That night, the girls met at Apple Rose Grille to discuss. Emily sat and threw her bag on the table. She rubbed her temples, relieving the headache that had been building all day. Saying goodbye to Alison had been harder than expected, and the emotional toll had left her feeling exhausted. She silently promised to keep a closer eye on her loved ones to avoid another heartbreaking death.

Aria moved to take the seat next to her. Emily grabbed her purse and placed it on the chair. Aria stood there, hurt and confused, but Emily didn't care about her feelings. She was too upset about what she'd seen earlier.

Spencer wanted to sit next to Hanna, but Aria grabbed the seat instead. Spencer's focus shifted between Emily and Aria. As she prepared to question them, a waiter came. They ordered drinks because neither of them were hungry. Spencer then sat beside Emily.

Spencer deadpanned. "So I guess Jenna's back. Yay."

None of them looked happy. Hanna shifted uncomfortably. "Wilden was acting like we were suspects or something."

Emily wrung her fingers. "Do you think we looked guilty?"

Aria raised her eyebrow. "Why would we? We did nothing wrong."

Hanna gave her a sharp look. "Except lie about the Jenna thing."

Spencer leaned closer, her tone stern. "We promised to never bring it up again. It never happened."

But it did. Emily's memories of that night replayed vividly in her mind. It was meant to be a fun night of dressing up with Alison and the others. She remembered Alison smiling at her in the mirror and asking for feedback on the shirt she was trying on. Emily told Alison she looked "super hot." The other girls thought she was joking, but Ali knew she was serious, and complimented Emily too.

But then Alison noticed Toby Cavanaugh watching from the window. Aria suggested telling someone, but Alison suggested something much bolder. She wanted to go to Toby's house and set off a stink bomb in his garage. Emily told Alison she didn't want to. But Alison's assertiveness made them agree, assuring them Toby's garage was empty.

Emily had watched as Alison lit it and threw it into Toby's garage. The girls fled as the so-called stink bomb exploded, igniting a fire. Then they heard a scream.

Jenna, Toby's stepsister, had been in the garage. The explosion had blinded her. Emily's remorse had hit her like a sledgehammer, and she knew they'd made a grave mistake.

"Have you found a way to forget?" Aria spoke in a whisper, tormented by the memories. "I still wake up in the middle of the night sometimes."

"Aria, it was an accident," Spencer maintained. "But how does 'A' know something about me that only Alison knew?"

"Ali knew all of our secrets, but we never knew any of hers."

"I knew some," Spencer said. Their eyes were on her, demanding answers. She studied their expressions, her own alternating between loyalty and fear. "Alison will kill me if I tell."

Hanna was as direct as ever. "She's dead."

Emily's stare silently scolded her crassness.

Spencer relented and said, "Fine. Ali was seeing someone that summer."

Hanna and Aria looked shocked, while Emily's eyes widened before she forced herself to remain calm. Alison told her about them? They'd sworn not to tell anyone! But it seemed Alison had broken her promise.

Emily thought about how she and Ali had become a couple. She and the girls were at her house one evening. Upon looking around, she saw Alison had exited. Curious and concerned, she went upstairs to check on her friend.

She found Alison curled up on her bed reading. "Hey, what are you doing up here?"

Alison looked up. "I love you girls, but I need some downtime."

Emily nodded. She'd watched Alison for a bit before entering and closing the door. Alison's laughter was as light as the pages she turned. "What's so funny?"

"Their names: Pip, Mr. Wopsle, Uncle Pumblechook. They all sound like stuffed animals."

They laughed together and Emily sat on the bed. Their closeness made her heart flutter, but she kept her cool.

"Can I read you something?" Alison's suggestion felt like an invitation into a secret realm. She read, her eyes alternating between the book and Emily, her words flowing with elegance. "I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be." She turned to Emily. "Is that how you feel about me?"

Emily opened her mouth to speak, but found herself at a loss for words. Alison giggled and reached out to touch her hand. "It's okay, Em. I know you do. And I feel the same way."

"You do?"

"How could I not? I like the way I feel around you—like a queen."

"You are. The queen of my world, at least."

"Show me."

Emily understood that Alison wanted her to show physical affection. She felt nervous; what if Alison didn't like the kiss? However, the expectant look on Alison's face indicated that her patience was wearing thin.

