"Emily!" "Em!" "Emily!" "Hermosa!"
Carmen, Hanna, Spencer and Aria ran through the hallways of Rosewood High looking for Emily. The halls were dark so Spencer tried to turn the lights on but they just flickered.
"Okay, how about we split up?" Spencer suggested looking at the girls.
"How about we not?" Hanna disagreed quickly. She didn't want to run into Toby by herself.
"You can come with me." Aria suggested to the blonde.
"Why do I have to be alone?" Spencer whined. So much for being the fearless leader.
"Fine!" Aria exclaimed. "We can just stick together."
"Hey guys," Hanna said. "Where's Carmen?"
"She must have run off on her own." Spencer said looking around for the Latina.
"She'll be fine," Aria said taking out her phone. "She's more likely to kick Toby's ass than any of us anyway."
"What are you doing?" Spencer questioned curiously.
"I'm calling Emily until she answers!" Aria snapped at the tall brunette.
They heard a cell phone ringing somewhere down the dark hall in front of them. Starting down the hallway, they stopped as they heard footsteps walking towards them. The ringing got closer until someone stepped out of the shadows. Carmen, with Emily's phone.
"She's not there, just her phone," Carmen said softly. "She must have dropped it when she ran, but it looks like a struggle went down in the Chem. lab."
"Let's go check it out." Spencer said urgently.
The 4 girls walked briskly into the lab, noticing the broken glass, knocked over shelf and...blood splatter?
"Is that blood?" Hanna asked eyes wide.
"Don't even." Carmen said, putting Emily's phone in her bag.
"Why not? She was up here with Toby." Aria said as scenarios ran through their minds.
Meanwhile, Toby was driving to the ER, an unconscious and bleeding Emily lying in the back seat. He felt guilty for scaring the girl and making her run, therefore trip over her dress. She hit her head, knocking herself out. No one would believe him though. Everyone would think he did this to the swimmer. One Latina would possibly kill him. He had to drop her off and run. That's just what he did.

So when Carmen drove to the Fields' house, she was scared when she saw police. She parked her car by the silver Toyota that Emily had apparently one that said CONGRATULATIONS. Carmen scoffed at that. The Latina quickly made her way up to the house and ran into Mrs. Fields.

