Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

THEN
Gwen laughed along with her friends as they all sat around Spencer’s barn, they were one friend short. The five girls were still waiting on Alison DiLaurentis to show up, probably fashionably late, as usual. “It’s bad, huh?” Aria laughed as Emily tried the drink that was being passed around. As Spencer was taking a tip of the drink, the music cut out, as did the lights, courtesy to the raging storm outside. “Woah, what happened?” Hanna asked as Aria turned on a flashlight. “It must be the storm.” Spencer responded as she got up and lit a candle.

“You okay?” Gwen looked to see Hanna looking at her. It was well known that Gwendolyn McKnight hated stormes, a childhood fear. “I’m okay Hanna Banna,” she assured the blonde, just as a rumble sounded through the barn, something from outside. “Something’s out there.” Aria whispered before one of the doors to the barn opened, making them all turn to it. “Guys…” Gwen trailed off, not liking this. She linked her hand with Hanna as they all slowly stood up, still staring at the open bar door.

They moved quietly, and together with Aria in front, holding the flashlight in front of her. They moved slowly towards it as a sudden crash sounded through the air, like glass on concrete making them all gasp, but kept walking, the flashlight aimed towards the open door. “Gotcha!” Alison yelled, making the girls scream and jump backwards in fright as Alison laughed. ‘Of course it was Alison playing a trick on them’ Gwen thought.

“That’s so not funny, Alison!” Spencer hissed as they moved out of her way so she could lead them back to their seats. “I thought it was hilarious, girls.” Alison admitted, and now that the panic had worn off, the girls were giggling about it as well while moving back to their seats. “Ali, did you download the new Beyoncé?” Hanna asked excitedly. Alison groaned. “Not yet,” she responded. “I’m loving her new video.” Emily admitted as she sat down between Hanna and Gwen.

“Maybe a little too much, Em.” Alison remarked, causing Gwen to furrow her brows, confused as the others giggle while Emily’s face falls slightly. Alison grabs the red glass filled with drink they were passing around earlier and reaches it out to Aria. “Your turn. Go on.” She encourages her and Aria grabs in and takes a moment before taking a larger sip, making them all laugh. “Careful, Aria. Take too much, and you’ll tell us all your secrets.” Spencer laughed as she ate some of the food they had there.

The girls giggled at her comment as Aria shot her a look. “Friends share secrets, that’s what keeps us close.” Alison said, making them look at her as held a look on her face, one Gwen couldn’t decipher. Alison then turned back to Aria. “Drink up.” she said and Aria took another sip of the drink.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Aria was the first to wake up out of her friends, and once she sat up and looked around, she noticed Spencer and Alison were missing. She decided to try and wake her friends, starting with Gwen. Gwen woke up to someone shaking her, making her open her eyes to see Aria above her. “What time is it?” She asked groggily as Aria woke Emily while Gwen nudged Hanna. “Em,” she whispered, shaking her leg. “Whoa,” Emily whispered as she woke up. “Where’s Ali and Spencer?” Hanna asked.

“We don’t know.” Aria responded before she and Gwen got up and decided to walk towards the open barn door. They saw someone heading their way. “Ali? Gwen called out. “She’s gone.” Spencer told them as she walked closer to the barn, making them realize it was Spencer and not Alison. “What do you mean she’s gone?” Aria answered. “I’ve looked everywhere for her,” Spencer said as she walked into the light. “I think I heard her scream.” she admitted, making Gwen’s heart drop to her stomach.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

NOW
“Hey Hanna Banana,” Gwen greeted as she walked into the Marin Household. After everything with Alison’s disappearance, the girls went separate ways, Spencer focused on hockey, Emily on swimming and Aria moved to Iceland, but Gwen and Hanna? They stayed close and became friends with Mona Vanderwall. Afterall when Gwen’s mom would work a late night shift, she’d always been at the Marin house.

“Hi Gweny,” Hanna greeted her as she turned and smiled at her. “Are you ready to shop till we drop?” Gwen asked as she leaned against the kitchen island. “Duh,” Hanna responded. “Well, let’s go, can’t keep Mona waiting, remember last time?” Gwen asked and Hanna laughed as the two walked out of the house and left to meet Mona at the Rosewood Mall.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was standing with Hanna at the counter while she tried on sunglasses while Mona tried on scarfs behind them, which she had a feeling they were gonna steal. She had tried to talk sense into them about how stealing is bad, they’ve never listened. “Could I see the Pradas in the front?” Hanna asked. “I’ll have to put some of this back.” the store clerk told her.“But they’re all maybes.” Hanna told him as she took off the pair of sunglasses she had on and smiled at him.

The guys smiled and grabbed the ones she wanted to see as Mona called out to them. “Hey, is this me?” she asked, making them turn to see her wearing a scarf with a weird pattern. “It’s a little too much your mother.” Gwen and Hanna told her with a laugh as Mona wore a disgusted look before walking off to find something else as the two friends looked back at the store clerk, who handed Hanna a different pair of sunglasses.

Hanna tried them, looking at herself in the mirror before turning to Mona. “I am loving those glasses. How much?” Mona asked. “350.” Hanna answered as Gwen spotted Spencer Hastings on the top level. “Han,” Gwen said quietly, pointing towards Spencer. “I’ll be right back.” Hanna said to the store clerk before she and Gwen went to meet Spencer. “I cannot believe Spencer Hastings actually has time to shop.” Hanna joked, making Spencer look towards them.

“I mean, you’re interning for the mayor, taking classes at hollis, and redoing the barn.” Hanna listed. “And in your leisure moments, you facebook and tweet.” Gwen quipped. “You guys know me, I like to stay busy.” Spencer told them. “Spence, it’s called a summer vacation for a reason.” Gwen said as she crossed her arms. “You two spent yours sunning and shopping.” Spencer teased. “Tweet-tweet.” Hanna responded, making the three of them laugh.

“Did you see the paper today?” she asked and Gwen sighed. Despite her mothers tries of hiding the paper, she had seen it. “Yeah,” Hanna responded. “She’s gone, but she’s everywhere.” Spencer said. “I can’t believe it’s been a year.” Gwen spoke softly. “Do you remember what Ali said that night, about our secrets keeping us close?” she asked and they nodded. “I think it was the opposite.” Spencer replied and they shared a sad smile.

“So! What’s the occasion?” Hanna asked, changing the subject. “Family dinner, we’re meeting Melissa’s new fiance.” she answered, causing Gwen to gasp playfully and hold her hand to her heart. “Did Miss Perfect, find Mr. Perfect?” she asked as they followed Spencer to a different isle. “He’s a med student so everyone’s thrilled.” Spencer teased. “Then that’s not the right top.” Hanna told Spencer as she walked toward a rack of clothes. “You need to turn heads.” Gwen adds as Hanna picks out something for Spencer.

“Away from Melissa? Please.” Spencer scoffed. “She doesn’t always have to win.” Hanna told her as she pulled out a beautiful burgundy singlet before handing it to Spencer, who took it with a smile. “See you around the playground.” Hanna said. “See you.” Spencer responded as Gwen waved goodbye before they walked away and down the escalator and walked past the security guard as Hanna put the glasses on but before they could actually leave, someone called out to them, more like Hanna.

“Hey, Miss!” someone called out, making them turn to look as the security guard grabbed Hanna’s arm and Gwen's heart stopped momentarily but he just held up Hanna’s bag. “You forgot your bag.” she told her, making Hanna smile, glad she wasn’t caught. “Thank you.” she thanked him before taking the bag from him before the twins continued to walk and Mona met them. “I so thought you were busted.” Mona said to Hanna. “Nice scarf.” Hanna complemented Mona’s new scarf. “Nice glasses.” Mona complemented Hanna’s new glasses. “You two are gonna get caught one day.” Gwen scoffed.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Hey you're still home?” Gwen asked as walked downstairs the next morning to see her mother in the kitchen plating up some scrambled eggs. “Yeah, I don’t have to head in for another couple hours, thought I’d make you some breakfast.” Sophie McKnight said with a small smile as she looked at her daughter. “Thanks mom,” Gwen responded as she grabbed a plate and moved to sit at their dining table.

“So I drove past the Montgomery house yesterday on my way home, did you know they’re back?” she asked. “No, we’re not all that close anymore mom.” Gwen responded, making her mom sigh. “I know sweetie,” she said with a smile before the two ate in comfortable silence. “I should get going, I don’t wanna be late, plus I’ve gotta meet Hanna and Mona.” Gwen said as finished her breakfast before getting up and putting her plate in the sink.

“Alright sweetie, I’ll hopefully be home later, just before dinner.” Sophie said and Gwen smiled. She loved it when her mom was home for dinner, but she knew her job was important as well. “See you mom,” Gwen said, pressing a kiss to her mom’s check before leaving the house.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna and Gwen were the first two of the trio to walk into their first period English class, Mona followed after them shortly. The three stood around their desks, talking when Hanna and Gwen noticed Emily and Aria looking at them, Hanna waved thinly with her fingers while Gwen nodded at them with a polite smile.

Gwen then turned to see Spencer walk into the room as well. She gave Hanna and Gwen a tight lipped smile as if they hadn’t laughed together the day before. The bell ringing made the three friends sit down in their seats. Mona next to Hanna and Gwen in front of Hanna. The new English teacher was at the front of the room, writing his name on the board before underlying his name, grabbing his mug and turning to face the class. “Holy crap.” he uttered, staring at someone, making the class turn to where he was looking. Aria.

Gwen turned and shared a look with Hanna as Aria’s phone went off, causing to lean down and grab it from her bag. “Sorry,” Aria mumbled as she opened her phone as the new teacher cleared his throat. “Uh, I’m Mr. Fitz, Your new English teacher.” He introduced himself.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was at home, her mother had gotten home yet, but apparently she was about to leave, so Gwen was getting things ready. She had cooked for her and her mom. Her phone went off, making her turn away from the stove to her phone that was placed on top of her kitchen island. She walked over to him and grabbed it, thinking it either her mom, Hanna or Mona, but when she read the message, her face to fall

UNKNOWN
what would dear mummy say about
your summer activities?
⎯ A

Gwen breathed in and out to calm herself but was distracted by the sounds of sirens. Gwen turned the stove off quickly and rushed outside, watching as a police car drove down the street, down Alison’s street. Gwen quickly grabbed her keys and locked up the house before driving to Alison’s house and when she arrived, she noticed the amount of reporters, police and a coroner van. She got out of her car and walked closer, being able to see them wheel the body out of the house.

She was in a haze, tears lining under eyes when she noticed Spencer joined her side, they didn’t say anything, they didn’t need to. It wasn’t long before Aria joined them as well, standing between Spencer and Gwen. All three of them were facing the house with sadness. “I heard the cops took Hanna to the police station today.” Aria told them, making them both look at her.

“Wait… you don’t think she’d ever talk about—” Spencer started but was cut off. “The Jenna thing?” Hanna guessed as she joined them, standing next to Spencer. “We made a promise.” she added. Gwen let out a breath and gazed at Ali’s house once more before bidding the girls goodbye and walking back to her car, wanting nothing more than to head home with her mom right now.

When Gwen got home, she noticed her moms car was parked out front as well, she let out a slow breath before getting out and walking into her house, hearing the news. "Current owners of the residence were in the process of demolishing the structure to make room for a renovation project when workers made the gruesome discovery. The parents of the deceased were unavailable for comment but a family spokesperson has confirmed the gazebo was under construction the summer 15-year-old Alison DiLaurentis disappeared.” the news lady said as Gwen walked into the living room, seeing her mother watching the news sadly.

“Tonight, the family is asking for privacy as they come to terms with the sad ending to a year-long mystery and local authorities are coming to terms with the fact a killer is at large in Rosewood." she finished. “Thank you–” the news was muted, making Gwen look away from it and to her mother, who was looking at her. “She’s really gone mom.” Gwen said as she started crying. Sophia got up and rushed to pull her daughter into a hug, letting her cry onto her shoulder.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen and Sophia had gone with the Marin’s to Alison’s funeral. Once they arrived they came across Mrs. DiLaurentis. “Mrs. DiLaurentis,” Gwen greeted, making her look over at her and Hanna and their mothers. “Oh Gwendolyn, Hanna, it’s good to see girls, I wish it was under different circumstances.” She said as she pulled the girls into hugs, them not minding. “I’ve asked the other girls to sit together up front, it’s what Alison would have wanted.” she said as the two friends nodded and bid her goodbye before moving towards the front where Spencer and Emily were sitting.

When Gwen noticed Aria slowly waking up next to them, staring at the picture of Alison, she decided to grab Aria’s hand in comfort, making the girl turn to her. Gwen softly smiled before the four girls moved down so Aria could sit next to Gwen. “Poor Ali,” Emily muttered sadly. “Can you believe what a scene this is?” Hanna asked. “Ali would have loved it,” Gwen responded. “Popular in life and death.” Spencer remarked.

Hanna looked over at Emily, who wore a frown before grabbing something out of her purse and held it out for Emily. It was a flask. “No thanks I don’t–” Emily started. “Today I think you do.” Hanna said, cutting her off. A moment passed before Emily took the flash from Hanna just before Aria’s phone rings, making her look down at her purse and grab it out. The girls were tense as they watched Aria check the message. “Anyone we know?” Hanna asked, causing Aria to turn and look at the girls, who were all looking at her.

“No, it’s just my mom sending me a text.” Aria responded and they were silent for a moment as the girls were still tense, making Aria look back at them, while they looked at her. “Emily and I aren’t the only ones who got messages from ‘A’ are we?” she asked, making all share a look before they heard everyone murmuring, causing Spencer to look behind them.

“Oh, my god,” she said softly. “It’s Jenna.” she added, making the others turn to see Jenna walk down the aisle before sitting down with help. The girls stared for a moment before turning back around just before Mr and Mrs. DiLaurentis sat down next to them. “Did you see that Jenna Marshall was here? I didn’t realize she and Ali were friends.” Mrs. DiLaurentis said to them. “They weren’t,” Spencer responded before looking back at her. “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away,” The priest started.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After the funeral, Sophia bid her daughter goodbye as the girls were planning to get something to eat. They walked out of the church in groups. Aria, Hanna and Gwen were walking in front of Spencer and Emily. As they were walking away, someone called out to them. Emily, Spencer, Aria, Gwen and Hanna,” he said, as they turned to him. “Do we know you?” Spencer asked. “I’m Detective Wilden, I understand you were all good friends with the victim” he said, grabbing a card out of the inside of his jacket and handing it to her.

“Yeah, we were,” Gwen responded. “I’m gonna need to talk to each one of you,” he told them. “We talked to the police when Alison went missing.” Spencer responded, confused. “And I intend to go over every one of your statements as this is no longer a missing persons investigation, it’s a murder,” he explained. “And rest assured, I will find out what happened that summer,” he added before walking away. The girls watched him disappear into the crowd and then they shifted their gaze onto Jenna, who was getting into a car but then they caught sight of Wilden, leaning against a tree and watching them before they turned around, forming a circle so they were facing each other.

"Do you think he knows about..." Aria began only to be cut off by Hanna. "No. How could he?" she asked before their phones rang in unison.

"Oh, my God." Aria mumbled.

"It's from." Gwen and Hanna said.

"I got one too." Emily Stated.

"I'm still here, bitches . . ." Spencer began reading the text.

"And I know everything. A." They all finished reading the text as they shared small looks but were still so shocked.

Chapter Text

The girls had gone to The Apple Rorse Grille after the funeral. “Why was Jenna there?” Aria asked. “I guess she’s back.” Spencer responded. “That cop acted like we were suspects or something,” Gwen said. “Do you think we look guilty?” Emily asked. “Why would we be? We haven’t done anything wrong.” Aria answered her. “Except lie about the Jenna thing.” Hanna and Gwen spoke up. “We promised we’d never bring up the Jenna thing again, remember? It never happened.” Spencer said.

“Have you found a way to forget? I still wake up sometimes in the middle of the night.” Aria admitted as Gwen looked over at Hanna, who was pouring alcohol from her flask into her drink. “Aria, it was an accident.” Spencer let out. As Hanna was screwing on the lid to her flask, she and Gwen saw an old man staring at her from across the restaurant, giving her a judgmental look. “It’s medicinal.” Hanna said to him, a smile on her face, but he kept looking. “Cramps.” she deadpanned, making him look away and Gwen to chuckle as Spencer looked back at the man with a frown on her face before facing the girls again.

“I don’t get it,” Emily started. “How does ‘A’ know something about me that only Alison knew?” Emily asked. “Ali knew all of our secrets, but…we didn’t know any of hers.” Aria said, as she just realized. “I knew some.” Spencer confessed, making them look at her. “Go on.” Gwen encouraged her, but Spencer said nothing. “Talk,” she demanded. “I can’t.” Spencer denied. “Spence, no, you are not gonna drop a bomb like that, and just clam up!” Aria responded, frustrated.

“She’d so kill me if I told you.” Spencer said. “She’s dead.” Hanna deadpanned, making the girls look at her, which caused her so sigh, but raised her brow at Spencer. “Ali was seeing someone that Summer.” Spencer confessed, making Emily look at her. “I knew she was keeping something from me… from us.” Emily corrected herself. “Well, why didn’t she want us to know?” Aria asked.

“He was an older boy, and he had a girlfriend.” Spencer explained. “Who was it?” Emily asked. “She never told me his name.” Spencer responded. “Okay, Spence, that’s like, half a secret.” Gwen told her. “It’s more than you ever got from her.” Spencer scoffed. “How was it that Ali told us nothing, and we told her everything?” Aria asked. “Because she made us feel like we were part of something special,” Emily responded. ”We were.” Hanna smiled softly at her.

“I miss that.” Gwen said softly. “Me too.” Spencer added. “I miss Ali,” Emily said, playing with a bracelet on her wrist, one that Alison had given her, and the others but they don’t wear them anymore. “I can’t believe you still wear that.” Hanna remarked. “Ali still wears hers,” Emily responded. “Wore.” She corrected herself quickly. ”When Ali didn’t come home that night, I knew something terrible must have happened, but there was always some part of me that imagined someday she'd just show up.” Spencer admitted.

“Yeah, I used to think that maybe she’d just… run off with some guy.” Aria added. “She was laying on a beach somewhere.” Emily spoke up. “Or getting a tan out by the pool with that hot lifeguard.” Hanan laughed, making the others laugh as well. “Ohh. Yeah, what was his name?” Aria asked. “Who cares? ‘Save me!’” Gwen imitated Alison, making the girls laugh until the door to The Apple Rorse Grille opened and the sound of a cane tapping on the floor, made them go silent.

Aria tapped Hanna on the shoulder and pointed over at Jenna, making Hanna look at her, slowly the rest of the girls looked at her as she walked past them and to a table as the girls shared a look before grabbing their purses and getting up to leave and going their separate ways.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen, Hanna and Mona were leaning against the lockers outside the English classroom as Aria exited it, making Hanna and Gwen look over as Mona texted on her phone. “Okay, I am all for boob jobs but when I see those, I wanna moo.” Mona said as someone walked past them with a massive boob job, making them laugh. “I spy a sean.” Mona said, motioning over Hanna’s shoulder, making her look over her shoulder then back at Mona and Gwen.

“I’ll see you two at lunch.” she said before walking off, leaving Mona and Gwen. “I’ll be back, I’ve gotta get something out of my locker,” Gwen smiled at Mona who nodded and leaned back against the wall as Gwen was off towards her locker down the hall. Gwen opened her locker and looked around for the one thing she needed. She silently cheered when she found her pencil case on top of her books. As she shut her locker an announcement went off over the PA system.

“Will the following students please come to the office? Emily Fields, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Gwendolyn McKnight and Hanna Marin.” The guy said, and the girls looked at each other as the hall was empty besides them. Aria’s phone went off, as the other girls began walking to the office. “Wait.” Aria said, stopping the girls, making them look at her as they slowly began walking over to her. “It’s from ‘A’.” She added. “Dead Girls Walking.” Gwen read out, making them all share a look before walking to the office.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls were seated on a couch in a room in the office, when Detective Wilden walked in. “So let’s see,” he started as he pointed to Spencer before looking back at the file in his hands. “You thought you heard her scream,” he read. “I-I said that, yeah.” Spencer answered. “And when you four woke up in the barn Alison was gone and so was Spencer?” he asked the rest of them. “Yes, I woke up before them, and I realized that Ali was missing, so I–” she was cut off.

“So you went looking for her.” Detective Wilden said. “That’s what happened.” Spencer said. “I got that,” he responded. “So what’s up? Was this a slumber party, or–” he asked. “Is this an interrogation?” Gwen asked. “No, just routine follow-up,” he answered. “Why did you guys all fall asleep?” he asked, like it was a crime to sleep or something. “I guess we were tired.” Aria answered. “Tired? Really?” he asked like he didn’t believe them. “Is that how you remember it, Hanna?” he asked, looking at the blonde.

“Yeah.” Hanna answered. “Yeah, you guys were tired,” He said. “Look, we’ve told you everything that we know just like we did that night she went missing.” Spencer said. “I know, I know, and you see the thing is, it’s almost exactly what you said last year. Almost like it was rehearsed.” he accused, making Gwen furrow her brows. “Like Spencer said, we’ve told you everything we know.” Aria said to him.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“He knows we’re lying.” Aria stressed. “Lying is not a crime.” Hanna remarked. “It is when you’re giving false statements to the police, it’s called obstruction of justice.” Spencer responded. “Oh, please! We lied about drinking. But the truth that matters is we don’t know anything about what happened to Ali that night.” Hanna said. “We also know about someone who might have wanted to hurt her.” Spencer said. “We should have told the police the truth about Jenna’s accident, the night it happened.” Emily said.

“We wanted to, remember?” Gwen said, meaning her and Hanna. “We had a chance to do more than just tell the truth, we had a chance to stop Ali.” Aria said. “But we didn’t, and telling the police now about what really happened to Jenna isn’t going to make her see again, it’ll just ruin our lives.” Gwen responded and the girls went silent but then they heard tapping.

“Oh, my god, she’s back in school too?” Hanna asked, making them look over to see Jenna before they shared a look, Aria then got up and walked over to Jenna. “Jenna?” Aria asked, “Hey, it’s-it’s Aria.” She greeted her. “Do you… wanna come sit with us?” she asked as she took a look back at the girls and shrugged. “Sure,” Jenna responded. “Okay,” Aria muttered as she took Jenna’s tray from her and let her hold on to her shoulder as she walked Jenna to a seat.

“So you’re gonna be between Gwen and Emily and Spencer’s right across from you.” Aria explained as she walked over and sat Jenna’s tray down. “Thank you.” Jenna thanked her. “Yeah, and here’s a chair.” Aria said, grabbing a chair from a table behind them for Jenna. “So, this would be Alison’s chair, right?” Jenna asked as she sat down. “No. We’re not even sitting at that table.” Emily responded.

“You know, she came to visit me in the hospital after the accident.” Jenna told them as she folded her stick, shocking the girls. “Alison did?” Spencer asked. “Mm-hmm.” Jenna hummed as everyone stared at her, “Everyone misunderstood Alison, but I knew exactly who she was.” she said. “When did you get back, Jenna? We heard you were in Philadelphia, a school for the… visually impaired.” Spencer asked. “You can say blind, Spencer, it’s okay.” Jenna assured her as she grabbed her orange juice from her tray. “It’s not a dirty word.” she teased.

The girls were quiet as Jenna took a sip of her drink. “Wow. It’s so quiet.” Jenna remarked. "You guys used to be at the fun table,” she said before taking a sip of her drink. “What happened to you girls?” she asked before she laughed. ‘our best-friend died, that’s what happened’ Gwen thought as she stared at her tray of food, not feeling that hungry anymore as she thought about the night of the ‘Jenna Thing’.

FLASHBACK
The girls were laughing and hanging out in Emily’s room, trying on clothes they had gotten that day. They all passed around tops and held them against themselves and showed the others. “What about this?” Gwen asked Hanna as she held up a tank top to herself as Hanna sat on Emily’s bed as Alison tried something on behind her. “It suits you.” Hanna said and Gwen wasn’t able to respond because Alison’s mood changed.

“I can see you!” she yelled as she rushed to Emily’s window and slammed her hands against Emily’s desk and stared outside. “Oh, my god! I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed as she turned to face the girls, who were confused. “Who was it, Ali? What did you see?” Emily asked. “He was in that tree spying on us, I’m so creeped out!.” Alison exclaimed. “Who was it Ali?” Gwen asked.

“It was that perv, Toby Cavanaugh.” She told them. “Are you sure?” Aria asked. “Yes, I’m sure! He was right there1” Alison exclaimed. “I bet he saw us all naked.” Alison said. “Wh… should we tell someone?” Gwen asked. “I mean, we could…“ she paused before smirking. “But I have a better idea.” she said.

Soon enough the girls were walking through the backwoods on Emily’s property to get to Toby’s. Alison had an idea to let out a stink bomb in the garage. “Are we sure he’s not in there?” Aria asked. “He’s not, okay?” Alison snapped quietly. “You’ve got the lighter, right, Spence?” Alison asked Spencer as they continued to walk.

Emily walked up and grabbed Alison’s arm to stop her. “Let’s wait a second.” she said. “What, Emily?” Alison asked, annoyed. “I don’t wanna do this.” she admitted. “Fine. Go back. You’re on your own.” Alison told her. “Okay, maybe, Emily’s right, we should just call the cops, they’ll take him in.” Aria said and Gwen nodded in agreement.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Alison asked as she smiled and laughed till she noticed the girls looked like they didn’t wanna be there. “Girls, Toby Cavanaugh is a freak and we need to teach him a lesson.” Alison told them before tuning to Emily. “If he thinks he can come and spy on while we’re in your bedroom, Emily, he needs to know that this little domain is no longer a safe little hideout.” Alison said. “I mean, who knows what he does in there all day that little freak!.” she added. “Are you sure that it was Toby?” Spencer asked, not wanting to do this. “Yes! And it’s a stink bomb, for god’s sake! We’re not nuking the place. Now, let’s do it.” She scoffed before walking towards the garage door before turning half-around.

“Give me the lighter.” she demanded of Spencer, who hesitated before walking up and handing the lighter to Alison, who took it and lit the end of the stink bomb before she opened the door and looked into it before throwing it in, but she was still looking inside until she gasped and shut the door. “Let’s get out of here.” Alison said, leading the girls away. “Run,” Emily said and the girl rushed away from the garage.

But suddenly the lights inside the garage blew up, making them all scream in shock and turn to see the garage on fire. “Ali, what did you do?” Gwen asked. “We have to get out of here.” Hanna remarked. “Come on, let’s go.” Emily said, and they rushed off.

FLASHBACK OVER
The girls were brought out of their memories when their phones rang, in sync, making them all look at their phones, not wanting to grab it and when they didn’t they just continued to ring as Jenna reached out and picked up Spencer’s phone and held it out to her. “Aren’t you gonna get that?” she asked, making the girls share looks before taking their phones and opening them to check the messages.

UNKNOWN
If only she could see how
Guilty you look…
⎯ A

Gwen put her phone back down on the table before pushing her food away from her, not that hungry anymore.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Okay, people, let’s take out seats.” Mr. Fitz said as he wrote something on the board as the girls separated and sat in their seats just as Mona walked through the door. She stopped once she noticed everyone was already sitting down, she turned to Mr. Fitz. “Am I late?” she asked. “It’s-It’s Mona, right?” he asked. Mona smiled. “That’s right, Mr, Fritz.” she answered as he put her phone away, causing the class to laugh at her mispronunciation of Mr. Fitz’s name. “What?” she asked, embarrassed. “Take your seat, Mona, please.” Mr. Fitz asked sheepishly.

Mona walked to her seat beside Hanna, who leaned over to her. “It’s Fitz, not Fritz.” Hanna explained to her. “Oops.” Mona whispered with a laugh. “If the mockingbird represents the idea of innocence,” Mr. Fitz started as he handed out sheets. “What characters are innocent?” he asked. “Take a second, jot down your ideas. We’ll discuss.” he said before moving back behind his desk. Gwen looked up from her paper at the sound of footsteps, seeing Aria walk in, placing something on Mr. Fitz’s desk before walking to her seat.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day at school, Hanna and Gwen were walking towards the front of the school before they noticed a crowd around Ben, Emily’s boyfriend's car, making them walk over as Emily opened the door and got out. “Lookin good Emily,” a guy said to her, before he noticed Hanna and Gwen. “You’re looking good too.” he said to them. “I’m sorry, are you talking to us?” Gwen said with a scoff before she, Hanna and Emily began walking away. “You okay?” Hanna asked her. “Not really.” Emily responded, making Gwen frown. “You know, I never thought of you as someone who’d be so comfortable with PDA.” she said. “Maybe I’m not the person everybody thinks I am.” Emily responded. “Who is?” Hanna scoffed as the three of them entered the school.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Okay, so we’re sure those Madames go with the dress?” Hanna asked, for what seemed like the millionth time. Gwen, Hanna and Mona were walking through the underground parking lot of rosewood mall after a day of shopping. Mona laughed. “This sounds totally gay, but if i saw your struttin’ it in that dress and kicking up those heels, I would think about doing you.” Mona responded, making Gwen laugh. “And we love the necklace?” Gwen asked, holding up a bag she was holding. “We adore it.” Mona and Hanna answered.

Hanna then noticed someone, making Mona and Gwen turn to Detective Wilden. Gwen rolled her eyes, this was serious unprofessional behaviour. Mona turned back to Hanna. “Relax, you actually paid for that, let’s go.” Mona said as she began to walk again, but Hanna was still not moving. “Um, yeah. I’ll be right back.” Hanna said before walking over to Detective Wilden. “What is his deal?” Mona asked Gwen as they walked to the car and waited for Hanna. “He thinks one of us girls either killed Ali, or knows who did it.” Gwen informed her. “That’s crazy.” Mona said, shocked. “I know.” Gwen muttered, watching Hanna talk to Detective Wilden.

Chapter Text

The girls were currently walking through the woods. “Whose idea was this, again?” Hanna asked. “Em’s mom’s.” Gwen responded. “The shed was me, my mom just said we should do something for us.” Emily explained. “Well, couldn’t we do something without mosquitoes?” Hanna asked. “They’re not mosquitoes, they’re gnats.” Aria corrected her. “Whatever! They’re small and annoying and they’re flying up my nose.” Hanna complained, making Gwen snicker.

“Well, they’re attracted to your perfume, and your hair products, and your lip gloss.” Spencer teased her. “So, what are you saying? I attract flies?” Hanna asked as she looked back at Spencer. “Gnats.” Gwen corrected her. “Why do I feel like this is the wrong way?” Emily asked as they stopped by a large tree. “No, this is it. I remember that tree, it’s the halfway point, there’s a 136 step left to the shed.” Spencer told them.

“Have you been out since… Alison?” Emily asked her. “Me? No. No way.” Spencer scoffed. “But… you remember that tree.” Aria pointed out. “You guys, it's not that weird. We came out here in eighth grade like, every day, even after.” Hanna said, defending Spencer. “I think this is totally the wrong place to do this…. Whatever you call it, Shrine.” Spencer gave her opinion. “It’s not a shrine, it’s just a place to remember Alison. What’s wrong with that?” Emily asked.

