Okay, this part is still really long, I'm sorry. But it is the rest of A's story, so what do you expect? Again, I'm sure that not everyone is going to love my explanation or the details, but even if you don't, please remember to be kind in the reviews! It's just a story. There's only one short act left, which will be up next weekend!
Spencer sucks in a breath. Aria stumbles back, grabbing onto a desk for support. Mona stands stock-still, staring at Charlotte as if something has just started to make sense.
SPENCER
No, I don't believe this.
HANNA
It's a mask, right?
Her voice is trembling. Charlotte tilts her head, one eyebrow arching in obvious amusement.
CHARLOTTE
Hmm. Good thinking. But no. Not this time.
Aria leans over to Spencer. When she speaks, her voice is high and pinched -
ARIA
Tell me I'm dreaming. Or hallucinating.
SPENCER
Unless we're all having some kind of group hallucination, I don't think so.
Mona stares directly at Charlotte, realization washing over her.
MONA
Then I wasn't hallucinating either. I really did see you outside the guidance office.
CHARLOTTE
Yes you did.
Her mouth curves into a nasty, taunting smirk.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
But that still doesn't make you anything more than "Crazy Mona."
Mona stumbles back slightly. Emily clutches Alison's hand, her face deathly pale. She looks at Alison, opening and closing her mouth, at a loss for words. Alison just shakes her head silently, her eyes wide.
The eye contact seems to spur Emily into motion. She releases Alison's hand and strides up to Charlotte, her face twisting in anger.
EMILY
It was all you. You kidnapped Alison. You ruined our wedding. You hurt Melissa.
Charlotte's smile widens. She dips into a mocking curtsy.
CHARLOTTE
Guilty as charged.
Alison pushes toward her, finally finding her voice.
ALISON
I don't understand. We all saw your body.
MONA
I saw more than that. I saw what I...what I did to you that night. You were dead.
Charlotte laughs. The sound is harsh. Taunting. She's loving every minute of this.
CHARLOTTE
I knew I could goad you into hurting me that night at the bell tower.
INT. ROSEWOOD CHURCH - BELLTOWER - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Mona slowly rises from her knees. Her hand is pressed to her mouth and she's shaking all over as she stares at the red mark on the back of the motionless Charlotte's neck. With a choked cry, she drops the remains of the flower bouquet and flees down the creaky steps.
A beat, and then Charlotte slowly flickers open her eyes and rises.
CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
The only thing I couldn't believe was that you honestly thought that would do me in.
She winces and reaches back to touch the wound on the back of her neck. Her fingers come away tinged with blood, and she smiles faintly, satisfied.
CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
You barely broke the skin.
INT. ROSEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - ALISON'S CLASSROOM - NIGHT
The girls stare at Charlotte in disbelief. Spencer looks aghast.
SPENCER
You faked your own death that night?
ALISON
But...your corpse...
CHARLOTTE
Honey, this wasn't the first time I've managed to get ahold of a cadaver. Or hacked into online autopsy records and changed a few tiny details.
She walks a few paces and nudges Hanna, who's standing closest to her. Hanna grimaces and shifts away.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
And how impressive was that mask? All it took were a few lessons from my old friend Hector Lime. Sometimes I surprise even myself.
She's practically glowing with pride at her own scheme. The girls look sick to their stomachs.
ARIA
But why? Why would you do that?
EMILY
You were finally free, you could have started a normal life!
Charlotte scoffs, waving the words away like they're disgusting to her.
CHARLOTTE
I never wanted a "normal life." I spent five years pining after what I lost that night at Radley. When I finally got Alison to petition for my release, I set my sights on getting the game back. And the easiest way to convince everyone that I wasn't A again was to make them think I couldn't be.
Spencer pinches the bridge of her nose. Her head is pounding with this sudden onslaught of information. Hanna brushes her hair frantically out of her face.
HANNA
But wait, I thought Alex was A.D.
CHARLOTTE
She was. I was all geared up to send my first text when someone else beat me to it.
SPENCER
So you mean you didn't know it was Alex? You weren't working with her?
Charlotte begins pacing around the center of the room, leisurely, like she has all the time in the world. She's been waiting for this grand reveal and she's not about to let it go to waste.