"Carmen, what are you doing here?" Pam questioned.
"Is Emily here? Is she okay?" Carmen fired off questions.
"She's fine," Pam assured the worried girl. "She's up in her room if you want to see her?"
"Thank you so much Mrs. Fields." Carmen practically ran up the stairs and then softly knocked on Emily's door, just in case the swimmer was asleep.
"Come in."
Carmen walked in and took in the sight. Emily was laying in bed, cast on her right wrist, stitches on her upper forehead. Carmen could never express the relief and happiness she felt in that moment. "Hey Em."
"Hey, what are you doing here?" The swimmer asked confused. She thought Carmen would be the last person to want to see her.
"I actually came by to see your mom but figured since I was here, I should visit you," Carmen winked as Emily rolled her eyes but there was a smile on her face. "Seriously though, are you okay?"
"Nothing to serious, small cut, sprained wrist but nothing I can't handle." Emily said, blushing from Carmen's concern.
"Thanks God," Carmen mumbled and Emily's eyebrows furrowed.
"Yeah but I lost my phone when I was running." Emily sighed, not wanting to get a new one.
"Oh here," Carmen dug out in her bad and pulled out the silver phone. "We found it when we came looking for you. By the way, you won a car."
"Mom's already told me, said she didn't know what to think with my good luck, bad luck," Emily laughed. "So you came looking for me too?"
"Of course Hermosa," Carmen's face showed her confusion. "Why wouldn't I?"
"So you left your blind date by herself for me?"
"It hardly counts as a date if you're blackmailed."
"That's not the point."
"Em, I would leave anyone for you."
"You kissed her."
"She kissed me," Carmen insisted. "You have to believe me; why else would I push her off and make her walk home?"
"You did what to a blind girl?"
"That's hardly the point, Emily."
"I know, but seeing her with you, it made me so jealous. My blood was practically boiling when I left you two."
"Yeah I thought I saw steam."
"Carmen, shut up."
"Yes, dear."
"I didn't mean to be mad at you but I'm scared." Emily said softly, turning her gaze onto the bed.
"Scared of what?" Carmen sat on the bed beside Emily and lifted her chin up to look in chocolate eyes.
"Of these feelings for you, what people would say, what my parents would say," Emily answered, her voice cracking. "It's just so confusing, Carm."
"I know, which is why I'm not gonna push you, okay? You need to do this on your own time, but I'll be here when you're ready," Carmen smiled. "I'll wait for you, Sweetie."
"What if I'm never ready?" Emily had to ask.
"I'll still be here," The Latina assured. "For as long as you need me; I'll be here."
Carmen leaned in and gave the injured girl a lingering kiss on her cheek, flashing her smile when she leaned back.
They heard footsteps coming up the stairs, seeing Aria and Spencer appear seconds later. "Hey guys."
"Where's Hanna?" Carmen asked their group wasn't complete with the blonde missing.
"She went to return that file." Spencer answered, crossing her arms and leaning against the dresser as Aria sat at Emily's feet.
"What file?" The swimmer asked.
"The file on Toby that Han took from the doctor," Aria explained. "Em, that file said that Jenna and Toby had a relationship."
"Way beyond step siblings." Spencer threw in.
"Yeah they were...involved." Aria said awkwardly, unsure how to say it.
"Like, romantically?" Emily asked confused.
"They fucked." Carmen said bluntly. Aria shrugged, that was pretty much it.
"Except I doubt Jenna had much of a choice." Spencer interjected.
"That's what Alison saw when she threw the stink bomb and threatened to expose him if he didn't take the blame." Aria explained.
"Which is why he probably wanted her dead," Spencer said. "And not just her, us, you."
Emily stayed silent for a moment, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You don't believe us?" Spencer asked disbelieved.
"No, I do, I just don't get it," Emily said. "If Toby killed Alison, and wanted to do the same to me, why am I sitting in my bed and not in a body bag?"
No one had an answer for that.
"What'd you tell the police?" Spencer asked.
"That when I went out for air, I tripped." Emily looked down at the bed.
Carmen snorted and rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure they believed you." The Latina commented acidly.
"Why didn't you tell them the truth?" Aria asked.
"I didn't wanna say anything until I talked to you guys." Emily explained as Spencer drunk her coffee and Carmen played with the swimmer's hair.
"Who knew Rosewood had this many cops," Hanna said, walking into the room and reaching into her hoodie, bringing out the file. "I went to put this back, and they were outside the doc's office talking to Toby's shrink. They know this was stolen."
"Can I see that?" Emily asked and Hanna handed her the file.
"If anyone saw me go into that building last night, I am so hosed." The blonde complained. Aria phone started ringing making everyone freeze.
"Is that from-" Spencer started.
"No, my mom is telling me to ask dad something," Aria sighed. "My parents have gone from not talking, to not texting. I better go home." The small brunette said before hugging Emily and leaving.
"Yeah me too. Feel better Em." Spence said also giving the girl a hug.
"Uh hello? I just got here," Hanna said then pointed to the file. "What am I suppose to do with that?"
"Just shove it in your locker tomorrow, we'll figure it out later." Aria said before walking out of the room, Spencer following.
"So I saw your new car." Hanna smiled, but Emily just held a sad expression.
"Isn't Emily so damn lucky?" Carmen smirked.
"Hanna, why did you think that...we were going to the dance together?" Emily gestures between her and the Latina.
"For real. You were all up on me about it." Carmen added.
"A, sent me a picture of you two kissing." Hanna explained and Emily averted her eyes.
"You know what? This is something you two need to discuss I'll just be..." Carmen looked between the two. "Somewhere else."
Before they could stop her, the petite girl walked out of the room and down stairs. Emily could hear the genius talking to her mother and hoped Carmen wasn't leaving yet.
"I have to ask Em," Hanna said getting back on subject. "You took Toby to the dance, but took that picture with Carm?"
Emily looked at her blonde friend, seeing curiosity in her blue eyes. Deciding to tell someone her situation, she spoke up. "I think I know what I want, but if I say yes to Carmen, everything would change. You know it would."
Hanna had to stop the eye roll. "Yeah it would, you wouldn't have to pretend to be someone you're not."
"What if I'm wrong?" Emily asked. "What if I'm not...THAT person?"
"Emily, you're not signing a contract," Hanna explained. "You were Emily dating Ben, before Carmen kicked his ass, and now you're Emily dating Carmen. We love Emily; no one cares who you're with."
"Really? Have you met my parents?" Emily said sarcastically. "Mr. and Mrs. Military and their perfect daughter."
"They're your parents Em, they love you," They heard Emily's mom and Carmen laughing downstairs and smiled. "And Carmen obviously."
"Maybe it'll be okay." Emily smiled at her blonde friend, thankful that Hanna hadn't become exactly like Alison and teased her. "Thanks, Han."
"No problem. I gotta go but I'll call your lover back in here." Hanna winked causing Emily to blush. Hanna left shortly, and Emily heard Carmen and her mom coming upstairs.
"Hey Hermosa, I guess I gotta leave now," Carmen looked at Pam. "Unless your mom lets me stay?"
Pam looked at the pouting faces of her daughter and her daughter's best friend and felt her resolve crumble.
"All right fine, but Emily needs rest," She pointed a finger in Carmen's face. "Now I'm going to the store to get dinner, the police are gone so behave."
"Yes ma'am," Carmen grinned as Pam left. "Why does she think I won't behave?"
"Hm I wonder?" Emily says smiling as Carmen climbed in bed next to her.
"Don't hate what you can't appreciate." Carmen smirked cockily.
"I'll appreciate you if get in bed and hush." Emily said and knew she shouldn't have said it.
"Already trying to get me in bed, Em?" Carmen laughed as Emily hit her arm.
"Shut up, I'm banged up." Emily blushed.
"Doesn't mean you have to bang me." Carmen looked thoughtful. "On second thought..."
"Would you stop that?" Emily's face was red.
"It's just too easy and you look hot when you blush." Carmen smiled as Emily buried her face in the Latina's neck and mumbled something.
"Sorry baby," Carmen said softly, running a hand through chocolate hair.
"Maybe you should get some rest."
"What are you gonna do?"
"I'll be here when you wake up," Carmen assured her. "I'll stay until your mom kicks me out."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Like that'll ever happen."
"Unless she ever finds out how I've corrupted her daughter," Carmen sighed. "Your dad will have the Navy on me."
"I think Dad would be more understanding then Mom," Emily said, taking in the scent of Carmen's hair. Strawberries. "What about your parents?"
"Oh you mean my parents that are never home or see me?" Carmen asked and Emily moved closer to the smaller girl. "I'm sure they wouldn't know much less care that I'm gay."
Emily's head shot up to look wide eyed in hazel eyes. "You said it."
"Em, the only straight I am is straight up bitch." Carmen smirked.
"You're not. You want everyone to think you are, but the girl laying here with me is a totally different person." Emily observed as Carmen's eyes softened.
"If I was like this to everyone, no one would fear me." The Latina explained.
"Why do you want people to fear you?" Emily asked curiously.
"Fear and power is what runs the world. You want people to respect you, you have to make them fear you," Carmen declared. "Ali taught me that."
"Alison taught all of us something." Emily sighed.
"Even if we didn't want to learn it." Carmen and Emily laughed, but then the swimmer yawned lazily.
"Time for bed, "The Latina said quietly."Pam will kill me if you're tired."
"You're right," Emily sighed in content, looking into Carmen's eyes. "I don't want to move."
"Unless you want your mom to walk in on us all snuggled together, maybe you should." Carmen smiled adoringly at the swimmer.
"Fine," The taller girl said and started to roll over but Carmen grabbed her arm. "Carm?"
"Sorry, Em. I just," Carmen glanced at Emily's lips. "Really want to kiss you."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise. Was the Latina asking to kiss her?
"I really want you to kiss Me." that was all Carmen needed before she gently placed her lips on Emily's. Fire ignited itself in Carmen's stomach, sparking up her nerves. Desire burned in her veins, making her kisses more eager. Every sense seemed to become heightened. Emily's intoxicating scent washed over her, fogging her mind. Carmen's lips tingled as the swimmers tongue flicked over them, their tongues tangling. A soft moan caught Carmen's attention, sending her desire into overdrive. Everything and everywhere was just Emily. The Filipinos hands wandered down, rubbing Carmen's arms and then gripped her hips, pulling her on top of Emily. Carmen's hands went to cup Emily's face, moaning as their bodies curving into one another. Losing air fast, Carmen pulled away and rested her forehead on Emily's. They were panting, trying to regain the breath they had lost in each other.

