Prompt: Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer go to the Ice Ball with their dates and Alison shows up with her own date, who no one knows (I just made him up), and Emily gets jealous.
"So are we going to this thing or what?" Hanna asked.
Hanna, Emily, Spencer, and Aria were talking about the Ice Ball that the DiLaurentis's were throwing, it was the first time the town ever had a ball for Christmas.
"I don't know, Han. It's not a good time for things like that. We still don't know if it was Alison who killed Mona and we're still not sure if she's A or not. Maybe we should be focusing on figuring that out instead of going to a ball. Especially when her family's the one throwing the ball." Spencer said.
"There's actually literally no proof what so ever that tells us that Alison had anything to do with Mona's death." Emily spoke up defending the blonde.
"Actually when Mona called me before she was murdered she did say that she had proof about Alison being A. Maybe Alison wanted to make sure that she never said anything to us. Maybe she was in Mona's house when Mona was on the phone with me and heard her. Then killed her and took the body before we got there." Aria said.
"It doesn't make sense. If Alison really was A then she would've just come up with another lie to manipulate us into thinking that she wasn't. The person that killed Mona after the phone call was probably the real A wanting us to think that it was Alison. I mean, it adds up. First, before we went to the police station, A left us that message on the TVs that made it look like it was Alison who did it. Spence, you said it yourself maybe it was just A wanting us to think its Alison." Emily said lifting her hand towards Spencer, "Now with Mona's murder, Ali wouldn't have killed Mona right after she told Aria that there was proof because it was gonna leave us thinking that Alison got to her before we did. Alison could've just destroyed the proof. It's actually pretty brilliant of A because what has A wanted since the beginning? To see Alison suffer. Now she's alone-"
"She's not alone. Paige said she was building her own army, remember?" Aria interrupted.
"Yeah, an army of people that she use to bully, how are they gonna help her? Do you really think that Alison told all of them everything about A? Do you really think that they'd do anything to keep her safe?" Emily asked.
"Maybe it's not an army against A, what if she's building an army to go up against us?" Spencer said, "I mean she didn't mind making me go to jail. How do we know that she isn't coming up against us whether she is A or not? We did turn our backs on her." Spencer said.
"I don't think Ali would go as far as to build an army against us. Since when does she need an army for anything?" Emily pointed out.
"Since, she doesn't have us anymore." Aria answered.
"We turned our backs on her just because she identified Cyrus and the guy didn't even go to jail. We never gave her a chance to explain-"
"Can you just stop talking? Please." Hanna stopped Emily, "I feel like my head is gonna explode. Now you're actually saying that Alison isn't A?"
"I'm saying that there's still a possibility that she might not be A." Emily said.
"Then why the hell was she okay with sending me to jail?!" Spencer asked angry.
"Look, I obviously don't have the answers to all your questions. You guys go ahead and share your own opinion but I'm choosing to believe that Alison might still be on our side." Emily said hopeful.
"The hell with that, she sent Spencer to jail." Hanna shouted.
"She didn't do anything, the police built the case against Spencer and they just asked Alison some questions which she answered truthfully." Emily assured her.
"Well why did she just let herself off the hook without helping us out too?" Hanna argued.
"Are you serious? If we turned our backs on you and ignored your phone calls and avoided you in any way possible would you still try to help us?" Emily argued back.
"Yes! If it meant helping you guys out I would've done anything." Hanna shouted.
"You say that now, but Alison didn't have a choice. She looked guiltier than any of us because she was the one that was supposed to be buried in that grave." Emily shouted back.
"Enough! Guys this isn't helping. We can't be shouting and fighting with each other, we can't let anything come between us, especially Alison." Spencer said putting her hands between Emily and Hanna. "Emily, you never told us what happened when Alison went to your house, I didn't wanna ask but obviously it was enough to change your mind about her being A so would you mind telling us what happened?"
Emily hadn't said anything about it because she, herself, didn't even understand what had happened. She still thinks about it, repeats the conversation in her mind every night before she falls asleep. She was confused about it but she didn't have a choice anymore, she needed to tell the rest of the girls about it.
"She- uh. She figured out that I was just keeping her busy, she saw the message you sent me, Han." she looked over to Hanna, "She knows that we think she's A." The three other girls immediately stood up in shock.
"Why wouldn't you tell us this Emily?" Aria asked.
"Tell us everything that happened, everything." Spencer said.
