though she be but little,

aria montgomery || groves hs senior seventeen || writer & artist

[ariiamxntgxmery]

xlxsxndxlxxrxntxs​:

Alison had made the decision to visit Aria in the hospital the moment she woke up this morning. She had the first two periods of the day off so it was a no brainer. She showered and had breakfast before she headed to Savannah General, stopping of course at Starbucks to pick up a venti iced caramel mocha latte for herself and a decaf pumpkin spice latte with extra whip cream for Aria.

When she pulled up to the hospital she parked in the visitor parking and headed in. She got her temp badge and headed up the elevator. The room where Aria was located was three rooms down on the right. She was surprised to see the door ajar, but when she peaked in she saw a purse situated on the arm chair in the corner of the room. If Alison were to guess she’d assume Aria’s mom was here. But right now the small girl, who looked even smaller all curled up in the bed, was all alone. It was a beyond sad sight. 

“Wakey, wakey!” Alison prompted gently at the other girl as she entered the dark and dreary hospital room. “I brought you coffee.” The blonde explained as she popped her and Aria’s coffees out of the drink tray and placed them on the rolling table by Aria’s bed. She walked over to the window and opened the shade just a little bit to bring a little life into the room. 

She rolled the doctor’s stool over to the side of the bed and took a seat on it. She handed Aria her coffee. “It’s a decaf pumpkin spice latte. I didn’t think it wise to give you caffeine given your state.” Alison shrugged. “How are you feeling?” She broached the subject carefully.

Aria turned her head away from the window upon hearing Alison’s voice. The truth was, she’d been awake for a little while now. She’d been dozing in and out of consciousness for a few hours throughout the night, but she was overall, awake. And she wanted to go home. Though, she doubted her mother would allow that or the hospital.

“Ali,” Aria greeted with as best a smile that she could muster over her lips, shifting her position on the extremely uncomfortable hospital bed. “You’re a life saver!” Her eyes lightened up at the tall familiar Starbucks branding around her latte, her mouth practically salivating at the sight. “Thanks,” she hummed, taking the cup that held her pumpkin spice decaf. She didn’t care if it was decaf at this point, as long as it was coffee, that was all that mattered. And the fact that Ali was here.

One thing about Alison was that she was always there for her friends, and if you were in Alison’s circle, you were deemed one of the lucky few. Right at this moment, Aria definitely felt like one of the lucky ones.

“Okay,” she shrugged, gently pushing aside the oxygen tube as best she could so she could sip her latte. Her eyes gazed over to Ali who was now sitting on the doctor’s stool just beside the bed. “I didn’t really see much of you at the party. Were you okay?” Really, she only remembered talking to Toby. Her eyes widened a bit and then, her good hand reached to rest against Ali’s arm, all in a quick fit. “Is Toby okay?!” She asked in a rush. “I just...I remember talking to him and then...” Trailing off, she removed her hand, shaking her head, trying to remember what happened after that.

[jxlxxnbxkxr]

Julian knew of a couple students of his that were currently held up in the hospital due to the fire at Seventh Heaven. The one that had been on his mind most was Aria. Only because he had just seen her a few hours before the fire. At least that’s what he was telling himself. 

He headed up the elevator once he got the room number from the receptionist at the front desk. He hoped that she was alone so that there wouldn’t be an awkward ‘Oh who is this?’ moment. Not that he was doing anything wrong, but still. He was an awkward guy by nature so an awkward guy in an awkward situation made not so good time. 

He gently opened the door and rapped on the door frame. “Hey. I brought you these.” He brought himself fully into the room and made the flowers visible. They weren’t anything special; he had just picked them up at the gift shop downstairs. But he still got them because he thought she deserved some color in the bland hospital room. “How are you doing?” He shut the door a bit, but didn’t click it in place.

@ariiamxntgxmery​

[ariiamxntgxmery]

The room was bleak. It was boring and too quiet. Her mom’s purse was still sitting in the chair, alone. Aria wondered where she’d gone to, maybe to call her dad, or maybe she went to get some coffee. Aria could use some coffee right about now. Actually, that was all she wanted. Coffee.

