Hello, guys! This chapter is my take on what could've been the DiLaurentis family tree up until season 6 (no Mary and Alex and Drake). I don't think it's far-fetched for Alison to look for a family and a place to belong, I just didn't like the way it was handled in the series. This chapter is an attempt to make it more in character for everyone involved.

Hope you enjoy!

With love,

White Tigresss

Chapter 11 - Falling into Place

"CeCe, what are you doing here?!" Emily's voice was sharp as she instinctively stepped in front of Alison, her stance protective.

CeCe raised her hands in mock surrender. "Chill, Americano, I'm not gonna hurt you."

Alison's expression darkened, anger flaring in her eyes. "You threw a rock at me and then pretended to be my friend! How can I ever trust you again?!"

CeCe flinched at her words but held her ground. "I didn't mean to," she said softly. "It broke my heart to see that I hurt you. That's why I helped you when you were on the run."

Alison let out a bitter laugh. "And you didn't even think to tell me?!" Her voice was rising now, raw with betrayal. "My own mother protected you while I was buried alive! She left me there, CeCe! She could've saved me, but she chose you! Why?!"

CeCe took a slow breath, her gaze steady. "If you had daughters, would you be able to choose between them?"

Alison's body went rigid. The words hit like a punch to the gut.

She stared at CeCe, searching her face, looking for the lie—but she found none. Emily, standing beside her, frowned in confusion. Then, as she studied them, the realization hit. It wasn't just the blonde hair or the similar sharpness in their features. There were deeper similarities—the slight wave in their hair, the same slope of their noses, something unspoken that had always been there.

"You're my sister?!" Alison's voice cracked.

Tears welled in CeCe's eyes as she nodded. "I am."

Alison stumbled back a step, as if the weight of it was too much to bear. Emily's hand brushed against her arm, grounding her.

CeCe swallowed hard, her voice thick with emotion. "You never got to know me because Dad had me institutionalized when you were a baby. He never wanted me. I think… I think he didn't believe I was his, just like Jason. I was seven when he sent me away. But Mom… Mom never abandoned me. She took care of me, made sure I had everything I needed. We even had the same things—matching clothes, matching dolls."

Alison's breath came in shallow gasps. "Then why did you do it, CeCe? Why did you never tell me?"

CeCe's hands trembled as she reached up to wipe her eyes. "That night… I didn't see your face. I didn't know you were out there. I thought you were someone else—someone dangerous." She sucked in a shaky breath. "Ali, if I could take it all back, I would. I never wanted to hurt you."

Alison stared at her, jaw tight, eyes burning. For the first time, CeCe looked small—regretful, almost fragile. And Alison didn't know whether to scream at her or finally believe her.

"Bethany Young was threatening you and Mom that night," CeCe revealed, her voice low with the weight her confession. "Mom was also giving her matching sets because she found out I was her daughter and was blackmailing her for it. I thought you were Bethany… When I realized it was you, I felt so sorry, so ashamed. I thought you could never forgive me."

Alison turned her face away, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. She was trying to make sense of everything CeCe had just said. She didn't know if she had the capacity to forgive CeCe now. The years of secrets, the lies—how could she move past it all?

"You could've told me you were my sister," Alison said, her voice tight. "I already saw you as one."

CeCe's gaze softened. "Me too," she said quietly. "I wanted to get closer to you and Jason, but in the wrong way... I wanted to mess with you both, especially you. God, I was a terrible influence. I saw that you had feelings for Emily, and I pushed you in the opposite direction. When I realized how much you meant to me, I… I didn't know what to do."

Emily shifted, stepping closer to Alison, her hand reaching out. "You still saved her from Wilden," Emily added softly, her voice steady but carrying the weight of her own memories. "He told me so when he was keeping me in the dollhouse."

Alison froze for a moment, a spark of realization flashing in her eyes. "Wait... so, I never—"

"No," CeCe interrupted quickly, her eyes flickering with regret. "I was pretty sure Wilden had spiked your drink. I pulled you away from him. I didn't let him do anything. I let you think you had a pregnancy scare, but I honestly thought that might make you realize what was really happening. But Ali… I swear, he never touched you. Not on my watch."

Alison stood there, her heart pounding as a rush of emotions flooded her. Gratitude for what CeCe had done, but also so much hurt from everything she'd kept from her. CeCe had protected her, but in such a twisted way, and it only made the betrayal sting more.

"I don't know what to say," Alison whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know how to feel about any of this."

CeCe looked down at the ground, her shoulders slumping. "You don't have to say anything. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. But I had to tell you the truth. You're my sister, Ali. And I never stopped caring about you."

