Notes:

So basically I wanted to show my vision and a dream of how the girls' flashback era should've been in the show. Almost everything will navigate with canon scenes, but I will also add some moments of my own that will help me build up the ground to tell a slightly different story than it was in the first seasons of the series. This is also emison-centric but I will try to unravel all the main characters so that they are interesting to follow and develop other couples.
P.S. There will be a lot of triggering topics much darker than in the show, so please read the tags carefully!

Chapter 1.

Emily had learned early on that nothing in her life was ever permanent. Growing up in a military family meant living out of suitcases and leaving behind every place just as it started to feel familiar. Cities blurred together, homes were temporary, and friendships were more like fleeting acquaintances. The idea of having a place to call "home" was foreign to her - her life was always on the move, a never-ending journey to somewhere else.

So, when her parents sat her down a month ago to announce yet another move - this time to a town near a military base outside Philadelphia, Emily wasn't surprised. She'd already perfected the art of saying goodbye before she could get too attached. But something in her shifted this time. She was tired of being the girl who passed through towns like a ghost. This time, she wanted something real. She wasn't just going to make new friends; she was going to findthefriends - girls she could truly connect with, girls she'd do anything for. Emily was ready for a fresh start, and she wasn't leaving without building something that could last, even if everything else around her didn't.

Rosewood was small town, but to Emily, it felt full of possibilities. The very night her parents told her they were moving, she dove into the internet, hungry for any scrap of information about it. As the screen flickered with search results, a picture of Rosewood began to form in her mind: quaint streets, close-knit communities, and a high school that seemed to offer more than she could've hoped for.

The Rosewood High website caught her eye almost immediately. Not only did the school boast top-notch academics, but it was also brimming with clubs and activities that seemed to cover every interest imaginable. But what really made Emily's pulse quicken was the school's reputation for its competitive swimming teams. She had always felt at home in the water, and the thought of diving into a new team, pushing herself alongside talented athletes, stirred something inside her. Joining that team wasn't just a goal, it was a promise she made to herself. A fresh start in a new place where she could finally belong, both in the pool and out of it. She was already impatient to get there, her mind racing with what Rosewood could become for her.

That's how Emily spent the final days of summer before starting the seventh grade - packing up yet another house. She and her mother folded clothes and carefully boxed up the little trinkets they'd gathered during their six months in Illinois, every item a reminder of a place they were already leaving behind. As they wrapped up dishes and tucked away memories, they chatted about how they'd decorate their new home, imagining fresh starts and new routines. They talked about the picnic they'd finally take when her dad got a rare break from work, picturing a peaceful afternoon where, for once, they could just be a full family. Despite the constant change swirling around her, there was a comforting rhythm to these moments - a bittersweet kind of normalcy in packing up one life to begin another.

Emily considered herself a pretty ordinary thirteen years old girl, and she was perfectly content with that. She never felt the need to stand out or draw special attention; she craved simplicity, a peaceful existence surrounded by her parents and close friends. Her mother had instilled those values in her from a young age, painting a picture of a future filled with quiet happiness. "One day," her mother would say, "you'll graduate from college, meet some special boy, and settle into a life of love and calm."

That image had stuck with Emily over the years, shaping her dreams. Whenever she thought about her future, she envisioned a cozy house in the countryside, sunlight streaming through the windows, and the warmth of family all around her. It wasn't a life of grandeur or excitement, but one of deep contentment - a place where she could find peace and belong. For her, that dream was enough.

Two weeks had passed since the Fields family settled into Rosewood, and the days had been a blur of unpacking boxes and arranging furniture. Wayne Fields, Emily's father, had stayed for the first week, helping with the initial chaos of moving into their new home. It wasn't anything spectacular: a modest house tucked away from the main street, with its worn gray-white walls and quiet charm, but it was enough for them. It felt like a fresh start.

For Emily, the highlight of the house was her new room on the second floor. She'd carefully decorated it in soft pastel shades, making it a personal haven. But what she loved most was the cozy little window nook she had claimed as her own. It was the perfect spot to curl up with a book or gaze out at the world, especially when it rained. There was something romantic about imagining sitting there, watching raindrops slide down the glass, creating stories and possibilities unfolding just beyond the misty horizon. In that corner, she felt like she could belong, not just in her room, but in Rosewood itself.

