Disclaimer: I don't own PLL.
Warnings: This work contains foul language, sex scenes, child abuse, attempted sexual abuse, violence etc. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.
It had been hard to avoid the girls, especially when all of them were next door but Alison had managed for the day feigning sickness when they'd all but demanded Mrs Dilaurentis let them see Alison, she'd slumped down in her bed and hidden half her face in the pillow. They didn't need to worry about her family, that wasn't something she ever wanted to burden her friends with. And if she was being completely honest with herself she didn't want them to know because it was shameful and scary and she needed to be in control of her own life. Even if control meant sometimes getting hurt. She could handle it.
So she avoided the girls for the evening and the rest of the day in person making sure to respond to texts often so as to not undo the progress she had made with them in the small amount of time she had. She found herself texting and talking to Hanna more than the others, and surprised even herself that she wasn't craving Emily's affections when the bubbly blonde was happily recounting her day to Alison.
Emily was difficult to handle at the moment and Alison was almost thankful she hadn't slept over because she was unsure about how much longer she could stand being around the brunette but not having her. It was a sweet torture that she could endure but there was a definite breaking point Alison didn't want to reach, fearful that she would scare Emily further back into the closest.
Hanna was always filled with enthusiasm these days finally sharing things with Alison she had previously kept locked tight, like her parent's separation and how it hurt. Alison found herself comforting Hanna more often than not and even calling the blonde to explain that in no way was Hanna's father's absence the bubbly blonde's fault. That if Mr Marin couldn't figure out how great his daughter was, that was a shame but he was obviously an idiot.
Alison was just getting settled into her room for the night, Hanna happily chatting in her ear while Alison searched her DVDs for something to watch when rowdy voices came from downstairs and something shattered. Shit she'd completely forgotten about Jason and his horrible friends.
"What was that? Ali?" Hanna sounded worried in her ear.
"It's alright, Han, everything's fine. I gotta go."
"No don't, Ali, are you sure? I could come over or.."
"Its fine, gorgeous. Don't worry about me," Alison tried to keep the tremor out of her voice. "Its just Jason and some guys every things fine. My dad's home," Alison lied easily.
"Ali," Hanna pleaded, Alison hadn't been convincing enough. "I'm gonna call Spencer."
"No Hanna wait-" Alison was met with the dial tone.
This was just what she needed Spencer storming in here ready to scold twenty high, horny dickheads. Alison dressed quickly, last time she'd only just gotten out of this mess in her pjs this time she had more warning. She threw some clothes into her bag she might as well stay at Spencer's for as long as Mr Hastings would allow, he'd blow his top eventually Alison had no doubt.
A knock sounded on her closed bedroom door and Alison felt her heart stop as it opened.
"Look who I found, boys," one of the meatheads taunted as he pushed the door open and stepped in with two of his buddies. Jason wasn't among them.
Alison steeled herself and fixed a hard glare on the assholes. This was the one, the same one who thought it was funny to flirt with Jason's little sister, underage little sister, who though uncomfortable had found the attention gratifying until no turned into an answer this meathead and his goons weren't going to take.
Alison adjusted her jacket on her shoulders, last time she'd stolen his to hide some of her modesty being caught in just her pjs had been… she didn't want to think about it.
"Leave me alone," Alison demanded turning her back and throwing more clothes into her bag.
"Oh come on sweet thing don't be like that, we were thinking you should come party with us or better yet we can party right here," He slid up behind her and Alison stiffened before rounding on him.
"Listen asshole I don't want-"
"Oh she's a little feisty tonight, fellas, you should be more accommodating to your guests," he ran a hand over her hip, groping and Alison pushed him away falling back on the bed from the recoil. His friends laughed as Alison pushed herself further along the mattress, trying to hide her fear. He knelt onto the bed intent to pin her down with his strength.
"How about a little-"
"ALISON!"
Alison could have cried in joy. Thank god, Spencer.
"ALISON!" Spencer yelled again from downstairs.
"Up here!" Alison cried back just as the meathead grabbed her mouth trying to cover her screams, she bit down hard on his hand and he cried out letting go.