Emily, summoning her courage, closed her eyes and leaned in. Alison's lips were intoxicatingly soft. It made her nervousness fade, replaced by a warm sensation that stretched from her chest to the tips of her fingers. She wanted to stay in that position forever. But all too soon, Alison pulled away, a smile spreading across her lips.

"Wow. You're just as good as I thought you'd be."

Emily's cheeks were scarlet, and she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "So what does this mean for us?"

"I guess we're boos. But you have to swear to keep this between us. We don't want anyone interfering, do we?"

No, they didn't. But Spencer seemed to be about to.

Emily stuttered. "S-she was? Who was it?"

Spencer answered with a shrug. "She never told me their name."

Hanna's answer was quick. "Then that's only half the secret."

"It's more than you ever got from her."

Aria shook her head in frustration. "How is it that Ali told us nothing, and we told her everything?"

Emily said, "Because she made us feel like we were part of something special."

Hanna thought about that. "We were."

Aria's smile resembled Hanna's, nostalgic. "I miss that."

Spencer agreed. "Me too."

Emily's longing was clear. "I miss Ali."

Hanna judged her. "I can't believe you still wear that."

Emily realized she was referring to the bracelet she'd been unconsciously playing with. It was the friendship bracelet Alison had given to them after the Jenna incident. But hers wasn't just a friendship bracelet. It was a symbol of Ali's love.

"Ali still wears hers." Emily's voice faltered as reality set in, causing her to rephrase her statement. "Wore."

Spencer set her glass down, the clink accentuating her sad reflection. "When Ali didn't come home that night, I knew something terrible must have happened. But there was always a part of me that thought she'd show up."

Aria's voice carried a wistful note. "Yeah. I always thought she ran off with some guy."

"Or was lying on a beach somewhere."

Hanna's words were a daydream spoken aloud, her eyes moving upward. "Or getting a tan by the pool with that hot lifeguard."

Emily leaned back, her arms crossed over her chest. She felt possessive—Alison was hers, not some stupid lifeguards.

They continued to spin fantasies. "Okay, we get it," Emily spat.

They looked at her, confused. Aria's question was friendly. "What's wrong with you, Em? You've been on edge all day."

"Our friend died. Of course I'm in a bad mood."

"Yeah, but it feels like you're mad at me. Are you?"

Emily didn't answer. When the door opened, she focused her attention on it. A man with dirty blonde hair and subtle facial hair walked in. Her eyes flashed with recognition. "Jason?"

Aria's eyes fell on Jason DiLaurentis, Alison's older brother. She immediately looked away, her fingers doing an anxious dance. Jason's stare was strong, lingering on her before spreading through the group. "You're Ali's friends, right?"

"Yes, we are," Spencer confirmed. "We didn't know you were back. Did you go to the funeral?"

"Yeah. I was late and slipped in the back."

"So you're staying in Rosewood?"

"I'm just here for the day."

"Good," Aria mumbled. His displeasure was clear, as was the disapproval on the girls' faces.

Spencer gestured to an empty chair. "You can pull up a chair and join us if you like."

Aria's objection was quick. "No he can't."

Emily spoke up. "Aria, don't be mean."

"Whatever. I need some air."

She got up and left. Jason's quick pursuit after her indicated their unresolved conflict. The group became confused in their absence. Hanna asked, "What's wrong with them?"

Emily didn't know and wasn't sure she wanted to. Aria had way too many secrets, and they were driving her crazy.

Aria stormed out of the Grille, Jason running after her with earnest pleas. She ignored him, not wanting to deal with the memories his presence evoked. Moving to Iceland had helped her forget him and the events that had followed Alison's disappearance. But seeing him a year later brought back the awkward confusion of that day.

It was all Aria's fault. Her father's news of going to Iceland had made her storm out in rage. She wanted to stay in Rosewood to find out if Alison was in danger or playing a trick on them. So her feet had brought her to Alison's house, where she paced outside until a harsh voice disturbed her.

"Can I help you?" Jason had said in a gruff tone, as if he didn't like her intrusion.

Aria jumped in shock. "Sorry!" She stepped forward and gestured to the house. "I keep thinking if I stay here, she'll come back."

Jason studied her. "You're Alison's friend, right? Ariana?"

"Aria."

"Right." Staring at his bottle, he seemed conflicted. Aria sat beside him on the front steps.

"Are you okay?"

He kept looking down. "I know this is a strange question, but do you ever feel like you've done something bad, but you can't remember it?"

