My family got the news regarding Alison during Dinner time on a Friday; October 10th 2010. My family were not major TV watchers; so I was unaware of the news. The home phone rang; and my Dad picked it up. It was Kenneth DiLaurentis.

" They found her ? Alright, Kenneth. Text me details of the Funeral service when you can. Thank you. I'm so sorry. ". I knew immediately…..

The week passed by like a blur. With Alison's funeral set for next Saturday, I could not take my mind off the new reality. Alison was truly dead. On the one hand; I felt relief for her. She could finally rest in peace. However, I was still troubled by the reactions that Alision despite her now obvious death elicited in this community. Okay sure; I was old and mature enough to understand that Rosewood was and still is a wealthy community; with the petty drama that comes with wealth. My family however were never ones to care that much about wealth. Yes, My Dad had a very comfortable job; but I don't think I was spoiled… I hope so.

October 18, 2010.

The Day of the Funeral was here. I didn't say a word upon arriving at the Church. Kenneth DiLaurentis was at the Entrance of what seemed to be a very old church.

" Robert ! " Kenneth said, hugging my Dad, " Thank you for coming. Alison appreciated your family; so much."

" We're happy to be here. " My Dad replied, " If you need anything, let us know. " Kenneth nodded and pointed to the back pews, " You guys can sit over there. ".

Upon sitting, I took a deep breath. A Lot of people were here; all for Alison. There were some people however that piqued my interest as they entered. For example, when I was going to the Bathroom, I saw a Blind Girl, ahead of me, talking with People on the steps. Jenna Marshall. I only met her twice at Rosewood. She seemed nice enough; although quite distant and reserved. How did she know Alison ? The biggest surprise however was ARIA, and the 3 other girls. Aria, Emily, Spencer, and Hanna. I was surprised. Then; my mind came back to what Alison said to me years ago, regarding her 4 friends. Could they be the 4 friends that Alison was talking about ? I decided I would investigate AFTER the funeral was over.

The Funeral was longer than I thought. I don't think the priest had his mind on. But it went pretty smoothly I thought. Immediately after the funeral, I told my parents that I had to meet up and darted out of the church looking for Aria through the large crowds. Stepping out onto the steps, I saw her with the 3 other girls all huddled together; they seemed to be reading something.

" Aria ! " I shouted racing towards them. All 4 girls turned around.

" Joseph ! " Aria replied , her eyes widening, " What are you doing here ? "

" I should ask you the same thing." I retorted, wanting to find out the truth, " And To those who don't know me, I'm Joseph Carter. I was childhood friends with Alison through her dad and my dad. "

Spencer glared at me. I don't think she likes me. Hanna for her part; scrunched her face in confusion.

Thankfully, Emily managed to break the ice. " Sorry for the " reception " Joseph. It's just…. We didn't know that Ali had another friend, she never told us. ".

" Well she did tell me about you guys. " I shrugged, " 'The 4 Friends of Rosewood' she said. Although, she never told me who the names were. Now I know. ".

Spencer sighed and shook her head, " Well it's very nice to meet you Joseph. Welcome to Rosewood. Although, I feel like you're coming here at such an inopportune time. "

What was that supposed to mean? I shrugged again. Then suddenly, I got a ping on my phone.

" Excuse me " I said as I pulled out my cell phone. It was a text message. Someone named A ? Who's that ? I read the message.

" Welcome to Rosewood. Have Fun! "

A

" Weird."

" Who was that Joseph ?" Aria asked.

" Some random texter named A " I responded, then suddenly the 4 girls' faces paled.

" A ? " Hanna said, her voice trembling. I was confused… AGAIN. It looks like I was going to be confused perpetually in Rosewood.

" Yeah, A. " I showed the 4 girls the text message, " Is there something wrong ? I mean, I can delete the message right ? "

Aria looked at me with a serious face and then I knew. A was probably not just a random texter.

" Joseph, how much do you know about what has happened ? " Aria asked…..

…..

" And this is how I came to know Alison DiLaurentis."

I was at Spencer's house after the funeral; explaining all I knew about Alison to the 4 new friends that I seemingly created. I also met Spencer's parents, Peter and Veronica Hastings. They seemed a bit too high strung for me.

" I just don't know how this person knows of me; seeing as if I just moved into Rosewood like a month ago? And I barely, barely know anyone here, well except for you guys. " I said.

" Rosewood is full of secrets. " Spencer replied, shaking her head, " Everyone at the high school is usually involved in a secret of some kind. Everyone knows each other. So A must have found out somehow."

I immediately stood up. "We have to report this to the Police ! ".

" The Police ? " Emily exclaimed, "Joseph; the Police are useless here. They couldn't find Alison's body for an entire year. ".