Scrambling up as quickly as she could Alison tried to push past the other two goons but they grabbed at her holding her tightly even as she kicked and struggled. Their leader stood up shaking his hand and aggressively stormed over to her.
"ALISON!" Spencer burst through the door, hockey stick raised high over her head, fire in her eyes complete in her blue dressing gown and Emily a step behind her with a golf club. They looked ridiculous but Alison had never been happier to see them.
She tried to keep herself together as the goons released her quickly and Spencer pulled the blonde over to her. Spencer manhandled her until Alison stood securely between the brunette and Emily shielded on both sides.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Spencer spat.
"We were just having a little fun, crazy, no need to beat everyone's head in," meathead number one defended holding his hands up in mock surrender.
Spencer stepped forward threateningly.
"Touch her again and I'll make sure your manhood is well and truly removed from your person," Spencer seethed.
She shook the hockey stick again for good measure and then directed Emily and Alison out, scooping up Alison's bag as she went.
"God, Alison why didn't you-"
"Can we just get out of here please," Alison begged she didn't want to explain here, she didn't want to explain at all really.
"Where are your parents?" Emily asked as they headed down the stairs.
Alison shrugged it wasn't unusual for her parents to not be home for days on end, no notes, no explanations, sometimes a text from her father but her mother disappeared for long stretches of time and Alison had learnt not to worry or ask questions.
They passed Jason, dividing up a line of coke on the coffee table with a couple more of his so called friends. Alison would have happily left but Spencer stopped her.
"Jason," Spencer called angrily.
Jason looked up and then down at his stash. His eyes frightened, wide and glazed over.
"This isn't-"
"I don't care. Do you even know what happened upstairs just now?" Spencer challenged disgusted as Jason, totally gone just cocked his head to the side.
"Spencer please don't," Alison pulled on her friend's arm, Jason was past being useful at this point.
Spencer shot him one more disgusted look before she placed a comforting hand on Alison's back and directed her out.
"What'd they do? Ali? What happened?" Jason called after them but Alison couldn't turn back and face him.
As they walked the short distance to the Hastings home Emily's hand joined Spencer's on Alison's back rubbing comforting circles but thankfully no one spoke. Spencer unlocked the door and Alison took a seat on the sofa trying to ignore Emily's sorrowful gaze as the brunette stood near the coffee table.
"Just ask," Alison finally snapped crossing her arms across her chest, she hadn't really meant to snap but she couldn't take the silent stares any longer. Both of them standing over her looking down at her as though she'd break at any second it was too much to bare.
"Ali," Spencer started tentatively. "Has that, have they… has that happened before?"
Alison took a deep breath and tried to keep the images of 'last time' out of her mind. Last time, the first timeline she guessed, she'd stormed over here and all but demanded Spencer play host, offering nothing more than boys were annoying, she hadn't told them she'd barely made it out. This time though Emily and Spencer were all too aware of what had happened at Jason's impromptu party and this time, since Alison's newly installed conscience had made her be a decent friend the last forty eight hours, this time they asked every burning question that entered their heads.
Alison could have screamed it was so frustrating trying to be transparent and honest while also having to hold back that she could time travel or had time travelled. They'd lock her up in Radley in a heartbeat if she spilled, but it was still hard to keep a guard up while simultaneously trying to let her defences down.
"Not that bad," Alison finally settled on a half answer.
"Ali you have to tell your parents," Spencer argued.
"Tell them what Spencer that my big brother gets coked out of his mind and his friends like to take turns!" Alison shouted.
Emily gasped and the blonde suddenly remembered her mermaid was in the room.
"Em, they didn't.. they just… they tried but you guys helped me.I'm fine. Ok. So thanks," Alison finished lamely.
"Of course we helped you, Ali, you're our best friend. You should have come over sooner," Spencer gently scolded.
"I know and I will next time so-"
"No. You're not going back there," Spencer crossed her arms firmly.
"Uh I live there, Spencer."
"Not when your parents aren't home and Jason is drugged up you don't. You'll stay here, we have plenty of room and-"
"Your mom already offered," Alison reminded gently.
"My mom knows about Jason's drug problem?" Spencer asked confused.