Aria's eyes flickered to the bottle. "Is it related to the alcohol in your hands?"

"Sort of."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm not even sure where to start. I got drunk last night, woke up, and found out Alison was missing. And I have a horrible feeling."

"You think you did something?"

"It's possible."

Aria shook her head. "You and Alison had problems, but she was still your sister. You'd never hurt her."

"Not sober, but the alcohol could've made me—" he started, but Aria cut him off, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You're innocent," she said with certainty.

He stared at her with hope. "You really believe that?"

"I do, and I need you to believe it, too."

His lips curved into a slight smile. "You know, the rest of Alison's friends are annoying, but you're decent."

Aria laughed, a reminder that there was room for joy even in the worst moments. "Well, since we're being honest, I always thought you were a little mean."

His laughter joined hers. "What? I'm not."

"Yes, you are. I can't count how many times you've yelled at Alison."

"I had every right. She was always touching my stuff," Jason said. "Don't worry, though. I can't imagine yelling at you."

After a while, his expression became more serious. "Life has thrown me a few curveballs, and today might have topped them all. But you're like a breath of fresh air. Thanks for letting me vent."

"Things will get better for you, Jason. You seem like a good guy."

"I'm a mess."

"Aren't we all?"

He laughed before he turned to face the house. "I should go see how my mom's doing. Do you think we could do this again sometime?"

"I would, but my dad just told us we're moving to Iceland for a year."

"Oh..." Jason's expression changed. "Well, I'm sure you'll have fun. Anywhere's better than Rosewood. Send me a postcard or something," he joked.

She laughed and nodded. They looked at each other, a moment that felt significant. Then he leaned in and Aria assumed he wanted to kiss her, so she met him halfway and pressed her lips against his. It felt perfect, but he only wanted to kiss her cheek. Realizing her mistake, Aria quickly pulled away.

"Oh my god! I am so sorry!"

"Don't be. I'm not mad."

"I am!" The words burst out of her, bringing her to her feet. "I have to go."

"Aria!" Jason's call was a lifeline that came too late. She was already adrift, swept away by a tide of embarrassment. Moving to Iceland had suddenly felt like a welcome escape.

In the present, Jason continued to seek her out. "Aria, can you wait?"

"I don't want to talk, Jason!"

"You can't avoid me forever! This town is too small!"

"Lucky for me, you're leaving tonight!"

"I don't want us to be on bad terms when I do!" he said, turning her around to face him. Aria's eyes darted around, but not at him. "Look, I'm not angry about what happened between us. You misunderstood the situation. Who cares?"

"I care!" she shouted, her voice full of horror. "Do you know what Alison will do if she finds out I kissed you?"

"Aria, she's dead. Does the funeral ring a bell?" His reminder was a cold dose of reality. "And I've been feeling lost all day. I was hoping I could count on you again."

"We both know that won't end well. Just leave me alone."

She fled once more. "Aria!"

Aria yelled over her shoulder. "Jason, stop!"

And suddenly, as if summoned by the drama, he appeared—Mr. Fitz. Ezra. "Miss, is he bothering you?"

Aria was shocked. What was he doing there? But she had to play along and pretend he was a good Samaritan.

Jason bristled at his accusation. "Excuse me?"

"Did you not hear my question? I'd be happy to repeat it for you."

"I'm not bothering her, jackass. I know her."

Aria's hand went to her forehead. Were they really arguing in the middle of the sidewalk? And did Jason have to disrespect him? She prayed it wouldn't get physical because she knew Jason could get rough when he was angry.

"Well, you should go," Ezra said, his stance firm.

Jason moved closer. "Who the hell are you to tell me to leave?"

"A concerned citizen," Ezra said. "Can't you see she doesn't want to talk?"

Jason turned to Aria and asked her directly. "Do you want me to leave, Aria?"

He waited, his eyes begging her to choose his side. But she didn't. "I do."

His face fell, showing disappointment. He held her gaze, searching for a glimpse of the connection they shared. But Aria's silence was too wide to bridge. With a defeated "Whatever," Jason left, leaving her with the "concerned citizen." She waited until it was safe to turn to Ezra. "Ezra, what are you doing here?"

He gestured towards the Grille. "I was about to grab a bite when I noticed he was giving you a hard time. Who is he?"

"Alison's brother."

Ezra's eyes remained on the Grille. "They act alike, don't they?"

