It's time for act three! Thank you again to everyone who is reading and reviewing. This is the act where things really get started, so please keep letting me know what you think!
ACT THREE
INT. EVENT HALL - DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Hanna and Spencer stand shoulder to shoulder, wearing identical light blue bridesmaid dresses. Their makeup is done and their hair is twisted into updos. They're both wearing bright, proud smiles.
HANNA
I couldn't have done it any better myself.
Spencer gives a light-hearted eye roll, nudging Hanna's shoulder with her own before facing front again.
SPENCER
Seriously, Em. You look breathtaking.
The CAMERA PANS AROUND to reveal Emily. She's standing in front of the girls wearing a long, simple white dress. Her hair has been clipped back from her face with barrettes, and she is the picture of a glowing bride. She tries to look modest at their praise, but can't help but break into an embarrassed, thrilled smile.
HANNA
So you really haven't seen Ali since this morning?
EMILY
Yep. I dropped off the girls at my mom's so she could get them ready, then I came straight here. But it's okay. We didn't want to see each other in our dresses before we walk down the aisle together.
Spencer raises her eyebrows in exaggerated mock surprise.
SPENCER
Well, aren't you two following tradition.
Emily lets out a sudden laugh. She's practically giddy with excitement. She raises a hand to her mouth, then quickly lowers it and widens her eyes.
EMILY
Shoot. Did I smudge my lipstick?
HANNA
A little. Here.
She picks up a tube of lipstick from the table covered with makeup beside them. She leans in and begins to help Emily reapply it. Just as she's finishing up, a knock comes from the door. The girls turn toward it as it inches open, and PAM FIELDS pokes her head in.
PAM
Knock, knock. Okay if I come in?
EMILY
Of course.
Pam eases the door closed behind her, and she and Emily meet each other in the middle of the room. They embrace tightly. Pam is already near tears.
PAM
You look beautiful, honey. I just wish your dad could be here to see you today.
Spencer and Hanna exchange a sad glance. The joy on Emily's face fades for just a moment, but she swallows and manages to pull herself back together.
EMILY
Where are Lily and Grace?
PAM
Spending a little quality time with their uncle Jason.
Spencer perks up, suddenly alert.
SPENCER
Jason made it?
Pam nods and turns back to Emily. She squeezes her hands gently.
PAM
I'm so proud of you. You deserve this day.
They lock eyes, and in that one look, years of history pass between them - and the realization of how far they've come. Emily opens her mouth, only to find herself too choked up to speak. She gives her mother another hug instead.
They're still embracing when the door opens again, and Aria slips in, wearing the same dress as Spencer and Hanna...and a look of confusion.
ARIA
Hey.
Pam and Emily break apart, and the four occupants of the room turn to her.
HANNA
Something wrong?
Aria glances around the room. Her brow furrows even more.
ARIA
No, I just...did Ali come in here?
HANNA
No, she didn't.
EMILY
Why?
Aria steps further into the room, looking around again as if expecting Alison to leap out from behind a chair.
ARIA
Well, I've been sitting in her dressing room waiting for her for, like, half an hour, but she hasn't shown up.
The joyful, excited atmosphere in the room evaporates. Emily's face drains of color. She pushes past her mom to stand in front of Aria.
EMILY
What do you mean?
Aria shakes her head helplessly. Spencer rushes forward and takes Emily's arm.
SPENCER
When's the last time you saw her?
EMILY
Right before I left to drop off the girls. She told me she was going to stop by Jason's hotel and they'd drive here together.
HANNA
Jason's here. Where's Ali?
A sick look suddenly crosses Emily's face. Her conversation with Alison the night before fills her mind, and she sinks down into a chair. When she speaks, her voice is little more than a whisper -
EMILY
She's not coming.
Pam kneels down beside her daughter, her forehead creasing. She holds tight to Emily's hand.
PAM
Honey, of course she is.
Spencer and Hanna exchange a glance. There's something almost prophetic about Emily's tone.
HANNA
Why wouldn't she?
Emily looks around at her mother and friends. She can't bring herself to tell them about her conversation with Alison - to do so would make everything seem so much more real. She looks down into her lap, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
EMILY
I don't know.
Hanna shakes her head, folding her arms determinedly.
HANNA
She has to be here somewhere.
SPENCER
Yeah, Em, she probably just got confused about which dressing room was hers.
Aria nods eagerly, clearly desperate to turn Emily's mood around.