"No she.. it doesn't matter, look I can't just hide out over here. I'll stay tonight but my parents will be back soon and I don't want to get in your way, Spence."
"In my way? Ali I'm never letting you out of my sight again," Spencer admitted as she took a seat next to the blonde.
"What?"
"Me either," Emily added sitting on Alison's other side.
Alison ping-ponged between their expressions to find both deadly serious.
"You really scared us, Ali," Emily said softly.
Spencer nodded in agreement.
"They could have-"
"But they didn't," Alison firmly reminded. "Look I get you're both protective and I love that about you but I'm not a child I don't need babysitters."
"We're not babysitters," Emily looked flustered by the very suggestion and Alison could only guess what devious thoughts were running through her mermaid's mind.
"Yeah, think of us as bodyguards," Spencer happily nodded.
Alison smiled in spite of herself and shook her head in exasperation.
"You're stuck with us, Ali," Spencer playfully jeered but there was an underlying tenderness in her tone that Alison found comforting.
"Fine," Alison conceded when Emily added her puppy dog eyes to the mix.
"I love you both," Alison admitted softly and was instantly engulfed on both side.
"We love you too, Ali," Spencer hugged her tighter tucking the blonde's head under her chin.
With Emily pressed to her back Alison felt and heard her quiet agreement with Spencer and the blonde's heart jumped to hear those words from Emily, it felt better than she expected.
They sat as a weird huddle for a long time hugging each other, trying to pass comfort and strength through their embrace. Eventually Spencer disentangled herself.
"As lovely as this is I have to pee," she sheepishly admitted and Alison shooed her away, Emily laughing hysterically as Spencer danced up the stairs.
Alison watched her smart friend leave and felt the air shift as Emily registered that they were in fact alone and her giggles died down.
"Thank you, Em, really I… I'm glad you were there," Alison turned to face Emily who reddened under Ali's attention.
"I didn't really do anything," Emily tried to shirk off Alison's praise but the blonde lay a hand on her mermaid's arm.
"Em you were there when I needed you, that's everything," Alison rubbed her hand up and down Emily's arm soothingly.
Emily's gorgeous brown eyes studied her for a long moment and Alison smiled under the scrutiny even as she was unsure of what Emily was searching for. The brunette's gaze dipped down to her lips for a second and Alison tried to contain her natural smirk, seeing where this was heading. Emily had obviously found whatever she needed to in Alison's eyes because she tentatively leant forward, the smirking blonde met her half way and they kissed gently.
It was more comforting than their other kisses, Alison wasn't trying to pour endless love or devotion into this kiss and Emily wasn't holding back as though ready for a verbal scathing. It was pleasant and chaste. Like all of Emily's kisses Alison decided she could easily live on this alone.
"Mmm, Em," Alison pulled away with a breathy sigh.
"Ali I-"
The heavy thump of Spencer on the stairs startled Emily and she clamped her mouth shut. Alison could have murder Spencer, she desperately wanted to hear what Emily was going to say.
"Yes, Hanna I know. Yes you did good. Yes. Yes! Ok calm down I'm getting her," Spencer stormed down the stairs, her phone pressed to her ear.
"Hanna," she mouthed at Ali as she handed the phone over.
"Ali?" Hanna rushed. "Oh my god I was so worried."
"I'm fine, gorgeous," Ali laughed.
Emily pulled away even as Alison tried to grab at her.
"Are you sure you're ok? Spencer said you're fine but she-"
"Hang on a second, Han," Alison held the receiver to her shoulder and again tried to grab for Emily. "Em.."
"I'm gonna take off," Emily stood quickly.
"I thought you were sleeping over?" Spencer questioned.
"Me too but I just… I don't feel great," Emily started packing up her bag.
"Um ok," Spencer agreed even as Alison pleaded with her silently to do something. "If you're sure."
"I am," Emily hastily slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Em-"
"Bye guys," Emily dashed out of the house.
Spencer watched her go bewildered.
"What was that?" Spencer questioned.
Alison shrugged.
"Ali?!" Hanna's impatient whine came through the phone.
"Yeah I'm here," Alison sighed.
