hang out with him in Philly. Even if Mona somehow found out about it some other way, she couldnt have known that Kate and Isabel would be there too. Hanna remembered how Isabel and Kate had knocked

on the door of her fathers suite in the Four Seasons. Surprise! theyd called. Mona couldnt have known that was going to happen.

Unless...

Hanna breathed in sharply. The sky seemed to darken a few shades. There was only one way Mona could have known Kate and Isabel were going to show up in Philly: if Mona and Kate had secretly corresponded beforehand.

It made sense. Mona knew about Kate, obviously. An early A note had been a newspaper clipping about Kate receiving yet another school award. Maybe Mona had called Kate and told her the whole evil scheme. And since Kate hated Hanna so much, shed gone along with it. That could explain how Kate knew to press Hanna to tell her what was wrong in Le Bec-Fins bathroom. Or how Kate knew to glance in Hannas pursemaybe Kate already knew Hanna had a Percocet stash. She bragged that she had some, Mona might have whispered to Kate over the phone, prepping her. And shell totally trust that you wont tell on her if you ask if you can have one. But after shes gone for about an hour or so, when her dads starting to freak, bust it out. Tell him Hanna forced you to take it.

Oh my God, Hanna whispered, looking around. The sweat on her neck began to drip icily down her back. Kate and Hanna bonding together as the schools queen bees, Naomi and Riley becoming their BFFswhat if it was all part of Monas grand scheme? And what if Kate was doing Monas bidding...and really was planning to bring Hanna down?

Hannas knees buckled. She lowered herself to the ground, dropping awkwardly on her right arm.

What if it never ended?

Her stomach turned over. She lunged to the edge of the trail and threw up into the grass. Tears came to her eyes, and her throat burned. She felt so lost. And lonely. She had no idea anymore what in her life was true and what wasnt.

After a few minutes, she wiped her mouth and turned around. The paved trail was empty in both directions. It was so quiet, Hanna could hear her stomach loudly gurgling. The bushes across the path started to shake. It seemed like there was someone caught between them, trying to get out. Hanna tried to move, but all her limbs felt the way her arm had after her accidentuseless. The thrashing in the bushes grew more and more frantic.

Its Monas ghost, a voice inside Hannas head screamed. Or Alis ghost. Or Ian.

The trees parted. Hanna let out a strangled yell and squeezed her eyes shut. But when she opened them a few seconds later, the path was still empty. Hanna blinked, looking around. And then she saw what had been making all that fussa little gray bunny, twitching near a patch of dried-up clover.

You scared me, Hanna scolded the bunny. She creakily stood back up, her pulse slowing down. Her nose burned with the smell of her own vomit. A woman in a pink Windbreaker jogged by, still smelling like the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume shed probably worn to work. Then a guy with a big black-and-white Great Dane passed. The world was full of people again.

As the bunny disappeared into the bushes, Hannas head started to clear. She took a few deep, cleansing breaths, her perspective restored. This was all just a ruse to mess with her headby Ian, or whatever dumb kid was pretending to be the new A. Mona couldnt control the universe from beyond the grave.

Besides, Kate had hinted at her devastating relationship with Herpes Boy. Kate wouldnt have admitted something like that if she was plotting to destroy Hanna forever.

Hanna jogged the half mile back to the Ys parking lot, suddenly feeling much better. Her BlackBerry was nestled on the Priuss passenger seat, and there were no new messages in her inbox. As she drove home, Hanna wanted to open up a reply text to As last note and write, Nice try, faux A. You almost got me. She felt guilty, too, for icily ignoring all Kates texts today and avoiding her in the halls. Maybe there was a way she could make it up to her. Maybe tomorrow they could drop by Jamba Juice before prepping for the benefit, and Hanna could treat Kate to a sugar-free Mango Mantra.

When she got home, the house was dark and quiet. Hello? Hanna called out, dropping her wet running shoes in the laundry room and unwinding the elastic from her hair. She wondered where everyone was. Kate?

As Hanna made her way upstairs, she heard a small, muffled voice. Kates bedroom door was closed, and music Hanna didnt recognize filtered out. Kate? Hanna called quietly.

No answer. Hanna raised her fist to knock, when Kate let out a screechy cackle. Itll work, Kate said. I promise.

Hanna frowned. It sounded like Kate was talking on the phone. She pressed her ear to Kates door, curious. No, I promise, Kate urged in a low voice. Trust me. And its almost timeI cant wait!

Then Kate let out a low, nasty snicker. Hanna shot away from the door like it was on fire, covering her mouth. Kates snicker evolved into a full-on laugh.

Hanna backed down the hall, horrified. It was the kind of laugh she couldnt help but recognizeshe and Mona used to snicker like that when they were in the midst of planning something huge. Theyd made that snickering noise when Hanna plotted to fake-friend Naomi because shed stolen Monas date to the Sweetheart Dance. And theyd snickered like that when Mona created a fake MySpace page for Aiden Stewart, a cute guy from the Quaker school, and used it to torment Rebecca Lowry because Rebecca had nominated herself for Snow Queen, an honor that was rightfully supposed to go to Hanna. This isnt going to be pretty, the snicker always implied, but this is what the bitch deserves. And were sure as hell going to find it fucking hilarious.

All of Hannas worries rushed back in as thunderously as a mudslide cascading down a mountain. It sounded like Kate was planning something huge too, and Hanna had a pretty good idea what it might be.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

25

INTO THE BATHROOM...BUT OUT OF THE CLOSET

As soon as Emily and Isaac pulled into the Hastings familys round driveway Saturday evening, a valet rushed to the car door and asked for their IDs. We want to get a record of everyone whos here, the guy said. Emily noticed there was a gun on his belt.

Isaac glanced at the gun, then at Emily. He touched her hand. Dont worry. Ians probably halfway

around the world today.

Emily tried to hide her wince. Ian had been missing for a full day now. Emily had told Isaac she was one of Alis best friends and had attended the trial yesterday, leaving out, of course, that she had been receiving threatening notes from New Awho Emily was convinced was Ian. Unfortunately, Emily had a pretty good idea that Ian wasnt halfway around the world by now, but still here in Rosewood, digging for some big secret he thought the cops were hiding.

Part of Emily was furious at Spencer for not telling them about Ians eerie visit sooner. At the same time, Emily understood why Spencer hadnt told. Spencer had shown them the note that Ian had sent after his visit, the one that said Spencer would suffer if she said a word about it to anyone. Besides, it wasnt like Emily had said much about her own A note, the one that threatened to tell Isaac if Emily told about A. It seemed Ian was as cunning as Mona had been, knowing precisely how to keep all of them quiet.

Still, right after Spencer admitted the truth, the girls had tried to grab a cop to tell him what had happened, but the entire Rosewood PD was already off on an Ian manhunt. Spencers parents had debated whether holding tonights fund-raiser was even appropriate, but theyd decided to just be very, very cautious. Spencer had called Emily and her old friends last night and begged them to please come so they could all be together for moral support.

Emily tugged at the bottom hem of the dress shed borrowed from Carolyn and stepped out of the Volvo. Spencers house was all lit up like a birthday cake. Wildens police car was parked front and center, and a few more valets were directing traffic. As Isaac took her hand, Emily noticed Seth Cardiff, her ex-boyfriend Bens best friend, getting out of a car behind them. She tensed her shoulders and grabbed Isaacs arm.

This way, she said urgently, pushing Isaac roughly up the front walk. Then she saw Eric Kahn standing on the porch. If Eric was there, Noel was undoubtedly close by.

Er, wait. She pulled Isaac into a shadowy spot next to a large, snow-laden shrub and pretended like she was searching through her silver clutch. The wind shook the branches on the big evergreen next to them. Emily suddenly wondered if what she was doing was nuts. Here she was, standing in the dark, when a crazy murderer was on the lam.

Isaac laughed uncomfortably. Is anything wrong? Are you hiding from someone?

Of course not, Emily lied. Eric Kahn finally went back inside. Emily straightened and started up the path again. She took a deep breath and opened the front door. Bright light accosted them from inside. Here goes.

A string quartet was set up in the corner, playing a dainty minuet. Women in silk and sequined party dresses laughed with men in sleek, dark suits. A waitress glided by Emily and Isaac, carrying a large tray of full glasses of champagne. Isaac plucked two glasses off the tray and handed one to her. Emily took a sip, trying not to gulp.

Emily. Spencer stood in front of her, wearing a short black dress with feather detail around the hem and incredibly high sling-backs. Her eyes fell to Isaacs hand, which was curled around Emilys. A wrinkle formed over her brow.

Uh, Isaac, this is Spencer. Her parents are throwing this, Emily explained quickly, slowly unwinding her hand from Isaacs. Spencer, this is Isaac. She wanted to add, my boyfriend, but there were way too

many people around.

Rick Colbert, the caterer tonight, is my dad, Isaac explained, holding his hand out for Spencer to shake. Have you met him?

I didnt handle any of the arrangements, Spencer said sourly. She turned back to Emily. So did Wilden tell you the rules? Were not allowed to go outside. If someone needs to go to their car, tell Wilden and hell go for you. And then when youre ready to leave, hell escort you.

Wow. Isaac rubbed his hair. You guys are really taking this seriously.

It is serious, Spencer snapped.

When she started to turn away, Emily grabbed her arm. She wanted to ask Spencer if shed told Wilden about Ians visit, like she promised she would. But Spencer shrugged her off. I cant talk right now, she said abruptly, and disappeared into the crowd.

Isaac rocked on his heels. Well, shes friendly. He looked around the room, at the priceless Oriental rug in the enormous foyer, the stonework on the wall, and the portraits of old Hastings ancestors all over the gallery. So this is how kids from your school live, huh?

Not all of us, Emily corrected him.

Isaac walked over to a console table and ran his hands over an ornate S�vres tea set. Emily wanted to steer him away from itSpencer always told Emily and the others that it had once belonged to Napoleonbut she also didnt want Isaac to think she was scolding him. I bet you live somewhere even bigger than this, Isaac teased. Like a nineteen-bedroom compound with an indoor lap pool.

Wrong. Emily punched him lightly. There are two indoor lap poolsone for me, and one for my sister. I dont like sharing.

So when am I going to see this magnificent house of yours? Isaac took Emilys hands and swung them back and forth. I let you into my house, after all. With my mom. Sorry about that, by the way.

Please. When Emily had picked up Isaac at his house tonight, his mother had fawned over them, taking pictures and offering Emily homemade cookies. Mrs. Colbert reminded Emily of her own mom. They both collected Hummel figurines and wore the same pale blue Crocs. They could probably be BFFs. I thought she was sweet, Emily said. Just like you.

Isaac blushed and pulled her close. Emily giggled, thrilled to be pressed up against him in his fancy suit, even if he had borrowed it from his dad. He smelled like sandalwood and cinnamon gum, and she had the sudden urge to kiss him in front of everyone.

Then she heard a snicker behind them. Noel Kahn and James Freed loitered in the arched doorway to the living room. Both wore expensive black suits, and their red-and-blue striped Rosewood Day ties were knotted loosely around their necks.

Emily Fields! James crowed. His eyes swept up and down Isaac, a perplexed look settling over his face. Hed probably first thought Isaac was a butch girl in a tux.

Hi, Emily, Noel said in his lazy, half-surfer, half-richboy voice, his eyes on Isaac too. I see you

brought a friend. Or is it a date?

