Hello, guys!

I hope you like this follow-up chapter! As mentioned, the focus will be on their recovery, but some legal aspects will be mentioned, as you'll see below. I might consider integrating a few characters from seasons 6 and 7 into this fic.

Hope you enjoy reading!

With love,

White Tigresss

Chapter 3 - Moments Later

As Emily and Alison stepped out of the dollhouse, their eyes adjusted to the blinding white lights of police cars and emergency vehicles surrounding the area. Alison's chest tightened with relief when she spotted their friends and family through the crowd. Hanna was wrapped in a blanket next to Mona, with Caleb, Ashley, and Leona close by. Ezra held a trembling Aria, her family close at hand, while Toby carried Spencer to an ambulance, trailed by Peter, Veronica, and Melissa.

"Emily!" Pam cried, rushing forward to envelop her daughter in a tight embrace. Alison stepped back, allowing them their moment. Over Emily's shoulder, Pam's grateful eyes met Alison's, and she mouthed, "Thank you." Alison nodded, knowing she would do anything to keep Emily safe. From the crowd, Jason's gaze found hers, and he offered a small, proud smile.

A group of paramedics disappeared into the dollhouse and soon emerged with Wilden's body zipped into a dark body bag. Alison exhaled deeply, almost ready to let down her guard, when a sharp voice cut through the night.

"Well, well," Tanner said, her expression unyielding as she closed in on Alison. "I want you and your little crew at the station. You have a lot of explaining to do."

The other cops picked up Jason, Ezra, Caleb and Toby and shoved them inside two police cars.

Emily's heart sank as she watched the officers whisk Alison and the others away. She knew—no, she felt—that Alison had probably broken out of jail just to save them from Wilden and the dollhouse. Instead of feeling relief, though, Emily was overcome with guilt. What if, instead of siding with Mona and the others, she had stayed by Alison's side? She'd betrayed Alison, and now, Alison had paid for a crime she hadn't committed.

Emily's eyes stung as she stared at the police car. Mona wasn't dead, so Alison wouldn't stay locked up for that crime. But what if Tanner found a way to press charges for her breaking out? What if they sent Alison off to some distant prison? The thought clawed at her—what if she never saw Alison again?

And then came a darker fear. What if, after all of this, Alison simply decided she'd had enough and left Rosewood for good? Wilden was gone; A was gone. There was nothing holding her here. After all, Alison had always dreamed big, and had once loved the glamour of big cities like Paris and New York. Emily's heart clenched as she considered the possibility that Alison might still be that girl who dreamed of being anywhere but Rosewood.

Wilden's voice echoed in her mind, taunting her. Could Alison really have loved her? Emily shook her head, doubt tugging at her. If Alison had truly cared, wouldn't she have come back sooner? Sure, she'd saved them, but was that out of love or just her way of proving she'd changed?

A gentle arm wrapped around her, grounding her in the present. Pam held her close, sensing her distress. "Don't worry, Emmy," Pam whispered softly. "We're going to make sure Alison and the others are all right. I'll call Veronica. She'll know what to do."

Emily's shoulders sagged as she leaned into her mother's embrace, comforted but still haunted by the gut-wrenching fear that, somehow, all of this was her fault.

Alison, Caleb, Ezra, Jason, and Toby sat close together in the cramped, dim interrogation room. Tanner had picked the most hidden spot in the station, adding to the air of dread. Alison felt her heart racing, knowing Tanner's next move wouldn't be kind.

"Well, what do we have here?" Tanner sneered, lifting a paper filled with scrawled notes. "Escape, conspiracy, trespass, obstruction, interference with custody… enough to put each of you away for a good, long time." Her voice dripped with satisfaction.

"We did what we had to do to save the girls," Toby replied steadily. "Self-defense, protecting innocent lives."

Tanner's eyes narrowed, zeroing in on him. "And what about your duty, Officer Cavanaugh? Using your position to enable a jailbreak? You're as reckless as the rest of them."

Jason leaned forward, his voice unwavering. "Alison's innocent."

Tanner's lip twitched as she ignored Jason. "You acted outside the law, endangering everyone around you."

"And if we hadn't acted, we'd still be waiting for you to figure out where they were," Toby shot back, frustration edging his tone.

"Oh, believe me, we would've found them," Tanner retorted, though a flicker of doubt crossed her face.

"That's enough." A new voice sliced through the tension as Veronica Hastings stepped into the room, her presence radiating authority. "Lieutenant Tanner, conducting an interrogation without a lawyer present is illegal."

Tanner straightened. "They're witnesses."

"Then why are you threatening arrests?" Veronica replied icily. "These people risked everything to save their friends while the police did nothing."

