Story takes place after "A" was revealed as Mona. Emily needs some comfort dealing with Maya's death. Who better to cheer her up than Samara? However, Emily doesn't know that Samara has an evil doppelganger! The girls are then shocked to find out that "A" has other plans in store for them. And as "A" continues to terrorize Emily and the band of liars, they are going to have to turn to their new supernatural friends for help.

Cross over. Mainly Emily and Rebekah. Pretty Little Liars and Vampire Diaries cast make appearances. M.

Beautiful Disaster

Emily sprinted around the corner and finished her run at the steps of her porch.

She stretched her arms above her head and closed her eyes.

God, it felt good to run.

There was nothing like a nice, long run to clear her mind. She found that when she was running, she wasn't thinking about Maya, or "A" or should she say Mona, or anything really. She just felt good. And she hadn't felt good in a long time. So she found herself running quite often these days.

It was a beautiful summer day in Pennsylvania; 75 degrees, sunny but breezy and Emily enjoyed runs especially on days like today. She allowed herself to feel comfortable and relaxed as the wind swept across her olive skin.

Today she chose her usual route for her run. She didn't like running past places in town that reminded her of anything that happened in the last few months. So she picked an old hiking trail she had come across years ago. She had always loved this trail. Her dad took her on bike rides there when she was young and when he was around. She loved this trail and had wanted to share it with Maya. A million times her and Maya made plans to go there, just so they could enjoy the day and have some alone time, maybe have a picnic lunch, but they never found time. And now it was too late.

Well, good thing we never made it here. Because where would I run to get away from it all?

Emily enjoyed running on this trail at least 5 times a week. It felt good to run through peaceful and secluded nature, where no one was looking at her or whispering about her or feeling sorry for her. She felt at home there. No one was watching her; she didn't feel like she had to look over her shoulder. It wasn't a very busy trail and she could have some time to herself there.

She opened her eyes and took a swig from her water bottle. She sat on the ground and stretched out her legs. She loved the way her body felt after exercising. Her muscles just screamed after their rigorous exertion. The tightness her legs felt until she stretched out the muscles. The only way she could feel better right now would be if she jumped in the pool and did a swimming workout. She would never understand how Hanna hated exercising.

As if the thought of her made her appear, a car horn kidnapped her attention away from her daydream. Hanna was hanging out the window of Aria's car.

"Hiiiii Em! Come on! We're going over to Spence's! I've been trying to call you for like, an hour!"

Emily plucked her ear buds out of her ear and turned off her ear-deafening running mix of her iPod.

"Well, as you can see, I was out for a run, so I didn't have my phone on me…" Em motioned to her outfit, a tight fitting yellow tank top and black yoga capris, so Hanna would understand.

Hanna frowned for a minute, before the look of realization took hold on her face.

"Oh right, you were out running!"

Aria rolled her eyes playfully at Hanna. "Well, Em, hurry up and shower and come over to Spence's. We'll probably just relax for a bit, maybe head to the mall?"

And before Emily could think of an excuse or protest, Aria added, "And we won't take no for an answer. If you're not at Spencer's in 45 minutes we will be back."

She blew her a kiss, pulled Hanna back into the car and sped off, disappearing just as quickly as she arrived.

Emily continued her stretching, lying down on her back. She loved her friends and she knew they were only trying to help her. But the sight of them, happy and laughing, brought back so many memories Emily just didn't want to relive.

She let out a deep breath and got to her feet.

So much for my relaxing run.

And with that she headed into the house. She knew Aria's threat was not an empty one. And Emily probably had about 43 minutes left to get to Spencer's house before her friends came to find her.

Emily was depressed. So depressed lately. She knew it, her friends knew it. No need to hide it. Yes, "A" aka Mona, was done terrorizing them and it was over five months since Maya's knew Maya wouldn't want her to act like this. Maya would want her to be going out, having fun, and actually enjoying senior year. But Emily couldn't stand the thought of doing any of that without Maya. She was thrilled all the "A" business was over and Garrett was in jail for Maya's murder, but it still wasn't going to bring her back. For Emily, it would never truly be over.

