Pretty Little Liars: 16 & Pregnant (Sequel)

You Can Come, But You Can't Go

Aria's Pov

After what seems like an eternity of driving around and trying to find a parking spot, we finally get one after someone leaves. Though it's probably one of the farthest from the beach, I'm just glad we got it in the first place.

"And you're sure this is the right beach?" Ezra asks as we get out of the car.

"According to google, Ipanema is the second most popular in Rio." I reply.

"Okay," He says as he slips his hand into mine "Now what are we supposed to look for exactly? V said it was like a scavenger hunt, and that our next clue would be at Ipanema, but this beach isn't small."

"I'm wondering the same thing." I mumble, staring at the shoreline. Amongst all the people in bathing suits having a great time, I feel completely out of place. On different circumstances, I too would be relaxing on the white sand or swimming in the blue water, but right now that's completely out of the question. All I can focus on is Piper and getting her back, I just want my daughter to be safe again.

Ezra and I start walking along the beach, not saying anything as we try and make sense of our very vague clue. Ipanema is big, and with absolutely no idea of what or where the next clue is, it's going to be nearly impossible. If we're supposed to look for a little piece of paper again, I'm not sure how we're ever supposed to find it.

"Can we text V or something, you know like get a clue for our clue?" Ezra asks "Or is the texting thing a one way street with him, like he's the only one allowed?"

"We can try." I shrug "It wouldn't hurt, although who knows if he'll even answer." I pull out my phone, squinting to see the screen in the bright sunlight. And to my surprise, I already have a text.

"Oh my god, V texted me nearly 20 minutes ago and I didn't notice." I gasp, coming to a stop to stand under the shade of a palm tree.

Remember, slow and steady doesn't always win the race. Your next clue won't last forever.

-V for Vendetta

"Our next clue won't last forever?" Ezra questions "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well...it can't be that hard." I reply "It's something that'll disappear after a certain amount of time, that narrows it down. What at the beach doesn't last forever?"

"Uh, the tide comes in and part of the beach goes underwater." He suggests "So maybe V wrote something on the sand!"

"That's actually a really good guess!" I exclaim, hurrying back onto the sand and beginning the walk to the other end of the beach.

It takes us around half an hour, but in the hot sun it feels about triple the time. And the worst part is that we didn't find our next clue.

"Maybe we were too late, and the waves already washed it away." Ezra says sorely. His face is red and sweaty, the hair behind his ears and above his neck flattened with sweat.

"You need a drink or something." I tell him "You look like you're overheating."

"But, we have to find the clue." He urges "We need to get Piper back." His eyes dart to the sand again, scanning for anything written there. I briefly do the same, even though I already know that any words would've been washed away or trampled by people.

"Ezra look at me," I take his hands in my own "You need to cool down for a few minutes, I don't think you realize how hot it is here." His hands tremble slightly, and his breathing is sharp and quick.

"I'm fine, Aria." He snaps "I just need to find Piper."

"What you need is to avoid heat stroke, because that's not going to help Piper any." I reply "You should see yourself right now, you look like you're going to pass out." He stops and turns to face me, his eyes sad and slightly squinted from the bright sun.