"How come... w-we can never... j-just kiss?" Carmen stuttered out as Emily ran her hands through the long, soft, black hair.
"I guess we...just get s-so caught up in each other." Emily laughed breathlessly.
"Now I don't wanna move." The Latina sighed, resting her head under Emily's chin.
"Me either," Emily smiled wishfully. "I am injured though, and I think I heard mom pull up."
Carmen rolled off Emily, just as the front door closed. "Emily! Carmen!"
"Pretend you're asleep." Carmen whispered and Emily got comfortable. Just as she got motionless, Pam walked in the doorway.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't think she would be asleep already." Pam smiled at the sight of her 'sleeping' daughter.
"She was pretty tired. Talking to police and everything does that to you." Carmen lied effortlessly.
"Well you're welcome to stay with her," Pam said and started to walk away but turned back to Carmen. "Did you know she was going with Toby Cavanaugh?"
"No ma'am, she surprised everyone." Carmen said truthfully and Pam nodded before walking down stairs.
"Nice lying," a voice mumbled. Carmen looked at Emily to see her eyes fluttering open. "You left out the part where you took Jenna."
"I was blackmailed; you chose to go with the psycho killer."
"Hush Mexican."
"I'm officially offended."
"I was kidding."
"Go to sleep, Emily."
"Carm," Emily whined as the Latina smirked then yawned. "I think you need sleep."
"I agree," Carmen sighed and cuddled into the covers.
"Night Carmen."
"Night, Em."

Emily though she could hear a dog barking; so close but so far away. She cracked open her eyes and saw a German Sheppard sitting by her bed. She thought she was hallucinating from the medicine, especially seeing the dark fugue by the door. The swimmer saw another person at the foot of the bed and her mother can into view.
"So you're awake?" Pam said unsure as Emily started to roll over on her back. "Watch out, Carmen's right behind you."

Thinking about it, Emily could feel someone pressed against her back, cuddled up under the covers. Emily carefully moved onto her back and sat up, resting her head against the wall. Carmen shifted slightly while cracking her eyes open then mumbling something unintelligible, before moving to rest on Emily's stomach and going to sleep.
"Well, just leave her; she seems to be more exhausted than you." Pam shook her head at the Latina. "Jenna insisted on seeing you. Her and her mother baked you some cookies."
"They taste even better with milk," Jenna commented. "You have milk, don't you?"
"Yes, of course." Pam said uneasily as she made her way out of the room, leaving the two girls, plus a sleeping Carmen, by themselves. Jenna felt her way over to Emily's bed before sitting on the edge, petting her dog. "How are you feeling?"
Emily saw past the act though, still angry at Jenna for putting her lips on Carmen. The athlete put her right arm around Carmen, a protective gesture. "Why are you here?"
"I wish I could see her face while she slept, but that might not be such a good idea," Jenna smirked. "Might make me want to kiss her again."
Emily tensed, but then remembered where she was. At home, in bed, with a sleeping Latina on her.
"Why are you here?" Emily repeated.
"Have you kissed her? It really is such a joy, her lips taste so good and so soft," Jenna went on. "Especially a really good kisser."
"She didn't kiss you, you kiss her." Emily said firmly.
"She kissed me back until you walked in. I can't help but think what would have happened if you hadn't walked in." Jenna smiled.
Emily had to grit her teeth. This girl was trying to get the swimmer worked up, pushing her limit.
"I will wake Carmen up, and after last night, I'm sure she would love to deal with you."
"Yes, she was such a good date too until she decided not to take me home," Jenna frowned. "She cared more about finding you."
"You blackmailed her into going with you." Emily accused.
"Who else would she have gone with?" Jenna questioned. "You wouldn't have gone even if she'd asked."
Emily knew it was true. She hadn't fully accepted herself yet enough for that kind of public display. Still, Carmen was here with her now and that's all Emily needed.
"I'll ask you again, and then I'll wake her up. What are you doing in my house?"
Jenna paused then decided to tell her. "I'm worried about Toby and I think you're the only person who knows where he is."
"How would I know?"
"You're one of the few people that he trusted." Jenna explained. "Look Emily, Toby is troubled. I'm really afraid of what he might do. The police are looking for that file and the police think he's trying to..."
"I don't understand, I thought you'd be relieved that he's gone?" Emily asked.
"So you've read it," Jenna stated. "Your friends have shared it with you."
"No one's gonna tell." Emily assured the blind girl.
"You say that, but secrets have a way of getting out," Jenna said. "Like what Alison shared when she visited me in the hospital." Emily froze. What all did Alison tell her? Is that how Jenna knew about Emily? The swimmer would almost bet anything that Alison didn't tell Jenna about the blonde's relationship with Carmen. Even Emily didn't know the depths of it.
"I've kept quiet about a lot Emily," Jenna told her. "The least you can do is get me that file. You owe me that much."
Emily thought the request sounded more like a threat. What could it hurt to give Jenna the file? Emily had some thinking to.