Alison glanced at Emily, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. Emily didn't push her, but she was there, a steady presence at her side.

Alison took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together. "I need time," she finally said, her voice firm but softer than before. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive you, CeCe. But right now, I can't pretend like everything's okay."

CeCe nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I know. I'll be here when you're ready. No pressure. I just… I wanted you to know the truth."

The silence hung heavy between them, but Alison wasn't ready to say more just yet. She had her own journey ahead of her, one that involved healing, not just from the past, but from the person standing in front of her.

"I'll leave you both alone for now," CeCe said, her voice a little raw.

As CeCe turned to walk away, Alison couldn't help but watch her, the weight of their shared history settling over her. She didn't know what the future held with CeCe, or if they could ever truly be sisters. She didn't even know how to tell Jason about it.

"Let's go inside," Emily's hand on her lower back steadied her as the brunette guided her back inside the barn for another long night of sleepless dreams.

As they walked back into the barn, the silence between them felt thick, almost suffocating. The cool air wrapped around them like a blanket of tension, and Emily couldn't help but glance over at Alison, her brow furrowed in concern.

Alison's face was a mixture of confusion and hurt, her footsteps slow, like she was wading through a sea of thoughts she couldn't quite grasp. Emily knew this look. It was the one Alison wore when she was holding back, trying to keep everything inside when the world had just given her another gut-punch.

"Ali?" Emily's voice was soft, tentative, as she reached for her hand, the contact a quiet attempt at grounding her.

Alison barely looked at her, her eyes glazed over, as though she were still stuck in that moment with CeCe—flooded with words, guilt, and a pain she hadn't yet unpacked. She shook her head slightly, her voice shaky when she spoke. "She is my sister, Em... And I never knew."

The weight of the words hung in the air, and Emily gave her hand a gentle squeeze, but she didn't press her. She knew Alison needed time to process it all.

They reached the old couch inside the barn. Alison sat down first, her posture stiff, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. Emily followed, sitting next to her, offering quiet comfort, but unsure of how to help.

Alison finally looked at her, a flicker of something dark in her eyes. "She kept so many things from me, Em. All these years. Why didn't she tell me? Why did she let me think I was alone?"

Emily bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "Maybe… she was afraid, Ali. Afraid you'd hate her for the things she did. Or maybe she didn't even know how to reach out after everything."

Alison let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head again. "I don't know. I don't know if I can forgive her. But I want to. God, I want to."

The vulnerability in her voice was raw, and Emily's heart ached for her. She knew Alison wanted to forgive CeCe, to make sense of the woman who had kept so many secrets from her. But the scars of betrayal were deep, and even with blood between them, it didn't make it easier to just forget.

Alison exhaled, leaning back against the bench, her eyes staring up at the rafters as if they could hold all the answers. "I just... I can't believe she was in my life all this time and I never knew. I feel like I'm drowning in everything she said. I didn't mean to hurt you, Ali," she mimicked in a soft, almost mocking tone. "How can you say that after everything?"

"Because she's sorry, Ali," Emily said gently, her hand resting on Alison's shoulder, offering warmth. "She's not the same person who hurt you before. People change."

Alison closed her eyes, the weight of her emotions pulling her under. "Maybe. But I can't just let it go because she's sorry. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with that, Em. I don't even know where to start."

The silence between them stretched again, but it was different now—softer, more familiar. Emily sat closer, letting Alison take the time she needed.

After a long moment, Alison finally looked at her, her voice quieter. "What do I do now? Do I just… accept it all?"

Emily's gaze softened, her voice gentle but firm. "You take it one step at a time. You don't have to decide everything tonight. You can't undo the past, but you can decide what you want moving forward. And you don't have to do it alone."

Alison nodded slowly, looking down at her hands, still clasped tightly together. The words didn't feel like a solution yet, but for the first time since CeCe had shown up, she didn't feel so lost. She wasn't alone, at least not anymore.

A deep breath escaped her, and she closed her eyes for a moment, gathering herself. "I don't know if I can trust her again, Em. But... maybe I could try."

Emily leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. Just... take your time. Whatever you need. I'm here."

Alison fell asleep quietly next to Emily. She was still upset and her thoughts were rambled. But Emily's calming presence grounded her.

Alison stirred awake in the dim light of the barn, her body still curled up next to Emily's warmth. For a moment, she let herself believe that things were okay—that her mind wasn't a tangled mess of betrayal, regret, and confusion. But reality settled in fast, pressing against her chest like a weight she couldn't push off.

She turned slightly, just enough to see Emily's face, relaxed in sleep. Her steady breathing was the only thing keeping Alison from spiraling.

Emily always had a way of making things feel less unbearable.

