Hey guys! How's 2025 going?

This chapter will have a lot of positive developments - not only for Alison and Emily, but for other characters as well.

(but there's a little twist in the end, ho ho ho)

Hope you enjoy it!

With love,

White Tigresss

Chapter 7 - Positive developments

Emily woke up with a warmth bubbling all over her. As her eyes fluttered open, she found Alison sleeping right next to her. For a moment, Emily rubbed her eyes, half-expecting the image to fade away like a dream. But Alison was still there, her blonde hair cascading softly over the pillow, her face peaceful in a way Emily hadn't seen in years.

Emily let out a quiet breath, her chest aching with something tender and fragile. Carefully, she reached out to tuck a stray curl behind Alison's ear.

But before she could, Alison's hand shot up, catching Emily's wrist in a reflexive grip.

"I'm sorry!" Emily pulled back instantly, her heart racing. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Alison's eyes snapped open, wide with shock before softening with recognition. "Oh God, Em, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was you."

"Who else would it be, Ali?" Emily asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Alison lowered Emily's hand down back to the duvet they shared. She wanted to tell Emily everything: that she was now a light sleeper due to sleeping on the streets because a lot had happened to her while she was asleep and not paying attention. Or that she had to react quickly if anyone tried to attack her in her sleep.

Alison let go of Emily's wrist, lowering their joined hands back to the duvet. For a moment, she stared at their hands, her thumb brushing lightly over Emily's skin. Emily could tell that Alison had retreated into her thoughts, her walls inching back up.

"Ali…" Emily's voice was gentle but firm. "If this is going to work, I need you to be open with me too. This has to go both ways."

Alison sighed, wondering how Emily seemed to read her mind all the time. She didn't want Emily to see all the ugly she had been through. But another part of her wanted to be seen and comforted by Emily. She knew that the brunette was right: they had to be on equal footing if their relationship (or whatever they were building) was to work out.

"When I was on the run, I became a really light sleeper," Alison admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You had to be if you wanted to survive. A lot of bad things could happen when you were asleep… and sometimes they did."

Emily's chest tightened at the admission, her heart breaking for the girl in front of her—the girl who had survived so much, alone and afraid. Slowly, she reached out again, cupping Alison's cheek with trembling fingers. This time, Alison didn't flinch. She stayed still, her blue eyes locked on Emily's brown ones, her lips trembling ever so slightly.

"And sometimes," Alison continued, her voice cracking just a little, "I have panic attacks before falling asleep. When that happens… I end up sleeping in the closet."

Emily's breath hitched, but she didn't speak right away. She simply moved closer, wrapping her arms gently around Alison, holding her like she might shatter if handled too roughly. Alison let out a shaky breath, her head resting against Emily's shoulder.

"You're safe here," Emily whispered into her hair. "With me, you're safe."

Alison nodded against her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to believe it.

The embrace lasted just a moment longer when the front door swung open. Pam and Wayne rushed inside, their eyes darting to Emily, safe and sound, tucked in the makeshift tent with Alison by her side.

"Emily!" Pam exclaimed, her voice filled with worry. "I've been calling you like crazy! Your dad's flight was delayed, and I tried to warn you. We were dead worried!"

Emily smiled sheepishly, feeling guilty for her silence. "Sorry, Mom. Alison came over, and we kind of fell asleep."

Pam eyed them both carefully, her suspicion rising.

"Mrs. Fields, I swear nothing happened between us," Alison quickly clarified, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "We built the tent and just fell asleep. That's all."

"It's true," Emily nodded, trying to ease her mother's concern. "I was having trouble sleeping, so Alison built the fort to help. It worked."

Pam's eyes softened, though her question still lingered. "Why was Alison here in the first place?"

"I asked her to come over," Emily replied carefully, offering a half-truth. "I wasn't sure about being alone."

Pam studied her for a beat before letting out a sigh. "Alright, I get it. But you really should've kept me in the loop, Em."

Wayne, who had been quietly observing the scene, chimed in with a chuckle. "Pam, go easy on them. They're both fine."

Emily's heart lightened at the sound of her father's voice, and she rushed over to him, giving him a big hug. "Dad!"

"I'm glad to be here, Emmy," Wayne whispered, his voice filled with love. "Nothing is going to hurt you anymore."

