Hello, guys!

Here we go with yet another chapter! Emison drama won't go for long. They're still working on themselves, but they're both committed to making their relationship work. Can't say there's no more Vandermarin drama coming though.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 09 - Flight & Freeze

The Hastings' backyard was unusually quiet as Spencer leaned against the porch railing, her phone screen casting a pale glow against her face. Aria stood a few steps away, arms wrapped tightly around herself as if the chill in the air had suddenly become unbearable. They had given Alison and Emily their privacy, but the weight of everything unsaid—and everything said—still hung heavy between them.

"Do you think they're okay?" Aria finally broke the silence, her voice small.

Spencer didn't answer right away, her eyes fixed on something distant in the dark horizon. "I think… they're both carrying too much. And it's hard to set it down when you don't trust yourself not to break it."

Aria nodded, her brow furrowed. "Hanna's not picking up my calls."

Spencer sighed. "She probably needs time. And maybe some space."

Before Aria could respond, the barn door creaked open. Alison stepped out, illuminated briefly by the warm light spilling from inside before she pulled the door shut behind her. She hesitated when she saw Spencer and Aria waiting, her arms crossed over her stomach as if bracing for impact.

"Ali?" Aria asked softly.

Alison's voice was tight, fragile around the edges. "I… I couldn't stay."

Spencer straightened, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Alison's face. "Did something happen with Emily?"

"No. Yes. I mean… nothing bad." Alison exhaled and looked up at the sky as if it might offer her some answers. "I just— I needed to leave before I ruined it."

Spencer exchanged a glance with Aria before stepping closer to Alison. "You know you can't keep running every time it feels too big, right?"

Alison flinched slightly at Spencer's words, but she nodded. "I know."

Aria moved forward then, her expression softer. "Do you want us to walk you home?"

Alison hesitated for a moment, but then shook her head. "No. I'll be fine."

She started walking away, her silhouette dissolving into the shadows of the yard.

Spencer and Aria stood in silence for a moment before Aria spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think she's going to be okay?"

Spencer didn't answer right away. Instead, she turned and stared back at the barn door, her lips pressed tightly together.

"I hope so," she said finally. "But something tells me tonight isn't over yet."

Aria and Spencer exchanged glances and went back to the barn. They found Emily sitting on the couch, head in her hands, silent tears streaming down her face. Without hesitation, Aria sat next to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"What did Alison do now?" Spencer asked, a little annoyed at the fact that Emily was suffering due to Ali's antics again.

"Nothing," Emily replied. She didn't know if she could discuss what had just happened with her friends.

"Emily!" Spencer insisted. "We saw her on her way out, saying things like she left before she ruined things. What does Alison think she ruined?"

Emily sniffled, hesitating before answering. "Ali kissed me," she whispered. "Then she pulled away and left, saying she needed to figure things out."

Spencer sighed, her brow furrowing. "Classic Alison. Running when things get complicated."

"She's not running, Spencer," Aria countered gently. "She's scared. Alison's been trying so hard to change."

"How would you know?"

"I've talked to her about it," Aria sighed, feeling slightly guilty of revealing some things Alison had confided in her. "She cares about Emily, but she's afraid of hurting her."

Spencer folded her arms, unconvinced. "Even so, it's not fair to leave Emily in limbo."

"Guys, please stop," Emily interrupted, her voice cracking. "Alison promised she'd keep in touch. She said this was something she needed to handle on her own. But I can't help worrying she'll push me away for good."

Before either of them could respond, Emily's phone buzzed on the table. She wiped her face quickly and picked it up, her hands trembling slightly.

Em, I just got home. I'm really sorry about tonight.

I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do with all these feelings in my head.

None of this is about you. I need to talk to my therapist and figure out how to handle it all.

I want to make this work. For me. For you. For us.

I promised I'd be there for you, and I mean it.

Emily's heart clenched as she read the texts, her emotions a tangled mess of hope and fear. On one hand, Alison followed through with her promise to text her. On the other hand, she was still confused about Ali's reaction and what it meant for them in the long run. It wouldn't be sustainable in the long run and Emily knew it.

"She texted you?" Aria asked, leaning over to read the messages. Her face softened. "See? She's trying, Em. Give her a little time."

Spencer glanced at the phone, her expression skeptical but not dismissive. "If you want this, Emily, then go for it. But just… be careful with your heart."

Emily looked at the screen and typed out a reply:

Ali, I'm glad you're home and that you texted me.