Just then, the door opened and Aria pushed herself up to sit a little better against the two pillows that were supporting her upright. It was Julian. Aria swallowed.

What was he doing here?

Aria felt a flush of red burn in her cheeks and her breath catch in her throat as she saw the colorful arrangement of flowers he presented to her. Softly, she felt a smile spread across her mouth, even as she tried to push the oxygen tubes away so she could speak. It felt so weird having them protruding them out of her nose.

She really did not want to be here anymore.

“Julian… hi,” she cringed at the sound of her own dry voice. Even speaking was a chore.

She attempted a cough, raising her good arm to cover her mouth. “I’m…okay,” her hoarse voice responded. God, she really did not want him to even be seeing her like this. Her eyes flickered to the flowers and then back to his face. “Thank….you….for…the flowers.” Her hair was probably a disaster as well as the fact that she still had makeup from last night probably smeared all over her face.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

Bright lights shone above the hospital bed, blurry until they came into clear focus. Aria didn’t remember much of the night before, truthfully, she’d thought it was all a dream. A very wild and bizarre dream that she just couldn’t put all of the pieces together. And yet, just as she tried to move, she felt something restraining her. A tube – a tube through her nose. What the…hell?

Reaching up with her left hand, Aria tilted her head back against the pillow and noticed beside the bed where the oxygen tank was situated. Her fingers danced along the tube until she pressed them gently to her face. Why was she hooked up to oxygen? Then she realized where she was. She tried to quickly sit up in the bed, but everything was aching, like she’d been thrown hard against a wall and couldn’t move to save the life of her. And her arm. Her arm was burning from the pain.

Across from her, on the only chair in the room, Aria noticed her mother’s purse but there was no one else in the room. Sighing, she pressed her head back down into the pillow and closed her eyes for a moment before she turned to gaze longingly out the window.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

It hadn’t even been an entire day yet, and Aria wasn’t sure she could stand to be in this place any longer. It was so dull and depressing in this room, she needed to get out, she needed to just do something while she waited for her mom to get back. But what? A walk could be enough. She glanced down at her bandaged arm, it still stung so much, but it wasn’t going to stop her from taking a walk around. She was sure the nurses wouldn’t mind either, besides, it wasn’t like she’d be in this hospital for much longer anyway.

Snatching her phone from off the nearby table, Aria held onto it as she started to make her way down the hall, that was until she stopped and noticed a familiar face in a nearby room. Near her room.

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching her, she pushed the door open gently, taking note that no one else was in here. “Archie?” She whispered as she shut the door behind her. “What happened?” She chewed at her lip, not knowing what to say, only noticing that he was lying on his stomach. Gently, she walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm. “Hey,” she said softly, taking a seat beside his bed.

@thearchibaldandrews

[ariiamxntgxmery]

WHO: Aria Montgomery

WHEN: Halloween NIght.

WHERE: Seventh Heaven Night Club

NOTES: Aria excuses herself from Toby’s presence just before she leaves for the evening and decides to head to the bathroom, it’s there that the door gets stuck shut and she can’t get out.

TRIGGERS: smoke, locked in

It was really nice to talk to Toby.  Aria never thought that the two of them would be friends, but they were and she was happy about that. And surprisingly, they had some things in common, which was again something else she never thought could be true. It was so weird to her. But, she wasn’t going to question it, she enjoyed his company.

“I’ll meet you outside, okay? I’m just going to use the little girl’s room,” Aria placed a hand on Toby’s shoulder before she excused herself and headed through the crowd to get to the girl’s bathroom.

Just as she approached the door, one girl came rushing out, laughing with her friends as they all met up again. Aria slipped past them and shut the door behind her.

As she took in a breath, Aria walked over to the sink and for a moment, stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was still decently perfect even though she’d applied it only once at the beginning of the evening. She did a retouch of it when she’d first arrived at Seventh Heaven, but there weren’t any smudges or oily spots anywhere. She really just wanted to wash it away and head home. She was absolutely exhausted.

