Ethan's Pov

I was currently st school, in the courtyard, sitting at a table with Spencer and Aria.

Aria was going through a few papers while Spencer was currently telling us how Pastor Ted gave Ms. Marin a flash drive that he found.

"So it was there the whole time?" I asked, worried.

"Yeah. Hanna's freaking. She's terrified of what Jenna's gonna do" Spencer said.

"I thought that we were backing off the whole Noel and Jenna are the A team" Aria said.

"I am, but Hanna won't listen to me. Are you?" Spencer asked when he realized that Aria wasn't paying attention.

"I'm sorry. I'm just trying to figure out a way to say 'Happy Birthday' without the 'happy'" Aria said.

"Birthday?" Spencer asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, Ezra's not in the mood to celebrate. He's obsessed. He's convinced that he's ruined Maggie's life" Aria said.

"Well, why is he still thinking about his high school girlfriend?" I asked, confused.

"Probably because I pushed him to" Aria sighed.

I frowned and shook my head. 

I don't get why Ezra is still thinking about his ex-girlfriend when he's literally dating one of my best friends.

The past is past and he should just let her go and move on. She probably did.

"God, I just...I just wish that there was a way that I could get in touch with her" Aria said.

"That is a terrible idea" Spencer and I said.

"No, no, no. I just want-" Aria started but Spencer cut her off.

"That is such a terrible idea. Stay out of it. It is none of your business" Spencer sternly said.

"It is my relationship, Spencer" Aria sternly said.

Spencer looked at her in slight shock while I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"I'm sorry. We can't move forward until he does" Aria said.

We heard laughter from inside the school and we turned around to see Cece talking to a few girls, handing them flyers.

"What is she doing back in high school?" Spencer asked, confused.

"I don't think she ever left" Aria said.

The bell rang and we watched as Cece walked away and Aria gathering her books.

"See ya" Aria said.

We nodded at her and watched as she grabbed her bag and walk away.

Spencer and I grabbed our bags before exiting the courtyard to follow Cece.

When we got outside and saw Cece pinning a flyer on the board and we walked towards her.

"Hey, Cece? What are you doing?" Spencer asked.

"Panicking. It's almost show time and I thought I had some help, but I never heard back from you" Cece said.

I raised an eyebrow, confused, but Spencer's eyes widened in realization.

"That trunk show's tonight? Oh, my God, I spaced" Spencer gasped.

"Yeah. Yeah, you really did. But don't sweat it, sweetheart. Hopefully there are some other fashionistas in this fleece-loving town that'll skip a kegger for a free belt" Cece angrily said.

"I will be there, ok. I promise. And I'll get all my friends to help you" Spencer said.

"Are you gonna be there?" Cece asked, looking at me.

"I'd love to help but I already made plans with Alyssa" I shrugged.

Spencer smiled at me while I saw some annoyance flash through Cece's eyes.

"Anyways, thanks. I was kinda hoping after that UPenn favor, I wouldn't have to ask twice" Cece said.

"I'm really sorry" Spencer sighed.

"Do either of you have any rich friends I can put in the seats? I really need to rack up some serious cash" Cece asked.

Her eyes then wandered behind us and a look of disbelief washed through her eyes.

"Whoa. Hold on. Is Emily into her?" Cece asked.

We turned around to see Emily and Paige walking to school, smiling and laughing.

"Who? Paige? Yeah, they're dating. Why?" I asked.

"Oh, my God. That is seriously so messed up. If Alison were alive to see Emily cuddling up to pigskin" Cece scoffed.

My eyes widened in realization, already knowing where Cece was getting at.

While Spencer was confused, which makes sense, I was the only one that knew about the nickname Alison gave to Paige.

"I'm sorry, who is pigskin" Spencer asked, confused.

"Her" Cece said, pointing to Paige.

Spencer turned around to look at the couple, her eyes mostly locked on Paige.

"Alison and that wench had it out for each other" Cece said.

I lightly glared at Cece for calling Paige a 'wench' before turning around.

Flashback
Nobody's Pov

Ethan and the girls, minus Emily, were all in Spencer's room as they were trying on some clothes.

Hanna and Ethan sat on Spencer's bed, eating popcorn, while watching the girls change into the clothes.

Ethan would have to look away whenever they would change, he didn't want to be disrespectful or perverted.

Ethan looked at his sister and smiled when he saw her looking at herself in the mirror, wearing a pink shirt.

"That looks amazing on you, Spencer. Ali, look at that top" Aria smiled.

Alison turned around and smiled, causing Spencer to turn around and smile as well.

"Sweet. I'll trade you" Alison said.

"Why?" Spencer asked, confused.

