.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

♥ 𝒮𝒽𝑜𝓅𝓁𝒾𝒻𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 & 𝐿𝒾𝑒𝓈 ♥

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

I groan, stirring awake I blink forcefully until my eyes adjust to my surroundings and finally ease. I roll over to find Jason lying on his stomach, sound asleep snoring softly. I brush a few strands of dirty blonde hair sweatily stuck to his forehead out of his face and sigh, wishing I didn't have to go, that I could just be and sleep here forever. The only time I ever actually get any worthy amount or quality of sleep is when it's with Jason. Otherwise my mind and body won't shut off comfortably, or without help...

I carefully twist out from beneath his arm and loose gasp, gnawing on then inside of my lip as I stare at how peaceful he looks before grabbing my clothes and tip-toeing to Ali's room to sneak back out. I choose one of her bras on the way, even though her boobs are smaller than mine, since Jason ripped the new one she gave me.

The fresh end of summer air hits my face as I slip though from my yard back to Spencer's, but my peace is interrupted by a scream I hear off in the distance. What the hell? I hurry through the brushes, feeling the branches and thorns roughly scratch my legs, to find Spencer walking around. Great.

"There you are!" She rushes over to me, her pinched face full of worry. Dread clouds over my head. Shit.

"Um, yeah, what're you doing up?" I shift the subject off of me immediately.

"I woke up and saw you and Ali were gone so I've been looking for you guys," Her voice drowns with concern.

"Yeah, I was looking for her, too." I tell her, not even having to think twice about the lie, the natural state of lying becoming second-nature at this point. And I couldn't exactly say where I really was...

"Did you find her?" She rushes out. "I think I heard a scream." She shivers.

"No, no I couldn't find her." A frown etches across my face. Why isn't she back yet? And here I thought I would be late, and last because Jason and I fell asleep. "I heard a scream too." I glance all around, pulling my tender bottom lip in between my teeth.

"We need to go tell the others." Spencer grabs my arm, pulling me towards the barn.

I release my lip, biting the inside of the cheek to not show the nerves that are starting to creep up my spine. I'm sure she's just running late... Right? Maybe she fell asleep, too!

𝟹ʀᴅ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

Aria wakes, sitting up from her position on the floor, she looks around confused that Scarlett, Alison, and Spencer are missing.

"Hey, Em," She taps Emily's leg to wake her, Emily and Hanna both still sound asleep, curled up on opposite ends of one of the couches

"Woah," Emily raises up, Hanna slowly doing the same.

"Where's Ali, Scar, and Spencer?" The blonde asks sleepily.

"We don't know," Aria shakes her head, looking to Emily before heading over to the opened barn door as Scarlett and Spencer come into view.

"Ali?" Aria calls out.

"Ali's gone." Spencer says.

"What do you mean she's gone?" Aria smiles nervously.

"Exactly what she just said." Scarlett snaps, hating things being repeated and letting her anger seep through. Guilt has sat itself perfectly in the pit of her stomach now that the reality of the situation is beginning to settle in. She's just running late, she's just behind, the Mave girl tries telling herself, the only thread keeping her from unraveling all together. She can't be hasty and panic, yet.

"We've looked everywhere for her." Spencer takes a softer approach. Emily and Hanna share a worried glance at each other. "Think we heard a scream." Spencer adds taking a step back in disbelief. Scarlett turns to look outside, blinking away tears that threaten to form. The taste of copper coats her tongue from biting the inside of her cheek too hard, mixed with the taste of anxiety making her feel like she's gonna hurl. 

They looked everywhere from her. In her yard, Ali's, and Spencer's...

She's gone.

♥ ♥ ♥

➊ 🅨🅔🅐🅡 🅛🅐🅣🅔🅡

sᴄᴀʀʟᴇᴛᴛ's ᴘᴏᴠ

A sigh rips through my chest, pushing the soggy cereal around that I've been trying to eat for the past twenty minutes. After angrily shutting off the news because I couldn't take another second of them talking about the 'one year anniversary of Alison's disappearance' like it's a fucking celebration. I scoff, pushing away the memories from that night that try to resurface like a hard-boil zit, and slam my bowl into the sink. I've lost my appetite and no one here is gonna give a damn if I finish or waste anyways.

Stomping up the stairs to my room, I need get ready to go meet Hanna and Mona at the mall. The plans that make me want to laugh out loud, and feel like I need to be sent away...