However a piercing scream from outside the bathroom caused Aria to flinch in surprise. At first, she didn’t think anything of it, but then when she heard more screams, she ran to the door and grabbed the handle, trying to pull it open. “What the hell?” Aria tried to pull again and again, but the heavy door wouldn’t budge. It was jammed shut. She started to bang on the door, until she started to see from underneath the crack that smoke was seeping through. “Hey! Can someone let me out?!” She shouted, banging on the door again. This time, she went for the handle, but it burned the instant it touched her palm.

Slowly, she started backing away from the door, watching as the smoke started to creep in more and more. Frantic, the brunette looked around, but there was nothing that could help her, even her phone had no service in here… and the window, it was out of reach. She backed up against the wall, fear striking in her eyes, glancing down to her phone in her hand, hoping for a bar to pop up while her eyes noticed just how much smoke was coming into the small bathroom, even as her heart began to race even faster while stuck in this very terrifying situation.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

jxlxxnbxkxr​:

Julian never really had family traditions for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, any holiday really. But when he did get out on his own he made it a priority to start making his own traditions. So, he he let for college he made an effort to start with pumpkin carving. That didn’t go well. He cut himself the first time he tried. So, he ditched that idea really quick. He changed it to painting famous paintings on a pumpkin each year instead.

“Ah well you see now we’re sworn enemies. I’m a painting on a pumpkin kind of guy.” He answered jokingly. “I tried carving before and it didn’t end up well. Not to mention the texture of the guts and seeds give me the heebie jeebies.” He shivered. He handed her a knife while he grabbed a few colors of paint and a brush. He put the colors on a paper plate before getting down to it. This year it was Starry Night. A few minutes of carving and painting went by before Julian spoke up.

“How’s it going with the pumpkin murder over there?” He smirked. 

The carving of her pumpkin was going well. She wasn’t sure what she had initially wanted to make with one of them, so she just started outlining first. Her creation ended up being what looked to be something out of a Tim Burton film. Wether it was from Coraline or the Corpse Bride, she wasn't sure, but she knew she had the cat from Coraline, and everything else… no idea where it came from.

Aria took a moment to pause and admire her work.

And then, Julian started to speak beside her. Her light eyes watched him as he spoke, her mouth curling up into a smile when he said they were sworn enemies now; she laughed at that. “Carving’s not for everyone,” she shrugged, agreeing with that. “My brother Mike hates it. Well,” she set the knife down to remove some of the excess pumpkin skin from her outline. “He kinda hates everything these days.” Aria added, putting the pieces in her hand over to the plate where she had taken out all the seeds and the pumpkin’s insides.

“Pretty good,” wiping her hands on a nearby towel, she stuck her hand into her small purse and took out her phone, snapping a few pictures before she put the phone away and glanced over to see how Julian’s pumpkin was coming along. “Wow, that’s really good.” She smiled a little, watching him create his art.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

txbycxvxnxxh​:

Toby shrugged at the girl’s observation. “Yeah, but who do you know that’s okay with both the Northside and Southside crowd? I don’t know of anybody off the top of my head.” Granted, Toby didn’t know a lot of people and interacted with even less, but still. There was the great divide for a reason and most people respected that. 

“Anyway, how have you been? How Mike?”

In a curious wonder, Aria couldn’t help but heed Tony’s words as he spoke. It was extremely interesting when you thought about it. Northside and Southside generally weren’t together like at all. So, she turned back around and gave him a shrug. “It could’ve been a group of people that invited everyone and not necessarily one person,” Aria thought aloud. But what did she know? This was just her guessing.

“I’ve been okay...” She trailed off, quiet for a moment. At the mention of her brother, Aria tilted up on the balls of her feet, trying to glance around. “He said he was supposed to come with me here soI could keep an eye on him, but I think he bailed.” Aria admitted before she planted her feet back on the ground and smiled up at Tony. Without thinking, she reached over and gently placed her hand on his arm. “I really appreciated you talking to him, not many people would have. Thanks.”