Tanner's eyes darkened. "Ms. DiLaurentis was a convicted criminal—"

"Wrongfully convicted," Veronica cut her off. "Her so-called crime never even happened. Yet when lives were at stake, she stepped in because no one else would."

Tanner's composure wavered, her jaw clenched. "You don't know the whole story, Mrs. Hastings."

"Then maybe it's time we tell it," Veronica shot back. "A story of friends doing what they had to, against impossible odds. It's over, Lieutenant. And I'm having a word with your boss to make sure you never set foot in Rosewood again."

Tanner's face twisted in frustration. "You'll regret this. Lies catch up with everyone… eventually."

Veronica held her ground. "Maybe it's time the truth finally comes out." She turned to Alison and the others. "Let's go. You'll be back, as witnesses," she emphasized, making Tanner flinch.

Alison rose, glancing back at Tanner—the woman who had thrown her life into chaos. She knew Tanner had been manipulated too, but the damage had been done. She looked away, resolved never to give her another thought.

Before they left, Toby gave away his gun and badge. His police days were done.

Alison sighed as she bought a granola bar and soda from the vending machine, realizing it wasn't much, but it would have to do. Between the rescue, reuniting with Emily and her friends, and now the police station, she hadn't found a moment to eat. It wasn't ideal, but after being on the run and in prison, she knew her body could handle just about anything.

But then, she noticed something that nearly made her drop her snack—Ezra, slipping out of the station doors. They were free to go now, but Alison hadn't expected Ezra to rush out alone.

"Ezra!" she called, stopping him. "Where are you going?"

"Alison!" Ezra turned around, surprise flashing in his eyes. "I was just heading to grab a taxi to the hospital. I think the girls are there already."

"Ms. Hastings is driving us," Alison reminded him. They were all going to the hospital together, or so she thought.

She watched him shift nervously. "You're not going to the hospital, are you?" Alison said, voice steady.

Ezra's shoulders slumped. "I'm leaving, Alison. You heard Veronica. The police are going to dig up everything. I have to do this—to protect Aria."

Alison narrowed her eyes. "Be honest with yourself—you're doing this for you, not her. Aria just went through hell, and you're going to abandon her?"

"If I stay, she'll be under scrutiny too. She doesn't deserve that," he countered. "Look, Alison, maybe you should think about leaving too. There's no telling what else they'll find, and it might put you away for good."

Alison shook her head. "The girls need me, Ezra. I'm not running away this time. Do what you want, but those are your true colors."

She turned her back on him and walked away. When Veronica arrived to pick them up, Alison didn't even need to ask—Ezra was already gone.

After Alison was taken away, a paramedic quickly checked on Emily, then gathered all the girls together to assess their vital signs.

"Your temperature is a bit low," the paramedic said to Emily and Mona, noting it down for the doctors' review.

Spencer, however, appeared to be in the worst condition. The paramedics noticed her heart rate was unstable and immediately transferred her to the hospital by ambulance for further evaluation.

The team continued their assessment: Mona seemed to have improperly healed fractures, though that required confirmation. Hanna and Aria had bruises and minor fractures, which could still be treated effectively. Emily had sustained a broken collarbone. Dehydration and muscle weakness were evident in each of them.

The paramedics then asked if they'd been exposed to any drugs or toxins. Emily hoped not, but she couldn't be sure, as Wilden had controlled their limited food and water supply while they were trapped.

"There's no way to know," Aria answered. "Wilden could have put anything in our food."

"He gave me alcohol," Hanna added bitterly. "That bastard thought I was his drinking buddy."

"Well, we'll check for all that at the hospital to be sure," a paramedic reassured them.

"Thank you," Emily said quietly.

"There's no need to thank us, miss," they replied, softening their tone. "We'll be taking you to the hospital now. The doctors are ready to handle your cases with care."

Then, the Liars were all settled into the same isolated room, equipped for privacy as well as continuous monitoring, while the medical team prepared to run through their assessments. Although the hospital bustled around them, the girls were finally in a safe place—an unfamiliar comfort they could scarcely process.

Spencer had been taken to the hospital first due to her unstable heart rate. She lay quietly as medical staff completed a cardiovascular assessment, keeping her on a heart monitor for observation. The nurses checked in frequently and were attentive to any signs of distress. She still looked pale and frail and wouldn't talk much.

For Mona, her improperly healed fractures required immediate imaging to determine the extent of care needed. Her body was still cold to the touch, and heated blankets helped stabilize her temperature. She was visibly shaken, prompting the medical staff to keep her visit as smooth as possible. Following her exam, Mona was met with a psychologist, who began with open-ended questions that didn't go anywhere and triggered Hanna's protective streak over Mona.