Today was Labor Day, marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year - a day Emily had both dreaded and anticipated for weeks. She stirred awake to the gentle touch of her mother, Pam, softly urging her out of bed. The woman understood how much this day meant to her daughter. It wasn't just the first day of school; it was the start of a completely new chapter. After weeks of settling into their new home, this was the moment that truly mattered: walking into a new school, facing a sea of unfamiliar faces, and hoping to find her place among them.

Emily lay there for a moment, her heart fluttering with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Today wasn't just about classes and textbooks. It was about making an impression, meeting new people, and hoping, maybe even daring to find the kind of friends she'd always imagined. It was her chance to turn this new life in Rosewood into something more than just another stop along the way.

"Good morning, sweetheart. After you wash up, come downstairs, I've made you breakfast"

"Ugh.. mom, what time is it?" Emily yawned loudly, rubbing her eyes. She was so nervous yesterday that she couldn't sleep, and when she finally managed to calm down and pass out, it was already 2 a.m.

"It's 7:30, Emy, so I think you'd better hurry up and get up" Pam was already standing at the door of the room, preparing to go downstairs

"What?!" Emily literally felt her body jolting at her mother's words and quickly jumped out of bed. How can it be that the time was already 7.30? School started at 8.15 and that means she hadonly45 minutes to get ready and drive there! "Mom, I've told yesterday to wake me up at 7! I will be late and it's my first day! What kind of first impression I will make?!"

"Emily, don't panic, the road will take about 10 minutes, I'll drive you there and besides, half an hour is plenty of time to wash up and get dressed, especially since you prepared your outfit yesterday" The woman was already walking down the stairs and Emily sighed. Yes, it was true that practically she was prepared since yesterday, But now, with a clearer mind, doubt began to creep in. The outfit she'd carefully chosen the night before - simple and versatile, perfect for any occasion suddenly felt all wrong. What if it was too plain? What if she ended up embarrassing herself on her first day? Rosewood wasn't just any small town, after all. Even though the school wasn't private, Emily knew it wasn't filled with the kids of the local poor either. During her initial walks through the town, she had been struck by the grandeur of the homes lining the streets, one more impressive than the next, each a statement of wealth and status.

By comparison, her family's new house felt modest, almost bland. Not that she was ashamed of where she came from - her family meant everything to her, but the difference was hard to ignore. What if the kids at school will notice it too? What if they will see her as just another boring girl, out of place in a town where appearances seemed to mean everything? As these thoughts raced through her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that this first impression would meanmuchmore than she'd originally thought.

After running through every possible scenario of how the day might unfold, Emily headed to the bathroom to wash her face, hoping the cool water would calm her nerves. She moved quickly, applying light, nearly invisible makeup, then pulled out her outfit: a soft navy sweater and a dark gray skirt that fell just below her knees.

As she caught her reflection in the mirror, a familiar face stared back: dark, almost jet-black hair framing bronzed skin and chocolate eyes. Emily was of mixed Asian descent, and while she'd never felt out of place in her own skin, she knew her physical appearance set her apart from most of the towns and schools her family had passed through.

Rosewood was no different. They were often one of the few families of color wherever they went, and her father had always reminded her to be proud of her heritage. But he had also warned her that pride wouldn't always protect her from how others might perceive her.

She straightened up, noticing her height in the mirror. At her age, she was taller than most girls, but her body still in that awkward phase where her figure hadn't yet fully blossomed.

The girl stood there, hesitating as she debated whether to pull her hair into a ponytail or let it fall loose. The ponytail was her go-to practical, easy, and comfortable. It was how she usually wore her hair every day. But something about today felt different. Loose hair, with its soft dark waves framing her face, gave her a certain charm, a hint of femininity she didn't often acknowledge. It was a small thing, but to her, it felt like an embrace of the parts of herself she rarely showed.

In the end, she stopped on the second option. After all, wasn't that the point of dressing up? To feel feminine, to present a version of herself that was pleasing to the eye, even if it didn't always make her feel entirely comfortable. She wasn't dressing for anyone in particular, obviously, but there was something about the ritual, the act of softening her edges, that made her feel more ready for whatever lay ahead. Today was about making a good impression, and maybe, just maybe, this small change would be the start of something new.

She went down to the kitchen, quickly swallowing the waffles and coffee her mom had made for her. After 10 minutes she was already walking out of the house while her mom was looking for her car keys.

The car ride was quiet, the only sound the hum of the engine as the landscape passed by in a blur. Emily, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement, stared out the window, too lost in her thoughts to speak. The closer they got to the school, the tighter the knot in her stomach grew. She hadn't realized they were nearly there until the car slowed, turning onto the road by the school.