Hanna was at school on a Saturday, dressed in her Homecoming attire. She and Sean had missed Homecoming King and Queen since Hanna was searching for Emily. She saw Lucas messing around on his laptop, probably Yearbook stuff. "Knock knock."
He whipped around and closed something off the computer screen.
"You said one-thirty. Am I early?" the blonde questioned, not seeing Sean yet.
"You're perfect," Lucas said then blushed. "I mean like, on time."
"Well the janitor wouldn't let me in," Hanna explained. "You told him we were doing make-up pictures right?"
"Who Carl? Yeah twice, but thirty years of breathing floor wax does wicked things to your brain," Lucas smiled. "Then there's the Vodka."
Hanna laughed and got out her phone to check her makeup. "I got three hours of sleep; I look like something Carl hacked up."
"Well I think you look even better than you did last night," Lucas said sweetly. "If that's possible."
Hanna smiled then put her phone away. She forgot about the file being in her bag so she closed it quickly. "Are you sure Sean's coming?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't he be?"
"He's not really happy with me," Hanna said frowning. "Not being there when they called our names and...Is that the crown?" She picked up the small silver tiara. "It's so tiny."
"Well I can make it bigger in the picture if you just tilt your head to the right and-"
"No it's not that, it just always seemed so huge," Hanna cut him off smiling. "Last year's picture, outside the gym."
"Yeah I took it. Jessica Willey, kind of a big head." Lucas smiled. Hanna laughed and heard footsteps coming towards the room. They turned to see Sean in the top on his tux and basketball shirts. Classy.
"So we gonna do this or not? I have a basketball game." Sean said.
"Sure I need you guys to move over here." Lucas said pointing to their right. Hanna's phone began to ring so she got it out to see Emily's face on screen.
"Go ahead and answer it, I'm sure it's someone who pulls rank over me." Sean huffed. Hanna put the phone back in her bag and got ready to take some awkward pictures.

After Jenna left, Emily tried to call Hanna. The blonde wouldn't answer so the swimmer gave up.
"Are those cookies?" Mumbled a sleepy voice. Emily looked down to meet hazel eyes.
"Yeah, chocolate chip I think, but-" Too late. Carmen had already taken a bite of one. "Wow these are tasty."
"Jenna made those."
"Ugh-ack! Ack! Oh my God! Emily! Why didn't you stop me?!"
"What was I suppose to do, tackle you?"
"Yes! That's exactly it!"
"What all the noise girls?" Pam asked, bringing in a tray with Emily's food.
"I was choking and Emily just sat there." Carmen accused, pointing a finger at the girl.
"You're such a drama queen," Emily smiled. "Comfortable?"
"Yes? Wh-oh. Sorry." Carmen mumbled, glancing at Pam as she scooted away.
"You girls." Pam said as she picked up a chair and placed it by Emily's bed.
"Mom, you don't have to babysit me." Emily stated as she started texting Hanna.
"You won't need that today." Pam said as she took Emily's phone.
"Do I need to leave?" Carmen asked confused about what was going on.
"You're fine." Emily said and it sounded more like a command for her to stay.
"Did you really think I wouldn't let you go to Homecoming if I knew you were going with Toby Cavanaugh?" Pam asked her daughter as Carmen turned her attention to the window.
"What?" Emily wasn't sure if she heard right.
"You heard me." Pam stated and Emily adverted her eyes.
"Yes."
"You know what? You're right, I wouldn't have. That guy is trouble; people cross the street when they see him approaching." Pam said and Carmen found it slightly uncomfortable to be in the room.
"I'm just gonna go downstairs while you two talk." The Latina said getting up but Emily grabbed her arm and pulled her down before turning to her mom.
"I just thought he was misunderstood, different." Emily explained as Carmen rolled her eyes.
"Different? You know I think his sister probably thought he was different too and now needs a Seeing Eye dog."
"He didn't do that; it was an accident." Carmen really hoped Emily wasn't desperate enough to tell her mom the truth.
"How do you know that, Emily?" the older woman asked. "What about last night, was that an accident as well? How many guys drop their dates off at the ER then drive away?"
"Mom." Emily said trying to calm her mother down.
"If it helps anything, I made my date walk home." Carmen shrugged at Mrs. Fields raised eyebrow as Emily smiled.
Pam turned her attention back to her daughter, "Did he try to pressure you to do something you weren't ready for?"
"That's not what happened." Emily said getting upset.
"Then what happened? Why don't you start by telling me that?" Pam fired off. "Do you have any idea what our neighbors think of him? What they'll think of you?" Carmen saw that question hit Emily hard and couldn't stop herself.
"Mrs. Fields, why do you care so much about what people think?" Carmen voiced.
"Well I want them to respect us and not think that my daughter is up to no good." Pam said, surprised the Latina spoke up.
"But if Emily's happy, shouldn't that be more important than anything?" Carmen asked carefully.
"Well yes but I don't want her doing bad things."
"Mrs. Fields, with all due respect, I think you need to stop caring so much about other people and focus on your daughter. If Emily's happy then who cares? You judge her for breaking up with Ben? Get this, I kicked his ass. Wanna know why? Because he messed with Emily. Toby might be a bad person, but don't write off people by how they seem. There's always a part of them that you don't know. Emily has an open mind, she accepts people easily and I love that even if can cause trouble. I think you need to be more like your daughter, and stop judging people just because you're scared of what everyone else will say," Carmen stood up looking at a shocked Emily an Pam before smirking. "By the way, I'm gay."
With that she gave them a smile before walking out of the room and to her car. When she was safely inside, she couldn't help but laugh at Pam's face after her last comment. She hoped Emily didn't get hell for it. Maybe her words would get though to them both.

Aria was sitting at her desk, suppose to be working on homework, but was staring at the flowers she had received earlier from Sean. She was spaced out when her dad walked in.
"Can I interrupt?"
"How was the game?" Aria asked, Mike had a lacrosse game and their dad went but Aria wasn't sure about their mom.
"Well they lost but Mike tore up the field." He said.
"Did Mom make it?" Aria asked, tilting her head.
"No she didn't, but we missed her though." Byron Said softly.
"Do I have to tell her that or can you?" Aria stood up and sat in her bed.
"Listen Aria, nobody wanted it to come to this, okay?" Byron said sadly. "Your mom and I have been together since we were kids."
Aria scoffed. "You were in college."
"No, we were kids, neither one of us had been fifteen miles from home-"
"Are you moving out?" Aria interrupted eyes teary. "Just tell me now because I don't wanna find out you're when I'm setting the table for dinner.
Byron shook his head while he looked at his daughter. "I would never do that to you or your brother, but your mom thinks it's best if we spend time apart so I have agreed to-"
"What? You agreed to move in with Meredith?" Arias voice broke.
"No, God no," Byron said firmly. "Aria, Meredith is not the issue here; she's just a woman that I work with, that's it period."
"Do you still love Mom?" Aria asked softly, tears swimming in her eyes.
"I do," Byron breathed out, nodding his head. "And I'm leaving because-"
"Because it's easier to walk away than to fight for what you really want." Aria stated.
"You're young, sweetheart," Byron tried to explain. "There are just a lot of things going on that are just outside of your reach." Aria walked to the door and turned to her father. "Yeah well, this isn't one of them." She grabbed her purse and left, leaving her dad by himself.