“Doing it way out here makes it look like we have something to hide.” Spencer said. “You’re worried what other people think?” Emily asked. “Aren’t you? Do you really want to give that creepy detective more reason to question us?” Spencer asked. Hanna sighed from beside Gwen before moving to walk forward, confusing the girls as they followed her.

“Hanna, why are you so quiet?” Emily asked her. “I’m trying to keep the bugs in my nose and out of my mouth.” Hanna responded. “You’re allowed to have an opinion on this Han,” Gwen told her, making her stop and turn to the girls, who also stopped. “You want my opinion?” she asked “I say we hold off and not remember her till we know for sure she’s not still here.” Hanna responded.

“What?” Aria and Hanna said in sync.
What are you talking about? You think she’s still alive?” Emily asked.
“They found her body, Han. They buried her.” Gwen spoke softly.

“Stop, I’m…officially scared. Can we just not–” Aria interrupted the conversation. “Okay, you know what? You asked for my opinion.” Hanna remarked. “I don’t believe she’s really gone.” she added before she continued walking. “We went to her funeral!” Spencer exclaimed as she followed Hanna along with Aria, Emily and Gwen.
“Yeah, and when we left we all got a text from her.” Hanna responded.

“We don’t know if it was her, I think someone is messing with us,” Gwen told her. “How do you know? And what about all those nasty messages? I mean, how does this ‘A’ person know stuff only Ali knew? ” Hanna asked. “Okay, this conversation is giving me a hive.” Aria complained. “Not hive, that’s a mosquito bite.” Gwen told her just before the girls stopped. “Spencer, have you gotten any more messages?” Emily asked.

“Haven’t you?” Spencer asked her just as they heard a twig snap and leaves rustling in the distance. “What was that? Did you hear that?” Emily asked. “Yes, I heard that I'm standing right next to you.” Aria responded. “Hello? Is anybody out there?” Hanna called out. “It’s probably a rabbit.” Spencer explained to her. “Hello?” Hanna called out again. “It’s a rabbit, Hanna, it’s not gonna answer you.” Spencer repeated, making Hanna turn to her.

“Can we just get this over with? This is beginning to freak me out.” Gwen asked as they heard more rustling in the distance. “Okay, that is definitely not a rabbit, someone’s out there.” Hanna said, turning to look at her friends. “Let’s turn around.” Emily suggested and the girls were about to walk back when their phones rang, stopping them, causing them to pull their phones out from their bags or their pockets, checking the message.

UNKNOWN
Heads up, BBFs
It’s open season
on liars and I’m hunting…
⎯ A

The girls looked up from their phones and shared a look, a look of fear.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Ah! Totally love this colour.” Mona said as she tried on a lipstick of Hanna’s in the mirror of her phone as she, Gwen and Hanna were standing in front of Rosewood High. “We should’ve stocked up on a few more tubes.” she added as she turned around to hand it back to Hanna. “Well, I only have two hands. Keep it.” she told Mona, “Why is your mom asking to see receipts now?” Mona asked as Sean, Hanna’s boyfriend and Noel Kahn walked up to them.

“Sean.” Hanna said with a smile, walking over to them, Gwen and Mona following her. “What’s so funny?” Hanna asked. “Nothin’ Noel’s just out of control.” Sean answered before kissing Hanna. “Mm, you smell good,” he commented. “Save something for tomorrow night.” Noel said, making them look at her. “What’s tomorrow night?” Gwen asked, looking at him.

“Noel’s parents are leaving town.” Sean answered. “It means the party of the year is officially on.” Noel added, smirking. “Think big, think wild, think parental units in a different time zone.” Noel bragged, Mona and Gwen shared a look of amusement at Noel’s excitement. “I gotta get to practice.” Sean said to Hanna. “Save the smell,” he muttered to her before kissing her before he and Noel walked off.

“So, the pressure’s on.” Mona teased. “What do you mean?” Hanna asked. “Not all of us have a Sean to wear to that party and I'm not gonna spend the night guarding the bushes so you two can jump each other’s bones.” Mona said, making Gwen laugh. “Okay, we’re not gonna be doing it in the bushes.” Hanna deadpanned. “Oh, whatever.” Mona scoffed. “Have you guys even done it yet?” Mona asked as the three of them began walking towards the entrance.

“It’s not a race Mona, she doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to.” Gwen said, making Mona scoff. “Okay, mom, seriously.” she said before looking back at Hanna. “No one’s pushing you to be a natty ho, but you guys have been going out for, like, months, if you’re not together in that way, how do you know you're together-together?” Mona asked, making Hanna stop.

“How long can you wait before you lose him?” She asked as she continued to walk as Hanna stared at Sean, who was with Noel, walking to a couple girls, obviously, making Hanna feel insecure. Gwen sighed, resting her hand on Hanna’s arm, “Don’t listen to her,” She said, “Some people like to wait, Han, it’s okay.” she added, making Hanna give a faint smile before linking arms with Gwen as the two walked into the school.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna and Gwen split up from Mona before they saw Jenna Marshall and Toby Cavanugh turning down a hallway, following them, shocked that Toby Cavanugh was back at Rosewood High. Hanna and Gwen moved to stand next to Aria and Spencer as the four of them watched the step-siblings disappear down the hallway.

The girls stood together as Emily and Maya walked towards them, probably explaining to her who they were before Maya said goodbye and went a separate way. “He’s back, too? When did that happen?” Aria asked. “Maybe she needs help sending radioactive emails.” Hanna said. “Or he may be sending his own.” Gwen responded.

“Hanna.” Someone called out, making them turn to see Wilden walking towards them. “Cops on campus too.” Aria said, shocked as Hanna turned to Wilden. “I just spoke to your principal, asked him if we could have a chat.” He said. “No, I have to get to class.” Hanna declined. “Don’t worry, you’ve been excused.” He explained, making Gwen furrow her brows. Aren’t they not supposed to talk to minors without a parent present? She thought as he led Hanna away from the girls and down the hallway. “What is going on? Why just her?” Aria asked. “Probably thinks she’s the easiest to crack.” Emily responded. “She is,” Spencer uttered. “Whisper, Whisper, Whisper, almost feels like Alison’s still here.” Jenna said as she passed the girls.

Later on, the girls stood around Hanna’s locker, waiting for her, but she still hadn't shown up, worrying them. “What are you doing? Is that a new phone?” Gwen asked Aria as she stood in front of her. “Yeah, I'm checking my Kin.” Aria responded. “I’ll just write on Hanna’s wall from here.” she added. “If she’s not answering texts, what makes you think she’s checking facebook?” Emily asked.

“It’s worth a try.” Aria responded, as she typed a message. “What’s going on?” Hanna asked as she walked up to the girls. “We-we’ve been trying to get a hold of you.” Aria told her as she moved off Hanna's locker. “What happened in there?” Aria asked as Hanna opened her locker. “Nothing, just the same old stupid questions.” Hanna responded. “Han, you were in there for an hour, what did he ask you?” Gwen asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Hanna shut her locker, turning to her, leaning on her locker.

“Nothing, he just took a couple calls and I just sat there waiting for him to shut up.” Hanna explained, but Gwen could tell there was more to the story. “Well, is he gonna question all of us alone now?” Aria asked. “Who knows? Look, let's do this at lunch, okay? I have to hit the ladies, before my next class” Hanna asked before walking off. “Is she being weird?” Spencer asked. “Definitely being weird.” she said as she nodded her head. “I'm gonna head to my next class, I'll see you guys at lunch.” Gwen bid them goodbye before walking off.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“If you need me, you call me, understand?” Sophia said as she stood in the doorway of Gwen's room as she put her necklace on. “Yes mum.” Gwen responded as she turned around, smiling at her mom. “Okay, okay,” Sophia held up her hands in fake surrender. “I won’t be home later than ten, I promise.” Gwen said as she grabbed her jacket from her bed before stopping in front of her mom, kissing her cheek before walking out of her room.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen stood with Hanna as they watched Sean and Noel play pool. Sean turned to Hanna after he had won. “Did you see that?” he asked her excitedly before he kissed her cheek. “Awesome.” Hanna responded with a fake smile making Gwen snicker. “Look, can this be your last game?” she asked but Sean didn’t answer, too distracted by the game. Mona walked over to the two of them. “Have you guys… Seriously?” Mona asked as Hanna shook her head before Mona and the guy she was with walked away.

“Should we go find the girls?” Gwen asked and Hanan nodded before she walked up to Sean. “I’ll be right back.” she said, before walking off, Gwen followed her. “What’s up?” Hanna asked as she and Gwen joined their conversation. “Toby Cavanaugh got into a fight with Ben over Emily.” Aria answered, causing Gwen to raise her brow. “It wasn’t over me. God!” Emily scoffed in response. “Look, he just…saved me.” she added. “For what? Himself?” Spencer asked.

“Ew.” Hanna and Gwen responded in sync. “Well, if we hadn’t asked you about Ben, would you have told us about this?” Aria asked but Emily didn’t answer. “Hey, Toby is not a good guy, Emily, he could be seriously dangerous.” Spencer said. “If he’s such a bad guy, why’d he take the fall for us?” Emily asked, making Spencer hesitate as she looked from Emily to the rest of the girls.

“Another secret? Do you know something we don't?” Gwen asked. “Guys, why don’t we just, like, chill and talk about this somewhere else? When we’re alone.” Hanna asked. “I… Don’t even know what ‘just us’ means anymore.” Aria admitted as Hanna turned to see Sean and Noel coming outside. “Yeah. uh… let’s talk about it tomorrow, okay? Are we still meeting up at the shed?” she asked as she walked away, Gwens staying behind knowing what Hanna was going to do.

“Yeah. Yeah, sure, why not?.” Aria scoffed before beginning to get her bad she had with her. “Where are you going?” Emily asked. “The Gallery, I… promised my mom.” Aria answered before walking off. “I think i’ll head home, not really feeling up to the party anymore.” Gwen said, “Bye,” “See you tomorrow.” Spencer and Emily said, waving at off as Gwen began walking off, turning to look at them and wave back before continuing her walk to her car.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day the girls met up in the woods again. Spencer had explained the secret about the night of ‘The Jenna Thing’. “Alison wanted us across the street so she could have it out with Toby. Ali had something on him.” Spencer finished. “Besides being a total perv who peeped in our windows?” Hanna asked. “Yeah, something way bigger, and she was threatening to tell everybody. That’s why he took the fall for us.” Spencer answered. “Why are you waiting until now to tell us?” Aria asked.

“I don’t know. Ali made me promise and… I guess I was scared.” Spencer admitted. “I thought if we never talk about that night again, i-it would just go away.” she added. “Well, it’s not going away.” Gwen remarked as she readjusted her stance. “Not unless we toss our phones and join the Navy.” Hanna jokes before Spencer begins to walk.

“Look, there’s five of us and one freak sending messages, if we just talk to each other like this I feel like it makes it easier to deal with everything.” Emily said as the girls followed Spencer deeper into the woods. “I think Emily’s right. And there’s way too many secrets, we shouldn’t do this in the middle of nowhere, we should do it where we can see it everyday.” Aria said. “Like somewhere in school?” Gwen asked.

“No, in town, we should ask if we can put a bench somewhere,” she added. “Wait, and you know what?” she asked just before the girls stopped. “Whoever did this to her, if they’re still in Rosewood, we should make them look at it every day, too.” she said. Hanna sighed, making them look at her. “What? You hate the idea?” Spencer asked her. “No, no. I just.. I had a rough night.” Hanna responded before the sound of rustling was heard, startling them.

The girls shared a look before Spencer ran towards the noise, the others following after her, dumping their bags. They ran for a bit before coming to a stop near a big tree, looking around. “Look,” Hanna said, as she looked at the ground, the girls making a circle around what was on the ground. It was a bracelet, a purple one, like the one Ali had given the girls. “Is that yours?” Spencer asked Emily. “Alison’s,” Aria said, in shock.

Chapter Text

“How bad did your mom bust you over wrecking Sean’s car?” Emily asked Hanna. “Okay, I did not wreck it. I damaged it.” Hanna defended herself, making Gwen laugh. “And, actually, everyone’s being really mature about it.” she added. “Oh.” Emily responded. “There’s no ‘oh’, we’re just being grown-ups, that’s all.” Hanna said as the five of them stopped in front of an old park bench.

“Okay, the town’ s gonna put in a new bench and we’ll plant the flowerbeds and there’s gonna be a pathway of art tiles.” Aria explained about their plan for Alison’s Memorial. “Art tiles?” Spencer asked as she sat down on the bench and Aria hummed and nodded. “Messages, pictures, memories of Alison,” Emily responded. “Oh, like little headstones.” Hanna jokes, making Gwen hit her arm lightly, “Hanna,” she scolded. “What?” she asked, confused. “We should each do a tile.” Emily said but Hanna changed the subject.

“You know, I’ve had Alison’s bracelet since the day we found it in the woods and I don’t want the responsibility anymore.” Hanna said, pulling it out of her bag and holding it out. “I don’t want it.” Aria and Gwen said in sync, Gwen moving closer to Aria. “Seriously, somebody take this.” Hanna said, not wanting it at all. Eventually Spencer took it from her.

“Look at us. Bunch of babies.” Spencer scoffed. “There’s nothing that ‘A’ can say or do to get us into trouble without making trouble for herself.” Spencer said, looking at Ali’s bracelet. “Her?” Gwen asked. “Him, Her, It doesn’t make any difference.” Spencer responded as he pulled her laptop out of her bag that was beside the bench and opened it. “What are you doing?” Emily asked.

“I’m gonna block all messages from people that I don’t know. IMs, texts, emails, everything. Screw ‘A’.” Spencer answered before clicking something on her laptop. “There.” she said, done. “Who’s next?” She asked and Gwen moved to sit next to her, Spencer handing her the laptop. As Gwen was blocking all messages, the girls saw Mr. Fitz riding on his bike through town. “I spy with my eye something that begins with F.” Spencer said as Gwen handed the laptop to Emily who quickly blocked everything as well. “Hey, Mr. Fitz.” Hanna called out, waving at him, who waved back, probably embarrassed. “Looking good Mr. Fitz.” Spencer called out, making Gwen laugh before Aria took a seat next to Emily. “My turn,” she said, grabbing the laptop from Emily once she was done.

“Now, there are teachers you don’t wanna see on a bike, and there are teachers you do wanna see on a bike.” Spencer said, watching as Mr. Fitz biked around the corner. “I would not wanna see Mr. Gilardi on a bike.” Hanna said. “I’d rather not think about him in motion of any kind Han.” Gwen laughed, making the others laugh as well. “Ah, Mr. Fitz.” Hanna sighed dreamily.

“Hanna. Your turn.” Aria said, snappily, making Gwen raise a brow at her, confused but Hanna sat down and took the laptop from her. “You talked to ben?” Spencer asked. “Nothing to talk about.” Emily shrugged. “So you guys are really done then?” Gwen asked. “It’s okay, I'm fine.” Emily assured her and Gwen shrugged. “Okay, if you say so.” Gwen said.

“I wish we had a drum roll for this.” Hanna sighed. “Alright, here it goes.” Hanna said, before clicking something on Spencer’s laptop. “We are officially ‘A’ proofed.” Hanna said happily as Aria closed the laptop. “Listen, all those little messages zipping through the air all around us.” Spencer said, standing beside the bench. “Yep, and none of them from ‘A’.” Hanna added.

“This feels like a good thing.” Emily said as she sat next to Aria. “Of course it is.” Gwen said to her. “Out of mind, out of sight.” Hanna added and for a moment before a piece of paper flew their way, making Gwen bend down and grab it. It was a missing poster of Alison, but it had ‘Ding Dong the Bitch is Dead’ in red written on it. She showed it to the girls, making them look around, trying to see if they could see anyone who could have done it, before screwing it up into a ball.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls were standing around in the cafeteria, minus Emily. “Why didn’t your parents take you to New York as well?” Gwen asked before taking a sop of her coffee. “I mean, you deserve some retail therapy as well.” she added. “Not as much as Melissa.” Spencer responded as Emily walked up to them. “Ohh, hot scarf, Em.” Spencer complimented her. “Thanks.” Emily responded. “Is it new?” Gwen asked. “No.” Emily answered after a moment before Hanna’s phone rings, making them look at her as she pulls it out from her bag and stares at it before looking at her friends.

“Go ahead, answer it. We know who it can’t be from.” Aria encouraged her. Gwen noticed her hesitance was still there, making her frown, confused. “Hanna.” Emily said, getting her attention. “It’s my dad!” Hanna said excitedly, smiling. Gwen closed her eyes and sighed, she just knew why he would be calling. Hanna soon answered, “Hey, dad.” She said as she walked off, leaving the girls there, watching her go.

“Has she… even, like, talked to her dad since he walked out on them?” Emily asked and Gwen shook her head. “No, her father is a topic we don’t even dare to talk about anymore.” she answered. “We shouldn’t stare at her, come on.” Aria said, encouraging them to move as her phone went off. “My brother's post just showed up on my loop.” Aria scoffed. “You added him as a favourite?” Spencer asked. “Yeah. Moment of weakness.” Aria answered as she tossed her rubbish into the bin.

As the girls are walking, Emily manages to bump into Toby Cavanaugh. “Sorry,” he apologised. ”My fault.” Emily reaponde before catching up to the girls. “I wonder if we just bumped into ‘A’.” Aria whispered to them as they walked off. “It doesn’t matter, we’re done with ‘A’, right?” Spencer asked. “Right. Yeah. I know.” Aria answered. “But I’m.. still staying out of Toby’s way.” Aria added. “And Jenna’s.” Spencer added. “I guess that’s the safest thing to do.” Emily said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Soon enough the girls met back up with Hanna, and now they were walking through the halls as Hanna talked about her father. “He has to be in New England for a couple of weeks but he’s making a special trip out to see me.” Hanna said, smiling. “That’s-that’s great, Hanna.” Aria stuttered slightly, making Hanna look over at them, noticing the looks on her friends' faces. “What?” she asked.

The girls shared a look before Emily spoke. “It’s just… Do you think he’s out here because of the thing with Sean’s car?” she asked, making Hanna stop and look at her, the other stopping as well. “No, he’s not. Look, I asked. Absolutely not.” Hanna answered, defending her dad. “And besides, even if he was, at least he’s still coming out to see me.” she added. “Spencer!” someone called out, making turn to see Mr. Sheldrake walking to them.

“Mr. Mr. Sheldrake.” Spencer greeted him, shocked and confused. “I was gonna tell you in class, but, uh, here you are.” he said. “Remarkable job on the Russian history essay,” he congratulated her. “Oh, thanks.” Spencer responded. “Very lucid presentation,” he added. “It’s not really a new idea,” she tried to brush it off. “I’ve submitted it for a Golden Orchid,” he said proudly before going to walk away. “Wait, you what?” Spencer asked him. “There’s an honorarium, but you know the real upside to winning an essay competition like that is how it looks on your application.” Mr. Sheldrake said.

“Wait, can we–” Spencer started. “We’ll discuss the details after class.” Mr. Sheldrake said before walking away. “Okay, what’s a Golden Orchid?” Hanna asked with a laugh, making Spencer turn to face them. “It’s a national competition for historical writing.” Spencer explained. “More academic bling for Spencer.” Emily joked, but Gwen could see how tense Spencer was. The bell rings, meaning class. “Okay, see you later.” Aria said before walking off with Hanna and Gwen as they headed to class.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day at school, the girls stood around in their English classroom before class started as Hanna talked about the dinner with her dad. “I mean, it was- it was great. Incredible, really.” Hanna said with the biggest smile Gwen had seen in a long time. “Where’d your dad take you?” Emily asked. “Jolly Roger’s.” Hanna answered, making the girls laugh. “What, the lame amusement park?” Aria asked as she laughed. “Okay, it is not lame.” Hanna defended their choice of place.

“We didn’t go on the tilt-a-whirl, we walked around and talked.” she explained. “And I told him about what’s going on.” she added, making the girls share a look, one which Hanna noticed, “Some of what’s going on, and he listened” she corrected. “And he wants me to take me to a real dinner tonight, he said he has something to tell me.” she said. “I don’t know, I think he wants to spend more time with me, I mean, maybe summers in Maryland.” Hanna admitted.

“Seriously?” Emily asked. “Would you go?” Aria asked. “Well, I wouldn’t move away, not forever, I don’t wanna leave my mom alone, but… I would like to see my dad more.” Hanna responded. “Wow,” Spencer said with a nod of her head. “Good for you Han,” Gwen said, smiling at her softly as the bell rang, signalling that class was starting, making them all take their seats as Mr. Fitz walked into the room. “I’m wondering, is anybody else bothered by Atticus’ hypocrisy at the end of the novel?” he asked but no one answered.

“No? Well, he’s Mr. Due process when it comes to Tom Robinson then as soon as Bob Ewell gets stabbed, he’s willing to buy into the sheriff’s cover-up.” he said. Spencer put her hand up as she spoke. “He was protecting Boo Radley.” she said. “Protecting him? From, from what, the justice system?” he asked. “Atticus is an officer of the court and he’s conspiring to cover up a crime and he’s willing to let his own son take the fall for something that Boo Radley did?” he asked.

“It was a trade.” Aria called out, making some turn to her. “What was a trade?” he asked. “Mr. Ewell would have killed those kids, Boo saved them and Atticus was still feeling guilty over Tom Robinson, so… he offered Jem to take Boo’s place, almost like a sacrifice.” Aria explained her opinion. “Oh. Very Noble. Too bad Jem was unconscious, you think he might have had a different opinion” Mr. Fitz asked.

“No, Jem would have said yes.” Aria said. “You’re sure about that?” Mr. Fitz asked. “He was brought up right.” Aria shot back, making Gwen furrow her brows, she could tension in the air and she didn’t know why. Someone then cleared their throat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sperling, do you have something to add to the discussion aside from phlegm?” he asked.

“Just… well, his dad was a lawyer, he could get the kid off.” the guy explained. “Um, being brought up right had nothing to do with it.” he added. “Really? The whole book is about what shapes us into adults or haven’t y ou been paying attention?” Mr. Fitz asked. ”No, no, i’m just saying that she–” he’s cut off by Mr. Fitz. “No, no, you're just saying that Aria made an attempt to understand this book and you haven’t.” he said, making Gwen glance at Hanna, confused. “No, I wasn’t saying that, Mr. Fitz.” the guy said, looking down at his desk. “Sorry, what are you trying to say?” Mr. Fitz asked. “Well, it’d probably be easier for Atticus to get the kid off than to get Boo off, that’s all.” he explained. It was silent as Mr. Fitz nodded slightly as he turned to walk back to the front.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later that night, as Gwen was doing her homework, her phone went off, making her pick it up to see a message from Spencer, and she quickly opened it.

Spence
S.O.S

Gwen quickly threw a jacket over the top of her pyjamas before grabbing her car keys and softly exiting her house, knowing her mother was asleep from a 10 hour shift, and needed her sleep. It didn’t take long before she arrived at Spencer’s, she spotted the other girls' cars in out front. She quickly walked inside Spencer’s house, seeing the girls in the kitchen, standing around. “Good, you're here, there’s something we need to show you guys.” Spencer said, before leading the girls upstairs.

Spencer led the girls into her room, and once they were all in there, they turned to see Spencer’s mirror had been written on in red lipstick.

IT WON’T BE
THAT EASY, BITCHES
⎯ A

“Is that jungle red?” Gwen asked as she walked up the mirror. “Alison’s colour.” Emily added as the five of them stared at it, shocked and fearful that ‘A’ had been able to get into Spencer’s house.

Chapter Text

Gwen followed Spencer into Aria’s room with Emily and Hanna behind her. Hanna sat on Aria’s bed as Spencer pulled Aria’ earphones out of her ears. “Hey,” Spencer greeted her as Aria groaned. “What are you doing?” She asked. “An intervention.” Gwen responded as she stood next to Spencer. “We bought takeout and rag mags.” Emily said, throwing the magazines onto the bed.

“But, you cannot have any of those until you get out of these sweats.” Hanna said as she patted the side of Aria’s leg. “Why, what’s wrong with these?” Aria asked as she sat up. “Nothing, except for they are starting to become a second skin.” Gwen responded. “Well, they’re comfy.” Aria responded. “Yeah, so are mom jeans and platform flip-flops.” Hanna remarked. “Plus, how are we gonna help you choose a homecoming dress if you don’t try some on for us?” Emily asked.

“Oh, that’s easy. I’m not going.” Aria told them. “What? What do you mean you’re not going?” Gwen asked, frowning. “Yeah, you can’t just not go.” Spencer added. “What are you doing instead?” Emily asked. “I don’t know, guess I’ll just read these and then inhale a gallon of chunky monkey.” Aria responded, flipping through the magazines that were next to her.

“Hey, look, cutting yourself off from the rest of your life is not gonna help your parents.” Spencer spoke softly. “And besides, they still might work it out.” she added. “They’re barely speaking to each other.” Aria said sadly. “Aria, people get angry and they blow up but it doesn’t mean that it’s over.” Gwen said. “Gwen, they didn’t blow up over her dad missing their anniversary, he slept with one of his students.” Hanan scoffed. “Sorry,” she whispered to Aria.

“She’s just saying, things can look over on Friday and by Monday all is forgiven, some things just take time.” Emily added and Aria smiled at her sadly. “Yeah, maybe.” she said. “Okay, so you’re coming.” Spencer said excitedly, moving Aria’ legs so she would get up. “Come on.” Spencer said. “God,” Aria groaned. “I’ll think about it.” she said, standing up from her bed and Gwen taking her spot.

“Well, if you’re not coming, can you at least cast an absentee ballot?” Hanna asked, making everyone turn to her. “What? I need her vote.” Hanna said, defending herself. “Hanna, stop already, you’ve got homecoming queen locked down” Spencer groaned. “Really? You can rig the election?” Hanna asked, making Gwen scoff and shove her shoulder. “Sorry, i have enough to do already, thanks.” Spencer responded.

“I’m head of the committee, half of which is sick out with the flu, so I'll be restocking the ice and refilling the hummus bowl. And trying to look cute for my first official date.” Spencer complained. “With Alex?” Emily asked. “Wait, you’re bringing him to homecoming So this is real?” Aria asked and Spencer shrugged her shoulders as she blushed. “Look at her blush!” Gwen exclaimed happily. “Stop.” Spencer demanded playfully. “Damn, now I have to come.” Aria laughed.

“But, seriously, you guys, he’s not gonna know anybody there. So can you just do your best to make him feel included?” Spencer asked. “No, we were planning on freezing him out.” Hanna joked, making Spencer roll her eyes. “Alright, moving on,” she said, looking at Emily. “Em, who are you gonna bring?” She asked. “I think I’m gonna go stag.” Emily answered.

“I will, too.” Aria said. “Why don’t you guys come together?” Gwen asked. “Oh, you’d make such a cute couple.” Spencer joked. “How did I just go from wearing mom jeans to being Samantha Ronson?” Aria asked with a laugh, making the others laugh as well. “Who cares who anyone goes to this thing with? I mean, it’s just a dance. You should bring someone who you have fun with.” Hanna said.

Gwen gave Hanna a look. “I might wanna go with someone, I just don’t want people thinking it’s mean more than it does.” Emily said as she took a seat. “Are you and Ben back together?” Spencer asked. “No. No, of course not.” Emily responds. “So… who’s the mystery dude?” Gwen asked but Emily didn’t get a chance to answer. “I’m starving.” Hanna said, reaching for the fortune cookies and quickly opened the bag before cracking open a cookie.

Gwen noticed Hanna’s brows furrow. “What’s wrong? Bad fortune?” she asked jokingly. “Yeah, Confucius says, ‘Stop being such a drama queen’” Spencer laughs with a mouthful of good. “‘Lions and Tigers and bitches, oh my! There’s no place like homecoming. See you there, A.’” Hanna read out. The girls shared looks before Spencer grabbed the bag and opened all the cookies and they were all the same.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen sighed as she leaned back into her seat. She was currently sitting next to Hanna in a circle of people. It was a group called ‘Sexercise’ that Sean was in, and Hanna didn’t wanna go alone, so Gwen offered to go with her, to keep her company. “So, my parents are going out of town this weekend and I thought maybe you could stay the night. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I'm ready...to do it.” Sean said. “Sean, I’m not ready. I made a commitment to myself...a commitment I wanna honour.” Amber responded as the two of them stood in the middle of the circle.

Hanna sighed and rolled her eyes, sharing a look with Gwen. "Good, nice work, you guys. Sit down.” The teacher said and Sean and Amber sat down. “May I have two other volunteers, please?" He asked as he looked around before stopping on Gwen. "Gwendolyn, you want to give it a go?" he asked, making Hanna snicker, making Gwen look at her with a glare before looking at the teacher. "No." She answered with a tight lipped smile. “Come on, get up. You can be the instigator." He said, making her sigh as he turned towards a boy and pointed at him.

"Lucas!" he said as gave the boy an encouraging smile, making Gwen look over at him, two of them locking eyes before he looked away. "Uh, no, I'm really more comfortable in an observational role during sexercise." Lucas said, trying to get out of this. "Come on, you two. Let's go." They both got up and Hanna just chuckled but looked away when Gwen glared at her.

"So, you want to come up to my room?" Gwen asked and Lucas sighed before shaking his head. "I can't do this." Lucas said with a shake of his head. "But you make me so hot." Gwen said dryly as Hanna let out a laugh. "No." He laughed. "I mean, I can't do this with you.” he said before turning to the teacher.

“Girls like her don't approach guys like me unless they have deep-seated self-esteem issues and a serious drinking problem." he said, making Gwen sigh. "Just play along, Lucas." The teacher instructed him. "This is embarrassing." Lucas said with a sigh, making the teacher look at him. “Why?" He asked. "Because I don't need to know how to rebuff the advances of a genetic splice between Barbie and Shakira." Gwen smiled at Lucas. ”It's just never going to happen."

"The point of this is to be prepared for the situation when it does arise..." Lucas cut him off. "Mr. Mazzara, let's look at the facts. I have the upper-body strength of Screech, and I spend my weekends playing Wii… alone. I think my virginity is pretty well safeguarded." he said but the teacher didn’t care what Lucas was saying. "Both of you, start again." He told them. "So, you want to come up to my room–" Gwen started but Lucas interrupted. "Yes!" he said, happily, making Gwen, Hanna and Everyone start to laugh and Gwen smile in amusement at Lucas.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“That was the worst thing I've ever been to.” Gwen complained as she sat across from Hanna in the cafeteria. “I know, but thanks for coming with me.” Hanna said as she reapplied her lip gloss before Spencer sat down next to Hanna, scaring her slightly. “Way to sneak up on people.” Hanna scoffed as she put away her phone, which mirror on the back she was using. “Sorry.” she apologised. “Look, can you get it today?” Spencer asked her. “Get what?” Hanna asked. “Jenna’s file.” Spencer responded.