Everywhere she went, Emily was constantly reminded of all the good times they spent together. The photo booth at the mall where they would make out after taking funny pictures, the café where they would do homework and laugh for hours, the movie theatre where they went on their first date. She always felt Maya's presence, some days more than others. And now, sitting in her room, staring at the picture frame on her dresser, she just couldn't shake the feeling that Maya was there right now. She just wanted to be left alone with her memories.

Her friends had other plans for her however, because when Emily wanted to sit home for the umpteenth weekend in a row, they forbid it.

"Em, I know it hurts, but this isn't good for you." Spencer, the smart one, always trying with the grown up approach.

"We can do whatever you want. Let's just go somewhere." Aria, the practical one, trying to be oh so helpful.

"Let's go shopping! I really need new shoes for the outfit I bought for mine and Caleb's anniversary!"

"Hanna!" Aria and Spencer scolded her at the same time.

Emily had to laugh at that one. Hanna, as blunt as ever.

"Ok guys. Let's go shopping. If I have to help Hanna pick out shoes maybe it'll take my mind off some other things for a while."

The funny part about shopping with Hanna was that everything was difficult. Emily found herself purposely trying to think of anything other than the fact that she was at the mall with Hanna. She tried on outfit after outfit, and shoes after shoes but she didn't actually want anyone else's opinion. Aria and Spencer were the fashionable ones; Emily was the athletic one. As if she knew any of the brand names Hanna was shouting out at them.

And halfway through her shoe shopping ordeal, Hanna lost it; she had a complete breakdown.

"I always went shoe shopping with Mona!" She sobbed. "You're looking at me as if I'm crazy trying to decide between the Jimmy Choo nude pumps or gray knee high boots! Or maybe the zebra stripes or leopard spots are more my style now!? Mona would know which pair would be in style this fall. And now she's locked up in a crazy house and she tried to kill my friend!"

Spencer tried to do some damage control. She grabbed both pairs of shoes out of Hanna's hand and put them back in their appropriate boxes. She motioned to the store clerk to take them away and he slipped in silently, grabbing the boxes, looking at Hanna as if she was the one who belonged locked up in a crazy house.

"Aria, why don't you and Em go grab some milkshakes and we'll meet ya in the food court in five…"

As the two girls walked away, Spencer could be heard reprimanding Hanna. "We're doing this for Em, she needs us. And you're having a breakdown over Mona. She's dangerous. She belongs locked up. We all know it. Pull yourself together…."

Aria shook her head and linked arms with Emily.

"You know Em, no one can even attempt to understand what you're going through. But we love you and we want you to know we're here for you."

Emily was so over people feeling sympathy for her. She hated these intense moments of friendship. They seemed to come so often nowadays. She hated the idea of anyone feeling sorry for her. Yeah she was hurting, but she had her own way of dealing with it, mostly a lot of crying and alcohol. The crying usually felt good, leaving her exhausted enough to doze off to sleep for a few short, restless hours. But the alcohol only left her feeling worse, hence the reason she stopped drinking and had recently taken up her peaceful long runs. It was at this moment that she realized she was over this. Over all of this. She had to stop feeling sorry for herself and do something about it. Sure, she would probably never completely get over Maya, but she did have to move on with her life. For her sake, her mom's sake, her friend's sakes, but most importantly for Maya. It would be what she would want.

Emily stood up a little straighter after making this decision for herself.

"Aria, I get it and I appreciate it, even if I don't act like it all the time. Now why don't you find us a table and I'll go grab four milkshakes. I'd say by now, I got everyone's flavors down."

Whenever the girls went through an especially difficult ordeal, they always grabbed a milkshake at the mall. It was their way of coping and bonding, even if they didn't want to talk about it. Whenever Hanna had a fight with Caleb or when Aria was going through all the Ezra drama and most importantly when they were all dealing with their own "A" problems, they had bonded over many a milkshake. Now it was their comfort food, the one place they didn't feel so threatened by "A". Dumb, maybe. But true, definitely.

She tried for a slight smile before heading to the counter. If Emily had delayed any longer, Aria would have found an excuse to go with her and Emily, as much as she appreciated what her friends were trying to do for her, needed some space from them from time to time.

Emily was up next in the milkshake line when she heard a familiar voice from behind.

She turned just as the voice turned her head and they locked eyes.

Samara.

She looked as great as ever, wearing tight jeans and an orange and blue tank, her blonde, wavy locks laying past her shoulders and held in place by a cute blue hat.