Emily took a small step backward. Noel and James licked their lips like predatory wolves. Both were no doubt flipping through their list of snarky things they could say nextSlumming it with the boys tonight? Watch it, dude, Emily Fields is kinky! She might drag you to some lesbian strip club! The longer they remained quiet, the more horrifying whatever they said was sure to be.

I have to..., Emily sputtered. She whirled around, nearly bumping into Principal Appleton and Mrs. Hastings, who were both sipping cocktails. She blindly stumbled through the foyer, wanting to be as far away from Noel and James as she could.

Emily? Isaac called behind her. She kept running. The heavy library doors were just ahead. Emily wrenched the door open fast and ducked inside, breathing hard.

It was warm inside the library, and smelled like a mix of old books and expensive leather shoes. Emilys eyes blurred, then readjusted. Her stomach lurched in horror. The room was packed full of kids from Rosewood Day. Naomi Zeiglers long legs dangled over an arm of one of the leather chairs, and Hannas stepsister-to-be, Kate, perched queenlike on the chaise. Mason Byers and some of the other lacrosse boys were loitering near a bookcase, no doubt ogling Spencers dads books of obscure French photography, which consisted largely of soft-porn shots of naked women. Mike Montgomery and a pretty brunette were sharing a glass of wine, and Jenny Kestler and Kirsten Cullen were nibbling on crusty bread and cheese.

They all turned to look at Emily. And when Isaac burst into the room behind her and placed his arm on Emilys bare shoulder, their eyes feasted on him, too.

It was as if an evil magic spell had stunned Emily into suspended animation. Shed thought she could handle her peers, but with everyone together like this...everyone who knew her secrets, everyone who had been there the day A circulated that picture of Emily and Maya kissing. It was just too much to take.

She couldnt even look at Isaac when she turned around and shoved her way back out the library door. Noel and James were still leaning against the wall, passing a bottle of Patr—n back and forth. Youre back! Noel cried gleefully. Whos that dude youre with? If youre playing for our team again, why didnt you ask me out first?

Emily bit her lip and kept her head down. She had to get out of here. She had to escape. But she couldnt find Wilden, who could escort her back to her car, and she didnt want to go outside alone. Then she saw the Hastingses powder room right off the kitchen. The door was slightly open, and the light was off. Emily scampered inside, but when she went to shut the door, someones foot was in the way.

Isaac pushed his way in. Hey. He sounded annoyed. What is going on?

Emily let out a small squeak and shot to the very corner of the room, her arms tightly around her chest. The powder room was bigger than most master baths, with a little seating area, an ornate mirror, and a separate room for the toilet. Underneath the heavy, cloying smell of the jasmine candle on the vanity was a slight tinge of vomit.

Isaac didnt follow her to the corner. He remained by the door, his posture very straight and guarded. Youre acting kind of...crazy, he said.

Emily settled down on the peach-colored chaise and picked at a tiny run in her stockings, too nervous to answer. Her secrets throbbed painfully inside of her.

Are you embarrassed to be seen with me? Isaac went on. Is it because I told that Spencer girl my dad was the caterer? Should I not have said that?

Emily pressed her palms to her eyes. She couldnt believe Isaac thought her weird behavior was his fault. Again. A feeling of dread slowly settled down around her shoulders like a sheet. Even if she managed to divert this disaster, there would be another one, and another one. And finally, at the end of all that, there would be A...Ian. And now that Ian had escaped, he was capable of anything. Let this be a warning, hed written after Maya had shown up at the Chinese restaurant. Ian had Emily right where he wanted her.

Unless she made things right.

Emily looked up at Isaac, her throat tight. She just had to get this over with quick, like pulling off a Band-Aid. Do you remember that girl in China Rose? she blurted out. Isaac looked at her blankly, shrugging. Emily took a deep breath. She and I used to be...a couple.

Everything else tumbled out at lightning speed. She talked about how shed kissed Ali in her tree house in seventh grade. And how shed fallen for Maya instantly, intoxicated by her banana gum. Emily explained the A notes, how shed tried to date Toby Cavanaugh to prove to herself that she liked guys, how a picture of her and Maya kissing had been passed around at a swim meet, and how the whole school knew. She told Isaac about Tree Tops, the gay-away program her parents had forced her into, and that the real reason shed gone to Iowa was because her parents couldnt accept her sexuality. She also said shed met a girl named Trista in Iowa and had kissed her, too.

When she finished, she glanced up at Isaac. He looked green and was tapping one foot steadily and nervously...or maybe angrily.

Emily lowered her head. I understand if you dont ever want to speak to me again. I didnt want to hurt you, thoughI just thought youd hate me if you knew. But even though I didnt tell you all this, everything I told you about how I felt about you, that I wanted you to be my boyfriend, that I really liked you, all of thatits all true. I thought it wasnt possible for me to like a guy, but I guess it is.

The little room was silent. Even the party seemed to have quieted down. Isaac ran his hands along the edge of his tie. So, does this mean youre...bi? Or what?

Emily dug her nails into the chaises plushy silk cushions. It would be so much easier if she just said she was straight, and that the stuff that had happened with Maya and Ali and Trista had been confused mistakes. But she knew that wasnt true.

I dont know what I am, Emily answered quietly. I wish I did, but I dont. Maybe I just like...people. Maybe its the person, not necessarily their gender.

Isaacs eyes lowered. He let out a small, deflated sigh. When Emily heard him turn, her chest throbbed with despair. In seconds, Isaac would turn the knob, walk out the door, and be gone forever. Emily pictured Isaacs mother standing in the front doorway, eagerly wanting to know how their fairy-tale date had gone. Her face would fall when Isaac told her the truth. Emilys a what? shed gasp.

Hey. Hot breath tickled the top of her head. Isaac loomed above her, an unreadable expression on his

face. Without saying a word, he wrapped his arms around her. Its okay. W-what? Emily gasped. Its okay, he repeated quietly. And I accept it. I accept you. Emily blinked in disbelief. You...do?

Isaac shook his head. Honestly? Its kind of a relief. I thought you were acting crazy because of me. Or because you already had a boyfriend.

Thankful tears came to Emilys eyes. Not much of a chance of that, she blurted.

Isaac snorted. I guess not, huh? He took Emily into his arms, kissing the side of her head.

As they were hugging, Lanie Iler, one of Emilys swimming teammates, stuck her head into the bathroom, thinking it was unoccupied. Oops, she said. When Lanie saw Emily in the bathroom, hugging a guy, her eyes grew wide. But Emily no longer cared. Let them see, she thought. Let Lanie go back and tell everyone. Her days of hiding things were officially over.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

26

SPENCER MEETS HER MATCH

The Hastingses doorbell rang for the umpteenth time, and Spencer watched from the corner as her parents welcomed the Pembrokes, one of the oldest families in the area. Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke were notorious for always bringing their animals everywhere with them, and it looked as if theyd brought two of their pets tonight: Mimsy, their yapping Pomeranian, and the stole around Hester Pembrokes neck, which still had the foxs head attached. As the couple stampeded hungrily for the bar, Spencers mother whispered something to Melissa and then drifted away. Melissa caught Spencer looking. Her hand fluttered against her dark red satin dress; then she lowered her eyes and turned away. Spencer hadnt been able to ask Melissa how she felt about Ians disappearanceMelissa had made herself scarce all day.

Spencer was still unsure why they were even having the benefit, although everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time. Heavy drinking, apparently, was Rosewoods salve for a scandal. Wilden had already had to escort Mason Byerss parents out to their Bentley because Binky Byers had downed too many Metropolitan cocktails. Spencer had walked in on Olivia Zeigler, Naomis mom, throwing up in the powder room, her tanned arms clutching the sides of the sink. If only vodka could numb Spencer, too, but no matter how many Lemon Drops she covertly shot back, she remained clear-eyed and aware. It was as if some karmic force was punishing her, making her suffer through this whole ordeal sober.

Shed made a dreadful mistake, keeping the secret about Ian private. But how was she supposed to know Ian was planning to escape? She thought of the dream shed had yesterday morningits almost too late. Well, now it was.

Shed promised her friends that she would tell the cops about Ians visit, but as soon as Wilden had turned up on the doorstep, ready to guard the party, Spencer just...couldnt. She couldnt bear to hear someone else give her yet another scathing lecture about how terribly shed screwed upagain. What

good would telling Wilden do, anyway? It wasnt as if Ian had tipped Spencer off to where he was planning to hide. The only interesting hint Ian had given was that he was on the verge of a secret that would blow her mind.

Spencer, dear, said a voice to the right. It was Mrs. Kahn, looking gaunt in her emerald green sequined gown. Spencer had heard her tell the society photographers that it was a vintage Balenciaga. Everything about Mrs. Kahn sparkled, from her ears to her neck to her wrists to her fingers. It was common knowledge that last year, when Noels father had gone to L.A. to finance yet another golf course, hed bought out half of Harry Winston for his wife. The bill had been posted on a local gossip blog.

Do you know if there are any more of those delicious mini petit fours? Mrs. Kahn asked. Why the hell not, right? She patted her flat stomach and shrugged, as if to say, Theres a killer on the loose, so let us eat cake.

Uh... Spencer spied her parents across the room, next to the string quartet. Ill be back.

She wove around the partygoers until she was a few feet away from her parents. Her father wore a dark Armani suit, but her mom had on a short black number with bat-wing sleeves and a ruched waist. Maybe it was all over the Milan runways, but in Spencers opinion, it looked like something Draculas wife would wear when she cleaned the house.

She tapped her mom on her shoulder. Mrs. Hastings turned, a big, rehearsed smile on her face, but when she saw it was Spencer, her eyes narrowed. Uh, were running low on petit fours, Spencer reported dutifully. Should I go check in the kitchen? I noticed the bar is out of champagne, too.

Mrs. Hastings wiped her hand over her brow, obviously flustered. Ill do it. Its no trouble, Spencer offered. I can just

Im handling it, her mother whispered icily, spitting as she spoke. Her eyebrows arched down, and the little lines around her mouth stood out prominently. Would you please just go to the library with the rest of the kids?

Spencer stepped back, her heel twisting on the highly polished wood floor. It felt like her mother had just slapped her. I know youre thrilled Ive been disinherited, Spencer blurted loudly, before she was quite aware of what she was saying. But you dont have to make it so obvious.

Her mother stopped, her mouth dropping open in shock. Someone close by gasped. Mrs. Hastings eyed Mr. Hastings, who had gone as pale as the eggshell-white walls. Spencer..., her father rasped.

Forget it, Spencer growled, wheeling around and heading down the back hall toward the media room. Her eyes burned with frustrated tears. It shouldve felt delicious, spouting out exactly what her parents deserved, but Spencer felt the same way she always did when her parents dissed herlike a Christmas tree after New Years, tossed to the curb for the trash truck to haul away. Spencer used to beg for her parents to rescue all the abandoned Christmas trees and plant them in their backyard, but they always said she was being silly.

Spencer? Andrew Campbell stepped out of the shadows, a glass of wine in his hand. Snappy little shivers danced up and down Spencers back. All day, shed considered texting Andrew to see if he was coming tonight. Not that she was covertly pining for him or anything.

Andrew noticed Spencers flushed face and his eyebrows knitted together. Whats wrong?

