A/N: Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter. I don't know how I found the time to write this, but somehow I did, and I'm glad that I can share it with you all. This one's another emotional rollercoaster, so brace yourselves. I know it's been heavy, but I really appreciate those of you who are still sticking with the story. Your support means everything.

So let's dive into it!


The California sun filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room as Emily sat at the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the cluttered floor of her small apartment.

It had been a few days since she'd returned from Rosewood, and yet everything still felt strangely out of place, like she was living in someone else's life.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind with Alison's wedding, the weight of unresolved grief, and the unexpected offer from David at her father's grave.

The idea of joining the Army had been nagging at the back of her mind ever since that night at the cemetery, and even here, miles away from Rosewood, it lingered like a shadow she couldn't shake.

Her return to California hadn't brought the peace she was searching for. The familiar sounds of the city, the distant hum of traffic, and the ocean's steady rhythm all felt muted, like background noise to a life she no longer connected with.

Nothing about being back felt right.

Before she had left Rosewood, the farewells had been harder than she anticipated, each goodbye tinged with the weight of unspoken worries and unresolved emotions.

xxx

Hanna had hugged her tightly on the front door of her apartment, her arms wrapped around Emily longer than usual, as if afraid to let her go. "You know you can always come back, right?" Hanna had whispered, her voice breaking just a little. "We're always here."

Emily had nodded, her own throat tight, fighting back the lump that had formed as they stood there in the early morning light. "I know. Thanks, Han," she had replied, her voice barely audible.

The brunette didn't know what else to say, there wasn't much she could say without completely unraveling.

Caleb had been quieter, his usual sarcastic comments replaced with something more serious, more thoughtful.

He had given her a quick hug, his hand resting on her shoulder as he looked her in the eye. "Take care of yourself, Em. And if you ever need anything… you know where to find us."

His words had been simple, but the sincerity in them made Emily's chest ache. She had smiled softly, managing a small "I will" before turning to leave.

And then there was her mom.

That had been the hardest part, leaving Pam behind, knowing the worry she'd be carrying on her own. The night before Emily left, Pam had been hovering in the kitchen, fussing over Emily's packed bags and offering to make her something to eat. But there was something unspoken between them, a tension that Emily couldn't shake.

"You don't have to go, you know," Pam had said quietly, her back to Emily as she poured herself a glass of water. Her voice had wavered slightly, just enough for Emily to hear the concern lurking beneath the surface.

Emily had swallowed hard, leaning against the counter. "Mom, I'm fine. I just… I need to get back, clear my head."

Pam had turned then, her eyes full of the kind of worry only a mother could carry. "Emily, you've been through so much. I'm scared that you're pushing yourself too hard, trying to deal with everything alone."

She had stepped closer, her voice lowering. "You don't have to do this by yourself. Whatever you're going through, I'm here."

Emily had felt the familiar tightness in her chest, the weight of all her mom's unspoken fears pressing down on her. She had tried to reassure her, to explain that getting back to California was something she needed to do. But the words had felt hollow, even to her.

"I just need some time," she had said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'll be fine, Mom. I promise."

Pam hadn't pushed any further, but the look in her eyes had said it all, she didn't believe Emily was fine. And maybe she was right.

xxx

Now, sitting in her apartment, those goodbyes felt heavier than ever. She had come back to California hoping to find clarity, but instead, she found herself more uncertain than before.

Emily's eyes drifted to the small, unassuming card resting on her bedside table. David's name and number stared back at her, a constant reminder of the choice she had yet to make.

Joining the Army, a concept that had once seemed so foreign to her, almost absurd, was now a possibility she couldn't stop thinking about.

Could this be her way out? Could it really be her chance to start over, to escape the crushing weight of her memories, her past, and everything that felt broken inside her?

Each time she walked by the card, she would hesitate, her gaze lingering on it as if the answer might reveal itself just by looking at it long enough. But it never did. The card remained silent, and so did Emily.

She hadn't told anyone about the offer. Not Hanna, not her mom, no one...

How could she? How could she explain to the people she loved that the only thing that made sense to her right now was to leave?

To leave Rosewood, to leave them, and dive headfirst into something she knew so little about. How could she make them understand that she needed this? That she was desperate for something… anything, that would make her feel alive again?

The days had passed in a blur of avoidance. Hanna had tried to get her to open up, sensing that something was off, but Emily had dodged the conversation, offering vague responses and half-hearted smiles.