Tell me how it goes with your therapist. I'll talk to mine as well.

After texting, Emily managed a small smile, looking at both of her friends. "Thanks, guys. Do you mind if we all crash in the living room tonight?"

Aria grinned, her arm still around Emily. "Not at all. Let's grab some blankets."

Spencer nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I'll make some tea."

The soft light of dawn filtered through the barn's windows, casting long streaks of gold across the wooden floor. Emily stirred on the couch, her blanket half-pulled off as she blinked sleepily at her surroundings. Aria was curled up in an armchair with her phone in her lap, scrolling through news articles. Spencer was already up, leaning over the counter with a cup of coffee in hand, reviewing a document on her tablet.

"Morning, sunshine," Spencer greeted, glancing up. "How are you holding up?"

Emily sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I'm okay. Thanks for staying over."

Aria looked up with a small smile. "Of course. We didn't want you to be alone after everything."

The memory of the previous night flickered in Emily's mind—the kiss, Alison leaving, the texts. Her chest tightened, but she also felt a strange sense of hope.

"She texted me again this morning," Emily admitted, reaching for her phone on the coffee table. "Just to check in. She said she's serious about working on things."

Spencer raised an eyebrow. "Good. She should be. But, Em, are you sure about this? I know you care about her, but—"

"I'm sure," Emily cut her off gently but firmly. "Alison's trying. And I want to give her that chance."

Spencer sighed but nodded, her expression softening. "Just make sure she earns it, okay? You deserve someone who's all in."

"I know," Emily said, her voice steady. "And I think Alison wants to be."

Aria set her phone down, her tone lightening the mood. "Well, if anyone can bring out the best in her, it's you."

The three girls shared a small laugh, the tension easing just a little. But Emily couldn't shake the feeling that the road ahead with Alison would be anything but easy.

Alison sat in silence at Dr. Woods' office, her fingers twitching nervously. She'd texted her therapist for an extra session without giving many details, but now, face-to-face, her voice seemed caught in her throat.

"Alison, what happened?" Dr. Woods asked gently, breaking the silence.

The blonde sighed heavily, her arms folding defensively across her chest. "I screwed up," she muttered, avoiding her therapist's gaze. "That's what happened."

Dr. Woods tilted her head slightly. "Let's take a step back. What do you mean by 'screwed up'?"

Alison hesitated, then blurted, "Emily and I kissed, and I freaked out and left." The admission sat heavily in the air. Her voice wavered as she continued, "I didn't want to leave her like that and I told her that. But I panicked. I texted her afterwards and promised to stay in touch, but still…"

"Okay," Dr. Woods said, her tone calm and measured. "What made you panic?"

Alison ran a hand through her hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It felt… good. Really good," she said, her voice trembling. "But then I started thinking: What if I mess things up? What if I cross her boundaries? What if I'm not good enough for her? And suddenly, I couldn't breathe. So, I left."

"Do you recognize what was happening at that moment?" Dr. Woods asked.

Alison hesitated before nodding. "Flight mode," she said bitterly. "I've been in flight mode my whole life. When things get hard, I run. I ran away from Emily when I couldn't handle my feelings back then. I ran when A was after me because I thought that was the only way to stay safe. And now, I'm running from Emily again."

"That's a lot of self-awareness," Dr. Woods pointed out. "It's important to recognize these patterns. But do you also realize how far you've come?"

Alison frowned. "It doesn't feel like I've come far."

"Let's look at the evidence," Dr. Woods said. "You kissed Emily, and when you felt overwhelmed, you didn't lash out or shut her out completely. You communicated. You texted her, reassured her it wasn't her fault, and promised to stay in touch. That's a significant step forward, Alison."

Alison shook her head. "But I still left her alone. I'm supposed to be better than this by now."

"Setbacks don't erase progress," Dr. Woods said firmly. "You've been in flight mode for years—it's your default survival response. Rewiring that takes time and patience. What matters is that you recognized the reaction, took responsibility, and reached out to Emily. That's what progress looks like."

Alison's shoulders slumped. "It still feels like I'm failing her. I don't want us to fall into another toxic cycle."

"Then don't," Dr. Woods said gently. "Keep communicating, like you did after the kiss. Take things one step at a time. Remember, growth isn't about never making mistakes—it's about how you handle them when they happen."

Dr. Woods gave her a warm, encouraging look. "The fact that you're here, trying, shows how much you care. You're already enough, Alison. The real question is whether you believe that about yourself."