Spencers chin trembled as she glanced back toward the main ballroom. Her parents were gone. She couldnt find Melissa, either. My whole family hates me, Spencer blurted out.

Come on, Andrew said, taking her arm. He led her into the media room, flipped on the little Tiffany lamp on the end table, and pointed to the couch. Sit. Breathe.

Spencer plopped down. Andrew sat too. She hadnt been in this room since Tuesday afternoon, when she and her friends had watched Ians bail hearing on TV. To the right of the TV was a line of Spencers and Melissas school pictures, from their very first year in Rosewood Day pre-K up to Melissas formal senior portrait. Spencer stared at her picture from this year. It had been taken right before school started, before the Ali and A mess started. Her hair was combed perfectly off her face, and her navy blazer had been ironed to perfection. The self-satisfied gloat on her face said, Im Spencer Hastings, and Im the best.

Ha, Spencer thought bitterly. How quickly things could change.

Next to the school pictures was the big Eiffel Tower statue. The old photo theyd found the other day, the one of Ali the day Time Capsule was announced, was still propped up against it. Spencer narrowed her eyes at Ali. The Time Capsule flyer dangled from Alis fingers, and her mouth was open so wide that Spencer could see her small, square, white molars. At what moment had this photo been taken? Had Ali just announced that Jason was going to tell her where one of the pieces was? Had the idea to steal Alis piece crept yet into Spencers mind? Had Ian already approached Ali and told her that he was going to kill her? Alis wide blue eyes seemed to be staring straight at Spencer, and Spencer could almost hear Alis clear, chirpy little voice now. Boo-hoo, Ali would tease, if she were still alive. Your parents hate you!

Spencer shuddered and turned away. It was eerie having Ali in here, gawking at her. Whats going on? Andrew asked, chewing concernedly on his bottom lip. What did your parents do?

Spencer flicked the fringe detail on the hem of her dress. They wont even look at me, she said, feeling numb. Its like Im dead to them.

Im sure thats not true, Andrew said. He took a sip of his wine and then put it down on the end table. How could your parents hate you? Im sure theyre really proud of you.

Spencer quickly slid a coaster under the glass, not caring if she seemed OCD. Theyre not. Im an

embarrassment to them, an out-of-fashion decoration. Like one of my moms oil paintings in the basement. Thats it.

Andrew cocked his head. Are you talking about the...the Golden Orchid thing? I mean, maybe your parents are upset about that, but Im sure theyre upset for you.

Spencer bit back a sob, and something hard and sharp pressed down on her chest. They knew I plagiarized the paper for the Golden Orchid, she burst out, before she could control herself. But they told me not to say anything. It would have been easier if Id just lied and accepted it and lived with the guilt for the rest of my life, than for them to look like idiots.

The leather couch groaned as Andrew sat back, aghast. He stared at Spencer for five long rotations of the overhead ceiling fan. Youre kidding.

Spencer shook her head. It felt like a betrayal to say it out loud. Her parents hadnt exactly told her not to tell anyone that theyd known about the Golden Orchid mess, but she was pretty sure they thought she never would.

And you were the one who admitted you plagiarized the paper, even though they told you not to? Andrew sounded out. Spencer nodded. Wow. Andrew ran his hand through his hair. You did the right thing, Spencer. I hope you know that.

Spencer started crying, hardlike a hand inside her head had just turned on a faucet. I was just so stressed, she blubbered. I didnt understand econ at all. I thought it wouldnt matter, taking that one little paper from Melissa. I thought no one would know. I just wanted to get an A. Her throat caught, and she buried her face in her hands.

Its okay. Andrew tentatively patted Spencers back. I totally get it.

But Spencer couldnt stop sobbing. She bent over, the tears running into her nose, her eyes puffing shut, her throat closing and her chest heaving. Everything seemed so bleak. Her academic life was ruined. It was her fault that Alis murderer had slipped away. Her family had disowned her. Ian was rightshe did have a pathetic little life.

Shhh, Andrew whispered, making small circles on her back. You didnt do anything wrong. Its okay.

Suddenly, a noise came from the inside of Spencers silver clutch bag, which was sitting on the coffee table. Spencer raised her head. It was her phone.

She blinked through her tears. Ian?

Her eyes flickered toward the window. There was a single, yellow spotlight on their backyard, illuminating the big deck. Beyond that, everything was pitch-black. She strained to listen for anyone scuttling around in the bushes by the window, but there was nothing.

The phone rang once more. Andrew took his hand off her back. Are you going to see who that is?

Spencer licked her lips, considering. Slowly, she reached for her purse. Her hands shook so much she could hardly undo the small metal clasp.

She didnt have a new text, but a new e-mail. The senders name swam into view. I Love U. And then the subject line: You might have a match!

Oh my God. Spencer shoved her Sidekick under Andrews nose. In the chaos of the last week, shed almost forgotten about the Web site. Look!

Andrew breathed in sharply. They opened the e-mail and squinted at the message. We are pleased to inform you that someone in our database matches your personal birth information, it said. We are contacting her now, and she should be in touch in a few days. Thank you, The I Love U Team.

Spencer scrolled down frantically, skimming the rest of the note, but it didnt offer much more information. I Love U hadnt disclosed what this womans name was, or what she did, or where she lived.

Spencer let her Sidekick fall to her lap, her head spinning. So...this is real? Andrew grabbed her hands. Maybe.

Spencer gradually smiled, tears still streaming down her face. Oh my God, she cried. Oh my God! She threw her arms around Andrew and gave him a huge hug. Thank you!

For what? Andrew sounded baffled.

I dont know! Spencer answered giddily. Everything!

They pulled away, grinning at each other. And then, slowly and carefully, Andrews hand moved down and circled her wrist. Spencer froze. The party noises outside fell away, and everything in the room felt cozy and close. A few long, slow seconds ticked by, marked only by the flashing dots on the DVD players digital clock.

Andrew leaned forward and touched his lips to hers. His mouth tasted like cinnamon Altoids, and his lips were soft. Everything felt...right. He kissed her deeper, slowly pulling her closer to him. Where on earth had Andrew Campbell learned to kiss like this?

The whole thing took five seconds at the most. When Andrew pulled back, Spencer was too shocked to speak. She wondered if shed tasted like salty tears. And her face probably looked hideous, all puffy and red from crying. Im sorry, Andrew said quickly, his face paling. I shouldnt have done that. You just look so pretty tonight, and Im so excited for you, and...

Spencer blinked hard, hoping that the blood would soon return to her head. Dont apologize, she finally said. But...but Im not sure I deserve this. She let out a loud sniff. Ive been so nasty to you. Like...at Foxy. And in every class weve been in together. Ive been nothing but a bitch. She shook her head, a tear trickling down her check. You should hate me.

Andrew wound his pinkie around hers. I was mad at you about Foxy, but that was just because I liked you. And everything else...we were just being competitive. He poked Spencers bare knee. I like that youre competitive...and determined...and smart. I wouldnt want you to change any of that.

Spencer started to laugh, but her mouth contorted into a new batch of sobs. Why was she crying when someone was being so nice to her? She looked at her phone again and tapped the screen. So you would like me even if Im not a real Hastings?

Andrew snorted. I dont care what your last name is. Besides, even Coco Chanel came from nothing. She was an orphan. And look what happened to her.

One corner of Spencers mouth curled up in a smile. Liar. How did bookish Andrew know anything about haute fashion designers?

Its true! Andrew nodded fervidly. Look it up!

Spencer drank in Andrews thin, angular face, how his longish, wheat-colored hair curled sweetly over his ears. All this time, Andrew had been right in front of her, sitting next to her in classes, rushing to finish math problems at the board before she did, campaigning against her for class president and leader of Model UNand shed never noticed how damn cute he was. Spencer melted into his arms again, wishing they could stay like this all night.

As she nestled her chin into Andrews shoulder, her eyes drifted back to the picture of Ali propped up against the Eiffel Tower. All of a sudden, the photo looked completely different. Although Alis mouth was still open in mid-laugh, there was a worried, urgent look behind her eyes. It was almost like she was crying out to the photographer, trying to send an unspoken message. Help me, a glimmer in her eyes said. Please.

Spencer thought of her Ali dream again. Shed been standing right next to Ali by those very same bike racks. Younger Ali had turned to her, this same fragile expression on her face. Both Alis wanted Spencer to uncover something. Maybe something that was very close.

You shouldnt have thrown it away, Spencer, both of them chanted. It was all there. Everything you need. Its up to you, Spencer. You have to fix this.

But what had she recently thrown away? How could she fix it? Suddenly, Spencer pulled away from Andrew. The trash bag. Wha? Andrew seemed disoriented.

Spencer looked out the back window. The grief counselor had made them bury all that Ali crap last Saturdayessentially throwing it away. Was that what the two Alis in her dream had meant? Could there be something in there that would solve everything?

Oh my God, Spencer whispered, jerkily standing. What? Andrew asked again, standing up too. What is it?

Spencer glanced at Andrew, then out the window toward the barn, where theyd buried the Ali trash bag. It was a long shot, but she had to make sure. Tell Officer Wilden to come look for me if Im not back in ten minutes, she said hurriedly as she tore out of the room, leaving a very bewildered Andrew behind.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

27

HANNA MARIN, QUEEN BEE

By the time Hanna and Lucas got to the Hastingses house, the grand living room was packed with people. A string quartet had just finished playing, and a jazz band was setting up. Waitresses offered appetizers, and bartenders poured Scotches, G&Ts, and big glasses of red wine. Hanna could smell alcohol on almost everyones breath. They were all probably horrified that this Ian thing was even happening. Before Ali had disappeared, the most crime anyone in Rosewood ever saw was when one of their neighbors quietly got audited by the IRS.

Lucas undid the lens cap on his Olympus SLR camerahe was covering the event for the Rosewood Day newspaper. Do you want me to get you a drink?

Not yet, Hanna said, thinking about all the empty calories in alcohol. She ran her fingers nervously over her lipstick-red, chiffon-and-silk Catherine Malandrino party dress. Last week, the silk band around her waist had fit perfectly, but now it was the teensiest bit snug. Shed made herself scarce all day, trying to ignore Kate, Naomi, and Rileys constant calls and texts, all invitations to the pre-party primping session at Naomis house. Finally, Hanna had answered, saying she was too upset about Ian skipping town to pre-party.

Oh, kids, hi. Mrs. Hastings rushed over to them, looking irritated that they were here. The young people are in the library. This way.

She began steering them toward the library, as if they were pesky clutter that needed to be stuffed into a closet. Hanna shot Lucas a helpless look. She wasnt ready to face Kate. Dont you need to take photos of the adults? she squeaked desperately.

We have a society photographer for that, Mrs. Hastings snapped. You just take pictures of your friends.

As soon as Mrs. Hastings threw open the librarys big double doors, someone cried, Oh, shit. There were whispers and a flurry of activity, and then the entire room looked up at Spencers mom with big Im not drinking smiles on their faces. A Quaker school girl quickly slid off Noel Kahns lap. Mike Montgomery tried to hide his wineglass behind his back. Sean Ackardwho probably wasnt drinkingwas talking to Gemma Curran. Kate, Naomi, and Riley were holding court in the corner. Kate was in a white strapless gown; Naomi wore a multicolored, knee-length halter dress; and Riley wore the green Foley + Corinna Hanna had picked out for her in Teen Vogue.