Careful not to wake her, Alison slipped out of the bed, wrapping her arms around herself as she crossed the barn. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves outside. She barely registered the chill in the air as she leaned against the wooden frame of the door, staring out into the darkness.

Her mind replayed CeCe's words over and over.

"You're my sister."

She should've known. All the signs had been there, right in front of her. CeCe had always felt familiar, but Alison had brushed it off as admiration—hero worship. Now, the truth sat heavy in her chest, a storm of emotions she couldn't name.

A part of her wanted to forgive CeCe, to believe that she had meant well despite everything. But another part—the part that had spent years piecing herself back together—wasn't sure if she could.

A soft creak behind her pulled her from her thoughts.

"You okay?" Emily's voice was laced with sleep, but her concern was evident.

Alison let out a quiet breath. "Couldn't sleep."

Emily didn't ask why. She already knew.

Without a word, she stepped closer, slipping her arms around Alison's waist from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. Alison closed her eyes, leaning into the warmth, the comfort.

"You don't have to figure it all out tonight," Emily murmured.

"I know," Alison whispered.

And for now, that was enough.

The early morning light filtered through the barn's windows, casting a soft glow over the wooden walls. Emily had barely slept. Not because she was uncomfortable, but because she was too aware of Alison beside her—shifting, sighing, lost in dreams that were anything but peaceful.

At some point in the night, Alison had turned toward her, her hand resting lightly against Emily's arm. It was such a small, unconscious gesture, but it made Emily's heart ache. Alison needed her, whether she would admit it or not.

Emily brushed a few strands of blonde hair away from Alison's face. "Ali," she whispered, just to see if she was awake.

Alison stirred, blinking sleepily. Her eyes were still clouded with exhaustion, but they focused on Emily quickly. "Morning already?" Her voice was raspy from sleep.

"Yeah." Emily hesitated. "Did you sleep okay?"

Alison let out a quiet breath, rolling onto her back. "I don't know." She stared at the ceiling for a moment before turning her head back to Emily. "I keep thinking about CeCe."

Emily figured as much. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Alison pressed her lips together, debating. Then, after a pause, she admitted, "I just… I don't know how to feel. I always trusted her. Even when I shouldn't have. And now… knowing she's my sister? Knowing she kept that from me?" She shook her head. "It's like I don't even know what parts of my life are real anymore."

Emily reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You're real, Ali. What we have is real."

Alison turned her head to look at Emily, something flickering in her eyes. Vulnerability. Maybe even hope.

"I know," Alison murmured. "That's why I'm still here."

She sat up, brushing her fingers through her messy hair. "I need to talk to Jason," she said suddenly.

Emily nodded, understanding. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Alison hesitated, then shook her head. "I think I need to do this on my own."

Emily squeezed her hand once more before letting go. "Okay. Just call me if you need me."

Alison gave her a small, grateful smile before standing up, her mind already spinning with how she was going to let Jason know they had another sister.

When Alison got back home, Jason immediately noticed something was off. She didn't carry herself with her usual confidence, and the spark in her blue eyes had dimmed. Something was weighing on her.

"Ali, what's wrong?" He asked.

"I think we should talk," she said suddenly.

Jason tensed. "Is this about your statement? Did something come up related to the N.A.T. Club?"

"No, that's already settled," Alison dismissed. "You were blackmailed by Ian and Garrett because they knew about the drugs. That's all in the past."

Jason nodded slowly. Alison's response wasn't surprising—more like a subtle reminder of what to say if the police ever asked. It wasn't far from the truth, but that didn't mean he liked hearing it. Jason had wanted to quit once he figured out what Ian and Garrett were doing, but he had been blackmailed by them to stay around.

"Then what is it?" he asked, his stomach twisting.

Alison took a breath. "CeCe Drake is our sister."

Jason paled. Somehow, this was worse than anything related to the N.A.T. Club. He felt like the floor had been ripped out from under him. Being the product of an affair had already shattered his sense of family. But this?

"CeCe Drake?" he echoed, barely believing the words. His mind raced, connecting the dots. The resemblance, the way CeCe had always gravitated toward Alison, how she seemed to know more than she let on—it all made sense now.

A sense of dread washed over him. God, he had almost dated his own sister. Why couldn't their family be normal just for once?

"She was the one who hit me that night," Alison admitted, unaware of Jason's inner monologue. "She says she thought I was Bethany Young. Apparently, Bethany was dangerous and had been blackmailing Mom. CeCe swore she didn't mean to hurt me, that it was all a mistake. And she's sorry. For everything."

Jason sat down heavily on the couch. He needed a second to process before he keeled over.

