Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars.

Paige is walking across the street with her bike when she hears an inner voice 'Drop the bike and dive.' Paige is hit with a fear that almost freezes her. The voice returns almost shouting 'Now.' Paige drops her bike diving out of the way just as a car pelts Paige's bike into the intersection. Paige has no time to react to the pain in her head and wrist before headlights are on her.

The phone booth she is near tips over covering her as the car goes into a spin away from Paige. The cars rear end hits the phone booth sending it closer to Paige it's metal frame taking the brunt of the hit leaving Paige with no further injury.

The car speeds away running over Paige's bike destroying it beyond repair.

Paige climbs from the protection of the phone booth. Staring at where the phone booth once was, How did it come away from there?

The pain in Paige's wrist and head intensifies, I should probably get this checked out. Looking at her bike in the middle of the intersection, I can't leave my bike where it is it could hurt someone. Paige looks around for cars running to collect her bike. Examining the mangled bike Paige frowns, I can't salvage anything. Paige puts it by the dumpster then heads to the hospital.

Paige's bedroom door flings open crashing against the wall. Paige jumps up looking around scared "What's going on? Is there a fire?"

Paige's dad crosses his arms "You quit the swim team. Did you honestly think you could do something like that and I wouldn't find out? Your coach called to see if everything was alright at home. She was trying to figure out why on earth you would leave the team. You are getting back on that team this morning."

Paige shakes her head "I am not. Even if I wanted to my wrist is broken. I won't be able to swim until the end of the season. I'm not staying on the team just to watch everybody else. Besides with my spot open someone who can actually swim can take it."

Mr McCullers glares at his daughter "You might as well give away your Stanford scholarship too. You will obey me young lady. You are living under my roof you will follow my rules."

Paige argues back "I am not handing over my scholarship. I emailed Stanford about my injury giving them the doctors reports saying I will be back to swimming in time for the new season. I am waiting on a reply."

Mrs McCullers speaks up "Nicholas it sounds like Paige has it all figured out leave her be."

Nick spins to his wife "How dare you take her side Kathryn. Paige has a free ride to university and she will lose it because she's to damn stupid to realize what she has. How could you accept that kind of behaviour?"

Kathryn backs away "I am not taking her side I'm just saying she has thought this through."

Nick growls "Thought this through. THOUGHT THIS THROUGH. You know what maybe she has. I mean Paige could very well have thought 'I am going to break my wrist to prevent myself from swimming. That way when dad gets ticked I can say "Oh but my wrist is broken I won't be able to swim for the rest of the season." Dad can't argue with that. So what I may be pissing my university career away. This is the perfect plan to get things my way.' Her quitting two days ago is all just part of the plan."

Paige crosses her arms "I am not stupid. I have a 3.5 GPA, I scored an 1800 on my SATs and I am done high school as soon as I get those summer school exams written. How is that stupid? Oh I know it's the fact that I am not doing it the Nick McCullers way therefore it's not the right way. You are such a...You expect perfection from everyone when no one is perfect. Nothing is perfect. I am not living your life I am living mine so stop controlling me and let me live."

Nick walks to Paige's closet throwing it's contents on the bed "Get a garbage bag put this in it and get out."

Paige shrieks "What?"

Nick glares "How dare you talk to me like that in MY house. After everything I have done for you, you have the gull to say those things. I raised you better then that. Thank god one of my kids came out normal."

Kathryn freezes looking from her husband to her daughter disbelieving of Nicks slip up.

Paige looks at her mom "Help me out here. You aren't going to let him do this are you?" When Kathryn steps toward her husband Paige gasps "You are. I can't believe this."

Paige walks to her closet Nick steps in front of her "No. Nothing else in that closet is yours. You have two minutes to get your stuff and get out. Give me your phone and keys those are mine."

Paige scoffs shaking her head as she hands over the phone and keys "I bought a duffle bag a while ago the receipt is in the top desk drawer. It's in the closet. Can I get it?"

Nick walks to the desk opening the drawer and finding the receipt. Nick goes to the closet finding the duffle bag that matched the receipt and a messenger bag that was also on the receipt.

Nick throws them on the bed beside her clothes "These are what's on the receipt. Two minutes and you're out."

Kathryn begs "Give her more time Nicholas. To pack properly she's going to need more time than that."

Nick leans against the door frame "Fine but I'll be watching you pack."

Paige gets to work packing folding everything tightly to fit everything in. Paige goes to unplug the laptop and pack it but a throat clear from Nick stops her. Paige looks at him and he shakes his head tapping his chest to signal mine. Paige sighs backing away from the computer and returning to her bag. Paige zips everything up putting the duffle on her back and walking out.

Paige stops beside her father "I love you. I'm sorry I showed disrespect. I hope one day we can patch things up. I know for now a little space to grow is necessary. Thank you for everything you have done so far."

Nick nods his head watching Paige leave.