"Whats wrong?"
"Nothing," Ali sighed again she couldn't even begin to explain this thing with Emily. "Thanks for calling Spencer, gorgeous, you really saved me."
"Anytime, Ali, I'm glad you're ok," Hanna whispered."Can you give me back to Spence?"
"Sure. Night, Han."
"Night, Ali."
Alison handed the phone back to Spencer and slumped on the couch looking towards the door Emily had run through.
"Yeah she's fine. No Hanna its late we'll see you tomorrow. Of course she's staying here. I don't know she was happy when I went upstairs. I will. Night, Hanna," Spencer finally hung up and sat down next to Alison.
"Ali are you sure you're alright?"
Alison didn't respond just leaned her head onto Spencer's shoulder. The brunette stiffened but didn't move away.
"Ali?" Spencer asked gently.
"Mmm."
"Are you alright?"
"Spence you're one of my best friends you know that right," Alison turned to see Spencer's face.
The brunette nodded warmly.
"So you'd want me to tell you if something was a secret that affected you too right?"
"I guess," Spencer shrugged.
Alison took a deep breath.
"Jason does drugs-"
"I know that Ali I-"
"Let me finish, please," Alison implored.
Spencer nodded and stayed silent.
"Jason does drugs and he's a terrible brother, but he's not just my brother."
"What Ali that doesn't make any sense?"
"He's your brother too," Alison admitted softly.
Spencer stared at her confused.
"I didn't know how to-"
"What?!" Spencer flew off the couch her mind finally catching up with Alison's confession.
"Your father he's Jason's father, you and I are Jason's half sisters and-"
"Why would you… What the hell kind of game is this Ali?" Spencer yelled.
"Its not a game Spencer I swear." Alison begged the brunette to understand, she needed Spencer on her side and she had hoped sharing would achieve that but maybe she'd shared too much, pushed too hard, revealed things Spencer wasn't ready to accept yet.
Spencer watched her for a long moment, studying the blonde.
"We share a brother?" Spencer asked her face still contorted as though she couldn't quite put the pieces together.
"Yes. A sad, self destructive brother."
"Thats," Spencer slumped back onto the couch. "Thats messed up, Ali."
"You're telling me," Alison agreed her voice soft and tired.
It felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, arguably there were more secrets weighing her down but not this one at least.
Spencer reached over and pulled Alison's head back to her shoulder her arm sliding around to hold Alison to her. It was a weird gesture, one Alison didn't expect of Spencer at a time like this but it was nice. Comforting, familiar and warm.
"You know that makes us kind of sisters," Spencer spoke softly though Alison could hear her smile.
"Yeah, I guess it does," Alison snuggled into Spencer's lose embrace.
"I always wanted a little sister," Spencer softly muttered more to herself than Ali.
Alison laughed gently, worried anything louder than a whisper would wreck this rare moment.
"I'm glad its you, Spence," Alison smiled as Spencer pressed a quick kiss to her blonde hair.
"You're not safe over there, Ali," Spencer whispered.
Spencer didn't know the half of it Alison knew but she nodded along, letting out a yawn.
"I'm gonna keep you safe," Spencer promised, Alison only just hearing as her heavy lids fluttered closed.
"If only you could, Spence," Alison thought before sleep took her. "If only you could."
Alison spent the weekend at the House of Hastings, avoiding Peter at all costs, Melissa as well and hiding behind Spencer more often than not. Veronica was thankfully away for the weekend but Alison had no doubt children's services would have been called in an instant had Spencer's mother been home. Luck was slightly on their side it seemed.
Spencer spent the weekend snapping at Melissa whenever she made any kind of unhanded remark towards Alison and ignoring her father who was ignoring Alison. It was a tense weekend for everyone but Spencer and Alison barrelled through. They watched a lot of movies, Alison even let Spencer try to educate her with some stupid documentaries on something obscure. Alison tried not to look at her phone too often, she ignored several calls from Cece and Ian, and was happy that no texts came from A but none came from Emily either, Hanna and Aria happily texted back and forth but her mermaid was silent.