"Gay? What did she mean by gay, Emily?" Pam demanded.
Emily couldn't believe Carmen. The Latina threw a grenade and walked away, leaving Emily to deal with the explosion.
"She meant gay as in gay mom." Emily didn't know what to say.
"Did you know? How long has she been...?" Pam couldn't even say it. Carmen Torres just let her have it then out herself on purpose. Pam hoped Emily said she didn't know, that it was a big of a surprise to her as it was for Pam.
"I knew and I've known before Alison went missing."
"And you didn't think to tell me? I've let her stay here, let you stay with her. Emily, you've slept in the same bed together!" The older woman exclaimed.
"It's not a big deal mom. Carmen's not like that, she's just...Carmen. You can't really label her because shes just herself. "So, what? She likes both? I guess that makes it all better." Pam said sarcastically.
"Why are you making a big deal out of this?" Emily asked, tearing up. She knew why Carmen had done it. To see how her mom would react to the news. If Pam acted like this with Carmen, Emily couldn't even imagine herself.
Pam seemed to stop and think. Why was this a big deal? Carmen was still the rebellious teenager that blew money on whatever she wanted, best friend to her daughter, and the genius girl down the street. Nothing had changed except now, Pam knew.
"I just...I'm not like you, honey. Carmen was right. You accept and love without ever thinking about it. I grew up with...people like Carmen being shunned. My mother would have killed me if I brought one home." Pam said, shaking her head.
"Brought one home? You make her sound like an unwanted, mangy mutt I found of the side of the road." Emily scoffed.
"I'm sorry; I know how good of a friend she's been to you. I should apologize to her." Pam sighed. Just then, the doorbell rung so Pam patted her daughter's leg and stood to answer the door. While she was gone, Emily grabbed her phone and texted Carmen.

Where did you go? -Emily
Mama Fields blow up? -Carmen
A little, but I think she's gonna be okay about it. -Emily
She has no choice; I'm not staying away from you. -Carmen
Thanks for doing that Carmen. -Emily
Doing what? -Carmen
Telling her that so I could see her reaction; giving me more time to think. -Emily
No problem babe ;) Damnit cop pulled me over g2g. -Carmen

Emily laughed reading the message before shaking her head at the girl. She decided to text Hanna about the file. Hopefully, the blonde still had it.

"Hanna slow down!" Aria shouted as Hanna punches the brakes and the Mercedes slid to a stop in the woods.
"Hanna, Spencer's right, you can't burn the file out here." Aria said, as Hanna got out if the car and started walking into the trees.
"This is a terrible idea!" Spencer said, she had a bad feeling in her stomach and she was starting to learn to listen to it.
Hanna kept walking, ignoring her friends.
"Just stay here." Aria told Spencer then ran after the queen.
"Hanna wait! Stop!"
"I'm not staying here." Spencer murmured before going after her two friends.
Hanna ha left her phone in the care so she didn't hear Emily calling.
"Can we at least talk about this?" Aria asked desperately.
"No! I don't want this in my house and I don't want it in my locker." Hanna stated.
"I will mail it to the police." Spencer tried to reason.
"No it's not gonna happen, I'm not having this traces back to me." Said the stubborn girl.
"How are they gonna trace it back to you? I'm the one licking the envelope!" Spencer exclaimed.
"And I'm the one who worked in that building!"
Aria just rolled her eyes at the arguing friends and continued to follow the determined blonde.
"I'm also the one that always gets caught." Hanna concluded.
"Hanna, Spencer's right, burning that out here is a bad idea," Aria said. "The police could use that against Toby."
"He had a motive to kill Alison." Spencer reasoned.
"And they also can prove that I broke into the shrink's office. Look, I really can't afford to take any more trips to the precinct," Hanna said. "I'm pretty sure after three strikes; you get assigned a prison locker."
"Hanna what strikes? You were just trying to save your friend." Aria told her as they stopped walking.
"Look, I've already got busted for stealing sunglasses and wrecking my boyfriend's car."
"You stole sunglasses? From who?" Spencer asked confused.
"Not from a person, from a store," Hanna rolled her eyes. "God, I have some class."
"Wait, are you talking about those Gucci ones with the gold-"
"Focus!" Spencer exclaimed cutting Aria off. "Toby could have been the killer! We can't keep making these same mistakes! We're all in this together, you, me, Aria, Emily, and Carmen. The devil has a name and it's Toby," Hanna snatched the file back from Spencer and walked off. "Why are you being so pigheaded?!"
"Not all of us have a daddy to write a big fat check to make the boogeyman go away." Hanna fired.
"What are you talking about?" Spencer questioned.
"You get caught stealing an essay, you're parents let you take a picture for the newspaper. I get caught stealing an accessory, I have to lug around medical waste."
Aria snatched the file and threw it over the river before the two arguing friends knew it.
"There, it's done okay?" The petite brunette said as they watched the papers fall into the water. "Never saw it and we don't even know it exists. Can we leave now?" She said and started walking towards the car as the paper drifted down the river. Aria's phone started ringing so she dug it out of her pocket and looked at the message from Emily.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T DESTROY THAT FILE! -Emily

Emily was standing with Spencer at her locker, rubbing her temple. Spencer looked over with concern at the swimmer. "Hey, are you taking something for the pain?"

"Yeah, but nothing that dulls my mother," Emily hugged her books. "She's got a billion questions and their getting hard to avoid."