Mrs. Hastings closed the door again, and everyone brought out their bottles, glasses, and champagne flutes. Kate, Naomi, and Riley hadnt seen her yet, but in seconds, they would.

Its almost time! Kate had cackled. I cant wait! Lucas noticed Kate and the others across the room. Should we go say hi?

Kates head was now bent toward Naomis ear. Then they both broke away and laughed raucously. Hanna made no effort to move.

Arent you going to go talk to them? Lucas asked. Hanna stared at her Dior sling-backs. Ive changed my mind about Kate.

Lucass eyebrows raised so high, they practically merged with his hairline. I dont think shes what she seems, Hanna added.

She could feel Lucass eyes on her, waiting for an explanation. She tried to destroy my relationship with my dad back in the fall, she whispered, pulling him into the far corner. This whole lets be friends thing...I think I jumped into it way too soon. Its all been too easy. Ive been enemies with Naomi and Riley for years, and suddenly everythings perfect between us, just because Kates here? She shook her head forcefully. Uh-uh. This is not how it works.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. Thats not how what works?

I think Kates up to something, Hanna explained, gritting her teeth as Noel Kahn shouted at James Freed to chug the rest of a bottle of vodka. And I think she, Naomi, and Riley are banding together to ruin me for good. But I have to figure out a way to call Kate out on it first. I have to figure out a way to get her before she gets me.

Lucas stared at her. The jazz band in the living room was a few measures into their next number before he spoke again. This is because of Mona, right? Lucass voice softened. I understand that you might think every person you become friends with after her is going to ruin you. But theyre not, Hanna. No one wants to hurt you. Seriously.

Hanna fought the urge to stomp her pointy heel. How dare he patronize her! Shed been considering telling him about Maybe-Not-So-Faux A, toobut not now. Hed probably patronize her about that as well. This isnt some paranoid little thing in my head, she said angrily. It has nothing to do with Mona and everything to do with Kate. What about that dont you get?

Lucas blinked rapidly. A disappointed feeling washed over Hanna. He didnt get it because this wasnt his world. Suddenly, Hanna realized how different she and Lucas really were.

She sighed. This is popularity were talking about, Lucas, she said in an overly simplistic voice. Its very...calculated. Its not something youd understand.

Lucass eyes widened. He pressed himself against the French doors. I wouldnt understand because Im not popular, right? Well, sorry, Hanna. Sorry Im not cool enough for you.

He waved his hand dismissively and stalked to the window. A sour, oily taste filled Hannas mouth. Shed just made things worse.

Kates thin arm shot up through the crowd. Omigod, Hanna! Youre here!

Hanna whipped her head around. Naomi and Riley were waving her over too, their smiles wide. It would look ridiculous if she just turned around and walked away, after shed so obviously seen them. At least she was in her own dress tonight, and not some seam-popping thing Mona had sent her.

Steeling herself, Hanna slowly walked toward them. Naomi moved over, clearing a space for Hanna on the big leather couch. Where have you been? she asked, giving Hanna an enormous hug.

Oh, around, Hanna said vaguely. Across the room, Lucas was watching her. She looked away fast.

Ive been worried about you, Kate said, her eyes solemn and serious. This whole Ian thing is scary. I totally dont blame you for going MIA.

Well, were so glad youre here now, Naomi said. You missed an awesome pre-party. She bent down and whispered into Hannas ear. Both Eric Kahn and Mason Byers came. Theyre both totally into Kate.

Hanna licked her lips, shrugging, not really wanting to get into an actual conversation. But Kate was now fluffing the chiffon hem of Hannas dress. Naomi took me to the best boutique called Otter yesterday, which is where I got this. She pointed to the bold Swarovski crystal pendant around her neck. We wanted you to come too, but you werent picking up your phone. She stuck out her lip in a pout. But well have to go next week, right? They have these super-dark William Rast jeans there that would look so cute on you.

Uh-huh, Hanna mumbled. Sure. She reached for a wine bottle that was tucked behind one of the chairs. Unfortunately, it was empty.

Here, have the rest of my glass, Kate said quickly, handing over her half-filled goblet. Im buzzed from the pre-party anyway.

Hanna stared dizzily into Kates glass, the dark red wine reminding her of blood. Itll work, Kate had whispered. Its almost time! I cant wait! So what the hell was all this friendliness? Was it possible Hanna had made a mistake?

And then it hit her. Of course. Kate was fake-friending her. Hanna felt silly for not realizing it before.

The rules of fake-friending were simple. If Hanna wanted to get revenge on someone for something she had done to Mona, she acted as if she and Mona were fighting, infiltrated the other girls group, and bided her time until she could stab the girl in the back. Maybe Mona had told Kate about fake-friending back when shed become A.

Eric Kahn walked over and plopped down on a big paisley cushion on the floor next to the couch. He was taller and lankier than Noel, but had the same big, brown eyes and toothy smile. Hey, Hanna, he said. Where have you been hiding this pretty stepsister of yours?

You make it sound like she had me stuffed in a closet, Kate giggled, her eyes sparkling. Did you? Eric asked Hanna, which made Kate giggle even harder.

Noel and Mason sat down, too, and Mike Montgomery and his date crowded in next to Riley and Naomi. There were so many people around them, Hanna couldnt get up if she tried. She searched the room for Lucas, but he had vanished.

Eric leaned forward, stroking Kates wrist. So, how long have you girls known each other?

Kate looked at Hanna, thinking. I guess...four years ago, was it? We were in seventh grade. But we didnt speak for a long time. Hanna only came to my house in Annapolis once. I think she was too cool for meshe brought Alison DiLaurentis. Remember that huge lunch we had, Hanna?

Kate gave Hanna a wide, smirking smile, Hannas binging secret probably on the tip of her tongue. Hanna felt like she was on a roller coaster that was slowly climbing to the top of a hill. Any minute now, it

would spill down the other side, and shed lose her stomach...and her reputation.

Fake-friending is simple, Mona probably said to Kate, as if she already knew that one day, Kate and Hanna would be forced to live under the same roof. Just get one little secret from Hanna. Thats all itll take to ruin her for good.

She thought of As note, too. Ruin her before she ruins you. Did you guys know Kate has herpes? Hanna blurted out. It didnt even sound like her voice, but the

voice of someone who was far meaner.

Everyone looked up sharply. Wine spewed out of Mike Montgomerys mouth onto the carpet. Eric Kahn quickly dropped Kates hand.

She told me earlier this week, Hanna went on, a toxic, black feeling metastasizing through her body. Some guy gave it to her in Annapolis. You should probably know that, Eric, before you try and get in her pants.

Hanna, Kate whispered desperately. Her face had turned as white as her gown. What are you doing?

Hanna smiled smugly. You were going to do the same thing to me, bitch. Noel Kahn took another big swig of wine, shuddering. Naomi and Riley glanced at each other uneasily and stood up. Is that true? Mike Montgomery wrinkled his nose. Nasty.

Its not true, Kate squealed, looking around at everyone. Really, guys, Hanna just made that up! But the damage was already done. Ugh, someone whispered behind them.

Valtrex, James Freed coughed into his hand. Kate stood up. Everyone took another big step away from her, as if the herpes virus could jump off her body and onto theirs.

Kate shot Hanna a horrified look. Why did you just do that? Its almost time, Hanna recited in a monotone voice. I cant wait.

Kate gawked at her, confused. Then she took a few steps back, fumbling for the library door. When she slammed it shut, the crystals on the chandelier tinkled together melodically.

Someone gradually turned the music back up. Wow, Naomi murmured, sidling up to Hanna. No wonder you havent wanted to spend time with her the past couple days.

So whos the guy who gave it to her? Riley whispered, instantly at Naomis side. I knew there was something skanky about her, Naomi sneered.

Hanna brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes. Shed expected to feel amazing and powerful, but instead she felt kind of shitty. Something about what had just happened seemed a little...off. She set Kates wineglass down on the floor and started for the door, just wanting to get out of there. Only, someone was blocking her way.

Lucas glowered at her, his lips small and pursed. It was obvious hed seen everything. Oh, Hanna said in a meek voice. Hi.

Lucas crossed his arms over his chest. There was a sour look on his face. Bravo, Hanna. I guess you got her before she got you, huh?

You dont understand, Hanna protested. She took a step toward him to put her arm around his shoulders, but Lucas held up his hand to stop her.

I understand completely, he said icily. And I think I liked you better when you werent popular. When you were just...normal. He slung his camera back around his neck and walked toward the door.

Lucas, wait! Hanna cried, stunned.

Lucas stopped in the middle of the enormous Oriental rug. There were a few strands of dog hair on his dark suit jackethed probably snuggled with his Saint Bernard, Clarissa, after he got dressed. All of a sudden, Hanna loved him for not caring about looking perfect. She loved him for not caring about popularity. She loved him for every dorky thing he did.

Im sorry. Hannas eyes filled with tears, not caring that everyone was watching.

Lucass face was stony and impassive. Were done, Hanna. He turned the doorknob that led to the foyer.

Lucas! Hanna beseeched, her heart lurching. But he was gone.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

28

SOCIALLY AWKWARD ARTIST NO MORE

Aria stood in front of an enormous oil portrait of Spencers great-great-great-grandfather Duncan Hastings, a debonair man awkwardly clutching a floppy-eared, sad-eyed beagle in his lap. Duncan had the same exact ski-slope nose Spencer did, and it looked like he was wearing womens rings on his fingers. Rich people were so weird.

Aria supposed she should be in the library with the rest of her peersMrs. Hastings had all but shoved her in there when shed arrived. But what did she really have to say to a bunch of prissy Typical Rosewood Girls in designer gowns and Cartier jewels theyd stolen out of their mothers trousseaus? Did she really want them judging the long, black, backless silk dress she was wearing? And did she really want to put up with drunken Noel and all his touchy-feely cronies? Shed rather hang out here with good old grumpy Duncan, getting drunk on top-shelf gin.

Aria wasnt quite sure why shed come to the benefit at all. Spencer had urged them all to be here for moral support now that Ian was on the loose, but Aria hadnt seen Spencer or any of her other old friends since shed arrived twenty minutes ago. And it wasnt like she wanted to discuss Ians scary and mysterious disappearance with anyone else, as the rest of the guests were doing. She would rather crawl into her walk-in closet, curl up into a ball with Pigtunia, her stuffed pig puppet, and wait for all this to

blow over, like she did when there were thunderstorms.

The library door opened and a familiar figure strode out. Mike was dressed in a dark gray suit, an untucked purple-and-black striped button-down, and shiny, square-toed shoes. A small, pale girl followed behind him. They walked right up to Aria and stopped. There you are, Mike said. I wanted to introduce you to Savannah.

Uh, hi. Aria offered Savannah her hand, shocked Mike was actually letting her meet his girlfriend. Im Aria. Mikes sister.

Nice to meet you. Savannahs smile was wide and sweet. Her long, curly, dark chocolate-colored hair rippled down her back, and she had pinchable pink cheeks. A pretty black silk dress hugged her curves but didnt cut off her circulation, and the small red clutch she was carrying didnt have a logo plastered all over it.

She seemed...normal. Aria couldnt have been more astounded if Mike had shown up with a seal from the Philadelphia Zoo as his date. Or, for that matter, an Icelandic horse.

Savannah touched Mikes shoulder. Im going to grab us some apps, okay? The shrimp looks amazing.