[ariiamxntgxmery]

emilyxfields​:

Emily beamed at Aria when she approached her. “Thank you! Yours is amazing!” She grinned as she took in the flapper costume, it was perfect for Aria. “I’m loving the flapper costume, are you going for the Daisy  Buchanan look? It looks like you spent a lot of time getting into the character.” Emily grinned. 

The two had planned to do the corn maze together earlier that week. When she received her invite to the party at Seventh Heaven, she wasn’t completely sure if she would go, of course she would bring it up with Aria later on or maybe while they were in the maze. “Anyway, how’s your night going so far? Are you ready to go through this thing?” She asked curiously. 

Aria grinned when Emily said she was going for the Daisy Buchanan look. “Yeah, totally am.” Aria glanced down to her own costume for a moment. “She’s always been a favorite of mine,” glancing back up to Emily, the shorter girl felt extremely proud of herself that she had gone through all of the trouble getting her Great Gatsby costume together.

“Uh, yeah, let’s see how far we get.” She linked her arm with Emily’s and started to make her way through the path. “It’s going. I accidentally ran into the glee club teacher. I might join if my audition goes well,” Aria shrugged, still thinking about that decision. “I’m really supposed to be looking out for Mike, but he’s off with his friends somewhere,” she sighed, glancing over her shoulder before she looked around at the corn stalks and then up to Emily once more.

“What about you? How’s your night going?” She asked.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

jxlxxnbxkxr​:

Julian looked at the person the hand and voice belonged to. “Aria! Hey!” He said as he moved back to let her have the pumpkin. “No, I insist. You have the cute pumpkin. I’ll take the quirky one.” He grabbed a pumpkin with a little bit of green bumps on one side. It was a rough looking pumpkin, but in a weird way Julian related to it. “It suits me better. That one suits you better. You take it.” Julian smiled at the girl. 

“Just the two pumpkins.” Julian spoke to the impatient carny clearly motioning for him to speed up his conversation and pay for the pumpkin if him spinning his finger in a circle was any indication. 

It was only after his exchange with the vendor that he realized he paid for Aria’s pumpkin. He didn’t want her to think anything of it, but he didn’t know how to breach the subject without making it even more awkward. So, he instead decided to ignore the situation and just push forward.

“So, are you more of a carving kind of girl or just drawing and painting on them so they can last longer?”

“Oh, uh, okay...” Even though she was a little unsure, she did what he said and she took the cute pumpkin whereas he took one with a few green bumps on the side, causing her to frown. She felt bad that he didn’t get the pumpkin he was originally going for, but it was nice enough that he let her have the one she wanted. 

“Thanks.” Aria replied as she started to stuff her hand into her little glitter purse to pull out some money, but unbeknownst to her, Julian had paid for her pumpkin.  The new situation at hand caused Aria to chew on her lower lip in contemplation. Surely he didn’t mean anything by it and he was just making up for the confusion.

At his question though, Aria lifted the pumpkin up to her face to observe it more clearly in the lights. “We have a family tradition in my house that we must carve at least one pumpkin to put on the front porch, so,” she shrugged before looking up to him with a smile. “You can say I’m a carving kinda girl. What about you? Carving or drawing?” It was a valid question.

[txbycxvxnxxh]

Toby hadn’t been at the party for very long until he ran into a friend. Aria. He had been at her house just the week prior. They had gotten a bit closer. He didn’t just consider her a friend of a friend now. They were friends. 

“Hey, Aria!” He addressed the short girl. “How’s it going? I’m guessing you go the invite too?” Toby didn’t expect to get an invite to anything Northsider set up so this had to be part of the Southside agenda, but for what Toby wasn’t sure. 

“Do you know who or what organized all of this?”

@ariiamxntgxmery​

[ariiamxntgxmery]

Whipping her head around at the call of her name, Aria smiled when she noticed Toby.  She hadn’t noticed him when she’d first arrived, but it was nice to always run into a friend. “Toby, hey.” She smiled up at him. She nodded then, glancing around at the people around the bar. “I didn’t think much of it since it’s Halloween,” Aria mused with a light shrug, folding her arms against her chest. “Honestly, there’re a lot of people here.”