Alison stared at her therapist, the words hitting her harder than she expected. Could she believe it? Could she ever let go of the fear that made her run?

Alison let out a slow breath, leaning back in her chair, the tension in her shoulders beginning to ease. "I want to believe that I'm enough," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it's hard. I've spent so long pretending to be someone else—someone stronger, someone in control—and now I don't know who I really am."

Dr. Woods gave her a small nod of understanding. "That's not unusual for someone who's lived in survival mode for so long. You've been protecting yourself by creating an image of strength and invulnerability, but now that you're starting to let that go, you're left with the question of identity. Who is Alison DiLaurentis when she's not running?"

Alison stared at her hands, her fingers twisting together. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I'm scared that Emily won't like who I am underneath all of it. What if she realizes I'm just… broken?"

"Alison, being vulnerable doesn't mean you're broken," Dr. Woods said gently. "It means you're human. And if Emily cares for you the way you believe she does, then she'll accept you for who you truly are. But first, you have to let her see that person."

The blonde's throat tightened, and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Start small," Dr. Woods suggested. "The next time you feel overwhelmed, instead of running, try sharing that feeling with Emily. You don't have to have all the answers, and you don't have to be perfect. Just be honest."

Alison met Dr. Woods' gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll try," she whispered. "I don't want to lose her."

"You won't," Dr. Woods assured her. "As long as you're honest and open, you're giving Emily the chance to be there for you. Relationships are a two-way street, Alison. Trust her enough to let her meet you halfway."

For the first time since the session began, Alison felt a flicker of hope. She texted Emily as soon as she left her session:

We need to talk. Can we meet again?

I promise everything is gonna be okay.

As for Emily, sat in Dr. Griffin's office, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. She stared at the soft beige carpet, struggling to find the words she needed.

Dr. Griffin offered her a patient smile. "Emily, what's on your mind?"

Emily sighed, her voice shaky as she began, "I kissed Alison. She kissed me back… and then she panicked. She left before we could talk about it. Later, she texted me, saying she needed space to process what happened but promised she wouldn't leave me." Her voice cracked slightly. "I came here because I don't know how to feel. I'm scared she hasn't changed and that she'll hurt me again."

Dr. Griffin leaned forward slightly. "You're feeling anxious and uncertain because Alison's actions don't yet align with her promises. Is that right?"

Emily nodded. "She says things will be okay, but… she used to make promises she never kept. How do I know this time is different?"

Dr. Griffin let the silence linger for a moment before responding. "Emily, have you noticed that both you and Alison are living in the shadow of the past?"

Emily frowned. "What do you mean?"

"When Alison is overwhelmed, she runs away. That's her survival instinct. And when you're overwhelmed, you tend to freeze—shutting down and letting things happen without asserting what you need."

Emily's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure I understand."

"Think back," Dr. Griffin prompted gently. "When Alison left you before, how did you react?"

Emily winced. "I didn't push her away. I let her string me along."

"And when she disappeared?"

"I buried myself in swimming and school. I tried to move on."

"What about when she returned?"

Emily hesitated, shame flickering across her face. "I… I went along with whatever she wanted. We spent the night together once, but when she tried to kiss me later, I stopped her. And then… she never tried again."

"And after her arrest?"

Emily's hands clenched tightly. "I didn't know how to deal with it. I got back with my ex… and when that fell apart, I had a fling with someone else."

Dr. Griffin nodded thoughtfully. "Do you see the pattern, Emily? In each of these moments, when Alison's actions left you feeling unsafe, your instinct was to shut down emotionally—to retreat into yourself or detach entirely. These responses make sense given the trauma you've endured, especially now after the dollhouse."

Emily flinched slightly at the mention of the dollhouse. "But how does that connect to now?"

"Alison's fear of hurting you comes from her own patterns of avoidance. And your fear of being hurt again makes it hard for you to trust her. You're both stuck reacting to past versions of each other, rather than communicating what you need in the present."

Emily swallowed hard, Dr. Griffin's words sinking in. "So… what do I do?"

"Start small," Dr. Griffin encouraged. "Think about what you need from Alison to feel safe in this relationship. And be honest with her about it. You can't control how she'll respond, but you can control how you show up."

Emily nodded, absorbing Dr. Griffin's words as if trying to hold onto them for strength.

