Hello beautiful people! I know it has been forever since I updated this story-my apologies! If you are still sticking with me on this journey I thank you so very much! There are two main reasons why I haven't updated since, yikes, August it looks like:

1.) Grad School-it's wonderful and I love it, but it is A LOT of work. All of my classes this past semester were very reading and writing intensive. I think it averaged out to be 650 pages of reading and 15 pages of writing every week. So basically cray cray and time consuming lol.

2.) The 2016 United States Presidential Election-like most of the world I was shocked to say the least on November 8th when Donald Trump won. I study race relations, but even I didn't know how deep some white folks resentment towards minorities went. And I understand that Hillary Clinton was a flawed candidate, but she was at least qualified and repeatedly promised to be a president for every American (even those who didn't vote for her). It makes me sick that as a nation we democratically elected a fascist to arguably the most important job in the world. President Abraham Lincoln said that if democracy were to ever fall in the United States it wouldn't be because of an outside force (cough cough Russia), but because of destruction from within. I've always been a social activist and very politically active/engaged in my community, but since the election I've been organizing with my fellow liberals and progressives like a crazy person. I'm not going to lie-I fear for the damage Trump's presidency will leave on our country and the world. A lot can happen in four years and those of us who don't agree with the soon to be president need to resist peacefully by any means necessary. To those of you reading from the United States, know that I love you and will never stop fighting against injustice and oppression, and to those reading across the world, I love you as well and apologize profusely for my country's fuck up (I was going to write blunder, but it didn't really capture the feeling).

Now onto Pretty Little Liars! How are we not getting new episodes until April?! I think the first episode airs during the middle of April and I'll be done with my semester four weeks later lol. I was glad to see Emily and Alison in scenes together during the two promos they showed. Here's to hoping Emison actually TALKS ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS and builds their relationship. Trust me, I'm still salty that Alison is pregnant with Elliot/Archer/whatever the fuck his name is' baby...and while I'm guessing they're going to have Ali pregnant with Emily's egg/Archer's sperm I don't have to like it. It's just a fucked up situation and honestly Emison did NOT need something like this to bring them together, but sigh what can we do about it now? Also, the promos make it look like the other liars are going to be going through relationship drama as well and can I just ask WHY? It's the last ten episodes ever and yes while I despise Ezria what purpose does it serve to have them go through drama only to inevitably get back together? Also, I love how they didn't show Toby in the promos, but y'all know he's alive (as for Yvonne-I'm thinking no...which is too bad because she's really sweet). I guess I just hate on this show how significant others have to literally die in order for the original couples to get back together-like y'all couldn't just have them talk? Finally, if we're being honest I am so over the mystery of this show-there are so many plot holes and at this point it has just become ridiculous to even try and put the pieces together. I honestly only watch for Emison and will likely never watch another show that Marlene King produces-after the queerbaiting and -A mystery flop, girl bye.

Now as for Sinus Infection, our last chapter ended with Alison and Brittany rescuing Charlotte (who hell yes turned out to be alive) and the -A team (Mona, Elliot, and a bunch of other people) being stopped! I really hope you all enjoy this chapter and had good holidays/starts to 2017!

Sinus Infection Chapter Ten: One Final Mystery

Three Weeks Later

"I'm sorry I'm walking so slow…" Charlotte unnecessarily apologized as they finally reached the end of the hallway in the Intensive Care Unit at New York General Hospital. It had literally taken the beautiful blonde ten minutes to make it this far...a mere hundred feet from her hospital room door. She knew she was slowly healing from the multitude of injuries she sustained from Mona and Elliot while being locked in her Aunt Carol's basement and definitely making progress, but God things could certainly move faster…

Brittany squeezed her hand in reassurance as she soothingly pointed out, "Babe, a week ago you didn't have the strength to get out of bed," The CIA agent smiled at her and Charlotte damn near melted into the tile floor beneath her, "Now…you're walking. I know it's frustrating, but you won't be in the hospital forever. I promise. We just have to take it one step at a time."