Up until now, she hadn’t realized the amount of people they were actually letting in to the place. Turning to face, Toby, she just shook her head. “Whoever it was, they know practically everyone. Looks like the entire town is here.”

[emilyxfields]

Emily enjoyed spending time at the town carnivals and parties. Of course Savannah had its flaws, but she loved how festive the town was during the holidays so of course she enjoyed the annual Spooktacular and ensured she would partake in it every year. She had plans to meet Aria near the corn maize before ultimately deciding where they would go next. Emily aimlessly scrolled through her phone as she waited for her shorter friend to arrive. She looked up and grinned when she finally saw her approaching. “Aria, hey!” Emily called out and gestured for her to come to her. 

@ariiamxntgxmery​

[ariiamxntgxmery]

Savannah was definitely not like any other place she’d been too, and it definitely wasn’t at all like Iceland. If Aria wasn’t so much connected with her friends, she’d want to move as far away from here as possible - though she would miss Savannah’s carnivals. They really did know how to throw a fantastic one. Her favorite though, was definitely their annual Halloween festival.

First, she planned to do the corn maze with Emily and then hopefully make sure Mike wasn’t getting into trouble somewhere. She promised her mom she’d keep an eye on him, and she had before she left to meet with Emily.

“Em, hey!” Aria called as her 1920’s inspired heels clacked against the asphalt. “Love the costume.” She smiled, whisking away a tendril of her own hair that had fallen from the headband.

[jxlxxnbxkxr]

Julian loved all things autumn. The chill in the air, the shorter days, smell all around or pumpkin spice just to name a few. You could define him as a basic bitch and he’d be okay with it. He just loved it all.

He wanted to spend time at the carnival doing all the basic bitch things. First thing on the list was pumpkin carving. He found a pumpkin carving stand and went to grab a miniature pumpkin from a barrel and ended up grabbing for one that another person grabbed for as well.

“Oh hey. I’m sorry. You can take it.”

[ariiamxntgxmery]

While she waited to meet up with some of her friends, Aria decided to take a stroll around the carnival. There was one thing she still hadn’t done yet, but she so desperately wanted to, and it dealt with pumpkins.

She passed by an apple bobbing set up, a few games, even the Ferris wheel and cotton candy stands. Until she saw it. The pumpkin carving stand.

Just as she went to reach for a cute one that wasn’t too large, she just so happened to grab the same one as someone else. Aria laughed, shaking her head. “Sorry,” and then she looked up to notice it was the glee club instructor. “I can grab another, it’s fine.”

[xlxsxndxlxxrxntxs]

ariiamxntgxmery​:

Cradling a few books in one arm, Aria walked out of her guidance counselors office as she stepped into the hall and let out a soft sigh. She had her long feather earrings in, and a leopard skirt and black blouse to match. Normally, Aria wouldn’t have been here so early, but since she had a meeting with one of her college advisors, it made sense to schedule it before first period than come in on the weekend or even stay later than the last bell let out for home.

Just as she was about to make her way towards her locker she heard the irritated snap of one of her best friend’s. Oh no. Quickly as Ali started shouting at the person, who clearly had a misstep and was just seeming to have an off morning, Aria slinked her arm through Ali’s arm and pulled her into the courtyard and away from her victim.

“Ali, hi,” she said, releasing Ali’s arm as she stood in front of her. “What happened? Are you okay?” Aria asked, concern lingering on her voice as her light eyes looked over her friend.

Alison didn’t get to lace into the clearly freshman like she had wanted to because Aria grabbed her and practically dragged her away from the poor bastard. He was lucky. This time. She glared one final time at the fresh meat, making sure to burn his face in her brain for later.

When she was out in the courtyard with Aria she put a cheerful expression on her face. “Hey, Aria!” She took a delicate seat at one of the many picnic tables, making sure to smooth out her skirt under heart. She placed her purse on top the table and faced her friend. Rolling her eyes when the brunette asked her what happened. “Doesn’t matter. They don’t matter. But tell me how you’ve been. Anything fun happening for Aria?”