And her mom, Pam, had been sending texts almost every day, just to check in, even though Emily could sense her mother's worry behind the simple words.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her out of her spiraling thoughts. A text from Seth, her coworker from the bar.

-Hey, Em, you coming back to work soon? We miss you over here. Let me know when you're ready to pick up a shift.

She stared at the message, her stomach twisting. Work. She had almost forgotten about the bar, the place she'd spent countless hours trying to lose herself in the routine of bartending, pouring drinks, and pretending she had it all together.

But the thought of going back felt empty, like another meaningless distraction from the real decision she was avoiding.

Emily sighed, tossing her phone back onto the bed. Her gaze drifted back to the card again.

The idea of joining the Army had never crossed her mind before, not seriously anyway. But now, as she stared down at David's card, it felt like it was calling to her.

A chance to start over, to leave everything behind, the pain, the memories, the weight of Rosewood and everything it held.

But it would also mean leaving behind the people she cared about, the life she had known for so long. It would mean stepping into the unknown, into something that terrified her almost as much as it intrigued her.

Emily's heart raced in her chest as she slipped the card into her pocket. She didn't have the answers yet. She didn't even know if she had the courage to make the call.

But she couldn't leave it behind today, not when it felt like the only thing in her life that held the potential for change.

With one last look around her room, Emily grabbed her keys and headed for the door.

The weight of the card was a subtle but constant presence in her pocket as she left her apartment and stepped out into the cool afternoon air.


The breeze carried with it the familiar scent of the ocean, but it didn't bring the comfort it once did. Emily needed to clear her head, and more importantly, she needed to stop avoiding the people in her life.

After days of feeling disconnected, the idea of returning to the bar and seeing Seth felt like the right step, even though she wasn't sure she was ready for the inevitable questions.

Her feet carried her through the streets of California, the warm sun contrasting with the coolness in the air.

It wasn't long before she found herself standing in front of the bar, the place that had become a second home during her time here. But today, it felt different… like another place where she no longer fit.

With a deep breath, Emily pushed open the door and stepped inside. The familiar low hum of chatter and clinking glasses greeted her, along with the smell of beer and whiskey. It wasn't busy, just a handful of regulars sitting at the counter, quietly nursing their drinks.

Seth stood behind the bar, cleaning a glass and laughing at something one of the customers said. His easy smile faltered when he noticed Emily walking in, but he quickly set the glass down and waved her over.

"Hey, stranger!" he called, his tone light but carrying a hint of concern. "Long time no see."

Emily gave him a small, tight smile as she approached the bar. "Yeah, sorry. Things have been… kind of all over the place."

Seth nodded, his eyes scanning her face like he was trying to read between the lines. "I figured. You've been pretty quiet. Want a drink?"

She hesitated for a second before nodding. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you recommend."

Seth grabbed a bottle from the shelf and poured her a whiskey, sliding it across the bar with a knowing look. "Figured you could use something strong today."

Emily wrapped her fingers around the glass, the coolness of the whiskey against her skin offering a strange comfort.

She didn't take a sip right away, just stared at the amber liquid swirling inside. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Seth didn't push her, and she appreciated that.

Finally, he leaned against the counter, folding his arms as he looked at her. "So… what's going on? You've been off the radar for a while. You okay?"

Emily let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of the question settle over her. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice quieter than she expected. "I've just… I've had a lot on my mind."

Seth nodded again, his expression softening. "I get that. You don't have to explain anything if you're not ready. But… you can if you want to."

Emily took a small sip of the whiskey, feeling the burn as it slid down her throat. She hadn't told anyone about the offer yet, not even her closest friends back in Rosewood.

But now, sitting here in the familiar atmosphere of the bar, with Seth quietly offering her the space to open up, she felt something inside her shift.

"I, um…" she started, hesitating as she tried to find the right words. "I've been thinking about making a big change. A huge change, actually."

Seth raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt, waiting for her to continue.

Emily stared down at her glass, her fingers tracing the rim as she spoke. "When I was in Rosewood, I ran into someone. My dad's old friend from the Army. He made me an offer… an offer to join."

Seth blinked, clearly surprised by the revelation. "The Army? Wow… that's really something… I wasn't expecting that."

"Yeah," Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't either. But the more I think about it, the more it feels like… maybe this is what I need. A way to start over. To get away from everything."

Seth frowned slightly, his brow furrowing. "And what does 'everything' mean?"

