A different Kind of Mother's Day

Mother's Day had always been a big deal for Emily's family. Every year, she and her mom would wake up early to go out for brunch, and then they'd spend the day together—shopping, watching a movie, or just talking about life over coffee. It was their thing, and no matter how chaotic Emily's life got, she always made sure she was there for it.

This year was no different—except for the fact that as she sat at their usual lunch table, she couldn't help but notice Alison's silence.

The rest of the girls were buzzing with excitement about their Mother's Day plans.

Aria was helping her mom pick out wedding decorations.

Hanna had planned a spa day for her and Ashley.

Spencer was having brunch with Veronica before heading to the country club.

And Alison?

Alison just sat there, poking at her food, offering a small smile.

No one else seemed to notice, but Emily did.

It wasn't until later, when the group was walking toward their lockers, that Emily saw it clearly—the way Alison's shoulders sagged slightly, the way her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Emily knew why.

This was Alison's first Mother's Day without Jessica.

And no one had said a word about it.

That night, as Emily sat on the couch watching TV with her mom, she couldn't shake the thought. Alison wasn't the type to talk about things like this—she kept her emotions locked up tight, pretending she was fine even when she wasn't.

But Emily knew better.

So she picked up her phone and typed out a message before she could overthink it.

Emily: Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?

A minute passed before Alison replied.

Alison: Nothing. Why?

Emily took a deep breath before sending the next text.

Emily: Come with me and my mom. Brunch, shopping, whatever. Just… come.

This time, the reply took a little longer.

Alison: Em, you don't have to do that.

Emily: I know.

There was a pause. Then—

Alison: Okay.

Pam Fields had always liked Alison, even back when Emily had no idea how to explain their relationship. She had never been fully on board with all the trouble Alison had gotten them into, but over the years, Pam had softened toward her.

Which was why inviting Alison to join them for Mother's Day wasn't weird at all.

Pam greeted her with a warm smile when they picked her up, wrapping her in a gentle hug. "It's good to see you, Alison."

Alison smiled back, but Emily could see the hesitation in her eyes. "Thanks for letting me crash your day."

Pam waved a hand. "Oh, please. You're not crashing anything." She glanced at Emily with a knowing look. "Besides, I think Emily would rather spend the day with a friend than just me."

Emily rolled her eyes, but Alison let out a small, genuine laugh, and just like that, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease.

They started with brunch at one of Pam's favorite cafés, where Pam immediately ordered way too much food, insisting that they "treat themselves." Alison laughed as Pam subtly nagged Emily about her eating habits, and Emily found herself relaxing at the sound of it.

After brunch, Pam dragged them to a small boutique, claiming she needed a new dress for church. Emily watched as Alison wandered through the aisles, occasionally running her fingers over soft fabrics, completely at ease.

At one point, Pam reached over and tucked a strand of Alison's hair behind her ear, the way a mom would with her daughter.

Emily didn't think much of it at first—until she saw the way Alison froze, how her eyes suddenly looked too bright, like she was trying to hold something back.

It hit Emily all at once.

Alison hadn't had this in so long.

A mother's presence. A mother's warmth. A mother's love.

The weight of the day must have finally settled on Alison, because as soon as they got back to Emily's house, Alison let out a shaky breath and whispered, "Thank you."

Emily turned to her, confused. "For what?"

Alison blinked rapidly, but it was too late—the tears were already spilling over. "For this," she whispered. "For today. For… for caring."

Emily's chest tightened as she reached out, instinctively pulling Alison into a tight hug. "Of course I care," she murmured against her hair.

Alison clung to her like she was afraid to let go, her quiet sobs muffled against Emily's shoulder.

And Emily?

She just held her closer.