Charlotte felt her heart flutter. It still amazed her that she and Brittany really were a "we". That she was actually in a relationship with the woman who had brought so much to her life. And yeah maybe it had only been three weeks and they hadn't gone on an official date (although snuggling up to Brittany's chest and watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit reruns had become a nightly occurrence), but damn when you've been madly in love with someone for over two years anything and everything feels magical.

Feeling a surge of energy course through her slowly healing body, Charlotte leaned up and soundly kissed her girlfriend. She didn't care that there were doctors and nurses rushing up and down the hallway and that they might not have approved of the public display of affection, Brittany was too damn adorable not to kiss. Jesus, now I sound like Alison when she's justifying kissing Emily whenever she damn well pleases…us DiLaurentis girls clearly can't resist our brunettes.

The blonde's fractured ribs don't allow her to kiss the tall brunette for nearly as long as she wants to, but she's satisfied none the less when she pulls back a few moments later and Brittany's eyes flutter open in pure bliss. Her Superstar's cheeks are tinted red and she looks dazed.

Charlotte can't help the smirk that spreads across her face. She relishes in the clear affect she has on the other woman. God, just wait until my body heals and I can really ravish you, "Sorry…I just love that I can do that with you now…"

Brittany offered her a shy smile, "That's okay…for the record you never have to apologize for kissing me…like, ever."

Charlotte giggled as she stepped into her girlfriend's always inviting arms and reveled in the warm embrace. As she wrapped her arms around the taller woman's toned middle, Charlotte smiled-this was her absolute favorite place. After a few content moments, the blonde earnestly whispered, "I love you."

It had taken her forever to finally say those vital three words to Brittany (you know Elliot injecting her with black widow spider venom and simulating her death so that she would forever be Mona's doll slightly complicating things), but now she said it a hundred times a day (hell it might even be more than that).

Her girl placed a tender kiss on the crown of her head, before echoing in just as soft of a tone, "I love you too."

Charlotte shamelessly burrowed into Brittany's hold and grinned like a love sick fool. God, I'll never grow tired of hearing that. In all of her past romantic relationships, Charlotte (or rather Cece Drake) had never been like this. She'd never been 100 percent authentic and real with any of her past love interests before. All of those relationships had been strictly physical and contained very little outside of sex (there was literally no substance to them whatsoever)…but this was intimate and beautiful and everything she'd ever dreamed of.

When she and Alison had started to reconnect during her first year at Welby, Charlotte had scoffed when her younger sister declared that Emily Fields was her soulmate. Charlotte knew that no one else would ever love Alison the way Emily did (especially not that dumbass Elliot Rollins), but she didn't believe in that whole "God created one perfect person for you" soulmate bullshit. That is until she met Brittany…and then her entire worldview changed.

Now Charlotte finds herself constantly having these vivid daydreams where it's years in the future and she and Brittany are married with kids...who happen to be best friends with Emily and Alison's kids. God, maybe these pain killers I'm on are affecting me more than I realize. I've been dating Brittany for three weeks and already I have the next ten years mapped out? Jesus Charlotte, chill.

It's hard for her not to be excited about the future though, especially when a mere month ago, chained in her Aunt Carol's basement, she thought she might never see the light of day again. But as her slightly less battered body fits perfectly in her girlfriend's loving embrace, Charlotte knows that soulmates indeed do exist and that no matter what life throws her way she'll survive because she's found her person. And that's pretty damn amazing.

A few moments later Brittany regretfully whispered while she gently ran her fingers up and down Charlotte's back, "I…have to go into headquarters today."

Panic coursed through Charlotte's veins. She knew it was irrational, especially given that her girlfriend was just three weeks removed from having a bullet extracted from her shoulder (all thanks accidentally to Ali), but her immediate thought was that Brittany was getting shipped off to some crisis situation happening half way across the world. And yeah maybe it was selfish of her not to want to share the gorgeous brunette with the rest of the planet, but dammit why couldn't the CIA find some other kick ass agent to resolve all of the blunders that the United States government seemed to make overseas?