Hanna was next, dealing with bruises, minor fractures, and possible liver damage from alcohol exposure. Her scans revealed damage consistent with that, and the hospital's internal medicine specialist was called to monitor her liver function and check for any signs of alcohol poisoning. Hanna was the brattiest patient of the pack; she had thrown a fuss, insisting that her bed should be placed as close to Mona's as they possibly could. Seeing that they couldn't talk her out of it, the medical team decided to comply with her request. Only then did Hanna accept to being assessed by a PT specialist and a counselor.

Aria, like Hanna, bore bruises and fractures. But, unlike Hanna, she was open to the medical team's request, winning quick PT and counseling sessions. Overall, Emily noted that Aria was the one who seemed to be dealing the best with their ordeal. Obviously, their pains were different in every level, but Aria seemed to be handling it with as much grace as she could muster.

Finally, Emily's broken collarbone and low temperature were her primary physical concerns. The medical team ran IV fluids and managed her pain, layering her in warm blankets to stabilize her temperature. Following her physical exam, a physical therapist came in to conduct a gentle mobility test, ensuring her muscles hadn't stiffened too much during her time in captivity. When her counselor arrived, Emily listened quietly, but her mind was on Alison and on whether the blonde was going to be allowed to roam free again.

Before long, all five of them had been stabilized, their initial assessments complete. For now, they would be given some time to rest before more comprehensive exams and treatments began in earnest.

A few hours after the initial family visits, Veronica arrived to see the girls, accompanied by Toby, Caleb, and Alison. Jason decided to head home, hoping to avoid overcrowding the hospital rooms, but he'd left a message wishing the girls a speedy recovery.

They were still settling in, fresh from their families' visit. Melissa hadn't let go of Spencer's hand while their father talked on the phone, surely thinking of ways they could sue the Rosewood P.D. and win. Aria's family gathered all around her, providing comfort and support. Mike even tried to talk to Mona in the room, but Hanna swiftly pushed him away. As for her, even her father came to visit, surely having heard of the story from her mother. But Hanna still pushed him away nonetheless. Meanwhile, Mona had a tearful re-encounter with her mother. Emily's mom also showed up and they had a video call with her father, who had managed to get some time away from the army to support his family. He would be coming to Rosewood soon.

Still reeling from seeing their families, the girls were all emotional when Veronica, Toby, Caleb, and Alison walked into the room.

"Mom!" Spencer's voice cracked as she spotted Veronica, who quickly wrapped her daughter in a comforting embrace.

"Oh, Spencer," Veronica whispered, her voice fierce with resolve. "I promise you, I will leave no stone unturned until everyone responsible for this pays. You have my word."

Spencer held back tears, feeling a weight lift slightly. "Thank you, Mom."

Toby waited respectfully, then approached quietly. "We never stopped looking for you."

Spencer turned and hugged him tightly, letting herself feel the relief of his presence. "I thought… I thought I'd never see you again."

Toby held her close, reassuring her softly, "You didn't have to. None of us would ever give up on you."

Meanwhile, Caleb approached Hanna with a gentle touch on her shoulder. She didn't brush him off, but her usual fire was subdued. She leaned into him silently, her face pressed against his shoulder. Caleb held her, noticing how Mona sat nearby, one hand gripping her own arm tightly. He respected Hanna's need for quiet but made sure she knew he was there for her.

Alison, on the other hand, hesitated at Emily's bedside. She felt a swirl of emotions—love, guilt, fear—and the weight of all that had happened pressed on her. She reached out, lightly taking Emily's hand.

There were so many thoughts in her mind. Alison loved Emily. In fact, Emily might have been the only one Alison has ever loved — or at least the one who taught her about love. But she believed that Emily deserved better and much more than what she could provide. And her heart was rattled with guilt. if Emily had never met her, then she never would've been through the whole A ordeal.

"Hey," Alison shyly greeted.

Emily swallowed hard. She was beyond relieved that Alison was out of jail and had come to visit her. One single touch was inebriating. But Emily also felt a rush of anxiety upon seeing the blonde again. She didn't know where they stood. She didn't know where they're going. And both feelings antagonized her.

She looked up, her expression a mixture of relief and apprehension. "Hey," she replied, her voice slightly shaky. "How… how did you get out?"

Alison offered a wry smile. "My lawyer negotiated a temporary transfer because… well, I wasn't exactly safe there. And, on my first day out, Toby and Caleb helped me get rid of the ankle monitor. I went straight to the dollhouse to save you."