Pam glanced at her daughter, her voice soft but steady. "Emily, I can see how nervous you are, but don't worry. I'm sure everything will go well today. You're the sweetest, kindest girl I know, and others will see that too." She reached over, brushing a loose strand of Emily's hair behind her ear. "I love you, sunshine." With a gentle kiss on her forehead, she smiled, her warmth radiating through the car, offering the comfort Emily didn't realize she needed.

Emily returned the smile, feeling a little lighter, if only for a moment, before she stepped out of the car. "Love you too, mom" she said, before closing the door. "You don't have to pick me up after school, I'll be fine walking home".

"Okay, hon. I'll make your favorite lasagna for dinner then". Emily thanked her mother and the woman left.

Emily stood in front of the school building, taking a deep breath as her eyes swept over the unfamiliar structure. The trip had been quicker than she expected, leaving her with 15 minutes to spare before her first class. She could feel the weight of her nerves pressing down, but there was no turning back now.

Still without her schedule, she knew her first stop had to be the principal's office. Clutching her bag a little tighter, she exhaled slowly and began walking toward the entrance. Each step felt heavier than the last, but she reminded herself of her mother's words —she just needed to get through the first day.

Despite the short time left before classes started, the campus buzzed with energy. Groups of students were scattered across the grounds: some chatting animatedly on benches, a couple wrapped in an embrace near the lawn, and others simply standing in clusters, laughing and catching up. The air felt light, filled with excitement as if many were reuniting after the long summer break.

Emily observed it all, the cheerful faces and carefree conversations, feeling like a quiet observer in a world already so connected. She took a deep breath, letting the scene imprint itself in her mind — a snapshot of the day she'd start her new chapter. With that, she stepped inside the school, ready to face whatever awaited her within its walls.

The inside of the school was just as impressive as the outside - bright, spacious, and welcoming. The hallways were wide, flooded with natural light from the large windows that lined the walls. Though there were still a few students wandering the corridors, most had already made their way to class. The place had a quiet buzz, the hum of anticipation for the new school year still lingering in the air.

Emily navigated her way through the halls with ease. She already knew the route to the principal's office, having been there with her mom during their visit to finalize her admission. Picking up the pace, she soon found herself standing before the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked gently.

"Come in!" came the familiar voice from the other side.

Stepping into the office, Emily smiled politely. "Good morning, Mr. Hackett. I've come to pick up my schedule."

The blond, middle-aged man in a grey suit glanced up from the papers on his desk, offering her a friendly smile. "Ah, Miss Fields," he said, his tone warm but efficient. "Cutting it a little close, I see. Lessons are about to start, but no worries, we'll get you sorted quickly."

The man reached for a stack of papers on his desk and stood up, handing the report to Emily. She thanked him and glanced over her schedule, quickly scanning the list of subjects. "I have English literature in a room 4B now," she said, looking up at Principal Hackett with a hint of uncertainty. "Where should I go?"

"Let me take you there and introduce you to your teacher and class," Hackett replied with a reassuring smile. He moved toward the door, lightly placing his hand on her shoulder blades in a gentle, guiding manner, as if subtly encouraging her to follow him. Emily felt the slight pressure and obediently stepped forward, her heart pounding with anticipation as they headed towards.

And so, they arrived at the classroom just as the bell rang. Mr. Hackett entered first, with Emily trailing nervously behind. The moment she stepped in, she could feel the weight of the room's attention — every pair of eyes turning toward her. It was as if time had slowed, the murmur of voices fading as she stood frozen in the doorway.

Mr. Hackett cleared his throat, his gaze shifting from the teacher at the front of the room to the rows of curious students. "Good morning, everyone. Congratulations on the start of the school year." A few grumbles and sleepy yawns responded, but most of the class remained silent, staring at the new girl.

"Let me introduce our new student, Emily Fields," he continued. "She's just moved to Rosewood from another state, and I trust you'll welcome her with the warmth and kindness this town is known for." With that, he gently nudged her forward, toward the desks. Emily managed a shy smile, though her eyes remained fixed on the floor. She could feel the intense gaze of the students dissecting her, and the discomfort was overwhelming, as though every part of her was under a microscope.

"And now, I'll leave you to your lesson, Mrs. Smith " Mr. Hackett said, turning to the teacher. "Ms. Fields, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of the school staff."

"Thank you, Mr. Hackett," Emily mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and her heart raced as she stood there, feeling utterly exposed. She hadn't expected her introduction to be so nerve-wracking. The silence that followed felt like an eternity, and she hadn't even said a word beyond that.