Oh yeah, that's right-the love of her life was the agent. The go-to whenever shit hit the fan. President Obama had adored Brittany and President Clinton was no different. (Although Charlotte suspects Hillary's reverence for her girlfriend lies in the fact that Brittany had personally ensured the physical well-being of any elector within the Electoral College who chose to cast their vote in favor of the former Secretary of State as opposed to that orange faced fascist who had somehow won the 2016 election despite receiving 2.8 million less votes...Needless to say come December 19th of last year enough electors did the right thing and went against their state's wishes in casting their vote for the actually qualified candidate. Charlotte knows her girlfriend will never take credit for saving America and the rest of the world, but she kind of did…)

Charlotte lifted her head from Brittany's chest so she could look at her as she tried to suppress the worry in her voice, "Is everything okay?"

Despite her impressive feat of keeping the shake out of her voice, Brittany's eyebrows furrowed. God, she always sees right through me…

Gently cupping her cheek, the taller woman reassured, "Char, I just have to go in to work on the –A team case. I'm not going anywhere…I promise."

Charlotte let out a relived sigh as she leaned into Brittany's touch. This wasn't ISIS…this was Mona's crazy ass…the blonde could deal with that. Sure the tiny brunette was psychotic, but Brittany could certainly hold her own. Plus, Charlotte could only assume that Reggie and Bradley would be standing right there-and she knew the two of them wouldn't let anything happen to her girl.

"I thought Bradley pretty much had everything taken care of?"

"He does…" Charlotte noted the look of pride that overtook Brittany's face at the mention of her younger brother-who the CIA had officially hired the day after the –A team takedown at her Aunt Carol's old house. The two of them truly made a remarkable team.

"Reggie just wants me to interrogate Melissa…He thinks I might be able to connect with her and get her to open up. I don't know though…"

Charlotte tucked a lose strand of hair behind Brittany's ear before she honestly stated, "Melissa's a good person…who Mona manipulated the fuck out of. All she wanted to do was protect Spencer…and then everything just…spiraled out of control. She'll talk to you."

"How can you be so sure?"

A small smirk crossed Charlotte's face as she playfully hedged, "Because you're inherently good and have a beautiful soul…" Brittany rolled her eyes but couldn't refrain from cracking a smile as Charlotte continued to explain with a grin plastered on her face, "Not to mention you're brilliant and Lord knows the Hastings love them some intelligence…" The blonde leaned up and briefly kissed Brittany before she finished, "Seriously though Melissa will talk to you because she wants to take Mona down and you, my gorgeous girlfriend, already made that happen."

Brittany offered her a soft smile as she whispered, "We made that happen, Charlotte. I wouldn't have been able to figure anything out if you hadn't pointed me in the right direction to begin with…" The CIA agent tenderly cupped her cheek and looked at her with so much love and adoration that it honestly floored the blonde. She just hoped her emotions didn't get the best of her…but damn she couldn't help just how happy this woman made her.

"I still can't believe that you were working as a double agent the entire time. You're always calling me a superhero, but you're the most heroic person I know, Charlotte…and I just…I can't believe someone as incredible as you loves me."

Charlotte felt her vibrant blue eyes water with tears of joy. Dammit, so much for keeping your emotions in check…

After she had somehow managed to keep her happy tears from falling, Charlotte whispered so only her girlfriend could hear, "Well…you better believe it because I'll never stop loving you, Brittany."

The tall brunette's tone matched her own as she echoed, "I'll never stop loving you either."

Their intimate moment contrasted the chaotic atmosphere of the hospital and the blonde let out a gentle laugh at the ironic scene they were more than likely making before she held Brittany's ever loving gaze and jokingly demanded, "Now, stop being all lovey dovey with me and go to work so you can get your cute ass back here and hold me for the rest of the day!"

"So…you're saying that Mona planned on faking all of their deaths just so she could keep them locked in Ali and Charlotte's Aunt's old house for the rest of their lives?" Brittany's eyebrows furrowed as she locked eyes with the brunette sitting across from her in the interrogation room.

Melissa shook her head as she bitterly jutted out, "As brilliant as Mona is, when it came to Alison and the others…her emotions always overpowered her rational…that's why I knew I could never trust her…why I could never leave the –A team."

"Because you could never trust that she'd actually leave Spencer out of her sadistic plans?" Brittany concluded and tears formed in Melissa's eyes.