Sure, Mike said, smiling at her like an actual human. As Savannah skipped away, Aria let out a low whistle, crossing her arms over her chest.

Look at you, Mikey! she crowed. She seems really nice!

Mike shrugged. I just have her around until my stripper honey from Turbulence gets back into town. He chuckled lewdly, but Aria could tell his heart wasnt in it. His eyes were still on Savannah as she plucked a few bruschetta squares off a passing tray.

Then Mike noticed someone across the room. He nudged Aria. Hey, Xaviers here!

Nerves rippled through Arias stomach. She stood on her tiptoes to look over the crowd. Sure enough, Xavier was standing in line at the bar, dressed in a dapper black suit. Ellas working tonight, she murmured suspiciously. Whats he doing here?

Mike scoffed. Because its a benefit for our school, maybe? Because he really likes Mom and wants to support us? Because I mentioned it to him and he seemed really into coming? He put his hands on his hips and glared at Aria for three long beats. What is your deal? Why do you hate that dude?

Aria swallowed hard. I dont hate him.

Then go talk to him, Mike insisted through his teeth. Go apologize for whatever it was you did. He pushed his fist gently into Arias back. She glared at him, irritatedwhy did Mike automatically assume she had done something?but it was too late. Xavier saw them. He stepped out of his place at the bar and made his way over. Aria pressed her nails into her palm.

Ill leave you two alone so you can kiss and make up, Mike said, scuttling over to Savannah. Aria felt stuckand uncomfortable with Mikes choice of words. She watched as Xavier moved closer and closer until he was right next to her. His brown eyes looked almost black against the dark gray of his suit. There was an awkward, embarrassed look on his face.

Hey, Xavier said to her, fiddling with his pearl cuff links. You look nice.

Thanks, Aria answered, picking at an invisible thread on the strap of her dress. She suddenly felt so formal and ridiculous with her blue-black hair in a dumb French braid and her mothers faux-fur angora stole around her shoulders. She tilted away from Xavier, not wanting to expose her bare back.

All at once, she couldnt be standing here, being all polite to him. Not now. I have to..., she blurted out, then swirled around and ran up the stairs to the second level. Spencers bedroom was the first door on the left. The door was open, and thankfully no one was inside.

Aria stumbled in, taking deep breaths. It had been at least three years since shed been inside Spencers bedroom, but it didnt seem like Spencer had changed a thing. The room smelled like fresh-cut flowers, which were arranged in vases all over the room. The antique mahogany vanity was still pushed against the wall, and the four oversize chairswhich folded out into twin beds, perfect for when they all used to sleep overmade a small, intimate circle around a teak coffee table. Dramatic red velvet drapes framed the big bay window that offered a full view into Alis old bedroom. Spencer used to gloat about how she and Ali secretly communicated by flashlight at night.

Aria continued to look around. The same tasteful framed photographs and paintings hung on Spencers walls, and the same snapshot of the five of them was still wedged into the corner of her vanity mirror. Aria walked up to it, her chest filling with longing. The photo was of Aria, Ali, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna, sitting on Alis uncles yacht in Newport, Rhode Island. They all wore matching white J. Crew bikinis and wide-brimmed straw hats. Alis smile looked confident and relaxed, while Spencer, Hanna, and Emily looked deliriously euphoric. This had been just a few weeks after theyd become friendsthe high of being part of Alis exclusive clique hadnt worn off yet.

Aria, on the other hand, looked freaked, as if she were certain that Ali was going to push her into the Newport Harbor any minute. In fact, Aria had been worried that day. She was still certain Ali knew the truth about what had happened to her stolen piece of the Time Capsule flag.

But Ali had never confronted Aria about it. And Aria had never admitted what she had done. It was obvious what would happen if Aria told Ali the truthAlis face would crinkle in confusion, then slowly morph to rage. Shed drop Aria for good, just when Aria was getting used to having friends. As October faded into November, Arias secret withered away. Time Capsule was a stupid game, nothing more.

Xavier coughed in the hallway. Hey, he said, poking his head into the room. Can we talk? Aria sucked in her stomach. Um...okay.

Xavier slowly walked up to Spencers bed and sat down. Aria settled into the paisley-covered chair at Spencers vanity, staring at her lap. A few long, awkward seconds went by. The sounds of the party throbbed below, everyones voices muddled together. A glass shattered to the wood floor. A little dog yapped viciously.

Finally, Xavier let out a guttural sigh and looked up. Youre killing me, Aria. Aria cocked her head, confused. Im sorry? A guy can only take so many mixed signals. Mixed...signals? Aria repeated. Maybe this was some weird-artist way to break the ice. She waited

for the punch line.

Xavier stood up and slowly padded across the room until he was right next to her. He curled his hands over the edge of the top of the vanity chair, and his hot, pungent breath brushed against Arias neck. It smelled like hed had a lot to drink. Suddenly, Aria wondered if this wasnt an icebreaker at all. Her head started to ache.

You flirt with me at my opening, but then you get all weird when I draw a picture of you at the restaurant, Xavier explained in a low voice. You walk around at breakfast in a see-through shirt and shorts, you spill your guts, you initiate a pillow fight... but when I kiss you, you get all freaked out. And now, you run up to a bedroom. Im sure you knew I was going to follow you.

Aria shot up and leaned against Spencers vanity. The old wood made a creaking noise under her weight. Was he implying what she thought he was implying? I didnt want you to follow me! she cried. And I havent been sending any signals!

Xavier raised his eyebrows. I dont believe that.

Its true! Aria whimpered. I didnt want you to kiss me. Youre going out with my mom. I thought you were coming up here to apologize!

The room was suddenly so quiet that Aria could hear the ticking of his watch. There was something about Xavier that seemed so much bigger tonight, raw and powerful.

Xavier sighed, his eyes intense. Dont try to turn it around and act like this is my fault. And anyway, if you were truly freaked out about the kiss, why havent you told anyone about it yet? Why is your mother still taking my calls? Why is your brother still inviting me over to play more Wii with him and his new girlfriend?

Aria blinked helplessly. I...I didnt want to cause problems. I didnt want anyone to get mad at me.

Xavier touched her arm, his face looming closer. Or maybe you didnt want your mom to kick me out quite yet.

He leaned closer, his lips starting to pucker. Aria shot away from the bureau and across the room to Spencers half-open closet, nearly tripping over her long dress. Just...stay away from me, she said in the strongest tone of voice she could find. And stay away from my mom, too.

Xavier made a few clucking noises with his tongue. Okay. If thats how youre going to be. But know thisIm not going anywhere. And if you know whats best for you, you wont say anything to Mom about what happened. He stepped back, snapping his fingers. You know how easily things can be twisted around, and youre just as guilty as I am.

Aria blinked in disbelief. Xavier kept smiling, like this was funny. The room swirled dizzily, but Aria tried to remain calm. Fine, she blurted out. If youre not going to leave, then I will.

Xavier looked unimpressed. Where are you going to go?

Aria bit her lip, turning away. It was, of course, a valid questionwhere could she go? But there was only one place. She shut her eyes and pictured Merediths swollen belly. The small of her back began to ache, anticipating the cramped bed in Merediths studio/spare bedroom.

It would be painful watching Meredith start to nest and Byron get all new-parent giddy. But Xavier had made things crystal clear. Things could get so easily twisted around, and he seemed more than happy to twist them if need be. Aria would do everything she could not to wreck her family ever again.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

29

THE WHOLE, PATHETIC TRUTH

Spencer had an advantage over everyone else at the benefit who might have wanted to leave without Wilden noticingit was her house, and she knew all the secret exits. Wilden probably didnt even know that there was a door at the back of the garage that led straight into the backyard. She paused only to grab a small flashlight by her moms gardening supplies, put on a forest green rain slicker that was hanging on a peg on the wall, and stuff her feet into a pair of extra riding boots, which were flung haphazardly on the garage floor next to her dads old Jaguar XKE. The boots werent lined, but theyd do a better job keeping her feet warm than her strappy Miu Miu heels.

The sky was purplish black. Spencer ran along the perimeter of the yard, grazing the frozen blueberry bushes that separated her property from Alis old house. The flashlights tiny beam danced against the uneven ground. Luckily, most of the snow had melted, so it would be easy to see where theyd buried the trash bag.

Halfway across her yard, Spencer heard a twig snap and froze. She turned around slowly. Hello? she whispered.

There was no moon tonight, and the sky was eerily clear, filled with stars. Muffled noises from the party drifted across the lawn. Somewhere very far away, a car door slammed.

Spencer bit down hard on her lip and kept going. Her boots sloshed through the half-slush, half-mud. The barn was just ahead. Melissa had turned on the porch light, but the rest of the barn was dark. Spencer walked right up to the edge of the porch and stood very still. She was breathing hard, as if shed just run six miles with her old field hockey team. From back here, her house seemed so small and far away. The windows glowed yellow, and she could see the vague shapes of people inside. Andrew was in there, as were her old friends. Wilden too. Maybe she should have left this to him. But it was too late now.

A little breeze curled around her neck and down her bare back. The hole theyd dug for the trash bag was easy to find, a few paces to the left of the barn near the winding bluestone path. Spencer shuddered, overcome by a foreboding sense of dŽjˆ vu. Their seventh-grade sleepover had been on a moonless night a lot like this. After their argument, Spencer had followed Ali out here, demanding that she come back inside. And then theyd had that stupid fight about Ian. Spencer had suppressed the memory for so long, but now that it was out in the open again, she was sure shed never forget Alis twisted face as long as she lived. Ali had laughed at Spencer, taunting her for taking Ians kiss seriously.

Spencer had been so hurt, shed shoved Ali hard. Ali had gone flying, her head making a horrible crack against the rocks. It was a wonder the cops had never found the rock Ali hitit must have had a trace of blood on it, or at least a hair. In fact, the cops barely investigated anything back here besides the inside of the barn those first crucial weeks after Ali went missing. Theyd been pretty convinced Ali had run away. Had that just been a sloppy oversight? Or was there some reason they didnt want to look more

carefully?

Theres something you dont know, Ian had said. The cops know it, but theyre ignoring it. Spencer gritted her teeth, chasing the words from her head. Ian was crazy. There wasnt some secret the world was hiding. Just the truth: Ian had killed Ali because she was going to reveal that they were a couple.

Spencer hiked up her dress, knelt down, and plunged her hands into the soft, dug-up dirt. Finally, her hands touched the edge of the plastic garbage bag. Condensed water from the melted snow dripped off the ends as she pulled it out. She set the bag on a dry patch of dirt and undid the ties. Everything inside was still dry. The first thing she pulled out was the string bracelet Ali had made for them after The Jenna Thing. Next was Emilys pink quilted purse. Spencer forced it open, feeling around the interior. The faux-patent leather squeaked. It was empty.

Spencer found the piece of paper Hanna had dropped in and shined the flashlight on it as best she could. It wasnt a note from Ali, as shed originally thought, but a student evaluation form Ali had filled out, ranking Hannas oral report on Tom Sawyer. All the Rosewood Day sixth-grade English classes had to rate their peers reports, sort of as a schoolwide experiment.

Alis assessment of Hannas report was fairly mildnothing too nice, nothing too mean. It seemed like shed dashed it off quickly, busy with something else. Spencer pushed it aside. She pulled out the last thing at the bottom of the bag, Arias drawing. Even back then, Aria had drawn people remarkably well. There was Ali, standing in front of Rosewood Day, a smirk on her face, as if she was laughing about someone behind their back. A few of her underlings stood in the background, snickering.