Emily sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of it all. "Rosewood. The memories, the pain, everything I've been through. It's like… I don't know how to move forward. No matter where I go, I feel like I'm stuck in the past. And now, this offer… it's like a way out."

Seth didn't say anything for a moment, just watched her as she struggled to get the words out. Finally, he leaned in a little closer, his voice gentle.

"Emily, I get it. I really do. Sometimes, running away from the things that hurt seems like the only way to deal with it. But are you sure this is what you want? I mean, joining the Army? That's huge."

The brunette bit her lip, her heart pounding as she considered his question. "I don't know if it's the right path," she admitted. "But it feels like… maybe it's what I need. I've been lost for so long, Seth. I don't know how to fix it."

Seth exhaled softly, his expression thoughtful. "Look, I'm not going to pretend I know what's best for you, but running away doesn't always fix things. I've seen people make decisions when they're hurting, and it doesn't always go the way they hoped. You don't have to decide right now."

Emily shook her head, her hand tightening around the glass. "But that's the thing, Seth… I think I've already decided."

Seth's brow furrowed, his gaze searching her face. "You think?"

"I've been thinking about it for days," Emily continued, her voice growing more urgent.

"Ever since I got the offer, it's been stuck in my head. I can't stop thinking about it. Leaving, starting over, it feels like the only way I can move on. I've been lost, Seth. Lost in everything… in my dad's death, my past, Alison's wedding, my feelings for her…"

Her voice cracked slightly, and she bit down on her lip to steady herself. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to get past it."

Seth stayed quiet, letting her words sink in.

"I loved her," Emily said softly, the truth feeling raw as it came out.

"I still do, but it doesn't matter. She's moved on, and there's no future for us. There never was, not really. I've been holding on to something that's never going to happen, and it's tearing me apart... I can't stay here and keep pretending I'm fine when I'm not."

Seth's eyes softened with understanding. "Emily… running from heartbreak isn't the same as healing."

"I know," Emily whispered, her voice shaky.

"But I don't know how to heal. Every time I think I've moved on, something brings me back. Seeing her with someone else, watching her being happy and having a future that doesn't include me, it's like a punch to the gut every time. And it hurts too much to keep living like this."

Seth exhaled deeply, his expression both compassionate and concerned. "And you think the Army is the way to bury it all? To run from it?"

Emily looked down, swirling the liquid in her glass. "It's not just about running. It's about finding something that makes sense. I can't keep drifting, hoping I'll eventually feel okay. I need something that gives me purpose, something that's bigger than me and my feelings."

She paused, her thoughts racing. "I've been trying to make sense of my life for months. My dad's gone, Alison's married, and all the things I thought were my future… they're gone too. Maybe the Army can be that future, you know? Maybe it can be the thing that gives my life direction again."

Seth leaned back, watching her carefully. "So, you think the Army is going to help you escape the pain?"

"I don't know if it will help me escape," Emily said honestly, her voice trembling with the weight of her admission.

"But it's something. It's a chance to start over, to leave all this behind. I don't want to keep feeling like this, trapped in the past, stuck in my heartbreak. I need to bury it, Seth. And this… this feels like the only way."

Seth's face softened, and he nodded slowly. "I get it, Em. I do. You've been through so much. And maybe you're right… maybe this is what you need. But just remember, burying something doesn't mean it goes away."

Emily swallowed hard, her chest tightening. "I'm not sure if the pain ever goes away... I just need a future that doesn't hurt as much as this one does."

Seth was quiet for a moment, and then he offered her a sad, knowing smile. "If that's what you believe will help you, then you've got to do what feels right for you. Just don't lose yourself in the process."

Emily nodded, feeling a sense of finality settle over her. She had been running from her heartbreak for so long, trying to pretend she could handle it.

But maybe Seth was right, maybe she was choosing this path because it was the only one that made sense, even if it wouldn't heal her.

"I think this is the only way I'll find myself again," Emily said quietly, her eyes distant. "And maybe it's not the perfect answer, but it's something."

Seth gave her a supportive nod, though his eyes reflected a hint of worry. "Just promise me you'll be careful, Em. Don't let the pain control you."

Emily offered him a small, tired smile. "I'll try."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging between them, but for the first time in a long time, Emily felt like she was making a choice, not out of fear, but out of a need to find a new direction, even if that direction was leading her far away from everything she knew.

She was tired of running from her feelings. Now, it was time to run towards something, something with purpose. And for now, that was enough.