"Please take a seat, you can choose any available one," Miss Smith said as she turned toward the blackboard to write down the topic of the lesson.

Emily hesitated, glancing nervously at the room, her fingers gripping the straps of her backpack. There were about 20 students in the class, leaving only a few open spots. She quietly made her way to an empty desk in the far-right row, hoping to blend in. As she sat down, she noticed the guy behind her was half-asleep, oblivious to her arrival.

To her left, a blonde girl was whispering animatedly with another student seated in front of her. Emily, trying to make a good impression, attempted a friendly smile, but the blonde merely looked her up and down with a dismissive smirk, laughing softly under her breath. Emily's heart sank. What was that about? Was something wrong with her outfit? She quickly glanced down at her skirt and sweater. They weren't wrinkled — she had checked this morning. It must have been something about her overall appearance that amused the girl.

Feeling a wave of discomfort, Emily shifted in her seat, trying to shake off the embarrassment and the sudden pang of self-doubt. Not the best start, she thought. Miss Smith had already begun outlining what the class would cover for the semester, reviewing some material from the previous year. Emily tried to focus on the teacher's words, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she let her gaze drift over the classroom.

It seemed that most of the students were barely paying attention to Miss Smith, who continued her lesson with passion. Some were scribbling in their notebooks aimlessly, others whispering or zoning out entirely. But there were a couple of students at the front, sitting upright, hanging on her every word. Emily couldn't help but smile slightly. Nerds, she thought, the label floating to mind with a tinge of amusement. She wasn't mocking them - far from it. The contrast between their intense focus and the general disinterest of the rest of the class was just... amusing.

It was funny how, in every school, there were always those who were genuinely invested, regardless of how disengaged the rest of the room might be. For a moment, Emily considered what group she might fall into here, wondering if she'd eventually find herself on the outside of every circle.

"What's so funny, new girl?" a soft but sharp whisper came from Emily's left. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned her head to see the blonde from earlier watching her with puzzled interest. The girl lightly tapped a pencil against her cheek, her expression half-curious, half-catchy.

"N-nothing," Emily stammered, suddenly feeling foolish. Had she really been sitting there smiling to herself? This is so awkward, she thought, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.

The blonde gave her a long, scrutinizing look, as if sizing her up. "You know," she said, her tone dripping with playful malice, "you're definitely going to have to introduce yourself again. I'm curious where all these odd new ones come from."

Emily's stomach churned. She could feel the eyes of nearby students flicker toward their interaction, though most pretended not to listen. For a split second, she considered saying something back, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she just forced a weak smile, unsure of how to respond, feeling smaller by the second.

The blonde turned away from Emily once more, her focus returning to the notebook in front of her. Emily was left feeling uncertain. Was that some kind of attempt at friendship or a subtle jab? Curious and wanting to figure out this strange classmate, Emily risked another glance, trying to be discreet. The first thing she noticed was the girl's posture — perfectly straight, as if she was consciously maintaining an air of grace. She sat with such elegance that it made her stand out among the more slouched and casual students.

Her hair was the next thing to catch Emily's attention — long, golden, and impossibly shiny, cascading down in polished waves. It was clear that she took great care of it. Everything about her looked meticulously put together. She wore a peach colored lace T-shirt that subtly hinted at her delicate style, paired with white capris that seemed to fit her perfectly. On the desk sat a small leather handbag, and there was something about her overall look that made it clear she wasn't just another face in the crowd. There was an undeniable confidence in the way she carried herself, something that intrigued and slightly intimidated Emily.

Emily quickly averted her gaze, deciding it was better to focus on the lesson instead of the undercurrent of awkwardness still buzzing in the air. Mrs. Smith continued lecturing with a detached enthusiasm, as if it didn't matter whether anyone was listening or not. The minutes ticked by, the teacher's words blending into a murmur, while Emily did her best to concentrate. She scribbled notes, nodding absently, though her thoughts kept wandering back to the strange dynamic of the class and the way the blonde girl had looked at her earlier.

Then, the bell rang, indicating the end of the lesson.

Instantly, the room erupted with noise—chairs scraping against the floor, students chatting and rushing toward the door. Mrs. Smith raised her voice above the din, calling out, "Next week, we'll be doing pair work on Shakespeare's plays! So everybody think about which one you'd like to read!"

Emily hurriedly began packing up her things, eager to disappear in the sea of students. She had just zipped her bag when she heard her name.

"Miss Fields, a moment, please," Mrs. Smith's voice called out.