"I can't believe Jenna was in your house," Spencer grabbed some books. "You didn't eat those cookies did you?"

"No, but Carmen did take a bite," Emily admitted and Spencer looked at her with wide eyes. "I didn't have time to stop her and she spit it out."

Spencer's phone rang and Emily held her breath. "It's okay, it's not from A," Spencer assured. "Hey, it's from Alex." As Spencer texted her boyfriend, Emily turned and looked down the hall. She saw Maya walking toward her and gave the girl a smile, but Maya ignored her and turned to talk to some girl. Emily sighed to herself, she still wanted to be friends with the new girl, but apparently that wasn't good enough.

She heard Spencer slam her locker and looked to see a frown adorning the field hockey player. "What's wrong?"

"Alex blew off our do-over date," Spencer sighed. "He has to work."

"Well, that sounds legit." Emily said, adjusting her books.

"It's not," Spencer said sadly. "The club's closed on Mondays." She walked away, leaving Emily by herself.

"Boo."

Emily jumped and spun around, hearing beautiful laughter behind her. Carmen was covering her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh any harder.

"Don't do that!" Emily scolded. "You gave me a heart attack."

"Poor Em, I think you'll live." Carmen smirked before hooking her arm on Emily's and started walking in the direction of the swimmer's locker. "So how's Pam?"

"She's calmed down I guess," Emily shrugged. "She's asking a lot of questions, none that I can answer honestly."

"Sorry about that," Carmen sighed. "She probably hates me now after what I said to her."

"Actually, I think it helped her," Emily smiled. "She seemed to accept you a lot faster than I thought."

"After she blew up?"

"Well yeah, after that."

"Maybe she won't be as bad as you think." Carmen said hopefully.

"Maybe is the key word." Emily sighed, reaching the locker and putting in her combination code. They stood in silence as Emily got her books organized. Carmen felt someone walk up behind her, then felt a hand in her hair. She jumped away, spinning around to see Jenna.

"Carmen? Emily?" Jenna called out. "I know you're there."

"We have to get to class." Emily said quickly, closing her locker and grabbing Carmen's hand, dragging her along.

"Do you have it?" The blind girl asked and Carmen looked confused at Emily. "Don't worry Carmen; you were asleep during our chat."

"That's just fucking creepy." Carmen stated crossing her arms as Emily faced Jenna.

"I don't, and no one else does either," Emily told her. "Listen, you don't have to worry about it anymore; it's gone.

"What do you mean?" Jenna asked urgently.

"Just what I said," Emily said slowly. "It's gone, no one will ever know."

Jenna walked really close to Emily, whispering lowly. "I hope you're not lying to me."

Emily gave one more look to the blind girl before walking away. Carmen went to follow but then turned to Jenna. "Look, if Emily says whatever it is, is gone? Then it's gone. Emily wouldn't lie about something like that." Jenna sighed and leaned against the lockers as Carmen walked away.

"Aria, wait up!"

Aria sighed and turned around and saw Sean walking towards her. "I've been looking for you all day. Did you-"

"Get the flowers? Yeah, don't ever do that again," Aria said fiercely. "I'm one of Hanna's best friends, Sean, the person you should be sending flowers to."

"I was just saying thanks for-"

"No," Aria interrupted once again. "You were saying screw you Hanna."

"Okay you're right, maybe I was, but can you blame me?" Sean said angrily. "She makes a big deal of going then just bails on me."

"Sean, Hanna loves you, and you know that," Aria said and watched Sean's face soften. "It's actually really boring how much she talks about you." They heard a bang against the lockers and looked down the hall to see a fight about to occur.

"What'd you say to me?!"

Aria knew that voice; it was her brother, Mike. She quickly walked down the hall towards the two teenagers.

"Hey! Mike! Stop!"

Aria got in between the two boys, looking at Mike who was breathing heavily. "What is up with you?"

"Leave me alone." He said angrily, jerking away from the person holding him back and pushing past Aria. Sean grabbed Mike's arm and turned him around.

"Dude, what are you doing?" Sean looked at Aria. "That's your sister."

"Let him go, Sean," Aria said quietly and Mike started walking away. "Mike!"

"Go to hell!" Her brother shouted at his sister, leaving Aria and everyone else in the hallway, shocked.

Hanna was with Lucas in the yearbook room, watching a funny video of a cat playing ping pong.

"I can't believe the cat's beating him." Hanna laughed.

"Wait until you see his back hand." Lucas smiled.

"Who post this crap?" The blonde asked as Lucas exited the video.

"People who have more free time than I do," Lucas said then looked at Hanna. "Wanna see a turkey on a snowboard?" Hanna gave him a 'duh' look and he started typing. The nerdy boy's hand touched Hanna's and he jerked away. "Sorry."

"For what?" Asked a confused Hanna as she looked at Lucas.

"I didn't mean to invade your personal skin." He smiled and she laughed.

"It's okay," She then noticed his sad expression. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just...to be honest; I use to be so afraid of you." The geeky boy admitted, looking at Hanna.

"Me?" Hanna was shocked. Who was afraid of the old her?

"Not you specifically, just your whole...posse," He said unsure. "You know, Alison's coven."

"We weren't witches." The blonde laughed at his description of her and her friends.

"Well maybe you used your powers for good, but," He looked her in the eyes. "Alison was just evil. She called me 'Hermie the Hermaphrodite' for three years just because she didn't like my glasses." His eyes were sad, reflecting on the memories.

"Alison had a name for everyone," Hanna assured that he wasn't just singled out by Ali. "Say hello to 'Hefty Hanna.'

"She called you that?"Lucas asked in disbelief. How could you be friends with someone who teased you all the time? "Why were you friends with her? She had snakes coming out of her head."

"Yeah well, she had another side to her to," Hanna defended her deceased best friend. "When she wanted to, she could make someone feel real special."

"Wow, that exactly not how she made me feel." Lucas laughed humorlessly as Hanna cast her eyes to the computer screen, away from Lucas' fallen expression.

"Is 'Snowboarding Turkey' hyphenated?"

Spencer was busy helping Alex at the country club, preparing for an event the club was hosting. She went into the storage closet to find something he needed. "Which shelf is it?"