“No, they cancelled my shift at work.” Hanna explained. “Well, go in anyway. It’s a therapist’s office, pretend you’re having a nervous breakdown.” Spencer suggested, making Gwen laugh. “She will if Heather Prerez wins the homecoming queen, she won’t have to pretend.” she said, making Hanna playfully glare at her. “Hanna, Gwen, I’m serious.” Spencer said.

“That file might be our only chance to find out what Jenna knows about that night, and if she and her creepy step brother are planning revenge–.” Spencer started but Hanna cut her off. “Spence, I’ll get it. Why the panic attack?” she asked. “Is this because of the fortune cookies?” Gwen asked. “It’s because Toby Cavanaugh, who’s never had a date in his life, just bought two tickets to homecoming.” Spencer informed them. “So, Jenna’s coming too.” Hanna said in realization.

“Well, ‘A’ did promise to see us there, right?” Spencer asked just before Mona walked up to them. “Hey Han, Gwen,” she happily greeted them, making them smile back at her as she sat down next to Gwen. “Spencer.” She greeted her. “So, is it true, you’re taking the country club’s towel boy to homecoming?” Mona asked, making Gwen feel bad for Spencer. “His name is Alex. And yes, I am.” Spencer reasoned back, snappily. “Knock it off Mona.” Gwen said, making Mona to her.

“What?” she asked, all innocently. “I think it’s cute she’s taking her cinderfella to the ball.” She said, “Can you go get me a fro-yo. With sprinkles?” Hanna asked her. After a moment of staring, Mona got up and walked away. “Wow, that was exactly the reaction I wanted to avoid.” Spencer said. “Don’t pay any attention to her, she’s just insecure.” Hanna said. “Like a pitbull, why are you two friends with her?” Spencer asked. “Once you get to know her, she’s really funny.” Gwen said, smiling softly. “And, she’s always been there for us.” Hanna added. “Even if it's just watching Hanna try on shoes.” Gwen joked.

“Look, she’s a good person, she just talks tough so people will forget what a geek she used to be.” she added when suddenly Spencer kicked her in the shin, making her groan. “Ow, okay, you need to chillax or I need to start carrying a tranq gun.” Hanna said as she was kicked as well. “Shh.” Spencer said, staring at someone, making them look to see her looking at Toby Cavanaugh. “What is that?” Hanna asked, as the three of them stared at his tattoo but Toby soon covered it.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“You look beautiful honey.” Sophia said as she stared at her daughter. She had taken the night off to help Gwen get ready for homecoming. “You think so?” Gwen asked as she pulled on a long scarf to cover her shoulder slightly. “Yes,” Sophia answered. “I’m glad I don’t have a date.” Gwen admitted. “Really?” her mother asked as the two of them walked down the stars into the living room. “Yeah. you taught me that I don’t need a man to make me happy.” she said, smiling at her mom.

Her entire life she knew her mother to be independent, never having a boyfriend, she only focused on Gwen and her career, she inspired to be like her mother. “Well, I’m glad I’ve taught you something.” she joked, making Gwen laugh before posing for her mom to take photos, so she could send them to her grandparents. “You should get going, don’t wanna keep the girls waiting.” Sophia said before hugging her daughter before she left the house and got into her car, driving to the girls.

Once Gwen arrived she handed her ticket over and found the girls, who were standing around with their dates. “You look stunning.” Hanna said as Gwen joined them, “Thank you,” she said, before looking at her friends. “You all look beautiful. Where’s Aria and Emily?” she asked. “Not here yet. But, Gwen this is Alex, Alex is this Gwen.” Spencer said, motioning to the boy by her side. “Nice to meet you.” she greeted and she nodded. “You too.” Alex said, before Hanna noticed Aria arrived. “Hi, there she is.” she said as Aria stood beside Gwen.

“I was worried you were gonna bail.” Spencer said. “No, no, I'm ready to have a fantastic time tonight.” Aria said, smiling. “With no date? My, how the mighty have fallen.” Mona joked. “I don’t have a date either, Mona.” Gwen said, standing up for Aria. “Whatever, she can share my date.” Hanna offered. “Yeah. I have no problem with that.” Sean said, smiling. “Yeah and mine.” Spencer added, motioning to Alex. “Yeah,” Alex shrugged. “Hey, I’m Aria.” she said, introducing herself. “Alex, nice to meet you.” he said. “You too.” she responded.

“Unfortunately, you have to work before you can play. ‘Cause you’ve got the first shift at the beanbag toss.” Spencer said as Aria moved towards the beanbag toss area. “You’re a hero.” Spencer called out to her. Soon enough Hanna and Gwen had walked off as Sean went to talk to some friends of his and Spencer went to talk to her sister. Hanna, Mona and Gwen were standing at a food table.

“Ugh, that’s awful. Is that Becky Newman?” Hanna asked as the three of them stared at someone across the room. “It looks like her hair got in a fight with her face and they both lost.” Mona said, making Gwen laugh just before someone took a photo of them. “Yearbook pictures. Hey.” he said, greeting Gwen and Hanna. “Hey, nice boetie.” Gwen said, smiling at Lucas. “Oh, thanks,” he said, looking at it. “It’s my grandpa’s,” he added before turning to Mona. “Hey. I’m Lucas.” he introduced himself. “Great. Can you be Lucas over there?” Mona asked, pointing somewhere else.

Lucas just chuckles, “Um…” he trailed off, looking at Hanna and Gwen. “I’ll see you around Hanna, Gwen.” he said. “Yeah, see you around.” Hanna said. “Have fun.” Gwen added before Lucas left. Hanna rounded on Mona. “Rude much?” she asked. “Am I In a parallel universe? Or did you two just engage in conversation with Hermie? Isn’t that what Alison called him?” Mona asked, making Gwen clench her jaw. “He is not a hermaphrodite, okay?” Gwen snapped. “He’s a nice guy, saying hi to him is not a crime.” Hanna added.

“It should be.” Mona responded. “You didn’t bust your ass to become Rosewood’s ‘It girls’ just to make chit-chat with shim.” she added, making Hanna look at her as Gwen sighed. “If you, Gwen and I start slipping, we’re gonna be right back at the bottom again.” Mona continued. “Yeah, well, I’m starting to think I’ve lost a few things on the climb up.” Hanna admitted.

“Look, you can go kamikaze if you want, but I will cut your ripcord before I let you drag me down with you.” Mona told them before handing Hanna a drink, and Hanna gave her a fake smile before Mona walked away. “Is it just me or is she starting to forget that she was in the same position as Lucas?” Gwen asked and Hanna nodded.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later that night, Gwen stood with Spencer and Hanna when Aria joined them. “Hey, that was a quick shift. You okay?” Spencer asked her. “No, my claustrophobia kicked in.” Aria explained. “Can you find someone to take my place?” Aria asked. “Yeah. alone in a dark booth with Fitz? It’s, like, every freshman girl's dream.” Spencer joked, making Gwen laugh as Maya joined them. “Hey, Hanna.” She said, “Hi.” “Hey,” “Hey.” “Hi!” The girls greeted her. “Um, have you seen Emily?” She asked. “No. I was just about to text her.” Hanan said as she pulled her phone out of her pocket.

“Hey, don’t bother.” Aria said, looking at something, making them all look over to see Emily with Toby Cavanaugh walking in together. Holding hands. What. the. hell? Gwen thought as she furrowed her eyebrows. Maya walked off, not before giving Hanna a look, confusing the McKnight girl but forgot about it as Emily came over with Toby. “Hey, guys.” she said, greeting them. “Hi,” Gwen muttered as the others just nodded awkwardly.

Toby must have sensed the awkwardness was because of him. “I’ll go get us some drinks,” he offered and Emily nodded before he walked off. Once he was gone and couldn’t hear them, they started talking. “You’re here with Toby?” Spencer asked. “Either you’ve got some genius plan of sleeping with the enemy or you’ve lost your mind.” Aria added.

“You don’t even know him.” Emily said, defending Toby. “What is there to know? Who else would’ve helped Jenna?” Spencer asked. “He has every reason to hate us, Em.” Gwen said softly. “Well, he doesn’t.” Emily responded. “Emily. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a freaking duck.” Hanna said, and Gwen frowned as Emily scoffed out a little laugh. “Wow. I thought at least you’d understand.” she said before going to walk away but Hanna stopped her and Gwen, Spencer and Aria let them have their conversation.

After Hanna and Emily’s conversation, which ended with Emily walking away with Toby – from what they saw – Hanna joined the girls again. “Did I miss something? When did she start hanging out with Toby?” Spencer asked Hanna. “No idea Spence,” Gwen said. “I’ve never even seen her talk to him.” Aria added. “There you are. You keep disappearing on us.” Sean said as he and Alex walked over to them, with a random guy as well, making Gwen furrowed her brows, not knowing who he was.

“Yeah, we had to… get ice.” Hanna shuttered, making Gwen give her a look. “Hey, wanna dance?” Alex asked Spencer, “Let’s do it.” she responded, putting her hand in his before he whisked her away to the dance floor, Sean doing the same to Hanna, leaving Gwen and Aria with the guy who had walked up with the boys. He looked between them, before nodding his head to the dance floor, and Gwen looked at Aria, who didn’t seem to want to dance, so Gwen walked past him, grabbing his hand leading them to the dance floor.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“You look beautiful.” the guy said as he and Gwen slow-danced, making her smile slightly. “Thanks.” she said softly. Gwen then spotted Spencer pushing through the crowd to get to her. “I’m so sorry, but i have to talk to her, if you don’t mind,” she said and the guy she was dancing with, smiled and shook his head, stepping away, Gwen then followed Spener to where Hanna and Aria were waiting.

“Okay, so what was so important that you had to take me from my nice dancing partner?” Gwen asked. “I figured out what Toby’s tattoo means.” she told them. “What?” Hanna and Gwen asked in-sync. “901 free at last? It’s September first.” she explained. “The day Ali went missing.” Gwen said, shocked and Spencer nodded. “Hanna, you’ve gotta get that file.” Aria said to her, making Hanna sigh, “Tonight?” she asked.

“Emily’s not gonna believe us without proof, she could be walking into a trap.” Spencer said to her. “Can we do it after they announce the homecoming queen? please?” Hanna begged and Spencer scoffed. “Okay, fine. Fine. I’ll get it.” Hanna said, “But Gwen, you're coming with me.” she said and Gwen nodded. “Alright.” she said. “Keep an eye on Emily until we get the file.” Spencer said to Spencer. “Wait, what about me?” Aria asked as they were about to leave, making them turn back to her.

“Keep an eye on Sean," Hanna said, “What?” Aria asked, confused. “I can't exactly tell him where I'm going. If I make something up, he'll want to come with me. Just keep him busy.” Hanna said as she and Gwen turned to leave. “How am I supposed to do that?” Aria asked, making them stop, again. “I don't know, just figure it out.” Hanna shrugs before she and Gwen leave.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Hi, can I get a cab to Rosewood High School, please?” Hanna asked over the phone. Gwen would drive but she’s had some of the punch which was definitely spiked by Noel Kahn and she didn’t wanna get into an accident so they went with the safe option, a cab. “Great, thanks.” Hanna said before hanging up. The sound of footsteps made them turn to see Lucas. “Hey,” they greeted him.

“The homecoming queen is leaving?” he asked, referring to Hanna. “Nominee, and yeah, sort of.” Hanna replied. "Isn't that kind of like Han Solo abandoning the Millennium Falcon?” Lucas asked. “Uh, honestly, I have no idea.” Hanna said. “Yeah.” Gwen replied. She may not seem like it, but Gwen loved those movies, because they were her moms favourite as well, she grew up watching them on movie nights. “Why are you leaving?” she asked.

“Got enough photos for the yearbook.” He responded while shrugging his shoulders. “You only came to take photos?” She asked, confused. “Yeah.” he responded. “And to cast my vote for you.” He said to Hanna, making Gwen look between them. Lucas went to walk away but Hanna stopped him. “Listen, um, I left a check for the band at the office where I work. Would you mind driving us there and back?” She asked, pointing to her and Gwen.

“It's either that or watch the new ‘Hoarders’ episode with my parents, so yeah.” He said, before taking his jacket off and giving it to Hanna. "Here, uh, you look cold." He said as he handed her his jacket, and she took it. “Thank you, let’s go.” she said as she and Gwen walked towards the parking lot, Lucas behind them.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Hanna, tell me why they locked the elevator again?” Lucas asked as they entered a hallway through a staircase door. He sounded puffed out, making Gwen feel bad, but he didn’t have to follow them. Hanna reached the door that she needed to get through, Gwen stood behind Hanna as she opened the door before she turned to Lucas. “Can you wait here? We’ll only be a couple of minutes, okay?” she asked as Gwen moved past Hanna into the office. “Oh, yeah, take your time. Hoarders always has, you know has–” Lucas started but Hanna entered the room and shut the door as he was mid-sentence.

“Okay….” Gwen trailed off as she followed Hanna to where they kept the files. They didn’t know what they were meant to be looking for, so Hanna decided to call Spencer. “What is it?” Spencer asked, “Hey, we’re looking through the entire 'M' section, and there's no Jenna Marshall.” Hanna tells her. “Well, check under Cavanaugh. Uh, she’s Toby’s stepsister. Maybe his dad adopted her.” Spencer said. “What–” Gwen went to ask but her phone died. “Crap, it’s dead.” Gwen said before she and Hanna tried looking under ‘C’ and they found a folder but not Jenna’s. It was Toby’s. Hanna and Gwen shared a look before pulling it out and looking at its contents, which made Gwen want to be sick.

They quickly left the Dentist's office and went back to the school. Once they arrived. Gwen and Hanna waved over the girls, who noticed that they were back. The girls joined them, Hanna gave Lucas his jacket back and hugged him before the girls went off into an empty mirror room for privacy. “Is that Jenna’s file?” Spencer asked as she locked the door. “No. it’s Toby’s.” Gwen answered. “Turns out Jenna wasn’t the patient. The therapist had her come in for one session to see how she felt about Toby being back home.” Hanna explained.

“Oh, my god.” Aria let out. “Well, what else does it say?” she asked. “Well, the dates prove that he wasn’t away at school on September 1st. He was right here. In Rosewood.” Gwen informed them. “What else?” Aria asked as she grabbed the file from Hanna.“See for yourself.” Hanna said. “Session 12, August 15th…” Aria trailed off as she read the file, Spencer reading over her shoulder. “So that’s what Ali had on him?” Spencer asked, shocked.

“It’s enough to want her dead.” Hanna said. “And us.” Aria remarked. “Emily.” Aria realized, closing the file and handing it to Hanna before grabbing her phone out of her purse, trying to call her, but she wasn’t answering. “She’s not picking up.” Aria said. “Text her.” Spencer said. “If she isn’t answering phone calls, she won’t answer a text.” Gwen muttered, as Aria began to text Emily. “We have to find her. Come on.” Hanna said, as the others nodded before they exited the room, not knowing that someone was eavesdropping on their conversation.

The girls ran through halls and ended up in the cafeteria, still no sign of her. “Where is she?” Aria asked. “Maybe they’ve left.” Gwen said. “Get away from me!” they heard, making them turn to the sound of where it was coming from. “That’s her.” Spencer said before they ran in that direction.

Chapter Text

The girls turned a corner, again, it was empty, no sign of Emily. “Emily!” Spencer shouted. “Emily!” “Em!” Hanna, Aria and Gwen shouted, calling out for their friend, hoping she’d respond. “Em, are you up here?” Spencer shouted. “Emily?” Gwen shouted. Spencer noticed a light switch to her left and flipped it, turning the lights above them on, but it kept going off and on, so Spencer flipped the switch again to turn it off.

“Um, why don’t we split up?” Spencer suggested. “Um, why don’t we not?” Hanna said. “Hanna, you can come with me and Spence will go with Gwen.” Aria suggested. “Why do we have to split up at all?” Gwen asked. “Fine! We’ll split up together.” Aria said, causing Gwen to sigh before pulling her phone out. “Who are you calling?” Hanna asked her as she put the phone to her ear. “Em.” she answered when they suddenly heard a phone ringing in the distance.

The girls shared a look before moving towards the sound. They find the phone laying at the end of the hall near the science room. Gwen picks it up to see her contact on Emily’s phone, which was still ringing as Spencer looks towards the open door to the science room. “Emily?” she called out, as she and the girls were as they slowly walked towards the open door to the science room. They walked inside to see it trashed, chairs and shards of glass were on the floor.

The girls gasped as Hanna looked down to see blood on the floor. “Is that blood?” she asked. “Hanna, don’t go there.” Spencer remarked. “Why not? She was up here with Toby.” Aria replied. “I don’t think it is. It probably came from the broken vial next to it.” Gwen said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Apparently Emily had taken a fall at Homecoming as she was running away from Toby, and she ended up at the hospital, so the girls, minus Hanna, were sitting around Emily’s room explaining what they found out last night. “It was all in the file.” Gwen said to Emily. “Toby and Jenna had a relationship.” Aria added from where she sat in front of Gwen on Emily’s bed. “Way beyond step-siblings.” Spencer remarked from where she was leaning against Emily’s chest of draws.

“Yeah, they were involved.” Aria continued. “Romantically?” Emily asked. “I doubt I'd call it romantic. I doubt she had much of a choice.” Spencer scoffed and Gwen sighed at what she implied. “That’s what Ali saw when she threw the stink bomb.” Gwen explained as she crossed her arms. “Yeah, and she threatened to expose Toby, which is probably why he wanted her dead.” Spencer remarked. “And not just her, us, and you.” Aria added.

Gwen noticed that Emily looked away from them, and she could feel that Emily didn’t quite believe them. Not fully at least. “You don't believe us do you?” she asked, making Emily look at her. “I do, I…I just don’t get it.” she said off. “If Toby killed Alison and wanted to do the same to me, then why am I sitting in my bed and not in a body bag?” she asked. “I don’t know Em,” Gwen sighed.

After a few moments of silence, Emily broke it. “I told the police that when I went out for air, I tripped.” she explained to them. “Well, why didn’t you just tell them he attacked you?” Aria asked her. “I didn’t want to say anything until I talked to you guys first.” she replied. “Well, the truth is in the file.” Spencer said. “Which Hanna has.” Gwen added. “You can tell them everything.” Spencer assured her. “She can’t tell them everything, she can’t tell them about the file, the one me and Hanna stole.” Gwen butted in. “Fine. leave out the file.” Spencer said just before Hanna entered the room.

“Who knew Rosewood had this many cops?” Hanna asked. “I went to put this back, and they were outside the doctor’s office talking to Toby’s shrink.” she said, taking the file out of her bag. “They must know it was taken.” Gwen said and Hanna nodded. “Can I see that?” Emily asked, and Hanna handed it to her. “If anyone saw me and Gwen go into that building last night, we are so hosed.” Hanna said, stressing out.

The tone of Aria’s phone goes off, making them all look at her. “Is that from…” Spencer trailed off, hoping it wasn’t ‘A’. “No, my mom.” Aria answered. “‘Ask your father if he plans to take the car in this week’” she reads out, making Gwen frown sadly. Aria scoffed. “My parents have gone from not talking to not texting,” she said. “Ugh, this sucks.” she muttered. “I better go home.” she said and Gwen nodded in agreement. ”Same, got some stuff to do before mom gets off her shift at the hospital.” she said, grabbing her bag that was next to Aria as she stood up.

“Yeah, I should probably go too.” Spencer said. “Uh, no, I just got here.” Hanna said, offended they were all leaving as she got there. “Hey, what do I do with that?” Hanna asked, referring to the file. “Just shove it in your locker tomorrow, we’ll figure it out later.” Aria suggested.

“Bye Em,”
“Feel better Em,”
“I’ll call you to check on your later Em,”

The three girls said before leaving Emily’s room, and house.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Hanna! What is wrong with you? Just slow… Slow down!” Gwen exclaimed as Hanna sped into the woods. “Hanna’s Spencer’s right, you can’t burn the file out here.” Aria said as they all filed out of the car. “Look, this is a terrible idea.” Spencer remarked but Hanna wasn’t listening, she kept walking. “Stay here,” Gwen said to Spencer before she and Aria followed Hanna through the woods.

“Hanna. Hanna.” Gwen called out, catching up to her. “Hanna, wait.” Aria called out, as Hanna power walked, wanting to just get rid of the file. “Can we atleast talk about this?” Aria asked Hanna as Spencer joined them, “No! I don’t want this in my house. I don’t want it in my locker.” Hanna responded.

“I will mail it to the police.” Spencer suggested. “No, it’s not gonna happen. I’m not having this traced back to me.” Hanna disagreed. “How are they gonna trace it back to you? I’m the one licking the envelope!” Spencer asked as Aria and Gwen shared a look of annoyance at their friend’s argument.

“Guys–” Gwen tried. “And I’m the one who works in that building.” Hanna fired back as she turned to face Spencer before continuing on her walk. “Hanna–” Aria started. “I’m also the one who always gets caught.” Hanna added. “Han, Spence is right,” Gwen said, trying to calm her friend down. “Burning the file out here is a bad idea, if the police could use it to build a case against Toby.” Aria added.

“He had a motive to kill Alison!” Spencer exclaimed. “And they can also prove that I broke into his shrink’s office.” Hanna said as they all stopped. “Look, I really can’t afford to take any more field trips to the precinct. I’m pretty sure after three strikes you’re assigned to the prison laundry room.” Hanna rambled. “Hanna, what strikes? You were just trying to save your friend.” Aria asked, confused.

“Look, I have already gotten busted for stealing sunglasses and my boyfriend’s car.” Hanna admitted. “Wait, you stole sunglasses? From who?” Spencer asked. “Not from a person, from a store. God, I have some class.” Hanan scoffed. “Wait, are you talking about those– the gucci ones with the gold?” Aria asked. “Guys. Focus!” Gwen exclaimed, wanting to get out of the woods, fast.

“Okay, Hanna, this is not about petty theft. Toby could be the killer, we can’t keep making these same mistakes, over and over again.” Spencer ranted. “We?” Hanan asked. “Yes, we!” Spencer responded, grabbing the file from Hanna. “Okay? We are all in this together. We are all being stalked by ‘A’ and if he’s run off–” she started. “Okay, we don't know that he’s ‘A’.” Aria said, trying to stop the argument.

“Please! Have you gotten one single text since last night?” Spencer asked and none of them answered. “Okay, the devil has a name, and it’s Toby.” Spencer said before Hanna took the file back from her and began walking away. “Why are you so pig-headed?” Spencer exclaimed as Gwen and Aria followed Hanna.

“Why? Because I don’t have a big, fat safety net to catch me. Not all of us have a daddy who can write a check to make the boogeyman go away.” Hanan scoffed, referring to Spencer’s wealthy family. Spencer snatched the file back from Hanna. “What are you talking about?” she asked. “Spencer, you get caught stealing an essay and your parents let you take a picture for the newspaper. I get caught stealing an accessory and I have to lug around medical waste.” Hanna exclaimed, turning away from her friends just before Aria grabbed the file and threw it into the river, destroying it. “There. It’s done, okay?” Aria said.

The girls stood in silence, watching as the papers fell into the river. “We never saw it. We don’t even know it exists.” Gwen said, and Aria nodded in agreement. “Can we leave now, please?” she asked before walking away, Gwen following, as they were walking back, Aria’s phone rang, causing her to stop and get it out of her back pocket, before looking towards the river, making the girls confused.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next night, the girls were sitting around Emily’s bay window. “So, is Toby dead?” Gwen asked. “I couldn’t bring myself to ask.” Emily responded sadly, “Jenna was so upset, but his bike…” she trailed off. “It looked like it was… like it was wrecked.” she continued. “Well, I’m not gonna cry over this and neither should you.” Spencer responded bluntly, causing Gwen to send her a pointed look. “Spencer, if she liked him, she can cry about it.” Hanna said, defending Emily.

“Well, I’m sorry for speaking.” Spencer responded, making Gwen sigh, she could still feel the tension from the argument yesterday. Things were silent between them before anyone spoke again. “Look, she’s right, I, I can’t tell you what to feel.” she apologised. “I’m sorry for what I said about your family yesterday, I didn't mean it.” Hanna said to Spencer. “It’s true.” Spencer responded. “You’re not the first person to think it.” she added as Emily’s phone goes off, making her take it out of her jacket pocket. “It’s probably Aria, something weird’s going down at her house.” Hanna added.

At Emily’s frozen face, they know it was most likely an ‘A’ message. “What is it?” Hanna asked as Spencer took the phone from Emily. “”Thanks for getting Toby out of my way, A.”” Spencer read it outloud, making Gwen close her eyes and sigh sadly.

Chapter Text

"I was afraid she wasn't gonna get it done in time for the memorial." Aria said as she and Spencer pushed a crate into the living room of Spencer's house. "And this was someone from your moms gallery?" Hanna asked as she and Gwen lounged on the one of the couches, going over stuff for the memorial. "Right." Aria answered as Gwen and Emily stood up. "Where is your mom?" Gwen asked.

"There's an apartment above the gallery, so she's staying there." Aria answered. "For now." she added. Gwen found it strange how Byron Montgomery was the one to stay in the house, considering he was the one that cheated, but she wasn't going to voice her opinion, she didn't wanna start an argument. "Kind of weird, isn't it? Your mom moving out." Hanna said, reading something. Since she and Gwen had shared the same opinion, Hanna was more vocal about it. Aria turned to face her.

"Yeah, like my dad should have left. That's what you'd expect." Aria said bluntly, making the others look between Hanna and Aria. "Aria." Gwen said, tilting her head. Hanna had been in Aria's shoes, except Hanna's dad had actually left. For good. Aria sighed, looking at Hanna, who held a saddened face. "Hey, I'm-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." Aria apologised. "Whole things just... sucks." Aria added as she, Spencer, Gwen and Emily unscrewed the screws in the crate.

"I know." Hanna responded. "Did anyone call Shelly Leonard?" Emily asked. "Done. And I told her, If she plays anything depressing, I'll kick in her cello." Spencer responded, making everyone laugh. "What about the program?" Gwen asked. "Almost done, but we should finish it before Ali's brother gets here." Spencer answered as Gwen put the screws she's unscrewed on the top of the kitchen counter. "When is that?" Emily asked. "Tonight." Spencer answered. "And he wants to see us in the morning." she added.

"Okay, you know what?" I barely remember Jason." Hanna said, getting off the table and joining them. "We didn't know him, he was just Ali's older brother down the hall." Aria said. "Behind the closed door." Gwen remarked. "With his hardcore punk music vibrating the floor boards." Emily added and the girls shared a laugh. "How did he get into an Ivy League school?" Aria asked.

"I don't know. It must have been affirmative action for goths and emos." Spencer joked as they lifted the lid off the crate and there was the bird bath that had six figures sitting on the edge of it. It was meant to resemble the girls and Alison. "It's beautiful." Aria said. "Pedestal's already out there, next to the bench, this goes up Friday morning." Spencer said.

"Do you think Jason will like it?" Emily asked. "He'll love it." Gwen said softly. "And you know, years from now, people are gonna this memorial, and... and that's all they'll ever know about Ali. she'll be the girl that they dedicated the bench to, and we'll be gone, but Ali will still be remembered." Aria said, and Gwen blinked fast, hoping to get rid of her unshed tears. She thought she was done with crying. "That's immortality my darlings." Spencer quoted Alison.

FLASHBACK

The six girls were enjoying a nice day by the lake. Gwen was seated between Aria and Hanna. "I wish we could just choose the age that we wanted to be and just stay there." Aria said, making Gwen look over as she pushed her sunglasses up on her head. "The only way to do that is to die young. Leave a beautiful corpse." Alison responded.

"Don't joke," Emily said. "It's not a joke." Alison responded, looking at her before looking at the other girls. "Oh, come on, haven't you ever thought about how deliciously tragic it would be to die in some... incredibly mysterious way? That would be superior." Alison said in her usual 'Mysterious Alison' way.

"Is that really how you want to go, Alison?" Spencer asked. "Not just yet." Alison responded with a shrug. "Don't talk like that." Hanna told her. "It's gruesome." Aria added. "It's not gruesome." Alison responded. "It's immortality, my darlings." she said.

FLASHBACK OVER

"Where did she get that from? A movie?" Aria asked. "Ali was a movie." Spencer responded, staring at the birdbath.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen sat next to Spencer as she, Emily, Aria and Spencer sat in front of Jason DiLaurentis. Hanna still wasn't there. "Mom and dad and I are really grateful," Jason said as the door opened to Spencer's sidedoor, making them all look to see Hanna, "There she is!" Jason said, smiling as Hanna looked over at the girls, "Jason!" Hanna said, in the same tone as he had, "Uh, hey," she added as they shared a brief, awkward, hug. "Sorry, I'm late." Hanna said before she went to sit between Aria and Gwen.

"It's no problem, I was just saying you've done some lovely work on the memorial. I might have done one or two things differently but we can adjust that along the way." Jason said. Gwen held back an eye roll. "Here's a copy of the program for the dedication." he added and Gwen sneaked a glance at Spencer, knowing she made the program. "Oh, I emailed you the program that we worked up." Spencer butted in.

"Right. I saw the draft. This just fine-tunes it." Jason responded and Gwen was sure Spencer was gonna blow a fuse. "Uh, let's see, uh, if Shelly Leonard's gonna play something I don't think we can give her more than three minutes. I remember she's somewhat of a showboat with that cello." Jason said and the girls laughed softly. "Then, uh... oh." he said, picking up a photo of Alison. "Is this the picture for the program?" he asked. "Yes. It's everybody's favourite." Emily responded.

Jason takes a moment, staring at the picture of his sister. "It's the one I would have picked," he responded softly and Gwen remembered, she didn't know how she forgot, but Ali wasn't just their best friend, she was his younger sister. This was harder for him than it was for them, he had known her, her entire life. "I thought I was gonna be able to get my whole family out here but you know, at the last minute, my mom, um..." he trailed off before laughing.

"It's crazy talking about this, isn't it?" he asked and the girls nodded slightly. "When I think about her, I-I think about you. The six of you, In-in her bedroom, laughing, keeping secrets." he said, and the girls looked at one another discreetly. "Long time ago," he added as he walked around and grabbed his coffee. "I want each of you to speak. I'd rather hear from you than Mrs. Slocomb from the PTA." he said before taking a sip of his coffee. "The PTA was a lot of help." Spencer said. "What about the rain?" he asked. "The rain?" Spencer asked, confused. "Forty percent chance before the weekend," he answered. "Oh, um, they said that we can use the school's multipurpose room if we have to move the ceremony inside." Spencer responded.

"Great." Jason said. "People think this dedication is about closure." he added, placing his hand on an art tile. "There won't be closure until they find out who did this to Alison. The cops in this town have been jerking my family around for more than a year. No more of that, I'm here to get some action and this memorial is gonna help me get it." he said.