How did he know how Alison acted? Ezra noticed the doubt in her eyes and quickly clarified, "I've heard students talking about her. The stories aren't flattering."

"Yeah, she was...complicated. But Jason isn't bad, just troubled," Aria defended.

"I don't want his troubles to become yours. You should stay away from him."

"He's leaving town tonight. That's the last time I'll see him."

"Good."

Aria sighed. "Well, I should get home. I need to figure out how I'm going to sleep tonight."

Ezra's flirtation was a ray of sunshine in the otherwise dark evening. "If you can't sleep, you can always call me."

Aria replied playfully, resting her palm on his chest. "How about we make it a routine? Calling each other before bed?"

"I'd like that."

She grinned and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. But she had to stop to avoid being seen by her friends. So she left, overjoyed that she'd found a boyfriend. And even more overjoyed that he was one of the good ones.

…

Aria sat at the dining table, the morning sun streaming through the window. Ella was cooking pancakes, while Mike scrolled through his phone and nibbled on a piece of bread. Aria enjoyed the quiet.

Her father wasn't there, which explained things. She didn't know why he skipped breakfast, but felt relieved. She didn't want to see his face or be dragged into another argument. She didn't want to look like the aggressor again.

No matter how much her mother wanted them to get along, it was impossible. Aria's hatred for him ran too deep, and every interaction ended in criticism and anger.

Ella set a plate of blueberry pancakes in front of her. "Here you go, sweetie."

"Thanks, Mom."

As Ella served Mike and then herself, they fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the clinking of cutlery. Ella's thoughts turned to words. "I'm still thinking about the funeral. I had to look twice to make sure that was Hanna."

Aria chuckled, remembering her own surprise at Hanna's change. "Right?"

"That was some funeral dress. Her mother didn't get that from Curvy Girl."

"Who shops at Curvy Girl?" Byron inquired as he walked in.

Aria suppressed her displeasure, concentrating on the syrupy sweetness of her pancakes as Ella spoke. "No one, anymore." Byron picked up his bag and coffee mug. "Do you not have time for breakfast?"

"No. I'll probably be late tonight, too."

Aria's curiosity peaked. Late? Doing what?

Ella's concern echoed through the room. "Late already? We just got here."

Aria leaned in, studying Byron's face for clues. "Yeah. What's that about?"

"Being gone for a year. Playing catch-up. Faculty meetings. Changing my curriculum. Demanding students."

"Maybe your family's demands should come first."

Ella and Mike didn't understand the root of Aria's continued hostility. But Byron understood. He returned her glare with a tilt of his head, a quiet demand that she stop. But she wasn't going to until he told the truth. And since that was never going to happen, she decided to leave.

"Let's go, Mike."

"I'm eating," Mike insisted, his mouth half full.

"Let's go!"

Mike huffed, grabbed his things, and headed for the door. Aria followed, but before she could go anywhere, her mother's voice stopped her. "Aria, wait!"

Aria stopped with her back to her mother. Ella was going to confront her about Byron, but she didn't want to talk about him. She turned around anyway. "Yes?"

Ella spoke with a worried look. "What's going on between you two?"

"Nothing."

"Aria, you argued with him every day in Iceland, claiming he deserved it. He did something to upset you, and I'd like to know what."

Aria pursed her lips, the truth burning inside her like an unquenchable fire. This was her chance to speak. She couldn't keep this secret any longer; it felt like a poison eating away at her insides. She hated enabling her father's deception, pretending everything was normal when it wasn't.

Unfortunately, Byron came just as she was about to open up. He wrapped his arm around Ella, his touch almost possessive. "They need to get going, Ella. We don't want them to be late."

Aria glared at him. He was doing everything he could to hide his affair, wasn't he? "You can't be serious," she said, her voice full of hatred. "Do you really think you can sweep this under the rug?"

"Aria, this is not the time," he said.

"When will it be time, Dad? When are you gonna stop pretending everything's fine?"

Ella looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

Byron stepped forward, trying to keep control. "That's enough. This isn't the time for this discussion."

"You know what? You're right. This isn't the time." She stormed out. She understood that leaving would postpone the truth, but she needed to get away from the toxic environment her father had created.

Mike followed her. "Why do you hate him?"

"Trust me, you don't want to know."