"Check the bottom one, under the sponges!"

Spencer looked around and didn't see any sponges, but she did see a cabinet. Opening it, she looked at the contents, but something caught her eye. On the inside of the doors, were club member's pictures except they had been doodled on. The brainiac saw Melissa's, her dad's and...Her's. She tore the picture off the door so she could examine it closely. Someone had doodled red devil horns and and a goatee on her picture self.

"Hey did you find them?!" Alex asked as he walked into the room. He saw Spencer looking at the pictures and felt panicked. "God no, don't look at those."

"No don't," Spencer raised her hand to stop him."What is this?"

"It's nothing, it's stupid." Alex said scratching the back of his head as his girlfriend looked up at him.

"Someone drew me with horns." She stated, showing him the picture.

"It's the bitch board, something the staff does to blow off steam." Alex explained, trying to not make his girlfriend upset. "When club member's bitch on us, we keep track."

"And I made the cut?" Spencer asked softly, looking at him with her dark eyes.

"Spencer," The Hispanic boy started. "I've never seen your picture up there before, I swear."

"So this is how everyone sees me?" Tears welled up in her brown eyes. "Wow." She took off the hairnet and handed it and the picture to Alex, before walking away.

"Spencer, your sister took one look at me at Homecoming and thought I was there to park her car," Alex tried to reason. "People act like this, doesn't matter if you're Queen Bees or Worker Bees."

She gave him one last, tearful look before leaving him in the supplies closet by himself.

Emily knew Maya had band class last period so she hurried to catch her, hoping she could repair their friendship. She walked in the room and spotted the dark skinned girl zipping up her guitar. Maya refused to look at her when Emily stood in front of her.

"Okay, I know you don't wanna talk, but will you at least listen?" The swimmer pleaded, hoping she could make things right.

Maya didn't say anything, just turned and stared at her. Emily took this as the sign to start talk so she took a deep breath. "I miss you. I miss talking to you and hanging out. I know you like me and I'm sorry, really I am, but I'm kind of...taken?" Emily trailed of at the end and the statement came out as more than a sentence.

"Let me guess; Carmen," Maya stated herself and knew she was right when Emily averted her eyes. "But you're not really sure if you're taken or not?"

"We have...kissed and talked about feelings, but she is giving me time to come to terms with myself," Emily explained the Latina's actions. "And time to figure out my plan."

"While she goes around and gets with every other guy and girl in this school." Maya scoffed. She didn't really like the Latina; she and Queen Bees never mixed well.

"She's not like that, Maya," The swimmer defended. "She's been really supportive and sweet about everything, even me denying myself. I like her a lot." Emily smiled as she admitted this.

"Then why are you here?" Maya questioned. "Shouldn't you be with her?"

"I want us to be friends," Emily said gently. "I would like for us to be able to hang out and have fun without all the awkwardness of one-sided feelings."

Maya stared at Emily for a moment, seemingly thinking carefully about her decision. "Alright. I think we can be friends." Emily broke out into a smile.

"Really?" Emily asked happily, hoping Maya wasn't just saying that.

"Yes, but you might want to make sure your girlfriend knows we're just friends." Maya smirked, thinking of how she would love the Latina to freak out. An idea was slowly forming in Maya's mind, an idea that wasn't very friendly.

"Carm won't care," Emily smiled, knowing she could keep the genius in check. "She might be a little against it at first, but I'll talk her into it."

"Wow, already got her whipped." Maya commented and saw the blush on Emily's face.

Maybe Emily was spending too much time with Carmen; her mind was starting to turn to dirty thoughts when her new friend said that. "I wouldn't say that, but she listens most of the time."

"I'm so glad," Maya said sarcastically. "I gotta get to class, see you around Emily."

The swimmer watched her friend walk away, a smile on her face that slowly dissipated as she thought of how Carmen would react. Especially if the Latina knew the musician had feelings for her. This could turn out bad.

"Ezra!" Aria called out as she knock on his apartment door. "Ezra?" After getting no answer, Aria started walking away. She stopped, remembering the key under the doormat. Hoping it was still there; Aria lifted the welcome mat and sighed in relief when the silver metal gleamed. As she put the key in the lock, the phone started ringing inside. Opening the door, she called out again, "Ezra?"

The ringing quit and Ezra's voice told the caller to leave a message. A woman's voice came on the machine.

"Hi Ezra, this is Caroline from Harrison Country. I just wanted to confirm your interview for tomorrow and please don't forget to bring your New York certification. Again, we're really looking forward to meeting you."

Aria couldn't believe that Ezra was going to New York for an interview. Why didn't he tell her? Was he actually leaving Rosewood? Leaving Aria? Only time would tell.

Hanna was sitting at the bar in her house, watching videos on YouTube when she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door and was surprised to see Sean with his backpack.

"What are you doing here?" Hanna asked curiously as she led him to the table.

"I wrote down your English assignment." Sean said, Hanna smiling at the show of affection.

"You brought me my homework." The blonde gleefully stated as Sean unzipped his bag.

"Heard you weren't in English today." He explained while giving her a small smile.

"Sub, wasn't feeling it," Hanna explained her actions of skipping. "So you're not mad at me?"

"What? For ditching English?" He smiled, pulling out his notebook with the homework.

"For ditching you," Hanna prayed he was over it and they could go back to being the happy it couple of Rosewood. "At Homecoming."

"Nah, I'm over it," Sean assured as he turned to face her. "We aren't the first King and Queen to fight, Hanna Banana."Hanna smiled at the pet name while he stroked her hair. "What are you working on? Biology?" He asked, looking at the opened lap top.

"No, you have to watch this, you'll love it." Hanna typed a few keys and clicked the mouse before a video started playing. The Snowboarding Turkey.

Sean looked at the video with confusion as to why Hanna was showing him this. He turned away, disinterested, until Hanna tapped him to keep watching. He smirked in slight amusement at how fake the video was. "That's so fake. It's just dumb," Sean voiced his thoughts and Hanna's face fell. "Turn on some music."