"Oh, and I'm adding one speaker to the program." he said, writing down something on the program draft. "Jenna Marshall?" Emily asked, shocked. "Wait, you want Jenna to speak at the dedication?" Gwen asked, confused. "That's right." he answered. "Why?" Aria asked. "She asked me if she could." Jason responded and Gwen furrowed her brows, confused. "Jenna asked to speak?" Emily asked. "Is there a problem?" Jason asked, looking at the girls. "I-It just didn't occur to us that Alison and Jenna were that close." Spencer remarked.

"Yeah, I didn't know either. Jenna called, and said my sister was a lot of help to her after her accident." Jason told them. "Well, concentrate on what you're gonna say. Leave the rest of it to me." he said, packing up. "Now, I'm going to have a talk with Detective Wilden and find out why they haven't located Toby yet," he added before he left the room, Spencer going with him, to walk him out.

"Did we get fired?" Hanna asked. "Han, keep it down." Gwen responded. "Why is he talking to Jenna?" Emily asked. "I don't know." Aria responded. "What does she have to say?" Emily asked. "Nothing good I bet." Gwen said as they heard the door close. "This is turning into a nightmare." Aria said. "What did he say?" Gwen asked Spencer as she walked back into the room. "Nothing. He just kept smiling like he was running for office." Spencer responded.

"Spence, why does Jenna want to speak at the dedication?" Aria asked. "Why does Jason want her there? I mean, he clearly knows they weren't friends." Hanna asked. "We can't let Jenna speak." Emily said. "Well, how are we gonna stop her without looking like bitches?" Aria asked. "How are we gonna stop her at all? In case you guys didn't notice we just got patted on the head and sent off to play." Spencer responded.

"You know what? You need to stay on top of him. Find out what's going on." Hanna said to Spencer. "Why me?" Spencer asked. "Because you're you. The big organizer, you've got the laptop of all knowledge and he's going to need some of that." Gwen responded. "Jenna could get up there, she could tell about the fire and Toby. she could tell about everything." Emily said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

At school, Gwen was on the phone to her mom. "I'll make dinner tonight, if you promise to get ice cream on your way home," Gwen said, smiling. "Of course sweetheart. Peanut butter ice cream?" Sophia McKnight asked over the phone and Gwen smiled. "Of course." she said. "Okay. I've gotta go, but I'll see you tonight." her mom said before she hung up. As Gwen was walking through the cafeteria, she spotted Emily outside, staring into space, worried, Gwen moved quickly, opening the door, alerting Emily to her presence.

"Em?" she asked, making Emily turn to her. "What's wrong?" she asked. "It's my dad." Emily said, making Gwen's heart stop momentarily. Emily's father was a part of the army, usually out of town for months at a time. "Is he okay?" Gwen asked. "He's okay." Emily said, smiling. "He's... better than okay. They're rotating his unit out of Afghanistan. My dad's coming home." Emily said, and Gwen let out a small breath and smiled at her friend.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next night, Gwen was doing her homework in the living room, watching some show when her phone went off, with a message from Spencer, S.O.S. Gwen wrote a note for her mom to read when she came home so she didn't worry before heading to Spencer's. "So she tried to pin it on you?" Hanna asked as the girls were huddled in Spencer's living room. Jason had told Spencer that Alison had told Jason that The Jenna Thing was Spencer's idea rather than her own.

"That's what she told Jason." Spencer responded as she fluffed up some pillows on her couch before sitting down on it and putting a pillow on her lap. "But why you?" Emily asked. "Because Spencer was able to stand up to her, she didn't like that." Gwen responded. "God, this is officially insane!" Hanna scoffed as she sat across from Spencer. "Is that what she told Jenna when she was at the hospital?" Emily asked, sitting next to Hanna. "I don't know. I don't think so, but I don't know." Spencer responded.

"Okay, so, so, one minute she's trying to cover it up, the next she's ratting us out to her brother?" Aria said, confused. "Like she wanted Jason to know the fake story in case anything happened to her." Emily said. "Why?" Hanna asked. "So they'd know who to blame." Spencer answered. "God, this is still her movie, we're just filling up the screen." Gwen let out, pissed off that Alison's mistakes are biting them in the ass, even after she's dead.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Spencer's speech was the first one, so the girls watched as she walked up the podium in the schools' multipurpose room, because it had actually started raining. The girls noticed that Spencer's gaze was locked onto something behind them before she looked at the girls, making them turn to see Ian Thomas, Melissa Hasting's ex-boyfriend. "Ian?" Aria asked, confused. "Wait, Melissa's Ian?" Hanna asked. "Yeah," Gwen responded.

"Um..." Spencer trailed off before closing her journal she had written in. "I can't remember not knowing Alison. Not having her as a friend. She was the first person I knew long enough that I felt I could be angry with, without worrying that I was gonna lose her. It made me feel like something was gonna last." Spencer said, looking at the smiling picture of Alison DiLaurentis. "And you need that. You know, especially when you're a kid." she continued. "She would have liked that you were all here, she would have liked the attention, no... actually she would love attention, It would have made her laugh, and Alison laughing... that was amazing." She finished.

After Spencer, it was Gwen's turn. "I spent most my childhood, bouncing from foster home to foster home, and I had never had a friend before, but when I moved to Rosewood, and got taken in my by mom and I met Alison, I finally felt like I had a place to fit in, I had a friend, and I will always remember this energetic fourteen year old girl coming over to me, asking me if I wanted to hangout with her after school. I'm glad I said yes." Gwen said before making her way down to her seat between Hanna and Aria.

After her was Hanna. "Friends can be hard on you, maybe they expect more from you than strangers, strangers pretty much see you the way you want them to see you, but... you can't fool friends. That's what made them friends." she said.

After Hanna was Emily. "That corner of the park is gonna be a safe place, where you can go and sit, read a book and just think," she paused. "You should think about Alison while you're there, she'd want to make sure you didn't forget about her." she finished.

Aria was next. "You do something like this, a memorial. It's partly because you don't understand what's happened, so you-you plant flowers and you paint tiles and somewhere in the middle of all that work," she paused. "You stop crying, I guess that's the point." she finished.

Finally, it was Jenna's turn. They watched as Jason helped Jenna walk towards the podium. "We think we know who we are, but we don't. Not until something bad happens to us and then all the useless things fall away and we're left with who we really are. I learnt that from Alison DiLaurentis." she started.

"My whole life, I thought I knew who she was but I found out the truth when she came and talked to me at the hospital." she paused. "I found out that she was the strongest person that I had ever met and It's her strength that touched so many people. Shaped them, that's her real legacy, that's how her memory will endure, in the actions of those she inspired in so many different ways, from all of us... thank you, Alison." she finished.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After the dedication the girls and Jason had gone back to Spencers. "I need sugar." Hanna sighed. "Me too." Aria added as they all sat down around the kitchen island. "I'm buying." Spencer said as she opened her fridge as Jason entered the kitchen. "That was my folks." he remarked. "They say thanks, and so do I." he added, leaning his hands on the counter.

"You're welcome." Emily responded. "And i want you girls to have something." he said as he took something out from the inside of his suit jacket. He pulled out a little red-pink bag with yellow lining. "The police returned this to my family, I think you should have it." he said before putting the little red-pink bag and a bracelet on the table. Alisons' friendship bracelet, identical to the one that was in Spencer's room right now.

"The police gave that to you?" Gwen asked as Aria picked it up. Jason nodded. "Alison was wearing it." he answered. "You mean when they found her?" Hanna asked. "After listening today, I just thought you should have it," he said. It was a nice sentiment, if they weren't all freaked out because they had found another bracelet with Alisons's name on it.

"I'll be in touch." he said before leaving. "If that's Alison's bracelet, what about the one we found in the woods?" Emily asked. "I don't know." Gwen responded. "Someone made a copy of Alison's bracelet." Hanna let out, shocked. "Yeah, and made sure we would find it." Spencer added and the girls shared a look.

Chapter Text

"It's insane. How many words do they expect you to learn in one night?" Hanna asked as she, Aria, Spencer and Gwen sat around the kitchen island in Spencer's kitchen, studying for the SATs. "Stringent." Gwen read off a word off the cards she had. She and Aria were in charge of quizzing Spencer on words. "Uh, tough. Inflexible." Spencer answered and Gwen nodded before putting the card down.

"It's not like you're gonna actually use 'em." Hanan said, writing down information in her notebook. "Meretricious." Aria read out. "It's not like you go to college and then you just start speaking a completely different language." Hanna continued, making Gwen turn to her from her spot next to her. "It's about getting into college." Spencer responded. "Meretricious, um, phony, flashy?" Spencer guessed and Aria hummed and nodded.

Gwen looked to see Hanna picking at the food they had ordered earlier. "Ugh, Han, why are you still eating that?" she asked, cringing. "Cause it's here." Hanna responded, like it was obvious. "Put it in the garbage." Spencer suggested. "Well, then I'd have to stand over the garbage and eat it." Hanna said. "Disgusting Han," Gwen muttered, going back to quizzing Spencer.

"Besotted." Gwen asked. "Infatuated, enamored, in love with." Spencer answered. "Correct." Gwen said, smiling. "Hey, what did Noel Kahn say to you after the memorial?" Hanna asked Aria. "Hello, we're taking the SATs in less than 12 hours. Can we focus?" Spencer asked, trying to get them to focus. "Okay, Spencer, you do not need to learn any more big words. You're already scary enough to anyone under 50." Hanan said, causing Gwen to laugh.

"I'm not scary! Am I scary?" Spencer asked. "A little." Aria answered. "Hey, I saw Noel Kahn hug you and he did not wanna let go." Hanna said. "Talk about not wanting to let something go." Aria said. "Why don't you wanna give him a chance?" Gwen asked, generally wanting to know. "He's smart, he's cute, his dad owns, like, half of Rhode Island and he's got great lips." Hanna listed. "His father?" Spencer asked. "Noel. Ew." Hanna responded. "Seriously, Aria, you and Noel would look amazing together." Hanna said.

"Can we drop it, please?" Aria begged. "I'm not looking for anything more than a friend," she added. "Why? Don't you have enough on Facebook? Besides, don't you want someone real? Someone you can, I don't know, scratch and sniff?" Hanna asked. "Wow," Spencer said. "Maybe you should eat the food over the garbage." Gwen remarked, making the girls laugh. "Okay, look, I am trying to help out a friend here. We don't all have smokin' hot ball boys from the country club." Hanna said, giving Spencer a look as Aria moved to get a drink.

"She's right." Gwen said, nodding her head. "What is going on with you and Alex? Is he back from that tournament?" Aria asked, standing next to Hanna. "Yeah. he's back." Spencer responded. "And?" Gwen urged on. "And... It's good." Spencer responded. Gwen, Hanna and Aria shared a smile. "It's so good. I want it to last, but I'm afraid I'm gonna blow it." Spencer said. "So, when can we officially call him the boyfriend?" Aria asked.

Spencer just shrugged as the door opened and Veronica Hasting walked in. "Hi, mom." Spencer greeted. "Hey, Mrs. Hastings." Aria greeted as Gwen waved. "Hi, girls. Oh, what smells so good?" she asked. "Garlic bread. Want some?" Spencer asked her. "I can't. God, I miss food. Eat some butter for me, will you?" she asked, making Gwen chuckle quietly. "Oh, why do I have so many messages?" Veronica asked herself as she opened the fridge. "Hey, maybe you should ask Alex to–" Hanna started but Spencer stopped her.

"Stop. Not now." Spencer whispered. "Your mom still doesn't know?" Aria asked. "Like I said, I want it to last." Spencer whispered. "Where's Emily?" Veronica asked, noticing there was a girl missing from their group. "She's probably on her way over." Spencer responded.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day, Veronica Hastings came with the girls to the school. "You don't have to come inside, mom, if it were cancelled, nobody would be here." Spencer said. "Oh, excuse me. Hi, are they actually going to give this test today?" Veronica asked, getting the teacher's attention and the girls stopped at Spencer and Hanna's locker as Mrs. Hastings kept waking.

Gwen handed her jacket and Aria's jacket to Hanna to put them in her locker for the time being. "You didn't say Alex was taking his test here, too." Gwen said, noticing Alex walking down the hall. Spencer closed her locker, making her mom wasn't around and looking at Alex before looking back at her friends.

"Why do you think I wanted my mom to drop us off and leave?" Spencer asked before Alex walked up to Spencer. "Hey, you." he greeted. "Hi." Spencer said before they started kissing. Gwen, Hanna and Aria shared smiles at how happy their friend is. It was Aria who noticed Spencer's mom coming back.

"Spence." Aria said, nudging the couple, "Nobody here can make a decision to save their life, it's absurd." Veronica Hastings said as she joined them, Alex and Spencer breaking apart. "Um, mom?" Spencer said, getting her attention. "This is Alex Santiago. Alex, this is my mother." Spencer said, introducing them.

Gwen though that Mrs. Hastings looked like she'd seen a ghost but didn't say anything. "Alex, that I went to homecoming with?" Spencer said, trying to jog her moms memory. "Of course. Hi. from the club." Veronica said, "Yeah." Alex responded. "It just took me a moment to put it together. So you're Alex." Veronica added. Alex breathed before looking from Veronica to Spencer. "Listen, uh, I need to check in." he said before turning back to Veronica.

"Um, nice seeing you. Meeting you." he corrected. "Test is on today." the teacher that Veronica had talked to before said as she walked up to them. "Rosewood students should register in the library." she added. "But half the school isn't here yet," Gwen said, furrowing her brows. "And may never make it. We saw this huge tree down on Sawmill Road, and they've already closed off York Street." Veronica said.

"That wasn't because of a tree." someone said, they turned to Detective Wilden. "York Street's been closed since last night." he added, "Why?" Veronica asked. "Somebody decided to pay a visit to Alison DiLaurentis memorial and destroy it. Shattered the tiles, broke the bench." he explained. "What?" Gwen asked. "W-w-when did this happen?" Spencer asked.

"We had to cordon off the area given its ongoing murder investigation," he said. "Well, maybe you can spare them the details, they're about to take their SATs." Veronica said. "Right. Good luck on the test, ladies." Wilden said before walking off. "We should head to the library." Gwen advised before walking off, the girls following her.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"I cannot believe it was trashed." Gwen said sadly. "Just when you thought that 'A' would give it a rest." Aria scoffed. "It's like Toby had to kill Alison all over again." Spencer responded. "Toby? What do you mean, Toby? His motorcycle was totaled. Isn't he dead?" Hanna asked. "Well, I hear more from Alison now than when she was alive." Spencer remarked.

"Guys, I thought we decided Toby wasn't 'A'? I mean 'A' was happy to have Toby out of the picture." Gwen asked. "Then how do we know that Toby didn't just send that text?" Aria asked. "Yeah, and why are we suddenly trusting 'A', 'A' made a fake bracelet to mess with us." she added.

"Emily, hey, where've you been?" Hanna asked, making them turn to see Emily walking up to them. "Yeah, why weren't you at Spencer's last night?" Aria asked. "I know, I'm sorry. I didn't get out of practice till really late so I just went straight home and crashed." Emily apologised as she sat her bag down on top of the bookcase they were leaning on. "So what did I miss?" she asked, looking at her friends.

"Well, we studied." Hanna said. "Well, they studied and I annoyed them." she corrected herself. "Ali's memorial got destroyed." Gwen said softly. "Yeah. I heard." Emily responded. "What's my mom doing here?" Aria asked, making them turn to see Ella Montgomery. Aria left to go talk to her mom.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Little while later, Hanna and Gwen had together, near Lucas as a teacher made an announcement. "The test will now begin at 10:00. If this interferes with any plans you've made for the afternoon, I suggest you make some calls. If you didn't bring a phone, I am sure this tap-happy gentleman over here would be glad to lend you his." the teacher said, referring to Lucas before walking off.

Lucas turned to Hanna and Gwen, "What? Was she talking to me?" he asked. "You didn't miss anything." Gwen responded, smiling. "Do you want to borrow my phone?" He offered them. "Your brain." Hanna said. "Can you do the math section for me?" Hanna joked.

"Hey, I'm already your marketing manager. And you just got three hits on your leather jacket." Lucas said and Gwen nudged Hanna, smiling. She didn't know why Hanna was selling stuff, only that she had. Hanna laughed and smiled. "Hey, there, lady 'H' and Gwenny." Mona said as she walked up to the girls and Lucas.

"I know you also answer to the first one Hermie, but I was talking to her." Mona said, referring to Hanna. "Nice bag." Lucas responded. "Listen to you, in touch with your feminine side! So would that be your right or your left?" Mona asked happily and Lucas, Gwen and Hanna laughed, making Mona confused, looking between the three of them.

"What's so funny?" she asked. "Nothing. You need to sign in." Gwen said, calming down. "They know I'm here." Mona responded before looking at Lucas. "You can go now, these beauties, don't need a beast." Mona said, causing Lucas to look at Hanna and Gwen, who looked conflicted, and Lucas got up and left.

"Who do I speak to about getting into the boys locker room?" Hanna and Gwen looked up to see Wilden. "I'd have to find a custodian. Do you want to follow me?" the teacher asked. Gwen and Hanna turned around and sat down at the table with their friends. "No, that's alright. I'm gonna wait here." he answered.

"God, he's freaking me out! I mean who's locker is he poking into now?" Hanna asked in a hushed voice. "He's desperate. Ali's brother breathing down his neck." Spencer responded in a whisper. "Yeah, ours too. What if Jason told the police Alison's version of what happened the night of the fire?" Aria asked. "If Jason was gonna tell them, he would've told them a year ago. He knows that story's bogus." Spencer responded.

"Well, why do they bring it up?" Hanna asked. "To try and drive a wedge between us. But that's not gonna happen." Gwen responded. "Sorry about the memorial." Wilden said as he walked up to the table. "I know how hard you girls worked on it. Shocking though, right, something like that could happen out in the open and nobody saw anything?" he added.

"Well, everybody here was probably studying for the exam we're about to take, so you might wanna look for eyewitnesses somewhere else." Spencer responded and Wilden nodded. "So you were all studying together last night, right?" he asked. "Yes, we were all at Spencer's." Emily answered and the girls had to refrain from looking confused as they discreetly shared a look.

"All of you?" Wilden asked. "Yeah, all of us." Gwen answered, smiling. "Okay." Wilden responded before walking off. "Emily, what is going on?" Spencer asked. "Where were you last night?" Aria asked. "I told you. I went home." Emily answered. "Then why didn't you tell him that?" Spencer asked. "What happened to all of us sticking together?" Emily asked before getting up.

"Where you going Em?" Gwen asked. "To the restroom, but if you don't believe me, we can all try and squeeze into one stall," Emily said, taking her bag and walking off. "Should one of us go talk to her?" Aria asked. "No. She'll talk when she's ready." Hanna answered.

As she was studying Gwen felt Hanna nudge her arm, making her look up to see Spencer showing her phone to her, which had an 'A' message on it.

UNKNOWN

DEFINE 'DESERTION'

SEEMS LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO

LOSE EMILY. WHO'S NEXT?

⎯ A

The girls shared a confused look before looking around for Emily but realized she wasn't in the library, from what they could see.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was nudged, making her look away from her phone where she was texting her mother, who was on shift. She turned to see Mona, Hanna turned as well, "Okay, what gives? Why is he-she into me?" Mona asked them, referring to Lucas. "He's not into you." Gwen assured her. "Um, he helped me sell that bag." Hanna admitted, pointing to Mona's bag. "But you bought it online, right? Well it's mine." Hanna said.

"Excuse me?" Mona scoffed. "That's not the original handle. I broke it on a roller coaster at Jolly Roger's." Hanna confessed. "You bought Hanna's bag." Gwen said, smiled, amused. "Yeah, I knew that! I bought it as a goof." Mona said, but Gwen had a feeling that was a lie. "Really?" Hanna asked, not convinced either.

"Yes." Mona answered. "But forget about me. What's going with you two?" she asked Hanna. "You've both befriended somebody from a different species," looking between them before settling on Hanna. "And you've turned your closet into a swap meet, what are you, poor now?" Mona asked.

"Mona." Gwen said, tilting her head. "No, I just didn't want that bag anymore." Hanna responded and Mona pressed her lips together and nodded. "I'll give you back your money." Hanna offered. "Don't bother. Take my Andrew Jacksons and introduce them to your Benjamin Franklin. Put it towards my birthday present, I registered at Saks." Mona said. Gwen laughed. "Of course you did M." she said, smiling before Mona turned back around.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Move! All the way in, people!" the teacher said, instructing people into the girls locker rooms. "You don't need to touch every locker. Come on!" she added. "This sucks. First time I get to photograph a real tornado and they shut us in a room without windows." Lucas complained to Gwen and Hanna. "You don't wanna see a real tornado, trust me." Gwen said. She had seen one when she was ten.

"Of course he does. He wants to get to Oz so he can ask the wizard for a penis." Mona said, walking up behind the three of them. "Mona, can we talk to you for a moment?" Gwen asked, she and Hanna stopping. "Why can't you leave him alone? What has he ever done to you?" Hanna asked. "You know, besides reminding you that two years ago we were him." Gwen added.

She didn't mean to sound hurtful, but Mona was starting to remind her of a tamer version of Alison. "He bugs me." Mona responded. "Yeah well I think you're the one who needs a trip to Oz, see if the wizard can find you a heart." Hanna said before she and Gwen walked off, sitting on either side of Lucas.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The lights had gone out, so everyone was sitting in the dark sorta. Gwen was the one to spot Emily walking out with Wilden, she looked over her shoulder to see the other had seen as well, making her get up and follow Emily out, the others following as well. "What is going on?" Spencer asked. "Oh, perfect! We can all be together for an update." Wilden said in mock enthusiasm.

"No. we're supposed to be in the girls' locker room with everyone else." Gwen responded. "Yeah, well, I'm guessing you girls are used to being in places you're not supposed to be." Wilden responded before turning to Emily. "Did you tell your friends where you were last night? When you weren't studying for the test?" he asked her but she looked away.

"See, 'cause I got these really interesting photos." he said, taking out his phone and turning it to Emily, who took it from him. "Go ahead and pass it around. There's plenty more where that came from at the precinct." he said as Aria took the phone Emily. These were photos of her at Alison's memorial. "And I see you didn't get a chance to clean your shoes either, huh?" he asked, referring to her muddy shoes.

"That's not why I went there." Emily defended herself. "Really? So you didn't go back to the memorial to finish up Toby's handiwork? Or were you just there covering up his tracks?" Wilden asked. "I found it like that. It was already broken. " Emily responded. "Really?" he asked before going into Emily's bag, pulling something out. "Then let me ask you a question.

"What were these doing in your bag?" he asked, holding up a statue that was on the bird bath and the girls shared confused looks. "Souvenirs? Something Toby asked you to save so he can keep it for his trophy collection ?" he asked.

Emily grabbed the statue. "This has nothing to do with Toby!" Emily exclaimed. "Em, why do you have those?" Aria asked. "You put those in there you creep, Emily would never do that, the memorial was her idea." Hanna snapped.

"Yeah, so I heard, nice cover, huh?" Wilden asked, like nothing phased him, which made Gwen's blood boil. Wilden then pulled something out of his inside jacket pocket. "Want me to share this with them, or, would you like to?" he asked, showing a letter, one that Emily tried getting back but Wilden moved his arm back.

"Go ahead and tell them, Emily, about the angry letter that you wrote to Alison, which is dated, by the way, three days before she disappeared." he said, looking at the others. "You had no right to read that." Emily said shakily. "What's in the letter Em?" Gwen asked softly. She knew Emily would never hurt Alison.

"Tell her. Tell her how you wanted to punish Alison for rejecting you." he said, making the girls confused. "Tell her how you felt relieved at the funeral. Yeah, she wasn't gonna be around to humiliate you anymore, was she?" Wilden asked, at this point, he was pulling theories out of his ass.

Emily turned to the girls, crying. "I went back to that memorial to say I was sorry. There were horrible things in that letter and I didn't mean them. Suddenly she was gone, and..." Emily paused, crying. "I loved her as more than a friend." Emily confessed and suddenly everything clicked in Gwen's head,

"I just never had the chance to tell her in the right way." Emily added. "Give her the letter back. Give it back to her now or I swear to god I will rip your pathetic head off!" Gwen snapped, looking at Wilden. "Sorry, I can't." Wilden said, not looking 'Sorry' at all. "And we're not leaving this room until you tell me what you were doing carting around pieces of Alison's memorial." he screamed at Emily.

"I took them 'cause they were the only things that weren't broken." Emily defended herself as the doors to the library opened, they turned and saw Veronica Hastings. "What's going on in here?" she asked, before she looked around, the minors with Wilden. "Why aren't they in the locker room with the other kids?" she asked. "Who are you?" Wilden asked.

"Her mother." Veronica pointed to Spencer. "I mean, if this is the school's idea of keeping my child safe, I'm-I'm glad I came back." she added before looking at an upset Emily. "Honey, why is she crying?" she asked Spencer. "He accused her of killing Alison." Spencer explained, moving towards Emily, comforting her.

"What?" Veronica asked, confused and shocked. "He went through her purse, and now she's accusing–" Aria started but Veronica cut her off. "Hold it. Hold it." she said. "You're questioning minors without an adult present? What-what police department do you work for? What century are you in?" she asked, shocked.

"Ma'm, I would advise you–" Wilden started. "Oh, no, I would advise you to back off. Because anything they've said to you is inadmissible in a courtroom, period." Veronica said. "Let's go. Emily, honey, grab your things." She advised the girls and they helped pack the status back into Emily's bag while Gwen snatched the letter from Wilden.

"What were you thinking?" Veronica asked. "I have a homicide to solve, okay." he answered. "Not anymore you don't. You're done. You're done with this investigation. Unless you wanna face me down with a opposing council." Veronica said before leaving, following the girls back to the girls locker room.

"So what's gonna happen to him? Can they get him off the force?" Hanna asked Veronica Hastings. "If he's smart, he'll leave before that happens." she responded. "Oh, where did he get that protein bar?" she suddenly asked, looking at Lucas, who was eating one. "Oh, I'll get you one." Aria said before walking off.

As Gwen was about to get her phone out of her back pocket, a teacher walked into the room. "Can I have your attention, please?" she asked. "The storm warning has just been lifted, but the SATs will have to be rescheduled." she said and everyone cheered and laughed.

Chapter Text

"Okay, I need to ask you guys something and I need you to be totally honest with me." Hanna asked, turning away from her mirror inside her locker. "Of course." "Sure," The girls responded. "Is this side of my face fatter than this side?" Hanna asked, moving her face side-to-side."No." the girls responded in sync. Aria sighed, "Is that Ian?" she asked, making the others look down the hallway as well.

"Yeah, I hear he's the new field hockey coach." Emily answered. "Does your sister know he's back?" Gwen asked Spencer. "I don't even know why she ever broke up with him." Hanna remarked. "She didn't. He broke up with her." Spencer explained as Mona walked over to them. "Hey," she greeted them before handing Hanna and Gwen's cards."The first two are for my besties," she said before giving the other girls one. "And one for each of you, my besties other friends." she said.

"Oh, uh, what's this?" Aria asked. "Oh, nothing. Only an invitation to the most awesome birthday party ever." Mona responded. "Camp Mona." she said excitedly. Gwen and Hanna shared a smile before smiling at the other girls. "Camp Mona?" Aria asked. "Don't let the camping part scare you, it's glamping, not camping. M is Mona and massages, not mosquitoes." Mona explained.

"Oh, Naomi, Riley. Hey, wait up." Mona said before walking off. "Why is Mona inviting us to her birthday party?" Spencer asked with a laugh, making Gwen frown. "Well, she knows that we're friends again and she's just trying to reach out to you. She's being nice." Hanna explained. "Are you guys gonna go?" Gwen asked, hoping they would.

"I know she's your guy's friend, but..." Spencer trailed off. "Yeah, but I-I'm gonna have to pass. I've got this–" Aria started. "I got a lot of stuff to do this weekend." Spencer added. "Me too." Emily said and they were about to walk away when their phones went off. Gwen pulled her phone out from her jacket pocket. "Camp Mona's a scavenger hunt and I'm the prize." Spencer read out. "Come and find me, bitches." Hanna added. "'A'." The girls said in sync.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next morning Mona had picked up Gwen on her way to Hanna's, because it was Mona's birthday, she had a plan for the day but wouldn't tell her until they were with Hanna. Ashley Marin had opened them for them when they arrived. "It's the birthday girl and Gwen." Ashley said as she walked back into the kitchen with Mona and Gwen following them.

"Happy birthday." Hanna said, giving Mona a hug. "Hi," Mona responded. "The birthday girl wants to be shopping the second the store opens and have lunch at Rive Gauche." Mona said and Hanna and Gwen shared a look before Ashley Marin spoke. "Excuse me?" she asked, with a bit of playfulness in her tone.

"Did I say lunch? My Bad. It's dinner at Rive Gauche. After school." Mona corrected herself, winking at Hanna and Gwen making the two of them laugh. "Mona." Ashley said. "Mrs. M." Mona responded. "I'm serious." Ashley told her, not wanting her daughter and Gwen skipping school. "Me too." Mona responded innocently. Ashley gave Hanna and Gwen a look before leaving.

"Okay, so should we meet after first period or just bail on school completely?" Mona asked, looking between Hanna and Gwen. "No, you just heard my mom. We can't ditch." Hanna said. "Yeah, so? I don't see a locator bracelet on those ankles." Mona said, making Gwen sigh. "Look, Mona, we really wanna go with you, but–" Gwen started.

"Hanna, Gwen, do you wanna be my friend, or not? Because lately, I'm feeling like you're both everybody's friend, but mine." Mona asked. "Hanna, you're either with Sean, and you're both with Shim or the others. This is our special day and if you both screw it up I'm not turning the other cheek." Mona said. "If you disappoint me, I'm going rogue." she remarked.

"Mona, come on, you know that we're your friend and we'd totally wanna celebrate with you, it's just... uh, things have just been a little tight around here, ever since my dad left, it's really hasn't been that easy to–." Hanna started to explain.

"Hanna," Ashley Marin said, walking back into the kitchen. "I completely forgot. I'm gonna be working late, so..." she trailed off, getting her purse out of her bag and giving Hanna a note. "This should cover dinner, right?" she asked. "No. Mom, I really don't need that." Hanna said, shaking her head.

But Ashley Marin wasn't asking, she stared at Hanna before Hanna took it from her as Mona smiled at Hanna and Gwen sighed, crossing her arms. "Happy birthday, Mona," she said to her, before looking at Hanna. "Don't forget to lock up." she said before leaving. "Ooh, Ben Franklin. Score." Mona said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was standing with Spencer, Hanna and Emily. "What could they have found?" Hanna asked. "I don't know." Spencer responded. "Maybe they wanna talk to somebody else." Emily said. "Hey, what's going on?" Aria asked as she joined them. "The cops are here." Gwen explained to her. "I heard they found something of Alison's." Spencer added.