By Monday Mrs Hastings was back and dropped the girls at their first community service assignment, picking up trash in a gross park. It was hot and back breaking work but Alison did it silently. Her friends however snapped half way through the day.
"This is so gross," Hanna groused.
"Did you think we would be picking up trash in the mall or something?" Spencer snapped back fanning herself.
The orange jumpsuits apart from being a huge eyesore were poorly ventilated. As the temperature soared tempers began to boil.
"Shut up, Spencer, its your stupid Mom's fault we're here," Hanna hissed.
"Hanna," Alison called sharply.
"My mom got us out of a lot worse," Spencer argued.
"We know that, Spencer, we're all really grateful," Aria placated.
Hanna grumbled something under her breath.
"What did you say?" Spencer threw her trash bag on the ground.
"I said mommy's little valedictorian is probably going to get excused next week and the rest of us will waste our whole summer here," Hanna yelled.
"Stop it, both of you," Alison snapped, moving between the two of them. "Its my fault we're in this mess alright, you wanna blame someone, blame me."
Hanna glared at Spencer but turned back to her work when Alison stared her down.
"Spencer?" Alison asked when the brunette hadn't moved, still ready to fight Hanna.
"Whatever," Spencer groused moving back to her trash bag.
"What is with you?" Alison asked following Spencer.
"Nothing," Spencer shook off her concern angrily.
"Hanna never gets to you like that," Alison continued.
"Just drop it, Alison!" Spencer yelled.
"No," Alison held her ground. "Tell me what's wrong, no more secrets Spencer."
"You always keep secrets Alison they're as much a part of you as your blood," Spencer spat.
Alison was shocked, she'd thought her and Spencer were making amends, building something solid. Spencer was only ever this aggressive the last night of summer, when she was speeding. Alison sighed, Spencer must have taken the pills earlier that morning. This was just what Alison needed a buzzed Hastings picking fights.
"My mom told me, while you were in the shower this morning, about your little stunt in the interrogation room," Spencer glared. "What are you trying to pull, she said you went totally rogue?"
"I'm pretty sure that falls under client attorney privilege," Alison shot back feeling her defences rising, what else had Mrs Hastings shared.
"She didn't say what was said just that you were jumpy and scared," Spencer admitted. "Why don't you trust us Alison, why don't you trust me?"
"Its not about trust, its about safety and-"
"Bullshit," Spencer yelled throwing down her garbage bag. "Either you're playing us all again or you've got something really dangerous to hide, either way we deserve to know Alison."
"Know what?" Emily asked.
"Alison's keeping secrets again," Spencer accused crossing her arms.
Alison saw Emily's eyes flash with fear and she tried to assure Emily through her own gaze that Spencer didn't know about them.
"Alison?" Aria asked gently. "Are you keeping something from us?"
They all stared at her.
"Its not something that you need to worry about-" Alison stuttered.
Spencer angrily threw up her arms.
"I really wanted to believe you'd changed god you're exactly the same," Spencer snapped. "Alison only looks out for Alison."
"Chill out, Spencer," Hanna cut in. "If Alison says its fine I… I believe her."
"Me too," Emily added.
"Aria?" Spencer asked.
Aria looked between Alison and Spencer.
"I don't know, I think we're all hot and tired and-"
"Pick a side," Spencer all but screamed at the petite brunette. Aria shook in fear at Spencer's outburst.
"Enough," Alison spoke up. "I'll tell you all, just stop, please. Spencer just relax."
Spencer breathed in deeply but seemed to calm down a bit at Alison's more soothing tone. They all huddled around her.
"I've been getting texts, threatening texts and notes and dolls," Alison started. "Its been happening for a while."
"Did you tell the police?" Aria asked worried.
"Yes, I gave them my phone when we were at the station but they couldn't track the number," Alison supplied.
"So you have no idea who it is?" Emily whispered.
Alison shook her head.
"Maybe it's just a joke," Hanna shifted uneasily.
"Its not, Han," Alison stressed. "Someone or someones want me dead."
"Dead?" Spencer choked. "Who would want you dead?"
"I've made a lot of enemies its not exactly a short list," Alison admitted with a grimace.
