Back to Me

Brainstorm

I waved to my parents as I got into the car, knowing they'd be watching. It had been a week since Ian's funeral and I was barely allowed to leave the house. I hadn't even been allowed to go to Jason's. So how Mona managed to have them agree to a study session at her house was beyond me.

"Trust me; I'm glad for the excuse to get out of the house, but how come you insist on studying at your place?" I came right out and asked her.

"That's what I told your parents, but that's not what we're going to do." She stated and immediately my curiosity peaked.

"What are we going to do?"

"Someone has obviously been framing people for Ali's death, and I'm trying to figure out who it is. And since you're the smartest person I know, I figure you can help me."

"I guess it makes sense to study at your place then. Have you figured out anything yet?"

"We have theories, but we can't exactly prove anything." She informed me and she sounded frustrated by that fact.

"We?"

"I have a few others that are helping me, you'll find out who when we get to my place." She answered and I found her vague reply a little annoying.

"So what are your theories?" I asked.

For the rest of the drive to her place, Mona filled me in on her various theories. Some I had already figured out, and others I wanted to kick myself for not figuring out.

"You have quite a set up." I told Mona after she showed me around her guestroom.

"Thank you, I wish I had more room though. It might get cramped if all four of us are in here together."

"So there are two others? Will they be here today?"

"Yes, to both of your questions." She answered. "And actually one of them is here now."

"Hey, Mona, hi, Spencer." I heard a male voice greet us and enter the room.

"Mike?" I asked in surprise. "I'm surprised that you're here."

Mona had told the girls and me that she was dating Mike but I didn't expect him to be in on this.

"Yeah, and I'm here to help Aria." He replied.

"I believe you, but I also think the time with Mona is also a factor." I teased.

"Oh, you're one to talk, considering that..."

"Mike!" Mona cut him off. "She doesn't know yet."

"I don't know what yet?" I asked them.

"You'll find out when our other partner gets here." Mona informed me.

"Well, is there anything that I can know now?" I demanded.

"We think that Garrett is helping Jenna frame everyone." She told me.

"Jenna? Why do you think Garrett is helping her?"

"One, they're dating. Two, the police didn't come up with their theory on their own. Jenna probably told it to Garrett and he told his colleagues." Mike answered me.

"He's right; the story is pretty absurd and sounds like something Jenna would come up with." Mona agreed.

"What is the story?"

"The cops think that Aria and Hanna helped bury Alison." Mike answered me again.

"Okay, forget absurd that's ludicrous!" I shook my head in disbelief. Were the police in this town really that dumb?