Samara squealed excitedly and immediately made her way over to Emily. She looked like she was trying to not make her uncomfortable before giving up on that approach and instead giving her a big hug.

"Emily! I've missed you! You look amazing!"

Em was so lucky her friends loved her and cared about her well-being and didn't let her go out today in her usual frumpy shorts and a t shirt look. Emily, the athlete of the group, always looking good in whatever outfit she donned, had taken to not caring about her appearance as much in the days following Maya's death. Today however, she had on jean shorts and a pretty pink v-neck shirt. Hanna even made her put on some make up and brush her hair so she looked presentable. Emily said a silent 'thank you' to Hanna as she stood there facing Samara.

"Hi Samara! You look great too, as always!"

Samara pulled back, still clutching Emily's hands, to look her in the eyes.

"I hate to bring this up, but I read the papers. I'm so sorry about Maya. I know how much she meant to you."

Emily had to break Samara's gaze. She looked up, down, anywhere but at Samara.

"Yeah, some days are harder than others, but I'm pulling through."

Emily dared to look Samara in the eyes. She found her looking back with compassion, not the pitiful or gossipy stare she got from strangers and the media, but the compassion of a friend.

"While we're apologizing, I guess I want to say I'm sorry about the way things ended between us. I never meant to hurt you…"

Samara held up her hand. "Em, please. That's history. No need to re-live the past." She smiled.

"But I do think we should catch up. You owe me that at least. I haven't seen you in forever! Can we meet up for dinner Thursday night? Not a date, just as friends. What do you say?"

Emily, even though now she was determined to start living her life again, really wasn't ready to go that crazy. She still wasn't ready for any kind of companionship, but she also couldn't stand the look in her friend's eyes when she moped around. And now Spencer and Hanna made their way to Aria in the food court and all three of them were watching the exchange between Emily and Samara with nervous expressions on their faces.

"Sure, Samara. Dinner sounds great."

"Perfect, I still have your number. I'll text you with the time and place later?"

Emily nodded and Samara hugged her again. "It was so great to see you! Until Thursday."

"Bye!"

Emily waved and even smiled a little as she watched Samara walk away. A quick glimpse at her friends told her they also witnessed the exchange. Each had their eyebrows raised and a look of confusion sat plainly on their faces. They didn't know whether to run and comfort Emily or to follow Samara and find out what happened, so they just remained frozen at the table, eyes darting between Emily standing in the milkshake line and Samara's retreating figure. Emily laughed and smiled at them and then turned back to the counter.

"Four milkshakes please. Blueberry, red velvet, raspberry and chocolate chip cookie dough."

As she waited for the milkshakes to be made, she felt something. Butterflies in her stomach. Excited butterflies. She was excited to meet up with Samara. And followed by that was a pang of guilt. Maya was murdered five months ago. What was Emily doing having dinner with an old crush. That just didn't feel right. As much as she felt ready to move on with her life, she just couldn't do this. She'd have to cancel the dinner plans.

"Noooo way! Emily is not getting out of this. She deserves some happiness in her life! This will be good for her!"

Aria was not about to let Emily miss this opportunity to actually hang out with an old friend.

"I agree, but we can't force her to go… Emily is a big girl; she can do what she wants."

Hanna cut into Spencer's statement… "Yes. We can force her to go. And I fully intend to handcuff her to Samara's front porch if she even tries to bail."

With that, Hanna burst open Emily's door. Em was sitting on the bed, a purple shirt folded in her hands and dozens of other shirts thrown onto her bed and scattered across the floor. She was in the midst of getting ready for her night out with Samara and her friends insisted on helping her get ready. Secretly, she knew they were making sure she didn't back out and actually went. Especially after Emily pretty much told them she wasn't really feeling up to a night out and digging up the past.

"Guys, I can hear you."

She looked through the door at Spencer and Aria fighting in hushed whispers out in the hallway.

"It's fine. I'm gonna go."

Hanna, who was standing in the doorway, halfway in the hallway and halfway in the bedroom, ran over and hugged her. Spencer and Aria also looked relieved and walked into the room.

They sat on the bed as Emily headed to the closet.

"This is good for you, Em. You could use a night out!" Aria patted her arm encouragingly.

"What time do you have to meet her? I am meeting Toby out for dinner so we can head over together?"