"Spencer Hastings, Aria Montgomery, Gwendolyn McKnight, Emily Fields, Hanna Marin, please come to the office." An announcement went through the speakers. Soon enough the girls were sitting in the office, waiting for whoever wanted to talk to them. "She's so gonna kill us," Gwen muttered, referring to Mona and Hanna nodding as her phone went off, making them share a look before Hanna pulled their phones up and saw Mona had messaged her.

Mona Vanderwall
Screw you!

"Great." Gwen muttered as a couple of people walked into the office. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Agent Cooper." she said, introducing herself as she passed Spencer her card. "FBI?" Spencer asked and the girls shared a look. "This is my partner, Agent Randall and we're here because the bureau was asked by the local authorities to assist in the investigation of Alison DiLaurentis' murder." she added.

"I wanna show you something that was sent to the Rosewood Police Department by an anonymous source. The family's given me permission to show to the five of you." she said as she pressed play on the tv remote for the tv in the office. The video was Alison. In the same yellow top that she wore the night she died.

Alison was undoing the jacket she was wearing, but Gwen knew it wasn't hers. Alison didn't undo the jacket fully, she took it off her shoulders but wrapped it around her and stared into the camera. "Wanna see more? I know you want to." Alison said in a kind of low voice. The girls each looked at each other.

"If the girls knew I was seeing you. Oh, my god, they would not stop talking about it. I wish they were more mature, but..." Alison trailed off on the screen. "We don't have a lot of time, I have to get back before they wake up." she said. "I know you wanna kiss you." Alison said and that was the end of the video.

"Is there, uh, anything you can tell me about what you see?" Agent Cooper asked as she rewinded the video to the start. "They're at the kissing rock. I-It's in the woods behind the lake." Emily told her. "I-I think this was taken the night Alison disappeared, she was wearing that yellow top." Aria said. "But that's not her sweater." Hanna said. "Are you sure?" Agent Cooper asked. "Ask me what's in each one of our closets and I'll give you an itemized list. I know clothes." Hanna answered.

"I think she's talking to the older boy." Spencer said. "So-called, uh, mystery boyfriend?" Agent Cooper asked as she played the video again and they watched as Alison took the sweater off her shoulders before wrapping around herself. "Alison didn't want us to know who he was." Spencer responded. "Was he an older high school boy?" Agent Cooper asked.

"She only told me enough to make it a secret." Spencer answered. "Huh. Alison liked secrets, huh?" Agent Cooper asked. "She thought sharing secrets kept us close." Emily answered. "They do, but secrets are made to be found out with time." Agent Cooper responded. "I know you wanna kiss me." Alison on the screen said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna and Gwen were standing at a vending machine in the cafeteria when someone walked up to them. "Uh, you don't know me, but I'm in your fourth period social studies class." she said, making Hanna and Gwen share a look of confusion as to why she was coming up to Hanna. "Okay." Hanna said, confused. "Could you give me the name of your liposuction doctor?" she asked in a hushed voice.

"Uh, sure, if I had one." Hanna laughed it off before she and Gwen walked off. Hanna and Gwen walked through the halls and they found that people were talking but stopped when Hanna walked past but then they found Mona talking to Naomi and Riley. "God, this day just keeps getting weirder. Look, we're sorry about lunch, did you get our texts?" Hanna asked.

"I got your text and then I got a text from 'A', whoever that is, cluing me into the real reason you got skinny last summer." Mona said and Hanna and Gwen shared a look before looking back at Mona. "'A' sent you a text?" Gwen asked, shocked. "I was eating three almonds a day and you were getting liposuction?" Mona asked. "No, that's not true." Hanna responded, making Mona scoff.

"I bought Naomi and Riley matching pajamas for my party. I was gonna pick a pair for you two, but then I remembered you're both not coming." Mona said, making Gwen frown. "Of course we're coming, we'd never miss a birthday." Gwen said. "It's invite-only Gwen. and you're both uninvited." Mona said to them. "Mona, you're our best friend." Hanna said, desperately trying to get Mona to listen to them. "We were best friends. Now you're both somebody I used to hangout with." Mona said.

Gwen blinked fast, trying not to let the tears fall, she gripped Hanna's pinkie, like a lifeline. And Mona looked sad for a moment, but it quickly changed. "It's not like I didn't give either of you a warning." she said. "Hanna, Gwen, Mona, ripcord," she said as she pulled her hands like a cord across her body before walking off. "Naomi, Riley." She called out and the two followed her.

Spencer and Emily walked up to the two. "What was that about?" Emily asked and Hanna and Gwen turned around. "Umm, 'A' sent Mona a text and I think she just broke up with us." Gwen said softly. "'A' sent Mona a text?" Spencer asked. "I'm so over that bitch." Hanna said, referring to 'A' as she looked at Mona. "I thought you guys were still close." Emily asked. "Not Mona. 'A'." Hanna said. "What did It say?" Spencer asked. "It doesn't really matter. It's all lies." Hanna said.

"Hanna, Gwen, we're so sorry. I know Mona's really important to you guys." Spencer said, looking between the two. "She was our friend when you guys weren't." Gwen said softly. "Well, we're here now, so if you're not going to the party, then we're not going either." Emily said. "No." Spencer added. "No, you're going on that scavenger hunt." Hanna said, stopping them. "And we're going as well. 'A' might be playing games, but we're not." Gwen said before walking off.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen and the girls walked into Spencer's house amidst an argument between Melissa and Ian. "You broke up with me, remember?" Melissa asked as they walked in. "I just wanna take you out for coffee." Ian said, making Melissa scoff as she turned, seeing the girls with boxes of camping gear. "You guys are going camping? Cute." she remarked before walking off.

"Wait. hey," Spencer said, going after her sister, "Hey, wait," Spencer said again and this time Melissa turned around, halfway up the stairs, to face her sister. "What?" Melissa asked. "Maybe you should give him a chance." Spencer said. "And you're suddenly looking out for me because..." Melissa trailed off, suspicious.

"I don't know when this war between us started, Melissa, but can't it just be over? I'm only sixteen and I'm tired." Spencer begged. "Is this you trying to fix what you broke with Wren?" Melissa asked and Spencer shook her head. "No, just trying to do the right thing." she responded.

The two sisters shared a loaded look before Melissa looked over at Ian, who looked at Melissa. "Coffee. That's it." she said walking back down the stairs. "Okay." Ian said as he and Melissa went to walk out the backdoor, Ian gave Spencer a thankful nod and Spencer nodded back before walking over to the girls.

"Since when are you mending Melissa's relationships?" Aria asked. "I kind of owe it to her." Spencer answered. "What's she ever done for you?" Gwen asked. "It's more about what I did to her." Spencer responded and the girls looked at her, curious. "I'm the reason she and Wren broke up. We had a moment and... Melissa saw us." she explained.

"A moment?" Emily asked. "Yeah, it gets worse," Spencer. "How could it get worse?" Gwen asked. "Yeah, Melissa doesn't know this part. I also had a moment with Ian." Spencer confessed. "Shut up," Hanna and Gwen said in sync, shocked. "It was early in the summer before Alison went missing, it was just one kiss, but after they broke up we started seeing each other." Spencer added.

"I feel like the foster child for poor judgment." she muttered. "You could have told us, Spencer." Emily said. "Really? 'Cause Ali knew about the first kiss and she thought I was awful." Spencer responded. "We're not Ali, Spence." Gwen said softly. "I should not tell Melissa, right?" she asked. "Right," the girls responded.

"Wait, Spence, turn the TV up." Hanna demanded and Spencer did that as they all looked at the TV. "Authorities searched the family home earlier today and initial reports have confirmed that a bloodstain on the sweater is a match to the victim's. If you just tuned in, police had issued a warrant for the arrest of missing Rosewood teen, Toby Cavanaugh. He is wanted for the murder of Alison DiLaurentis." the news lady said.

"The sweater is Toby's." Hanna said, shocked. "No, Alison was not dating Toby. There's no way that that's the guy she's talking to in the video." Aria denied. "Aria, you saw the news. They have proof." Hanna said. "If it's Toby's sweater then he has to be the boy at the kissing rock." Spencer agreed. "Is it finally over?" Gwen asked. "No. Toby's been missing for weeks, it won't be over until he's behind bars." Spencer responded.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna and Gwen had gone over to Gwen's house, getting ready for their stakeout. "You sure we've got everything?" Gwen asked as the two of them stood in Gwen's living room, and Hanna was putting things in a pink go-bag. "Yeah," Hanna responded. "I'm gonna give the girls a call." Gwen said and Hanna nodded. Aria picked up almost immediately. "Hey," Aria's voice said as Gwen put the phone on speaker so Hanna could hear.

"Hey, how's our friend Mona?" she asked, packing bug repellent. "Oh, she's Mona," Aria responded. "Well, me and Hanna are leaving in ten, and if 'A' is watching you, we'll be watching her." Hanna said, picking a pair of binoculars. "Are you sure you guys are gonna be okay?" Aria asked,

"Aria, I went to fat camp for five summers. I can handle some woods." Hanna responded."Yeah, and I used to go camping with my grandparents all the time." Gwen added before the phone call became disoriented. "Hello?" Gwen called out but it became clear that their reception wasn't great so Gwen hung up. "It's just us now." she said, looking at Hanna.

Soon enough Hanna and Gwen had made it to the location of where Mona was holding her party and they were currently making their way through the woods surrounding the party, and they stopped and looked on, watching as Mona spoke with her guests. "It's now or never," Gwen muttered before the two of them walked to a different spot.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later that night, Hanna and Gwen had found a good spot, and they were watching the woods surrounding them through binoculars. They hadn't spotted a single thing when suddenly they saw headlights. "What the hell." Gwen muttered to Hanna, who shrugged before they looked through their binoculars again. They watched as the car parked, but otherwise, no one got out of the car.

Not long after the car parked, they heard something, making them look around. "Someone's approaching the car." Gwen whispered Hanna, and they both looked through their binoculars, making them zoom in and watch as the person got into the car and they waited and when the headlights turned off, they could finally see who was in the car, making them gasp. "Mr. Fitz and... oh my god. Aria." Gwen muttered.

Hanna and Gwen put down their binoculars and looked at each other, shocked before Gwen looked forward again, "There's someone else." Gwen muttered and quickly picked up her binoculars again, looking through them, and couldn't believe what she was seeing. They watched the person through the binoculars as he wrote something on the back of the car, and then bolted.

Gwen put her binoculars down, getting her phone out. "I'm texting the girls." she whispered and Hanna nodded as they packed up their stuff, moving through the woods.

To: Emily Fields.
S.O.S
Me and Han know who A is
Heading to the parking lot

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna and Gwen stuck closely together, zig-zagging through parked cars, not wanting to be spotted by anyone. Hearing a twig snap, making them jump around, scared before they hid behind a car and looked over the hood of it, they saw someone wearing a black hoodie, the same one from the woods, running, they kept watching as he ran through the woods until their names were being called.

"Hanna, Gwen, we're over here." They heard making them turn around, seeing their friends on the other end of the parking lot filled them with relief, making them smile as they started jogging towards them when suddenly their voices became panicked.

"Hanna, Gwen, watch out!" "Hanna, Gwen look!" making them turn to see a car speeding towards them and Gwen at last second pushed Hanna out the way and let the car hit her, making her go over it and then her body hit the floor. The last thing she remembered it Hanna's frightened voice and the girls calling out to them before the darkness took over and she was out. eleven. moments later.

Chapter Text

Sophia Felicity McKnight found she was infertile when she was twenty-one but that didn't stop her, because she knew there were more ways to have a kid, and, so she decided to adopt. When she first saw Gwendolyn, she knew. And so Gwendolyn became Gwendolyn Sophia McKnight and she loved her daughter and Gwendolyn– who preferred Gwen instead– loved her.

Sophia was in the middle of checking a patient's chart when a nurse came up to her. "Dr. McKnight?" she asked, making Sophia look over at her, "Yes?" she asked. "There's been a call from the police." she informed her, making Sophia's heart drop, and her face fell. "What happened?" she asked, closing the patient chart, looking at the nurse head on. "Your daughter, Gwen, she's been involved in a hit and run. She's on her way here." The nurse said but Sophia didn't any after her daughter had been involved in a hit and run, she ran to the ambulance bay, springing past other doctors and nurses and she skidded to a stop and watched as her daughter was unloaded from an ambulance.

"Oh, god." she uttered racing over, standing on her daughter's left side as the gurney was pushed into the hospital. "Dr. McKnight you know you're not allowed to treat family." A doctor said and she nodded frantically. "I know, but she's my daughter, just let me be here. Please." she begged and with a sigh the other doctor nodded before they moved her into a room, Sophia still holding her hand as they began checking her out, seeing the damage.

"Dr. McKnight there's another girl here, name is Hanna Marin." A nurse said as she pooped her head in, making Sophia look at her and nodded, before kissing Gwen's head before heading out and heading to the trauma bay, and she spotted her daughter's best friend sitting there, being cleaned up. "Oh Hanna," Sophia said as the doctor finished up, making Hanna turn to her and instantly started crying. "She pushed me out of the way." Hanna cried, and Sophia pulled her into a hug and rested her head on top of hers. "It's gonna be okay. It has to." Sophia said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Their mom's are with the doctors. I'm okay. They don't know who was driving the car." Emily said to her mom over the phone. "We were at Mona's party and Gwen got a text and Hanna had gone with her, so we were going to the parking lot to meet them and that's when she got hit and Hanna was pushed out of the way." Aria said to her mom.

"Yeah, she was unconscious. We couldn't talk to her and Hanna was injured from being pushed out of the way. This is why we wanna wait. Maybe they'll let us see them or something." Spencer said as Hanna paced, worried. "Umm, let me call you back when I know something." Spencer said, hanging up the phone when she saw Hanna's mom and Gwen's mom walking their way.

"Are they okay, Mrs. Marin, Mrs. McKnight?" Aria asked and Sophia sighed. "They're gonna be alright. Hanna's being kept overnight, in case she has a concussion, and she has a sore hip, from being pushed and a sprained wrist and as for Gwen she, uh, has a broken leg, and a broken ankle, bruised ribs and uh, they said they might have to remove her spleen and..." she trailed off, breathing heavily and Ashley Marin rubbed her back, she knew what she was feeling.

"What happened?" Sophia asked, looking around at her daughter's friends. "Hanna and Gwen were coming across the parking lot and this, this car just came out of nowhere. Gwen had managed to push Hanna out of the way before..." Aria trailed off. "Well, the police found the car, they said it was stolen from the campground lot." Ashley Marin informed them as Sophia ran a hand through her hair.

"Did they catch the driver?" Emily asked. "No. Not yet." Sophia responded. "Well, the cops should be looking for Toby Cavanaugh." Spencer said. "It wasn't Toby Cavanaugh. The police picked him up last night." Sophia said. "What?" Emily asked, shocked. "Yeah, one of the officers told me they found him hiding in town and they were bringing him into the station when they got the call about Gwen and Hanna." Sophia responded.

"You girls should head home, get some rest. I will call you when Hanna and Gwen can have visitors." Sophia  said, crossing her arms. "Just let them know that we were here." Aria asked, and Sophia nodded. "We will, when they wake up." she said before walking off, Ashley walking off as well.

Once Hanna's mom was gone they turned to each other. "Toby isn't 'A'." Emily said. "Well, Hanna and Gwen knows who is. That's why 'A' tried to kill them." Spencer responded. "You think they're just trying to scare us?" Emily asked. "Well, it worked." Aria said. "This was never about scaring us. That was just a bonus and this  started with murder, we were crazy to think that it wouldn't end up like this." Spencer, looking between Aria and Emily.

"So should we tell the cops?" Emily asked. "Tell them what?" Aria asked. "Everything." Emily answered. "We don't know." Spencer responded. "So what do we do?" Aria asked. "Well, we talk to Hanna and Gwen before we do anything." Spencer said. "Are they safe here?" Aria asked, fearfully. "Yeah. I mean nothing will happen while their moms are with them, and plus Gwen's loved by all the doctors, they won't let anything happen to either of them." Spencer responded before the girls slowly walked away and left the hospital.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen groaned as she opened her eyes, and she looked around her room. "Hi." a voice said, making Gwen look over to see Hanna, staring at her. "Han," Gwen muttered, "You're okay." she said smiling. "Yeah. As okay as I can be with a mild concussion, sprained wrist and a bruised side." Hanna said. "I'm so sorry." Gwen said, staring at her sadly. "Why? You saved my life, so what if I have these injuries, I don't care." Hanna said, making Gwen smile tearfully at her. "Where's my mom?" Gwen asked, looking around. "Getting a drink in the cafeteria with my mom, they should be back soon." Hanna responded.

The two friends were silent, but it was comfortable silence, it was broken by a gasp, making them turn to see Sophia McKnight in the doorway with Ashley Marin. "Oh baby," she cried, moving quickly and Gwen hugged her as best as she could from where she was lying down. "I'm okay mom, I'm okay." Gwen whispered to her mom, assuring her that she was okay.

"I know. I'm glad." Sophia said, pulling back from her daughter. "Have you seen the girls?" Gwen asked. "Funny. Hanna asked the same thing when she woke up." Ashley laughed. "They were here, but they went home," Sophia answered Gwen's question. "Can you call the girls? Please?" Gwen asked, "Gwen–" Sophia started but was interrupted. "Please, mom?" Gwen begged, making her mom sigh. "Okay," Sophia responded, petting her hair down, smiling.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna had moved to sit beside Gwen, there being enough room beside her as the girls stood around her, but they needed Sophia and Ashley out of the room before they could fill the girls in. "Does it hurt?" Emily asked. "Yeah, kind of." Gwen answered. "It's just a sprained wrist." Hanna added. "Do you remember what happened?" Spencer asked them and they shared a look. "Yeah, we remember." Gwen answered.

"Mom, Mrs. Marin you guys have been hours, you should take a break." Gwen said, staring at them, making them share a look. "Are you sure?" Sophia asked and Gwen nodded, "Yeah," she said and Ashley and Sophia got up, Sophia kissed Gwen on the forehead. "We'll be back in a couple of hours." she said before they left.

Aria got up quickly, shutting the door, before returning to Gwen and Hanna, as they all stared at them, causing them to share a look. "Noel Kahn is A." Hanna and Gwen said in sync, shocking the others. "What?" Spencer asked. "Are you serious?" Emily asked. "Yeah, we saw him in the woods, he left an 'A' message." Gwen explained.

"You saw him leave a message?" Spencer asked and they nodded. "He wrote something on the back of a car window." Hanna explained. "What car? What did he write?" Emily asked and Hanna and Gwen looked towards Aria. they knew, They had seen her with Mr. Fitz. "I see you." Aria responded, causing Emily and Spencer to look towards her.

"How do you know?" Spencer asked, confused. "I was in the car." Aria admitted. "Whose car was it?" Emily asked and Aria sighed, and hesitated before answering. "Ezra Fitz." she answered. "Mr. Fitz?" Spencer asked, confused as she looked at Aria, who was quiet but nodded. "Aria..." Emily trailed off. "Hanna? Gwen?" Spencer asked, looking towards her injured friends. "It was Mr. Fitz." Hanna said while Gwen nodded.

"You and Mr. Fitz?" Emily asked, standing up from the end of Gwen's bed, crossing her arms. "You met him there?" Spencer asked but Aria was silent. "The girl you got at the party, that was from him?" Emily asked. "I couldn't tell. I couldn't tell anyone. I promised Ezra." Aria responded. "Ezra? Whoa, hold it." Spencer said, standing up. "This is something that's been going on? You and a teacher?" she asked.

Gwen rested her head on Hanna's shoulder, exhausted. "I didn't just get into his car last night. Who do you think I am?" Aria asked. "How long have you been seeing him?" Gwen asked, curious. "Um...." Aria trailed off, thinking. "Since right before school started." she confessed. "Oh, my god. Since Labor day?" Spencer asked, freaked and Aria nodded. "Okay, so you don't have a boyfriend in Iceland?" Hanna asked. "Wait, you've got a boyfriend in Iceland?" Gwen asked, confused.

"No, I-I did." Aria responded before she sighed. "Yeah, but it's not like that." she added. "And you were seeing a teacher when I fixed you up with Noel?" Hanna asked and Aria nodded, before Hanna realized. "Oh, my god, I fixed you up with Noel." she muttered. "And why did you get in his car last night?" Spencer asked, referring to Mr. Fitz.

Aria hesitated before answering. "Well, he, um, called me and..." she trailed off, seeing Spencer's look. "Oh, don't look at me like that." she said as Spencer sighed before turning away from her. "My head hurts just as much as my wrist does now," Hanna said and Gwen nodded. "Tell me about it." she uttered. "What exactly did you guys see?" Spencer asked them.

"First we saw Aria get into the parked car, then we saw someone in a black hoodie write something on the back of the car window and we saw his face when he turned around. It was Noel." Gwen explained. Aria scoffed, "No, it can't be Noel." she said. "Aria, we saw what we saw." Hanna said. "And 'A' tried to kill them for it." Spencer pointed out. "Okay, but I mean, none of us saw who was driving the car." Aria said when someone knocked on Hanna and Gwen's hospital room door.

"If that is someone with painkillers, let 'em in." Gwen begged. Her leg was killing her. Aria walked up the door and cracked it open. "Noel." Aria said, shocked before looking back at the girls, who wore shocked expressions as well. "I just heard about Hanna and Gwen. Thought I'd try to visit." they heard him say.

"They've fallen asleep, we're getting ready to leave." Aria lied before looking back into the room before leaving the room and closing the door. It was silent between the girls as they waited for Aria, and It wasn't long before she walked back in a basket in hand. "He lied to me about being there. He–he said he was with Sean." Aria said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was reading a magazine while Hanna was in and out of sleep when Gwen heard the handle to their hospital room, making her look over to see it turning slowly. "Han," Gwen whispered harshly, making Hanna wake up. "Wha–" Hanna started but Gwen pointed to the door, making Hanna sit up as they looked around, for anything that could be a weapon, but the door cracked open and a white lace bra was put through the doorway which soon opened more, revealing Mona.

"Oh, my god, Mona." Hanna breathed in deeply as Gwen sighed in relief. "I'm waving a white La Perla. That's like the international peace symbol" Mona said, smiling softly. "Can I come in?" she asked, looking between Hanna and Gwen, who laughed softly. "Yeah," Gwen said and Mona walked forward, between Hanna and Gwen's beds.

"Oh, that cast, that's..." Mona paused, putting a couple Camp Mona bags on the end of Gwen's bed, staring at  her broken leg. "That's like, for a broken leg." Mona observed. "That won't keep you from wearing heels, will it?" she asked and they laughed softly. "Just for a little bit." Gwen responded. "Awww." Mona said, grabbing her hand. "If I hadn't uninvited you two to my party then you wouldn't have felt so desperate that you had to sneak around the edges and get hit by that car." Mona said sadly.

"Mona, it's okay. We're okay." Gwen said, trying to comfort her. "I almost feel guilty." Mona responded. "Mona, you don't have anything to feel guilty for." Hanna responded. "Oh, good." Mona said smiling. "Can we go back to being friends?" Hanna asked her softly. "The past is forgotten. Friends forever." Mona said, smiling between Gwen and Hanna as they all shared a smile.

Hanna noticed she was looking at them weirdly. "What?" she asked. "You just look sort of...vague." Mona answered. "Oh, we haven't had any makeup on." Gwen explained and then Mona held up the purse she was holding. "I can fix that." Mona responded and soon enough Mona was doing Hanna and Gwen's makeup. "Oh, I'm glad we're friends again." Mona said as she finished Gwen's eyebrows. "I promise never to listen to another rumour unless I start it myself." she added, making Gwen and Hanna laugh.

"Do you remember that time you threw up on the trampoline? You did that back-flip and you barfed as you went over." Mona asked Hanna and Gwen laughed, throwing her head back, remembering that so vividly. "Trust me, I remember." Hanna responded. "Well, the thing I remember was your dismount. You knew everyone was staring at you. You got to the edge, climbed down and looked at us, you wiped your mouth and then you took a bow." Mona remembered as Hanna laughed. "I was in awe." Mona said. "Of Hanna hurling on the trampoline?" Gwen asked jokingly. "No, of that bow. I mean it was like this incredible life lesson. That's when I knew I wanted to be your friend." Mona answered before she turned to Gwen.

"And you. I remember when you tried out for cheerleading, but you were too uncoordinated so they didn't let you join, but you stood proud anyway. I love how you're brave and proud about who you are with no care about anyone else's opinion." Mona said and Gwen smiled at her, remembering her cheerleader tryouts. "Wow, I... never knew that." Hanna said, and Gwen nodded in agreement. "Because I never told either of you." she answered and they were quite a moment before it was broken. "Ah, concealer. The true miracle drug." Mona said excitedly before applying it to Hanna's skin.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna had gone home, but Gwen was still in the hospital. She was asleep, but she woke up to the sound of the monitors in her room. Groaning, Gwen opened her eyes, and through her blurry eyes she saw someone standing at the foot of her bed, staring at the x-ray of her broken leg, in a candy striper uniform and when they turned around, it turned out to be Alison. "Did you miss me?" She asked, smirking. "Ali?" Gwen asked groggily. "They said you were dead." she added.

"Yeah, I heard that too, but here I am." Alison responded. "What happened to you?" Gwen asked. "It's complicated, Gwen." Alison answered. "Really complicated, worse than algebra." she added. "What happened when you left the barn? We all wanna know." Gwen asked, still groggy. "You already do. The five of you combined, you remember more about that night than you think you do." Alison responded and Gwen furrowed her eyebrow as a noise was made in the corridor near Gwen's room. "Where'd you go? To meet a boy?" Gwen asked, getting Alison's attention.

"Noel?" she added. "Noel?" Alison asked, before laughing. "Hmm, please," she said as if Gwen was making a joke. "Please tell me the truth." Gwen said softly. "It won't make any difference, darling." Alison responded. "How can you say that?" Gwen asked sadly. "Because I know." Alison answered. "You think the truth is some big shiny disco ball of purity? Then go ahead and try it. Be honest. See what it gets you." Alison said.

"Telling the truth to the wrong person at the wrong time is how I ended where I am. Take it from me. You're always better off with a really good lie." Alison explained as Gwen's eyes fluttered closed again. "Gotta go." Alison said, after checking the time. "Where?" Gwen asked. "I was so scared that you or Hanna were gonna die. That's why I came back. I didn't care how dangerous it was, I had to see you." she responded."You know, I really should do something about 'A', that bitch is genuinely getting on my nerves." Alison remarked before walking out of Gwen's hospital room door.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day the girls were back in the hospital, visiting Gwen, Hanna had also come. Spencer was explaining how the tree they found the night of Camp Mona had been cut down. "So, the whole tree? Gone?" Gwen asked, looking towards Spencer. "Yeah. Lock, stock and bird's nest." Spencer responded. "Why? Why show something like that and then just take it away?" Hanna asked.

"Like 'A' had a split personality." Emily remarked. "That's great. Homicidal and nuts." Gwen sarcastically quipped. "We've been thinking... maybe we're dealing with more than one person." Spencer explained. "'A' and Ali's killer are two separate people?" Hanna asked and they nodded. "Okay. you are freaking out the invalid." Gwen said, holding up a hand.

"No, think about it." Aria insisted. "No, you think about it. I mean aren't we in enough trouble? I know, I am. Just look at me, and at Hanna." Gwen asked, fiddling with her fingers before she notices Aria move the blanket off her broken leg. "Gwen. Gwen, who wrote this?" she asked and Gwen rolled her head back, tired. "I don't know, people and doctors have been in and out all day, so have I." she answered.

"Oh, no," Emily uttered and Hanna moved to see and gasped. "What?" Gwen asked, now concerned. "What's on there?" she asked, sitting up to look at it. "Sorry about losing my temper. My bad. Love 'A'." Aria read out and Gwen started panicking. "Who put that on my leg?" she asked, breathing heavily, and Hanna wrapped her arm around her. "Who wrote that?" Spencer wondered, standing up. "Did somebody come in here while you were sleeping?" Emily asked.

"I don't know! Just get it off my leg! Wipe it off!" Gwen exclaimed, panicked, the girls trying to calm her down, "Gwen, easy, easy." Aria said, trying to sooth her as Spencer moved and held Gwen's hand as Hanna rubbed her back.

Chapter Text

The girls were helping Gwen into her living room, she was in a wheelchair, and her mom was still at work. She tried to get the day off but Gwen assured her that she'd be fine, she would have the girls with her. Gwen was currently reclining on the couch in the living room, trying to put the sticker that covered 'A's message properly. "Why are you taking that off?" Aria asked as she walked into the room with Gwen's crutches and others brought in the gifts people had given her.

"I'm not. I'm trying to keep it on." Gwen responded before throwing a blanket over her leg, trying to ignore it. "Trust me, I don't wanna see what's underneath it." she added as she sighed, leaning into the couch. "Well we can get you another sticker." Spencer offered. "Yeah, this time, why don't you try something mellower, like 'save the planet'?" Aria asked as Hanna sat beside Gwen, her wrist still in a brace.

"Hey, there were not a lot of choices, okay? It was either 'Humpty Dumpty' or 'Jesus is coming, look busy'." Spencer responded, defending herself as she, Aria and Emily settled into couches and recliners in the living room. Gwen pushed her blanket off, peeling the sticker back, looking at 'A's message and groaned. "God, it's still there." she said. "Gwen, don't look at it, okay?" Hanna said, pushing her hand aside and putting the blanket back on top of her leg.

"Yeah, just look around you, 'cause you're safe. You're home and you're alive." Spencer added, reaching across the seat she was in and patted her uninjured leg. "Well, I thought I'd be safe at the hospital, but guess not." Gwen scoffed, shaking her head. "What's going on with Noel Kahn? Is he 'A'? Have you talked to him? " Hanna asked Aria as Gwen rested her head on her shoulder.

"No. I avoid him. I keep telling him I'm busy." Aria responded. "Busy freaking out everytime I look at him," she added. "Yeah, well, try being run over by him." Gwen muttered and the girls shared looks. "Who got you this dog?" Emily asked as she reached and grabbed the stuffed animal from the coffee table. "My mom." Gwen responded. "Cute," Hanna said, smiling softly at her friend.

"Is anyone else starving, or is it just me?" Gwen asked, looking around at her friends. "Your mom said she left some money in the kitchen to order some food." Spencer said, as she moved to get up and get it. "Can you order pizza?" Gwen asked Spencer, who indeed with a smile. "Sure," she responded, patting her head before she moved to the kitchen as Emily and Aria looked at her with amused smiles.

"What? I've been eating hospital food for weeks, I wanna eat my weight in junk food right now." Gwen said, making her friends laugh as Spencer walked back into the living room, money in hand, "Pizza is ordered, I also ordered ice cream." she said and Gwen let out a cheer, "Yes, i love you spence," she said as her friends laughed as they waited for the food to get there, they just replaced for what felt like the first time in months. The girls ended up staying with Gwen until Sophia got home from work.