Spencer awoke. She lay still for a moment, the resentment building in her chest. The barn incident was still on her mind. But it wasn't just the barn; it was the years of playing second fiddle to Melissa. And of trying to earn her parents' approval only to be overshadowed again and again. Spencer refused to let it go this time.

She threw off the covers and crawled out of bed, her mind focused on one goal: to get ready and leave. As she went through her morning routine, she could hear voices murmuring downstairs. Her mother and Melissa were clearly talking about something she wasn't interested in.

Steeling herself, she went downstairs. As she entered the kitchen, her mother and Melissa's conversation stopped. Spencer refused to acknowledge their presence, keeping her eyes straight ahead. She stepped to the counter, where a basket of muffins waited, each one identical to the last, reflecting the Hastings' obsession with perfection.

Her mother's voice broke the silence. "Good morning, Spencer."

Spencer reached for a muffin, deliberately slowing her movements to enjoy the act of defiance. Her mother didn't appreciate being ignored. "I said good morning."

"I don't talk to traitors."

"Excuse me?"

Spencer turned, her words cutting like an arrow. "You and Dad are liars."

Melissa's eye roll was a theatrical display of annoyance. "Is this about the barn?"

"The barn I poured my soul into all summer! You did nothing, yet here you are reaping the rewards because you're their favorite!"

"Spencer, that's ridiculous. We love you both equally," Veronica said.

"Your actions tell a different story. Sometimes I wonder if I even belong in this family."

"Enough," Veronica sighed. "We didn't lie to you. We made a decision that we thought was best for everyone."

"Best for everyone? Or best for Melissa?"

"Please stop making a scene over a barn!" Melissa snapped.

"See? My feelings are constantly being belittled. So I'm not going to that stupid dinner."

"My engagement is 'stupid'?" Melissa's offense was obvious.

"You're stupid."

Veronica's plea was weary. "Oh, girls, please! I can't mediate this with one cup of coffee."

"Whatever, I'm leaving." As Spencer reached for the doorknob, it swung open and Wren stepped inside. She jerked back as a flashback flooded her mind. She saw Wren's face, his hands on her neck, and his fingers trailing down her spine, stopping just short of where she'd feared they'd go. It was a moment that left her feeling violated.

She wasn't sure what he was trying to do, but she wasn't going to fall for it. She'd learned her lesson from Ian.

Wren noticed the tension in the room. "What's going on?"

Melissa's answer was short. "Spencer's upset about the barn."

"Oh." He spoke thoughtfully. "Well, maybe we can work something out."

Melissa reacted immediately. "What?"

He sounded nonchalant as his hands went into his pockets. "Maybe we should let Spencer use the barn whenever she wants."

"No thanks." Spencer walked out of the kitchen without another word. She didn't want to be in a place where her feelings were ignored and her efforts undervalued.

Her phone buzzed outside. She pulled it out and her heart sank when she saw a message from an unfamiliar number. The text read, "Spencer?"

Was it A? Probably not. A would block their number and sign off with -A.

Spencer hesitated before answering. "Who is this?"

A little later, her phone buzzed again. "It's Wren."

Her skin crawled at the thought of him knowing her number. How did he get it? From Melissa's phone? Melissa certainly didn't give it to him willingly.

Her thumbs hovered over the keyboard as she debated on what to say. But the longer she thought, the angrier she felt. She wanted nothing to do with Wren. His presence was a trigger for bad memories and suspicions. So Spencer didn't answer his message. Instead, she blocked his number. Then she put her phone in her pocket and walked to school.

…

Spencer walked through the halls of Rosewood High with one goal in mind: to find Aria. Last night at the Grille had been unusual. Jason DiLaurentis had been there, and his interaction with Aria intrigued Spencer.

Jason had been distraught after Aria left. Spencer had offered for him to join her and the others again, but he declined. His spirits were low and his appetite was gone. So he grabbed a napkin and pen from the table, wrote ten numbers on it, and handed it to Spencer.

"Give this to Aria," Jason had instructed. "For when she's ready to talk."

Then he left, leaving Spencer with a napkin and a head full of questions. She didn't remember Jason and Aria being close, so why did she need his phone number? The whole situation felt odd.

Spencer saw Aria at her locker, her small frame nearly obscured by the crowd of passing students. She approached her with the napkin folded in her hand. "Here, Aria." Spencer held it out to her. "This is Jason's number. He said it's for when you're ready to talk."

Aria's concern was obvious. "Did he tell you anything?"