Emily froze, feeling the weight of a few curious glances as the room emptied around her. Slowly, she made her way to the front of the classroom. Mrs. Smith stood at her desk, looking at her over the rims of her glasses.

"Yes, Mrs. Smith?" Emily asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The teacher gave her a gentle smile, folding her hands on top of the desk. "I know you're new here, and starting at a new school can be… challenging. I just wanted to make sure you're settling in alright. If you're feeling lost at all, or you need help adjusting to the coursework, don't hesitate to come to me. My door is always open."

Emily blinked, caught off guard by the warmth in Mrs. Smith's tone. She hadn't expected the stern-looking teacher to care much about her at all.

"Thank you," Emily said, relaxing a little. "I appreciate that."

Mrs. Smith nodded. "And about the pair work - don't worry about it if you haven't met anyone yet. I can help you find a partner."

Emily nodded gratefully. "That would be helpful."

"Good," Mrs. Smith replied. "Now, off you go. I'm sure you have other classes to get to."

Emily smiled, thanking her once more before heading out of the classroom. As she stepped into the hallway, the tension in her shoulders lessened.

That was until a female voice pulled her back to reality. She turned and found herself staring into the familiar face of the blonde from earlier, her arms crossed and a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "So, new girl, what class do you have next? "

"Um, " Emily stammered, glancing down at the wrinkled paper in her hands. "Biology with Mr. Harper in 15D. "

She scrunched her nose in exaggerated disdain. "Mr. Harper? Ugh, good luck. He's even worse than that hag in English. I don't envy you at all."

"Why? I thought Mrs. Smith seemed nice," Emily replied, her brow furrowing in confusion. The English teacher had welcomed her warmly, making her feel a bit more at ease, but the girl's reaction was anything but reassuring.

"Oh, she plays nice at first, " She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But trust me, you'll find out the hard way if you dare to challenge her on one of her favorite novels. She's like a lioness protecting her cubs." The blonde grinned, apparently remembering something of her own.

"But enough about her," Alison said, her grin softening. "I totally forgot to introduce myself. I'm Alison DiLaurentis." She held out her hand with the kind of confidence that made it clear she was used to people knowing exactly who she was. "And you're Emily Fields, right?"

Emily hesitated for just a second before taking Alison's hand. It was soft, almost delicate, but her grip was firm. "Nice to meet you, Alison." she said, trying to match Alison's enthusiasm but failing to mask the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

"Nice grip," Alison quipped, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You might just survive Rosewood after all."

For a fleeting moment, Emily was entranced, a sense of warmth flooding her cheeks as she returned Alison's smile.

"And where will you be from?" Alison asked, casually stepping closer as they moved a few meters away from the English classroom. The way she leaned in made Emily feel like she was about to reveal a secret.

"Actually, uhm, from many places," Emily replied, her voice a bit quieter than she intended. "But recently, I've been living in Chicago."

"Fun!", Alison said, her brow arching with intrigue. "From big Chicago to our little Rosewood? How did that happen?" There was a playful glint in her eye, as if she found the contrast amusing.

Emily hesitated for a moment, then added, "Our family often moves because of my father's work. He's stationed at a military camp in Philadelphia now."

"Military girl, huh?" Alison's laughter rang out, bright and carefree, as if she found Emily's situation amusing. Emily fidgeted with her backpack, suddenly self-conscious. Was there something funny about being the new girl?

Before Emily could respond or ask anything back, a girl with dark hair approached them, curiosity etched on her face. "Hey, Ali, already chatting with newbie here?" she asked, her eyes flitting between the two girls.

"Yeah, apparently she is our new transfer from Chicago," Alison said with a flair for the dramatic, as if she were introducing a celebrity. "She's fresh to Rosewood and feels like already causing a stir."

Emily felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, both flattered and embarrassed by Alison's introduction. The dark-haired girl smiled warmly. "I'm Aria Montgomery. Welcome to Rosewood! If you need help navigating this place, I've got your back."

Feeling a surge of relief, Emily smiled back. "Thanks, I might take you up on that."

"Absolutely! Just watch out for Mrs. Smith. She has a thing for Shakespeare, " Aria warned playfully, glancing over her shoulder at the classroom. "But seriously, if you want to hang out or need a tour, just let me know." Emily smiled amiably, taking a closer look at the doe-eyed girl in front of her. Standing next to Alison, they looked like two contrasts: a blonde dressed in soft, warm colors and Aria in dark jeans and an unusual vest and a huge pendant around her neck. There was something unusual about her style, with notes of rebellion, but simultaniosly captivating. Each girl seemed to embody a unique essence that made them stand out, yet they complemented each other beautifully. As she observed them, a thought flickered in her mind: perhaps everyone at Rosewood High possessed their own special flair, a vibrant tapestry woven from their backgrounds and personalities.