Alison, feeling the weight of the moment, stood up awkwardly. "I think it's time for me to head out now. I don't want to intrude."

Emily's gaze lingered on her, wanting her to stay but knowing Alison needed space.

"Thank you for taking care of my daughter, Alison," Wayne said, bowing his head slightly. "I've heard about everything you've done for her and her friends. I'm grateful."

"You don't have to thank me, Mr. Fields," Alison replied quickly, trying to downplay her role. "I just did what anyone would do."

"Goodbye, Ali," Emily gave her a hug that lasted for one more second longer.

"Goodbye, Ali," Emily said softly, pulling her into a hug that lasted just a little longer than expected.

"Goodbye, Em. Bye, Mrs. Fields. Let me know when you're ready to redecorate your room."

Alison left, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Wayne looked at Emily, a playful grin forming on his face.

"Emmy, when were you going to tell me that Alison's my new daughter-in-law?" he teased.

Emily blushed, but dared not contradict her father.

Jason was waiting for Alison when she got home, his arms crossed and a frown etched across his face.

"Ali, I've been blowing up your phone for hours! Where have you been?!" he asked, his voice sharper than usual.

"Sorry," Alison said, running a hand through her hair. "I spent the night at Emily's and lost track of time." Guilt prickled at her chest; Jason had enough on his plate without worrying about her, too.

Jason exhaled, shoulders sagging slightly. "What happened?"

"She had a panic attack," Alison admitted softly. "Her parents weren't in town, and she asked me to stay over. I couldn't leave her like that."

Relief flickered across Jason's face before he sighed. "Okay. Just… let me know next time, alright? I'm not trying to be on your case, but you're my sister, Ali. I need to know you're okay."

Alison nodded. "I will. Promise."

There was a brief pause, and Jason hesitated before speaking again. "The police called yesterday."

Alison froze. "What?"

"They want you at the station. Another statement."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Alison's shoulders tensed, her mind already racing with possibilities. It felt like every time she made a little progress—like last night with Emily—something else came crashing down on her.

"Did they say why?" Alison asked, her voice quieter now.

"No, just that it was important." Jason's expression softened. "Ali, whatever this is… we'll deal with it. You're not alone in this."

Alison nodded, but her stomach churned with unease. Just when she thought she was starting to piece things back together, the past was waiting to pull her back in. Another statement. Another round of reliving everything she wanted so badly to leave behind.

Jason noticed her silence and softened his tone. "Ali, I know it's exhausting. But we'll get through this. You're not alone anymore."

Alison managed a small nod, her arms wrapping tightly around herself. "It's just… every time I feel like I'm moving forward, I get dragged back into all of it."

Jason stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll face it together. You, me… and maybe Emily, if you let her in."

Alison's lips twitched into a sad smile. "She's already in."

As Alison turned to head upstairs, Jason called out one more time, his voice steady but serious. "Ali… whatever happens at that station, just remember—you've already survived the worst of it. The rest is just noise."

She paused at the foot of the stairs, absorbing his words, before continuing up to her room.

Alison thought it would be a good idea to talk out her surprise upcoming police statement in her next session with Dr. Woods.

"The police called me again. They want another statement," Alison began, her voice tight.

"Did they give you any insight as to why they're bringing you in again?" Dr. Woods asked.

"No, they didn't."

"Did you even ask?"

Alison shot her therapist a sharp look but sighed, knowing she had a point. "I mean, I did promise to come out with the truth, didn't I?"

"And what does that truth look like to you?"

"Messy, scary, a collection of the worst moments of my past," Alison admitted, her voice wavering slightly.

"Everybody has parts of their past they'd rather forget, Alison," Dr. Woods said gently.

"I blackmailed the father of one of my best friends—and that's just the start."

"Yes, you did. But you also told me you'd take responsibility for your past. That means moving forward without erasing the damage done to others," Dr. Woods replied. "You're not that same person anymore."

Alison's voice dropped. "How do you know I'm not?"

"If you were still using manipulation, you would've twisted Emily into talking to you again."

"And how do you know I haven't?" Alison challenged.

Dr. Woods raised an eyebrow. "Have you?"

Alison looked away before sighing. "I've had… a positive development with her."

