Hey guys, this is my first Emison story. The idea just popped into my head and I really wanted to write it. At the moment the timeline is set before Alison goes missing and is kinda of an AU . Enjoy :D

Alison Dilaurentis was very good at hiding. So good that she practically a master at it. Manipulating and hiding were the only things that Alison really knew, and it was something she did well. She had learned from a young age about the power of secrecy. How you can control a person with their secrets. She grew up with them that they became normal in Alison's life. She had kept secrets from her parents, from her brother, from her friends. She had hidden herself away from everyone and put up a facade. Just to lessen the chance of people controlling her with her own secrets and weaknesses. So instead of people doing it to her, Alison did it to others.

Sometimes when she looks at her reflection in the mirror, does she really think about the way she acts towards others was the real Alison. The Alison where she manipulated people for her own personal vendetta or just for the fun of it. Alison the bully. When she stared at herself in the mirror, she wished she wasn't any of those things. That she was actually, Alison who is a great friend. Who's nice and cares. But the longer Alison stares, the more she realizes that if she is the latter then she must have hidden it really, really well. Because no matter how much Alison wants to become that person, she just couldn't find it.

Not many people have the opportunity to become friends with Alison Dilaurentis. Some people don't even get glanced at by Alison Dilaurentis. But if you get chosen by her, you best hope it was for the right reason. Because Alison was the type of person that could either make you feel like the worst person in the world or the most special person in the world. And when she chose you as your friend, you do feel special, and honoured, and like you could do anything in the world. That was how Emily felt. To Emily, Alison was the most wonderful person in the world. Well Emily's world at least. Even though there was moments when Alison was cruel and she did something that Emily disapproved of, she still meant everything to Emily.

Alison made her feel a lot differently then the other the other girls did. Sometimes she refused to think about what it could mean so she just went with the conclusion that the reason why Alison made her feel different, was because Alison herself was different. And that made Emily less terrified. It made it easier to be around Alison and to ignore the erratic beating of her heart. when her bright blue eyes found Emilys. She never thought about what she was going to say before she said it around any of her other friends, it was just Alison that she did that with. But she had to consider that everyone felt that way to the blonde haired girl, so Emily just considered it to be normal.

She walked along the path on her way to school, stopping outside of Hanna's house as Emily waited for her to come out. This had become a usual routine for the two girls ever since they had been old enough to walk without their Mom's being present. Emily would walk from her house to in her Hanna's, then both of them would make their way to school. On the odd occasion, Alison would join the two. Those were the walks that Emily enjoyed most. Alison would walk in the centre, linking her arms with either Emilys or Hanna's or both if she was in a very good mood. And she would just talk. Today though it just seemed to be her and Hanna. Emily looked down at the watch and noted that Hanna was late, again. The brunette looked up when she heard the front door closing and watched as Hanna bounded up to her. A bright smile on her face.

"You're late" Emily said when the girl was close enough.

"Nope, you're just early" Hanna said as the two began walking. Her ever growing smile becoming infectious to Emily that she couldn't help but smile back. "Have you done the reading for English yet?" Hanna asked and Emily knew where this conversation was going.

"I've almost finished it, but you're better off asking Spencer" Emily said, knowing that Hanna was going to ask her about what the book was about.

"Yeah but, " Hanna said pouting knowing that Emily would cave and tell her eventually. "Spencer will end up giving me a whole lecture about the importance of reading and how I should do it" Yeah that did sound like Spencer Emily thought. "It's not may fault that I was busy"

"What were you watching?" Emily asked a knowing smirk on her face as she turned to face Hanna.

"It was like a Lady Gaga special" Hanna said a cheeky grin on her face as she linked her arm with Emilys "So are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Fine," The brunette said sighing "But this is the last time" Both Hanna and Emily knew that statement wasn't true. The rest of the way to school, Emily tried to explain all the relevant and important bits. It took longer then she original thought as Hanna had to pop up every now and again to ask a question about what had just been said. Causing Emily to go into another explanation to try and make Hanna less confused with it all.

When they had finally gotten to school, Spencer and Aria were outside waiting for them. Emily couldn't help but let her eyes wonder across the school yard in search of the familiar blonde. She must not here there yet Emily thought to herself when she couldn't see her. It was usually this way thought. Alison would always be the last one to arrive unless she was with Emily or Hanna. Other then those times none of the girls knew how Alison got to school but none of them knew better to ask anyways. Alison wouldn't give them a proper answer. It was something that Emily wanted to know. Something that could bring her closer to the blonde.