Dr. Griffin leaned back slightly, her tone soft but firm. "Also, remember that Alison has her own avoidance tendencies. That doesn't mean she's trying to hurt you, but it's her way of coping when she feels overwhelmed. Be mindful of that. Give her space if she needs it, but don't lose sight of your own needs. If it ever feels like too much, Emily, you have the power to decide what's best for you—even if that means stepping away."

Emily swallowed hard. "But what if she leaves me again?"

Dr. Griffin met her gaze steadily. "Then you'll be okay. You survived her leaving before. You have your friends, your strength, and your own sense of worth. Alison is important to you, but you are not defined by her. This relationship is a choice, not a dependency. And healing, for both of you, takes time."

Emily let the words settle, her heart pounding. She was about to respond when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She glanced at the screen. It was Alison.

We need to talk. Can we meet again?

I promise everything is gonna be okay

Dr. Griffin raised an eyebrow. "Alison?"

Emily nodded, reading the text again. "She says she wants to talk and asked if we can meet. She promised it'll be okay."

Dr. Griffin smiled gently. "Before you answer, ask yourself: what do you need from this conversation? Don't say yes because it's Alison or because you're afraid of losing her. Say yes if you feel ready to express what you truly need."

Emily's hands trembled slightly as she typed out her reply. Her heart felt both heavy and light, the weight of uncertainty balanced by a flicker of hope.

Thanks for reaching out, Ali.

Can you come over to the barn when I finish my session?

I had a lot to process on my own.

The reply came almost instantly:

Sure, just let me know when you're finished.

Emily exhaled shakily, her thumb hovering over the screen. Relief mixed with apprehension, forming a knot in her chest.

Dr. Griffin spoke softly, breaking the silence. "Emily, as your therapist, I don't take sides. But I do see effort from Alison. She's communicating with you, even after falling back into old patterns. She's been to therapy, and she's trying to meet you where you are. That shows progress—not perfection, but progress."

Dr. Griffin's voice was steady and reassuring. "You're allowed to hope, Emily. But don't forget: this time, you're not powerless. You're choosing to walk into this with open eyes and an open heart."

"I feel… nervous," Emily admitted, her voice quieter now. "What if I can't explain what I need? Or worse, what if she can't give me what I need?"

"Those are valid concerns," Dr. Griffin replied. "But remember, progress isn't about instant resolution. It's about taking steps forward, even if they're small. You've already taken one by deciding to have this conversation."

Emily nodded, letting the words sink in. She could almost hear Spencer's voice in her head urging her to be pragmatic, while Aria's gentler reassurances whispered alongside.

"I just don't want to mess this up," Emily said after a moment.

"You're not alone in this, Emily," Dr. Griffin reminded her. "Relationships are a two-way street. It's okay to be honest about your feelings, but it's just as important to listen to what Alison has to say. Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time."

As the session wrapped up, Emily felt a small but steady resolve building within her. She sent Alison a quick follow-up text:

I'll be done here in 20 minutes. Come over then?

The reply came almost instantly:

I'll be there.

Emily stepped into the barn, the familiar scent of cedar and the soft glow of fairy lights calming her nerves. She busied herself tidying up the couch and fluffing pillows, though the barn was already immaculate.

A knock on the door made her freeze mid-step. She took a deep breath, then opened it.

Alison stood there, hands nervously clutching the straps of her purse. Her usual confidence was tempered by something softer, more vulnerable. Her hands clutched a bouquet of flowers to her chest. Alison seemed more delicate that night, but that might have been the salmon pink dress and the white cardigan that she was wearing.

"Hey," Alison said, her voice tentative, and handed Emily the bouquet. "I saw these and thought of you," she murmured, her voice soft. "I know it's not much, but I wanted to show you I care. Not that I'm trying to charm my way back to you or—"

Emily interrupted and accepted the flowers, her fingers brushing Alison's briefly. "Thank you. They're beautiful," she said, stepping aside to let her in while graciously holding the flowers.

The silence between them was heavy but not uncomfortable. They sat across from each other, and Alison broke the ice.

"I'm sorry about the other night," Alison began, her voice steady despite the uncertainty in her eyes. "I should've handled things better."

Emily glanced at the flowers, then back at Alison. "You needed time to process, and I think I did too," she replied, her tone warm but cautious.

"I don't want to run from you, Emily," Alison admitted, her gaze fixed on the floor. "But I'm scared of getting it wrong. Of hurting you again. I was afraid of losing control and pushing against your boundaries, and that's why I panicked. You've been through so much, and the last thing I want is to cross a line."