Emily took a deep breath before she began, "When Ali got there I was on the phone with Paige and she took me by surprise. She apologized for scaring me but I denied that she did. She said she was surprised she got my message because I made my feelings for her clear the last time she saw me. Before I said anything I got a text from Hanna," she looked over to Hanna, "I told her that it was my mom doing last minute shopping. Then she asked why I told her to come over and I told her that it bothered me that we weren't speaking during the holidays. She said that she wasn't surprised that you three turned on her but that I was the one that she trusted."
"Of course you were." Hanna said rolling her eyes.
"Shut up, Hanna. Keep going." Spencer said nodding her head towards Emily.
"Well then I whispered 'The Loyal One' and she had this confused look. It was pretty obvious that she had no idea what I was talking about. She apologized for disappointing me, although I'm not so sure what she meant by that, and she started walking out and I stopped her. I told her I didn't want things to be like this and she agreed."
"She started saying that you three weren't gonna be okay with me being friends with her and I told her it was up to me, that it wasn't a group vote." she stopped and looked at each of them, "Then she told me that she had the chills and asked for some tea, when I got up I forgot my phone on the desk but by the time I turned back for it she had it in her hand already."
"She tricked you into leaving so she could check your phone." Spencer said.
Emily nodded, "She figured it out because she knew that my mom never shops at the last minute, I should've used a better lie. She straight out asked me if we thought she was A and then I said, 'I don't know, are you?' I tried to show as little emotion as possible but I think I skipped showing no emotion and went straight for cold hearted. She looked hurt, like she couldn't believe that we thought she was A. She said she actually did believe me, and then I said it must hurt when the loyal one betrays you. She bumped into my shoulder as she was walking out and as she left she said I made quite a performance. I could tell she was angry but she was also hurt, I could see it in her eyes."
"She never denied that she was A." Spencer said.
"Yeah, but she also didn't acknowledge it either." Aria objected.
"This is way too much." Hanna said waving her hands side to side, "I just wanted to know if we were going to the stupid ball or not so I could start picking out what to wear."
"Yes. We're going." Emily answered.
"For what?" Spencer asked.
"Because it's the first Christmas ball the town has ever had, I don't wanna miss it." Emily said, "And maybe I really think that we need to talk to Alison."
"I'm not talking to her." Spencer said right away.
"Neither am I." Hanna said after.
"Emily and I will talk to her." Aria said, "Or Emily will do all the talking and I'll stand by."
"She won't say anything if your there, Emily should do it alone." Spencer said.
They all nodded agreeing with Spencer, "We'll all be around just in case something goes wrong." Spencer instructs.
The day of the Ice Ball they were all getting ready at Hanna's house and they were all gonna meet their dates at the Ball. Aria was going with Ezra, Hanna with Caleb, Spencer with Toby, and Emily with Paige. They had decided to go dressed in theme and they each had on a beautiful dress. Aria had on a short silver-like dress and earrings that Ezra had gotten for her, and her hair was to one side. Hanna had on a long white floral dress with a big reign stone necklace, and her hair was up in a small ponytail to the side. Spencer had a vintage looking silver dress, with her hair up. Emily had a tight bronze dress that looked amazing on her, and her hair was curled.
"It's almost time, are you guys almost ready?" Aria asked the rest of the girls, who were just adding some last minute touch ups. They didn't answer; they each hated to be rushed when they were getting ready for a big event.
"Hey Em, does Paige know that you're gonna try to talk to Alison if she's there?" Hanna asked looking at Emily.
Emily stayed quiet for a moment, "No, I didn't have time to tell her."
"You didn't have time to tell Paige that you were gonna talk to Alison, but you somehow managed to have time to go caroling with her at Shady Days Nursing Home yesterday." Aria said sarcastically.
"I don't like to worry Paige about any of the drama in our lives, I feel like it would be too much for her to handle." Emily said.
"Em, our whole lives are nothing but drama how are you gonna have a healthy relationship with her if you don't tell her everything?" Hanna said, "Well maybe it's different since you're dating a girl, we date guys and they can handle more than we can-"
"Shut up, Hanna." Emily said stopping her, "It's just that last time I included her in all this A stuff she was always so scared and fragile about everything, I don't really wanna put up with it right now, so I'd rather just keep her out of it."
Aria got up and walked up to Emily, "As much as I hate to admit it, Hanna's right. How are you gonna keep a healthy relationship if-"
"Why do you guys keep saying that? Paige and I aren't in a relationship; right now we're just taking things slow. We're not dating. I mean yeah she keeps me distracted sometimes but that's it."
Hanna, Spencer, and Aria all looked at Emily in shock although they weren't really surprised because they all know the real reason as to why Emily is denying that she and Paige are dating, it's because she still has feelings for Alison.