"Oh, come on, hon. That's not the part of your body you wanna advertise. Show off those Hastings' legs" Alison smiled.

It's clear that Spencer looked annoyed, Ethan could see right through his sister.

"Come on, let me try it on. Please" Alison pouted.

Spencer rolled her eyes before taking the shirt off, Ethan quickly looked away, before she handed the shirt to Alison.

Alison smiled before wrapping her scarf around her and handing her her shirt. Spencer just nodded before walking back to her bed.

"Ouch. Ali, how'd you get that?" Hanna asked in concern.

Ethan furrowed his eyebrows together and turned around, his eyes locked on the bruise on Alison's back.

"How'd I get what?" Alison asked, confused.

When she realized she was talking about her bruise a smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, that. Yeah, I fell down in soccer and pigskin kicked me" Alison said, putting the shirt on.

"Who's pigskin?" Aria asked, confused.

"She's just this freakazoid in my gym class. Don't worry, it won't happen again" Alison reassured them.

"I doubt it" Ethan muttered under his breath, stuffing popcorn into his mouth.

"Wait, is that the girl who threw that muffin at you?" Hanna asked.

"No, that's triple nipple. She's harmless. Pigskin is psychotic" Alison said.

"Why do you call her pigskin?" Spencer asked, confused.

"Because she's got these weird bumps on her thighs. I mean, she says it's eczema, but I'm like, honey, you better stop poking yourself below the equator" Alison scoffed.

Ethan glared at his best friend and shook his head.

"Wait. Who is this person? What's her real name?" Aria asked.

"Doesn't matter. Once I'm done with that no-neck bitch, she won't even exist" Alison said through gritted teeth.

Ethan sighed while Spencer looked curious.

"Looks like we got a winner. Sorry, Spence" Alison smiled.

Spencer glared at her and rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed and upset.

Ethan scooted closer to his sister and placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to look at him.

"Don't worry, I'll buy you another one" Ethan smiled.

Spencer smiled at her brother and nodded, thanking him.

Flashback Ends
Ethan's Pov

"There's no way I can unload all those boxes by myself. He guaranteed the shipment today. So can you do it?" Cece asked.

I snapped out of my thoughts and turned around to see Cece looking at Spencer.

"Sorry, what?" Spencer asked, snapping out of her thoughts.

"After school? Help me set up?" Cece asked.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure" Spencer nodded.

"Excellent. Thanks" Cece smiled.

She gathered her things before walking away. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

In The Courtyard

I smiled as I made my way towards Alyssa, who was sitting at a table while working on some assignments.

"Hey, blondie" I smiled as I sat down next to her.

"Hey" Alyssa nodded, not looking up at me.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I failed my algebra test and I have to retake it. I'm freaking stressed out" Alyssa groaned.

"How is that possible? I helped you study and you were great, you should've passed" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"I know, but I failed because the teacher accused me of cheating" Alyssa scoffed.

My eyes widened in disbelief as Alyssa set her book down.

"What? Why, what happened?" I asked.

"I got called into the principal's office this morning. Apparently the answers to the test were stolen and my teacher believes I took it because my necklace was where the answers should've been" Alyssa explained.

"That's not possible. You'd never cheat on a test, I know you wouldn't" I said.

"I know, that's what I told the teacher and the principal" Alyssa nodded.

"So, what happened?" I asked.

"Well my teacher wanted me expelled, but Principal Hackett said he couldn't suspend or expel me because he needed more proof. He went through my locker but didn't find the answers. Because of that I was let off the hook but I have to retake the test, but a different version of it, a harder one" Alyssa explained.

I sighed in relief and sent her a look of sadness.

I know how badly she worked on that test and because she was framed she has to retake it again.

"I'm so sorry, Alyssa" I said.

"Don't say sorry, it's not your fault. It's A's fault" Alyssa angrily scowled.

Hold up, what did she just say?

"W-wait, wh-what?" I asked, stuttering.

"Yeah, look" Alyssa said.

She took her phone out of her bag before handing it to me.

I took it from and looked at it, and to my surprise, it was indeed another text from A.

I'm sorry, Alyssa. I didn't want to frame you but if you're hanging out with someone like Ethan, you deserve it

- A

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.

What in the actual hell?

"Alyssa, when did you get this?" I asked.

"Right after Principal Hackett went through my locker. I was tempted to show it to him, but I didn't" Alyssa said.

I'm glad she didn't.

I opened my mouth to say something but Alyssa shook her head and grabbed her phone from me.

"I better go, but I'll see you later" Alyssa smiled.

"Yeah, sure thing" I nodded.