"I know it's a really fucked up way to protect your sibling-joining forces with her tormentor…" Melissa swatted the lone tear that cascaded down her cheek away as she continued to explain, "But…I thought if I got an inside look into what Mona was planning I could keep Spencer out of harm's way. Obviously, that didn't work out too well…"

Her ability to read people has always been one of her strongest attributes, and right now Brittany knows that Melissa is being completely honest. As messed up as everything turned out to be, she had joined the –A team with seemingly good intentions. But unlike her amazing girlfriend (and damn did it feel amazing to finally call Charlotte that), who could weather the storm of being a double agent in Mona's regime, Melissa had faltered. She obviously never stopped loving Spencer, but it became harder and harder for her to keep the lobbyist safe as time went on.

After a few silent moments, Melissa sniffled and painfully choked out the question that the CIA agent knows she's been burning to ask, yet is simultaneously dreading the answer to, "Does Spencer hate me?"

Knowing what it's like to be irrationally protective of your younger sibling at times, the tall brunette finds herself reaching out to supportively grasp Melissa's trembling hand, because she can see just how much the other brunette is suffering.

In a soothing voice, Brittany stressed in as delicate of a tone as she could muster, "No, Melissa. Spencer doesn't hate you. She's just really confused right now…and it's going to take her a while to process everything. My team's been keeping all of them informed as we put all the pieces together, so Spencer knows how minimal your involvement was in everything…but forgiveness following betrayal-no matter how well intended-is never easy…she's going to need time."

Melissa nodded her head in understanding and the CIA agent was glad she appeared to be somewhat calmed down. Offering the brunette one final supportive squeeze, Brittany retracted her hand. She was just about to ask the other woman if she knew anything regarding the one piece to the –A team puzzle that they hadn't yet figured out (and it was the piece she cared about the most), when Melissa completely caught her off guard.

"I can see why Charlotte fell head over heels for you, Special Agent Johnson." Melissa's tone was warm and wholeheartedly sincere and the former basketball great felt like the other woman was analyzing everything about her. It was slightly unnerving to say the least, "You really try and understand people and their motivations before passing judgment on them…and that's so rare to find in a person," Melissa was looking at her with a mixture of admiration and almost jealously? Like she wishes she possessed that same character trait? "After everything Mona and Elliot put Charlotte through, she deserves happiness. She deserves to be genuinely loved by someone like you."

This was one of those rare moments when Brittany was at a complete loss for words. Charlotte had told her Melissa was a good person and she suspected the two of them were at least acquaintances, but the CIA agent wasn't expecting the other woman to…care so much about her girlfriend's well-being.

Melissa looked down at the metal table as she continued speaking, which considering she didn't really know what to say at the moment, Brittany was fine with, "I always admired Charlotte for never really losing herself in the game…even though she played it better than anyone."

She had to play it better than anyone else on the –A team. In order to effectively double cross Mona she had to convince her that they were working towards the same end game.

"She might have gotten away with everything completely unscathed too if she'd never met you…" Melissa threw out as an afterthought. Wait, what the hell?

"What do you mean by that?"

Melissa's gaze met her own again, "I knew Charlotte would never actually help Mona do anything –A related once Alison forgave her on the roof of Radley…Charlotte's biggest fear was that Alison would rightfully hate her once she "revealed" herself to be –A, but the complete opposite happened…Alison forgave her and wanted to understand. I figured that if need be Charlotte could bullshit Mona into believing she was still on board with everything, but after she met you…" Melissa's eyes implored the CIA agent to understand as she revealed, "Charlotte was done being anything less than real. You saw her for who she really is and…she wanted the rest of the world to see that too."

There's a sadness swirling behind Melissa's brown eyes and Brittany sensitively asked, "Has anyone ever seen you, Melissa?"

The other brunette lets out a pained laugh as she shook her head, "No, not really. Spencer for the most part sees through me, but I've never completely trusted her…I've never really trusted anyone," Melissa pauses briefly before she shifts her jaw and inquired while arching a perfect eyebrow, "But I highly doubt you came here to psychoanalyze me Special Agent Johnson…so, what can I help you with?"

Knowing it would be slightly inappropriate Brittany doesn't laugh at Melissa's bluntness, but rather leaned forward and asked with a slight edge to her tone, "Jessica DiLaurentis. Do you know who killed her?"

