Secrets Can Kill

Chapter 2: Revealed

The day went relatively slow for Emily. She tried to focus in classes, but her high was starting to wear off as her lunch period approached and she'd have to deal with Sydney and Paige. A deep sigh interrupted the class who turned back to her and her cheeks turned a bright read and she looked down to her book to avoid the stares. The other girls weren't in the same situation but felt the same way about their classes. Spencer was busy texting Toby while in class, Alison was focused on her love life or lack there of with Emily, Hanna was preoccupied with Caleb's return and her momentary identity crisis, and Aria was going through a breakdown having nightmares about killing Shanna.

They all met up at Spencer's locker that day to walk to lunch together with the exception of Emily who'd be helping Sydney. A light conversation filled their walk.

"How are things with Toby?" Alison asked.

"They're going really good, he's been staying at my house while renovations are being made to the house," Spencer smiled. Then she felt a vibration in her pocket thinking it was Toby. Her good mood was shattered when she saw that it was from a blocked number.

"What's wrong Spence?" Aria asked as they all sat down and saw the expression on Spencer's face.

"Is it a text from A?" Hanna asks nervously.

"Yeah," Spencer replies nervous to open it.

"Well open it," Alison pushes. Spencer opens the text to a cryptic message.

"Do you see any similarities between you and Emily? Withdrawn, Secrets, Forgetfulness, Irritability...are these ringing a bell? –Kisses, A" Spencer reads out loud and the table is left shocked, confused and in disbelief.

"You can't be serious?" Aria asks.

"I'm confused," Hanna states. "What is A trying to say Spencer?"

"Those are all the symptoms of drug abuse, Han, I had them," Spencer says with a sigh trying to recall if Emily showed any of these.

"Well that can't be right," Hanna spoke up after seconds of silence. Meanwhile Alison was still in shock that she'd yet to say anything and her silence spoke volumes to Aria.

"Alison, are you okay? Do you know something we don't?" Aria questioned.

"Well this morning she had a pill bottle in her hand walking back into the room, but she said she had a prescription from the doctor for her shoulder," she tries to reason in her head outwardly.

"Her shoulder?" Spencer repeats.

"Yeah I saw her clutching it last night too," Alison says.

"She injured her shoulder a months ago, she should be off pain meds," Spencer states and sucks in her breath and they all share a knowing look. Sweet Em is hiding a huge secret.

"We have to talk to her," Hanna states.

"Oh what and say A gave us a tip that you're a druggie?" Spencer bites back knowing the same "intervention" they'd given her.

"She's right Spence, we all need to talk to her today," Alison spoke and it was like she had the final say. They all looked around dejectedly until Emily came strolling in with a smile.

"Hey guys," Emily says happily. Everyone takes in her appearance. She's jumpy, more than usual, has dark circles under eyes, and looks slightly sweaty. "Okay guys don't talk, but I have great news".

"What is it Em," Alison says giving the girls a stare to play along with her.

"The coach from Stanford will be here next week," she replies with glee.