"No. I'd ask you, but you're the best secret keeper."

"Well, I don't want his number. If he has something to say, he can say it to my face."

"He tried. You walked away." Spencer's curiosity was a physical presence now. "Jason didn't hurt you, did he?"

Aria's denial was quick. "No, it's just...something happened last year that I'm gonna regret for the rest of my life."

Spencer offered her support without delving deeper. "Well, if you need anything or want to talk about it, I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Spence. I appreciate it." Aria reluctantly accepted the napkin and put it in her pocket. Spencer wasn't sure if she would call him, but she hoped they could work out their problems.

Hanna and her mother stood together in front of the mirror, each gazing at their reflection. Hanna smoothed her hair while her mother applied lipstick.

"How do I look?" Ashley inquired.

"Perfect," Hanna replied, applying gloss to her own lips.

As they finished their morning routine, Hanna became drawn to the sound of the television. Her attention shifted to the TV as the news anchor's voice filled the room. "In other news, Detective Darren Wilden held a press conference this morning."

The picture on the TV changed to Detective Wilden standing in front of a group of reporters. Hanna's stomach turned at the sight of him. She despised seeing his face, as well as the fact that her mother was sleeping with him. And she hated that he seemed to be out to get her and her friends.

Wilden's voice rang across the room. "The coroner released his findings this morning, and although Alison DiLaurentis' body showed signs of blunt-force head trauma, the cause of her death was suffocation."

Hanna felt a shiver run down her spine. She turned to her mother, whose eyes had darkened. Without saying anything, Ashley grabbed the remote and turned off the TV.

"I don't want to think about what the police are saying, and neither should you. Try to remember Alison as the beautiful girl you knew," Ashley suggested.

"That's not what I'm worried about. Is he coming back?" Hanna alluded to Wilden.

Ashley sighed, a resigned look on her face. "Yes, he's coming back, Hanna."

"Why?! It was one pair of sunglasses, and they were from last season!"

"Someone has to clean up your mess, right?"

Hanna's inability to accept the situation became apparent as she rifled through her mother's purse. "What are you doing?" Ashley asked.

"You have his number, right? I'm gonna call and tell him to arrest me, because I don't want you squeezing his grapefruit anymore."

Ashley's hand caught Hanna's as she was about to dial. "Until he gets the store to drop the charges for your shopping spree, we're not kicking anyone to the curb. The last thing we want is an enemy on the force."

"I get it, okay? But I didn't expect to have to get him a Father's Day card."

"Hanna, enough."

"Whatever." She changed the subject. "Did Dad call?"

"So you did shoplift to get his attention."

"Did he?" Hanna persisted.

"No, Hanna."

"Oh." Her disappointment was hidden under an exterior of indifference.

"I'm sorry, honey," Ashley said, her voice full of pity. "I know you want him here, but..."

"I don't. Things are better this way."

Maybe if she said it enough, she'd believe it.

…

"What do you mean, you were at Alison's funeral?" Hanna questioned as she and Mona walked through the crowded hallway. "You hated Alison."

"The whole town was there. It would've looked bad if I didn't show up. Besides, enemy or not, she didn't deserve what happened to her." Mona halted, her face serious. "Anyway, how are you holding up?"

Hanna sighed, the weight of the world in her voice. "Honestly? I wish this never happened. Now Detective Wilden is hooking up with my mom."

Mona's eyebrows arched. "I didn't know Mama Marin got down like that."

"He caught me shoplifting on tape. My mom is making the sacrifice to keep me out of juvie." She looked at Mona curiously. "How didn't you get caught?"

Mona answered with a careless shrug. "I'm more discreet."

"You'll have to teach me."

Mona's forehead creased. "You want to continue? Hanna, you've got a detective on your tail."

"I don't have a choice. My dad didn't come back." Mona looked lost. Hanna elaborated on the story she'd kept private. "My parents split up and I haven't seen him since. But I want to. So I do risky things."

Mona's reaction was a combination of sympathy and solidarity. "Oh, Hanna. I'm so sorry. But you don't need his attention. You have me."

"Yeah, but nothing can replace a father's love, you know?"

"I do, actually. I wish my father was here, but he's not. So I guess we won't be stopping our reckless behavior anytime soon," Mona remarked, a sardonic smirk on her lips.

Hanna smiled appreciatively before Mona's eyes shifted. "I spy a Sean."