CHARLOTTE
All I knew was that someone was copying my old game, trying to find out who killed me.
Mona opens her mouth angrily, ready to take rightful ownership of the game she started, but Hanna shushes her.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
It was flattering, really. But as desperate as I was to find out who it was, it was also kind of fun to sit back and watch the game from afar.
A beat, then -
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
When Alex ended the board game, I thought it was over. And, to be honest, ladies, I have to say that I wasn't that impressed. She didn't know what it really meant to be A, to play the game. I knew I could do better.
EMILY
But a whole year passed before Alex kidnapped Spencer. Why didn't you make a move then?
CHARLOTTE
The game is all about secrets. Lies. I figured it was only a matter of time before you all slipped back into your old habits. So I waited and watched until Alex revealed herself. And then I waited some more after that.
Her mouth twists into an irritated scowl.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
But it was like an invasion of the body-snatchers. God, you've all been so boring.
MONA
Well, sorry to disappoint you.
Alison folds her arms, lifting her chin in a powerful gesture.
ALISON
We made a promise. No more lying. Those days are behind us.
Charlotte gives her a long, lingering look. A slow smirk spreads across her face. When she speaks, her voice comes out in a conspiratorial whisper -
CHARLOTTE
Oh, Ali. You can drop the act now, okay?
The girls' heads whip around to face Alison, who frowns at Charlotte, her brow furrowing.
ALISON
What are you talking about?
Charlotte gives her one last smirk before glancing around at the rest of the girls, spreading her arms wide.
CHARLOTTE
The plan I have in store is way too much for just little old me. I knew that I'd need help. And I knew just who to reach out to.
INT. DILAURENTIS-FIELDS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK
Alison walks into the room and tosses a small stuffed rabbit onto the couch, just having returned from putting the girls down for their naps. She straightens a few magazines on the coffee table and is just starting to sit down when the doorbell rings.
Sighing in irritation at being interrupted, Alison walks to the door and opens it to reveal a small brown box sitting just on the other side. Alison raises an eyebrow and reaches down to pick it up.
There is no return address or label. Alison tears off the tape and opens the flaps. A note sits on top of a layer of tissue paper. Red words glow up at her ominiously: DID YOU MISS ME? KISSES, -A
ALISON
Oh my God.
She stares down at the message for just a moment before letting out a short laugh and shaking her head. This is obviously just a joke, a prank from her students. She leans out onto the FRONT PORCH and looks left and right.
ALISON (CONT'D)
Okay, guys, you can come on out! First the black hoodies in class, and now this? Seriously?
She's met with silence. The front lawn appears undisturbed. Frowning, Alison steps back INSIDE and cautiously lifts the tissue paper. Then she gasps and drops the box. The five figurines from A.D.'s old board game crash to the floor.
Alison presses a hand to her chest. This can't be happening. Breathing hard, she takes a few steps back. Suddenly, a hand reaches out, thumping down on her shoulder.
CHARLOTTE
So? Did you?
Alison whips around to face the cousin she thought to be dead. She screams, then claps a hand to her mouth, her eyes darting in the direction of Lily and Grace's bedroom.
ALISON
No. No, this isn't happening to me again.
She leaps forward and reaches out toward Charlotte's face. Charlotte grabs her wrist with lightning reflexes.
CHARLOTTE
You seriously think this is a mask? Hello, Ali, I'm talking, aren't I?
She releases Alison's arm. Alison falls back, nearly tripping over one of the figurines.
ALISON
It is you.
Her voice is hushed with disbelief. Charlotte gives her a warm smile.
CHARLOTTE
In the flesh. You didn't really think I'd let myself get struck down the very night I finally got out of the ward, did you?
ALISON
I don't...I don't understand.
Charlotte spreads her arms out in a triumphant, celebratory gesture. She gives Alison a broad smile.
CHARLOTTE
You will soon. It's time to start the A game again, Ali.
She reaches into the pocket of her jacket. A pocket knife glints in her hand. Alison's eyes widen in terror.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
And I know I can count on your help.
INT. ROSEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - ALISON'S CLASSROOM - NIGHT
Alison's face has turned bright red. Spencer folds her arms. Mona looks a bit smug.