"Does Paige know that?" Aria asked, "It looks to me like she thinks you two are dating."
"I don't know, but I can't just trust her again. I trusted her enough to tell her about Alison and she went and told the police behind my back" Emily said, "And I probably would've never found out if it hadn't been for Hanna recognizing the handwriting on the letter." she said feeling a bit disappointed.
"Then why is she your date for the ball?" Hanna asked.
"Yeah and why did you look so happy with her while you two were caroling?" Aria asked afterward.
"What's with the interrogation?" Emily snapped, "I was happy because we were doing something nice for the holidays. I would've been the same amount of happy whether it was Paige up there with me, or one of you."
"Okay well either way, we're still here for you Em. We're always gonna be on your side no matter what you choose to do." Spencer said
"Thank you, Spencer. That's all I needed to hear." Emily said glaring at Aria and Hanna.
"What she said." They both said at the same time nodding their heads towards Spencer.
Spencer started grinning, "We should go already." she said.
"Okay so let's enjoy this as much as we can and when someone sees Alison, tell the rest of us right away." Aria said before getting off the car.
They all got off and started walking towards their dates, who were all together waiting for them outside, "Do you think Paige feels weird being the only girl waiting with a bunch of guys?" Hanna asked.
Emily looked up at Hanna, "Really Hanna? Why do you always-"
Hanna put her hands up in surrender, "Okay okay sorry. Geez it was just a question." she said laughing.
"Guys, enough." Spencer said as they were reaching their dates, "Ready?" she said smiling at Toby, who was on crutches because of the accident.
"Yeah, let's go."
They each got ahold of their dates and went inside. The place was beautiful. The music was amazing. Everything was perfect. They all sat at the same table and gave their full attention to their dates. They each danced a song every once in a while, besides Spencer and Toby since he wasn't able to.
They were finally all at the table at the same time, "I'm going to the restroom." Hanna said standing up.
"I'll go too." Emily said after.
"Me too." Aria said, "Spence, let's go."
All four walked to the restroom together and when they entered they each checked that all the stalls were empty.
"Has anyone seen her?" Spencer asked, they all shook their heads.
"So what, she just didn't show up to her own family's Ice Ball?" Emily asked.
"We've already been here for an hour; if she was gonna show up she would've by now." Hanna said.
"Maybe-" Aria was interrupted by two girls going into the restroom.
They all walked out and were walking back to the table when they saw the doors to the entrance open, it was Alison. Dressed perfectly in theme; wearing a black and silver dress, and her blonde hair perfectly curled. She was definitely the most beautiful girl at that ball. They all looked over at her at the same time and made eye contact with her for a split second. Then they noticed that she wasn't alone.
"Who the hell is that?" Emily questioned, clearly upset that Alison showed up with a date.
"I have no idea, but he's kinda really cute." Hanna said not helping at all. Emily glared at her once again but this time Hanna just shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't think he's even from Rosewood." Spencer said.
"Emily, this is not the time to be jealous okay? Just stick to the plan." Aria said, but it was as if she hadn't said anything because Emily's blood was boiling from all the jealousy that she was feeling.
They went back to the table but Emily couldn't get her eyes off the blonde that was across the room.
"Is everything okay?" Ezra asked, mostly speaking to Aria.
"Yeah, everything is great." Aria said.
"Em, do you wanna dance? I love this song." Paige asked, but Emily wasn't paying attention. She wasn't looking at Alison anymore either because she knew how much it would hurt Paige to see that.
"Em?" Paige asked again.
"Hm?" Emily looked up, "I'm sorry, what?"
"I asked if you wanted to dance, but the song is about to end." Paige said.
"Oh sorry." Emily said.
For a while they danced some songs and tried to have a good time but it was really obvious to the other girls that Emily was having a hard time hiding the jealousy within her so eventually Aria decided to finally do something about it and she tells the rest of the girls to join her to get some drinks.
"Em, are you okay?" Aria asked once their all away from the table.
"Yeah I'm fine." Emily replied.
"No you're not. Emily, you're crazy jealous right now." Hanna said straight out.
"No I'm not!" Emily shouted.
"Right. And I'm not always craving cheese puffs." Hanna said.
"What?" Emily said as she furrowed her eyebrows.
"It's a lie. I am always craving cheese puffs. And you are jealous!" Hanna said.
"Hanna it's not a good time to make jokes." Spencer said as they were reaching the table with the drinks.
"Why does it matter if I'm jealous?" Emily asked.