Dr. Woods' lips curled into an encouraging smile. "Tell me about it."

"She had a panic attack in a corner store, and I helped her through it. I drove her home, and she invited me in. We talked a little, and she asked me to stay for the night."

"That's a significant step, Alison. In the middle of her panic, Emily found comfort in you. That shows trust."

Alison frowned. "But she's told me over and over that she doesn't trust me and isn't ready to forgive me."

"She did invite you in and ask you to stay for the night, right?" Dr. Woods recalled.

"Yes, she did. But it still doesn't change the fact that Emily doesn't trust me yet."

"She does trust you in some capacity," Dr. Woods pointed out. "You see, if Emily felt unsafe next to you, you'd never have been able to help her out of a panic attack. If anything, you'd only make it worse."

Alison swallowed hard, processing the weight of those words.

"Plus, she let you inside her home and asked you to stay for the night, which means that she feels safe with you, at least to a degree," Dr. Woods continued. "You seem to hold some resentment over the fact that she's telling you that she doesn't fully trust you yet and isn't ready to forgive you, Ali, but you could see it as Emily trying to communicate her needs to you. What she's saying is that she needs someone safe and reliable."

"I don't know if I can offer her that. Not with my past," Alison whispered.

"You can," Dr. Woods assured her. "You've been improving in therapy. You're showing vulnerability, respect, and restraint. And most importantly, Alison—you haven't tried to manipulate her into anything."

For a long moment, Alison stayed silent, staring down at her hands.

Dr. Woods leaned forward slightly. "Alison, trust isn't about perfection. It's about showing up—consistently, honestly, and patiently."

Alison looked up, her expression a mixture of fear and hope.

"Can you do that?" Dr. Woods asked softly.

Alison gave a small nod, her voice quiet but firm. "I can try."

Alison hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "There's… something else that happened that night."

Dr. Woods leaned back slightly in her chair, her expression calm and encouraging. "Go on."

Alison exhaled a slow breath before speaking. "Emily couldn't sleep in her room. She said it didn't feel like her space anymore. So, she—well, we—ended up building this… tent fort in her living room."

A small, knowing smile tugged at Dr. Woods' lips. "A tent fort?"

"Yeah," Alison said softly, a faint smile appearing on her face as the memory surfaced. "It was silly, honestly. Pillows and sheets and string lights. But it worked. She felt safe there, and so did I."

Dr. Woods nodded. "That doesn't sound silly at all."

Alison swallowed hard, her voice wavering slightly as she continued. "For a while, it was just us. No past, no fear, no accusations—just… peace. She fell asleep next to me," Alison added quickly, her cheeks flushing. "It felt… fragile. Like if I blinked, it would all disappear."

"And yet, it didn't," Dr. Woods said gently.

"No," Alison admitted. "It didn't. We slept, and I stayed by her side. It felt like the first time in years that neither of us were running from something."

Dr. Woods tilted her head thoughtfully. "That moment—inside that tent—what did it represent to you, Alison?"

Alison's lips trembled as she considered the question. "Hope, I think. A chance to… rebuild something. To show her that I can be someone worth trusting again."

Dr. Woods let the silence settle between them before speaking. "It seems like you already are, Alison. Even if Emily isn't ready to admit it to you—or to herself—she's letting you in, piece by piece."

"But what if I mess it up?" Alison's voice cracked slightly. "What if one wrong step ruins everything?"

Dr. Woods leaned forward, her voice steady and reassuring. "You're going to make mistakes, Alison. That's part of being human. But trust isn't about never messing up—it's about showing up after you do. Owning it. Repairing it."

Alison looked away, her eyes glistening. "I just… I want her to feel safe with me again. Really safe. Like she did in that tent."

Dr. Woods offered her a warm smile. "Then keep showing up, Alison. Keep listening, keep respecting her boundaries, and most importantly, keep being honest—with her and with yourself."

For a moment, Alison stayed silent, letting the weight of Dr. Woods' words settle over her. Finally, she nodded, her voice quiet but firm. "I will."

Dr. Woods glanced at the clock on her desk. "We'll pick this up next session, but I want you to hold onto that tent moment, Alison. It's more than just a memory—it's a foundation. A glimpse of what's possible."