ALISON
She's lying. None of that happened.
Emily reaches out for her. But is there a slight hesitation in the movement?
EMILY
Of course it didn't. We believe you.
Mona narrows her eyes at Alison dubiously.
MONA
Then what about the board game pieces we found hidden in your old secret box?
Emily gestures to Charlotte almost aggressively. There's a certain sense of desperation shining in her eyes.
EMILY
She obviously put them there! She's setting Ali up!
Alison squeezes Emily's hands tightly as Charlotte laughs. Spencer, Aria, and Hanna exchange a glance across the room. They're not sure what to believe anymore.
CHARLOTTE
As much as that sounds like something I might do, no. Sorry to break it to you, but your BFF jumped at the chance to turn against you as soon as she figured out it would save her own skin.
Spencer turns to Alison, the girl she's come to love as her cousin. Betrayal is evident on her face.
SPENCER
Ali.
ARIA
Is she telling the truth?
Tears are shining in Alison's eyes. She looks on the verge of hysteria.
ALISON
I swear to you, she's not! I would never do that to you!
CHARLOTTE
Oh. But you would. And it wasn't the first time, either.
She pulls a small device out of the pocket of her black hoodie.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I get it. You believe her over me. But maybe you'll change your minds once you hear the rest of that little recording.
She hits a button on the device. Alison freezes as her own voice comes blaring out of the school's intercom.
TANNER (V.O.)
I'm calling because I need you and your friends down at the station. We've discovered some new evidence linking them to your husband's death.
ALISON (V.O.)
What did you find?
TANNER (V.O.)
One of my officers discovered a fragment of windshield in Spencer Hastings' shower drain.
Hanna interrupts, shooting Alison a confused glance -
HANNA
Why was she telling you all that?
Charlotte gives her a warning look.
ALISON (V.O.)
I see.
TANNER (V.O.)
Yes. It matches another fragment found under Mr. Dunhill's fingernails. This just might be enough to build a strong case against your friends.
ALISON (V.O.)
My friends.
TANNER (V.O.)
Don't worry, Ms. DiLaurentis. I haven't forgotten our deal. You've given me valuable insight that led to the acquisition of this evidence. I will make sure that as far as anyone knows, you remained at Welby Sanitarium during the entirety of the night Mr. Dunhill was murdered.
Alison's disembodied voice breathes a sigh of relief. It booms around the classroom, hitting the girls like a shockwave.
ALISON (V.O.)
Thank you, Detective.
Charlotte hits the button on the device again, and the room goes silent. All eyes turn to Alison. Spencer is ready to breathe fire. Hanna slowly folds her arms. Mona looks like she is trying to hide a smile.
SPENCER
You're kidding me.
HANNA
You made a deal with Tanner?
Emily backs a few steps away from Alison, as if worried that she might explode.
EMILY
Ali, what was that?
Alison sucks in a breath. Her eyes are locked onto a very satisfied Charlotte.
ALISON
Where did you get that?
CHARLOTTE
I might not have been A.D., but that doesn't mean I wasn't keeping tabs on all of you. I was prepared to use that recording as blackmail, if you refused to join my team. But it turned out convincing you was easier than I thought it would be.
MONA
Do you have an explanation for that, Ali?
ARIA
Talk.
ALISON
Fine!
The shout reverberates through the air. Emily gasps like she's been punched.
ALISON (CONT'D)
Yes, Hanna, I made a deal with Tanner. The police were closing in on us and I just - I couldn't handle the idea of going to jail. Again. So I promised to give her any information I had about our connection to that night, and she promised to make sure my name was left out of all of it.
Hanna shakes her head, disgusted.
HANNA
God. You really haven't changed, have you? Still looking out for number one.
ALISON
What was I supposed to do?! Just let myself rot in jail?
EMILY
We were supposed to stick together! No matter what!
A tear rolls down her cheek. Her heart is breaking all over again as she sees Alison in a new (or, rather, old) light.
EMILY (CONT'D)
You know, we all could have done the same thing to save ourselves. But we didn't. We face the consequences together. We don't go behind each other's backs.