"Because you're showing it too much, Em." Aria said, "It's really obvious, well to us at least."
"Okay well I am jealous, but don't worry." Emily assured them, "I'm gonna talk to Alison. I don't need any help."
"What are you gonna do?" Aria asked.
"I'm gonna dance with her." Emily said.
"In front of everyone?" Hanna asked.
"No, Hanna I'm gonna take her outside and dance with her in the parking lot where no one can see us." Emily replied in a sarcastic tone, "Yes, in front of everyone."
"You sure that's a good idea? What about Paige?" Spencer asked.
"I don't care if it's a good idea anymore; can you guys just keep Paige company while I do it?" Emily said.
All three of them looked at her worried, but they knew they weren't gonna change her mind anymore. They just nodded then went back to take their seats.
Emily looked over to the dance floor and noticed that Alison was dancing with her date. The song was about to end so she got up so she could get to Alison before she went to sit down. Emily gave the rest of the girls a look to let them know she was leaving, "Paige, I'll be right back." she said and walked away before Paige could reply.
The song was ending and Alison and her date were already turning around to head back to their table. Before Alison started walking, Emily grabbed her hand. Alison turned around and tried to pull away from her but Emily didn't let her.
"Dance with me." she demanded.
"Why so you could lie to me in my face once again?" Alison said.
"Ali. Dance with me." Emily said again not taking no for an answer. Alison gave her date a look that let him know that it was okay. Then Emily pulled her close to her and Alison put her hand on Emily's shoulder as they started slow dancing to 'Love Is Won by Lia Ices'.
"What do you want Emily?" Alison asked.
"Who is that?" Emily said looking over at Alison's date, answering her question with a question.
Alison chuckled, "Don't tell me you're jealous Em." she said a bit amused.
"Oh please." Emily said annoyed, "Like that's not the only reason you brought him here tonight, just to make me jealous."
Alison was taken by surprise because the old Emily Fields would have never answered to her like that. She would've just blushed and looked down, now here was the new and improved Emily Fields and Alison was really impressed.
"What makes you think that I brought him just to make you jealous?" Alison said tilting her head to one side.
Emily looked up at her eyes, "Because I'm not stupid. You bring some random guy to the Ice Ball and I come crying back to you asking you to forgive me because I hate seeing you with anyone else that isn't me, that's your plan right?"
"Is it working?" Alison said without hesitation.
Emily didn't reply, she just looked up at the ceiling, ignoring the question.
"Don't treat me like I'm the bad person. Let's not forget that you turned your back on me, Emily. You lied to me and manipulated me into thinking that you actually wanted to fix things between us when I really did want to. I felt pathetic after that, Em. You were the only person that I trusted in this whole messed up world and you just left me." Alison said with tears gathering in her eyes.
Emily couldn't believe her eyes because she had never seen Alison cry before, and she couldn't believe that she was the reason that she was crying.
"Alison, I'm sorry." Emily said reaching up to wipe off the tear on the blonde's cheek. Then suddenly it was as if Alison had realized she shouldn't be doing this. She cleaned of her face and just walked away from Emily. Leaving the brunette alone on the dance floor.
Emily stood on the dance floor for a couple seconds watching the blonde walk away from her. She didn't wanna go back to the table and face Paige yet do she went to get a drink and she knew that one of the three other girls would follow her there.
"What happened?" Aria asked as soon as she reached her.
Emily was speechless. She saw Alison walk towards the restroom and started to walk after her, but Aria pulled her back, "Em you know if you do this, then there's no more going back. You can't just go back to ignoring her again. Even Alison deserves more than that."
Emily nodded, "I know."
She went into the restroom and just saw Alison standing in front of the mirror. Neither of them said anything for a while.
"Alison?" Emily finally said breaking the silence.
"Don't Emily." Alison said not looking at Emily, "Just leave me alone." But the brunette could see that the corners of her eyes were wet.
Emily never thought that she would ever be capable of hurting Alison like this. She went up to Alison and reached for the blonde's arm, but Ali bristled and shook her off. Emily didn't know if there was anything she could do anymore.
She turned around to walk out of the restroom and once she started walking forward she felt Alison grab her by the wrist and she turned around Alison was pulling her into a stall. Alison pressed her body against Emily and started kissing her, they kissed and kissed. The world around them melting away, the music from the ball subsiding until it was dull echo. After a while they pulled back, breathless. Emily stared into Alison's eyes.
"What was that for?" she asked.
"I'm sorry too." Alison whispered.
Author's Note: The last part of this is from one of Sara Shepard's books of Pretty Little Liars.