As Alison stood to leave, she paused at the door, gripping the handle tightly. "Thank you, Dr. Woods."

"Anytime, Alison," Dr. Woods replied softly. "You're doing better than you think."

With a final nod, Alison stepped out of the office, her heart a little heavier but her steps a little steadier.

Alison stepped out of Dr. Woods' office, her bag slung over one shoulder as sunlight poured in through the large glass windows. The air felt sharp and heavy, filled with the weight of her earlier conversation. She barely had time to process her thoughts when she heard a familiar voice.

"Ali?"

Spencer Hastings stood a few feet away, clutching a reusable coffee cup and wearing an oversized sweater with her hair pulled back into a loose bun. Her sharp eyes softened as they took in Alison's expression.

"Spence," Alison greeted, her voice lighter than she felt. "What are you doing here?"

Spencer lifted her coffee slightly in explanation. "I've been trying out these morning walks. Clear my head, I guess. Saw you walking out and—well, here I am."

Alison nodded, her smile faint but genuine. "How have you been? Really?"

Spencer's confident mask wavered slightly, and she let out a small breath. "Some days are good. Other days… not so much. I've been trying to keep busy, but—" She stopped herself, giving Alison a small, tight smile. "It's not exactly easy pretending everything's fine."

"No, it's not," Alison said softly.

There was a brief pause before Spencer spoke again. "What about you? How have you been?"

Alison hesitated, glancing briefly at the therapist's office door behind her. "Trying to be better. Trying to… do things differently this time."

Spencer studied her carefully before giving a small nod. "That's good, Ali. That's really good."

Alison shifted her weight and crossed her arms, her gaze steady on Spencer. "Spence, you know it's okay to not have it all figured out yet, right?"

Spencer gave a small laugh, though there wasn't much humor in it. "You sound like my therapist."

"Well, maybe your therapist is onto something."

They both smiled faintly at that, a brief moment of shared understanding passing between them.

After a beat, Alison spoke again. "The police called me in for another statement."

Spencer's smile faded, replaced by a flicker of concern. "Did they say why?"

"No. But I'm calling your mom as soon as I leave here."

Spencer nodded firmly. "Good. She's been working so hard on your case, Ali. You should lean on her more."

"I will." Alison hesitated before adding, "But Spencer… if you ever need someone to lean on too, I'm here."

Spencer's expression softened, her eyes glistening briefly before she quickly blinked it away. "Thanks, Ali. That means a lot."

The two shared a brief but meaningful look—two girls who had been through too much, still trying to find their way back to something resembling normalcy.

"Call my mom," Spencer said firmly, her voice steady again.

"I will," Alison promised.

Spencer gave her a small wave before walking away, her coffee cup clutched tightly in her hands. Alison stayed rooted to the spot for a moment, then pulled her phone from her bag and dialed Veronica Hastings' number.

While Alison talked to Veronica, Emily was headed for a therapy session of her own. There was a lot she needed help processing, including her most recent panic attack, Ali's unexpected presence, and the complicated idea of redecorating her room.

"So, Emily, how was your week?" Dr. Griffin began, her voice calm and steady.

"Eventful, I'd say," Emily said with a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I had another panic attack."

Dr. Griffin's brows knitted together slightly, her expression softening with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. How are you feeling now? Do you know what triggered it?"

Emily hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm… okay now, I guess. I was at the corner store when I heard a car horn. It was so loud, and suddenly I was back in the Dollhouse again."

Dr. Griffin nodded, her voice remaining steady. "That sounds terrifying. What happened next?"

"I was alone because my mom was picking up my dad from the airport. But Alison showed up… and she helped me through it." Emily's cheeks flushed slightly as she mentioned the blonde.

Dr. Griffin tilted her head slightly. "What did Alison do to help you?"

"She stayed calm. Talked me through it. Got me back to the car and drove me home." Emily paused briefly, her voice growing softer. "And… she stayed. I asked her to."

Dr. Griffin smiled faintly. "That was brave of you, Emily—to let someone in when you were vulnerable. How did it feel having her there?"

Emily's gaze dropped to her hands in her lap. "It felt… good. But also really confusing. A part of me kept waiting for her to bolt, you know? But she didn't. She stayed. She made me tea, and—" Emily let out a small, disbelieving laugh. "She built me a fort in the living room because she realized I couldn't sleep in my room."