"Melissa's got a new boyfriend" Spencer said instead of a hello when she noticed the two girls walking up to them.

"Another one?" Hanna asked and Spencer nodded, looking already fed up with the whole situation.

"She was parading him around at this event that we had to go to, which then started the questions of why don't you have a boyfriend yet" Spencer said and Aria put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The only good thing about all this is that my parents don't like him£

"If they don't like him, then he won't last long" Emily said "He'll be gone sooner then you know it" She gave the other girl a reassuring smile just as the morning bell rung. The three girls started to head into school only Emily lingered behind "Shouldn't we wait for Alison?"

"She's obviously coming in late today Em" She heard Spencer say "There's no point waiting for her" Emily knew that she was right. The brunette took one long look around before following the girls into the school. This wasn't the first time that Alison had been late, but every time she's not there Emily couldn't help but feel at a loss without the blonde at her side telling her what to do. It was something that the brunette just had to become used to. Hanna must have read Emily's mind, so she hung back waiting for her to catch up. Emily smiled at the blonde and listened to the chatter between the other girls.

It wasn't until third period when Emily finally saw Alison. She had walked into the classroom after the late bell had rung, her sunglasses perched on top of her head, the infamous smirk on her face as she sauntered over to her seat. Emily couldn't help but watch her. Alison looked nothing less but perfect. Perfect clothes. Perfect hair. Perfect make up. Everything about her was perfect ad it just made Alison, Alison. Emily caught the blondes gaze, her smirk grew and she sent a wink in the brunettes direction. Heat immediately rose to the brunettes cheeks and she quickly averted her gaze and attempted to focus on what the teacher was saying. Fighting the urge to turn around and glance at Ali got increasingly difficult when she could feel the blonde staring intensely at her back. Emily knew that Ali was wearing her smirk as she stared. The brunette could feel her heart began to beat faster at just something simple as staring. Why do I feel that way? It probably wouldn't confuse Emily so much if any of her other friends made her feel that way when they stared at her. Except it was just Alison.

She remembered having this conversation with Hanna when she was talking about Sean. Hanna had talked about how she was always nervous around him, and she barely knew what to say. How she would blush like crazy whenever he smiled at her. It was the same way she acted around Alison. But wasn't she supposed to only act that way around boys? This was all to confusing for Emily, and she just couldn't wrap her head around it all. Especially when she knew that Alison was still staring at her. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat and listen in on what the teacher was saying. Something about squares and x's. Things that went straight over Emily's head. She hated maths. She could never understand it. All of the different equations for specific things caused the brunettes head to spin. Whenever she had homework that was maths related she would usually end up going to Spencer for help. Because what couldn't Spencer Hastings do? The taller brunette would usually be the one to tutor Emily in this particular subject. all except that one time where Alison had helped her instead. Studying with the blonde had been a completely different experience then studying with the youngest Hastings sister. While Spencer was impatient and got annoyed easily when Emily didn't get it straight away. While with Alison, she would wait and help when Emily was at a difficult part. It was nice and it was probably one of Emily's favourite things to do. Except it was a thing that was kept just a secret between the two girls and Emily couldn't understand why. When she had asked Alison why she couldn't tell the other girls that she had helped her, the only response she go was 'Why can't it be out little secret?' Then she smiled and Emily was fairly certain that smile was reserved only for Emily. And just for that Emily kept their Maths study sessions to herself.

Emily was so deep into her thoughts that she didn't even notice that the lesson had finished till Alison had called her name several times.

"Huh?" She asked, blinking in confusion when a hand was waved in front of her face.

"Were you paying any attention?" Alison asked a playful glint in her eyes. Emily shook her head slightly. "You do know you need all the help you can get?" She teased.

The brunette laughed slightly as she gathered her things together and stood up, turning to face Alison. "Well not all of us can be a genius like you, Ali" She said as the two walked out of the classroom together.

