My phone rang while we were talking in the living room. I glanced at my parents then back at the phone.

"It's Spencer."

"Spencer can wait. " Dad told me and I pressed ignore.Then aria's phone went off and she did the same. My phone buzzed with a text and I glanced at it.

"oh no." i snap my head towards my sister. "Hanna's been in a incident. I love you guys but i need to call them." i stood up and left the room I called Spencer

"What happened?"

"Hanna and Lucas went out onto the lake to set up fireworks, when Lucas started talking to her and she got freaked, she hit him with an ore and then she fell overboard. Hanna managed to swim back but Lucas is missing."

"Where are you guys now?" I questioned

"We ended it and we're heading to my house." Spencer informed and i sighed

"Okay, this family catastrophe is nearly finished. I'll give my parents the just and we should be there soon." I explained what was going on here.

"Okay." i hung up and went back out to sit down

"Well?" Mom asked

"There was an accident at the lake house. Hanna almost drowned and Lucas is missing." I told them

"Poor Hanna." Mom mumbled

"I know we're both grounded, which I totally get but could we get like a special circumstances  approval to like be there." The shared a glance

"Okay, given what's happened. you can drive your sister. But you're in charge." dad agreed.

"I never thought I would say this but if you were that way inclined you could charm the knickers of a nun." Aria commented as we left and got into the car.

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you think if I asked they would have let us go?" I rolled my eyes at her "I'm serious, it's like I've committed a Capital offence or something."

"Don't be so dramatic, Aria."

"Have they told you about Holden and I hanging out?" Aria wondered

"No, why."

"Well Mom caught me on the phone, while i was leaving a message for Ezra, I lied and said it was Holden asking to hang out. The point is Mom was going to speak to Dad about that happening."

"Right?" I shrug not getting it.

"Mom said it might happen if she convinced him to put you in charge. Despite the fact we're twins."

"Again the eldest. But it might not happen Dad might agree anyway because it's Holden. If it ever actually happens. One dragon at a time remember." I pulled up to Spencer and we join the others. Aria got some aspirin and while I made some soup.

"Here some aspirin. Erica is making some soup if you want some." Aria offered

"No, thanks I'm not hungry."

"You want a blanket?" Spencer offered,

"Sure." Emily came in with Hanna's bag and sat down next to our friend.

"Here's your bag. I think Caleb called, your phone was making noise." I stopped what I was doing and sat in front of my friend.

"Han, I know you're not ready to talk about this but the sheriff said that they're gonna drag the lake first thing in the morning."

"Lucas isn't in the lake" She denied softly.

"He didn't come up to shore. We waited." Em added

"He knows how to swim alright? He's out there somewhere. I can feel it." She replied looking into the fire

"I still can't believe Lucas is A's helper." Aria shook her head

"Why not? Jenna did the same thing with Caleb." Spencer replied

"That's because Caleb was new and didn't know us. Jenna prayed on his ignorance, then Caleb got to know Hanna, us. Look where he is now. Besides Lucas dotes on Hanna, he would never willing hurt her." I stated

"Key word willingly" Emily retorted

"We get it but do we don't see Lucas being that violent." Aria added

"He has a problem with cutting up frogs in Bio." I say

"He can be." we turned our attention back to Hanna. "He's the one that destroyed Alison's memorial. i found out the night i got out of the hospital." she admitted

"Why didn't you tell us." Spencer snipped

"Spencer, shut up. Go on Han." I scowl at the bossy brunette

"I told him I'd keep it a secret."

"Why?" I wondered wanting to hear her side. Hanna is one of us and we all have our reasons for keeping secrets from each other. I wanted to hear hers, even if I didn't complete;y understand.

"To protect him. He's been through a lot, Alison really tortured him." she answered

"Maybe, it's time to start protecting you." Spencer stated

"I have a headache." She took the aspirin and went to wash it down. With water

"Don't drink that." Emily tried to stop her but it was too late she already had some of the disgusting lake water.

"Too late."

"That's lake water." I mumbled taking the bottle  and holding it against the light

"How did that get in there?" Aria questioned

"Her bag was in the car." Emily told us

"But we were all in here." Aria added

"But Lucas wasn't. Maybe he just want's to finish what he started." Hanna's phone dinged

"No fun chocking lake water is it. Choke on this bitch -A" Hanna read out and there was a clap of thunder. As we all looked out.

"Okay this is to creepy. I need to finish the soup." i handed Spencer the bottle and continued with what I was doing, distracting myself.

--------

Spencer dumped the contents of a bag onto her kitchen island, and began sifting through the items.