Emily's heart tightened, feeling guilt and remorse for what Alison had endured. The fact that Alison risked everything to help save them was overwhelming. Before she could speak, Aria's voice cut through the tension in the room.

"Where's Ezra?" Aria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alison's face darkened, and she hesitated only briefly before replying. "He left. As soon as he finished his statement with the police, he left town. He said it was to 'protect you,' but we know better."

"Alison!" Veronica's voice held a note of warning.

But Alison pressed on. "Aria deserves the truth. Ezra left because things are about to come out—things he doesn't want to be here for. He cares more about covering himself than about any of us."

Aria looked visibly upset, but the girls didn't give her time to dwell on Ezra's departure as their questions continued.

"Wait a minute! What things are about to come out?" Hanna demanded, her eyes narrowing.

Veronica sighed, "The police are conducting a full investigation into Wilden, A, and everything you've all been put through. I strongly advise you to let me know if there's anything that might harm your reputations."

"Even the Jenna Thing?" Spencer asked, her gaze shifting toward Alison, who nodded somberly.

"Even the Jenna Thing," Alison confirmed.

"What is the Jenna Thing?" Veronica asked, looking baffled. "I thought Toby had already paid for that accident."

The girls exchanged uneasy glances.

"It wasn't Toby, Mom," Spencer revealed. "It was us."

Veronica's eyes widened. "Spencer, what do you—?"

"It wasn't them, Mrs. Hastings," Alison interjected. "It was me. I pushed for it, and Toby took the blame for us."

This was the first time Alison had spoken so openly about the Jenna Thing since her return. She'd once thought it had bonded them, but now she could see it had only left lasting scars. It was finally time to heal them.

"What are you trying to do here, Ali?" Emily's tone was skeptical. "It's in the past. Jenna already retaliated against us in her own ways. Nothing good comes from digging it up again."

"I know, but when the truth comes out, I want you all to know that I'll take full responsibility," Alison replied, her tone resolute. "If anyone has to pay, it should be me."

"Ali, Toby's already paid for it," Spencer protested.

"And he shouldn't have had to," Alison argued, her voice tightening.

"You've been forgiven, Ali," Toby reminded her gently. "I've told you, that whole experience saved me, in a way. It's over now."

"I didn't mean to save you at the time," Alison whispered, looking down.

"But it's what happened," Toby said firmly. "And we've all moved forward."

Emily's eyes narrowed as she realized something deeper was at play. "This isn't about the past. You're trying to punish yourself."

"Maybe I deserve that," Alison said, her voice heavy.

"Alison, this could land you back in jail," Veronica warned, her tone sharp. "You won't get another chance to break out."

"That's okay. I need to make amends."

"No, it's not okay!" Emily's voice trembled with frustration. "You're accusing Ezra of running away, but isn't that exactly what you're doing? Putting yourself in jail is just another way to avoid dealing with what's in front of you!"

"Em—"

"This is not about you, Ali! It's about all of us!" Emily insisted. "And here you are again, taking decisions all by yourself as if we don't have any say on this matter!"

"I'm just trying to protect you, Em."

Emily's face hardened. How could Alison claim to protect her by risking jail? This was exactly why she struggled to trust her. Alison's affection, whatever it was, always seemed tainted by her need to run.

"If leaving is all you know how to do, then go," Emily snapped, her voice sharp with betrayal. "Get out, now!"

Alison froze, visibly hurt, but finally nodded. "If that's what you want…"

Alison turned and walked out, leaving Emily stunned. She'd expected more pushback, maybe even a sudden confession of love. But Alison had simply respected her wish, and that hurt more than Emily expected.

Out in the hallway, Alison leaned against the wall, tears spilling freely. She didn't notice Toby until he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Ali," he said quietly.

"What?" she managed, through her tears.

"Don't hold it against her. She didn't mean to push you away." Toby's voice was gentle, understanding. "She's been through so much — they all have."

Alison nodded, wiping her face with trembling hands. "I know," she whispered, but the pain was raw. Rejection from Emily hurt like nothing else.

Toby waited a beat before continuing. "Emily needs stability right now. If you want to be there for her, you'll need to be stable, too. You can't disappear."

Alison let out a shaky breath, grateful for Toby's advice. She hadn't expected his forgiveness, or his help. "Thank you, Toby," she whispered. "For everything."

Toby smirked faintly, his eyes kind. "But break Emily's heart again, and I won't be so forgiving."

Alison managed a laugh, touched by his loyalty. She knew he meant it. But she also knew she'd do whatever it took to prove her love to Emily.

For her, Alison would keep trying.

Thoughts? Reviews?