[ariiamxntgxmery]

“Uh, hi, Ali,” it was almost as if she wasn’t even there. As if Ali had better things on her mind to occupy her thoughts. Glancing around to make sure they weren’t really within earshot of anyone that seemed to get on Ali’s nerves, Aria made haste for a nearby table and bench. Setting her books down across from Ali on of the picnic tables, Aria decided to slide into the seat across, smoothing out her skirt before she placed her hands on top of the books.

“What was that back there?” She whispered as she leaned over her books. “It looked like you were going to rip that kid’s head off,” Aria answered, her eyes drifting elsewhere as two other kids walked by, which she gave them a close-lipped smile before focusing back on Ali. Then, she shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe.” She pulled away from the table just a little bit. She didn’t want to tell Ali about her decision to try out for the glee club, at least not yet, but it wasn’t really important information that needed to be shared.

[txbycxvxnxxh]

ariiamxntgxmery​:

Nodding as she felt her lips gently curl up in a close-lipped smile, Aria folded her arms over her chest when he explained his daily morning routine. “Uh, yeah, anytime,” she pushed some of her loose hair strands behind her ear. “Oh, I guess so. She didn’t really say, but she probably just wants help with dinner. Mike was supposed to be home, but he’s been acting out a lot lately.” She shut her mouth, not realizing how easy it was to talk to him.

Toby smiled back at Aria. They weren’t really friends, but they knew more about each other and hung out more to be be considered just acquaintances. They were floating somewhere in the middle. But they’re never really hung out just the two of them. They’ve always one or more of the other girls around.

“Would you mind having an extra? My mom is out with my nan at a doctor’s appointment and most likely won’t be back until late.” He asked somewhat reserved. “I could see about hanging out with your brother or something and trying to talk him back into not being a fuck.” He finished unabashedly with a smirk.

[ariiamxntgxmery]

This didn’t seem as awkward as she thought it was going to. Aria knew that Toby was close with Emily, and she knew that Emily trusted him. So, maybe Aria was just going to also have to trust him, to keep him close and switch over the acquaintance sign to the friend sign. It wasn’t fair, all of the lies that everyone made up about him - if anyone believed in second chances, it was Aria.

Although Toby’s question was very forward and it kinda caught Aria off guard a bit, she stopped and shook her head. “Uh, not at all.” She mused, smiling a little, hoping she didn’t seem standoffish at all. She really wasn’t trying to be. “My mom usually always makes a lot, with Mike playing Lacrosse and everything, he’s always eating,” Aria shrugged as if it was nothing new. Her eyes flickered up to Toby’s direction. The small girl appreciated the offer of help, giving him a nod. “Good luck, he’s hard headed.” Toby was going to need all the luck with dealing with Mike.

[hxnnxmxrin]

ariiamxntgxmery​:

Instead of the five of them walking around school, it was four of them ever since Hanna decided to transfer. Aria didn’t mind. She respected her friend’s decision - she respected all of her friend’s decisions in anything they wanted to do with their lives. But Hanna and Aria had been super close at one point and now, they hardly spoke at all, if ever.

“Hey,” she smiled, but it wasn’t a true smile. “I’m okay,” she looked behind her and stepped forward so a lady passing with a cart wouldn’t start yelling at her to move. Aria gave the woman a soft smile, perhaps one that was even nicer than the one she’d just given Hanna before she turned back to face her friend. Clinging to the strap of her bag, Aria’s eyes fell downcast, she didn’t want Hanna to see the emotions hiding behind them. “How are you?” Aria wondered, truly, pushing some of her hair behind her ear.

The tension was thick like a knife, it hung in the air like a cloud between them and Hanna did not miss the smile thrown at the random lady passing them. It just added to the guilt and she ran a hand through her hair as she let out a deep sigh. “Yeah, I’m great.” lies. “Senior year. Can’t wait to get it over with, then I can focus on my business. Seems funny, I only just scraped by at Groves….but here, I’m in the top percentile. What the odds.” but the schooling was different, even if half of her friends now blew it off without care and didn’t try. 

“How’s Groves? And Spencer?” she asked, intentionally leaving out a certain blonde’s name.  