Dr. Griffin's smile grew. "That sounds like a very caring thing to do. But you said it felt confusing. Why is that?"

Emily hesitated, searching for the right words. "Because Alison isn't who she used to be. And that's… both soothing and terrifying. Soothing because she seems genuine now. Terrifying because if I let myself believe that, and she leaves again…"

Dr. Griffin leaned forward slightly. "It's okay to feel conflicted, Emily. Trust isn't something that rebuilds overnight—it takes time, consistency, and vulnerability from both sides. You're allowed to take things slow and protect your heart while still giving her a chance."

Emily let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly. "Yeah. I guess that makes sense."

Dr. Griffin offered her a warm smile. "You're doing better than you think, Emily. Just the fact that you let Alison stay shows a lot of courage. It's clear that Alison's efforts mean something to you. Building that fort, staying the night—it wasn't just about helping you through a panic attack. It was her way of showing you she's trying to be someone you can rely on."

Emily nodded slowly, her voice soft. "I know. And I want to believe her. I really do."

"Trust takes time," Dr. Griffin said gently. "But there's something small you can do to help both yourself and Alison as you navigate this… whatever this is between you two."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Positive reinforcement," Dr. Griffin explained. "When Alison does something you appreciate—like staying when you needed her, or building that fort—let her know. Tell her it made a difference to you. Sometimes, we assume people can read our minds, but they can't. A simple 'thank you' or even telling her that something she did made you feel safe can go a long way."

Emily hesitated, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "But what if she thinks I'm letting her back in too fast? Or worse, what if she uses that against me?"

Dr. Griffin shook her head reassuringly. "Emily, being honest about your feelings isn't weakness, and it's not handing her a weapon to hurt you. It's setting a foundation for clearer communication. You can still have your boundaries, but allowing yourself to express gratitude for the good moments isn't crossing those lines. It's… brave, actually."

Emily considered her therapist's words, her brow furrowed in thought. "I guess… I've never really told her how much those little things meant to me. I just assumed she'd know."

"Sometimes the most healing moments come from the simplest words," Dr. Griffin said warmly. "You don't have to lay all your feelings bare right away. But next time Alison does something that makes you feel even a little bit safer or more comfortable, try telling her. Start small."

Emily nodded, a faint but genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Okay. I'll try."

Dr. Griffin returned the smile. "That's all you need to do, Emily. Just try. You're already making more progress than you realize."

Emily hesitated, her eyes flickering down to her hands as she picked at a loose thread on her sleeve. "There's… one more thing."

Dr. Griffin nodded patiently. "Go on."

"When Alison stayed over, we built that fort and… we were lying there, just talking. And for a moment, I wished she had kissed me." Emily's voice was barely above a whisper, as if admitting it out loud made it more real. "But then… I'm glad she didn't."

Dr. Griffin tilted her head slightly. "Why do you think that is?"

"Because if she had, it would've ruined it," Emily said softly. "That moment felt… safe. And honest. Like, for once, Alison wasn't trying to be someone she's not. And if she'd kissed me, I think it would've felt like we were rushing into something we're not ready for."

Dr. Griffin offered a small, understanding smile. "It sounds like you value the trust and safety you felt in that moment more than any romantic gesture. And that's okay, Emily. It means you're paying attention to what you need, even if it's hard to put into words."

Emily exhaled slowly, her shoulders sinking with relief. "Yeah. I guess I just… I want to feel ready. I don't want to be afraid of her leaving again."

"That fear makes sense given everything you've been through," Dr. Griffin reassured her. "But recognizing it, saying it out loud—that's a huge step. You don't have to have all the answers right now. Just keep being honest with yourself and with Alison when you're ready."

Emily nodded, her voice steady this time. "I will."

Dr. Griffin smiled warmly. "Good. That's more than enough for today."

Emily let out a soft breath, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. For the first time in a while, she felt like she understood her own feelings—messy, complicated, and imperfect as they were.

Alison sat on the edge of her bed, Veronica Hastings' voice still echoing in her mind. The upcoming police statement loomed over her like a storm cloud. She stared at the neatly folded papers on her desk—the timeline Veronica had helped her prepare, every detail of her past laid bare in black and white.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Spencer:
"Hey, just checking in. You okay?"