"A was defiantly in my lake house." Spencer stated as we picked up the stuff she found

"You found these in the attic?" Hanna questioned

"So the picture, Caleb decrypted of A's phone the source was defiantly there?" I wondered

"Looks like they got pretty cosy." Aria commented

"My family never uses that Lake House after Labour Day, It's the perfect place to set up and evil lair. And look, just look at the date on this." Spencer handed Hanna a receipt

"Wait that around theme Caleb and i went up there. A was in the lake house when Caleb and I were..." she freaked out.

"Fraternising on my Nana's sofa?" Spencer retorted

"Okay, who told." It wasn't me, just saying.

"it doesn't matter. There are four bedrooms with beds in them." Spencer rebuffed not letting us in on who spilled the beans.

"Did you see anything, hear anybody?" Emily asks and I scoff banging my head on the counter

"Em we were kind of getting busy."

"Yeah Em, in what world are you gonna be focusing on anything but getting hot and heavy. Not unless it was like louder than groaning." All except Hanna made disgusted faces I held out my hand for a high five which she returned

"If your not into it, ya partner has a serious problem." I added 

"Okay, so wait. You said that Lucas went up to the attic like he new his way around?" Aria questioned changing the subject.

"He was probably trying to clean up after Garrett and Jenna. And look, there's an address. Smitty's, 801 hyperion street."

"Wait, wait, smitty's what? Restaurant, bar."

"Sex shop..." I continued

"Seriously?!" Spencer whined as I laughed

"Sorry it's just so fun watching you squirm like this. I couldn't resist. Whatever it is, it's in Philly." I grin

"Do you guys wanna go after school? Check it out."

"Is it okay if I pass. I still have the taste of lake water." Hanna winced

"I can't I have physical therapy again." One of the many things I was back to doing for my arm.

-------

I came out of the ladies, Spencer and Aria were  Talking with Holden, my head tilted for a moment before a I joined the conversation

"Hey Holden" I smile

"Hey Erica." he nodded to me "So I didn't get a chance to catch up with you last night."

"Yeah, sorry."

"But not to worry because you will tonight" Aria smiled slightly tapping my shoulder

"I will?" I replied confused

"Yeah, Holden and I are going out and you're chaperoning." her grin got wider

"Oh come on." i groaned "No offence, Holden. But why?"

"He said something about you having the lesser offence and needing to keep an eye on her. not that he doesn't trust me." Holden answered briefly quoting my Dad.

"Confusing doesn't even begin to state my Dad's brain" I shake my head

"So text me whatever you decide we're doing." Holden tells my twin and then leaves.

"How weird is that. I use him as my alibi, now he actually wants to go out?" Aria folds her arms as we watch him walk away.

"It's not that weird he likes you." i tease

"No, we've known him since we were five." she rebuffs

"And he's had a thing for you since we were five. Like you could convince me That glue was ranch dressing." she shoved my good side making me stable a bit.

"Shut up"

------

I was sat at lunch reading and occasionally picking at my food when someone sat in front of me.

"Can we talk?" I look over to see Mona, who looks desperate. I put my book down "I know we're not bestie but I think you can help me."

"What about Hanna, she is your bestie?"

"She cares more about her homecoming photo coming down than my serious problem, please." I thought about it for a moment then gave her my full attention.

"Okay."

"You're friends with Noel right?"

"I was until he messed with my sister. But go on." She sighs and begins to vent.

"So when Noel and i started out, everything was great. He was sweet, loving. Like the perfect boyfriend, he even had the hot bad boy creds after the whole cheating scandal. But last night at Calebs ruined party, he was on the phone most of his night, I had to take him skinny dipping just to get his attention. I don't know what to do?"

"Okay do you want my honest response or sugar coated?" I wonder

"Honest." she nodded firmly

"Okay, the problem is not you. it's Noel, he is terrible at maintaining a relationship for more than five months, six at the most. He's not wired that way and will most likely die alone. But that is not the point. You have a lot going for you Mona, I say that with complete certainty that you and him are not compatible. So you should break it off with him before he does it with you. And publicly so as to make sure your side of the story is heard better than his."

"Wow that is honest. But I  really do love him."

"I don't doubt that but you're setting yourself up for heartbreak, if you don't take control of this situation. If his attention is dwindling that you have to make more effort than is needed, I give it till the end of this week at the earliest next at the latest before he does something about it. Then it will be his version of events and on his terms which, left to Noel will leave you feel more lousy than you do right now."

"Really?"

"Yep." She sighed messing with her salad

"Mona, I know the Khan boys. his older brother Eric was like this but the difference is, he is slowly growing out of it. Noel never will. So it will hurt but you'll find someone so much better."