"Ali… I don't even know what you want me to say," he muttered, rubbing his face. "I mean, I know CeCe. But knowing her as some girl who was always around is one thing. Finding out she's our long-lost sister who nearly killed you? That's something else entirely."

"I know," Alison whispered. "I don't know how to feel either. But CeCe really did help me when I was on the run. She came back for me. And part of me wants to forgive her." She swallowed. "But another part doesn't know if I can."

Jason exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He wanted to give Alison an answer, a solution, something that would make this easier. But there was only one logical step to take.

"First things first," he said. "We need a DNA test."

Alison stared at him. "And if she's telling the truth?"

Jason met her gaze, his voice steady. "Then we figure out what the hell that means for us."

Alison had wanted something concrete, something that would make her pain disappear. But Jason was right. First, they needed proof. Then—if CeCe really was their sister—they would have to decide if there was any place for her in their lives at all.

She sat on the arm of the couch, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Jason was still sitting, staring at the floor, his expression unreadable. Neither of them spoke for a long moment.

"Do you have any idea how to get a DNA test without turning this into a circus?" Alison finally asked, her voice quieter than usual.

Jason exhaled sharply. "We'd have to do it privately. No clinics in Rosewood. Someone would recognize our names, and the last thing we need is this leaking before we even have answers."

Alison's stomach twisted. "So what, we send our spit to some online lab and hope no one messes with the results?"

Jason shook his head. "No. Veronica Hastings. She's already your lawyer—she can arrange something private and secure."

Alison hesitated, then gave a slow nod. "Okay. But we need to tell CeCe we're doing this."

Jason frowned. "Why? What if she refuses?"

Alison met his gaze. "Then that tells us everything we need to know."

Jason sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. I'll call Veronica and set it up. You talk to CeCe."

Alison hesitated. "I don't know if I'm ready."

Jason leaned back against the couch, his expression softening. "Then take your time, Ali. But don't wait too long."

Alison nodded, but deep down, she wasn't sure how much time she would ever need to process all of this.

A few days later, Alison found the courage and the strength to call CeCe, who picked up on the first ring.

"That was fast," CeCe sassed.

Alison ignored the remark. "Hey. I'm calling to let you know that I told Jason about… all of this. We want to run a DNA test, just to be sure."

If CeCe was offended, she didn't show it.

"Okay, I already saw that coming."

"And you're not mad about it?"

"Why would I be? You're being smart, covering your bases. Plus, I have nothing to hide. I'm sure the test will turn out positive—I even have documents proving I'm a DiLaurentis."

"Seems like you've come prepared," Alison smirked, though there wasn't much humor in it.

CeCe sighed. "Ali, I know you're testing me, waiting to catch me in a lie. You're still trying to process everything."

Alison let out a dry laugh. "Can you blame me?"

"I can't," CeCe admitted. "But if you and Jason ever find it in your hearts to forgive me, I'll be here. I just want the chance to be part of the family I lost."

Alison hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. "You had that ripped away from you."

"I did," CeCe's voice wavered. "Mom used to show me pictures from your vacations—just little things, you and Jason on the beach, family dinners… all I wanted was to be there too."

Alison's throat tightened. She was still angry—angry that CeCe had kept this from her, angry about the lies. But hearing that made something in her ache. She knew what it felt like to be shut out, to watch from the outside.

"I don't know how we move on from here," Alison admitted. "But I promise you… there won't be any more hiding."

A quiet sniffle came through the phone before CeCe composed herself. "That's all I can ask for."

Alison hesitated again, her mind torn between resentment and sympathy. Finally, she exhaled.

"I'll be in touch."

She ended the call before she could second-guess herself.

Alison stared at her phone long after the call ended, her fingers still curled around it like she was afraid to let go. The conversation had left her feeling heavier, like she was carrying a weight she wasn't sure how to set down.

She needed air.

Stepping outside, she let the cool breeze hit her skin, grounding her. She barely had time to take a deep breath before Jason's voice cut through the silence.

"That sounded intense."

Alison turned to see her brother leaning against the porch railing, arms crossed. He must have been watching from the house, waiting for her to finish.

"It was," she admitted, joining him. "I told her about the DNA test. She didn't even hesitate. She expected it."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't prove anything. She could still be lying."

"I know," Alison said, though she didn't sound entirely convinced. "But… she talked about Mom. About how she used to show her pictures of us, of our family."

Jason exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "That doesn't change the fact that she hurt you, Ali."

"I know," Alison repeated. "But it also doesn't change the fact that she lost everything before we even knew she existed."

Jason was quiet for a moment, his jaw tightening. "So what are you saying? You want to forgive her?"