She looks at Alison full-on. Her right hand flies to her engagement ring.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Especially not us.
Alison's breathing comes fast and hard with panic. There are tears in her eyes as well.
ALISON
I'm sorry, Emily. I'm so sorry.
Emily just squeezes her eyes closed and turns away, as if even the sight of Alison pains her. Hanna shakes her head in disgust.
HANNA
Wow, Ali.
Mona rolls her eyes and seems to speak mostly to herself -
MONA
Can't say I'm surprised.
Charlotte looks around at everyone as though Christmas has come early. Finally it seems as though her age-old goal of pulling the PLLs apart has worked. Spencer is the only one who doesn't look disgusted or upset. She's staring at Charlotte with a kind of rapt, horrified attention.
SPENCER
If you've been the one doing all of this...that means you killed Alex, didn't you?
Charlotte doesn't even try to deny it, although for the first time, the corners of her mouth twitch down.
CHARLOTTE
It wasn't easy. You know how close we were. But I didn't have any other choice.
INT. ROSEWOOD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - ALEX'S CELL - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Alex and Charlotte hug tightly in the center of Alex's cell. Alex's face is wet with happy tears. A black wig and dark sunglasses, along with one of Charlotte's fake ID's, sit on the table beside the bed.
ALEX
I don't think I've ever been this happy to see someone.
Charlotte pulls away and smiles, gripping Alex's arms tightly.
CHARLOTTE
I hope I didn't scare you too badly at first.
ALEX
I thought I was going mad. But it's worth it.
CHARLOTTE
I'm so proud of you, Alex. And I'm going to help you get out of here.
Alex moves away. She crosses her arms and lets out a harsh, disbelieving laugh.
ALEX
Fat chance of that. Two counts of kidnapping and a charge of murder on top of the stalking and harassment? I'll be lucky if I ever see the light of day again.
Charlotte goes to her, grabbing her hands.
CHARLOTTE
I mean it. I can get you out...and soon.
Alex's face shifts from despondent to intrigued. She gives Charlotte a slight smirk.
ALEX
Alright. And what do you want in return?
CHARLOTTE
You know me too well.
She sits down on the edge of Alex's narrow, hard bed and pats the place beside her. She waits until Alex is seated before continuing in a hushed voice -
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I watched you play the game. And now I need your help.
ALEX
Help with what, Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
I faked my death so I could be A again. But I can't do it alone. What do you say to a team-up? You, me, and Alison?
Alex's eyebrows shoot up.
ALEX
Alison?
Charlotte nods. Alex frowns, glancing at the door to her cell as if afraid that a guard is about to burst in.
ALEX (CONT'D)
So you want me to play the game with you.
CHARLOTTE
Exactly. When I tell you what I have planned for those bitches, you won't be able to resist.
ALEX
I don't know.
The words come out in a rush. Charlotte furrows her brow. Even Alex looked surprised, as if her mouth moved independently of her brain.
CHARLOTTE
You don't know what?
Alex takes a moment to gather herself, then -
ALEX
I don't want to play the game again. I'm done.
CHARLOTTE
You're joking.
ALEX
I'm not. I had a life before this, Charlotte. Being A turned me into someone that I wasn't, someone obsessed with revenge and taking what I thought should be mine. I don't want that anymore.
The joyous, devious smile begins to slip from Charlotte's face as it starts to sink in that Alex is serious.
CHARLOTTE
Are you forgetting how much I've done for you? How close we used to be? I'm your sister.
ALEX
So is Spencer. And now I might finally have a chance to have a real relationship with her. I'm not giving that up. I'm sorry, Charlotte.
A long silence follows. Alex stands and looks toward the door, a clear indication that it's time for Charlotte to go. Charlotte stares hard at her. Anger flares in her eyes, but her voice is almost scarily composed -
CHARLOTTE
Fine. If that's how you feel. I really didn't want it to have to come to this, but...
Alex's face flashes with sudden fear as we CUT TO:
INT. ROSEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - ALISON'S CLASSROOM - NIGHT
The girls stare at Charlotte in horror. This is all begining to feel very real - and very frightening.
SPENCER
You murdered her. Your own sister.