ARIA
I came straight here. I didn't search anywhere else.
Hanna claps her hands together, adjusting her dress and starting for the door.
HANNA
Then what are we standing around here for? Let's find Ali, stick her in her dress, and get this show on the road.
Spencer and Aria exchange a good-natured eye roll and follow Hanna toward the door. Spencer turns back and makes eye contact with Emily.
SPENCER
We'll find her. Okay?
Emily sighs. Some of the horror is gone from her eyes, but she still looks confused and anxious.
EMILY
I know you will.
Pam grasps her daughter's hand firmly.
PAM
I'll wait here with you.
Aria, Hanna, and Spencer rush out of the room. We PAN IN on Emily's concerned expression - something isn't right, and she can feel it.
INT. EVENT HALL - MAIN HALLWAY - DAY
Spencer hurries down the hallway from the dressing rooms. She looks left and right, then spots TOBY CAVANAUGH standing near the doors to the room where the ceremony will take place, talking to a brunette woman whose face we cannot see.
Spencer lets out a breath of relief and rushes over to him, ready to ask for his help.
SPENCER
Toby!
Toby glances over at Spencer. He grins at the sight of her and nudges the person he's standing beside.
TOBY
Spence, look who's here.
Spencer barely registers his words, but freezes, coming to a halt as MELISSA HASTINGS turns to face her.
MELISSA
Wow, Spencer. You sure clean up nicely.
There's an expression resembling smugness on her face. Spencer's eyes just about bug out of her head at the sight of her sister.
SPENCER
What are you doing here?
MELISSA
At the wedding of my little sister's two best friends? It would have been rude of me not to come.
Spencer is practically at a loss for words. She glances over her shoulder, like she's looking for someone to pop out and proclaim that this is all a joke.
SPENCER
But...you weren't invited.
Melissa cocks an eyebrow, smirking.
MELISSA
Oh really? The invitation I received in the mail two months ago says otherwise.
Spencer waves her hands in front of her face, as if trying to visualize getting her thoughts in order. Toby looks between the sisters, seeming confused by the tension.
SPENCER
Ali and Emily would have told me if they'd invited you.
Melissa tilts her head innocently.
MELISSA
Is there something wrong with me being here, Spencer?
Spencer opens and closes her mouth, but finds herself speechless. Instead of responding, she grabs Toby's arm and pulls him away from Melissa.
SPENCER
I can't deal with this now. Toby, come on, we have to find Alison, she must be in the wrong dressing room or something.
Melissa watches mildly as Spencer practically drags Toby down the hallway. Then, seeming unperturbed, she pulls open the door to the ceremony room and slips inside.
FURTHER DOWN THE HALLWAY, Toby tugs his arm out of Spencer's and gives her a confused look. He is clearly surprised by her reaction to Melissa's presence.
TOBY
Wait. Spencer, you're not mad that Melissa's here, are you?
Spencer doesn't stop walking. She peeks into a doorway on the left but keeps going.
SPENCER
Of course not.
Her words are clipped, and Toby notices. He catches up with her and puts his hand on her shoulder, frowning in concern.
TOBY
Come on. Tell me the truth. You're pissed. But I thought you and Melissa were on...better terms.
Spencer finally stops. She closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration.
SPENCER
You're not going to let this go, are you?
Toby offers her a half smile, trying to hide some of his confusion.
TOBY
Well, if I'm gonna be sitting beside the two of you at dinner tonight it'd be good to know how much tension I'll have to diffuse.
Spencer takes a deep breath to compose herself. If she wants to get him to stop asking questions and help her find Alison, she knows that she's going to have to tell him the truth. She turns to face him slowly, grimly.
SPENCER
Two months ago, I missed a call from Melissa. In her voicemail, she told me, in no uncertain terms, that she was cutting me off. That she never wanted to see me again.
Toby's eyes flash. His mouth slowly drops open.
TOBY
What -
SPENCER
I have no idea why she did it. When I tried to call her back, she didn't answer. I haven't heard from her since then.
Her voice has started to tremble. Toby sighs and runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head in disbelief.
TOBY
Didn't you talk to your parents about it?
SPENCER
No. God, Toby, I haven't told anyone. I feel like I've been in a state of shock since it happened.
Toby's frown deepens. He jerks his thumb over his shoulder in the direction they came.
TOBY
The way Melissa was acting back there didn't seem like someone who wants nothing to do with you.
Spencer brushes her hair out of her face and throws out her arms. Her face is flushed with emotion that she's trying to push down.
