I already posted this work some time ago, on an account that is now deactivated. Over the past few weeks, I've been revising it and tweaking some details, and it's finally finished. It is written in screenplay format, and has the same length as a regular one-hour television episode. I will be uploading each of the six acts once a week, starting with the teaser. When it comes to this fic, all the events of the series up to and including 6x09 ("Last Dance") are canon. In fact, the story picks up right after the end of that episode. Hope you enjoy it!
TEASER
We hear ALISON's voice before the scene begins. It's the same thing she told the Liars after receiving the first text message signed by A, on Halloween 2008.
ALISON (V.O.)
It's a secret.
INT. ROSEWOOD POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
ARIA is sitting at the table. She looks awful, and her prom dress is all dirty and even torn in several places.
Lieutenant LINDA TANNER is in the chair opposite, looking at her intently.
ARIA
When we got to the entrance and saw that it was locked... Well, we didn't know what to do, and then I thought that maybe it would open the same way our cages did. That's why...
TANNER
That's why you returned to that room with the bathtub, right?
But when the camera focuses on Aria again, it is no longer her sitting there, but HANNA. And just like her friend, she also looks terrible, both physically and psychologically.
We now realize that these are all individual interviews with each of the Liars.
HANNA
I knew it was a terrible idea. Even before opening that door, a part of me was already convinced of what we would find inside. Or... what we wouldn't find, I guess.
TANNER
And when you realized what was going on, did you immediately go back to the others?
Now it's SPENCER's turn. In addition to her generally bad appearance, she also has a bloody lip.
SPENCER
It's a little blurry, to be honest. I do remember heading back to the entrance, but then it all happened so fast. I think... I think I saw the knife, and her running towards us. And then…
(beat)
Then there was the gunshot. I almost didn't even realize that I…
Tanner stares at her in silence for a few moments.
TANNER
Listen, you've all been through an awful experience tonight. Far worse than anything in the last couple of years, which is saying something. So, if you want to go home and rest, we can wrap this up tomorrow, or any other day. There's no rush.
And finally, we see EMILY. In some ways, she looks almost the most affected of the four, and is trying very hard to hold back her sobs.
EMILY
No, I... I want to do it now. I'm going to tell you everything tonight, because I can't...
(a shaky exhale)
I can't keep thinking about it any longer. I… I need to get it out of my head.
The young woman takes a few seconds to breathe in and out. And then...
EMILY
It was all our fault.