[ariiamxntgxmery]

This was ridiculous. Aria could tell that things couldn’t ever go back to the way they were, not now. And she hated that she didn’t get the chance to talk to Hanna or even be there for her like they all used to. They were all the best of friends at one point , and now, with senior year upon them, they all just seemed so far away from each other. That wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

Aria frowned when Hanna said she was great, she didn’t believe her for a minute. “We’re supposed to be looking forward to this year, not wanting it to disappear,” she murmured, stepping out of the aisle so people could get by. Her light eyes flashed up fro a moment, looking at Hanna, taking in her friend’s features. And all she did was give her a warm smile. “I’m glad you’re doing well there,” and that was the whole truth.

“Good, everyone’s good,” she lied, quickly glancing elsewhere because she didn’t want to get into this discussion.  “Han,” Aria couldn’t help herself. “Are you sure you don’t want to walk with us on graduation day? It won’t be the same without you.” And it really wouldn’t be.

[jxlxxnbxkxr]

ariiamxntgxmery​:

Joining the glee club was definitely an option. She loved to sing, and once in a while she played the guitar, but she never really thought about singing in front of actual people. Noel had played the guitar for her once and she couldn’t help but sing a childhood song. She turned to face him. “Joining the glee club…” she started to chew on her lip in thought. “What’s the audition process?” She didn’t care if she didn’t have much time outside out her classes or her friends, it might be the new hobby she needed to get her mind off of her secret crush.

Julian couldn’t help his face breaking into a big grin. “The audition process isn’t anything at all. All you need to do is bring in a song that resonates  with you and bring it in when you feel like you’ve practiced it enough. Whether it’s this coming Wednesday or Friday or next week. I’m just glad you’re thinking about it.” He sat up from where he was leaning on his elbows. “You have any songs in mind right now? I have my guitar in my jeep. We can strum a couple songs real quick. That is, if you don’t have any other plans.”

[ariiamxntgxmery]

Well, this day just got a whole lot more interesting. She wondered if he knew Ezra, if they were friends by chance? No, she wasn’t going to ask, but the thought crossed her mind, and just as it had, it was gone. “Uh, yeah, actually,” she said with a very small shrug, not even thinking about the risks about how this would look if they were seen.

Aria stood then, gathering her things in his arms as she nodded. “You sure it’s okay?” She asked, brow quirking in question even as she held tighter onto her things wrapped in her arms.

[xlxsxndxlxxrxntxs]

Alison parked her light pink Mercedes in her designated parking spot and checked her make up in the sun visor mirror before getting out. She needed to make sure everything was perfect. No hair out of place or make up smudged.

She made her way into the school as a queen would enter her castle because that what the school and its students were to her. It was her castle where she ruled and they were her people, her peasants, that she ruled over. She opened the doors to the main lobby and looked around. Her friends most likely wouldn’t be here yet. Unlike most of the other elite at Grove’s, Alison preferred to be early rather than late to events. It was drilled into her as a child. Etiquette, etiquette, etiquette. 

Alison was hastily making her through the double doors to the school’s courtyard when she ran into somebody. Or more accurately somebody ran into her.

“Excuse you!” She spat. Who the fuck did this person think they were? “Why don’t you get your head out of your ass and watch where you’re going, you imbecile.”

[ariiamxntgxmery]

Cradling a few books in one arm, Aria walked out of her guidance counselors office as she stepped into the hall and let out a soft sigh. She had her long feather earrings in, and a leopard skirt and black blouse to match. Normally, Aria wouldn’t have been here so early, but since she had a meeting with one of her college advisors, it made sense to schedule it before first period than come in on the weekend or even stay later than the last bell let out for home.

Just as she was about to make her way towards her locker she heard the irritated snap of one of her best friend’s. Oh no. Quickly as Ali started shouting at the person, who clearly had a misstep and was just seeming to have an off morning, Aria slinked her arm through Ali’s arm and pulled her into the courtyard and away from her victim.

“Ali, hi,” she said, releasing Ali’s arm as she stood in front of her. “What happened? Are you okay?” Aria asked, concern lingering on her voice as her light eyes looked over her friend.