A few weeks had passed since Emily's conversation with Seth, and the decision she had been circling around for so long was no longer just an idea, it was a reality. Her mind was made up. The moment had come, and it felt like there was no going back.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she stared down at David's card, her fingers brushing over the edges before she finally picked up her phone and dialed his number. Her heart pounded in her ears as the phone rang once.

"Hello, this is David."

Emily swallowed, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Hi, David. It's Emily Fields."

There was a brief pause on the other end, and when David spoke again, his voice was calm, but with a hint of expectation. "Emily. Have you made your decision?"

She bit her lip, glancing out the window at the familiar streets of Rosewood bathed in the late afternoon light. "Yeah... I've made my decision, I want to join the army."

David's tone shifted slightly, becoming more direct. "Alright. That's good to hear." There was a pause, as if he was gathering his thoughts. "We're going to need to get things moving right away."

Emily felt her chest tighten. The reality of her choice was hitting her, and it was happening fast. "What do I need to do?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I'm going to make the necessary preparations on my end," David explained. "You'll need to send me a few documents by email, things like your identification, a copy of your high school diploma, and your medical records. I'll forward you the details after this call. It's important to get that done as soon as possible."

Emily nodded, even though he couldn't see her. She felt her pulse quicken. "Okay, I can do that."

"Good. Once I have everything, we'll finalize your enlistment paperwork. You'll need to report to the base in Texas in two weeks to join the next basic training group. It's intense, Emily. You'll be starting with the next cohort of recruits, and it's not an easy process."

"Texas?" Emily repeated, feeling the distance of it settle heavily in her stomach. This was real, and it was happening quickly.

"Yes," David confirmed. "Fort Hood, to be exact, this is where your father and I were stationed the last couple of years. You'll be there for Basic Combat Training. It's a ten-week program, and it's designed to prepare you physically and mentally. From there, depending on what role you pursue, you'll move on to Advanced Individual Training."

Emily's throat felt dry. Ten weeks of basic training followed by whatever came next... it was a lot to process. But this was what she had decided. She nodded again, more to herself than anyone else. "I understand."

"You're making a big commitment," David continued, his tone steady but serious. "But I can tell you're someone who doesn't make decisions lightly. But once you start, there's no turning back. So, if you have any doubts, now's the time to voice them."

Emily hesitated for a moment, the enormity of it all weighing on her. "I've been thinking about this for weeks," she admitted softly.

"I'm scared, but I think... I think this is what I need. I don't have a future here in California anymore… or in Rosewood. I'm ready to move on. I want something that makes sense."

David was quiet for a moment, as though considering her words. "That's understandable," he said finally. "The Army can give you structure, a sense of purpose. But it's also going to challenge you in ways you haven't imagined. Be sure you're ready for that."

Emily exhaled slowly, the weight of her decision fully settling in. "I've already decided."

"Alright, then," David said, his voice firm and business-like. "I'll send you the information you need. Make sure to get those documents to me within the next day or two, and I'll handle the rest. Your flight to Texas will be arranged once everything is in place, and I'll send you the details. So two weeks from now, you'll need to report to Fort Hood."

Emily's heart raced at the timeline. Two weeks. Everything was happening so quickly. "Got it."

"Good. You're making a brave decision, Emily. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be in touch soon."

"Thanks, David," Emily replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

After they said their goodbyes, Emily lowered the phone from her ear and stared down at it, feeling both relief and a surge of anxiety. It was official. In two weeks, she would be in Texas, starting her new life, beginning with her basic training.

Emily stood up, looking around her room, her mind buzzing with a mix of emotions. The looming farewells in Rosewood weighed heavily on her, especially the thought of saying goodbye to her mom, Hanna, and Caleb.

The other girls weren't in Rosewood anymore, and that brought a small sense of relief, she wouldn't have to face them in person. Maybe it was for the best. Keeping the goodbye as limited and quiet as possible would make it easier, wouldn't it?

Her eyes shifted toward her laptop, which sat on the small desk across the room. She hadn't yet booked her flight back to Rosewood, and though she knew it had to happen soon, she felt an overwhelming sense of reluctance.

There were still a few things she needed to handle in California, packing, paperwork, and tying up loose ends before she could leave it all behind.

Emily walked over to the desk, turning on her laptop and pulling up the airline's website. Her fingers hovered over the keys, a knot tightening in her stomach.

She selected a flight for a week from now. It gave her some time to process things, to prepare herself mentally before going back and saying those goodbyes.