"Well I suppose that is true" Alison said smiling one of her many smiles. It wasn't that tight lipped smile that was just for Emily. This smile was what Emily called a public smile which Ali only ever used in a public setting. Emily knew it was fake, a put on smile but she just couldn't understand why Alison would ever need to use it. It was just another mystery to Emily. A bright smile had appeared on Emily's face at some point, as she nudged Alison softly in the side with her elbow.

It was a few moments of silence between the two girls till Emily spoke up again. "Where were you earlier?" She wasn't sure why she asked because she knew she was fairly certain that Alison wasn't going to give her a straight answer. She never does.

"I just had stuff I had to deal with first" Alison said and Emily knew by her tone that they were done talking about it. One of the things that Emily had learnt over the years of being friends with Alison is to know when to drop the subject. If Alison wanted you to know something then she would tell you. Prying will just get you no where. So Emily dropped the subject, telling herself that if it was of dire importance then Alison would tell her. Right?

"I'll see you at lunch?" Emily asked when they had to separate to go to their individual classes, Emily having Biology and Alison had gym.

"You'll know where to find me" Ali said winking at Emily before walking down the corridor, her hips swaying with each step she took, the brunette watching her till she was out of sight. A hint of a smile still on Emily's face.

Alison could lie to many people and not feel guilty about it. There was times where Alison wished it wasn't like that, that it actually pained the blonde to lie to certain peoples faces like her parents, and her close friends. She knew it couldn't be like that though, lying to people was the only way to hide the truth. That decreased the chance of people hurting her with it. She could lie to anyone, except Emily. There was something about the brunette that just made her want to open up and tell the girl everything on her mind.

And that scared her. She was scared of how safe the brunette made her feel. How she felt comforted whenever she was in Emily's presence. How just hearing her speak, calmed Alison of her worries. In fact it didn't scare her, it terrified her. No one made her feel like she could just be Alison. She was close with the other girls, some more then others and she considered them all to be best friends, but Alison still felt the urge to hide herself away. Even with Spencer, and the two of then have been friends since they were six when Alison first moved next door to Spencer and her family. Back then was easy. Alison didn't really care what people thought of her, all she wanted was to make friends. But then she grew up. And so had Spencer.

When Alison remembered the two of them when they were younger, she would remember Spencer not caring about how well she did in school or up holding the Hastings proud family name. She remembered herself not caring about appearances and weaknesses. There was times where Alison wished that she could become that carefree again. Because now she doesn't get to play the games that she used to with Spencer. Now the two had somewhat drifted without really drifting. Their personalities clashed. Spencer was usually the only one that ever really challenged Alison. Something that was much to risky for the blonde to have around. Except Ali just can't bring herself to get rid of her eldest friend. Because one day she really wishes that the two can just go back to the way they were. If it's not too late.

Until then she'll just push Spencer and the other girls to be the best that they can be. No matter how bitchy she may seem. Because Ali saw something great in all of them, something that they didn't see in themselves. All they needed was a little push. She just founded it difficult to do that to Emily.

Shy, sweet Emily. Alison could push her like she does the other girls, but it infuriates her that she doesn't, Emily could start standing up for herself a bit more. Be a lot more confident in herself the she is now. Except if Emily does begin to speak more it could just become more complicated for Alison to lie to her. Because Ali can't lie to Emily. The most she can do is tell the girl half of the truth, because she knows Emily won't pry for any more information. But even doing that was difficult. Maybe she should just let Emily change on her own. If that was the case then there;s that chance that the brunette won't end up hating her. The thought of Emily hating her, shouldn't bother her as much as it does. Except it does.

She entered the cafeteria after gym, where she had successfully managed to get out of another soccer session. It wasn't that Alison didn't like playing the fame, she actually enjoyed it. Just that today wasn't the best of days for her to actually care and participate. Especially when Paige 'Pigskin' McCullers was on the opposing team. Ali didn't know when this feud began or how it started, it just sort of happened. The blonde wasn't scared of many people, kids her own age didn't make the list. Pigskin was though. If anyone would beat her up, it would be her. Not that it stops Alison from making snide comments at her every now and again.

She sat down in he usual seat, looking around the table only seeing Aria and Hanna. They were both sweet but Alison knew that they were uncomfortable around her without the other two brunettes around. It wasn't a secret that Spencer was the only one that could stand up to the blonde and gets away with it. And Emily was the only person who could actually calm the blonde down when she's in one of her ill tempered mood , without even realizing she was doing it. Both of them were weaknesses to Ali, things that people can use against her. She just had to make sure that no one found out about them.