Sophia unlocked the door to her house around five in the afternoon, and walked into the living room to see the girls asleep through the living room. Emily and Aria shared a small L shaped couch, Spencer curled up in the single sofa while Gwen and Hanna took up the other L shaped couch. Sophia smiled, glad her daughter had her friends back.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next night, Hanna was at hers with Mona, her mom was at work again, and Mona had insisted on coming over. Mona dumped a bunch of books on the kitchen table of the McKnight residence and Gwen wondered why Mona was dressed up. "Where are you going after this?" she asked her, confused by her attire. "What are you talking about?" Mona asked, making Hanna and Gwen share a look.

"Well, when Gwen's mom told us that you were gonna give up your Friday night to help us study math–" Hanna started. "I never said math. I said I would get you up to speed." Mona responded, reapplying lipstick. "So...can we discuss Claudia Rice?" Mona asked. "I don't know who that is." Hanna responded. "Yes, you do. Skinny, skinny jeans. Won't wear anything unless it's tight enough to make blood come out of her ears." Mona said, trying to jog her memory.

"Woah, what was that?" Mona suddenly asked, staring out the window of the back doors to Gwen's house. "What was what?" Gwen asked, confused. "I just saw a shadow at your door." Mona said, moving around Gwen's wheelchair, making her sit up and glance at Hanna, who was scared as well. "No, Mona, don't open the door." Gwen begged her. "Call the police." Hanna demanded.

"Oh, hush, baby janes." Mona said, turning to look at Gwen and Hanna. "Mona, don't!" Gwen said before Mona opened the back doors and as she did, people jumped out from the sides, yelling surprise, in the front, was Hanna's boyfriend Sean. Everyone cheered as they moved into the house and started playing music as Sean came over to Hanna, who was standing behind Gwen's wheelchair now, and took a photo of them, before leaning and kissing Hanna.

Gwen looked up at Hanna, who looked as shocked as she did, but they shared a smile before Hanna's smile turned into a frown, making Gwen look where she was looking, to see Noel Kahn walk into her house. "Fuck." Gwen muttered, no heard her over the music.

As the night progressed, Hanna was the one pushing Gwen's wheelchair around for her, and the two of them were in the kitchen when Gwen noticed Noel was looking through cabinets, so she pushed the wheelchair herself. "Uh Noel, whatcha doin'? Don't look through those, please." she pleaded, not feeling comfortable with him in her house, but Noel didn't stop, and grabbed a blue cup from the cupboard. "Jackpot." he said, before walking away from it, making her sigh, it made her think of that party that Alison had convinced her to throw at her place.

FLASHBACK

Gwen stood with the girls in the entryway of her kitchen where they were seeing Noel with the girls of the week, or month she supposed, when the girls got up suddenly. "That's it, Noel! We're over!" she exclaimed before storming off, "What?" he asked as he stood up, confused before she caught sight of Alison and the girls. "Happy now?" he asked darkly before walking off, probably after the girl.

"What happened?" Emily asked Alison. "I just put Noel Kahn back on the market." Alison responded. "How? You broke them up?" Aria asked. "We broke them up." Alison corrected, making Gwen frown. "Aren't you still crushing on him, Aria?" Alison asked. "What did we do Alison?" Spencer asked. "What's with the 'tude, guys?" she asked, looking at the others. "I did it for Aria. I only kill when we need food, or when I'm bored." she added.

END FLASHBACK

She sighed at the memory of Alison breaking Noel up with the girl he was seeing. Gwen wished she could lock herself in her room. She hated parties, and she didn't want all these people here, not right now, she just wanted to be with her friends.

She wheeled herself out of the kitchen as Aria walked in front of her while Gwen's wheelchair got stuck on a piece of Pizza. "Hey, hold still." she said, reaching down and grabbing it so Gwen could move her wheelchair. She put it on a table, and faced her friend. "Look, would you be cool If I... left a little early? Now?" Aria asked. "Going to see Mr. Fitz?" Gwen asked, raising her brow at her and Aria scoffed. "It bothers you. Me and Ezra. I–" Aria started.

"No. i mean yes, but no," she said and Aria tilted her head. "If you remember, I've never had a boyfriend. So, I don't know what you're feeling, but If you're happy, I'm happy." Gwen said and Aria smiled and reached down and hugged Gwen before she left.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After Aria left, Emily, Gwen and Hanna were in the kitchen together as Sean told everyone a story about Hanna. "And she's all, like... and so Hanna's on top of the Bunny Hill but I had to, like, hypnotise her, to get her to grab onto the tow rope." he started explaining and people laughed, including Hanna, Gwen smiled. "Okay, I was freezing." Hanna defended herself. "You were freaked." Sean responded. "No, Sean, my eyebrows were cracking off." Hanna added.

"She says to me, 'S-s-sean, c-can you c-carry me down, p-please'?" Sean said as he imitated a cold freaked out Hanna and everyone laughed. "And I'm like 'Babe, I'm right next to you, you'll be fine'." he continued before Lucas interrupted. "Oh her trusty St. Bernard." he joked. "And you can snowplow the whole way down, I tell," Sean said, "And if you fall, I'll drag you back to the bus and get you drunk so I can link your face." Lucas added, and you could tell he had been drinking.

Hanna and Gwen shared a look. Hanna had told Gwen all about the time Lucas had visited her in the hospital while Gwen was asleep. Sean and everyone else turned to him. "What did you say?" Sean asked. "I mean, so what if they're lousy guard dogs? They're big and they're goofy, and if you can get past buckets of drool." Lucas continued. "I think Hermie the Hermaphrodite needs a jumbo coffee." Mona joked and Gwen frowned.

She always hated the nicknames that Alison gave people. "I mean, who does not want a big, slobbering beast who can catch a ball in the end zone?" Lucas laughed. "That's it." Sean yelled before he moved and threw himself at Lucas. "Sean! Hey, stop!" Hanna yelled as she and everyone moved to either watch or try to stop the fight. Emily moved Gwen so she wouldn't get hurt in the crowd. "Fight, fight, fight!" Mona chanted as Sean and Lucas fought in the kitchen.

"Don't hit him!" Hanna exclaimed, "Sean! Sean! Stop!" Noel yelled, grabbing Sean and separating him from Lucas as he threw a punch. "It's like fighting a kid that needs a telethon." Noel added, trying to calm Sean down. "Lucas, can I please talk to you outside?" Hanna asked, and Lucas looked at her, and she tilted her head, before the two of them walked outside. "Can you put me in the living room?" Gwen asked Emily, who nodded. She moved Gwen through the party and opened the living room which was empty since it was shut, so it was nice and quiet in there.

"Finally. Quiet." Gwen said as she leaned back in her wheelchair and Emily sat on her couch. "Don't like the party?" she asked and Gwen shook her head. "Nope." she answered. Soon enough the party was over and the girls stayed and helped clean up, before Sophia came home, knowing she had been at work all night and didn't wanna feel like cleaning it.

A couple hours later, Gwen was laying on the couch watching a movie when her mom walked in, "Hey love," she said, kissing Gwen's forehead. "How was your party?" she asked, and Gwen sighed. "I hated it." she answered and Sophia sighed. "I knew you would, but Mona is very persuasive." She laughed and Gwen nodded in agreement before Sophia laid on the other couch, watching the movie with Gwen, both falling asleep there that night.

Chapter Text

It's been a few weeks, and Gwen's leg was finally healed and she was able to walk on it, but she was advised to still take it slow. She was walking toward a cafe where Spencer and Emily were sitting. "Looks like someone traded in her wheels for heels." Emily laughed, making Spencer turn to her as well. "They're flats," Gwen responded as she sat down. "Here." Spencer said, handing Gwen the hot chocolate they got for her before she rang Hilton Head.

"Hi, I'm planning a surprise visit for my husband and he cannot stop talking about the room he had on his last visit. Can you pull up that reservation?" Spencer asked, in an odd southern accent. "His name is Ian Thomas." she added. Emily and Gwen shared a look as Emily took a bite of her food while Gwen sipped on her hot chocolate. "Why are you doing this?" Emily asked in a whisper, making Spencer put a hand to the speaker of her phone to answer.

"I think Ian and Alison were together the weekend before she disappeared." Spencer responded in a whisper. "Don't you remember how Alison was acting when she got home from visiting her grandmother? All giggles and tan?" Spencer asked, still whispering. "Yeah," Emily and Gwen responded in sync. "Ali hated old people, and Ali's grandmother lives in Georgia, Hilton Head is in South Carolina. She was lying to us." Spencer explained. "So what? Ali lied more than she breathed." Gwen asked, shrugging and Emily nodded in agreement.

"You think that was enough to make Ian wanna permanently shut her up?" Emily asked. "Wow. I thought you'd be happy to hear It was anybody but Toby." Spencer said. "All Toby wanted was for me to believe him and I didn't." Emily said sadly, making Gwen frown. "Toby lied about a lot of things too, Em." Spencer said, trying to assure her. "If lying was a crime, we would all be in jail." Emily said and Gwen nodded before she caught sight of someone behind Spencer.

"Agent Cooper, good morning." she greeted her, making Spencer and Emily look over at her as well. "Hi. Beautiful day, huh?" she asked, coffee in hand. The girls smiled at her, as Hanna's mom's car pulled up, making Gwen smile. "Hey, Han." Gwen greeted her and Hanna smiled, before she noticed Gwen no longer in her wheelchair. "Hey Gwen." Hanna responded as she sat beside her. "Thank you." Spencer said into her phone before hanging up.

"The food in this town is to die for. I'm missing it already." Agent Cooper said, making them look at her. "Are you going somewhere?" Hanna asked. "Came here to find the person that killed your friend. Toby Cavanaugh may be out on bail, but he's not leaving town and we have a solid case against him. So unless you have a reason for me to stay." she said, looking at the girls.

"Well, I guess we'll see you around then." Hanna said. "You girls take care." Agent Cooper said before leaving. "Bye," Gwen said, before looking at Spencer, who seemed like she had something she wanted to tell them. "What?" Emily asked her. "Ian was definitely at Hilton Head the same weekend Ali was." Spencer explained. "Maybe we do have a reason for Cooper to stay." Emily said and Gwen frowned, holding her hot chocolate with both hands.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Agent Cooper is not some small-town cop who's gonna arrest Spencer's brother-in-law because Ali carved his name into a tree." Hanna said as the group walked through the cafeteria and sat down at a table. "Yeah, a tree that's no longer there." Aria scoffed. "No one knows that but us." Gwen said. "And Ian." Spencer added. "And 'A'." Hanna said, staring outside, and the girls followed her view to see Noel Kahn. "Noel led us to that tree for a reason." Spencer said. "Is 'A'... I mean, is Noel trying to help us find Ali's killer?" Aria asked, confused.

"'A' helping us? Yeah right," Gwen scoffed. "How could Noel even know about Ian and Ali?" Spencer asked. "Have you ever noticed how Noel is always around?" Aria asked before she looked back at Noel, to see him talk to her brother. "Are they friends?" Emily asked. "No." Aria answered. "You sure?" Gwen asked as she watched Mike and Noel talk.

"Hanna's right about Cooper. We need to find some kind of proof." Spencer, looking away from Mike and Noel. "Thank you, Veronica Mars." Hanna responded and Gwen snickered at the nickname. "That proof may be boxed in your kitchen." Emily said to Spencer, referring to the boxes of Ian's that were in Spencer's kitchen. "Hi." Maya said, walking up the table, making Emily smile. "Hey," Emily said, getting up and the two shared a kiss.

"Um, are we still on for later? You know, now that your dad's gone?" Maya asked as Emily picked up her bag. "Yeah, my mom knows how my dad feels about us." Emily responded. "In other words, he'll tolerate me." Maya responded. "She's spending the day in the city, okay so you'll be safe, I promise." Emily responded and Maya laughed. "What's later?" Spencer asked. "Um, studying." Emily answered. "Is that girl-on-girl code for romance?" Hanna asked.

Emily laughed. "No, Hanna, we're actually studying." she answered. "But your friend is a romantic." Maya said. "Is she?" Gwen asked. "Oh, yeah, umm, walks in the rain, picnic by the lake, dancing naked in cadelight." Emily responded as the girls shared amused smiles and raised their brows at her, speechless until Emily laughed. "I'm just kidding. We go to dinner and a movie just like you guys." she laughed along with the girls. "Well, she's not entirely kidding. Emily would love to do all of those things–" Maya started. "Okay, you've shared enough." Emily said before pulling Maya away and they walked off and the girls laughed and smiled, glad that Emily was happy.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was at her locker, switching her books out for the ones she needed and the ones she didn't when Aria walked over to her. "Hey," she said and Gwen turned with a smile. "Hi," she greeted her, closing her locker, leaning against it. "Do you wanna grab a coffee after school? I could use a study buddy." she asked and Gwen shook her head. "I've got physical therapy after school, what about after I'm done?" she asked and Aria nodded. "Cool." Gwen said as Emily walked over to them.

"Hey, I just heard that Toby's here." she said. "Would they let him come back to school?" Aria asked. "Hey, freak coming through!" they heard, making them turn to see Toby being led into the hallway with a couple security guards. As Toby approved his locker, Gwen noticed someone had spray painted the word 'killer' on it with red spray paint.

He opened it and grabbed his books and then shut the locker, and the security guards led him through the hallway, someone walked in front of him. "Murderer." he said and a security guard moved in front of Toby. "Step aside, please." he said and the guy moved and then they led Toby through the hallway and round the corner.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After Gwen's physical therapy, Aria had picked her up from it, and they had gotten a coffee from the Brew before they went on a walk. "So, how's your leg feeling?" Aria asked and Gwen shrugged. "It's okay, sometimes It hurts and I've gotta rest but other than that, it's pretty much better." she answered as the two began approaching 'Lucky Leon's Cupcakes' and they saw Hanna sitting there, and some Jocks laughing.

As they walked closer, "Hanna?" Aria asked and Hanna looked up from her phone to see Aria and Gwen. "Are you okay?" Gwen asked. "Oink, oink." a jock said, making Gwen turn glaring at them. "Don't you guys have practice or did you lose your balls?" she snapped, making them shut up, before Aria and Gwen took a seat with Hanna.

"I thought you were busy?" Aria asked. She had asked if Hanna had wanted to join her and Gwen, but refused saying she was busy. "I lied." Hanna responded. "Wanna talk about it?" Gwen asked. "I wish I could." Hanna said sadly, and Aria grabbed the napkin from her coffee and wiped the cupcake frosting off Hanna's face.

Gwen rubbed Hanna's back as she sniffed. "You know, I really hate 'A'." Hanna said, staring down the street, making them turn to see Noel Kahn, who turned to look at them. "He has something on my mom that can get her into a lot of trouble." Hanna admitted. "What does he want you to do?" Aria asked. "Remember when I used to eat when I got nervous or felt bad?" Hanna asked and they nodded.

"Alison walked in on me after a binge and... she was actually kind or so I thought." Hanna muttered the last bit. "She helped me throw up." she confessed and Gwen frowned. "Han, that's super dangerous." she said. "I know and... that was just such a low point in my life that... I started taking better care of myself." Hanna continued. "I knew I could be stronger than that." She finished and Aria and Gwen each held one of Hanna's hands. "You are stronger than that." Gwen said, smiling at Hanna.

After they talked a bit, Hanna went to the bathroom to go to the toilet while Gwen and Aria waited outside, but when they noticed Hanna was taking a little longer, they walked in. "hey, you okay?" Gwen asked and Hanna nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay." Hanna responded and the three of them left 'Lucky Leon's Cupcakes'.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Sophia walked into the house, and headed into the kitchen to see her daughter studying. "Hi, mom," she greeted. "Hi sweetheart." she responded as she kissed the crown of Gwen's head. "How was physical therapy?" she asked as she took off her jacket. "Good. I've only got a couple more sessions left, but my leg's feeling better anyway." she responded. "That's good." Sophia said, sitting down in front of her daughter.

"How do we feel about ordering in?" she asked, making Gwen laugh. "I'm all for it." she said, "Good, because I've been craving pizza." Sophia said and Gwen nodded. "I'll order it, you have a shower." she said, getting up from her seat. "You are an amazing daughter." she said and Gwen laughed as she walked to get her phone and order the pizza.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day, Gwen stood with Hanna and Spencer in front of the school. "Melissa's pregnant?" Gwen exclaimed, staring at Spencer wide-eyed. "Hey, I said this a secret." Spencer said, trying to quieten her down. "No, it's not a secret. It's a bombshell, like a nukular." Hanna responded, making Gwen furrow her brows. "It's nuclear." Spencer corrected her but Hanna stared at her confused. "Nuclear." Spencer tried again.

"Okay, whatever, it's still a disaster movie." Hanna said. "I know." Spencer responded. "Can you imagine Melissa pregnant? Or even worse Melissa as mom?" Gwen asked. "I've never once heard Melissa talk about kids, now she wants to have this huge family? It's like he's totally manipulating her." Spencer scoffed. "Manipulating her? Spence, your sister's a badass." Hanna said, trying to comfort her. "I don't know what we're gonna find but I have to see what's inside those boxes." Spencer said, referring to Ian's boxes.

Gwen was the one to notice an upset Emily walking up to them, looking at her phone. "Em?" she asked, making the others look at her as well. "Hey." Spencer greeted her softly. "I didn't even get to say goodbye." Emily said, making Gwen frown, confused. "To who?" she asked. "Maya." Emily answered. "Em, where is she going?" Hanna asked. "They're sending her to juvie camp for three months." Emily responded. "What happened?" Spencer asked. "My mother. That's what happened." Emily answered, causing Gwen to sigh sadly.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls walked into the hallway to see a security officer, Vice Principal Hackett and Noel Kahn walking to Noel's locker. "Step aside, please." the security officer asked and Noel did as told, "Somebody set me up, okay?" Noel said, but no one was listening. "You'll have to explain this one, Mr. Khan." Vice Principal Hackett said as he looked through the locker. "You have to believe me." Noel pleaded.

"You stole the answers to three midterms, Mr. Kahn. I can't imagine ever believing in you again." Vice Principal Hackett responded and Gwen looked at the girls wide-eyed. "This is really unacceptable and I'm really, really disappointed in you." Vice Principal Hackett said, leading Noel away before the girls' phones went off and the girls pulled their phones out and checked the message.

UNKNOWN ID
A is Alison
not Amateur

The girls looked at each, shocked. Did 'A' get Noel expelled? Gwen thought.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later that night the girls had a plan for Emily. They had Maya upstairs in Spencer's room, waiting for her, so now the girls were downstairs waiting for Emily but also waiting for Melissa and Ian to leave so they could go through Ian's boxes. "I don't know who I'm more afraid of. 'A' the bitch who tried to flatten Hanna and Gwen or 'A' our new frenemy?" Aria asked and Gwen rolled her eyes.

'A' only ever did something for the girls if it benefited them. Aria started to smile, making Gwen furrow her brows. "What?" Spencer asked. "'A' saved my relationship." she responded, smiling. "'A' also tried to kill me and Han." Gwen remarked. "Because 'A' thought you saw her. 'A' clearly knows now that you didn't, "Spencer responded as the door to the kitchen from the outside opened, making them look towards it as Spencer looked down at her book.

"So, the, uh, the law of cosines is an extension of the Pythagorean theorem to the arbitrary angles around the outside—." Spencer started but Hanna cut her off. "Uh, English, please." she begged, not understanding Spencer's fast pace mathematical rant. "It's nice to see the posse together again." Melissa said, smiling.

"Uh, the posse?" Aria asked, laughing. "This is me playing nice, Aria. Spencer and I have called a truce." Melissa responded, smiling at her sister. "Oh, well, I'll play along. How does it feel to be married?" Gwen asked, "it feels like I don't have to try so hard all the time. Like things are settled." Melissa admitted. "Yeah, that's how my mom felt before my dad met Isabelle." Hanna said.

Gwen bit her lip, trying to hold in her laughter. "One thing I don't need to worry about is Ian looking at other women." Melissa laughed. How about teenage girls Gwen thought, thinking about Ian and Alison and Ian and Spencer. Ian walked in not long after that, "you ready, wife?" he asked, and Melissa turned to him with a smile. "I am, my handsome husband." she said before she and Ian left.

As Ian and Melissa left, Emily walked through one of the backdoors to Spencer's house. The girls all turned to her with a smile on their faces. "What?" Emily asked, confused. "There is something that I need to show you. In my room." Spencer said, getting up and was about to lead Emily to her room but Aria stopped her.

"Wait, no. I think she should find it herself." She said and Spencer nodded. "I agree, but first..." Hanna trailed off as she got up and fixed her hair and unbuttoned the first button on her jacket. "There, now you can go, hmm." Hanna said, smiling before Spencer opened her arms and pointed towards the stairway, and Emily began walking to the stairs, looking over her shoulder and smiling at her friends.

"Go." "Go." Hanna and Spencer said, encouraging her while Gwen and Aria smiled as Emily went up the stairs, disappearing from view. The girls shared a laugh before they began going through Ian's boxes. "Hey, look at this." Aria said, turning the newspaper she was holding to show it was a 'STILL MISSING' for Alison. "Everyone kept those." Gwen responded, sighing, knowing she has one hidden in a box in her room.

The girls kept going through boxes, "what's this?" Hanna asked. "It looks like a yearbook." Gwen said, moving to sit next to Hanna. "You guys, look. Really?" Spencer said, holding up a pair of binoculars. Gwen shivered, the thought of Ian using those made her feel queasy. "Spying." Hanna. "Creepy." Gwen muttered as they shared a laugh before they stopped, hearing Maya and Emily laughing from upstairs.

"You know, I am officially jealous of Emily's love life." Hanna said and Gwen laughed. "Least you have a boyfriend Han." Gwen pointed out before they started looking through boxes again, hoping to find something. "We've got comic books, more comic books, and more comic books." Aria said and she and Hanna pulled piles of comic books out of one box. "Evidence of geekdom, but not a crime." Hanna remarked.

"Hey," they heard, making them turn to see Emily and Maya walking down the stairs. "Thank you guys so much." Maya said as the girls stood up and looked at them before they all gave Maya a goodbye hug. Gwen smiled as she hugged Maya before stepping back. "Thank you." she said to Spencer as they hugged. "Of course." Spence responded. "You'll be back before you know it." Gwen said, smiling before Maya and Emily walked to the door and the girls turned to give some privacy.

They shared a kiss before Maya left. The girls sat around Spencer's living room, "I don't even know how to thank you guys. Tonight was the best gift anyone could have ever given me." Emily said, looking around at her friend. "Where are they sending her?" Spencer asked. "Uh, someplace called True North." Emily responded. "Seriously?" Hanna asked and Emily turned to her. "Is it bad?" she asked.

"They sent Betsy Berger there for huffing spray paint. She came back as a drummer in a gospel band." Hanna answered and Emily looked worried. "Em, Maya's an amazing person, she's gonna be fine." Gwen said, trying to comfort her as Spencer re-sealed the last box. "Yeah." Emily whispered to herself. "Did you guys find anything?" she asked. "We looked through every box and found a big, fat nothing." Spencer responded, grabbing the box and putting it back with the rest of them as Spencer's phone went off.

She looked towards Spencer, who nodded and Aria picked up the phone. "Don't say I never gave you anything. Turn on your computer, A." Aria read out and they all looked towards where Spencer's computer was sitting and they all quickly huddled around it as Spencer turned it on and clicked on her mail and opened the newest one.

It was the same video Agent Cooper had shown them. "If the girls knew I was seeing you oh, my god, they'd never shut up about it." Alison on the video said. "This is the video Cooper showed us." Emily said. "I wish they were more mature, but..." she trailed off.

"We don't have a lot of time, I have to get back before they wake up." she said, staring at the camera, or rather, who was holding the camera. "I know you wanna kiss me." she said before the camera moved going towards her before she stood up and the video turned to was holding the camera, showing it was Ian, making the girls gasp. "Oh, my god!" Spencer exclaimed.

"Come closer." Ian in the video instructed and they heard Alison's laugh in the background as Ian's hand covered the Camera's lens as he put it on the ground. They heard heavy breathing on the video before they heard Alison gasp, and then her hand hit the ground making the girls gasp and when Alison's hand grabbed a handful of dirt, they gasped again before Alison's hand relaxed again and that was the end of the video. Gwen covered her mouth in shock before they heard a door shut from outside, startling them as they turned and gasped.

The girls ran outside, trying to catch whoever was outside, but they had lost whoever it was. "Do you see anything?" Spencer asked. "That bitch is fast." Emily said in shock. "We should go back." Gwen said and the girls nodded in agreement and they walked back to Spencer's.

Chapter Text

The girls were watching the video again. "If the girls knew I was seeing you. Oh, my god, they'd never shut up about it." Alison said on the video. "I wish they were more mature, but..." she trailed off. "We don't have a lot of time, I have to get back before they wake up." she said. "I know you wanna kiss me." she said before the camera moved going towards her before she stood up and the video turned to was holding the camera, showing it was Ian.

"She doesn't even look scared." Spencer said. "Did Alison ever look scared?" Hanna asked as Alison on the video stood up and turned the camera to ian. "Come closer." Ian on the video instructed and she did, before Ian covered the camera and put it on the ground. The girls watched again, as Alison's hand landed on the ground before squeezing the dirt before going limp.

"He pushed her, didn't he?" Aria asked. "And all that mumbling and groaning, maybe she was gripping the ground because she was–" Hanna started. "Looking for a weapon to defend herself?" Spencer asked. "Why are you snapping at me?" Hanna asked. "I'm just trying to give your creepy brother an out." Hanna said. "In-law, okay? Ian is my creepy brother-in-law." Spencer corrected her as she sat down.

"Okay, whatever he is, he just married your sister and he might be a killer." Gwen said, stopping an argument from brewing. "This definitely proves that he was with her the night she died." Emily said, pacing behind them. "Can we just watch this video one more time and figure out what they're saying?" Hanna asked, rewinding the video on Spencer's computer.

"No, please. I can't watch this again." Emily said, "yeah, Em's right. Let's just give it a rest." Aria's suggested, pausing the video before walking away as Gwen and Spencer still sat on the stools while Emily, Hanna and Aria were sitting on the couches. "Is anybody else freezing?" Emily asked. "I'll make some hot chocolate." Spencer said, getting off the stool and moving over to her kitchen counter.

"Hot chocolate? What is this, Camp Tamarack? We can't just sit around singing 'Kumbaya'. We have to hand over that video." Hanna said in disbelief. "What Video?" Ian asked, making the girls gasp and turn to him, he was facing the girls, and Gwen spared a quick look to Spencer's computer where Ian's face was paused on. "Um, Hanna rented 'Tootsie' but she left it at home." Spencer lied.

Gwen slowly stood from her seat, making sure not to alert Ian, wanting to shut the computer as soon as he wasn't in the way, if she guessed, he had seen it before they noticed he was even in the room. "Oh, well, you're welcome to hang with us in the barn," he said, turning to go to the kitchen. "Well, your sister picked some chick flick on demand." he said to Spencer.

Spencer looked at Gwen who was slowly walking towards her computer, "where do we keep the popcorn?" he asked. "That drawer." Spencer said, pointing to the one closest to Ian. "Oh, okay." he said and turned to get it out of the drawer and Gwen moved towards Spencer's computer some more as Ian turned back around to face the girls. "Oh, Emily, by the way, I've been meaning to ask you. You ready to trade your goggles in for a field hockey stick?" he asked and Gwen held her breath, Ian was so close to Spencer's computer.

"Yeah, we could use some speed on the offense. Right, Spencer?" he asked and Spencer did a nervous laugh. "Thanks, I'm still into swimming." Emily responded. "Well, you wouldn't be if you saw what they skimmed out of the pool every week." Ian said as Gwen finally made it to Spencer's computer and shut it. "What's up? Did I walk into the middle of a chick flick?" he asked, picking up the awkward tension in the room.

The girls breathed easy, knowing the computer was shut now but none of them responded to Ian's comment. "Okay, I get it. No guys allowed." Ian said before leaving. "God, that was close." Aria breathed. "How do you think I feel?" Gwen muttered, she had been the one to shut the computer. "Spencer, how can you even sleep here? Knowing that he's living in your backyard?" Aria asked her.

"We have to give that tape to the police. Tonight." Emily said, determined. "And when they ask us where we go it?" Spencer responded before Ian walked back in. "Forgot the salt." he said, walking in and grabbing it, and the girls stayed silent and Gwen moved one of Spencer's books to cover the computer. Ian turned to see them, waiting for him to leave, which he did, thankfully.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Okay, does this look even?" Aria asked Hanna and Gwen but when she looked down, they weren't paying attention, they were on their computers. "Earth to Hanna and Gwen." Aria joked and Gwen turned to her. "Sorry what?" she asked, making Hanna look up as well and Gwen tilted her head. "Little low on the left." she said and Aria nodded, and they fixed it before getting down.

"Remind me, how come you are the chair of the decorating committee and we're the one's decorating?" Aria asked Hanna, knowing why Gwen wasn't doing much, didn't wanna hurt her leg. "I can't climb up there. I need to save my legs for tomorrow, I don't wanna fall and hurt myself." Hanna responded, making Gwen laugh as Sean came up to them.

"Hanna, the printer guy needs to be paid." he said, and Hanna turned around. "Did you order six Baracks and no Michelles?" he asked and Gwen sighed. "Are you kidding? Tell him no Michelles, no money." Hanna responded. "Uh, maybe you should tell him. He says this is what you ordered." Sean suggested, since she was the chair of the decorating committee. "I'll be right back." Hanna said before walking off.

"Jesus don't wanna be the printer guy." Gwen said once Hanna was out of sight, making Aria laugh before Spencer walked into the room. "Hey, are we still doing this at lunch?" she asked in a whisper. "If by 'this' you mean taking your laptop to the police. Then yes, we are." Emily answered. "But no one called over there, right? They don't know that we're coming?" Spencer asked, freaking out slightly.

"What's with the cold feet?" Gwen asked. "It's just..." she paused before moving further into the room. "I was up all night thinking and..." she paused again. "What if this is a set up?" she asked. "'A' could've planted this video on my laptop knowing we would turn it in." Spencer said, and Gwen sighed, knowing that was a possibility, but they had to risk it, if they wanted Ali's killer caught.

"Guys, let's not try to second-guess 'A'. We've been there. We ended up scared of Noel Kahn, who turned out to be just a jealous freak looking for a better grade." Emily said. "Yeah, let's not forget 'A' also tried to kill me and Hanna for knowing too much." Gwen responded. "She's right. We could be walking into a trap." Spencer added. "You are already living in it." Aria said.

"No. Ian... might have done other stuff, but he's not 'A'." Spencer responded. "There's no way he'd want us knowing this video even exists." Spencer added. "But it does, and the police need to know what happened to Alison that night. Toby gave Alison his sweater before she saw Ian and Toby shouldn't go to jail for a crime he didn't commit." Emily responded. "She's right." Aria said, looking from Emily to Spencer, who looked nervous. "Hey, I'll drive you to the station during lunch." Aria offered and Spencer sighed.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen walked out of the school later that day to see Emily on the phone. "Hello? Hello?" Emily asked before she hung up. "Who was that?" she asked, "Maya's prison guard at True North." Emily answered. "How is she?" Gwen asked. "Wouldn't know. They won't let me talk to her." Emily responded. "Why not? What do they have her doing over there in the woods?" Gwen asked as she and Emily sat on a bench out front the school. "Building character." Emily responded.