Alyssa nodded and ruffled my hair before gathering her things as she stood up and walked away.

When she was gone I hid my face into my hands and groaned in frustration.

Why the hell is A doing this? Why are they dragging Alyssa into this mess?

At Hanna's House

I was at Hanna's house in her room.

Spencer was here and was hugging me like I was her lifeline. I was hugging her back while whispering reassuring words to her.

Apparently she was in the dressing rooms while at Cece's store and there was a snake in the room.

Spencer, of course, was scared for her life because the snake tried attacking her. It was worse because someone had locked the door from the outside.

Fortunately, Cece opened the door and saved Spencer.

I just wish I was there so I could've protected my sister.

How the hell did A even get a snake in there anyway?

"It was alive? Was it crawling?" Hanna asked, curling up on her chair

"More importantly, are you ok? Were you hurt?" I asked, looking down at my sister.

"I'm fine, just shaken" Spencer said, hugging me tighter.

I sighed and placed a kiss to her forehead, rubbing her back up and down.

"Was there a text from A? Jenna knew that you would ask me to help-" Hanna started but Spencer cut her off.

"Ok, get off of the blind girl train. I am telling you that I actually used the word snake when I was talking to Emily outside of the girls locker room" Spencer explained, pulling away from me.

"Paige is not after us. She's in love with one of our best friends" I said.

"Ok, but she was with Emily that night, and she never said a word until Emily brought it up. Maybe instead of hooking up with Emily, she was hauling her off to an open grave" Spencer explained.

"Spencer" Hanna sighed.

"No, we really need to review that security tape because I guarantee you anything that was a girl's shadow that grabbed Maya outside of Noel's cabin" Spencer said.

"Spencer, Paige didn't kill Maya" I sternly said.

"Ethan, she's been obsessed with Emily for years. She was jealous of Ali. She was jealous of Maya. She hated them. She probably hates us" Spencer ranted on.

My phone rang, causing Spencer to halt.

"Who is that? Is that Wren?" Spencer asked.

"Hopefully not" I muttered.

I got up and grabbed my phone and saw it was Emily calling.

"It's Em" I said.

"Well, give me it. We don't know what we're gonna say to her" Spencer said, standing up from the bed.

"I'm going to say hi, like a normal person. And I'm pretty sure she's calling about the knife in Maya's bag" I said.

Spencer sighed and nodded before sitting back down on the bed.

I nodded before answering the call.

"Hi. Please tell me it's not rusty" I said.

"It's not here. We must've lost it when we were racing to the car" Emily said.

"No, we didn't lose it, we put it in the bag. Where is the bag?" I asked.

"It was under my bed" Emily said.

"Someone must've broken into your house" I said.

"Then why wouldn't they take the whole bag? We must've dropped it outside of Noel's cabin" Emily said.

"No, the only thing we dropped, Emily, was a pound of Hanna's flesh. Now, did you check your car?" I asked.

"Yes, but I'll check again" Emily sighed before hanging up.

I sighed and set my phone down as I looked at Hanna and Spencer.

"There's no way we left it outside of Noel's cabin" I said.

"A must've snuck into her house" Hanna said.

"A may also go by the name Paige. Why would you sneak in when you're invited?" Spencer asked.

Hanna actually looked like she was believing Paige could be A.

While I was in denial.

There's no way that Paige is A. There's just no way.

Paige might've hated Emily in the beginning, and she did try to drown her, but she's changed. I know she has.

She really cares about Emily, I can see it in her eyes. There's just no way she's capable of being A, let alone Maya's killer.

"Guys, moving on from Paige, I need to tell you something" I said.

"What is it?" Hanna asked.

"I think A is going after Alyssa" I didn't beat around the bush, they had to know.

"What?!" Spencer and Hanna yelled, their eyes wide in shock.

"A sent a text to Alyssa after framing her for cheating. Principal Hackett luckily didn't suspend or expel her but she's forced to retake another one, a harder one" I explained.

Spencer and Hanna glanced at each other before turning back to me.

"Ok, wait? Is this the first time she got a text?" Spencer asked.

"No, it's the second time. The first time she got an A text was the night I went to her house after leaving the party Cece brought us to" I explained.

Spencer sighed and ran a hand down her face.

"Why is A going after Alyssa?" Hanna asked, confused.

"That's what I'd like to know too" I sighed.

I ran a hand through my hair before looking at both of them.

"Look, what should I do? The last thing I want is for Alyssa to get caught up in this crossfire" I asked.

"Look, until we can get more evidence and find a way to stop A, keep lying to her. She can't know about any of this" Hanna sternly said.