CHARLOTTE
The very next day. She knew that I was alive and wanted to start playing the game again. That made her a liability. I'm not saying I'm proud of it. But it was what I had to do.
HANNA
God, you are so twisted.
Alison suddenly steps forward, looking stricken.
ALISON
What about me? If I'd had a change of heart, would you have killed me, too?
Charlotte studies her for a long beat, then -
CHARLOTTE
Yes.
Alison lets out a strangled sound. Emily begins to reach out for her in comfort, but hesitates, her arm falling to her side.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
In fact, you should consider yourself lucky, Ali. I knew you were having second thoughts. I saw your nerves in the few days before the wedding. I could see it in your eyes. That's why I actually tied you up in here. I wasn't about to let you bail on me and go running back to your friends. That would have ruined everything.
ALISON
So those five years really were just one big act. You don't care about me at all.
Charlotte gives her a simpering smile.
CHARLOTTE
Oh, sweetie. Of course I do. I just have to keep everything in perspective.
She claps her hands and looks around at the girls.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
Speaking of which, aren't you all just dying to know what I have in store?
MONA
Considering how dramatically you just revealed yourself, I have a feeling you're not going back to anonymous texts.
CHARLOTTE
Oh no. This goes way beyond that.
She winks and struts over to the large storage cabinet against the wall. She yanks it open with a flourish. We PAN IN on A.D.'s board game, which is bolted to the far side of the cabinet.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
It was so nice of Alex to tell me where she stashed her game. It didn't save her life, but it sure made things easier for me.
ARIA
No way.
EMILY
The board game again?
Alison reaches for Emily's arm, but Emily shrugs her off, looking conflicted.
HANNA
I thought we were done with that thing.
She's grumbling to herself more than speaking to Charlotte, but their captor answers anyway as she runs a hand along the game's surface.
CHARLOTTE
This thing had so much potential. It could have been amazing. But Alex just didn't have what it took. I mean, seriously, forcing Spencer to go talk to Toby?
She laughs and rolls her eyes.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
It's not going to be that easy this time.
MONA
So you're repurposing Alex's board game? I expected more from you.
CHARLOTTE
If I were you, I'd watch what I say. The actual board is just the inspiration.
She reaches out and closes the cabinet with a SLAM that echoes around the room.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
This time, the whole town is going to be my board game. And the six of you are going to be my players.
ARIA
What are you talking about?
CHARLOTTE
I'm going to be the puppet master I always wanted to be. You'll take your turns. You'll do what I say, when I say it. And it won't matter who you hurt in the process.
Spencer places her hands on her hips, tilting her head at Charlotte like she's not sure what to make of her.
SPENCER
So it's a life size board game.
CHARLOTTE
Hmm. I'd think my own sister would have an easier time keeping up.
Spencer flinches. Charlotte is growing more excited by the minute. There's a slightly unhinged look in her eyes.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I'm taking Alex's game to the next level.
Alison steps forward. Her hands are shaking, but her face is set and determined. She gives Emily a pointed look before speaking -
ALISON
And what if we say no?
Charlotte raises her eyebrows in surprise. Hanna folds her arms.
HANNA
You said yourself that you couldn't find any secrets to hold against us.
EMILY
Yeah. We could go to the police right now if we wanted.
Charlotte tips her head back and laughs. Everyone jolts. Mona wraps her arms tightly around herself and shivers, remembering that night in the bell tower.
CHARLOTTE
Exposing your secrets isn't the only way for me to ruin your life.
She turns abruptly to Aria, grinning.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
How's the adoption search going, Aria?
Aria's face drains of color. Emily's mouth drops. Alison gasps and grabs her hand, and she doesn't pull away this time.
ARIA
What?
CHARLOTTE
Alex wasn't the only one who had a copy of that unfiled police report. Every agency I talked to was very interested in learning more about your...untraditional love story.
Aria is at a loss for words. Her hands clench into fists. Her whole body is shaking. She looks ready to launch herself at Charlotte. Spencer puts a hesitant hand on her arm.
SPENCER
Aria...
Hanna whirls to face Charlotte, her face red with anger.
HANNA
What the hell is wrong with you?
ALISON
This is so messed up.