"Hey Ali" Hanna said smiling brightly at her. The blonde smiled back as she pulled out her salad that her Mother had made her earlier. She usually wouldn't eat lunch, she would instead steal a few chips from one of the other girls trays. Today though she had forgotten to eat breakfast. The blonde had to leave the house quickly this morning so the opportunity to eat was lost. As she stabbed her fork into the salad, she watched the other two girls talk between themselves. Alison didn't mind that they weren't including her in their conversation, if Ali wanted to join in she would. She enjoyed to just listen to them talk.

Her eyes moved to the other blonde that was across from her. If her hair was styled more and if she wore nicer, more fashionable clothes. Hanna would look good. She would look even more perfect if she lost those extra pounds. Then she would be able to get any guy she wanted by just walking past them. The only guy she really wanted was Sean though. The girl was absolutely crazy for him, it was actually sad to watch. There was times when Hanna would finally build up the courage to talk to him, Alison ends up going with her for 'support' after Hanna's constant asking. That girl really was persistent. When they were in front of the boy though, it seemed as if Hanna lost all capability to speak leaving Alison to be the one to attempt to get the guy to like the girl. Easier said then done.

Aria on the other hand wasn't boy crazy like Hanna and she definitely had her own style. Alison sort of liked the pink strip she wore in her dark hair, it strangely suited her. The girl was also in her English class, and Ali could tell that Aria was a lover of good literature. Other then that, Alison knew Aria the least out of all the girl. She didn't know who she was in to,like she knew Hanna's. None of her family problems, like she knew Spencer's. Absolutely nothing, and Alison wasn't sure whether the other girls knew a lot about Aria. They only knew what Aria wanted them all to know. And for that reason Ali didn't pry into the girls life, because she knows what it's like to try and keep your real life hidden from the real world.

The conversation stilled when the remaining members of their group took their seats at the table. Alison looked up at Emily and desperately tried to conceal a smile that threatened to reveal itself. She didn't understand why she was suddenly overwhelmed with happiness when Emily had sat down beside her, giving the blonde a small smile as she did so. Spencer took the seat beside Aria and Ali liked how they were all together. It face the blonde a small sense of comfort and it's easier for herself to imagine that her friends will help her when she's in a difficult situation. It was nice to imagine that these girls ad her back. Whether that was actually the case or not. The conversation flowed easily between the four girls, but Alison didn't bother adding in her own input. She would much rather listen in on what they were saying today. And making sure that she wasn't staring at the brunette beside her. She pierced a piece of lettuce with her fork and placed it into her mouth, tuning in on what the girls were saying.

"You joining any clubs this year?" Spencer asked, unwrapping her sandwich and taking a bite.

"I might join the newspaper" Aria said "I think taking photo's for the paper would be a lot of fun. Are you looking into any?"

"I don't know what I should join" Spencer said and Alison knew that she was getting paranoid over it all. And Ali probably knew the reason why. "I have no clue whether my parents want me to join a sports club or an academic club"

"Well why don't you ask them" Hanna said.

"It's not that easy Han" Spencer sighed and Hanna pitied her. She was thankful that her parents didn't pressure her the same way Spencer's parents did. It amazed her sometimes how her eldest friend managed to cope with it all. "They want me to join a club, but they want me to decide for myself. They won't be happy with whatever I choose. I just have to pick the one that they'd disapprove of the least" The girl stared down at her lunch, looking like she was at such a loss of what to do.

"Just do something that you enjoy. Then it'll be a lot harder to care what they think" Alison said not able to keep her mouth shut for much longer. All the girls stopped what they were doing to stare at the blonde. This one of those few times where Alison said something that wasn't something cruel or bitchy but helpful instead. I guess they have a right to stare at me like that Alison thought as she took in their shocked face. Her eyes flickered over to Emilys and she could see a smile stretching it's way across her face, her brown eyes a light with something that Alison couldn't recognize. But if this was the reaction she got from Emily whenever she said something nice, then Alison wouldn't see the harm in saying them more often. Especially when Emily looked at her like that.

"Thanks Ali" Spencer said smiling at the blonde, who was immediately reminded of times when they were younger and it hurt more then she thought it would be. When Spencer realized that Alison wasn't going to say anything she moved the conversation over to Emily, asking her if she was going to join any.