Emily was relieved Spencer was willing to drive her because she was so nervous she wasn't sure she'd make it there herself. Plus, Emily needed some friendly encouragement. Even though Samara said it wasn't a date; they were just going out as friends, she still had the nervous jitters. There was a point in her life when she liked Samara, like really liked her. And she was happy to be meeting up with her again.

"We're meeting for 7:30. That sounds great." Emily smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. If her friends noticed, they didn't comment.

"Now if you'll all stop moping around and help me get ready!"

Emily shouted at the trio on the bed and they all jumped up excitedly and helped Emily get ready for her first night out in five long months.

Emily stood outside this cute little café in Philly; she had been here a few times with Samara before, when they were friends and would meet up for lunch. Spencer pulled up to the curb and offered to wait with her until Samara showed up, but Emily let her go.

"I'm here Spence, I'm not running away now."

She smiled at Spencer. Emily knew she was just trying to be a good friend.

"I know Samara and she's never late. She'll be here any minute. Have fun with Toby!"

She got out of the car as gracefully as she could manage. She chose to wear, well more like was forced to wear, a short white skirt, light blue shirt, and wedges, much to Hanna's approval. She was excited, but a little nervous all the same. It had been a while, a long time actually, since she had talked to Samara. Maybe they just didn't have anything in common anymore.

Before Emily could think about it anymore, she saw Samara heading toward her from the parking lot. She waved to Spencer, as she drove away excited. Emily was positive Spence was calling Aria and Hanna right now to fill them in on what was going on.

Emily turned her attention to Samara. She looked great, the same as always, in short brown shorts and an orange v-neck shirt. She came over and hugged Emily.

"I made reservations earlier today so we should be good to go!" She linked arms with Emily and they headed into the restaurant, a couple holding the door for them as they walked in.

The hostess seated them at a table for two near the side window. There were no awkward silences or pauses; everything felt natural between the girls and they found it was pretty easy to pick up right where they left off. They talked about bands they enjoyed, and school. Samara filled Emily in on her LGBT group and their newest community projects. Emily was really excited about getting more involved with the group now. When she first met Samara, Emily was newly out and not ready for that kind of obligation or attention, but now she felt comforted in the idea of being with like-minded individuals. Plus, it would give her something to do and maybe she'd even make some new friends.

When the waitress came to take their orders, they both ordered their usual; Samara, a chicken Caesar salad and Emily, a tuna wrap. Other than ordering, they didn't stop talking and the night dragged on. The waitress kept coming to their table to re-fill their glasses of iced tea, but they were pretty much left alone, lost in their own little world. Emily couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun and just forgot about her cares and worries.

The girls were so busy chatting, that they hadn't even realized the restaurant was almost closing; they were two of the last people left at their tables. Their waitress headed over, "Almost closing time, girls. Can I get you anything else?" She smiled friendly at the pair.

"No thank you, this was great." Emily smiled and the waitress handed them their check. They both playfully offered to pay for it, then agreed to split the bill, and headed out.

"Oh, I totally forgot! I have to call my friend for a ride. She dropped me off; she was meeting her boyfriend for dinner…"

Emily could have slapped herself for being so forgetful. Spencer was probably blowing up her phone with texts! She dug her phone out of her purse and sure enough, multiple missed calls and texts from each of the girls.

"No, Em, don't be silly. It's not far out of my way. I can drop you off."

"Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you, Samara."

"Please, it's fine! Plus, I have this great new band I want you to listen to!"

"I'm really into this band… Ever heard of Cold War Kids? I have some of their songs on my iPod and they are coming to Philly at the end of the summer and I am dying to see them! I think you'll really like them!"

Samara opened the passenger side door for Emily and she hopped in the car. She took out her phone and texted her friends, assuring them she was fine and she'd call them when she got home. Emily put her phone away and let her head rest again the headrest and let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She smiled and shook her head. She now remembered why she and Samara got along so well. How could she ever think they had nothing in common anymore? How was it possible she was worried about meeting her for dinner? Emily wiped all traces of worry from her mind as she realized this was the first time since Maya's death that she was truly enjoying herself.

