Emily took the wine glass from the cabinet, her hands still shaking. A tear fell down her cheek but she didn't have the energy to wipe it away. Filling up her glass with the best red wine they had in the house, she made her way to the living room and nuzzled onto the couch watching the fire. How could she allow this to happen? She had finally gotten everything that she had ever wanted and just like that it was slipping away from her. That single tear had turned into several more, and now she was sobbing uncontrollably. Had she really lost Alison for good?

1 year earlier.

Back in Rosewood with another A – or AD – after them. The Radley bar was kind of slow tonight so it gave Emily time to actually look around. It seemed as though nobody dining in here remembered what terrible things happened here when it was a sanitarium, they were all sitting around drinking mimosas and laughing. Everyone oblivious to what started here, and the personal hell that Emily was living through now.

"Hey so what time do you get off? Aria wants us to – um, Earth to Emily. Hello?"

Emily came out of her daydream to see Hanna looking at her with her brows furrowed.

"Seriously Em if you're sick can you go stay with Spenc tonight? I really don't want to catch anything. I hate that feeling when you can only breathe out of one side of your nose."

"I'm not sick. Just thinking about what this place used to be." She could see Hanna's eyes look down on the floor so the brunette decided to quickly change the subject.

"Anyway, what did Aria want? I get off in an hour."

"She wants us to meet up at Spencer's. She thinks she has some ideas about the creep fest that is Jenna and Noel." Hanna phone buzzed and Emily could see her jump slightly. Back at square one. Back at being scared at who is on the other end every time someone got a text. The warm beaches of California seem so far away right now and Emily could not feel colder.

"It's Lucas. I have to go. See you at Spencer's." The blonde offered a small smile and took off.

"So now we think AD is Noel? Was he faking an American accent for years Aria, I don't think so" Spencer was standing by the barn door, leaning against the wall.

"I am not saying that he was, but why else would he be back – and hanging out with Jenna and Sara Harvey of all people. What we need to do is get into Jenna's room at the Radley and see if there is anything in there that she is hiding."

"But Noel helped me out when I was on the run Aria. I mean he did date Jenna a long time ago, maybe that is the only connection."

Emily couldn't help it but her heart sank every time Alison spoke. She knows that Ali forgave them for turning her jacket into AD, but Emily couldn't help but to allow the guilt to weigh on her. They always had a different connection than the other girls. Yes they slept together but it was always something more than that. She could tell that Alison was hurt worse by her, and knowing that made Emily's stomach tense up in knots.

"Maybe I could try to get access into her room, but I would have to do it when my mom isn't around. The last thing I want to do is drag her into this shitshow too." Hanna took a seat on the couch beside Aria and crossed her arms.

"I actually think that may be a good idea. One of us could also try to keep an eye on Noel too. That way we can at least have most of our bases covered." Spencer moved away from the wall and into the kitchen.

"Okay well then that's the plan. Han you can tell us when you're mom leaves and then me and Emily can sneak into Jenna's room and see what we can find." Aria stood up and grabbed her jacket. "I have to go I am late for my dinner with Ezra."

Emily still couldn't believe that they were engaged. In all of this mess that they were in, Aria deserved moments of happiness. Her phone vibrated.

Hey. I am on my way to the restaurant. See you in 20 minutes :).

Shit. She had completely forgot about her date with Sabrina and she was still in her work uniform. She would have to hurry home and change if she wanted to make it one time.

"I have to go too – I have to study." Emily didn't know why she lied.

"You can bring your stuff over to my house. Mary is out for the night and I really don't want to be home alone." Emily looked down to see Ali's pleading eyes looking back at her. She still had stitches on her face and bruises on her arms from when she was attacked. Emily paused for a minute, but knew what she had to do.

"Sure. I'll be over after I get my stuff and change." Ali smiled at her, and the brunette's stomach fluttered just a bit.

Getting into her car she replied back. Hey I am so sorry but something came up. I will make it up to you I promise.