MONA
Yeah, no thanks to you.
Charlotte backs away from a shell-shocked Aria, the same satisfied, uncaring smile still pasted on her face.
CHARLOTTE
Just thought I'd give you all a little teaser of what might happen if you try to get out of playing. I'm tired of hiding behind a black hoodie and a mask. This time, I'm laying it all out in the open. You play my game with me, or I'll make sure your lives aren't worth living.
The girls exchange horrified, furious looks. This Charlotte is even more insane than the one they came face to face with in Radley, all those years ago. They're going to lose either way.
Suddenly, a faint CLANG echoes from down the hallway. Aria jumps and wipes a tear from her cheek.
ARIA
What was that?
ALISON
Is someone else in here?
Charlotte slowly turns to face the door, looking apprehensive for the first time. Just as she does, it bursts open. The girls scream, rushing to join each other at the far end of the classroom.
Spencer's mouth opens, but it takes a moment for her to process -
SPENCER
Melissa?!
Melissa stands in the doorway. She's leaning slightly against the doorframe, one hand pressed against her side and the other tucked behind her back.
MELISSA
Spencer. Thank God.
CHARLOTTE
Aw, Spence. How sweet, your older sister's come to your rescue. How are you doing, Mel?
MELISSA
Shut it.
The words come out in a painful hiss. She takes a few steps into the room with some effort. It's obvious that the stab wound is still causing her grief.
SPENCER
Why aren't you in the hospital?
Melissa stares hard at Charlotte as she answers -
MELISSA
I knew something was up the minute you bolted out of my room. I guessed that it was something Alex-related, so I snuck out of the hospital and went to pay Mary a visit.
Slowly, Charlotte's face begins to shift, the smile fading away as she realizes the implications of Melissa's words.
EMILY
What did Mary tell you?
MELISSA
Everything.
She scoffs in Charlotte's direction.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
You executed your plan pretty well, right up until you apparently forgot that Mary's locked up in the same prison as Alex.
Fear flashes through Charlotte's eyes for just a moment. Then she composes herself.
CHARLOTTE
So Alex ran to Mommy. I don't see how that means you can stop me.
MELISSA
Maybe this will help you figure it out.
She pulls her hand from behind her back. In it is a sleek handgun.
SPENCER
Oh my God. Is that Dad's?
MELISSA
He left some things behind in the divorce.
She shrugs and moves closer to Charlotte, who finally takes a step back. Her eyes dart back and forth as she realizes that her plan just might be falling apart.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
I spent too long trying to protect my sister from you.
She continues to walk forward, aiming the gun at Charlotte.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
We're going to walk to the police station. And you're going to tell them everything that you've done.
The PLLs watch in a stunned silence as Charlotte backs into a desk. She halts, staring at Melissa with wide, disbelieving eyes.
CHARLOTTE
Okay. You win.
Even Melissa looks caught off-guard as Charlotte holds up her hands and begins walking toward the door - that was easy. Melissa keeps the gun trained on her, but even she isn't ready when Charlotte throws her arm against Melissa's side. Her hand directly strikes the knife wound. The force sends a gasping Melissa falling sideways.
Melissa accidentally squeezes the gun, and it fires. The girls scream as two bullets shoot through one of the classroom windows. The rest of the glass crumbles, leaving the window completely open. The gun slips to the ground. Charlotte laughs and blocks it with her foot.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I've been waiting for this moment for too long. Nothing's going to take this away from me.
She sneers down at Melissa, who's clutching her side and looking pained.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I didn't plan on you finding out. And seven pawns in my game might be too many to manage.
She makes a face of exaggerated thought, as if Melissa's fate isn't already sealed. Then she looks down at her with a small, pitying smile.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
So I guess I'll just have to make sure you don't make it out of this room alive.
Hanna grabs Aria's arm. Alison closes her eyes. Spencer rushes over to Melissa and helps her to her feet. Anger is blazing in her eyes.
SPENCER
There's no way we're going to let that happen.
Slowly, Charlotte reaches down and plucks the gun from the floor. She turns it over in her hand.
CHARLOTTE
Sorry, sis, but I don't think you have much of a choice.