"Yeah, Hanna's right. We all really like Alyssa and we don't want her getting hurt because of us" Spencer nodded.

I sighed in annoyance before nodding my head in agreement.

I just really, really, really hope that after this A leaves Alyssa alone.

Back At Home

Hanna and Spencer went back to Cece's store since they promised they would help her. 

While I went back home and just decided to work on homework. I really didn't want to leave anything till the last minute.

I was in my room working on my homework while listening to some music. Mom was downstairs but she said she'd be leaving for work soon.

I was humming to the music while typing my essay. I finished most of my homework, I just had this essay left.

While typing I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I figured it was mom, so I took my headphones off and turned around, only for my eyes to widen when I saw that it was Alyssa behind me.

"Alyssa" I said, still in shock.

"Hey" Alyssa nodded.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, setting my headphones down.

"Your mom let me in on her way out, she told me you were in your room" Alyssa said.

I nodded and closed my laptop as she walked towards my bed and sat down.

"Why are you here? I mean, I don't mind that you're here, I'm just confused" I asked.

Alyssa sighed before taking her phone out of her jacket pocket before handing it to me.

I furrowed my eyebrows and took the phone from her.

My eyes widened when I saw that it was, yet again, another text from A.

If you want me to back off, go to Ethan and make him tell you the truth

- A

Oh, you've gotta be fucking kidding me.

"When did you g-" I started but she cut me off.

"I got it at home when I was eating dinner" Alyssa said.

"Alyssa, I-" I started but she cut me off, again.

"Ethan, I need you to tell me the truth, because I don't believe for one second that this is some prankster from school" Alyssa sternly said.

I bit the inside of my cheek and turned my head away.

This is what I was afraid of.

I was afraid of dragging Alyssa to this mess. I was afraid of A pushing Alyssa into this, pushing her to the point where he curiosity would get the better of her and she'd demand answers.

Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to just curl up in a ball and die.

"I can't tell you" I sighed.

"Why not?" Alyssa asked in frustration.

"Because it's complicated" I sighed.

"Ethan, you know who this A person is, I don't believe for a second that this is some prankster" Alyssa scowled.

"Alyssa, I swear if I knew who A was I would tell you, but I have no freaking clue as to who that person is" I defended.

"Well you don't know who they are, but you do know them. And I need you to tell me whatever truth they're talking about" Alyssa sternly said.

"I can't do that" I sighed.

"Why not?" Alyssa asked, standing up from my bed.

"Because there are things I can't tell you" I said.

"Ethan, I've been getting these texts ever since you left my house that Friday night. It's getting on my nerves. Lets not forget that they framed me for cheating. I could've gotten suspended, or worse, expelled" Alyssa angrily said.

I stood up from my chair and walked towards her.

"I understand, Alyssa. I really do. But I can't. You shouldn't be involved in this. Like, at all. I'm sorry but I really can't tell you anything" I said.

"Are you kidding me?" Alyssa angrily asked.

Oh god...she's getting angry.

This is the first time I've seen her get angry. It's a little scary.

I opened my mouth to say something when Alyssa jabbed a finger into my chest.

"Ethan, I swear to god if you don't tell me the truth I'm going to walk out that door and that will be the last time you see me" Alyssa warned.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped in disbelief.

Is she serious right now...?

Alyssa scoffed and nodded her head before turning around and walking towards the door.

Oh my god, she's serious.

I bit my lip, debating on what I should do.

Should I tell her?

Or should I just let her go and risk never seeing or speaking to her again?

I made my decision when she opened the door and made a move to step outside.

I stood up and ran towards her and grabbed her arm, stopping her.

I spun her around to face me and kicked the door close, to prevent her from leaving.

My breath hitched and I swear hers did too. Our faces were inches apart, my hand still wrapped around her arm, keeping her close to me.

My cheeks began heating up and I saw hers heating up as well.

Looks like we're both blushing.

"Sorry" I cleared my throat.

"It's fine" Alyssa nodded, taking a few steps back.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair before looking back at her.

"Alyssa, look, I'll tell you everything. The full truth. But if I do, you need to promise that you won't tell anyone" I sternly said.

"Ethan-" Alyssa started but I cut her off.

"Please. There are things that other people can't know. It's dangerous. I don't want to tell you but I also don't want to keep lying to you. So, please, please promise me you won't say anything" I downright begged her.

Alyssa stared at me with wide eyes in shock, clearly not expecting that.

We stood in silence for a few seconds before she sighed and nodded her head.

"Ok, I won't say anything. Promise" Alyssa nodded.

I sighed in relief and nodded, sending her a tiny smile.

Well, the truth comes out.

And I just hope I made the right decision by doing so.