Samara pulled up to the curb of Emily's house at the perfect time. They were having their own personal concert in the car and the song, Royal Blue, had just ended as Samara put the car in park. Emily laughed out loud as the song stopped and both girls stopped singing, Samara joining Emily in hysterical laughter. It just so happened that Emily was also a fan of Cold War Kids and Royal Blue was her favorite song. It was just one of those feel good songs that Emily couldn't help smiling to and needed as much of that as she could get. She laughed out loud as Samara got out of the car and ran around to the passenger side door and opened it for Emily again, bowing slightly.

"Miss Fields, we have arrived at your humble abode."

"Why thank you, kind miss."

Emily took Samara's hand as she helped her out of the car. The girls walked to the front porch together. Emily had a great night and she didn't feel at all awkward as her and Samara sat down on Emily's front porch steps. In some ways, it had truly felt like they picked up right where their friendship left off so long ago.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, looking out into the night. It was a full moon and the sky was full of stars. The brightness of the sky, combined with the street light, shed some light on the pair.

Although the silence wasn't awkward, Emily was first to break it.

"I had a really nice time tonight, Samara. I had my doubts, but this was great. I haven't had this much fun in months."

It was true too. Emily couldn't remember the last time she laughed so much. They spent hours together and not once did Emily feel depressed or in any way pressured to bring up things she didn't want to deal with.

"I don't want to push anything or rush into anything, but I'd like to do this again soon."

Samara looked into Emily's eyes and smiled.

"I'm so relieved to hear you say that! Obviously you've been through a lot lately. But this was really great."

Samara grabbed Emily and helped her to her feet.

"I'm going to get going but I'll text you tomorrow, ok?"

She leaned over and kissed Emily on the cheek.

"Thanks for a great time, Em!"

Emily smiled, "Anytime. Talk to you tomorrow!"

Emily waved and walked into her house.

She closed the door and leaned against it. Her hand subconsciously rubbed the place where Samara's lips had brushed against her cheek. Emily smiled and headed upstairs, dialing Hanna's number. She knew the girls would be dying to know how her night went.

Outside, Samara got off the porch and headed to her car. She was smiling ear to ear and deep in thought. There was a slight sound behind her but she wouldn't even have noticed it if the street light didn't flicker on and off at that exact moment. Samara turned to see what, if anything had made a noise. The night was suddenly dark; all the light from the moon and stars now covered by dark, unnatural clouds. The street light was giving off an odd, bluish color. Samara was confused but thought she could just barely make out a dark figure in front of her. She was pretty sure it was a person, but she really couldn't be sure in the dim light.

"Umm, hi. Do I know you? Can I help you? Do you need something?"

The person moved closer to Samara's car, into the circle of blue light the street light gave off.

"Hello. I don't believe we've ever met."

She swept her light blonde hair over her shoulder and her bright green eyes met Samara's. The voice was smooth and cool with a slight accent.

She heard Samara's swift intake of breath and smiled, her teeth a dazzling white.

"I'm Rebekah."

Emily had just gotten off the phone with Spencer, the last of her three friends who were dying to know about her night with Samara. They may drive her crazy sometimes, but they were great friends who cared about her. Emily got up from her bed to close and lock her window. Before everything had been resolved, Emily would never dream of leaving her window opened. But since Mona was locked up and Garrett was in jail and "A" was no more, Emily felt more at ease. Maybe she really could move on. She didn't want to forget her past or her time spent with Maya, but there was definitely nothing wrong with moving on.

Emily had truly felt better than she had in a long time. She got into bed and pulled up her covers; it was a chilly night for July. She was thinking this may be the first night in a long time where she'd actually get some sleep and not have any nightmares.

Just then her phone lit up on her nightstand. Emily had a bad feeling as she reached for it.

"I like your old friend. But be careful who you bring back into the game. –A"

Emily dropped her phone to the floor and ran to her window, frantically looking for any sign of a disturbance. Her arms wrapped protectively around herself and she shuddered even though her window was closed. She made sure it was locked and checked her door as well.

So much for that good night's sleep.

Ooooh snap! :D What is Rebekah doing in town and what will she do to Samara? Now that "A" is back in the game, what will the Liars think and how will they catch "A"? What supernatural forces will be involved? Stay tuned for more PLL drama!

If you enjoyed this story and are a VD fan, I have a smut-tastic story with Rebekah, Damon and Katherine to keep you busy! ;)