Spencer flinches at the word "sis." She clutches Melissa's arm tightly. The other girls look around at each other, helpless. Alison glances at them. She locks eyes with Emily and takes a deep breath before stepping forward.
ALISON
Charlotte. Stop. Just...just come home, okay? Give it up. You can stay with me, we can figure out how to give you a normal life.
Charlotte's mouth opens slightly in obvious surprise that it is Alison, of all people, to confront her.
CHARLOTTE
You should know better, Ali. Haven't I made it clear enough that a "normal life" is the last thing that I want?
She shakes her head in disgust.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
I was going to go easy on you. But I guess it's true that the only person you're really loyal to is yourself.
Alison can't come up with a response. She clamps her mouth shut. Emily gives her an indecipherable look. Mona inches forward a few steps, her eyes locked on the gun as Charlotte raises it once again.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
Let's get this over with -
Before the last word is fully out of her mouth, Mona shoots forward, knocking Charlotte to the ground with a surprising amount of force.
HANNA
Mona!
ARIA
Whoa.
Mona pins Charlotte down and whacks her hand. The gun slides across the floor and through the open door into the hallway. Spencer immediately rushes to swing the door closed. She stands in front of it as Charlotte flings Mona off of her.
CHARLOTTE
Don't forget that I came closer to killing you that night in the bell tower than the other way around.
We PAN OVER to the girls still huddled behind the rows of desks. Hanna slips her phone into her pocket, unnoticed in all of the chaos. She leans over to the others and whispers -
HANNA
I just texted Caleb. They're on their way.
EMILY
Thank God.
ALISON
Good job, Han.
Hanna gives her a piercing, furious look.
HANNA
I don't want to hear it from you.
Alison sinks back as though deflating. Hurt and regret flash through her eyes. Even Emily won't look her way.
Mona gets to her feet, standing shoulder to shoulder with Spencer and Melissa.
MONA
We're done with your games, Charlotte.
SPENCER
There's seven of us, and only one of you.
The other girls exchange a glance, then move as one to join them, forming a sort of wall in front of Charlotte. Even Alison joins them, her expression conflicted.
HANNA
It's over.
A slow smile spreads across Charlotte's face.
CHARLOTTE
Looks like you've forgotten the one big difference between us: None of you are willing to go as far as I am.
Without warning, she grabs Aria - the closest to her - and shoves her across the room. Aria gasps as Charlotte pins her arms behind her back. They're standing precariously close to the wide-open window.
SPENCER
Aria!
EMILY
No!
ARIA
What are you going to do?
She desperately attempts to struggle, but Charlotte is too strong for her. Emily moves forward, but Charlotte gives her a hard look.
CHARLOTTE
Careful. One wrong move and my arm just might slip.
Emily freezes. Her face is white with fear.
CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)
Here's what's going to happen. You're all going to leave this room and tell no one what happened tonight. You're going to be pawns in my game, and you're not going to fight it.
MONA
And what happens if we refuse?
Charlotte shrugs as best as she can with her arms still pinning Aria to her.
CHARLOTTE
Just what I said. I'll ruin your lives. And if I can't...I'll just kill you.
ALISON
No. You won't.
Even Charlotte jumps a little in surprise. Without anyone realizing, Alison has edged around the group to stand behind Charlotte and Aria.
ALISON (CONT'D)
You were right, Charlotte. I have always put my friends second. But maybe it's time for that to change.
With no hesitation, she runs at Charlotte, grabbing her and yanking her away from Aria. Aria stumbles into Spencer, who holds onto her tightly. Charlotte whips around, her eyes big with surprise...and sudden fear. She attempts to push Alison off of her, but her grip is too strong.
The girls watch as they struggle, unsure how to get involved. Time slows down as Charlotte trips over the leg of a desk. She pitches backward - straight into the space where the window used to be.
There's no time for anyone to make a move. Alison's eyes grow wide in the instant that she realizes her fate. Charlotte's grip on her tightens as she falls through the open space, pulling Alison right along with her.
EXT. ROSEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHT
We PAN OUT on Rosewood High School as screams of horror echo through the air. In the distance, the bell tower begins to clang as midnight arrives.
End of Act Seven.