SPENCER
Look, I'm done trying to psychoanalyze my sister, okay? Whatever her latest deal is, I don't care anymore. Right now I need to find Alison and get her ready for her day.
Her words are shaky and obviously untrue. She turns on her heel and walks quickly away as Toby stares after her.
INT. EVENT HALL - WOMEN'S BATHROOM - DAY
The bathroom is large and fancy, with ornate sinks and an ottoman between them and the stalls. Hanna and Aria push through the door and walk purposefully into the room. Hanna adjusts her dress and rolls her eyes.
HANNA
You don't really think Ali's hiding out in the stalls, do you?
ARIA
Well, we're kind of running out of options here.
Frustration is practically radiating off of them both as they glance around the bathroom.
ARIA (CONT'D)
Ali?
Hanna throws her arms out at her sides. She's at her wits end.
HANNA
She's not in here!
Aria's shoulders slump. She fiddles nervously with the bracelet on her wrist.
ARIA
Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Come on, let's go check in with Emily.
Hanna pulls out her phone and checks the screen. She grimaces.
HANNA
God, I've texted Ali, like, fifteen times in the past twenty minutes. Where the hell is she?
Aria just shakes her head in return, looking lost. They turn and are heading for the door when -
MONA
Don't tell me one of the women of the hour is M.I.A.
Aria and Hanna freeze. No way. Exchanging a look of absolute shock, they turn around slowly to find MONA VANDERWAAL standing behind them, easing closed one of the stall doors. She's wearing a pretty dress and heels, clearly here for the wedding, and gives them a concerned smile.
MONA (CONT'D)
I heard right, didn't I? Ali's gone AWOL?
Aria stares, her eyes wide like she's looking at a ghost.
ARIA
You have got to be kidding me.
Hanna gives her a look and steps forward cautiously.
HANNA
Mona, I...I thought you were living in France.
MONA
I was. Until yesterday. I moved into an apartment right back here in town.
She smiles and makes a brief "jazz hands" type gesture.
MONA (CONT'D)
Surprise!
For a moment, Hanna looks as though she's trying to repress a smile. She opens her mouth, but Aria beats her to it.
ARIA
So you're back in Rosewood, good for you. That doesn't explain what the hell you're doing at Emily and Ali's wedding ceremony.
Mona raises an eyebrow, clearly unperturbed by the indignation in Aria's tone.
MONA
I've known this day was coming since Brownies. There's no place I'd rather be.
The condescending note in her voice makes Aria bristle. Hanna steps forward, as perplexed as she is annoyed.
HANNA
That's not what she meant.
ARIA
We both saw the invite list, and your name wasn't on it.
Instead of answering, Mona carefully plucks her phone from her purse and checks the time. Then she puts it away and gives the girls a sweet smile.
MONA
Sorry to cut this reunion short, ladies, but the ceremony starts in ten minutes. I'd better go find a seat. See you bridesmaids in there!
She slips between Aria and Hanna and out the door before they have a chance to respond. They exchange a look of apprehension.
ARIA
Ali's missing...and Mona's suddenly back in town?
Hanna groans, pressing a hand to her stomach.
HANNA
I have a bad feeling in my gut. And I haven't even had any wine yet!
Aria rolls her eyes as we CUT TO -
INT. EVENT CENTER - DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Emily is pacing back and forth in front of the three-way mirror. Her now-wrinkled veil is clutched in her hands and her hair has gone flat from the amount of times she's run her hands through it. Her face is pale and stricken.
Pam is sitting in a chair near the door. Her eyes flit nervously from Emily to the clock - it is five minutes until two. She looks back at Emily and opens her mouth, but can't find any more comforting words to say. She's spared when the door opens and Hanna, Aria, and Spencer all rush in. Emily turns to them expectantly, but her face immediately falls when she notices that Alison is not among them.
HANNA
We looked everywhere, Em.
SPENCER
She's definitely not in this building.
ARIA
But a few uninvited guests are.
For just a moment, Emily's attention is diverted. She furrows her brow and walks over to the girls as Pam rises from the chair.
EMILY
What do you mean? Who?
SPENCER HANNA
Melissa. Mona.
EMILY
Great. That's great.
She sinks down into the chair that Pam just vacated, looking and sounding utterly defeated. Pam puts her hands on her daughter's shoulders, at a loss for words. Spencer, Hanna, and Aria all exchange a look.