At the bottom of the stairs Paige stops "Thanks for everything you've done for me. You taught me a lot. I love you."

Kathryn hugs Paige "I love you too sweetie. Please be safe. I am so sorry I didn't do more. This will be good for you."

Paige smiles sadly turning to look at the top of the stairs where her father has not moved from his spot. Paige turns back to the door taking a deep breath as she exits the house.

Paige stands there watching everyone welcome Alison back to school. Her eyes land on Emily standing with the other three her eyes shining happily her face showing concern. It's official I'm no longer wanted in Rosewood. Paige turns and walks away deciding to come back when school should be going on.

A few hours later Paige walks into the school heading straight to the principals office. Once there Paige smiles "Good morning Mrs Stellar how are you today?"

The woman looks up "Good morning Paige. I am well how are you?"

Paige frowns "I've been better. Is Mr Jester available right now?"

The woman stands knocking on the principals door when a reply comes she peeks in mumbling things. The woman turns to Paige "He can see you now."

Paige smiles walking into the office "Good morning sir. How are you?"

The man smiles "I'm fine Paige. What is it you needed?"

Paige takes a deep breath "Well sir I have come to ask if I can have my final exams earlier than previously talked about. The classes are from summer school and I'm only here because there wasn't enough time over the summer to finish them. I have finished all the work required to complete the classes and am only waiting to right the final exams. I feel I am ready to write them and hope to get it over with. If you need time to discuss this with the teachers I will come back after lunch. If that does not work I can come back tomorrow at the same time as today."

The principal looks down at the duffle bag at Paige's side then back to Paige "Is everything okay Miss McCullers?"

Paige looks down at the bag "Everything is fine sir. I was hoping I could get out of Rosewood as soon as possible. My parents are aware of my leaving. I don't have a phone or computer so the only way to talk to you is this way."

The man leans back in his chair looking out the window to his left "Come back at three and I will administer your final exams. I will talk to your teachers before then and get the exams from them. I will see you then Paige."

Paige stands "Thank you sir. I really appreciate this." Paige picks up her bag leaving the room.

Exiting the office Paige hears her name and turns to the voice "Hello Mona."

Mona motions for Paige to come here. Paige shakes her head turning towards the exit. Mona jogs forward slowing down when she is near the office "What's with the bag Paige? Are you going somewhere?"

Paige keeps walking "My parents kicked me out this morning. I shot my mouth off a little to much."

Mona frowns "I'm sorry Paige."

Paige shrugs "It's fine. I can grow and become stronger from this. You should get back to class."

Mona looks towards her class then down the hall to the front doors "What are you going to do? Do you have a place to stay?"

Paige sighs "Don't worry about me Mona. I have some things to finish up here then I will be on my way. I will be fine. Good luck with everything Mona."

Paige spins around heading to the front door. Paige jogs down the steps looking side to side, Where do I go now?

Paige opens the door to the Rosewood Public Library heading to the computers she checks her email to find no new ones. Paige stares at the screen trying to think of a job search website to look for jobs. Paige spends the morning looking for jobs and writing down possibilities. The next time she looks at the clock it is two thirty. Paige gathers her stuff leaving the library after clearing the history on the computer.

Paige walks back into the school fifteen minutes before the final bell. Entering the office once again Paige picks a chair furthest from the door to avoid being seen by the students as they leave their classes. Once the bell rings Paige sinks in her seat when she hears her name from a few different people, Damn it Mona.

Paige sits patiently waiting for the principal to come out her chest starting to clench with fear of what is being said about her. Paige takes a deep breath, Don't let the words affect you. Your life is none of their business. Be strong. Get through this and get out of Rosewood. Focus Paige.

Paige looks up startled by the principal standing in front of her "Sorry Principal Jester."

The man smiles "It's okay Paige. Are you sure you're ready for these exams?"

Paige nods "Yes sir I am."

The man stretches his hand out for Paige to enter his office "I have a spot for you to write your exams in here. I will give you an hour and forty minutes per exam. There are three so it will take some time. I hope you don't mind I have some other work to do so I will leave you to it. If you are done any of the exams before the a lotted time find Mrs Stellar she will take the one you finished and give you the new one."

Mr Jester places the first exam in front of Paige before leaving the room to do his thing. Paige settles in finishing the first exam in forty minutes then taking fifteen minutes to check her work. Paige stands opening the door to the office. Mrs Stellar looks up reaching for the exam in Paige's hand then giving Paige the next one. Paige closes the door taking a seat to begin working on the second exam taking fifty minutes to finish that one and fifteen minutes to check her work.

Paige stands only to hear the door open "All finished with that one?"

Paige turns to Mr Jester "Yes sir."

The man smiles taking the second exam and handing Paige her third exam. This time Mr Jester sits at his desk working on his computer quietly. Paige ignores the man while she works on the last of the exams finishing it in an hour with fifteen minutes to check her work. Paige looks up at the principal who is busy on the computer. Looking back at her exam Paige fidgets a little the movement catching the principals eye.