Oh, how so much has changed in a year.

♥ ♥ ♥

I fan over the earring display as Hanna flirtily asks about the tenth pair of glasses she's tried on while Mona admires herself in the mirror, examining the scarf around her neck. I subtlety shake my head. I love my best friends to death, but I already know they're going to end up stealing whatever they decide on. Which reeks stupidity because Mona's parents will buy her anything now that she's popular and happy, and Hanna's mom gets her anything she wants. I know Hanna is doing this in hope's of getting her dad's attention, since him and Ashley split. Mona just does it for reckless fun.

They always see if I will join them, saying it's such a rush, but why bother when I have enough money I could just buy the whole damn store if I wanted? Plus, my parents would literally kill me if I stole something, not for breaking the law, but because it would be an indication we don't have enough money, and God forbid anyone ever think that. 

"Is this me?" Mona turns to us, holding up the most hideous scarf across her shoulders. It has about five different colors and stripes... I cannot.

"Or is it a little too much your mother?" Hanna retorts.

"And the pattern makes your shoulders look broader." I add. Hanna chuckles quietly. Just keeping it real. Mona frowns, quickly turning back to the mirror.

"I'm going up to the tops," I look at Hanna as she puts on another pair of sunglasses.

"Kay, but first... you like?" They were an ugly shaped black pair.

"The dusty pink ones were better," I point to the previous ones, "Suited your face more." It's what I'm here for.

"Thank you," She smiles relieved at the honesty, turning to get Mona's opinion next as I head to the upper level right across from them. 

I'm here not more than five minutes before Hanna gains my attention and smally nods her head to the left.

'What?' I mouth, following her gaze to find Spencer looking at tops. Ooo, this should be fun.

Hanna quickly joins me to say hi. We don't hang out with Spencer anymore, or Emily or Aria for that matter, but we all keep it friendly. The five of us drifted apart, parting ways after that night. Well, Aria moved, lucky bitch, and Spencer and I still see each other quite often, being neighbors and related and all... 

Things just became... awkward once Ali disappeared and we naturally grew further and further away from each other, especially once Aria left, but I did take Hanna under my wing. I couldn't stand to be alone and her and I just kind of... migrated together. I helped her transform and she went from being in the background to the spotlight with me. And somehow Mona joined into the mix along the way. Believe me, I was surprised almost as much as anyone, but it just... happened. Mona also had a transformation, a drastic one, and somehow the three of us clicked. 

"I cannot believe Spencer Hastings actually has time to shop," Hanna jokes as we approach Spencer. She turns to us, letting out a soft scoffing chuckle. "I mean, you're interning for the mayor, taking classes at Hollis, and redoing the barn. And in your leisure moments, you Facebook and tweet." Hanna rattles off the never ending list. Spencer never takes a break, that's for sure.

"When do you have time to breathe?" I ask, genuinely wondering.

"You know me, I like to stay busy." Spencer shrugs lightly.

"It's called a summer vacay, Spence." Hanna reminds her.

"Yeah, you spent yours sunning and shopping." Spencer tells her.

"Tweet, tweet." Hanna smiles proudly.

Spencer shifts her gaze to me. "And you've somehow managed to both of ours combined," She commends. It's true. I've been almost as busy and involved as she has this summer, but the difference is I know when to have fun.

"It's all about balance baby." I wink and our laughter rings out, spiking chills as it almost feels like old times again.

"Did you two see the paper today?" Spencer shifts topic of conversation, dampening the mood.

"Yeah." Hanna answers softly.

"The news." I force out. A second of silence stings the air.

"She's gone, but she's everywhere." A sad smile tugs at Spencer's lips.

"Isn't that the truth." I mutter with a frown. But that's how she would want it...

"I can't believe it's been a year." Hanna reminisces. I breathe out heavily, my chest starting to feel tighten.

"Do you guys remember what Ali said that night? About our secrets keeping us close?" Spencer asks us. Hanna and I both nod that we do. "I think it was the opposite."

I shift feet, looking down at the floor as Hanna inhales sharply before changing the subject again, thank God. "So, what's the occasion?"

I glance up, locking eyes with Spencer and smirk. "Oh, do tell her, dear cousin." I encourage playfully, knowing exactly why Spencer must be here, if she's actually bringing herself to shop.