"And now they've taken her phone away and reprogrammed it so only her parents can call." Emily said and Gwen spotted the new kid near the school entrance, a plan forming in her head. "No texts, no emails, no nothing." Emily added and the guy felt eyes on and he and Gwen locked eyes before she looked back at Emily. "Give me your phone." she demanded. "What?" Emily asked, confused as Gwen looked back at the guy near the entrance to the school.

"Give it to me, and I promise you'll get it back, and then you can call Maya anytime you want." Gwen said, looking back at that guy and Emily followed her line of sight. "What are you looking at?" Emily asked, looking back at Gwen. "Not a what, a who." Gwen responded.

"That new kid?" Emily asked, looking at him as well. "I don't wanna go there. I heard he's sketchy." she added. "Hanna told me that Sean gave him 20 bucks, and he totally upgraded his phone, more memory, new apps. He'll hook you up." Gwen told her. "I don't even know his name." Emily said. "I don't know it either, but I know he doesn't want a 'thank you' card, he wants cash." Gwen responded before grabbing her bag and Emily's phone, getting up and following the new kid into school.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After giving Emily's phone to the new kid, Gwen met up with Hanna, who was looking for 'help wanted' jobs and they were currently in the courtyard as the others entered the courtyard. "Wouldn't have even recognized her, when's the last time you saw Simone?" Emily asked Aria. "Huh?" Aria said, before sighing. "Oh, I don't know. It's been a while." Aria said with a shake of her head. "Well, she must be doing pretty well if she's willing to sponsor all five of us." Spencer said as they approached Hanna and Gwen.

"Come on, Han, you can look at 'help wanted' on the way over. I hear rosewood PD. Is hiring." Spencer said as she joked. "Well, I do have experience with them, just the wrong kind." Hanna said as she looked from her computer to Spencer then back to her computer. "Okay, come on, we have to go, we only have 45 minutes." Emily said, wanting to hand the video into the police.

"Wait, what's this?" Gwen said, looking at something on Hanna's computer as Spencer leaned down to look. "What am I looking at?" Spencer asked, confused. "How come it shows your music library online When your laptop's on your shoulder?" she asked as she looked over at Spencer. "Look, isn't that your playlist?" Hanna asked as she pointed to a playlist titled 'Spencer's playlist'. "What?" Spencer mumbles before standing up and pulling her bag off her shoulder and pulling out a yearbook instead of a laptop.

"Why are you carrying a yearbook?" Aria asked, causing Spencer to look at her and the rest of the girls. "I'm not." she denied. "Where's your laptop?" Emily asked, frowning. "It's in my bag, except it's not." Spencer said as she looked at all her friends before putting the yearbook back in her bag. "What– This is insane, this bag has been plastered to my side all morning." she said in frustration.

"What about P.E.?" Emily asked. "It was in my gym locker, but no one else has that combo." Spencer answered. "The coaches do." Emily said, realizing. "Ian must've heard us last night." Emily said. "Well, if he did, then he knows what's on there." Aria added onto Emily's sentence. "If he has my laptop..." Spencer trailed off. "He knows we've seen what's on there, too." Gwen said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Spencer, Gwen and Hanna stood together in line to enter the dance. "You sure you wanna check your purse?" Spencer asked Hanna after hearing a slushing coming from inside of it. "Yeah, why not?" Hanna asked, confused. "It's sloshing." Gwen informed her, smiling in amusement. "What do you have in there anyway?" Spencer asked.

"Nothing." Hanna responded and Spencer rolled her eyes in amusement and Gwen quietly laughed. "I just brought a little beverage. In case the punch bowl has no punch." Hanna added, showing the girls the flask she had brought with her. "You brought a flask." Spencer laughed and Hanna smiled.

"Jeez, Han," Gwen laughed, "At least fold your people magazine around it." she advised before they noticed Ian arriving. "Excuse me, uh, Bruce, how are you?" he asked someone as he was handed his claim ticket. "Thank you." he said before walking into the dance. The girls shared a look before they moved further up in line.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

All the girls were standing around, talking about Ian. "You're sure your laptop's in that bag?" Aria asked Spencer. "Well, there's only one way to find out." Spencer responded. "Okay, but why would he bring it here? Especially when he knows we're here?" Gwen asked. "Maybe he thought you'd bail out early, go home and snoop through his things." Emily responded, looking at Spencer.

"Why don't you?" Hanna asked Spencer. "Already did. We need the bag." Spencer responded. "I know you're all eager to get started but first the rules, alright?" Ian said into the microphone. "Number one, there's no stopping during the dances. And your chaperones will be walking around making sure you're still moving. Number two–" he said.

"What if he already erased the video?" Aria asked, looking back at her friends. "Well, then, we know for sure he's hiding something and we go to the police." Spencer responded. "With a non-video? You think they're gonna take our word for it?" Emily asked. "Look, we saw what we saw. Something went down between him and Alison and he buried her in the yard to shut her up." Spencer responded. "Now let's get this party started." Ian said before music began to play and the girls began to dance slightly.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"We gotta get that key." Spencer told Hanna and Gwen as the three of them danced around a bit, staring at Ian before Spencer danced off, somewhere else. "I'll be back, I need some air." Gwen told Hanna, who nodded before Gwen moved and walked outside to the courtyard, spotting Emily and they began talking when Gwen noticed the new kid approaching them.

"Hey, do you have it?" Gwen asked him, referring to Emily's phone and Emily handed him some money and the new kid reached out and took it quickly before anyone else could see but Gwen stopped him. "Wait, how much did you charge her?" she asked, staring at him.

"It was a rush job. If you give it away for free, nobody would want it." he responded, looking at her, smirking before taking the money and handing Emily her phone. Gwen realized how close she was to him so she moved slightly, leaning on a table as Emily walked off to try and call Maya.

"I-I threw in some extra ringtones. On the house." he said to her as she walked away, and Gwen snickered. "Well, you should, considering you charged her three times the normal amount. That phone should answer itself, and have a built-in lipstick." she said, making him turn to her.

"You have a problem? Call customer service." he mocked, making her roll her eyes. "You're an ass. You knew she was desperate, and you took advantage of that." Gwen responded. "You never heard of supply and demand?" he asked. "Wow, always working an angle, aren't you?" she asked, smirking.

"Like you're not." he responded and she moved to stand up. "You don't know the first thing about me." she said. "No, you don't know the first things about you." he said before walking off, making her frown before walking back inside, meeting up with Aria and Spencer.

"Hey, he checked his jacket." Spencer said to Aria. "It's number 62, and the key ring is in the pocket." she added before Ian could her eye and he greeted her with a gesture but they all just turned around before Aria walked off to get the key for Spencer and Gwen.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"So, then I couldn't get into the drawer, none of the keys worked." Spencer said, telling Aria and Gwen as they danced around. "What did the kid see? Did you have to pay him off or something?" Aria asked, referring to the new kid, who had walked in on Spencer trying to get into Ian's desk drawer in his office. "No, he wouldn't take any money but I think he'll keep his mouth shut, it's not like he doesn't have plenty to hide, right? Aria?" Spencer responded and Gwen looked to see Aria staring at Mr. Fitz and Aria's ex-babysitter.

"Crap," she muttered. "That is it! I will kick her back to New York if I have to!" Aria said before storming over to them, Spencer and Gwen following. "Wait, Aria, stop, before you do something you regret." Spencer, trying to stop her by standing in front of her. "Spence, let go of me." Aria snapped. "Aria, there are teachers here and your parents, your parents!" Gwen exclaimed, trying to stop Aria's warpath. "I don't care!" Aria snapped moving towards Mr. Fitz and her ex-babysitter, the girls following.

"We need to talk." Aria said to Mr. Fitz. "What's going on?" he asked, confused. "Mr. Fitz... will you dance with me?" Gwen asked, faux small voice, grabbing his arm. "What?" he asked, confused. "We're allowed. Come on." Gwen said before she pulled him onto the dance floor.

"What's going on?" he asked her. "You're lucky, Aria was about to end up on YouTube for hitting her ex-babysitter." Gwen rolled her eyes. "You know? He asked, wide-eyed. "Of course we know." she responded and they didn't talk for the rest of the dance and Gwen joined Spencer and Aria. "What the hell was that about?" Aria asked her, confused. "I just saved your relationship. Five more seconds, and you would've ended up on YouTube." Gwen responded. "That was a suicide mission, and you know it." she added.

"Thank you." Aria said and Gwen gave her a smile before she noticed Emily, who wasn't looking too well. "What is going on with Em?" she asked, causing Spencer and Aria to look as well. They saw Emily messing with the decorations, making their way over to her. "Hey, Em," Gwen greeted her softly, "woah," Emily mumbled. "Okay. come on." Spencer said as the three of them moved Emily to somewhere so she could shit down.

"Hey, shit down." Aria said, helping Emily into a seat. "Hey, I'm gonna go get you some water." Aria said. "Caffeinated water." Spencer corrected before Aria headed off. "I'm not thirsty." Emily slurred. "Ok." Gwen muttered as Aria brought back water.

"He shouldn't be here." she said, slurring her words and the girls looked to see Emily looking at Ian. "He's not a chaperone. He's a killer." Emily said louder than she had been talking. "Shh," Spencer tried to hush her," Emily–" Aria started. "Why is Toby at home wearing a LoJack while this freak can go anywhere he wants. Do whatever he wants." she continued. "Em–" Gwen tried, but it didn't work as Emily looked at Spencer. "Marry your sister?" Emily asked.

"Okay, Emily, come with us. Come on." Spencer gets up, grabbing Emily's wrist but she breaks free and stumbles towards Ian. "Shit." Gwen mutters, before the girls follow, trying to stop her. "I know what you did, we all know." she slurred, making Ian look at her. "And you're not gonna get away with it." she added, as Gwen and Aria grabbed either arm of her. "Emily." Aria said before she and Gwen began walking off, Spencer got caught by Ian.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"Was that tree always here?" Emily asked drunkenly, as Gwen pulled her car keys out of her bag and handed them to hanna. "Here take these. she's not driving." she said but hanna wouldn't take them. "No, I'm not taking her home. if her mom finds out it was my flask, I'm gonna be feeding the bears with maya." Hanna jokes, helping Emily get her jacket on and Gwen rolled her eyes.

"Fine. I'll drive her." she said, sighing. "No." Emily blurted out, making them look at her. "I'm not going home." she slurred. "Ok. Just crash at my place then, okay?" Spencer asked and Emily nodded before Spencer turned to Hanna and Gwen. "You guys as well?" she asked. "I don't wanna be home alone when Ian walks in." she admitted and they nodded. "Ok," Gwen said before Spencer and Gwen helped Emily to her car, as Hanna got stopped by Lucas.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was sitting on the couch, watching as Spencer took a sandwich out of the fridge, which Gwen assumed was Ians before throwing it away when Hanna walked down the stairs after putting Emily into Spencer's bed, and sat beside Gwen. "Hey, how was she?" Spencer asked her. "Passed out." Hanna responded. "She went to call Maya so I took her phone." she added, holding up Hanna's phone.

"Smart." Gwen muttered. "Could've caused some serious damage." Spencer added, taking her heels off as Hanna noticed something. "Spence?" she called out, making Spencer and Gwen look over at her as she pushed magazines and mail off to reveal Spencer's laptop. "Was this always sitting here?" she asked, pointing to it.

"No." Spencer answered as she rushed over. "Ian must've put it back before the dance." she said, picking up her laptop and sitting between Hanna and Gwen and opened it. "Well, then why didn't you notice it?" Gwen asked. "He left after me." Spencer answered as she looked for the video but it wasn't there. "The videos's gone. And the trash has been wiped." she said, and Gwen sighed. "Surprise, surprise." Hanna muttered.

But then Spencer noticed something, making her click on it and it opened to reveal a photo of Alison, the night she disappeared, with a message on it. "Oh, my god." Spencer said, "it's Ali." she said. "What? What is it?" Hanna asked and she leaned in to see.

"'Watch your backs. I didn't. — A." Hanna read out, and Gwen shuttered. "That was taken in your yard the night she disappeared, she's the same yellow top." Gwen said. "There's a shadow right there, like someone was following her." Hanna pointed out. "Spence, you know who that is?" she asked, looking at Spencer. "I... I have no idea." she answered.

Chapter Text

"Wait. Where's Ian?" Emily asked as she and the girls followed Aria down the stairs. "Don't worry. He went to Philly to be with Melissa." Spencer answered. "I didn't realize that real life existed at this hour." Gwen groaned. "Come on guys, just walk. You need to see this." Aria said, and the girls followed her into the kitchen. "You know, I'd always hoped my first sunrise would have tequila in it." Hanna remarked as she joined the girls at the kitchen island.

"I'll make coffee." Spencer volunteered. "Well, when it's ready just pour it down my throat." Hanna remarked, causing Gwen to stifle a laugh before Aria opened the photo that Spencer had gotten from 'A' the previous night. "I thought we were done looking at this." Spencer said once she noticed as she her printer printed the photo. "I mean, we know the shadow is Ian, right?" she asked as Aria got up to receive the photo.

"You seriously woke us up for this?" Gwen asked groggily, still sleepy. "It's important. I-I couldn't let it go." Aria insisted, sitting back down between Hanna and Gwen before putting the photo on the kitchen island. "Have you been up all night?" Hanna asked her. "Maybe." Aria responded. Gwen laughed. "Yes, you have. One eye is bigger than the other. You look like a strung out powerpuff girl." she said and Aria waved her hand, dismissing her. "Stop looking at the eye. Just look at the picture." she said.

"Who's having coffee?" Spencer asked, turning back to the girls but they didn't answer her. "I mean, there's only one place where this picture could've been taken from." Aria said. "Where?" Gwen asked. "Alison's bedroom." Aria answered, putting the photo back onto the kitchen island. "No, Alison is in the picture. She clearly didn't take that." Hanna responded.

"Okay, but somebody in her house did." Aria remarked. "Like who, her parents?" Emily asked. "No, her brother." Aria answered. "Jason." Spencer breathed. "You know, my mom ran into him at the bank. He's back in town." Hanna told them. "Why?" Gwen asked, confused. "Well, we have to call him." Aria said. "No. Ew. I am not going to talk to him." Hanna remarked, causing Gwen to laugh. "Me either." "Nope." Emily and Gwen responded in sync. "I will." Spencer said, and they all looked at her. "We need to know if he took this." Spencer said, as the girls stared at each other.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was walking with Aria and Spencer when they spotted Hanna, talking on the phone. "Han?" she asked, as they walked up to her, causing Hanna to pull the phone away from her ear. "Who were you talking to?" she asked. "My mom." she responded. "Is everything okay?" Spencer asked as she opened her locker and Hanna turned to her. "Hmm? Uh... yeah. Everything's fine." Hanna answered, but Gwen didn't believe her.

"Oh! Here." Spencer gasped, putting something out of her bag. "I forgot to give these to you last night." she added, handing it to Aria, who sighs in relief. "Thank you." she said before hugging Spencer. "Oh, I owe you big time." she said before they pulled apart. "Are you sure your dad's not gonna miss these?" she asked Spencer.

"Oh, please. He joined the museum board for networking. The man doesn't know the difference between a Monet and a Mojito." Spencer responded, causing Aria to smile, amused. "Well, hey, how can I get you back?" Aria asked, and Spencer turned to her. "Pay for the extra toppings on my pizza delivery." she responded. "Alright, you got it." Aria said. "Oh, and a DVD rental." Spencer added. "Because if I have to hole up in my room all night as your alibi, I would like to do it with Jake Gyllenhaal." Spencer sighed dreamily Gwen shared a confused look with Hanna.

"Alibi? Why would you need an alibi?" Gwen asked, as Hanna shut her locker. "Aren't you both going to the museum thingie?" Hanna asked, pointing in between the two of them. "No, um... Spencer got the tickets for..." Aria trailed off, looking around before looking back to Hanna, whispering. "Me and Ezra." she smiled, "You're taking Mr. Fitz?" Hanna asked and a frown replaced her smile. "I really wish you'd just call him Ezra." she said. "And yes, I'm taking him, he just... doesn't know it yet. It's a surprise." she added. "I don't know, I-I just figured that a date out of town would give us a chance to actually have a date." she explained. "Yeah. uh, I get it." Spencer said and Gwen nodded in agreement. "You guys have the social lives of shut-ins." she said, making Aria chuckle.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was walking through the hallway, when she passed the P.E. Teacher. "Gwendolyn, we missed you in P.E. again today." she said, causing Gwen to cringe and turn around. "I miss you too?" she responded, but it felt more like a question, Gwen went to walk away, but the teacher kept talking. "Oh, well... that's the third time you've ditched P.E., so I'm gonna have to give you a detention for the rest of the week." She explained to Gwen, causing her to turn around.

"But– my ankle is still... throbbing." Gwen said, trying to get out of it, but the teacher didn't believe her. "I don't know if you heard, but I got hit by a car." She added, "You know I heard, but I also saw you dance at the six-hour dance marathon on saturday." the teacher responded and Gwes sighed, knowing she'd be called out. "I'll be at detention." she said, and the teacher smiled, handing her the slip and walked off. "I'm so screwed." Gwen said before going to walk off.

"Skipping Gym?" someone asked, making Gwen turn to see Caleb. "If you really wanna earn some bad girl stripes... I'd be happy to help." he said, Gwen narrowed her eyes, and crossed her arms. "If you're proposing that we get matching tattoos... I'm out." she responded before walking to her locker across from his. She opened her locker to see an envelope sitting on top of her school books, confused, she looked around before taking it out.

She opened the envelope to see a 'Happy Mother's Day' Card with a text bubble with 'I need Money!" inside it. Confused, she frowned. She opened the card, to see an 'A' message.

WANNA HELP MAMA MARIN

GET $$$?

SHOW ARIA'S MOM

WHAT HER KID'S

BEEN HIDING

⎯ A

Gwen frowned, not understanding what 'A' was talking about. She looked inside the envelope to see a ticker for the show Aria's taking Mr. Fitz too. "Crap." she muttered, before stuffing the card and the ticket back into the envelope, putting it in her bag, not wanting to deal with 'A' right now.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later on, Gwen was sitting outside in the courtyard with Hanna. "You okay Han?" Gwen asked, noticing how Hanna hadn't been very talkative. "Yeah." Hanna responded, taping her nails on the table. "I'm just worried about my mom," she added and Gwen felt the heavy presence of the 'A' message in her bag, but before Gwen could respond, Hanna's phone rang, making her grab it from where it was laying on the table.

"It's my mom," she said before getting up and answering the phone, and Gwen frowned, she noticed Hanna looked stressed, making her sigh, knowing that whatever was going on, 'A' knew about it, and was using Gwen as a chess piece to hurt Aria and help Hanna.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

During her next class, when the teacher wasn't looking, she pulled out the envelope, and made sure the ticket was still in there, before sealing it shut and writing 'Ella Montgomery' on the front before flipping it to the back and writing 'Thanks for all your hard work. Rosewood PTA'. she put the envelope back into her bag as the bell rang, and she was one of the first people to leave, she stood around at her locker, before heading to the teachers lounge, she looked around to make sure it was empty before putting the envelope into one of the slots on the wall before leaving, heart heavy.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was sitting outside, against one of the brick walls, just thinking about how Aria would react once she found out it was her that got her and Mr. Fitz caught, she hated it. "Hey Gwen." someone said, making her turn to see Aria. God the world hated her today. "Oh, hi." Gwen responded. "So, I'm gonna get a mani-pedi after school. Do you wanna come?" she asked, standing beside where Gwen was sitting. "Uhh, I can't. Homework." Gwen said, nodding her head softly, guilt eating away at her.

"Homework? What subject is more important to you than your cuticles?" Aria jokes, knowing that Gwen actually did care about her grades. Gwen smiled softly, but Aria knew something was wrong. "Hey," Aria said softly, sitting beside her. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Is it because of the 'no date?' thing?" she asked, knowing how down Gwen had been about not being able to find someone she was interested in.

"It doesn't mean you give up on trying. Believe me, with all the stuff that Ezra and I have had to deal with we should have been history by now." Aria said. "Maybe it's a sign from the universe." Gwen said before she could think. "Maybe you guys need to cool off for a while," she suggested, looking anywhere but Aria. "What do you mean 'cool off'?" Aria asked.

"Take a break. Don't see each other. In Rosewood or... anywhere else." Gwen responded, shrugging softly and Aria sighed. "Honestly?" she asked, looking at Gwen. "I can deal with the universe throwing me curve balls, but if they're gonna start coming from my best friend then I have a problem." Aria said, annoyed. "Aria, you have to sneak off to Philly just to have a date with him!" Gwen said, frustrated. "You really don't want me to be with him." Aria said, annoyed.

"I just don't want to see you get hur Aria." Gwen said softly. "He's not the one who's hurting me." Aria snapped, making Gwen frown. "Please, just don't go tonight, okay? I have a bad feeling about this date." Gwen begged, not wanting Aria to get caught. She was regretting giving that ticket to Aria's mom. "I think that bad feeling is called 'Jealousy'." Aria snapped and Gwen looked away from her, hurt. "This is not what this is about." Gwen said. "Really?" Aria questioned. "'Cause that's exactly what it looks like." Aria said before grabbing her bag and leaving.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen sat in front of Hanna in their last class of the day, which was Ella's class, and Gwen had noticed the envelope sitting on her desk, meaning she had received it. "Chamberlain employed a policy where concessions were made in order to avoid war. Who can tell me if appeasement actually worked? Anybody?" She asked the class, but nobody answered. "It didn't." she said. "When the territory was annexed Hilter's aggression only increased." she explained.

"Would anyone like to share their thoughts on why appeasement did not work?" she asked and Spencer raised her hand. "Spencer," Ella pointed to her. "Because giving it to a bully never works." Spencer said, and Gwen shifted in her seat. "Can you elaborate on that a little bit?" Ella asked. "Even if you give them everything that they ask for, It'll never be enough. Your only choice is to stand up to them, even if it costs you something." Spencer continued. Gwen looked back towards the envelope, a plan forming to get it back as the bell rang, signaling the end of class, and the end of school.

"Very nice." Ella said, turning back to her desk, grabbing the things she needed to take as everyone grabbed their stuff as well. "Okay, people, please do not race me towards the door, it hurts my feelings." she said, as Gwen shoved everything into her bag. "Term paper is next week. Don't forget." she said before walking out of the classroom, Gwen sped walking to try and catch up to her.

But as she was walking, she ran into the coach, making her stop. "Mrs. McKnight." she said, and Gwen sighed. "Detention is that way." the coach said, pointing to the other classroom at the end of the hall. "I know, and i promise i'll be there but i've gotta talk to Mrs. Montgomery." she said, "it'll have to wait until tomorrow." the coach said and Gwen sighed. There was nothing she could do now, so she turned around and walked into detention.

When she got there, she looked around and the only open seat was beside Caleb. Gwen sighed as she walked towards it and sat down. "Woah! Are you stalking me?" he asked sarcastically, making Gwen turn to him with a blank face. "Yep. can't get enough of the knock-off cologne." she deadpanned before facing the front again, missing the twitch of a smile he gave her.

She looked around before moving to get up, but Caleb stuck his foot out, stopping her. "Hey, princess, where ya goin'?" he asked. "The Princess has to pee." she responded. "Hmm. good luck. We get our bathroom break at ten after." he said, and Gwen sighed, sitting back down. "I have got to get outta here." she muttered to herself. "What's the hurry? You want to be the first in line to see your boy Justin Bieber's new movie?" he asked sarcastically, and she turned, giving him a glare.

"I don't even listen to Justin Bieber, thank you very much." she responded, rolling her eyes before looking down at her nails, and stabbing her acrylic nail into her palm out of stress. "Calm down girl. It's only an hour." he said, noticing how freaked out she seemed to be. "An hour? In an hour she'll already be in Philly." she scoffed, shaking her head. "Who?" he asked. "Mrs. Montgomery." she answered, sighing. "The teacher?" he asked, furrowed brows. "Why do you care? Forget to turn in your homework?" he teased.

"No." she snapped quietly before sighing. "But if she gets there... a lot of people are gonna get hurt." she said quietly, looking down at her hands. "Is Mrs. Montgomery running a terrorist cell?" he asked, making her turn to him. "Why am I even talking to you about this? Just go back to whatever you were doing." she said, shaking her head before a teacher walked up to Caleb with a note, before walking back to the front of the classroom as Caleb cleared his throat before shutting his book.

"Okay, why do you get to leave?" she asked. "Hmm." he hummed, "my social worker just had me excused." he responded and Gwen shifted in her seat. "You know, email is a beautiful thing," he said. "Meet my social worker." he said, holding up his phone, and Gwen scoffed as he walked out of the classroom.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next day, Gwen walked through the hallway into the courtyard, and she spotted Aria sitting at a table, and so Gwen hesitantly walked up to her. "Aria?" she asked, and she turned around, putting her phone down. "Hey! I was just calling you." she said. "Yeah, well, I've kind of been avoiding you." Gwen admitted, sitting down at the table. "Yeah, I kind of got that feeling." Aria responded softly. "Listen, I need to tell you something. Last night–" Gwen started.

"Last night was one of the best nights of my life." Aria said, smiling, and Gwen looked at her. "Wait, did you go to the museum?" she asked. "Yeah. In a limo." she said, smiling wider than she ever had. Obviously Ella hadn't caught them, making Gwen feel better, but the guilt was still eating away at her. "And the only thing that made it less than perfect was being in a fight with you." she said and Gwen smiled sadly.

"I'm sorry, Gwen, I'm... I'm sorry for going off on you like that. I... An-and you're right, okay?" Aria said, making Gwen tilt her head. "Being with Ezra, it's a risk... but he's someone that I'm willing to take a risk for." she said. "I know it sounds stupid." she added. "No. It doesn't." Gwen stopped her. "So, what did you want to say?" she asked. "Nothing. It's not important." Gwen smiled, shaking her head. "I'm just glad it worked out for you." she added.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen walked up to her locker, but noticed Caleb leaning on it, making her sigh. "Hi leech." she said, crossing her arms, making him laugh. "I thought fancy Rosewood girls like you knew how to say 'Please' and 'Thank you'." he said. "Can you please get off my locker. Thank you." she mocked, and he moved out of the way, allowing her to open her locker.

"So, do you want to give it back to your teacher, toss it, or uh... put it into your charm bracelet?" he asked, holding something up, making her furrow her brows, confused. "What is that?" she asked. "It's what stopped Mrs. Montgomery from getting to Philly." he answered and her face lit up. "She didn't get there? How do you do that?" she asked.

"You want a lesson in popular mechanics or do you want to just say thank you?" he asked, holding it up. "Thank you." she said, taking it from it. "How much do you want?" she asked, tilting her head. "I don't want money." he responded, making her frown. "Then what do you want?" she asked. "I'll think about it." he answered, before walking away. She watched him go, not even realizing she was smiling before she shook her head, grabbed her books and shut her locker, ignoring the feeling in her stomach.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"So, the shadow in the picture isn't Ian, it's you?" Aria asked as the girls sat around Spencer in her room. She had explained the fight she and Alison had the night Ali went missing. "Yeah." Spencer choked out, having been crying. "Why didn't you tell us before?" Emily asked. "I don't know." she responded as Emily rubbed her back. "I guess that I was scared. I mean this is gonna sound crazy, but I think that I didn't tell you because... there was always part of me that wondered if it was my fault" she admitted, a tear running down her face.

"I mean, I wished it, and then it came true." she added. "Spence, you didn't mean it," Hanna said softly, and Gwen nodded in agreement. "How could you have known." she said, rubbing Spencer's knee. "It was just something you said in the heat of the moment." Emily assured her. "Besides, Ali said stuff to us that was worse. Much worse, right?" Aria added, looking at the other girls and they all nodded but then Spencer noticed something.

"Spence?" Gwen asked, seeing her staring off, so they all looked to where she was staring at before she moved and got off her bed, moving to stand in front of her window, the girls following. There was someone in Alison's room. "Oh, my god!" Aria muttered, shocked. "Is that?" Spencer trailed off as the person moved so they could see him. "It's Jason." Hanna said as the girls stared at Jason, staring at them.

Chapter Text

Gwen was outside waiting in line for a coffee when Aria joined her. "Hey," she greeted her. "Hey! Cute boots, new?" Gwen asked, looking down at Aria's boots. "Oh, ish." Aria responded. "What is with this line?" she asked. "All the vending machines are on lockdown. Apparently someone's been breaking into them after hours and stealing food." Gwen responded with a sigh. "And I heard this one kid say the alarm went off at like 3:00am." she added.

"What, the vending machines have alarms?" Aria asked, confused. "It's the school. Someone's been sneaking out of the building, which makes no sense, I mean, who'd wanna be here any longer than necessary." Gwen responded. "Mm, well, I might, going home just got scary." Aria said, making Gwen look at her as she showed them the ticket for the museum, the same one she went to with Mr. Fitz and Gwen shifted her stance, nervous.

"This was in my dad's coat." she explained. "He said it's my mom's, but I'm starting to wonder if he was at the museum too." Aria said, "Your dad? No." Gwen said, shaking her head. "Why was he so twitchy when I asked?" Aria asked. "I mean, if they were both there the same night as me and Ezra–" Aria started.

"Aria, you're just on a loop. Maybe it was just a coincidence." Gwen shrugged. "Is it?" Aria asked, tilting her head. "But, Gwen, come on, you don't think it's weird that my mom had a ticket the same night?" she asked her friend. "Yes. A strange, weird, coincidence." Gwen answered and Aria sighed as Gwen caught sight of Caleb sitting at a table. "Um... can you get my coffee? I'll be right back." Gwen said, "Um..." Aria said, as Gwen walked off.

She walked up to Caleb and stood in front of him, nudging her shoe on his to get his attention. "We need to talk." she said. "You know that thing you did with Mrs. Montgomery's car?" she asked, quietly. "Well, just... can you pretend it never, you know, happened?" she asked, "You don't talk about it, don't blog about it, don't tweet about it, please?" she added. "Can I speak now?" he asked, and she sighed, "If you must, but it's really annoying." she joked. "The way I see it. You owe me." he said, "For what?" she asked, "For doing that thing that I can't talk, blog or tweet about." he explained, and she sighed as he stood up before walking away.

Gwen sighed softly before going to walk back to Aria, but her phone going off stopped her. She pulled her phone from her bag, and checked it.