Hanna followed her gaze. She saw her boyfriend, Sean Ackard, moving through the crowd. She called out and hurried to close the distance. "Sean! Don't pretend you don't see me!"

Sean turned, surprise on his face. "I didn't. I was rushing to class."

"That can wait." Hanna's fingers trailed down his neck with seductive intent. Her lips touched his jawline and moved to his mouth. Sean tried to pull away, but her grip tightened, pulling him closer as her kiss grew more intense. The hallway was alive with whispers, making Sean uncomfortably aware of the attention they were receiving.

He broke the kiss and took a step back to catch his breath. "Hanna," he muttered. "We're at school..."

"So? We don't do this outside of school."

"You know I'm not big on PDA."

"And you're waiting until you get married to have sex." She looked at him suspiciously. "But is that really what you want? Or is it because of your dad?"

"I'm really into the virginity club. I thought you understood that."

"I do. I just wish we had a more physical relationship."

"You know what they say. Good things come to those who wait." His smile was bright, but Hanna's was forced. He kissed her on the cheek and left.

Mona stood beside Hanna, her eyes following Sean's retreating figure. "Sean's still holding on to his virginity?"

"Yup."

"Okay, I don't want to pressure you, but you've been dating for months. If you're not together in that way, how do you know you're together-together?" Her words hovered between them, questioning the foundation of Hanna's relationship. "Maybe you're not."

Hanna stood frozen. Sean's abstinence had always been a source of conflict, but she'd accepted his choice, or so she thought. Now doubt crept in, planting seeds of uncertainty.

"How do you know you're together-together?" That question made Hanna wonder if her relationship was as solid as she thought. But did she really need to force Sean to violate his commitment? Was that the only way to strengthen their relationship?

Mona had made her rethink everything. She needed to talk to Sean to understand his point of view and express her own. That was the only way they could move forward: together.

Emily sat outside her house, waiting for Maya to arrive. She was looking forward to introducing Maya to her mother, since her mother hadn't been present when she welcomed Maya to the neighborhood. Emily had to wait for her boyfriend, Ben, to drive her to school, so it made sense to make the most of the time.

Emily sipped from the flask she had borrowed from Hanna. She wanted something to take the edge off. Alison was gone, and her heart still ached from her absence. But she was also hiding a serious secret: Aria's relationship with Mr. Fitz. She needed to tell Spencer and Hanna. They'd help her figure out what to do.

The incident at the Grille had added to her concerns. Aria and Jason's odd interaction hinted at a hidden past. But none of them had spoken to Jason before. However, she wouldn't be surprised if Aria had—and maybe done more than talk.

Emily was even more worried about Jenna. She was constantly on guard, looking over her shoulder to make sure Jenna wasn't lurking nearby. She suspected Jenna was up to something big and sinister. The only thing that could make things worse was if Toby Cavanaugh reappeared.

"Emily!"

Emily's face lit up when she saw Maya. "You look nice today," she said as Maya sat next to her.

"Thanks," Maya said. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, avoiding Emily's stare. "I'm sorry I didn't come to the funeral. I didn't know Alison, so it didn't seem appropriate."

"I understand," Emily said before taking another sip from the flask.

"Can I have a sip?"

"Sure." Emily handed it over and watched as Maya took a sip, the alcohol seeming to have no effect on her, unlike the burn it caused in Emily's throat.

"You look tired," Emily observed.

Maya let out a big sigh. "I didn't get much sleep. My mom found another one of Alison's boxes in the basement. There were pictures of her." She paused. "She's everywhere. And that poster..."

"Someone should take those posters down. It hurts too much to look at them," Emily confessed.

The air fell silent, punctuated only by passing cars. After a minute, Maya's eyes went to Emily's wrist. "You must love that bracelet. I've never seen you without it."

Emily's fingers stopped as she realized she was fiddling with the bracelet again. It was a habit she developed whenever she was upset, anxious, or any other negative emotion. But when she was around Maya, those unpleasant feelings dissipated. She brought light to Emily's life in a way more comforting than alcohol ever could be.

She trusted Maya enough to share her buried memories and emotions. "I'm ready to tell you the truth about Alison." Maya's surprised eyes stayed focused on Emily, awaiting her next words. "We were together."

"Oh wow," Maya replied, her face full of realization as the pieces fell into place. "That makes sense. But how did your boyfriend come into the picture?"

"He's just a rebound," Emily said. "I would've picked a girl, but..."