Spencer let it flutter to her lap, disappointed. There didnt seem to be anything unusual about this, either. Had she really expected a miracle answer? Was she really that big an idiot?

But she shined the flashlight over the drawing once more. Ali was holding something in her hands. It looked like...a piece of paper. Spencer pressed the flashlight right against the paper. Aria had sketched the headline. Time Capsule Starts Tomorrow.

This drawing and the photo propped up against the Eiffel Tower had both been from the same day. Just like the photo, Aria had captured the precise moment when Ali ripped down the flyer and announced that she was going to find a piece of the Time Capsule flag. Aria had sketched someone behind Ali, too. Spencer pressed her flashlight against the paper. Ian.

A chilly gust of wind danced across Spencers face. Her eyes kept tearing up from the cold, but she struggled to keep them open. Arias sketch of Ian wasnt as diabolical or conniving as Spencer had thought it would be. Instead, Aria had made him look kind of...pathetic. He was gazing at Ali, his eyes

wide, a dopey smile on his face. Ali, on the other hand, was turned away from him. Her expression was cocky, as if she was thinking, Arent I the shit? Even gorgeous upperclassmen are wrapped around my little finger.

The paper crinkled in Spencers hands. Aria had drawn this right as it was happening. She certainly hadnt known anything about Ali or Ian back then, but had merely sketched what she sawIan looking lovesick and vulnerable. And Ali looking...like Ali. Like a bitch.

Ali and I flirted a lot, but that was all. She never seemed interested in taking it further than that, Ian had said. But then...suddenly...she changed her mind.

The trees around the pool made black, spidery shadows. The wooden wind chimes that hung from the eave of the barn knocked together, sounding like bones rattling. A shiver ran from the base of Spencers neck all the way to her coccyx. Could it be true? Had Ian and Ali harmlessly flirted with each other, merely having a little fun? What, then, had made Ali change her mind and decide to like him?

But that was so hard to accept. If Ian was telling the truth about Ali, then everything else hed said to Spencer two days ago on her porch could possibly be true, too. That there was a secret he was on the verge of finding out. That there was something more to all this that they didnt understand. And that Ian hadnt killed hersomeone else had.

Spencer pressed her hand to her chest, afraid her heart was about to stop. What notes? Ian had asked. But if Ian wasnt sending A notes...who was?

The cold slush seeped right through Spencers riding boots, straight to her toes. Spencer stared at the bluestone path at the back of her yard, the very spot where she and Ali had fought. After Spencer shoved Ali to the ground, her memory had gone spotty. Shed only recently remembered that Ali had gotten up and continued down the path. What Spencer saw next flickered in front of her mind, blurring and sharpening. Alis thin legs poking out the bottom of her JV field hockey kilt, her long hair dripping down her back, the bottoms of her rubber flip-flops worn at the insteps. There was another person with her too, and they were arguing. A few months ago, Spencer had been positive that person was Ian. But now when she tried to access the memory, she couldnt see the persons face. Had she latched onto Ian because Mona had fed her that information? Because she just wanted it to be someone, so this would be over?

The stars twinkled peacefully. An owl hooted in one of the big oaks behind the barn. Spencers nose itched, and she thought she smelled a cigarette smoldering somewhere close. And then her Sidekick began to ring.

It echoed loudly across the vast, empty yard. Spencer plunged her hand into her bag, hitting Mute. She felt numb as she pulled it out. Her screen announced that she had a new e-mail from someone called Ian_T.

Her stomach swooped. Spencer. Meet me in the woods, where she died. I have something to show you.

Spencer sucked in her teeth. The woods where she died. That was just on the other side of the barn. She stuffed the drawing into her purse and hesitated for a moment. Then she took a deep breath and started to run.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

30

FRAILTY, THY NAME IS WOMAN!

Hanna was finishing her third thorough round of the Hastings house, looking for Lucas. Shed passed and re-passed the jazz band, the drunks at the bar, and the snooty Main Liners talking smack about the priceless artwork that lined the walls. She saw Melissa Hastings slip upstairs, talking on her cell phone. When she pushed into Spencers fathers office, she interrupted what looked like an argument between Mr. Hastings and Principal Appleton. But no Lucas, anywhere.

Finally, she wandered into the kitchen, which was thick with steam and smelled like shrimp, duck, and heavy glaze. The caterers were busy unpacking appetizers and mini desserts from foil-lined carriers. Hanna half-expected to see Lucas helping them out, feeling bad that they were so overworkedthat would be just like him. But he wasnt there, either.

She tried Lucass phone again, but it went straight to voice mail. Its me, Hanna said quickly at the beep. There was a good reason I did what I did. Please let me explain.

When she hit End, the phones screen went dark. Why hadnt she just told Lucas about the notes from A when shed had the chance? But she knew why: She wasnt sure they were real. When shed begun to think they were real, Hanna had worried that if she said anything to anyone, something horrible might happen.

And so shed kept her mouth shut. But now it seemed like horrible things were happening anyway.

Hanna reached for the door to the media room and poked her head inside, but the room was disappointingly empty. The red afghan that was usually lying neatly on top of the couch was flung across the cushions, and there were a few empty cocktail glasses and crumpled-up napkins on the coffee table. Beyond it, that big, weird wire Eiffel Tower teetered on the credenza, so tall it almost grazed the ceiling. The old photo of Ali from sixth grade was still propped up against it.

Hanna stared at it warily. Ali held the Time Capsule flyer in her hand, her mouth open in mid-laugh. Noel Kahn stood behind her, laughing too. A shadowy figure loomed in the background, mostly out of focus. Hanna leaned forward, her stomach dropping like it was weighted down with lead. It was Mona. She was leaning on the handlebars of her pink Razor scooter, her eyes on Alis back. It was like seeing a ghost.

Hanna sank into the couch, staring hard at Monas blurry shape. Why did you do this to me? she wanted to scream. Hanna had never gotten to ask Mona that questionby the time shed realized that Mona was A, Mona and Spencer had already been on their way to Falling Man Gorge. There were so many things Hanna wanted to ask Mona, things that would forever go unanswered. How could you have secretly hated me all that time? Was anything we did together real? Were we ever really friends? How could I have been so wrong about you?

Her eyes focused again on Alis wide, open mouth. When Hanna and Mona had become friends in eighth grade, Hanna had poked fun at Ali and the others to show Mona that they werent really that great. She told Mona the story about how shed shown up in Alis backyard the Saturday after Time Capsule was announced, determined to steal Alis piece of the flag. And Spencer, Emily, and Aria were there, too, Hanna remembered saying, rolling her eyes. It was so weird. And even weirder, Ali came storming out

of her back door, all the way across the yard to us. You guys are too late, she said. Hanna had even squeakily imitated Alis voice, ignoring the shameful twinge inside her. And then she said some asshole already stole her piece, even though shed already decorated it and everything.

Who took it? Mona asked, hanging on every word.

Hanna shrugged. Probably some freak who built a shrine to Ali in his bedroom. I bet thats why he never turned the piece in to be buried with the Time Capsulehe probably still sleeps with it every night. And maybe he tucks it in his underwear every day.

Ewww, Mona squealed, writhing.

That conversation with Mona had taken place at the beginning of eighth grade, right as that years Time Capsule game started. Three days later, Hanna and Mona jointly found a piece of the Time Capsule flag stuffed into the W volume of an encyclopedia set in the Rosewood library. It was like finding a golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factorya sure omen that their lives were going to change. Theyd decorated the piece together, putting Mona and Hanna 4-EVAH in big, bold letters all over the fabric. Their names were buried now, a metaphor for their farce of a best-friendship.

Hanna wilted against the couch, tears pricking her eyes. If only she could run out to the practice fields behind Rosewood Day, dig up that years capsule, and burn her and Monas piece. If only she could burn every other memory theyd created as friends, too.

The recessed lights above Hannas head reflected off the picture. When she looked at the photo again, she frowned. Alis eyes seemed so almond-shaped, and her cheeks were awfully puffy. All at once, the girl in the photo looked like a knockoff Ali instead, an Ali turned a few degrees to the left. But when Hanna blinked, it was Ali again who was staring back at her. Hanna ran her hands over her face, feeling like her skin was crawling with worms.

There you are.

Hanna cried out and turned around. Her father stepped through the door. He wasnt in a suit like the rest of the men here, but a pair of khaki pants and a navy blue V-neck sweater.

Oh, she gasped. I-I didnt know you were coming.

I wasnt planning on it, he said. Im only here for a moment.

There was a shadowed figure behind him. She wore a strapless white gown, a brand-new Swarovski crystal bracelet, and satin Prada peep-toes. When she stepped into the light, Hannas heart sank. Kate.

Hanna bit down hard on the inside of her cheek. Of course Kate would run to Stepdaddy and tell him everything. She shouldve seen this coming.

Mr. Marins eyes blazed. Did you or did you not tell your friends that Kate has...herpes? He mumbled the last word.

Hanna shrank back. I did, but What on earth is wrong with you? Mr. Marin demanded.

She was about to do the same thing to me! Hanna protested.

No, I wasnt! Kate squealed passionately. A bit of her French twist had come undone, and a few tendrils spilled over her shoulders.

Hannas mouth dropped open. I heard you on the phone on Friday! Its almost time. Itll work. I cant wait. And then you...cackled! I know what you meant, so dont even pretend like youre all perfect and innocent.

A helpless squeak escaped from Kates throat. I dont know what shes talking about, Tom.

Hanna stood up and faced her father. She wants to destroy me. Just like Mona did. They were working together.

Are you cracked? What are you talking about? Kate threw up her hands in despair.

Mr. Marin raised a bushy eyebrow. Hanna crossed her arms over her chest, glancing once more at the photo of Ali. Ali seemed to be staring right out at Hanna, smirking and rolling her eyes. Hanna wished she could turn it upside downor even better, tear it to shreds.

Kate made a loud gasp. Wait a minute, Hanna. When you heard me yesterday, was I in my bedroom? Were there long pauses between things I was saying?

Hanna sniffed. Uh, yeah. Thats what happens when youre on the phone.

I wasnt on the phone, Kate said coolly. I was practicing lines for the school play. I got a partif you wouldve talked to me, I would have told you that! She shook her head, amazed. I was waiting for you to come home so we could hang out. Why would I be plotting to get you? I thought we were friends!

Down the long hall, the jazz band stopped playing, and everyone applauded. A strong scent of blue cheese wafted from the kitchen, making Hannas stomach turn. Kate had been practicing lines?

Mr. Marins eyes grew blacker and darker than Hanna had ever seen them. So let me get this straight, Hanna. You ruined Kates reputation because of something you heard through a door. You didnt even bother to ask Kate what she meant or what she was doing, you just went ahead and told everyone a blatant lie about her.

I thought..., Hanna stuttered, but then trailed off. Was that what shed done?

Youve gone too far this time. Mr. Marin shook his head sadly. Ive tried to be lenient with you, especially after everything that happened this fall. Ive tried to give you the benefit of the doubt. But you cant get away with this, Hanna. I dont know what it was like, living with your mother, but I dont allow this kind of stuff in my house. Youre grounded.