"Thank you, Erica."

"No problem." we sat in silence for a while.

"Did he ever try to date you?" she wondered and I smiled a little

"No, never."

"Why?"

"Take your pick, he finds me intimidating, his brother swore he'd break his legs if he ever tried... those are just a couple of reasons."

"You met his brother?" i nodded

"Back in a time where I made friends easily. Noel was being an ass I kicked it and Eric was impressed. we've been friends ever since. I'm one of the first to know about any of his cool parties and checks in once in a while. Now that is maturity."

-----------------

After Physical Therepy, I went home and changed then went to Hanna's with Aria. We were all gathered in the kitchen.

"Aria can I have your fake ID please?" Emily asked my twin. She nodded and dug hers out

"Don't you have your own Fake ID? We all got new one's together?"

"It's for Maya." I furrowed my eyebrows at her reply

"I look nothing like Maya." Emily took the ID

"You're 5'2 and brunette, so is she. it's the best I can do on shot notice. Besides we're going to the Bluebird in Camden."

"Oh, Jersey? Yeah, that'll totally work."  Hanna came over

"Okay so all the windows and doors are locked." I stated as it  started thundering.

"You can still call Mona see if she'll sleep over?" Em offered

"Doubtful she is pissed at you." I comment looking at my phone and scrolling through my emails.

"How would you know?" Em questioned and I looked up

"She cornered me at lunch, asking for advice on Noel seen as Hanna was flunking in bestie duties" I answered pulling a passive face.

"Well, maybe Caleb will calm down and come over later. How bad was your fight?" Aria wondered, changing the subject.

"Bad. He thinks Lucas needs our help."

"Well, Caleb won't believe Lucas is dangerous until he knows what Lucas did to Ali's memorial." Aria says

"Yeah, well I can't spill that without spilling a million other beans. Meanwhile I'm home alone and Lucas is out there waiting for me."

"You know what I will call Holden and Cancel." I did a silent happy dance, chilling with Hanna vs Some Arthur who who thing that my sister picked

"I second." I held up my hand

"And Maya can go with someone else." Emily added

"No. My mom will be home before you and Maya leave and Aria don't cancel just for me." Hanna replied

"But cancel anyway." I say. My twin scowled

"Are you sure?" Emily asks.

"Yeah, I'll be fine if someone's around." she assured

"Okay, well we should probably get going." I groan and stomp my foot.

"Stop acting like a child." my twin scolds

"No, I don't want to go. I want to stay with Hanna. Hanna I beg you save me from this." My sister hugs Han as do I before she drags me away

"You might like it."

"Shakespeare i like, Agatha Christie, i like, James Bond...Jason should dress as him for halloween. Listening to something from Marlyin Monroes  ex husband is not my cup of tea. You're only doing this so you can bump into Ezra. I don't like you and I will get you back." i point at her.

------

Mom dropped us off down the road and we walked up to the theatre. Holden was waiting for us. We waved in first greeting.

" Hey."

"Hi." we smiled

"I thought your parents were driving you here?" Holden questioned

"Oh, well. I convinced Mom to drop us off at the corner. it progress." She smiled and I sighed folding my arms

"Sound's tough. What'd you do to bring on the parental wrath?" he wonders

"It's a really long story?" Aria answered he then turned to me

"I was using pot." I shrugged

"Wow, okay, well i brought you something." he held out two bags to us.

"Gummy bears." Aria grinned

"Chocolate Peanuts. You're awesome." I grinned taking them off him and opening them up already digging into the bag to have some.

"Yeah when we were little the two of you would smuggle these into our playdates." ah I remembered

"That's right, when your Mom was in her no sugar phase" we replied

"Yeah. mY MOM HAS had a lot of phases. Anyway I figured i OWE YOU.

"Thank you I'm gonna grab the tickets" Aria went to the booth.

"So, Aria said you had a boyfriend?" Holden said

"When did she say that?" i wonder

"Oh, the night you took the phone call, when we saw you in town. There was this awkward silence where he said 'that'll be the boyfriend. How long have you been dating?"

"On and off for about 2 years."

"Holden? Erica?" We turned to Mrs Welch.

"Hi, Mrs Welch." we greeted

"So lovely to see you, are you here together?" she smiled like she knew something.

"No, Aria's collecting the tickets. In fact her she comes."

"Aria, look who we found." Holden stepped in front of her. Her gaze broke from someone else.

" Oh Mrs Welch, Hi." I looked back and saw Ezra.

"Hi. I didn't know you kids were Arthur Miller Fans. You know A view from the bridge is one of my favourites."

