You weren’t a Sinclair. You weren’t even related to us. But our families had been close friends for years, even before all of us were born. You and I were born only a few days apart, and we naturally grew closer than the other Liars.

For years, it was us Sinclairs and you. You and I, along with Cadence and Mirren. All of us were very close with one another, but you were my best friend. I was yours. We went to each other for everything. Every summer we’d meet at my family’s private island, Beechwood, for a summer full of sun, sand, and endless pranks.

But Summer 8 changed everything.

You all met Gat. He and I were already close, considering his uncle had been dating my mom for a few months. It was his first time at Beechwood, and soon the four of us became five.

Us five, best friends. The Liars, that’s what our parents called us, solely because of the endless pranks we’d play on the family.

This summer was no different. Summer 16. We were all 16 years old. We’d arrived early summer, taken family photos, and were now seated for a late lunch together at a large outdoor table, the only sounds being silverware clinking, distinguished conversation, occasional laughter or bickering, and…

“Party boat?” I exclaimed, having to twist around in my chair to see behind me after the sound of loud music carried across the waves to our family lunch. “Sick!”

The adults all scolded at one another, complaining that the loud music was obnoxious and blocked the picture-perfect view that was Beechwood. I caught the subtle smirk on your lips, the laughter that left Mirren’s smile, and the reluctant look exchanged between Cadence and Gat. I leaned in, my gaze determined, “We’re getting on that party boat.”

Only a few hours later, with the sun beginning to set, the five of us had been laying out on the beach. You, Cadence, and Mirren laid out in your swimsuits, while Gat and I tried to race in the water. The two of us rejoined you girls on the beach, and I playfully shook my wet hair, slinging water on you and laughing as you shrieked in surprise, before laughing.

“I’m getting us on that party boat.” I announced with a grin, crashing onto the beach to lee beside you, then leaning up on my elbow to face the others. “My guy came through. It’s picking us up on the family dock in an hour.”

Cadence and Gat exchanged another hesitant and reluctant look, while you and Mirren both perked up immediately.

Only an hour later we all boarded the boat, dressed up casually. I climbed on first with a wide grin, helping you up before leading us over to a table, the music already booming as people crowded to dance. The two of us and Mirren stood around the table, ordering drinks, while Cadence and Gat stood a few feet away, silent, with a look of guilt on their faces.

When one of the waiters brought five shot glasses to our table, I waved Gat and Cadence over excitedly. “To the Liars!” I raised my glass, and you and Mirren quickly followed with the echoed cheer.