The brunette filled out the details, her heart pounding in her chest, and within moments, the screen flashed with the confirmation: Flight booked.

The finality of it felt heavy, but also a little relieving. She had one more week in California before flying back to Rosewood.

One more week to prepare herself for the hardest part… saying goodbye to her closest friends and her mom. They were the ones who had been there for her through everything, the ones who deserved the truth.

Hanna and Caleb had been like family to her, especially in these last few weeks. They had seen her at her lowest, and even when she shut them out, they never gave up on her.

The thought of breaking the news to them in person was almost unbearable. But it was necessary. She had to tell them that she was leaving, and more than that, that she was leaving for good.

She would ask them to pass the message on to the others when they saw them again. Spencer, Aria, Toby and Ezra deserved to know too, but delivering this kind of message over a text or a phone call felt wrong. Impersonal. Cowardly, even.

She couldn't bring herself to do it like that.

Hanna and Caleb would understand, and they could explain it better than she ever could in a message. They could tell the others in their own time, when the moment was right.

Maybe it wouldn't make it hurt any less, but at least it would feel more genuine, more human. And somehow, that small detail made Emily feel just a bit better.

She let out a long breath, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes. It was all set now. The plan was in motion: in a week, she'd be on a flight back to Rosewood.

She had just one more week to wrap things up in California, to prepare for the farewells she'd have to face. After Rosewood, she would be on a direct path to Texas, where her Army training would begin. There would be no turning back once she boarded that flight.

As much as it pained her, Emily knew she had to do this. The Army wasn't just a place to go, it was her future, the purpose she had been searching for.

It was a way to bury her heartbreak, her regrets, and all the unresolved pain she carried. It was her chance to finally move forward and leave the ghosts of her past behind.


One week later Emily found herself standing in front of Hanna and Caleb's apartment door, her suitcase resting beside her. She had written to them, and her mom, a few days ago, letting them know she would be visiting and asked Hanna if she could stay for a week.

The familiar warmth of their home hit her as soon as she knocked, and for a brief moment, Emily felt her chest tighten.

Inside, she could hear laughter, Hanna's bright, easy laugh followed by Caleb's deeper chuckle. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving them behind, but she swallowed the lump in her throat, knowing she couldn't avoid the conversation any longer.

The door opened, and Hanna's face lit up with a bright smile. "Em!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "We were just talking about you! Come in, come in!"

Emily hugged her back, the familiar scent of Hanna's perfume washing over her like a comforting wave. Stepping inside, her eyes met Caleb's from across the room. He was sitting on the couch, grinning as he gave her a warm nod.

"You okay?" Caleb asked, sensing the heaviness in the air despite the smile on Emily's face.

Emily shifted nervously, trying to find the words. "Yeah, I'm… I'm good," she said, though her voice lacked its usual conviction. "Actually, I… I need to talk to you guys about something."

Hanna's playful demeanor shifted, her brow furrowing as she picked up on the seriousness in Emily's tone. "What's going on?" she asked softly, guiding Emily over to the couch and patting the spot beside her.

Emily sat down, her hands twisting together in her lap as she struggled to form the words. "I'm leaving," she finally said, her voice quieter than she had intended.

Both Hanna and Caleb blinked, confusion spreading across their faces.

"Leaving?" Hanna echoed, her eyes wide. "Where are you going? What do you mean?"

Emily took a deep breath, bracing herself for their reactions. "I've… made a decision. I'm… joining the Army."

A heavy silence filled the room, the weight of her words sinking in. Hanna's mouth opened, but no words came out. Caleb sat up straighter, his brows furrowing in concern.

"The Army?" Hanna finally managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly. "Emily… what? When? Why?" She stared at Emily in disbelieve.

"I know it's a lot," Emily said quickly, her heart pounding. "But I've been thinking about it for a long time… and I need to get away, to find some direction. This feels like the right way to do that."

Hanna shook her head, disbelief and confusion swirling in her eyes. "But you can't just… leave. You have people here. We're here. Your mom… She's going to be devastated."

"I know," Emily whispered, feeling the sting of tears behind her eyes. "I haven't told her yet. I wanted to tell you guys first..."

Caleb, who had been quiet, leaned forward. His voice was calm but carried the same concern. "Emily, I get needing a fresh start, but the Army? That's huge. Are you sure?"

Emily nodded, though the weight in her chest felt crushing. "I've been thinking about it for some time now. I don't see a future for myself here… or anywhere else. I need something to focus on. I need a purpose. I can't stay here and feel like I'm stuck."