Alison looked away. "I don't know yet."

Jason studied her for a beat before sighing. "Veronica set up the DNA test. We'll have results soon."

Alison nodded, absorbing that. "And then?"

"Then we decide what to do with the truth."

Alison wasn't sure whether that thought comforted her or terrified her.

For now, all she could do was wait.

Later that night, Emily showed up at the DiLaurentis house to support Alison, holding a box of chocolates and a small bouquet of flowers. She wasn't expecting to run into Jason on the front porch.

"Jason, hi!" Emily greeted, awkwardly trying to hide her gifts behind her back—unsuccessfully.

Jason smirked, clearly amused, but before he could reply, Alison appeared at the door.

"Em!" Alison beamed, eyes lighting up. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I wanted to surprise you." Emily flushed as she handed over the flowers and chocolates. "I, uh, brought these."

Alison's cheeks tinted pink, but she smiled, touched by the gesture. There was an unspoken warmth between them—something more than friendship, though neither had put a label on it yet. They both hesitated, unsure how much to show in front of Jason, who cleared his throat dramatically.

"What are your intentions with my sister, Emily?" he asked, arms crossed.

"I—"

"Jason, don't be stupid!" Alison rolled her eyes, swatting his arm before Emily could even answer. "You're embarrassing her!"

"I'm just making sure she's not gonna break my baby sister's heart," Jason said with an exaggerated shrug.

"She's not! Don't be an ass!"

"Soon you'll have another sibling to be up on your grill," Jason joked and they all chuckled until they realized what they were joking about.

"Too soon?" He quirked up an eyebrow.

"I think it's good that you're both already joking about it," Emily chimed in. "But Jason, I promise you that I'm not gonna hurt Alison."

Jason's expression softened, his teasing dropping for just a moment. "I know, Em. I just wanted to give you a hard time." He winked before grinning at his sister.

Alison sighed dramatically, then grabbed Emily's wrist, pulling her toward the stairs. "We'll be in my room watching movies. Away from you."

"Leave the door open and don't do anything I wouldn't do," Jason called after them with a smirk.

"Jason!" Alison groaned, while Emily just chuckled, shaking her head.

And as Alison led Emily upstairs, she realized something—maybe, just maybe, they really could be a family someday. CeCe included.

Emily stirred awake, instinctively reaching out for warmth—only to find Alison tense beside her, still awake. She had stayed for the night in Ali's house. It was comforting to find out she could fall asleep anywhere else except for her old room.

Ali?"

Alison flinched slightly but didn't turn to face her. "Did I wake you?"

Emily shook her head, shifting closer. "Can't sleep?"

Alison exhaled a quiet sigh. "Too much on my mind."

Emily didn't push, just reached out and ran her fingers gently along Alison's arm. After a moment, Alison turned toward her, eyes searching Emily's in the dim light.

"I keep thinking about CeCe," Alison admitted. "I thought knowing the truth would give me clarity, but instead, I just feel… unsettled."

Emily's fingers traced small, reassuring circles against Alison's skin. "It's a lot to process."

Alison nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Part of me wants to forgive her. The other part wonders if I ever really can."

Emily held her closer. "You don't have to decide that right now."

A beat of silence passed before Alison whispered, "I'm not the only one struggling, am I?"

Emily stiffened slightly. She knew what Alison was getting at.

"You don't have to talk about it," Alison added quickly. "But I know the Dollhouse still lingers."

Emily let out a slow breath. "It's always there. Some nights, I wake up and, for a second, I think I'm still trapped in that place. I can still feel the cameras watching me." She swallowed hard. "I hate that it still has a hold on me."

Alison didn't hesitate—she pulled Emily into a tighter embrace, her warmth grounding her. "You're safe now," she murmured.

Emily exhaled, pressing her forehead against Alison's. "That's what I was supposed to say to you."

Alison smiled faintly, brushing a hand through Emily's hair. "Guess we'll have to take turns."

Emily let out a soft laugh before Alison's gaze dipped to her lips—just for a second. It was barely noticeable, but Emily caught it.

Without thinking too much, Emily leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Alison's lips. It was warm, reassuring, and free of hesitation. Alison melted into it, her fingers tightening slightly around Emily's wrist.

When they pulled back, Alison whispered, "That was nice."

Emily grinned sleepily. "Yeah. It was."

They lay there in silence, wrapped in each other, letting the comfort of the moment ease their restless minds.

Emily closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of Alison's breathing. "We're gonna be okay, right?"

Alison pressed another soft kiss—this time to Emily's temple. "Yeah," she whispered. "We will."

And as they drifted back to sleep, neither of them felt alone.