Secrets & Lies

Where Did She Go?

The barn felt smaller than usual, despite its size, with the storm outside amplifying the sense of isolation. The girls huddled together, wrapped in blankets, sipping the tequila Hanna had smuggled in. Alison, of course, had claimed the best seat, leaning back on a cushioned chair, her eyes darting between them, always watching.

Sophia sat quietly, observing her friends. Spencer was talking about something academic—typical Spencer—but no one was really paying attention. Hanna kept sipping from the bottle, trying to prove she could handle it, even though her face scrunched up with every drink. Aria was doodling something in her journal, and Emily, as usual, was glued to Alison, hanging on her every word.

Sophia glanced at Alison. She was always so calm, so sure of herself, as if nothing in the world could ever rattle her. It was intimidating. But more than that, it was exhausting. Sophia hated how much power Alison had over them. She hated that they all tried so hard to keep up with her.

"So," Alison started, a slow smile creeping onto her face, "who's going to spill the real gossip tonight?"

Sophia knew Alison wasn't asking because she wanted to hear it—she wanted to control it. Still, the girls leaned in, eager to see who would take the bait.

Hanna sat up, eyes gleaming. "I heard something juicy today."

Alison arched an eyebrow. "Do tell, Hanna."

Hanna grinned, clearly loving the attention. "Aria's got a crush," she said, dragging out the words. She glanced at Aria, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Aria looked up from her journal, her face flushing pink instantly. "What? No, I don't!" she protested, though her voice lacked conviction.

"Oh, you so do," Hanna teased, scooting closer to Aria. "It's Noel Kahn, isn't it? You practically drooled over him when we saw him at the Grill last week."

Sophia smirked, knowing exactly where this was going. She'd noticed the way Aria had been looking at Noel lately—like he was the only guy in the room, even though she tried to hide it. It wasn't exactly subtle.

"Noel?" Alison repeated, leaning forward with interest. "Seriously, Aria? He's, like, the hottest guy at Rosewood High. Good taste."

Aria buried her face in her hands, groaning. "I don't have a crush on him, okay? It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal!" Hanna pressed, practically bouncing with excitement. "You've liked him since forever. Why don't you just tell him already?"

"Because he's Noel Kahn," Aria said, lowering her hands. "And I'm... me."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Spencer asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're Aria Montgomery. You're smart, you're creative. Noel should be the one nervous to talk to you."

"Yeah," Emily agreed, her voice gentle. "You're amazing, Aria. Noel would be lucky to have you."

Alison, however, wasn't as sentimental. "Well, if you want him, you better make a move soon," she said, her eyes gleaming. "You know Noel's not exactly known for staying single for long. If you don't go after him, someone else will."

Sophia could see the flicker of doubt in Aria's eyes, the way she hesitated. Alison always had a way of pushing their buttons just enough to keep them second-guessing themselves.