"Okay, I'll go then, I need to meet Spencer quickly to borrow notes on last year's chem. See you at lunch, Ali" The two girls kissed each other on the cheeks, and Aria then turned to Emily, who was looking at the floor shyly, "It was nice to meet you"

"Yes, me too. Bye, Aria," Emily replied, a hint of timidness creeping into her tone. She watched as Aria walked away, her dark silk hair swaying gently with each step, leaving behind a lingering sense of grace in the air.

And now they were alone again. With just a few minutes left before the lesson began, Emily contemplated whether she should head to class or continue to engage in small talk with Alison. It felt a bit daunting to initiate conversation, but just as she was weighing her options, Alison seemed to read her mind.

"Spencer is like the biggest brainiac in this school," she remarked with a playful smirk, her arms crossed casually. "But apparently, Aria and her seem to get along well, even though I totally don't get it . "

Emily chuckled softly, intrigued by Alison's remark. "Really? She seems nice enough," she replied, trying to gauge Alison's tone. There was a hint of mischief in her eyes, and Emily found herself curious about the bonds that tied these girls together. She had seen Spencer Hastings in class today, and although she didn't have much memory for names, it was hard to forget the name of the girl who was practically the only one answering Mrs. Smith's questions. With her glasses perched delicately on her nose, a pristine white headband holding back her dark hair, and a matching cardigan draped over her shoulders, Spencer embodied the essence of the perfect student: the kind teachers admired and often used as a shining example for others.

Alison leaned against the wall, her confidence palpable as she continued. "Oh, she is just a little... intense, you know? Always with her books and her study schedule. But don't let that fool you; she has a wild side too."

Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A wild side? Really? "

"Absolutely," Alison laughed, a lightness in her voice. "You'll see. Everyone has layers here. It's what makes this school interesting. " There was something in the blonde's tone that was very intriguing and secretive. "Anyway, Aria and I have been best friends since childhood. It might not look like it on the surface, but we're actually quite similar, " Alison said, pride in her voice.

"That's really nice" Emily said quetly. "Okay, then I'll go find my class. It was nice to meet you again, Alison. " She said smiled as she adjusted her backpack on her shoulders.

"You're right down the hall and to the left. See you, Chicago. Maybe you can sit with us for lunch later" As Alison walked away, Emily felt a rush of embarrassment at the nickname.Chicago?She had barely spent enough time there to earn such a moniker, yet here she was, already labeled by someone who seemed to be the most popular girl in school. It was both flattering and intimidating.

Emily's brow furrowed in confusion as she tried to reconcile Alison's earlier scorn with her newfound friendliness. Just moments ago, in English, the blonde had looked her up and down with a critical eye, her smirk ringing out like a judgment. But now, she stood before Emily with an open demeanor, arms crossed but not unkindly, leaning in as if they were sharing a friendly banter.

Why this sudden shift? Was this the way things worked in Rosewood? A strange blend of playful hostility and immediate warmth? Emily felt a rush of uncertainty. Was this just Alison's way of testing her, gauging how well she could handle the unpredictable currents of this school's social life? The laughter that had stung before now seemed like a challenge.

As Emily considered this, she realized that maybe Alison was trying to see if she could roll with the punches, if she could shake off the earlier disapproval and still engage with her. It felt like a game, and Emily wasn't sure if she was prepared enough to play. Did Alison thrive on this kind of chaos, or was there a genuine interest in getting to know her behind that super poised appeal?

Perhaps this is just how friendships begin here, Emily wondered silently. One moment you're an outsider, the next, you're in the inner circle if you can stand the heat.

But deep down, a whisper of doubt lingered. Was Alison's friendliness sincere, or was it just a façade hiding something more manipulative? The way she had dismissed Emily before made her question the blonde's intentions.

Maybe she's just trying to figure me out, Emily thought, trying to suppress her unease. After all, new places come with new challenges, right? She took a deep breath, willing herself to focus on the moment. I guess I'll have to play along and see where this leads.

Notes:

I know that this introductory chapter is completely off-canon, but I just wanted to explain the origin of girls' friendship and acquaintance with each other in general. The events before the flashbacks will take up a couple more chapters, so I hope you don't mind!