Hanna's eyes welled up, and she quickly wiped away a tear that slid down her cheek. "But… what about us? What about everything we've been through? Are you just going to leave it all behind?"

Emily's heart broke seeing Hanna's tears. She reached out, gripping her friend's hand tightly. "I'm not leaving you behind. I'll always be here for you. But I have to do this for me. I have to find my way."

Hanna sniffled, her voice thick with emotion. "I hate this Em... I hate that you feel like you have to go..."

Caleb nodded, his expression serious but supportive. "We just want what's best for you. If this is what you really want, we'll stand by you. But it's hard to let you go."

Emily exhaled shakily, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I'm going to miss you guys so much."

"We're going to miss you, too..." Hanna whispered, her grip on Emily's hand tightening. "Promise me you'll stay safe... and… don't forget us."

"I could never forget you…" Emily said, her voice cracking slightly.

They sat in heavy silence for a moment, the weight of the upcoming goodbye settling in the air. Finally, Emily spoke again, her tone more serious. "There's one more thing… I... I don't want Alison to know..."

Hanna's head snapped up, her tear-filled eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Why not? I mean, I get it... but why not?"

Emily shifted, her gaze falling to her lap. She hadn't told Hanna all the painful details about Alison's decision at the wedding, the words that had shattered any lingering hope she had.

But Hanna knew enough to understand that things had fallen apart between them. Alison had made it clear at the wedding and in her letter, that it was better if they didn't stay in contact.

"She made that decision at the wedding, Han," Emily said quietly, her voice laced with lingering hurt. "Alison said it would be best if we didn't talk anymore. And she was right. There's no point in her knowing about this. I'm not part of her life anymore..."

Hanna frowned, a deep crease forming between her brows as she processed that. She had known things were bad between Emily and Alison, but hearing it laid out like this still hurt.

"Are you sure Em?" Hanna asked gently, her voice full of concern but no judgment. "I mean... she's the one who pushed you away, but are you really okay with her not knowing at all?"

Emily let out a long, shaky breath. "I don't want her to know. All she did was break my heart and toy with it… and honestly… I doubt she'd even ask about me. She's made her choice, and I've got to make mine. I can't keep holding on..." the brunette said with a serious voice.

Hanna's expression softened, and after a moment, she gave a small nod. She understood, even if it was hard to accept. "Okay… if that's what you want, I won't say anything. I promise."

Emily looked up, relief flooding her eyes as she met Hanna's gaze. "Thank you."

Hanna squeezed Emily's hand again to comfort her. "I'm on your side, Em. Always. If you don't want Alison to know, she won't hear it from me."

Emily nodded, feeling the weight of that reassurance sink in. Hanna had always been there, and even now, she was standing by her side when it mattered most.

"I just... I don't want her involved in this," Emily said, her voice quieter now, but with an edge of finality. "I don't think she ever really cared. Not the way I thought she did. She was always in control, always pulling the strings. I see that now."

Hanna bit her lip but didn't respond immediately. She knew how deeply Alison's decision had wounded Emily, the way it had shattered her trust. Pushing now wouldn't help. If Emily needed distance from Alison to heal, then Hanna would stand by her, no questions asked.

"If this is what you need to do to move on," Hanna said softly, her eyes full of quiet understanding, "then I support you. Completely."

Emily blinked back the emotions welling up inside her, grateful for Hanna's unwavering support.

The brunette blinked back the emotions welling up inside her, grateful for Hanna's unwavering support. She wasn't used to being so vulnerable, but with Hanna, it felt safe, like she didn't have to pretend anymore.

"I also need you to tell Spencer and Aria…" Emily continued, her voice a little steadier now. "I don't think I can tell them myself. Not like this. When you see them again, please tell them everything for me. Just… don't make it a big thing, okay?"

Hanna and Caleb exchanged a look, a shared understanding passing between them. Caleb, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement.

"We will," Caleb said gently. "We'll tell them when the time's right."

Emily swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her decision settle in deeper with each word. She wasn't just leaving; she was closing a chapter of her life.

"And my mom…" Her voice wavered slightly. "I'm going to tell her tomorrow. I don't know how she'll take it, but… she deserves to hear it from me."

Hanna let out a shaky breath, her own emotions barely in check. "You're doing what you think is right, Em. I get that. But it's still hard... for all of us..."

"I know," Emily whispered, the guilt pressing down on her chest. "But I have to do this."