Alison hesitated before typing back:
"Trying to be. Thanks, Spence."

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. For a moment, she considered messaging Emily, but the thought felt… too heavy. What would she even say? "Hey, I might be questioned by the police again, wish me luck"? No, Emily had enough on her plate already.

With a sigh, Alison stood up and crossed the room. Her reflection in the mirror stared back—tired eyes, frazzled hair, and that familiar vulnerability she hated showing anyone. She thought of Emily, of the fort, of the way Emily's fingers had brushed her cheek so gently.

A faint smile tugged at Alison's lips before it faded just as quickly. She had to keep moving forward.

Emily sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the yellow walls she'd grown to resent. The soft afternoon light filtered through her curtains, casting golden patterns across the room. She held a pencil in her hand, a blank notebook resting on her lap.

The words Dr. Griffin had said earlier played over in her head:
"If Alison does something that makes you feel safe or appreciated, tell her."

Emily let out a slow breath and started writing.

She stayed.

She built a fort.

She made me tea.

She didn't run.

Her handwriting became messier with every line as emotions welled up in her chest.

She didn't kiss me, and I think I'm glad she didn't.

Emily dropped the pencil and pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes. There was so much she wanted to say to Alison, but every time she tried to put it into words, they got stuck in her throat.

A knock on her bedroom door startled her.

"Emmy?" Pam's voice came softly. "Dinner's almost ready."

Emily wiped her eyes quickly. "Okay, Mom. I'll be down in a minute."

As Pam's footsteps faded away, Emily picked up her phone. She hesitated, her thumb hovering over Alison's contact. Finally, she sent a quick text:
"Hey, just wanted to say thank you for last night. I really appreciated it."

She stared at the screen, waiting, hoping.

Alison had been staring at her phone screen for what felt like hours, Emily's text still glowing softly in front of her. She had typed out at least ten different responses, but none of them felt right. Her stomach churned every time she thought about her upcoming police statement. Emily deserved honesty, but what if it made her anxious all over again?

"Earth to Ali," Aria's voice cut through her thoughts.

Alison blinked up from her phone screen to see Aria grinning at her from across their shared desk in photography class.

"What?" Alison asked, caught off guard.

"You've been staring at your phone like it's about to burst into flames. Spill."

Alison hesitated, then let out a sigh. "Emily texted me last night."

Aria's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Wait, you two are texting again? That's great!"

"Yeah… except I haven't replied yet," Alison admitted, biting her lip.

"Ali!" Aria groaned. "Why not?"

"I have another police statement coming up, and I don't want her to worry about it. But if I don't tell her, she's going to be mad at me for keeping it from her."

Aria crossed her arms and gave Alison a pointed look. "You're spiraling. Just text her. Seriously, she's probably staring at her phone right now wondering why you haven't replied."

"Ugh, I'm such a jerk," Alison muttered.

"No, you're just scared. Big difference."

Alison exhaled deeply and started typing:

Hi, you can always count on me, Em ;)

Btw, I have an upcoming police statement. Didn't mean to scare you. I'm not planning on saying anything scandalous.

She hesitated, then pressed Send.

Before they could dwell on it further, a smooth voice interrupted them.

"Excuse me, are you Aria Montgomery?"

Both girls turned to see a tall, handsome young man with warm brown eyes and an easy smile.

"Yes, that's me," Aria said cautiously.

"I'm Clark," he introduced himself, holding out a hand. "I just wanted to say that I really admire the way you play with light in your photographs. Your work is incredible."

Aria's shoulders relaxed at the compliment. "Oh—thank you, Clark."

"I was wondering if I could join you two for the upcoming project. Our instructor mentioned groups of two or three, and I'd love to collaborate with you."

Aria hesitated, glancing at Alison. Alison caught the uncertainty in her friend's eyes—the hesitation that came from months of distrust and trauma.

"Please join us," Alison said with a warm smile. "You seem really passionate about photography, Clark."

Clark beamed. "Thanks! I know you guys have been through… a lot. I've seen the news. But if you ever need someone to talk to, just know I'm here."

"Thank you, Clark," Aria said sincerely.

"I've got some photos to develop, but I'll see you both soon." He gave them a nod before walking away.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Alison turned to Aria with a smirk. "He's definitely into you."