Hanna exited YouTube, and put Pandora on as Siempre Tu by Diego Boneta came on. Sean decided to complain about that too. "Would you turn it down?" Hanna turned the volume down and looked at Sean hopelessly, knowing they would never be the same couple as before.

Spencer walked into the club kitchen, hearing music so she knew Alex was there. She spotted him at the stove, cooking and dancing to Siempre Tu. The athlete smiled to herself as she watched the boy dance.

"You gonna eat all that yourself?" Spencer smirked as he quickly turned to face her.

"I always make enough for two." Alex said as he turned off the stove and held his hand out for Spencer to take. She smiled before grabbing his hand. He kissed it, before spinning her around and pulling her close to him. They dance to the music, Alex dipping Spencer then bringing her up, looking into the eyes of the girl he loved before pushing her hair back and kissing her. She reproached him, putting as much passion as she could manage. The Hispanic boy gripped her waist, pinning her back against the counter. Spencer held his face in her hands, hoping he could feel her love through their kisses.

Aria was curled up by her window looking in the book Ezra had left her. She couldn't believe her secret boyfriend had left without saying anything to her. She couldn't stop reading the written words in his handwriting.

When you need to leave Rosewood... Ezra

She heard a door slam, assuming it was her brother. She shut the book, looking toward her door. "Mike?!" She heard her brother sigh before appearing in her doorway.

"What?" He said heavily, like he was tired and it was weighing him down. Maybe it was the stress of their parents fighting.

No, not what. Talk to me," Aria pleaded with her brother, not wanting to lose him too. "Maybe they know what they're doing; maybe this is the best thing for everyone right now." Mike scoffed before turning around to shut himself off in his room. "Hey!" Aria yelled at him and he stopped. "Next time you wanna take a swing at someone, use a pillow. Don't go after kids twice your age."

"I'm not thinking about Mom and Dad!" Mike yelled angrily. "Why should I care about them when they don't care about us?!" With that he turned around and slammed his door. Walking back to her room, she looked at the window to see her mom and dad putting stuff in the car. She could only guess her mom was leaving since her dad refused to. All Aria could do was watch as her family slowly fell apart.

Emily was driving home, passing the Cavanaugh's house when she saw a tow truck and police cars. On the truck was Toby's motorcycle, bent and torn to pieces. Sitting on the porch was Jenna, crying her unseeing eyes out. She wondered why Jenna was so sad about Toby's disappearance, especially after what Emily had read in the file. The swimmer drove home quickly where she texted Carmen, Spencer, and Hanna. They were at her house shortly after the message was sent.

"Is Toby dead?" Hanna asked from where she sat beside Emily on the window seat.

"I couldn't bring myself to ask," Emily said sadly. "Jenna seemed really upset. His bike...it looked like...it looked like it was wrecked." She struggled out. Carmen grabbed Emily's hand in hers, trying to comfort her. This sweet gesture did not go unnoticed by Hanna who smiled slightly.

I'm not going to cry over this," Spencer said unsympathetic. "And neither should you." Emily was tearing up, looking so lost that it broke Carmen's heart.

"Spencer shut up," Carmen growled protectively. "If she liked him, she can cry about it." A squeeze to her hand calmed her down from ripping into Spencer.

"Sorry for speaking," Spencer apologized sarcastically. The four friends just sat in silence for a moment before Spencer started feeling guilty. "Look, she's right, I can't tell you what to feel." Hanna looked at apologetic girl and felt her own guilt, remembering the words she had said to Spence the day before.

"I'm sorry for what I said about your family," Hanna apologized, looking her friend in the eyes. "I didn't mean it."

"It's true," Spencer confessed, thinking of how people always thought she got away with stuff just because her family was rich. "You're not the first to think it."

Emily's phone started ringing, signaling she had received a message. "It's probably Aria." The Filipino opened the message, expecting the tiny artist to be messaging her. Instead, she got something she didn't expect.

Thanks for getting Toby out of my way. -A

Emily froze, not believing the words on the screen. Spencer grabbed her phone, reading the message herself. She barely noticed when Carmen gently pulled the taller girl in her lap, holding her tightly as tears started trailing down her cheeks. Carmen stroked her hair tenderly while whispering how it wasn't her fault in her ear. Emily clung to the Latina, not caring if the other two were watching. She needed to escape and that escape was with Carmen.

That's the end of the hangover! Longest chapter I have ever written. Seriously, it's like 3am and I have to get up at 7. This shows how much I care about you guys and don't want you to have to wait another day.

This chapter had a lot of Carmen/Emily moments which I like writing because Carmen comes out of her bitch shell around Emily, sort of like Alison with Carmen. Emily's still the shy, newly discovered, bottom girl that hides within herself. Eventually, like the show, Emily will come out of her shell, be out-going and herself, and might possibly be a top. (Wouldn't that be hot?)

Anyway I have taken some of your ideas into account and will try to work them into the story somehow. I do listen to you guys so suggestions are welcome just don't get crazy. Send me ideas, suggestions, or what you would like to see more of in the story.

Emaya will not happen in this story officially, even though there might be one-sided Maya/Emily moments. Paige will play the same part mostly, but Samara will not happen. The reason for this is because Emily met Samara when she liked Paige and wanted to help her come out. No liking Paige = No meeting Samara. Sorry if that disappoints.

Now Ali/Carmen. Yes, the rest of the Liars will find out about that relationship. Do you really think A wouldn't expose that? That's just too good to pass up. I will write more flashback with them, but only at special moments. (Ex. First kiss, first I love you, ect.) I am thinking about a prequel to tell the story of Ali and Carmen, but I'm not sure how good it would be.

Now, Carmen will have something to do with Jason, as I have been told all the hot guys go for Aria (Which is totally true) and one girl can only handle so much of that. Besides, Aria has Fitz so she won't miss him. I'm still not sure how I'm going to do that so ideas would be appreciated.

Review and what not, and I'll have the next chapter out as soon as I can which might not be as frequent since school is going to start soon and my studies come first. I'm like a Spencer/Carmen combined. Badass, but smart and actually care for my grades, although I have no idea what my IQ is. I'll try to update as fast as I can so be patient.