They sat together, the silence heavy but filled with an unspoken understanding. Their bond wouldn't break, even with the distance and changes ahead. That much, they were certain of.

"I'm going to miss you…" Hanna said, her voice cracking slightly.

Emily's throat tightened, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I'll miss you too. Both of you. But this… it's something I have to do. I need to find something that makes sense again..."

Hanna reached out, wrapping Emily in another tight hug, and Caleb followed, placing a reassuring hand on Emily's shoulder. They didn't need to say more. They knew that no matter where Emily went, the friendship they had would always remain.

For now, that was enough.


Emily woke early the next morning, the heaviness in her chest making it hard to breathe as she stared at the ceiling. The conversation with Hanna and Caleb had been difficult, but telling her mom, that was going to break her.

She had spent the last few days dreading this moment, knowing that no matter how she framed it, Pam's heart would shatter.

By the time she pulled up to her childhood home, the cold morning air did nothing to ease the tension gripping her chest. The house looked the same as ever, warm and inviting, but today, it felt like a place she didn't belong anymore.

Through the window, she could see her mom moving around the kitchen, probably making breakfast, completely unaware of the storm that was about to hit.

Emily stood frozen at the door for a moment, her hand hovering over the handle. She didn't want to do this. Not to her mother. But there was no other choice. She had to tell her.

She knocked lightly, and almost immediately, Pam opened the door with a warm smile. "Emily! You're here early. I didn't expect you so soon."

Emily forced a smile, stepping inside. The familiar scent of her mom's cooking wrapped around her, but it didn't bring the comfort it usually did. Her stomach twisted with guilt.

"I was just about to make pancakes," Pam said, her voice cheery as she bustled back toward the kitchen. "Come in, honey. Sit down. How was everything in California?"

Emily followed her mom to the kitchen, her steps slow and hesitant. The warmth of the house, the smell of breakfast, her mom's cheerful voice, it all felt wrong. Her heart pounded in her chest as she sat at the table, clasping her hands tightly in her lap.

"So," Pam continued, setting a plate in front of her. "What's new? It's been a while since we had breakfast together."

Emily stared down at the plate of pancakes, the steam rising from them making her feel even more sick to her stomach. She couldn't bring herself to touch them. She couldn't bring herself to do anything but sit there, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Mom," she began softly, her voice trembling. "I need to tell you something."

Pam paused, turning to face her daughter. There was a hint of concern in her eyes as she took a seat across from Emily, sensing the seriousness in her tone. "Emily? What's going on…?"

Emily looked down at her hands, her fingers twisting together. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her voice came out shaky. "I'm leaving, Mom. For good."

Pam's face froze, her smile fading instantly. "What do you mean, for good? Where are you going?"

"I've decided to join the Army," Emily whispered, barely able to get the words out. "I've already made arrangements. I'll be leaving for basic training in a few days."

Pam's reaction was immediate. Her face went pale, her mouth falling open as she tried to process what her daughter had just said. "The Army?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Emily… no. You can't."

Emily's heart ached at the pain in her mother's eyes. "Mom, I—"

"No." Pam's voice was sharper now, her hands shaking as she clasped them together in front of her. "You can't be serious. The Army? Emily, that's dangerous! That's—" Her voice broke, and the tears came before she could stop them. "I just… I can't believe this."

"I know this is hard," Emily said softly, her own tears starting to fall. "But I need to do this, Mom. I've been lost for so long. Ever since Dad died, I've felt like I didn't know where to go, what to do. The Army… it's the only thing that makes sense."

Pam shook her head, her tears flowing freely now as her hands trembled. "But why, Emily? Why now? Why the Army, of all things? You've never talked about this before… you've never—"

"I've been thinking about it for some while now," Emily cut in, her voice firmer now despite the tears in her eyes. "I need something, Mom. Something to give me purpose. I can't keep staying here, feeling like I'm stuck in the past. I can't keep pretending like everything's okay when it's not."

"But the Army…" Pam's voice was barely above a whisper as she reached across the table, her hand trembling as she grabbed onto Emily's. "Emily, I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you, too…"

The words hit Emily like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. Her throat tightened, and she fought to keep her composure.

"Mom… I'm not leaving you. I'll still be your daughter. I'll still come back to visit. But I have to do this. I need to find my own way, like Dad did."

Pam's face crumpled at the mention of her late husband, and she shook her head again, her voice breaking. "But your father… the Army cost him his life, Emily. It's what took him from me, from us. I can't go through that again… I can't lose you too..."