From this angle, Hanna could see every new little wrinkle by her dads eyes and all the new flecks of gray in his hair. Before her dad had moved out, hed never punished her once. Whenever she messed up, he simply talked to her about it until she understood why it was wrong. But it looked like those days were gone.

An enormous lump formed in Hannas throat. She wanted to ask her father if he remembered all their

talks. Or how much fun the two of them used to have. For that matter, Hanna wanted to ask why hed called her a little piggy in Annapolis all those years ago. It wasnt remotely funnyher dad must have known that. But maybe he didnt care. As long as it amused Kate, he was happy. Hed taken Kates side ever since she and Isabel came into his life.

From now on, youll associate with Kate and only Kate, Mr. Marin said, straightening his sweater. He began listing things on his fingers. No boys. No friends over. No Lucas.

Hanna gaped. What?

Mr. Marin gave Hanna his dont talk until Im finished look. No sitting with other people at lunch, he went on. No loitering with other girls before or after school. If you want to go to the mall, Kate has to go with you. If you want to go to the gym, Kate has to go with you. Or I start taking more things away. First your car. Then your handbags and clothes. Until you actually understand that you cant treat people like this.

The roof of Hannas mouth began to itch. She was pretty sure she was about to faint. You cant do that! she whispered.

I can. Mr. Marins eyes narrowed. And I am. And you know how Ill know if youre breaking the rules? He paused and looked at Kate, who nodded. Theyd probably discussed all this beforehand. Kate had probably suggested it.

Hanna gripped the arm of the couch, stunned. Everyone at school was skeeved out about Kate nowall because of what Hanna had told them. If Hanna came into school all BFFs with Kate and only Kate, people would...talk. They might even think Hanna had herpes too! She could already imagine the names everyone would call them: The Valtrex Vixens. The Blister Sisters.

Oh my God, she whispered.

Your punishment will start tomorrow, Mr. Marin said. You can use the rest of tonight to tell your friends that youll no longer be associating with them. I expect to see you at home in an hour. Without another word, he turned and stalked out of the room, Kate following behind.

Hanna listed woozily to the left. This didnt make any sense. How could she have been so wrong about what shed overheard outside Kates bedroom? The things Kate had said had sounded so sinister. So obvious! And Kates hideous little snicker...It was hard to believe she was just rehearsing for a lame-ass high school production of Hamlet.

Hamlet. A light went on in Hannas brain. Wait a minute, she shouted. Kate turned abruptly, almost bumping into the ornate Tiffany lamp on the table by the door. She raised

an eyebrow, waiting. Hanna licked her lips slowly. Um, what part are you playing in Hamlet, anyway? Ophelia. Kate haughtily sniffed, probably figuring Hanna didnt know who Ophelia was.

But Hanna did know. Shed read Hamlet over the winter break, mostly to understand the Hamlet-wants-his-mother jokes everyone in her AP English classes was always making. Nowhere in the plays five acts did fragile, pathetic, get-thee-to-a-nunnery Ophelia have lines that even remotely

resembled anything like, Its almost time, I cant wait. Nor did Ophelia snicker. Kate insisting she was rehearsing for the play was a lame crock of shit, but her dad had bought it hook, line, and sinker.

Hannas mouth gaped open. Kate met her look with a cool, self-assured shrug. If she realized shed been caught in the lie, she didnt seem to care. Hanna already had her punishment, after all.

Before Hanna could say another word, Kate smiled and started out the door again. Oh, and Hanna? She curled her fingers around the doorjamb, giving Hanna a coy little wink. Its not herpes. I just thought you should know.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

31

EVERYONES A SUSPECT

The line to the downstairs powder room was five people deep by the time Emily and Isaac emerged. Emily ducked her head, even though she had nothing to be embarrassed aboutall theyd done was cuddle. A pin-thin woman shoved past them into the bathroom, slamming the door.

As they walked into the middle of the ballroom, Isaac draped his arm around Emilys shoulders and kissed her cheek. An ancient woman in a Chanel suit clucked her tongue at them, smiling. What a cute couple, she cooed. Emily had to agree.

Isaacs cell phone, which was tucked into his jacket pocket, began to ring. Emilys hands immediately turned into fistsit could be Abut then she remembered. Isaac knew all her secrets. It didnt matter.

Isaac looked at the little lit-up window on his phone. Its my drummer, he said. Ill be back in a sec.

Emily nodded, squeezing his hand. She drifted over to the bar for a Coke. A few girls in matching black shifts were standing in line in front of her. Emily recognized them as former Rosewood Day students.

Remember how Ian used to watch us practice? a pretty Asian girl with long, chandelier earrings was saying. All that time, I thought he was watching because Melissa was playing, but maybe it was because of Ali.

Emilys ears pricked up. She stood very still, pretending she wasnt listening.

He was in my science class, whispered the other girl, a brunette with ultra-short hair and an upturned nose. When we were dissecting the fetal pig, he stabbed that thing like he was really enjoying it.

Yeah, but all the guys got super violent with those pigs, the other girl reminded her, opening up her silver clutch and pulling out a stick of Trident. Remember Darren? He pulled out the intestines like they were spaghetti!

They both shuddered. Emily wrinkled her nose. Why was everyone suddenly talking about how creepy Ian used to be? It seemed like revisionist history. And she couldnt believe the stuff Ian had told Spencerthat hed liked Ali far more than she liked him, that he wouldnt have hurt her, ever. Why couldnt he just admit it? Nothing said guilty like an accused criminal fleeing his own trial, after all.

Emily?

Officer Wilden stood behind her, a worried but stern look on his face. Tonight he wore a crisp black suit and tie instead of his Rosewood PD uniform, though Emily guessed he had a gun hidden in his jacket. Emily shuddered, feeling uneasy. The last time shed seen Wilden had been in the parking lot on the edge of town, telling someone on the phone to just stay away. She couldnt even recall seeing him at Ians trial yesterday, but he must have been there.

There was a nervous little tremor under Wildens left eyelid. Have you seen Spencer?

About a half hour ago. Emily quickly adjusted the strap of her dress, hoping it wasnt painfully obvious that shed just spent the last few minutes lying on the floor, making out with a boy. She glanced behind her, looking for the older Rosewood girls, but theyd slunk away. Why?

Wilden rubbed his clean-shaven chin. Im supposed to do head counts every thirty minutes or so, just to make sure no one leaves. And I cant find her anywhere.

Shes probably up in her bedroom, Emily suggested. It wasnt as if any of them were in a partying mood tonight.

I checked already. Wilden tapped his fingers against his tumbler of water. Youre sure she didnt mention anything about going outside?

Emily stared at him, suddenly recalling Wildens first name. Darren. Those Rosewood Day girls had just been talking about someone named Darren who had brutally removed a pigs intestines. It mustve been him.

She often forgot that Wilden wasnt much older than she washed graduated from Rosewood Day the same year as Spencers sister and Ian. Wilden hadnt been a model student like Ian, though, but his antithesis, the type who was sent to detention every other week. It was amazing how theyd turned out: Ian the murderer, Wilden the good cop.

She knows were not supposed to go outside, Emily said firmly, snapping back to the present. Ill go upstairs and check myself. Im sure shes up there somewhere. She lifted up her dress and put one foot on the first step, trying to quell her shaking hands.

Wait, Wilden called.

Emily turned. An ornate, elaborate crystal chandelier hung right over Wildens head, making his eyes look almost chartreuse. Did Aria and Spencer tell you theyve received more notes?

Emilys stomach flipped. Yeah... How about you? Wilden asked. Have you gotten any others? Emily nodded faintly. Ive gotten two, but none since Ian disappeared.

Something fluttered over Wildens face, but it quickly passed. Emily, I dont think it was Ian. The guys guarding Ians house searched the place. There werent any cell phones, and all the computers and fax machines were removed from his house before he was released. So I really dont see how he could have sent you any messages. Were still trying to track down where the messages are coming from, but we havent found anything yet.

The room started to spin. The notes werent from Ian? That didnt make sense. And anyway, if Ian had so easily gotten out of the house to visit Spencer, then he couldve found a way to text them from a secret phone. Maybe hed planted a disposable somewhere, like in a dead tree or an unused mailbox. Or maybe someone had planted it for him.

Emily stared at Wilden, wondering why he hadnt considered this. And then it hit herSpencer hadnt told him about Ians visit. Well, actually, there is a way it could be Ian, Emily started, trembling.

The phone inside Wildens jacket started to ring, interrupting her. Hang on. He held up a finger. I need to get this.

He tilted away from her, one hand curled over the edge of the side table. Emily gritted her teeth, annoyed. She looked around the room and saw Hanna and Aria standing next to an enormous abstract painting of a bunch of intersecting circles. Aria was fidgeting nervously with a white stole around her shoulders, and Hanna was running her hands through her hair again and again like she had lice. Emily strode up to them as fast as she could. Have you seen Spencer?

Aria shook her head, seeming distracted. Hanna looked just as dazed. Nope, she answered in a monotone.

Wilden cant find her, Emily urged. He checked the house a bunch of times, but shes gone. And Spencer never told him about Ian, either.

Hanna wrinkled her nose, her eyes beginning to get wide. Thats weird.

Spencers got to be in the house somewhere. She wouldnt just leave. Aria stood on her tiptoes, looking around.

Emily glanced back at Wilden. He paused from his phone call, taking a big sip from his water glass. Then he laid the glass on the table and spoke into the mouthpiece again. No, he barked, rather forcefully.

She faced the others again, wringing her sweaty palms together. You guys...do you think theres any possibility that this new A could be someone else? Like...not Ian? she sounded out.

Hanna stiffened. No. It has to be Ian, Aria said. It makes perfect sense.

Emily stared at Wildens rigid back. Wilden just told me they searched Ians house but couldnt find a cell phone or a computer or anything. He doesnt think Ians behind it.

But who else could it possibly be? Aria squeaked. Who else would want to do this to us? Who else knows where we are and what were doing?

Yeah, A is apparently from Rosewood, Hanna blurted out.

Emily shifted her weight, rocking back and forth on the plushy woven rug. How do you know that?

Hanna ran her hands along her bare collarbone, staring blankly toward the big picture window in the Hastingses living room. So I got a note or two. I didnt know they were real at the time. One of them

said A grew up in Rosewood, just like we did. Emilys heart thrummed fast. Did your notes say anything else?

Hanna squirmed, as if Emily were plunging a needle into her arm. Just this dumb stuff about my stepsister. Nothing important.

Emily fiddled with the silver fish-shaped pendant around her neck, her forehead prickling with sweat. What if A wasnt Ian...but not a copycat, either? When Emily had found out that Mona was the first A, shed been completely caught off guard. Sure, Ali and the others had been nasty to Mona, but theyd been nasty to a lot of people. People Emily couldnt even remember. What if someone elsesomeone closewas just as mad at them as Mona had been? What if it was someone in this very room?

She swept her eyes around the grand living room. Naomi Zeigler and Riley Wolfe emerged from the library, glaring at them. Melissa Hastings cut her eyes away, the corners of her mouth turning down. Scott Chin silently aimed his camera right at Emily, Aria, and Hanna. And Phi Templeton, Monas old, yo-yo-obsessed best friend, paused on her way to the library to glance over her shoulder, coolly meeting Emilys eye.