UNKNOWN ID
Caleb's quiet, but how
RU gonna shut ME up
⎯ A

Gwen looked around, hoping to find someone who was watching her and on their phone, but found none, and she shifted slightly as her gaze landed on Aria, who was looking at the ticket again. As if sensing someone looking at her, Aria looked up and waved at Gwen, holding up her coffee for her, and Gwen smiled, waving back in thanks before joining her.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls, minus Aria, were in the library just hanging out during a free period. Gwen was reading a book as Hanna was flipping through a magazine really fast, and the girls shared a look. "Are you reading that fast or fanning yourself?" Spencer asked, making Hanna stop, and look at her, "What? Sorry." she said, going back to reading it normally when Gwen looked up and noticed Caleb standing at the end of a bookshelf, looking at her, motioning that he needed to talk to her. She sighed before shutting her book and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Hanna asked, noticing her stand up. "Uh, just going to see if they've got a book I need." she said before walking off, deep into the library. A throat clearing, made her turn around to see Caleb. "What do you what?" she asked. "I'm calling you debt." he said, and she sighed. "Two losers just bailed on what they owe me and I need some cash right now," he explained. "Okay, so what do you want me to do? Threaten them?" she asked, tilting her head.

"I don't want an enforcer. I want a date." he said, and her eyes widened. "What?" she asked, confused. "You're best friends with the homecoming queen. And you're one of the girls of Rosewood High. You've got a certain rep around here and I need to borrow some of your cred." he said. "And what are you gonna do with it?" Gwen asked, crossing her arms. "I need customers with money, who need to know they can trust me. " he explained.

"Can they?" she asked, "They can if I'm with you." he said. "So you got a hot party tomorrow night?" he asked. "I have a swim meet." she responded, and he raised his brow. "You can fit all of that under a cap?" he asked, tugging on a curly end of her hair, making her whack his hand away. "I'm not the one swimming, idiot. I'm supporting a friend." she responded, ignoring the same feeling in her stomach as he smiled before walking off.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna was sitting on the floor of Aria's room while Aria and Gwen sat on her bed as the girls talked. They had decided to go to Aria's after school. "Just don't think about it. It'll make you crazy." Hanna advised after Aria had filled her in on the ticket situation. "How am I supposed to not think about it? It's too freaky." Aria responded, and Gwen sighed. "If my mom's car hadn't stalled–" Aria started but Gwen cut her off. "Well, it did. " she said, and Hanna gave her a side eye, not that Aria noticed. "Don't look a gift card in the mouth. The universe gave you a pass." she added and kept flipping through the magazine she was reading.

"That's not the universe I know." Aria muttered. "Well, look, it all worked out, okay? And that's what counts." Hanna said, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe the universe got a little help from someone." Gwen said as they heard a door close. "Someone with really good intentions." she added but Aria shushed her. "Shh." she said as she got up and put her ear to her door.

Hanna looked at Gwen, 'What's with you?' she mouthed but Gwen just shook her head, not wanting to tell anyone what she had done. "That's great, I can pick you up." he said over the phone before he laughed softly. "I can find you in the dark. I've done it before." he said. "Okay, I'll see you soon. Bye." he replied to whoever was on the phone before hanging up.

"Hey." Aria said as she opened her door, startling her dad. "So, you're not going to that department dinner anymore?" she asked, confused as he shook her head. "Oh, no, no." he denied as he shook his head. "Was that mom you were talking to?" she asked, making him shake his head. "Uh, no, no, no, it wasn't." he said.

"So, you sure you guys are gonna be okay here alone tonight?" he asked, changing the subject. "Sure." she said, nodding. "Okay." he said, sending them a smile before leaving as Aria went back into her room. "Look, Aria, even if it wasn't the universe–" Gwen started but Aria cut her off. "Shh." Aria said, as she listened to the front door shutting. "I'm just saying, if it's not a coincidence, then maybe..." Gwen started again, causing Hanna to look at her confused as Aria cut her off as she watched her dad get in his car and drive off.

"Come on." Aria said as she grabbed her bag, making Hanna and Gwen look at her confused. "Where are we going?" Hanna asked. "To follow my dad." Aria said like it was the most obvious thing. "Where?" Gwen asked as she put her jacket back on and stood up. "If I knew that, we wouldn't have to follow him." Aria sassed chuckle. "Aria..." Hanna trailed off as Aria sighed. "Han, Gwen, my dad's about to have dinner with somebody in the dark. Move it." Aria said as she walked out of her room Gwen and Hanna followed.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen sighed, resting her head on the window as Hanna leaned forward in her seat between Aria and Gwen while they watched Aria's dad's car stop in front of the high school and then get out and go inside. "Why is my father walking into our high school?" Aria asked, and Gwen shrugged. "Okay, weird." she added. "Not really." Hanna said, "I mean think about it. He's probably just going to see your mom." she added. "That's ridiculous." Aria responded. "People lie, Aria." Gwen responded. "I mean, hello?" she added, referring to the three of them, plus Emily and Spencer.

"What are they doing?" Aria asked, looking at the school. "Call your mother." Hanna suggested, and Aria turned to her. "Huh?" she asked, confused. "Right now, call your mom." Hanna repeated and Aria sighed, pulling out her phone and calling her mom and putting the phone on speaker.

"Hey, Aria, honey. I was just thinking about you. Is everything okay?" Ella asked once she answered. "Yeah, why, why wouldn't it be okay?" Aria asked. "Uh, well, I didn't mean to suggest that everything wasn't okay. I was just, you know, asking, checking, wondering, like moms do." she responded. "Uh, where are you?" Aria asked. "Home." Ella answered, "where are you?" Ella asked. "Home." Aria responded.

"Okay, so, everything is okay then?" Ella asked and Aria nodded. "Yeah." she responded. "Okay. I'll talk to you later, sweetie. Bye bye." Ella said before hanging up. "Okay, well, she says she is home." Hanna said. "Do you believe her?" Gwen asked, after seeing Aria's face. "I don't know." she responded, before getting out of the car, "What are you doing?" Hanna asked, but Aria ignored her and shut the door, and walked towards the school, causing Gwen and Hanna to sigh and get out of the car and follow her.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls were quiet as they snuck around the school hallways, before they heard talking coming from the library, so they snuck in and hid behind a bookcase, and they found Ella and Byron kissing. Gwen looked at Aria as they listened to the adults talking about what they should tell the kids. Ella and Byron left the library, the girls moved so they weren't seen. "Oh, god, my parents are having an affair with each other." Aria said in shock as they moved but Hanna stopped, and Gwen and Aria noticed Hanna wasn't with them anymore.

"Where's she gone?" Gwen asked before they found Hanna looking into an air vent. Aria and Gwen walked over to her, confused. "Hanna?" they asked and Hanna turned around. "What are you doing?" Gwen asked. "Come up here." Hanna responded, and the girls sighed. "Hurry." she added before joining Hanna into looking into the air vent. "What are you looking at?" Aria asked as Hanna opened a brown bag and dropped its contents onto the floor of the air vent, which was cell phones.

"This. Someone sending a bunch of texts. Spencer's laptop disappears. Our lockers broken into. All this stuff happens at school. This is 'A'.'' Hanna said as she pointed out to all the stuff in the air vent. "Let's just get out of here." Aria said nervously and she and Gwen backed up and she jumped down from the sofa and Hanna did as well, but she had a roll of money in her hand. "Hanna! You're taking that?" she asked. "Yes. A owes me." Hanna said. "Hospital bills, pain and suffering, tire marks on my cleavage." she said. "Well, in that case, they owe me too." Gwen sassed before the lights in the room turned off leaving them in the dark.

"What the hell?" Gwen uttered, freaked out, hating the dark. "It's nothing. The lights are probably on a timer." Hanna said, trying to comfort herself and them but then a lamp fell over which made them jump. "We should go," she said, freaked out as a person wearing a black hoodie appeared, making the girls scream and start running.

They ran out of the library and tried using the side door but it was locked so they ran the other way, Hanna knocking over the cleaning cart trying to stop the person but they stood up and walked over it as the girls reached a dead end. Gwen quickly picked up her hairspray and sprayed it at the person in the black hood causing them to pull off the hoodie in the process of trying to protect his eyes. "Caleb?" Gwen asked, shocked.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

"How's your eye? Any better?" Aria asked, handing him a tissue as the four of them sat in a hallway. "It's still burning." Caleb responded. "You want a sharp stick for the one?" he asked, turning to Gwen, who sighed. "You know what? It was just hairspray, light hold. And to be fair, we thought you were trying to hurt us." Gwen responded and Caleb sighed. "What were you doing in there anyways?" Hanna asked. "I'm sort of, um... I'm crashing here." Caleb explained. "You are? why?" Aria asked, shocked.

"Why do you care?" Caleb asked them. "Take it easy, don't snap at her like that, I've got more hairspray." Gwen snapped. "Fire away." he responded sarcastically. "Just give me my money back first." he said, looking towards Hanna, "I mean, where do your parents think you are?" Aria asked and he chuckled bitterly. "My foster parents don't care where I am. As long as they keep getting their checks." he responded, and Gwen slowed roughly, remembering the horrible foster parents she had before Sophia.

"I thought all the stuff with the social worker was a joke." Gwen said, "Believe me, my social worker is a joke." he responded. "But yeah, I do have one." he responded, and Hanna and Aria shared a look before looking between Caleb and Gwen, seeing how she was looking at him. "This is crazy. You can't keep staying here." Aria said. "Why? There's hot water, vending machines. The principal's couch is pretty comfortable." he responded.

"They know someone was here last night." Gwen informed him and he hummed. "Yeah... I got sloppy." he responded, wiping his eyes again before standing up. "Where are you going?" Gwen asked. "Grab some dinner. Then go back to bed." he said, holding his hand to Hanna to give him his money back, which she did. "You know your way out right?" he asked, before walking away.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen walked into the school for the swim meet and found Caleb leaning against a wall, waiting for her. "You're late. Let's go in." he said and they walked together into the Rosewood Aquatic Center. "Wait, can we talk about last night?" she asked. "What is there to talk about?" he asked, confused. "Uh, the fact that your hiding out in the AV closet until graduation?" she asked sarcastically. "What's your plan?" she asked and Caleb turned to her, making her stop.

"Alright, do you wanna play guidance counselor, or do you wanna pay off your debt?" he asked, making her sigh. "I'm cashing in on that favor. Point out the kids who have money to burn." he added and she sighed, "Fine, I'll trade you. One name for one answer." she said before someone went to walk past but Gwen stopped them. "Oh, hey, Bridget." She greeted her. "Hey Gwen." she said, smiling before walking off. "You know my friend, Caleb, right?" Gwen asked, pointing at Caleb.

"Sort of." Bridget responded. "Hey," Caleb greeted her and Bridget smiled before walking off. "That's Bridget Wu, total party girl. Bring her a bottle of something strong and she's your new best friend." Gwen explained. "Where you from?" she asked. "A lot of places." he responded, and she frowned. "Hey, I gave details." she said.

"Seattle, Salt Lake, Denver, Chicago, and here," he explained, and she felt a twist in her stomach. She hadn't been moved around that much, she mostly stayed in the area, but he's moved around a lot. "Your turn." he said and she looked around. "Linday Hoover." Gwen said, pointing out a girl in the crowd. "Don't let the Jesus sandals fool you, she's got cash. Her grandfather invented the stapler." she explained and Caleb turned her. "Nice." he said, eyebrows raised. "Wanna get tight with her? Grow a hipster stache and start talking about the man." she added.

"Why don't you report your foster parents?" she asked. "To Who? My social worker?" he asked, like Gwen had told a joke. "I've had four in the last six months. They can't remember my name. The last one called me Calvin." he explained and Gwen sighed. She knew some social workers sucked, and some kids weren't as lucky as she was. "When's the last time you saw your real parents?" she asked. "It's gonna take a lot more than names to hear about them." he said, before walking off.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls were sitting in the stands waiting for Emily to swim. "When's Emily gonna jump in?" Hanna asked. "She's the anchor, she swims last 'cause she's the fastest." Aria explained as Caleb turned to Gwen. "Hey, remind me, which one's Lindsay, and which one's Bridget?" he asked. "Bridget's the one drinking from her purse." Gwen explained, pointing her out and he nodded. "Thanks, I'll be right back." he said before walking over to Bridget. "Why are we sitting with Caleb?" Aria asked, leaning over Hanna to talk to Gwen.

"Why not?" Gwen asked, looking over at her. "Gwen, I like stray dogs too, but sometimes they bite." Spencer said, leaning over to talk to her. "Okay, well, he's had his shoots." she said, rolling her eyes as Hanna clapped. "Go Emily!" she cheered. "She's not swimming yet Han," Gwen said, laughing. It wasn't long before it was Emily's turn and she won and all the girls jumped up and cheered as Emily got out and was surrounded by her teammates cheering for her.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

After the meet, Gwen saw Caleb getting things out of the bin. "What's this?" she asked, as Caleb reached back into the bin and pulled a shirt out of it. "My eviction notice," he responded. "Sorry." she apologised. "I didn't tell anyone." she added. "I didn't go there," he responded. "Maybe this is for the best, I mean, the place had small closets." she said, shrugging softly as he pulled a shirt out but just let it drop back into the bin. "Hated that shirt anyway." he said.

Gwen watched as he zipped his bag back up before turning to her. "Consider your debt paid. Have a good day." he said, before going to walk off. "Hey, if you need a place to stay–" she started but he cut her off. "No, thanks. Your mom starts asking questions, someone calls social services, and it's just a big mess." he said. "Look. I'm not asking. You need a place to sleep, and we've got a spare room." she said, giving him a glare, making him sigh but nod. "Thanks." he said and Gwen saw Aria walking up to them. "Wait for me outside." she said and Caleb nodded and left as Aria walked up to Gwen.

"Gwen, hey, here you are." she sighed, relieved, stopping in front of her, pulling up a text on her phone. "You will not believe what this sick freak did now." she said. "What are you talking about?" Gwen asked, confused. "Look." she said and Aria showed Gwen the message 'A' sent her.

UNKNOWN
Almost got you busted
Wanna know how?
Ask Gwen!
⎯ A

"I mean, I have to say, 'A' is smart, trying to pit us against each other," Aria said, and Gwen shifted in her stance. "aria–" Gwen started but Aria cut her off. "I mean, it's relentless. every-time we shut a door, 'A' kicks open a window and I–." she started. "I gave your mom the museum ticket." she said, guilt lacing her voice and Aria stared at her. "What? Why would you do that?" she asked, betrayed. "'A' made me. 'A' had something on–" Gwen started. "'A' has something on all of us, Gwen!" Aria snapped.

"But there's nothing... that 'A' would threaten me with that would make me do that to you. You're supposed to be my best friend." she added. "I know, and as soon as I put that ticket in your mom's mailbox, I did everything I could to undo it." she said, heart hammering in her chest. "I mean, the reason your mom didn't get to the museum–" she said but Aria cut her off. "Stop talking." she said, and Gwen shut her mouth. "There's nothing you could say that would change the way I feel right now." she said before walking off, leaving Gwen alone. She closed her eyes before heading to her car to drive her and Caleb to her place.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

As Caleb and Gwen walked into her house, she locked the door, and walked into the kitchen. "Nice house." Caleb said, and she smiled slightly, still upset about the fight with Aria. "Thanks." she said, watering the flowers that her social worker had sent last weekend. "Who sent those?" he asked, looking at the massive flower bouquet and Gwen hesitated.

Being in the foster system wasn't something she advertised. "My social worker sent them. She likes to check in." Gwen said, sitting at her kitchen island, staring at her phone wondering if she should text Aria. Caleb stared at her, shocked. "You're adopted?" he asked. "Yep." she said, popping the 'p'.

"My mom died giving birth, apparently and dad didn't want me." she explained, putting her phone down, meeting Caleb's eyes. "I had an almost-adopted mother when I was first born, I was with her for two years before she had a fall, and was deemed unfit to look after herself, so, therefore, was unfit to look after me and so I was put back into the system." she added as Caleb sat in front of her.

"Where have you been?" he asked, and she sighed. "Milwood, New Haven, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and here." she answered. "Look, It's been a long day, I'm gonna head to bed, your room is at the end of the hall, the towels are in the closet beside the bathroom." she said and he nodded. "Thanks." he said, and she shook her head. "Don't. It's okay." she said before walking away.

Chapter Text

The girls were over at Emily's trying to figure out the message Toby had left Spencer. "Okay, so your sister's pregnant? How'd that happen?" Hanna asked Spencer. Gwen glanced at Aria, who was sitting at the bay window in Emily's room, and sighed. "I figure pretty much the usual way." Spencer responded. "It's not really a 'how' question. It's more of a 'why' question." Emily said.

"Well, I mean, I guess Melissa could have gone all maternal, but I doubt it." Spencer said as they huddled around her computer on Emily's bed, minus Aria. "Ah! This is so creepy." Hanna muttered. "Where are they now?" Gwen asked, looking over at Spencer. "Philadelphia. Shopping." she answered. "What do you think this means?" Hanna asked. "I don't know, but Toby wanted us to have it." Spencer responded, looking at the piece of paper Toby had given her.

"There." Spencer said, pointing to a braille website before holding up the piece of paper. "It's in Braille, so..." she trailed off. "You want to see this, Aria?" Emily asked, but she shook her head. "No. I can see just fine from here." she said, and she and Gwen locked eyes but Aria looked away again, making her sigh. "Okay." Spencer whispered, looking at the braille website and the piece of paper.

"The first letter's a 'B'," she said, writing it down. "A, it's an A." she continued, writing it down, next to the 'B'. "I think it's gonna tell us who 'A' is." Hanna said, but Gwen had doubts. "D?" Spencer said, confused. "B-A-D." Emily spelt out, "Bad." Gwen said, before she sighed. "That's the whole message? Bad?" Spencer said, confused. "What's it supposed to mean?" Emily asked, and Aria turned to them. "It means you got punked." Aria said, getting their attention.

"Toby doesn't trust us. I don't blame him." she continued. "No, I don't think he'd mess with us like this." Emily disagreed. "You'd be surprised what people are capable of." Aria said, staring at Gwen. "You guys, we have to figure this out. This might be a joke, but it could be something real." Spencer interrupted. "Well, look, either way, Toby's not the enemy." Hanna said before Aria got up and grabbed her bag and jacket. "You know what, guys? I'm gonna go." she said before leaving. Gwen sighed, frowning. "What was that all about?" Spencer asked. "How should I know?" she said, shrugging

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next morning, Gwen was making breakfast when Caleb walked into the kitchen. "Morning." She greeted him and he nodded, sitting down in front of her as Sophia walked in, already dressed in her scrubs. "You must be Caleb." she said, standing beside her daughter. "Yeah. Hi." he greeted, awkwardly. "You want something before going to the hospital mom?" Gwen asked, but Sophia shook her head, "I'll just get something at the hospital before I have surgery." she said and Gwen nodded before her mom kissed the crown of her head, "I'll see you later," she said before leaving.

"Your mom's a doctor?" Caleb asked and she nodded before moving to sit beside him and eat her breakfast. "Yeah. Neurosurgeon." she explained and he nodded. "And she doesn't care that I'm taking up her guest room?" he asked and Gwen shook her head. "No. It only really gets used when my grandparents come to stay but that isn't till thanksgiving so..." she shrugged and he nodded. It was silent after that, but not awkward, comfortable.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen walked up to Caleb in the courtyard. "Here." she said, handing him his hat. "You left it in the car." she said he nodded in thanks before taking, and then they went their separate ways and she walked into school, and Aria joined her. "Hey." Aria greeted her softly. "Hey." Gwen responded. "I can't do this anymore. I mean, last night, after I left, I felt awful." Aria admitted. "I'm so sorry for what I did, and for what almost happened." Gwen responded softly.

"I should have figured it out. Well, at least I should have listened to you." Aria responded and Gwen sighed softly. "Well what I did was terrible, but... all I could think about was Han's mom," Gwen admitted and Aria smiled sadly. "I'm sorry. I was so mean." Aria said, taking Gwen's hand and giving it a squeeze. "I had it coming." Gwen responded, dismissing her. "No." Aria responded, shaking her head.

"I was thinking, 'A' could have given that ticket to my mom, or Hanna, but they made you do it, just to make it hurt more." Aria said, "You know, I want to say that it's all 'A's fault, but I'm the one who gave your mom that ticket, and I don't like knowing what I'm capable of." Gwen scoffed, still feeling guilty. "Yeah, but you didn't go through with it, okay? That's the difference." Aria spoke softly, trying to comfort her and Gwen smiled before the two of them walked off together and joined the girls.

"Hey," Aria said as she sat beside Spencer with Hanna. "Hey," Spencer greeted them. "What is with you and the Artful Dodger?" Spencer asked Gwen, who sat beside Emily. "I'm assuming you mean Caleb." Gwen responded and she nodded. "I thought that thing at the swim meet was a one-off." Spencer said and Gwen sighed.

"It was." she responded. "We just saw you talking to him," Emily pointed out. "And you gave him something that looked like an oven mitt." Spencer added. "It was his hat." Gwen responded. "What are you doing with his hat?" Emily asked, confused. "Why shouldn't I have his hat?" Gwen asked, confused as to why they were all talking about Caleb.

"Gwen, maybe you're looking for something edgier, but that guy is dark." Spencer said. "He's not that dark." Gwen responded, defending him. "He's dark enough." Spencer responded. "Well, he's not an Artful Dodger." Gwen added. "Yeah, he's just had it tough." Aria said, backing up Gwen. "Are you two on speaking terms again?" Spencer asked, looking between Aria and Gwen, who shared a smile. "Of course we are." Aria responded. "You need to be really careful about that guy." Emily advised Gwen. "Well, it seems to me that we had this conversation about Toby." Gwen responded, raising a brow.

"I'm looking for Coach Fulton." Someone said, making them turn to see an older male standing at the teachers table. "Is the Coach expecting you?" Mr Fitz asked. "The Coach is avoiding me, that's what the coach is doing." He said angrily. "Are you a parent?" Mr Fitz asked as he stood up.

"Yes, I'm a parent. Nick McCullers. My daughter is Paige McCullers," he answered, making Emily look at Paige, who's frozen. "I have your daughter in English comp. I'm Ezra Fitz." Mr. Fitz said introducing himself but Nick McCullers ignored it. "The Coach," he reminded him. "Tell you what, why don't we walk down to the principal's office and see if we can find Coach Fulton?" Mr. Fitz offered, trying not to make a scene.

"I've seen the principal, and all I got was a lot of politically correct double-talk, about the agenda in this place that's penalizing my daughter, taking opportunities away from her and giving them to someone who doesn't deserve them!" he exclaimed angrily.

Gwen frowned, looking at Emily, whose face had fallen as well. "Everybody gets a fair chance here, Mr. McCullers, we go out of our way to make sure that that's how it works." Mr. Fitz said, trying to defuse the citation. "My girl is the best swimmer on that team, and you can't give it to somebody just because–" He was cut off by Mr. Fitz.

"You're in a cafeteria, Mr. McCullers, filled with kids trying to have lunch. I don't think that's the audience you want, is it?" he said, before he moved out of the way and led him out of the cafeteria. "You okay Em?" Gwen asked, but Emily just sighed, not answering.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen was on the phone with Emily as she put stuff away in the fridge. "I think you're taking a big chance with this guy." Emily said, and Gwen frowned. "I'm a good judge of character, Em." Gwen responded. "Is that why you helped Hanna fix up Aria with Noel Kahn?" Emily asked, making her sigh. That was a low jab. "We didn't know he was a jackass. He had everybody fooled." Gwen responded, shutting the fridge.

"Maybe Caleb's the same." Emily responded before she said. "It's only Gwen." and then it went silent, she heard faint talking, and she guessed Emily was talking with her mom. "Your mom?" Gwen asked, hoping it was heard. "Yeah. Things are still sub-zero around here." Emily responded. "Did you tell her about Paige's dad coming to school?" Gwen asked, leaning on her kitchen island.

"No point. She'll say It's my fault for choosing a disgusting lifestyle." Emily responded and Gwen frowned. "God, Paige is such a knob." she muttered. "I don't think it's all her fault." Emily said, defending her slightly. "What do you mean?" Gwen asked but Emily just changed the subject. "What's going on between you and Aria?" she asked. "It's a long story." Gwen responded

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Gwen had gone over to Hanna's to hangout, dragging Caleb with her because she claimed he needed to make friends. Caleb was sitting at the table while Hanna and Gwen stood either side of Mrs. Marin. "What is he after?" Hanna asked. "He's probably just what he says he is." Mrs. Marin responded, "A nephew cleaning up after a distant relative." she added. "Probably?" Gwen asked, tilting her head.

Hanna had filled her in on what was going on after Gwen had told her what 'A' had made her do. "I'll know more after the second martini." Mrs. Marin responded. Gwen looked at Caleb who looked bored out of his mind before the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Caleb offered, getting up heading to the door and Mrs. Marin looked at Gwen with a raised brow. "Nice friend you've got there." she said and Hanna snickered.

Caleb opened the door and smiled. "Hi." he greeted the person on the other side. "Hello? I'm looking for Mrs. Marin." the person said, and Caleb opened the door wider. "Come on in." he said, and the guy stepped in and Caleb shut the door. "She's, uh, in the kitchen with Hanna and Gwen." he said, nodding to the kitchen. "Hanna and Gwen?" he asked, confused. "Her daughter and Goddaughter." she said, and the guy nodded.

"Are you her son?" he asked Caleb. "No. I'm just the guy who opened the door." Caleb joked before Mrs. Marin walked up to them. "Mr. Leland. This is my daughter Hanna, and her friend, my goddaughter, Gwen." she said, motioning to the two girls. "Hello/Hi." Gwen and Hanna greeted him. "Hello, Hanna, Gwen." Mr. Leland responded. "Oh, I forgot to get your signature on this." Mrs. Marin said, moving to grab something.

"Um, It's just part of authorizing you to look at the safe deposit box." she explained. "Sure." Mr. Leland said as he grabbed a pen out of jacket before signing. Gwen noticed Caleb looking at the pen, which made her confused. "Thank you." Mrs. Marin said, putting the thing away before grabbing her jacket and purse. "Okay, um..." she paused, looking at Gwen, Hanna and Caleb. "I will be late." she told Hanna. "Okay." She nodded before both Mrs. Marin and Mr. Leland left the Marin house, Caleb closing the door behind them.

"I want food." Gwen said, moving to the kitchen as Caleb snickered quietly, but Hanna didn't react, still standing in the entry way. "You okay Han?" she asked before Hanna walked back into the kitchen as well. "You don't like your mom's new boyfriend?" Caleb joked. "He's not her boyfriend. He's a customer at the bank." Hanna responded. "Some architect from Syracuse." she added as she opened her fridge.

"Really?" Caleb asked, leaning on the kitchen island. "What's with the 'Really'?" Gwen asked, titling her head. "Well, he had a crappy plastic pen." Caleb explained. "So?" Hanna asked, grabbing glasses for them. "He means that architects draw for a living." Gwen said, and Caleb nodded. "They tend to be pen snobs, strictly Mont Blanc and beyond." Caleb added as Hanna poured them drinks.

"Why does he creep you out?" Caleb asked Hanna. "He doesn't creep me out." Hanna responded, obviously lying. "Yeah, and I'm a magician." Gwen said sarcastically. "He does creep you out. You get a bad vibe from him, Han, same one I got," she added. "It's complicated." Hanna responded. "Tell me. I like complicated." Caleb said. Hanna looked at Gwen, who nodded.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

The girls were shopping the next day. "When are you supposed to see Toby?" Emily asked Spencer as they walked down a flight of stairs. "Uh, tomorrow, while Jenna's at her music lesson." Spencer responded as they walked around the shop, meanwhile, Gwen and Aria were standing together, looking at a Jacket Gwen was holding. "Take it." she said, trying to pass it to Aria. "No. No, you take it." she denied. "The storm has passed." Spencer joked to Emily and Hanna. "What was going on with you two?" Emily asked them

Gwen and Aria shared a look before walking towards the others. "Okay, so, you know how I went to that museum with Ezra?" Aria asked. "Yeah." Spencer mumbled. "Well, 'A' tried to get Gwen to ruin it." Aria explained. "Ruin it how?" Hanna asked. "'A' gave me another ticket, and made me give it to Aria's mom." Gwen explained, still feeling guilty about it. "God, Gwen, why didn't you tell us what was happening?" Emily asked.

"Well, I tried to stop it," Gwen responded, crossing her arms. "I mean, her mom's car didn't just stall, Caleb fixed it to keep from getting there and that's why I owe him." she explained. "Yeah, and he's the one who's been breaking into the vending machines at school, I mean, he's practically living there." Aria added. "In school?" Emily asked before she and Spencer shared a look. "They found his stuff, so he's not sleeping there anymore." Gwen said. "He's sleeping in the spare bedroom in my house," she finished.

"Wait, rewind that a little for me" Aria asked, looking at Gwen, as Hanna sighed, already knowing this. "Does your mom know?" Emily asked. "Of course she knows, I wasn't gonna move him in without telling her." Gwen responded. "Are you crazy?" Spencer asked and Gwen rolled her eyes. "Guys." Emily said, looking at something, making them all turn to see what Emily was looking at. They all shared a look before walking over, closer, slowly.

"Wow! It fits perfectly." the saleswomen said as they turned to see Jenna Marshall wearing black silk night dress. "Let me just pull this over it and you know, the length, the length looks great, it's beautiful." the saleswomen said. "I want it to be perfect," Jenna said as she played with the lace cover up. "He likes lace." she added, causing the girls to share a look. What. The. Fuck.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Hanna had come over to hangout at Gwen's, so she, Gwen, and Caleb were in the kitchen. "So your mom didn't believe you when you said Leland was shady?" Hanna asked Hanna as he tinkered with a phone. "Well, you don't sound very surprised." Gwen responded, grabbing a coke from the fridge. "I'm used to that, that's why I called Syracuse University," Caleb said, and Gwen and Hanna shared a look. "Talked to a nice lady at the school of architecture about how I was thinking of applying and did she know a local guy named James Leland." he said, turning to face the two girls.

"Wait, you just called up and asked?" Hanna asked. "People love to talk. And guess what?" he asked. "James Leland went to SU and opened an office in town." Caleb explained, and Hanna smiled. "See? He's legit." she said. "You're not done are you?" Gwen asked, and Caleb shook his head. "Yeah. He was a pretty good architect... right up until he dropped dead two years ago." Caleb explained and Hanna's smile fell as Caleb turned the phone he was working on, on.

He showed them a photo of James Leland, who was an old guy. "Introducung James Leland." Caleb said. "Wait, my mom checked his ID checked out." Hanna said, confused. "Of course it did." Gwen said, and Hanna looked at her. "She's right. You ask a computer 'is James Leland related to this Potter Lady?' the computer says yes. But you didn't ask if James Leland was still alive." Caleb explained and Hanna sighed, as Gwen patted her shoulder. "Knowing the right questions is better than having all the right answers." Caleb added.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Later that night, Gwen was doing homework in the living room when Caleb walked in. "Hanna talked to her mom." she said, and Caleb looked over at her. "Good." he said, and she nodded. "I'm gonna head to bed." he said, and she nodded. "Night." she said, and he nodded before walking up the stairs, and Gwen smiled, before it fell, knowing that he was biding time till he left for Arizona.