Maya understood. "You're in the closet."

"My mom would freak out." Emily looked down at her lap, her movements revealing her inner anguish. "I'm not happy about what I did. I tried to wait for Ali as long as I could, but it got too hard. Ben was available, and we have things in common, like swimming. So I did it, not knowing if Ali was alive or dead." She paused, her question vulnerable and raw. "Is that cheating?"

"I guess not, since she was dead."

"Yeah, I guess."

Maya handed the flask back to Emily, her eyes indicating that Emily could use another sip. But Emily's mother stepped outside, prompting Emily to tuck the flask into her bag.

"Maya?" Pam called out.

Maya approached her with outstretched arms. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Fields!"

"You too. I'd welcome you to the neighborhood, but with everything going on..."

"Yeah, it's hard to feel welcome when your backyard is a crime scene."

"Still?"

"It's where people come to be close to Alison," Maya explained. "They light candles and leave teddy bears. And I understand that, but it still feels like her house."

Emily interrupted, her voice soft but full of sympathy. "I can understand why you can't sleep."

After a pause, Pam proposed an idea. "Maya, why don't you stay with us? You can sleep in Emily's room."

"Thank you."

"Mhm," Pam hummed, shifting her focus away from them. "Oh, there goes Ben!"

Emily saw Ben's car pull up. She turned to her mother and said goodbye. Then she went to the car with Maya. Emily sat in the front, and Maya got in the back.

"Hey, Em," Ben said as he leaned in for a kiss on her cheek. His eyes then darted to the back seat, sizing up their newcomer. "You're the new girl?"

Maya buckled her seatbelt. "Name's Maya."

"Hi Maya. I'm Emily's man."

Emily fastened her own seatbelt, her voice irritated. "She knows that, Ben."

"Okay, damn. I just wanted to introduce myself to my passenger," he replied, trying to regain his composure. "We going to the movies later?"

"Can't. My mom invited Maya to stay with us tonight."

Ben smirked as he turned his eyes back to Maya. "What kind of pajamas are you wearing, new girl?"

"I don't think that's any of your business."

Ben chuckled and turned back to the road. "What a feisty one. Reminds me of Alison."

Emily shot him an angry look. She could tell Maya was uncomfortable by the way she shifted in her seat. Ben, oblivious to their reactions, began to drive.

The atmosphere in the car was tense. Emily looked at Maya in the rearview mirror and gave her a sympathetic look. But Maya looked out the window as if in deep contemplation, and said nothing. When they arrived at Rosewood High, she hurriedly thanked Ben and got out of the car, as if she wanted to escape. Emily followed suit, but Ben grabbed her arm. "Hey. I'd like to spend time alone with you sometime."

"We always spend time together."

"Sure, but we don't do anything romantic. You don't even kiss me."

"Ben, my friend just died. Cut me some slack."

Ben leaned in. "That's why we should do the deed. You need a distraction."

His hand found its way to her thigh, an unwanted invasion of her personal space. Emily pushed it away, her eyes filled with anger. "Yeah, I do need a distraction. But it won't be with you."

She opened the car door and jumped out, slamming it harder than necessary. She walked away, her thoughts jumbled with anger. They'd been dating for a month, but all they talked about was sex. It made her wonder if he really loved her for who she was, beyond her physical appearance. If he didn't, that was okay; she didn't love him either. If Alison were alive, she wouldn't even be with someone who was only interested in one thing.

Maya had disappeared, most likely slipping into the school, leaving Emily to navigate the emptiness. When she stepped through the doors, she found Aria instead of Maya. "Emily, can we talk?"

"We have to get to class, Aria," Emily said, her tone harsh, but her pace slowed, showing her willingness to listen.

"Can you at least tell me what I did wrong? You've been acting weird."

"You too. What's going on with you and Jason?"

"Nothing," she said, a classic evasion.

"Keeping another secret?"

Aria's feigned ignorance was easy to see through. "What secret?"

Emily quoted her. "Nothing. Just know I'm disappointed in you."

The loudspeaker broke their stalemate. The principal called out names like a roll call of the damned. "Will the following students report to the office? Emily Fields, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, and Hanna Marin."

Emily exchanged glances with Aria, who seemed equally perplexed. Her phone buzzed, drawing her attention. She pulled it out to see a text message from an unknown number. The message was simple but chilling:

Dead girls walking.
-A