Emily's heart shattered at the sight of her mother's tears, but she knew she had to stand firm. "I know, Mom. I know it's hard. But I need to do this, for me. I need to find something that makes sense."

Pam sobbed, her shoulders shaking as she gripped Emily's hand tighter. "I don't want to lose you," she whispered, her voice full of raw pain. "Please… don't go."

"I'll be okay, Mom," Emily said, though her voice wavered. "I promise, I'll be okay. This is something I have to do."

They sat together in heartbreaking silence, the weight of the decision hanging between them like a dark cloud. The sound of Pam's quiet sobs filled the room, and Emily felt the guilt pressing down on her like a suffocating weight.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Pam wiped her tears away, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I… I just want you to be safe."

"I will be," Emily whispered, though the words felt hollow.

Pam nodded weakly, though it was clear she didn't believe it. She squeezed Emily's hand one more time before letting go, her face still pale and tear-streaked.

After a long pause, Emily looked down, her voice quieter now. "There's… one more thing…"

Pam looked up, her eyes tired and swollen from crying. "What is it?"

"Please… don't tell Alison…" Emily whispered softly, the words feeling heavy on her tongue, as if saying them out loud cemented a painful truth.

Pam's eyes widened in surprise, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Alison? Why wouldn't you want her to know…?"

Emily bit her lip, her gaze falling to her hands as she tried to find the words. "She… she's moved on. She doesn't care, Mom. Not the way I thought she did. Maybe not ever. I don't want her involved in this. I just don't think she'd even care if she knew."

Pam's frown deepened, her expression softening with concern. "Emily, I know things didn't end well with Alison, but… are you sure? I think she'd want to know… despite everything, you meant a lot to her."

"No," Emily said more firmly this time, her voice edged with lingering hurt and finality. "She wouldn't. And even if she did… I don't want her to. It's better this way. She made her decision, and I'm making mine."

Pam sighed, her eyes searching her daughter's face for something she wasn't sure she could find. "If that's what you want, Emily, I won't say a word. But… just promise me you're not doing this out of hurt. Don't close yourself off from people who care about you."

Emily nodded, feeling the weight of her decision press down on her even harder. "I won't regret this, Mom. I've thought about it long enough." She said and stood up slowly.

Pam stood as well, wrapping her arms around her daughter tightly, holding on as though she could somehow shield her from the world.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, thick with emotion. "I love you, Emily. I love you more than anything. Just… promise me something, okay?"

Emily could feel the tremor in her mother's hands, the way she clung to her as if this hug could somehow protect her from what was coming. "Anything, Mom," she whispered, her own voice wavering.

Pam pulled back just enough to look into her daughter's eyes, her own filled with tears that she could no longer hold back.

"Promise me you'll stay safe," she said, her voice breaking. "Promise me you won't get hurt. I don't care what happens… just come back to me. That's all I ask. Just come back."

Emily felt her throat tighten, the lump growing in her chest as her mother's words hit her like a wave.

She hadn't let herself fully think about what the Army could bring, the danger, the distance, the unknown. But now, staring into her mother's tearful eyes, she felt the weight of it all crashing down.

"I promise," Emily whispered, her voice shaky as she tried to keep the tears at bay. "I'll stay safe, Mom. I'll come back. I swear."

Pam pulled her back into the hug, her arms holding Emily with a kind of desperation, as if she could somehow keep her daughter safe from everything by just holding on a little longer.

"I don't want to lose you, Emily," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You're all I have left."

Tears slipped down Emily's cheeks as she clung to her mother. "You won't lose me," she whispered, though a part of her felt the uncertainty of those words.

She didn't know what was waiting for her out there, but she knew she had to go. She just hoped she could keep the promise she had just made.

Emily and her mother stood in silence, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of goodbye settling between them like a heavy fog.

Pam's sobs were soft but heartbreaking, each one tugging at Emily's already fragile resolve. Emily knew this was the hardest part, leaving the person who had always been there for her.

But there was no turning back and she knew it.


A/N: Now the decision is finally made. I hope you liked this chapter! Things are really starting to pick up, and I think in the next two or three chapters, the rating will be changing to M due to the content that's coming. I'll try to update as soon as possible, but it might take a bit of time, so hang in there with me! In the meantime, let me know your thoughts on this chapter, because I'd love to read your personal opinions on the chapter and story in general. Thanks for your support!

Until next time! :)