"What's it about?" Holden wondered

"You've never seen it? I don't want to ruin it for you but let's just say it's uh got a lot of misplaced passion." Okay i really did like Mrs  Welch but sometimes she was just too chirpy.

"Well we got find our seats." I say "Right?" I look to my sister for help

"Yeah, let's go." We headed inside. Once we found our seat i started munching on more of  the chocolate peanuts.

"Aren't you gonna save them for the show?" Holden asked me

"No, I plan on taking a long nap as soon as the lights go down. I'm chaperoning with my eyes shut."

"You don't like Arthur Miller?" he chuckled

"Couldn't get into his work. This is Aria's thing, but if either parents ask I'm an awesome chaperone."

"You got it." Not long later the lights went down. I put my headphones in and a audiobook on, then fell asleep.

I   woke up to being repeatedly nudged on my arm. My eyes slowly opened as I pulled myself around to hear what was going on.

"Erica it's finished." I heard Holden. I groaned sitting up and craning my sore neck.

"Cool." I mumbled standing up. We left the theatre, MrsWelch was already there

"It's so nice to see young people enjoying the theatre Most of your peers are watching your You Tubes right now." Mrs Welch broke and I rubbed my eyes

"You'd be surprised to find some of us are able to connect with the real world." Aria was looking around for Ezra.

"So what bring you here?" I questioned knocking my sister

"Oh, a friend had an extra ticket. Holden you probably missed him while you were abroad but Erica, Aria you remember Mr Fitz, don't you." I nodded

"Oh, is he here." Subtle Aria.

"No, i just feel terrible about it. He had to leave about 10 minutes in. Said he didn't feel well."

"Poor Mr Fitz." i commented as my sister looked crest fallen. Mrs Welch finally left and it looks like the storm was about to hit here.

"It's about to get crazy out here. do you want grab a coffee or something?" Holden questions

"Oh, yeah we could do that." Aria smiles

"Only if you want to, or maybe you went out with the wrong person tonight." oh he was like really smart.

"What, no?"

"I'm guessing your parents don't approve. And the look on your face when you found out he'd gone."

"She was obvious right." I comment

"I'm sorry." she says "Look, when My mom gets here can you not mention this to her."

"We're not five anymore I don't your mom anything. As long as you promise not to do the same. You're not the only one that's wants to keep stuff from their parents. So how long have you been seeing each other

"A while"

"And you Erica?"

"What about me? I told you."

"I doubt you've change that much, you're twins through and through. I know it's an older guy."

"what?" he laughed

"Your parents winced when Aria said boyfriend. At first I thought it was just a boy they don't approve of but after seeing who Aria is with. I deduced it was the same."

"You're gonna make a good cop one day."

"Thanks. Maybe this is an opportunity. Are you busy next Friday?"

------

We were back at Spencer's and Emily had gotten take out while Hanna caught us up on what happened with Lucas, who broke into her house and confessed he gambled His and Caleb's Money and lost.

"Somebody else showed up at the greenhouse when we set that trap for A? It wasn't Lucas?" Spencer questioned

"What about the water bottle and the stunt with the rowboat?" Emily wondered

"No, Lucas wasn't even in Rosewood. He was driving around all night trying to see his collectables to pay Caleb back" Hanna explained as Emily unpacked the take out

"So, Spencer what did you want to show us?" I ask

"Oh." she pulled over a book and opened it

"What is this?" Hanna inquired

"This is the sign in book from Jenna's blind rehab centre." She explained

"This is the day before Alison went missing" Aria stated

"Jenna said Alison came to visit her that day. I don't see her name." Emily scrolled down.

"Wait so that story she told us was a lie." Hanna thought

"Who knows? But that's not all. Look who did visit." she pointed to a name

"Garrett Reynolds" i read

"He was there for like 20 minutes that night." Aria pointed out

"Not only do guest have to sign in, they also have to keep a track of when patients leave" she gestured.

"Garrett signed her out at 10:15" Emily read

"There's no time that they signed back in. She could have been gone all night." Spencer theories

"Can we look at this later. If we don't eat my head is gonna explode." Hanna complains

"Yeah. Aria would you pass those plates please." Aria grabbed the plates

"Jenna said Alison blackmailed her. And she stayed in rehab until Alison's funeral." I state

"so where was she when Ali went missing?" Hanna wondered

"she could of been anywhere?" Em replied

"How much do you wanna bet she was in Rosewood." We opened the food and i yelled and checked the box. soil and worms. Soil and freaking worms!

"Ugh. I'm gonna be sick" Hanna mumbled Emily's phone went off and she picked it up

"This is what live bait looks like. Now we're even bitches -A" Emily read