"Family dinner. We're meeting Melissa's fiancé," Spencer exasperates dryly, swiping a plain white button-up blouse off the rack, heading towards the checkout. That looks like something George Washington wore...

"Did Miss Perfect find a Mr. Perfect?" Hanna muses as we follow behind her.

"He's a med student so everyone's thrilled." Spencer doesn't hold back the distaste in her tone.

"Mhmm, Rose has been going on and on about him." I roll my eyes at my sister's constant admiration for this guy. You'd think he would've found the cure for cancer or something...

Rose and Melissa are the same age, just as Spencer and I are, swear our mom's planned that though they claim it was a just wonderful coincidence, both times... and so, naturally, Rose and Melissa have been attached at the hip since birth, both too self-righteous and self-absorbed to find any other friends.

"Rose is the one who introduced them," I inform Hanna. She met 'Mr. Perfect' being that she is a med-student herself, and played perfect match maker for him and Melissa.

"Then that's not the right top." Hanna concludes, stepping over to the rack near us and begins her search. "You need to turn heads."

"She's right," I hum, plucking the card out from Spencer's hand before she can hand it to the cashier. Is she trying to dress like a waiter at an Italian restaurant?

"Away from Melissa?" Spencer sounds as though she can't even fathom the thought. "Please. I'll leave that to Scarlett."

I beam, scrunching my nose at her happily, rather than flashing my devious smirk or second-natured fake smile. "You can have a turn." I lift my brows.

Hanna holds up a silky plum-colored tank top, flowers embroidering the sleeves and collar.

"Oh, love!" I taught her well. That'll look so good with Spencer's skin tone, her being pale enough that it'll compliment her and pull out the chestnut brown hair.

"She doesn't always have to win." Hanna reminds her.

"Amen to that." I exhaust, taking the tank from Han and shoving it in Spencer's arms.

I tolerate Melissa more than Rose most of the time, but whew, does she always have the spotlight, and Spencer never is.

"See you on the playground." Hanna tells her.

"See you." Spencer nods, looking at the tank with a soft smile.

"You better be wearing that when I see you at the dinner." I give her a pointed look, handing her her card bag with pursed lips.

"You got it." She says and with that, satisfied, I catch up to Hanna.

We ride the escalators back down, strutting for the exit. Hanna gives the  clueless mall cop a polite nod as we pass him before pulling down the pink sunglasses I told her were my fav.

We share a knowing smirk while linking arms, giggling. It really amuses me just how much shit her and Mona get away with. Just because I don't participate in it doesn't mean it isn't entertaining to watch play out.

"Miss!" The security guard hollers out, jogging to catch up to us, he grabs Hanna's elbow.

Shit. Just when I bragged on her too. She turns to him, her face written full of shock and fear... yeah we're gonna need to work on her poker face... The man holds up her purse. Whew. 

False alarm.

"You forgot your bag."

She quickly recomposes herself and flashes him a smile. "Thank you." She takes it.

"I was so about to kick your ass if we got thrown in mall jail." I murmur as we continue walking and Mona appears from around the corner in a maroon scarf that she stole. Mmm, much better. Seriously, are these workers that oblivious?

Mona lets out a sigh of relief. "I so thought you were busted." I scoff a chuckle, Mona never fails to humor me. 

"Nice scarf." Hanna tells her.

"Nice glasses." Mona responds.

"Alright you two, let's get out of here." I hurry them along, not wanting any more scares.

 ♥ ♥ ♥

Author's Note: Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter <3

Also, what do y'all think about Scarlett going with Hanna after the liars separation?

0𝒷𝓊𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝒷𝒾𝓈𝒸𝓊𝒾𝓉7 𝓈𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓀𝓈!

(updated author's note) can't believe I didn't also ask y'all's reactions to Scarlett being with MONA?! Hello?! I truly know it's crazy that one of the bitchiest people, & skeptical people, took Mona under her wing... but alsooo, I feel like it makes sense to me lowkey. Scarlett is the type to like try to keep on the good side of someone, even if she doesn't trust them, like how she said she always got a vibe not to fuck with Mona, & after Ali disappearing she just felt so lost & needed like a project almost. Also I feel like I explain this somewhere else, but Spencer & Scarlett (& their sisters ofc) are cousins through their moms being sisters!! Okay byeee, mwah!! <333