To Protect Each Other ~ A Haleb Story

Engaged

Hanna, Caleb, Spencer, Ali, Aria, Emily and Toby were all sat in the living room together. They had brought pizza so they were all binging on that. Except for Aria because they'd bought pepperoni pizza.

"Aria why aren't you eating?" Spencer asked. She gave her a glare.

"I'm vegetarian you dumbasses!" She yelled a bit. Hanna couldn't help but laugh. Caleb noticed how close Toby and Spencer were and he wondered what was going on. He knew they were still dating but they were practically sat on top of each other, which Caleb thought only Hanna really did.

They were all watching the football which Caleb and Toby insisted on and the girls hated.

"So Han how are you doing? Alison asked. Caleb immediately turned his attention away from the football.

"Yeah I'm doing good. I mean I get some pain and stuff but it's manageable." She smiled.

"Well if you need anything at any time let us know, okay?" Emily smiled back.

"Yeah I will. Thanks Em." All the girls (except Spencer) where huddled in a ball together painting their nails.

●●

An hour later...

The football had finished and the girls were gossiping under a blanket just like the old days. Spencer had finally partitioned herself from Toby and she joined the girls. He and Caleb were talking about whatever boys talk about. Then, Spencer gave Toby a reassuring look and they stood up together.

"What's going on?" Aria asked.

"Me and Toby... we're..." Spencer started.

"Engaged!" Toby finished. There was a small silence but then Toby clarified it. "I know we're all only eighteen. But after everything that's happened we decided that we should make it permanent. I mean we won't actually get married for a couple of years at least..."

"OMG!!!!!" All the girls screamed.

Caleb got up and hugged Spencer then went over to Toby. "Congrats dude!" And he patted him on the back.

"Besides. It makes it harder for us to break up..." Toby said. Knowing it would wind up Spencer.

"Don't start." She giggled slightly.

●●
The rest of the night they all spent watching movies.
●●

"I mean I understand why you did it." Alison said out of the blue.

"Did what?" Hanna asked. They all turned their attention to Ali.

"Cut yourself. I mean... you were always the odd one out when it came to fashion, boys, etc." She said bluntly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hanna was getting emotional. She realised Caleb was right but she tried to hold it back.

"We could all tell you were extremely self-conscious. I always wondered why. You get overweight girls all around America but they all seem to deal with it." She said. One single year ran down Hanna's cheek.

"Ali..."

"And I wonder why she couldn't." Caleb butted in.

"Caleb..." Emily could tell what he was about to do.

"What Emily? Alison is the reason that Hanna did it. She told me everything. How you made her feel shit while all the other girls supported her. Oh and you're twisted sister." Caleb said. Spencer looked up, hurt.

"Not you Spence, Charlotte. You and Charlotte are the reason Hanna was cutting herself. I didn't even want you here today but Hanna convinced me that you changed and clearly she was wrong. You are the exact same person you were before you left." Caleb shouted. Hanna had ran up the stairs and Caleb really wanted to comfort her but he needed to confront Ali.

"If Hanna didn't like who she was then she would have changed. I'm right. No boys would even look at her never mind date her..."

"I would have!" Caleb yelled.

"Sure, sure, but you weren't here."

"True. But if I was I would've seen the exact same girl that I see right now."

"Trust me, yo--"

"Get out! Now!" Caleb stood up and pointed towards the door.

"What?" She said, shocked.

"You heard. Leave!" Caleb shouted. Alison stormed out of the door. The rest of the girls and Toby sat there, stunned.

"Sorry about that." He said to them.

"Don't be. She was was out of line." Emily said.

"You guys should probably go, too. I'll text you all later." Caleb looked at them all.

"Yeah sure." They all got up and made their way to the door.

"Spence." Caleb called.

"Yeah?"

"I'm really happy for you and Toby."

"Thank you." She gave a small smile. "Do you want me to talk to Han?"

"No don't worry about it I'll do it."

"Okay." She gave him a hug and left.