"Ali, don't start," Aria warned, but her face was already flushing pink.

"What? He's cute, friendly, and clearly into photography. Give him a chance."

"Do you really think I can just… move on? After everything with Ezra?" Aria's voice softened.

"Don't overthink it," Alison advised gently. "Hang out with him, see how it feels. Worst-case scenario, you gain a new friend. Best-case scenario, I'll be wearing a really stylish bridesmaid dress at your wedding."

For the first time in a while, the two friends shared a smile free of lingering trauma—just two girls, talking about love and hope.

Emily sat across from Wayne at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped tightly around a mug of tea. The warmth of the drink didn't quite reach the icy knot in her stomach.

Ali was giving another police statement. She appreciated the text letting her know of the upcoming statement, but Emily still felt nervous for Alison.

"You seem quiet," Wayne said softly, his steady gaze on her.

Emily shrugged, trying to muster a smile. "It's just…a lot. Having you back, everything that happened with Alison, the panic attack—it's hard to make sense of it all."

Wayne nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing. "You know, Emmy, your mom filled me in on what happened at the store. I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you."

"It's not your fault, Dad," Emily said quickly. "But...it was really bad. I felt trapped, like I couldn't breathe, and then Alison showed up. She—she helped me."

Wayne gave her an encouraging nod. "She stayed with you all night, didn't she?"

Emily let out a soft laugh, though her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. "Yeah, she did. She built this stupid tent in the living room because I couldn't sleep in my room. It was...it was perfect."

Wayne studied her carefully before speaking. "You know, when I first met Alison, I didn't know what to make of her. She had that confidence, that way of pulling everyone into her orbit. But...she's different now, isn't she?"

Emily nodded, her voice quiet. "She is. It's like...she's trying so hard to make things right, and I want to believe her. I do. But then I remember all the times she left, all the times she hurt me, and I just—I don't know how to trust her again."

Wayne reached across the table, placing his hand gently over Emily's. "You don't have to have all the answers right now, sweetheart. Trust isn't something that comes back overnight. But if she's showing up for you now, if she's earning that trust little by little, maybe it's worth giving her that chance."

Emily swallowed hard, blinking back tears. "Thanks, Dad."

Wayne smiled softly. "Anytime, kiddo."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. But for the first time in a while, Emily felt like she could breathe a little easier.

Emily hesitated before dialing Spencer's number. Staying at the barn felt like admitting defeat, but Alison's words echoed in her mind: be honest about it.

"Spence?"

"Em! Hey! It's been a while." Spencer's voice carried her usual warmth, and Emily smiled despite her nerves.

"I was wondering… would it be okay if I stayed at the barn for a while? I'm trying to redecorate my room, but—I've been having a hard time sleeping there."

Spencer let out a soft snort. "Took you long enough."

Emily frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I've already had Hanna and Aria crash here while they redecorated. You're actually the last one to ask," Spencer said with a chuckle.

Emily's brows furrowed. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"We figured you'd come around when you were ready. Hanna actually thought you'd found some magical way to sleep in that room again."

"I wish I had," Emily admitted softly.

"But hey, you're asking now. That's what matters. What changed your mind?" Spencer asked curiously.

Emily hesitated, then said quietly, "Ali pointed out that I should be honest about it. And… she's right."

"She's definitely right," Spencer agreed, her tone light but sincere. "You two have been talking again?"

"Yeah, we have. She told me she has another police statement coming up."

Spencer could practically feel Emily's anxiety through the phone. "Em, it's going to be okay. My mom's her lawyer, remember? Ali's in good hands."

"I know, Spence. But… I've realized she's been through a lot too. And I just don't want her to get hurt all over again because of something she did—or something we did."

There was a beat of silence before Spencer spoke again, her voice steady. "Emily, you caring this much? That's not a weakness. It's what makes you you. Ali's lucky to have you in her corner."

Emily felt a lump in her throat and swallowed hard. "Thanks, Spence. That means a lot."

"Anytime, Em. Now pack a bag and get over here. The barn's all yours."

Emily let out a small laugh, tension easing from her shoulders. "Thanks, Spence. Really."

"See you soon, Em."