"Ali are you serious about this?" Aria asked scuffing her boots into the dirt.
"Yes," Alison cried taking in each of their faces as they looked away. "You don't believe me?"
None of them would meet her eye. Alison ran a frustrated hand through her ruffled blonde curls. Fine. She hadn't exactly given them much reason to trust her but it didn't hurt any less.
"Look," Alison fished out her phone from her orange jumpsuit. "There."
Alison showed them a few texts from A.
"So an anonymous persons texting you creepy stuff, that doesn't prove anything," Spencer argued.
"Guys this is serious, please I'm in actual danger here," Alison pleaded.
"Its probably just a stupid prank, Ali," Aria soothed.
"Its not ok. I know its not," Alison cried desperately.
"Ali," Emily joined in. "They're just words, meaningless words."
"Hanna," Alison pleaded with the other blonde.
"The police will handle it, Ali," Hanna promised. "Thats what they're for."
The other four headed back to their garbage bags.
"Guys," Alison called softly they all looked to her again and Alison hiccupped before tears started streaming down her face.
All at once her friends were at her side.
"Ali," Spencer soothed. "Ali come on, I'm sorry but its-"
"I'm scared, ok. I'm terrified," Alison whispered through her tears. "I don't know what to do and this person is angry and violent and-"
"Did they hurt you?" Emily asked.
Alison rubbed at her tearstained cheek and part of her concealer came away. The girls gasped as Alison's bruise was revealed her mother's wedding ring had dug in painfully and left an impressive purple blotch.
"Who did this?" Spencer asked frantically.
Alison looked to her fingers covered in the damp concealer and then took in her friend's concerned frightened faces. It all came spilling out before she could stop it.
"I didn't see their face," Alison hiccuped. "They were wearing a mask, they jumped me outside my house and hit me."
"This is serious," Aria reasoned. "Did you tell the cops?"
Alison shook her head, no.
"When did this happen?" Hanna asked.
"The other night when I was suppose to come to Spencer's after the police station," Alison dried her eyes, she hated lying to them but A hadn't actually done anything yet. "They knew I'd talked to the cops."
"Well what should we do?" Emily asked desperately.
"Self defence classes, pepper spray, some type of buddy system I don't know," Spencer listed absentmindedly. "Theres not much we can do if they were wearing a mask and-"
"Wait," Alison called. "Self defence classes?"
"Yeah most rec centres offer some type of course on self defence we could-"
"Yes," Alison cried. "Now, lets go now."
Alison grasped Spencer's sleeve and started tugging the stubborn brunette along.
"Ali calm down we're supposed to be doing community service right now," Spencer reminded the frantic blonde.
"You're really worked up about this aren't you?" Aria noted.
"This is serious please guys come to a self defence class with me," Alison begged. "Just one I promise."
"I'm sure its good fitness," Emily tried to reason with the others.
"I almost died running the other day," Hanna argued.
"I'm sure they cater to different levels," Aria assured.
"Whats that suppose to mean?" Hanna snapped defensively crossing her arms.
"Nothing," Aria said gently. "Just that you and I will probably be three levels behind Rosewood's most promising Swimmer and Captain Hastings."
"Oh," Hanna sagged.
"Come on please guys, my treat," Alison smiled sweetly at them all.
"Fine," Spencer sighed. "But only one class."
Emily nodded happy for any kind of exercise, Aria and Hanna nodded more reluctantly but at least they were nodding. They all fanned out again to pick up more trash and Alison felt somewhat lighter even though she was now stuck in another lie. But it was a lie with a good intention. She shuddered since when had good intentions ever resulted in a positive outcome.
"I'm sorry," Spencer appeared by her side. "I didn't mean to jump down your throat like that."
"Its alright, Spencer," Alison said. "I don't blame you for not trusting me, but I am trying to change."
"I know," Spencer conceded. "Change as much as you want Alison but you and I will always butt heads."
Alison laughed softly.
"What else are little sisters for," Alison challenged and Spencer smiled softly nudging Alison.
It wasn't really an apology but Alison was still frazzled and her mind was trying to keep up with her new story. Things had definitely gotten more complicated.