"Swimming try outs are next week, I was think about trying out" Emily aid and Alison could tell that the brunette was nervous about telling them, or maybe it was Ali that she nervous about telling.

"That sounds like a great idea" Hanna said, squealing in excitement. Spencer and Aria nodding in agreement. Emily didn't say anything, she just smiled at them. Ali knew she waiting for though. Alison's approval.

"You should totally go for it" Ali said smirking at the brunette, who's smile grew.

"We'll totally be there for the try outs" Hanna said and Emily nodded, her smile still on her face. Alison would be there to watch and cheer on the brunette if it meant keeping that smile on her face. The blonde will probably do anything to keep it there.

It was the end of the day and Alison was waiting for Emily to meet up so the two could walk home together. Alison had been waiting for a little longer than five minutes and the blonde was slowly losing her patience. If it was anyone else, Ali would already be gone. But this wasn't anyone else, it was Emily and Alison couldn't bring herself to leave. She leant against the wall, trying not to make it obvious that the she was watching the doors waiting for the brunette to make an appearance. After lunch, Alison had offered to go over what had been taught in Maths earlier seeing as Emily had been paying no attention. And like Alison said earlier, Emily needed all the help she could get. She wasn't going to offer but when she saw the brunette about to go to Spencer, Alison had decided to swoop in. She knew that Emily would agree to it and she was glad that Spencer wouldn't be the one to help Emily today. She was stressed enough as it is. Her and Emily had agreed to meet right after school, but now Emily was late and Alison couldn't help but worry slightly. Emily was never late, especially when she had made plans to spend time with the blonde. It was always Ali that was late.

Another five minutes passes and still no Emily. The brunette would've texted her if something had come up. She checked her phone again to make sure that Emily had texted her. When she saw no messages, Alison looked back up at her the door. Her worry growing as every second passed when Emily didn't show herself. She hated that she worried this much about someone. She hates that she cares so much for just one person. She could feel her heart beating in her chest, and blood pounding in her ears. A part of her wanted to go in and look for the brunette herself, but another part of her said to stay where she was and pretend that she doesn't care. Even if it's painfully obvious that she does.

After what felt like an eternity, the door finally opened and Emily slipped out. Her eyes lifted from the ground and locked onto Alison's, and she began to walk over to the blonde. Her gaze on the floor again, and Alison felt like she could breathe again. Emily stood in front of Ali, shuffling from foot to foot.

"Sorry" She said, her voice barely above a whisper which Alison struggled to hear.

"What took you so long?" Alison asked, folding her arms across her chest not liking how afraid and nervous Emily looked. Alison didn't like it one bit.

"Can we just go please" Emily pleaded, still not looking at the blonde.

"Emily what's going on? Did something happen to you?" Alison said and the worry that had just disappeared, came back full force. "Did someone hurt you?" The thought of someone hurting the girl caused blind rage to course through the blondes veins.

"Just drop it please" Emily said finally looking up at Alison. Brown eyes found blue and Ali had to refrain herself from saying any more. She'll ask Emily about it later, when she wasn't so distraught.

"Let's head to mine" Alison said instead and she could see Emily physically relax, even more so he further they got from school. They didn't say anything while they walked, because everything that Alison wanted to ask she knew that Emily wouldn't answer. All she would do is shut down, which is something that the blonde didn't want. The first person to speak her was Alison when they had entered her house.

"You get sorted upstairs while I get us drinks and stuff" Alison smiled at the brunette only to get a tiny one back. She watched as Emily walked up the stairs before heading into the kitchen. No one else was home right now and they wouldn't be for at least a couple of house. Alison desperately wanted Emily to talk to her. To tell her of someone had hurt her, so that Ali can destroy them. Because no one can ever hurt Emily and get away with it. She pulled a couple of glasses out of the cupboard, when her phone buzzed. She pulled out her phone to see that she had a message.

Best keep your swimmer safe.

It'd be a shame it something terrible happened to her- A

There is my first chapter, and A will be in this story, it probably won't be the A from the show. I haven't really made up my mind yet. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll try and get the next one out to you guys as soon as possible. Review please, and if you want you can suggest who you want A to be. See you all in the next one.