Emily moved into the barn a few days later, and her friends took it as the perfect excuse for a much-needed group reunion—their first since escaping the dollhouse. Alcohol was off the table; Spencer was still on medication from the drugs Wilden had given her, and Hanna had developed a deep aversion to drinking.

"Can you believe this is our first proper hangout after everything we've been through?" Aria said, clutching her mug. "Honestly, I didn't think I'd ever feel… happy again."

"That's what the dollhouse did to us," Emily replied softly. "It made happiness feel impossible. But I'm doing better."

"Me too," Hanna said, though her voice wavered slightly. "But Mona… she's still scared of everything."

"It makes sense," Spencer said. "She was there longer than us. But honestly, what's been getting to me is that we can't go back to school. I'm worried about college."

Their therapists had all recommended staying away from Rosewood High. It was a small town where everyone knew everyone and the added pressure of their classmates' stares and whispers would only slow their healing.

Emily felt a pang of guilt. She'd miss school more if she still had swimming. But now? The thought of sitting in a classroom felt unbearable.

"Spence, you're the only one worrying about that," Hanna teased lightly. "I, for one, am not losing sleep over geometry tests."

"But what about our futures, Hanna?" Spencer said, her voice tight. "I can't be a lawyer without good grades, without focus—"

"Spencer, stop," Hanna interrupted. "Let's just celebrate the fact that we're alive and that Wilden is gone."

"I kind of miss school activities," Aria mused. "But photography classes at Hollis have been filling that gap for me."

"How's that going, by the way?" Emily asked.

"It's been great, honestly. It feels… freeing to have an artistic outlet," Aria said with a soft smile. "Oh, and Alison's been doing the classes with me."

Emily blinked, startled. Alison and Aria had been spending time together? They hadn't talked much outside of their own conversations, but maybe it was time Emily brought up lighter topics with Alison too.

"Ali doing photography?" Hanna raised an eyebrow. "That's… unexpected."

"She's surprisingly good at it," Aria admitted. "But sometimes, it feels like her head's in the clouds."

Spencer nodded. "I ran into her recently, and yeah—her head was definitely elsewhere. She seemed worried about an upcoming police statement."

"She told me about it," Emily added as well and Hanna quickly picked up.

"You two are talking again?" Hanna asked, her voice cautious.

"Yeah. We've been… talking a lot, actually. She's been really good to me," Emily admitted.

Hanna squinted her eyes. Sometimes Emily hated how quickly Hanna was able to put two and two together when it came to social clues.

"Em, she's going to hurt you," Hanna said, her voice softer than before but still firm. "I know you believe she's changed, and maybe she has. But not like this. You'll only get hurt in the end."

"Hanna," Spencer warned sharply.

"What?! You all know it's the truth!" Hanna interjected. "I'm not gonna stand there and let Alison hurt my best friend. Not again. We were too blind to see it two years ago, but not now!"

"But, Hanna, how do you know Alison is going to hurt Emily again?" Aria gently asked.

"It's in her nature," Hanna said bitterly. "Alison messes up everything she touches."

Emily's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, but her words carried strength. "Hanna, I get that you're loyal and trying to protect me, but… Alison has been really good to me lately. I know there's a chance I might get hurt at the end of this, but right now, she makes me feel good and safe. And I want to hold on to that feeling because… because I thought I'd never see her again. So, please… just back off."

Hanna's expression softened for a brief moment as she processed Emily's words. But the hurt and frustration in her eyes didn't fade.

"I think I'd better leave for now," Hanna said abruptly, pushing herself up from the couch.

"Where are you going?" Emily asked, slightly anxious.

"To Mona's," Hanna replied, avoiding Emily's gaze as she grabbed her bag.

The sound of the door closing behind her echoed through the barn, leaving the remaining three girls in a heavy silence.

"Give her time," Spencer advised, trying to placate the situation. "Hanna's been dealing with a lot of anger lately. I think part of it is misplaced."

Emily nodded, her head bowed as she stared at her hands. Aria placed a comforting hand on her knee, offering a small smile.

"She'll come around, Em," Aria reassured her.

The group sat in silence for a moment longer, the weight of Hanna's absence settling in the space she'd just vacated.

I BET YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING

Thoughts? How will Emily (and Alison) move on after that?