HANNA
Not to bring back any bad memories, Aria, but I'm having some major deja vu right now.
Aria shakes her head and crosses her arms. Her expression is grim.
ARIA
Yeah, you're not the only one.
SPENCER
Well, the last time someone didn't show up on their wedding day, he ended up trapped underground by A.D.
HANNA
Wait, you don't think that Ali's...
She trails off as Spencer gives her a meaningful look. Before anyone can continue the thought, Spencer's phone begins to ring. She grabs her purse and pulls it out. Her face clouds over as she looks at the screen.
SPENCER
It's the prison. I'll be right back.
She swiftly exits the room, leaving a tense silence behind her. Emily is the only one who doesn't look concerned. She's holding her head in her hands, tears streaming down her face.
EMILY
The ceremony was supposed to start five minutes ago.
Aria and Hanna exchange a heartbroken look and rush to either side of her. Pam squeezes her shoulders tighter. There are tears shining in her eyes as well.
PAM
I wish I had an answer for you.
Emily suddenly lifts her head. Her expression hardens despite her tears.
EMILY
I don't need an answer. I already know.
Aria sits back, her eyebrows shooting up.
ARIA
Em, what are you talking about?
HANNA
What do you mean you know?
Emily rubs at her eyes, leaving streaks of mascara behind. The devastation on her face is almost too much to bear.
EMILY
Ali's not locked underground. She wasn't forced to stay away. She chose to.
The confusion is almost palpable. Pam moves around to kneel in front of Emily. Aria and Hanna crowd in on either side of her.
PAM
Emily...why would you say that?
HANNA
Do you know something we don't?
Emily squeezes her eyes closed. Pain washes over her face. She can barely stand to speak the words aloud, but she knows that she doesn't have a choice. Now that she's gone this far, they're not going to let it go.
EMILY
Haven't you guys noticed how weird Ali's been acting lately? Whenever someone brings up the wedding?
ARIA
Maybe a little. But I was just as nervous before I married Ezra.
EMILY
It wasn't just that.
She takes a deep breath, steeling herself to continue.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Last night, Ali told me that she's afraid of getting married. That she's scared we're doomed to fail because none of the marriages in her family have ever worked out.
HANNA
Well, she's not wrong.
Emily flinches, and both Pam and Aria turn to stare at Hanna. Aria gives her a crazy look.
ARIA
Han. Seriously?
HANNA
Sorry.
Pam reaches out and grasps Emily's hands. Her forehead wrinkles in worry.
PAM
What did you say when she told you that?
EMILY
I thought I helped her realize that we're not her parents. She seemed so at peace after we talked. But now...I'm not so sure.
Pam looks to be grappling for words.
PAM
A lot of people get cold feet before their wedding, honey.
She attempts to give Emily a comforting smile, but the disappointment is evident in her eyes. She's clearly not surprised by Alison's absence.
EMILY
Having cold feet is one thing. The ceremony is supposed to be happening now, Mom. We're way past the pre-wedding jitters.
She lets out a miserable wail, her face wet with tears.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Why would she do this to me?
Pam just shakes her head and envelops Emily in a hug, crying as well. Aria watches them with tears in her eyes for a moment, then grabs Hanna by the arm and tugs her a few feet away.
ARIA
You don't think Ali really skipped out on the wedding, do you?
Hanna glances over at Emily before lowering her voice to answer -
HANNA
I'd be lying if I said I completely trust Alison.
Aria gives her a surprised look, opening her mouth, but Hanna continues quickly.
HANNA (CONT'D)
But no. She wouldn't do this to Emily. Not after everything.
ARIA
So...what are we thinking?
Hanna narrows her eyes. She waits a beat, then -
HANNA
Something's up.
They go quiet as Pam stands. She rubs Emily's shoulder gently for a moment, then clasps her hands together.
PAM
There's a lot of people out there waiting for the wedding to start. I have to go tell them something.
Emily lets out another cry, and her mother gives her one last upset look before heading for the door. As she's leaving, Spencer rushes in. She's so frantic that she nearly pushes Pam out of her way. There's a wild look in her eyes.
ARIA
What's wrong?
HANNA
Was that Alex?
Spencer clutches her cell phone. Her face is ghastly white.
SPENCER
No. It was the warden.
She pauses, struggling for words. Emily, Aria, and Hanna all watch her anxiously. Something is obviously very wrong.
SPENCER (CONT'D)
Alex was just found dead in her cell.
End of Act Three.