You Don't Have to Say Anything--Sparia
Spencer was in the middle of studying for an important chemistry test when she heard the doorbell ring. She groaned, wishing that her parents—or even Melissa—were home. This test was worth fifty percent of her final grade, and she didn’t have time to deal with whoever was at the door. She thought about ignoring it, but the knocking didn’t stop.
“I’m coming!” she called, unable to keep the annoyance from her voice. She was surprised to see Aria standing on her front porch. All thoughts of the test left her mind at the sight of her best friend.
“Aria! What are you doing here? I thought you had a date with Fitz?” she asked. Then she noticed the tear tracks on her friend’s face, and her eyes narrowed.
“What happened? Are you okay? Come inside,” she ordered, leading Aria into the kitchen. The smaller girl still hadn’t said anything, and Spencer was growing more concerned by the second. She didn’t see any visible signs of injury, but that didn’t mean Aria wasn’t hurt. If Fitz had hurt her… Spencer poured a cup of coffee and added milk and sugar, just the way Aria liked.
“What’s wrong?” she asked softly, sliding the mug toward her friend. Aria accepted the drink and took a long drink. She didn’t even comment on how strong it was, a sure indication that she wasn’t her normal self.
“Ezra and I broke up,” she said dully. Spencer’s eyebrows knitted together in concern.
“What happened? I thought everything was going well,” she said. Aria sighed and shook her head.
“It was, I guess. But then it wasn’t. I think we both knew it wasn’t working, but neither of us wanted to admit it,” she said. Spencer nodded sympathetically.
“Do you want to hang out, watch a movie?” she asked, deciding that her studying could wait. Aria nodded.
“I do, but there’s something I need to say and after I say it you might not want me to stay anymore,” she said. Spencer frowned, wondering what could possibly have Aria this knotted up. She couldn’t imagine a situation in which she wouldn’t want Aria to stay.
“Ar, what is it? Did A do something?” she asked, growing more concerned by the second. Aria shook her head.
“No, it’s not A. Well, A’s involved, in a way. That’s why I have to tell you, because if I don’t, A will,” Aria rambled, the text she had received still imprinted in her mind.
“Aria, just tell me,” Spencer implored.
“I’m… I’m gay,” Aria whispered, closing her eyes so she didn’t have to see the look on her friend’s face.
“Aria—”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Aria interrupted. Spencer’s frown deepened. Sure, this information was a surprise, but it didn’t change anything. She couldn’t believe that Aria was so concerned about her reaction.
“Aria, what’s going on? You’re my best friend. I don’t care if you’re gay. Why would I care? I didn’t care that Emily’s gay, and I don’t care if you’re gay. You’re my Aria,” she said. A tear ran down Aria’s face.
“Spence, I’m not just gay. I… I like you. I don’t know how A found out, but they did, and they threatened to tell you if I didn’t. I’ve liked you for a while, I’ve just been afraid to admit it because you’re straight and I don’t want to ruin our friendship and—”
Spencer leaned across the kitchen island and pressed her lips to Aria’s. Aria gasped, but kissed Spencer back.
“What was that?” Aria asked when they finally broke apart. Spencer shrugged.
“You didn’t want me to say anything, so I thought I’d show you instead,” she explained.
“What are you saying?” Aria asked. Spencer raised an eyebrow.
“I’m pretty sure the whole point was that I wasn’t saying anything, I was showing,” she said seriously. Aria shook her head in amusement.
“Do you want to show me again?” she asked. Spencer laughed and kissed her again. It was different from the kisses she’d shared with Toby. Aria’s lips were smaller, softer, somehow more inviting. Yet, at the same time, it felt completely familiar.
“By the way, this doesn’t mean I’m going to watch The Real L Word,” Spencer warned, referring to Emily and Hanna’s new favorite show. Aria laughed.
“It’s not that bad, actually,” she defended. Spencer rolled her eyes.
“Just shut up and kiss me.”