Emily hesitated, the weight of her therapist's words echoing in her mind. She and Alison were still navigating the echoes of their past—old wounds that needed healing if they were ever going to move forward. It would've been easy, almost instinctive, to push Alison away and label her as untrustworthy. But that wasn't fair to the Alison standing in front of her now—the one who was actively trying, the one who'd reached out and kept in touch.

Taking a steadying breath, Emily decided to let honesty guide her.

"Alison," she began softly, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. "It really scares me when you panic and pull away. I understand that you're not doing it to hurt me, but it still hurts. Every time you shut me out, it feels like I'm left alone to pick up the pieces."

Alison's gaze dropped, her fingers nervously brushing against the hem of her cardigan. "I know," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I hate that I do it. It's not fair to you. I'm trying so hard to change, but… I keep slipping back into old habits."

Emily stepped closer, her tone softening. "I can see that you're trying, and that means a lot to me. But Ali, I need you to communicate with me when you feel overwhelmed. Take the time you need, but let me in—just enough so I know where we stand. We're supposed to be a team, and I can't do this if I'm always left guessing."

Alison looked up, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Like what we're doing right now?" she asked, a tentative smile breaking through her guilt.

Emily couldn't help but smile back. "Exactly like this."

Alison exhaled shakily, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that evening. "Then I promise, Em, that's what I'll do. No more shutting you out. I don't want to lose you."

Emily's smile widened, a flicker of hope warming her chest. She reached behind her, pulling out a small object she'd hidden earlier. "To show you I'm committed to this too, I want you to have this back."

Alison blinked in surprise as Emily handed her the Eiffel Tower miniature she'd once gifted. "I—I wasn't expecting this," Alison stammered, cradling the tiny figure in her palm. "Why now?"

Emily shrugged, her voice gentle but firm. "Because it's time. It always reminded me of how you kept showing up, even when it wasn't easy. And now, you're doing it again."

Alison's lips curved into a soft, genuine smile. She looked at the miniature, then at Emily, the weight of the moment settling between them. For the first time in a long while, Alison felt like maybe—just maybe—she could be the person Emily deserved.

Emily's smile lingered as she stepped closer, her heart pounding but steady. Alison held the Eiffel Tower miniature like it was the most precious thing in the world, her gaze flicking between it and Emily. The blonde's vulnerability was palpable, her usual bravado replaced by a quiet sincerity that made Emily's heart ache and swell at the same time.

"Emily…" Alison's voice trembled, but there was no mistaking the warmth in her tone. "Thank you—for this, for everything. I don't deserve how understanding you've been."

Emily shook her head, gently reaching out to take Alison's free hand. "You don't have to be perfect, Ali. You just have to be here. That's all I've ever wanted."

Alison looked at their joined hands, then up at Emily, her blue eyes glistening with emotion. "I'm here," she whispered.

And then, like the first tentative step into a new chapter, Emily leaned in. Their lips met softly, sweetly, as if sealing the promises they'd just made to one another. Alison's free hand instinctively moved to Emily's waist, pulling her closer, while Emily rested her hand lightly on Alison's shoulder. The kiss was unhurried, tender—a moment of mutual reassurance and understanding that they were in this together, flaws and all.

Reacting instinctively, Alison pulled Emily closer and kissed her harder. Emily gasped in surprise, and Alison immediately pulled away, her face flushed with worry. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—"

Emily silenced her with a soft smile and leaned in, her hand curling around the back of Alison's neck. She kissed Alison again, this time matching the same intensity, their lips moving together in perfect sync. It was a moment of unspoken understanding, both of them letting go of their fears and simply being present with each other.

They were so engrossed in the kiss that the sudden sound of the doorbell nearly went unnoticed.

Alison groaned, breaking the kiss with a dramatic sigh. "We didn't even make it to second base, and Spencer's already blocking us."

Emily let out a breathy laugh, giving Alison a playful shove. "Ali, behave," she said with mock sternness, smoothing down her shirt as she walked toward the barn's entrance.

When she opened the door, though, it wasn't Spencer standing there. It was Mona.

"I need to talk to you," Mona said, her gaze shifting briefly to Alison before settling back on Emily. Her tone was calm but carried an unmistakable urgency as she stepped inside the barn.

WHAT DOES MONA WANT?

Find out on the next chapter.