And then a memory from Ians arraignment struck Emily forcefully. Theyd been coming out of the courthouse after Ian had been sent to prison without bail, so happy because they thought everything was over. But then Emily had seen a figure in one of the limos parked at the courthouse curb. The eyes in the window had seemed so familiar...but Emily had forced herself to believe they were just a figment of her imagination.

Just thinking about it made a chill run up her spine. What if we have no idea who A is? What if nothing is what it seems?

Emilys phone began to ring. Then Arias. And then Hannas. Oh my God, Hanna breathed.

Emily canvassed the room. No one was looking in their direction anymore. And no one was holding a phone.

There was nothing she could do but pull out her Nokia. Her friends watched nervously. One new text, Emily whispered.

Hanna and Aria crowded around her. Emily pressed Read.

You all told, and now one of you has to pay the price. Wanna know where your old BFF is? Look out the back window. It might just be the last time you see her....

A

The room began to spin. A horrible, cloying smell of a sickly, floral perfume filled the air. Emily gazed around at her friends, her mouth bone-dry.

The last time we see her...ever? Hanna repeated, blinking rapidly. It cant... Emilys head felt stuffed with cotton balls. Spencer cant...

They ran into the kitchen and peered out the back window, toward the Hastingses barn. The yard was empty.

We need Wilden, Hanna demanded. She ran back to where hed last been standing, but there was no one there. Only Wildens drained water glass remained, abandoned on the highly polished side table.

Emilys cell phone lit up again. Another text had come in. They all gathered around to look. Go now. Alone. Or I make good on my promise.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

32

BE QUIET...AND NO ONE GETS HURT

A

Hanna, Aria, and Emily slipped out the back door into the cold, wet backyard. The porch was bathed in warm, orangish light, but once Hanna stepped beyond it, she couldnt see a few feet in front of her face. Off in the distance, she heard a small, muffled noise. The hair on Hannas arms stood on end. Emily let out a whimper.

This way, Hanna whispered, pointing in the direction of the barn. She and the others started to run. Hopefully they werent too late.

The ground was slippery and a bit soft, and Hannas strappy, high-heeled shoes kept sinking into the dirt. Her friends breathed hard beside her. I dont understand how this could have happened, Emily whispered, her voice thick with tears. How could Spencer have let Ianor whoever A islure her out here alone? Why would she be so stupid?

Shhhh. Whoever it is will hear us, Aria hissed.

It took mere seconds to cross the vast yard to the barn. The hole where Ian had dumped Alis body was to their right, the reflective police tape glowing in the blackness. The woods were beyond, a small opening between two trees like an ominous gateway. Hanna shivered.

Aria rolled back her shoulders and plunged into the woods first, her hands out in front of her for guidance. Emily followed, and Hanna brought up the rear. Damp leaves rubbed against their bare ankles. Sharp, jagged branches brushed against the girls arms, instantly drawing blood. Emily stumbled over the uneven ground, crying out. When Hanna looked up, she couldnt see the sky. The leaves had made a canopy over their heads, trapping them.

They heard another whimper. Aria stopped and cocked her head to the right. That way, she whispered, pointing. Her pale arm glowed in the darkness. She pulled up the hem of her dress and started to run. Hanna followed, her body throbbing with terror. Branches continued to assault her bare skin. A giant, spiny bush pressed against her side. She didnt even realize shed tripped over something until her knees hit the ground hard. Her head smacked against the dirt. Something in her right arm snapped. White-hot pain shot through her. She tried not to cry out, clenching her teeth together and wincing in agony.

Hanna. Arias footsteps stopped. Are you okay?

Im...fine. Hannas eyes were still squeezed closed, but the pain had begun to subside. She tried moving her arm. It felt okay, just stiff.

They heard the whimper again. It sounded closer. Just go find her, Hanna said. Ill catch up in a second.

For a moment, neither Aria nor Emily moved. The whimper turned into a sound more like a cry. Go! Hanna urged more forcefully.

Hanna rolled onto her back, slowly moving her arms and legs. Her head spun, and the ground smelled like dog poop. The back of her neck began to tingle, numbed from the cold slush. Aria and Emilys footsteps grew fainter and fainter until she couldnt hear them at all. The trees shifted back and forth, as if they were alive.

Guys? Hanna called out weakly. No answer. The whimper had sounded closewhere had they gone?

An airplane soared high overhead, its little blinking light barely visible. An owl hooted, low and angry. There was no moon in the sky. Suddenly, Hanna wondered if this was an incredibly stupid idea. They were out here, alone in the woods, because of a note that surely Ian sent them. Theyd been lured out here as easily as Spencer had been. Who was to say Ian wasnt hiding in the shadows, somewhere close, ready to pounce and kill them all? Why hadnt they waited for Wilden to come out here with them?

The bushes across the clearing started to shake. Heavy footsteps crunched through the leaves. Hannas heart began to thump. Aria? No answer.

A twig snapped. Then another. Hanna stared in the direction of the noise. Something was looming in the bushes. Hanna held her breath. What if Ian was hiding right here?

Hanna pushed herself up to her elbows. A figure burst out from between the trees, shaking off branches. A scream lingered in Hannas throat. It wasnt Aria or Emily...but it wasnt Ian, either. Hanna couldnt tell if it was a guy or a girl, but whoever it was seemed thinner, maybe a little shorter. The figure paused in the middle of the clearing, staring straight at Hanna, as if startled by her presence. With its hood pulled tightly over its head and its face completely in shadow, the person reminded Hanna of the Grim Reaper.

Hanna tried to scuttle backward on her butt, but her body sank uselessly into the mud. Im going to die, she thought. This is it.

Finally, a hand moved to the persons lips. Shhhhh.

Hanna dug her nails into the cold, half-frozen ground, her teeth chattering with terror. But the figure took three big steps away from her. Then, just like that, whoever it was turned and vanished, without the slightest sound of footsteps. It was as if Hanna had dreamed the whole thing.

Pretty Little Liars 5 - Wicked

33

SOMEONE KNEW TOO MUCH

The whimper kept growing closer and then farther away, as if it were being bounced around by a mirror. Aria ran through the woods without looking where she was going or checking to see how far she had gone. When she turned around, she realized that the Hastingses house was far in the distance, just a minuscule glowing yellow light through the thick, tangled branches.

When she came to a small ravine, she froze. So many of the trees were twisted and knotted, growing improperly. One tree right in front of her split into two, forming a seat between the two trunks. Even when Aria, Ali, and the others had been friends, theyd rarely come back here to hang out. One of the few times Aria had been back here was when shed staked out Alis house to steal her Time Capsule flag.

After Ali had marched to the back of her yard and told the four of them that someone else had already stolen her piece of the flag, the girls had gone their separate ways, disappointed. Aria cut through these woods back to her house. As she was passing a clump of particularly eerie-looking treesmaybe these very trees exactlyshed seen someone running right for her from the other direction. Her insides had crackled with excitement when she realized it was Jason.

Jason had stopped, a guilty look washing over his face. His eyes immediately dropped to something dangling out of his hoodies front pocket. Aria looked too. It was a piece of blue cloth, the same bold cerulean as the Rosewood Day flag that hung in every classroom. There were drawings all over the cloth, too, and words in familiar, bubbly handwriting.

Aria thought about where shed just been, what Ali had just told all of them. Youre too late, she said. Someone already stole my piece. Id decorated it and everything. She pointed at Jasons pocket, her hand shaking. Thats not...?

Jason looked from Aria to the flag, disarmed. And then, wordlessly, he thrust it into Arias hands. He disappeared through the trees, back toward the DiLaurentis house.

Aria sprinted home, Alis piece of the flag burning in her pocket. She didnt know what Jason wanted her to do with itgive it back? Redecorate it for herself? Was it somehow tied to the weird fight Jason and Ian had had on the Rosewood Day common just days before? Over the next few days, shed waited to see if hed tell her what hed been thinking and what she should do. Maybe Jason had realized they were soul mates, and had given it to Aria specifically because he thought she deserved it. But no instructions ever came. Even when the Rosewood Day administration made an announcement over the PA that one piece of the Time Capsule flag hadnt been accounted for and that whoever had it should please come forward. Was it some kind of test? Was Aria just supposed to know? If she passed, would she and Jason be together forever?

After Aria became friends with Ali, she felt too embarrassed and ashamed to explain the whole debacle, so shed hidden the piece of the flag in her closet, never looking at it again. If she opened the shoe box at the back of her closet marked Old Book Reports, there Alis piece of the flag would still be, completely decorated and ready to go.

Footsteps crunched behind her. Aria jumped and swiveled around. Hannas eyes glowed in the darkness. You guys, she breathed heavily. I just saw the weirdest

Shhh, Aria interrupted. A dark shadow on the other side of the ravine caught her eye. She clamped down hard on Emilys arm, trying not to scream. A flashlight clicked on, sliding across the ground. Aria put her hand to her mouth, letting out a relieved, shuddering sigh.

Spencer? she called, taking a tentative step through the slush.

Spencer was wearing a rain slicker that came to her knees and big riding boots that flapped around her skinny calves. She beamed her flashlight up at them, looking like an animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. The whole front of her black dress was covered in mud and slush, as was her face. Thank God youre okay. Aria took a few steps forward.

What the hell were you doing out here? Emily cried. Are you crazy? Spencers jaw trembled. Her eyes lowered toward whatever it was on the ground. It doesnt make any

sense, she said tonelessly, as if she were hypnotized. I just got a note from him. From who? Aria whispered.

Spencer pointed her flashlight at a massive object next to her. At first, Aria thought it was just a fallen tree, or maybe a dead animal. But then the light danced over something that looked like...skin. It was a large, pale, human hand, curled into a fist. There was what looked like a Rosewood Day class ring on one of the fingers.

Aria took a huge step back, clapping her hand to her mouth. Oh my God.

Then Spencer shined the light on the persons face. Even in the darkness, Aria could tell that Ians skin was a ghostly, oxygenless blue. One eye was closed and the other was open, as if he were winking. Dried blood pooled at his ear and his lips, and his hair was matted with dirt. There were big purple welts around his neck, as if someone had grabbed him hard and squeezed. There was something about him that seemed very cold and stiff, as if hed been like this for quite some time.

Aria blinked rapidly, unable to comprehend what she was looking at. She thought about how Ian hadnt shown up at his trial yesterday. The cops had run out of the room, vowing to find him. Ian could have been here all along.

Emily dry-heaved. Hanna took a huge step back, crying out. It was so quiet out in the woods, it was easy to hear Spencers shaky swallow. She shook her head. He was like this when I got here, she whimpered. I swear.

Aria was afraid to move any closer to Ian, and kept her eyes fixed on his immobile hand, almost certain he was going to spring up and grab her. The air around him was absolutely dead and still. Far off in the distance, she swore she heard someone giggle.

And then Arias cell phone, tucked inside her small, clam-shaped clutch, started to ring. She let out a small eep, surprised. Then Spencers buzzed, and Arias chimed. Hannas cell phone, which was nestled inside her now-muddy clutch, let out a bleat.

The girls stared at one another in the darkness. Theres no way, Spencer whispered.

It cant.... Hanna held her phone by the very tips of her fingers, as if afraid to really touch it.

Aria stared at her Treos screen in disbelief. One new text message.

She glanced back at Ian, his stiff limbs twisted, his beautiful face vacant and lifeless. With a shudder, she looked down at the screen again and forced herself to read the text.

He had to go.