Pretty Little Liars: Missing Bones

Chapter IV

Chapter IV

It was February, just two days before Saint Valentine. Alison, Aria, and Hanna were eating breakfast in the cafeteria at school, while Spencer had math class, and Emily was at swim practice.

Posters about a Valentine’s Day party were hanged on every locker. But the party was only for love birds, for people who were in a relationship with a real life existing person. And Aria was as single as a slice of American cheese.

Emily was going to the party with Ben, of course. Alison always had some guy to entertain her, but she wasn’t big on relationships.  But Spencer was single. She was too busy for a boyfriend. And Hanna was single, too. And it looked like she was going to stay that way through all high school.

“Do you plan to send a Valentine’s letter to Noel? You’re good at writing poetry. Maybe he’ll find it…flirty.” Alison said, checking herself in her pocket mirror.

Aria rested her chin on her hand. “I don’t think so. I’ve thought about it, but Noel is not that type of guy who would ask me on a date to the movies, or even buy me a flower.”

“Maybe he’ll take you to watch a movie. In his bedroom, that is.”  Alison snickered.

“I’m not that easy to foul,” Aria said.

“Of course, not, honey,” Alison patted her shoulder. Aria felt like Alison was almost mocking her.

“Han, are you gonna sent a note to someone?” Aria asked Hanna, who was sitting opposite her.

Hanna had her hair formed in two big pigtails. She was eating fruit salad after Alison specifically told her to not eat anything that contained fat or sugar. Aria felt sorry for her. She was lacking self confidence, and was being constantly mocked by Alison. It was not fair.

“I was thinking about writing to Sean, but…” she hesitated. “I won’t be sending a letter to anyone.” she closed her mouth with a piece of kiwi, chewing silently.

“Why not? He may just ask you out.” Aria said. She didn’t thought that Hanna had any chance with Sean, or any other guy, but this was her job as a friend. To comfort and motivate her. To push her to take risk for herself. But the only risk Hanna was taking was that she wasn’t risking anything. She just hoped that her life was going to get better with time.

“You think I’m his type? she timidly asked.

“Of course, you are,” Alison said. “You two are kind of made for each other. You’re both blondes, you’re both virgins. You can join his virgin club at the church, and then, you’ll have a topic for discussion.”

Hanna lowered her head. Aria wanted to say something helpful to her, but it was pointless. Not after what Alison said. That was so not Hanna had in mind.

“Valentine’s not for people like me,” Hanna said, her head still facing down.

“What do you mean by that?” Aria asked.

“For people who are not pretty enough to find a date.” she said silently, almost like she was whispering to herself.

Aria got up and set next to Hanna. She placed a hand around her waist. “Hanna, don’t think like that. You’re a very pretty girl, and you’ll find a guy one day who will like you for your inner beauty.”

“What about my looks, my outside beauty? Will I find a guy who’ll love me like this? Like the way I look?” Hanna’s eyes watered with tears.

“Of course, of course,” Aria hugged her before Hanna was about to lose it. “Right, Ali?”

“Right,” Alison said. “It just may take you longer than the rest of us.“