Mr Jester looks up "All finished?"

Paige gives a half smile "Yes sir."

Mr Jester reaches his hand out "I have notified your teachers they will need a few days to grade your exams. If you come back on Thursday at eleven am you should have the results."

Paige nods "Thank you sir. I really appreciate this."

The man smiles "You're welcome Paige. See you Thursday."

Paige leaves the room, What am I going to do for two days?

Paige is startled by Mona's "I didn't say anything about this morning. One of your neighbours heard the whole thing and saw you walk out with a duffle bag. She told her friends then they told their friends. Well you know how gossip spreads. I shut everybody up as best I could."

Paige sighs trying to read Mona's body language.

A "She's telling the truth" sounds behind her.

Paige turns to see Hanna behind her with a sad look on her face. Paige groans, Great if Hanna knows so do her friends. Alison must be tickled pink.

Hanna asks "Is it true?"

Paige shrugs "I don't know what's being said about me so I can't confirm or deny anything. Why do you care anyways?"

Hanna looks at the duffle bag in Paige's hand "It must be true. I don't think we have enough classes to warrant use of a duffle bag."

Paige adjusts the bag in her hand "Can I go now? Or do you have more questions?"

Hanna nods "I can give you a ride to a hotel if you want."

Paige shakes her head "No thanks. I'd rather not have Emily banging on my door looking for answers. I just want to get out of Rosewood." Paige adds in her head, Unfortunately I have to wait two damn days to do it.

Mona steps forward "I can give you a ride."

Paige sighs "Fine. I need to get something to eat first I'm starving."

Mona leads the way to her car opening the back door for Paige to put her bags in. Paige climbs in the front seat waiting for Mona to get in the drivers seat. Paige groans at the sight of Hanna's car behind them.

Mona looks in the rear view mirror "Hanna can move when she wants to. Right now she wants to know what's going on with you. I was going to take you to my place to eat but it seems we may need to eat out. Your mom probably filled mine in about this morning so you know my mom will insist on you staying with us."

Paige looks at Mona "No one knows, right?"

Mona shakes her head "Hell no everybody in this town is clueless. Unless your mom and mine are standing side by side no one is going to know. They could also look up our mom's maiden names but nobody cares to do that so we are good."

Paige continues to look out the window remaining quite for the rest of the ride.

Mona puts the car in park shutting off the engine "We are here. I had to drive around a little to lose Hanna. I couldn't, sorry, but she is probably confused now. She wouldn't be able to tell the others where we are."

Paige smiles softly "Good. Unfortunately she may need to follow us back."

Mona shrugs "All I have to do is get her where she recognizes something and she'll head home."

Paige steps out of the car "Hello Hanna. Are you joining us for supper?"

Hanna looks around trying to get her bearings "Uh yeah I think I will. That is if you don't mind."

Mona shrugs "The more the merrier."

After supper Mona leads Hanna back towards things that she might recognize. When Hanna's car is no longer in the rear view mirror Mona smiles looking at Paige with an 'I told you' look on her face. Mona starts on her way home until a SUV appears in her rear view mirror.

Paige mumbles "That would be Spencer. She isn't going to be easy to confuse. Not that Hanna was easy to confuse."

Mona laughs "I know what you mean Paige. Besides I don't have the gas to lose her. Looks like you are going to need to stay at a hotel for the night. I will pick you up before school tomorrow to take you to my house."

Paige shakes her head "There's no way your mom is going to like that idea. Just go to your place."

Mona drives to the nearest hotel "Take your bags and head towards the office. On my way out I will blind them with my headlights so you can head to the back of the hotel. I will pick you up there to take you to my house."

Paige gets out of the car grabbing her bags. Emily steps out of Spencer's car walking towards Paige.

Paige panics "Now what?"

Mona steps out "This is none of your business Emily get back in the car."

Emily crosses her arms "No. Paige I want to talk to you."

Mona steps between Emily and Paige "You broke up with Paige. That means her life is no longer yours. Go back to coddling Alison."

Emily goes to step around Mona but Mona blocks her path. Paige considers getting in Mona's car to leave but knows she wouldn't be able to handle the car with one hand.

Paige steps beside Mona "Go home Emily. You've got what you always wanted. Alison is back. Go discover what being with her is like. I know you want to."

Emily shakes her head "No Paige. I need to know that you are okay. There's been a lot of talk at school. I need to know what is true."

Emily's phone rings, Paige can see Alison's name on the screen "Looks like you're needed elsewhere. Go to her you know she won't like it if you don't."

Emily stands firm her thumb hovering over the ignore button. Mona pushes the talk button before Emily has a chance to do anything. Mona heads to the drivers side while Paige climbs in the back seat. Mona gets the distance that is needed between her and Spencer when Emily stands frozen in her spot as Paige is driven away from her.