Jessica's murder was the one piece to the –A team puzzle that her, Bradley, and Reggie had yet to solve and it was driving the CIA agent slightly insane. Brittany knew that until their mother's murder was solved it would be damn near impossible for Charlotte and Alison to really move on. Yes, Ali was building a wonderful life with Emily, but Brittany knew just how deeply her mother's death haunted her. The DiLaurentis matriarch was killed before Alison could get any answers regarding some of the older woman's more heinous actions (like you know burying her daughter alive); and, well, Jessica's death had nearly destroyed Charlotte. Jessica wasn't a perfect mother by any means, but she didn't deserve to die so viciously. And Brittany was determined to bring her killer to justice come hell or high water.

A knowing look spread across Melissa's face, "I should've known that's what you'd want to know…you must really love Charlotte…and Alison for that matter."

"I do, Melissa. They both mean the world to me, so please if you know any-"

Before she can finish her plea, the other brunette cut her off, "Jessica wasn't killed by anyone on the –A team." Wait, what? How is that possible? Didn't Alison get a video of –A burying her mother with some cryptic message? What the hell? They didn't kill her, just buried her? "And all Mona would say after her body was dug up by Pepe was that Spencer's intuition was correct."

Running a frustrated hand through her long wavy brown hair, the CIA agent let out a frustrated sigh, because she once again knew that Melissa wasn't keeping anything from her-she just didn't have the answers she was hoping for, "What the hell does that even mean?"

Melissa snorted before dryly replying, "It's Mona."

Right…Who in the hell knows what she meant by Spencer's intuition being correct…

Three Weeks Later (the middle of November)

"Teach, thank you so much! You're seriously the best!" James beamed down at her as he literally towered over her desk following last period.

Alison giggled at the star athlete's antics as she truthfully stated, "How could I not write you a letter of recommendation for college? You're one of the best students I've ever had..."

A smirk spread across James' face as he playfully looked up from the letter and declared, "Not to mention I saved Coach Fields' life and you know vowed to keep the whole town safe with my Emison Defense Squad."

The English teacher smiled as she thought back on that night six weeks ago when Mona's –A game had finally come crumbling down. The night her happy ending with her mermaid became a reality…and the night she got her sister back. Despite all of the chaos that ensued in her CIA agent for a night excursion…including accidentally shooting her best friend when she'd flung Mona's gun across her Aunt Carol's old basement…it had all been so worth it.

The media frenzy afterwards had been a complete pain in the ass with everyone wanting an interview with Charlotte-not like Brittany would let them get within a thousand feet of her sister-and cable news networks speculating about what the older blonde's resurrection meant for science and gossiping about any and all things –A team related. You'd think living in Rosewood would have protected her, Emily, Spencer, Hanna, and Aria from news thirsty journalists; but the five of them we're hounded for a good month. She'd even had to bitch out a few especially aggressive reporters who had followed her, Emily, and Pepe into the woods behind their home during their nightly walk along the trail a few weeks ago.

Alison gently leaned into Emily's side and truthfully declared as Pepe walked lazily beside them, "You did so well at physical therapy today, Em. I'm so proud of you, babe." The blonde kissed her mermaid's cheek and breathed in Emily's unique lavender scent that never seized soothing her on even the most stressful of days. She was so thankful that Emily was back to walking Pepe and doing light stretching exercises. The teacher knows the coach is dying to get back into her running and swimming routines, but considering how battered and physically drained the tanned goddess was just weeks prior…Ali would take this. Her girlfriend and sister were both slowly making progress…and at this point that's all she could ask for.

Emily wrapped an arm around her shoulders, before she adoringly replied, "I wouldn't be progressing this well if it weren't for you, Ali. Thank you for taking such great care of me."

Before Alison could offer her girlfriend a love sick response that she'd be there to take care of her for the rest of forever, they were bombarded with flashing lights and questions being thrown at them from several different directions as reporters surrounded them.

"Alison! Is your sister still in the hospital? How long until she's released?

"Will she be moving back to Rosewood?"

"Is it true that she's dating the CIA agent who found her?"

"Who's involvement with the –A team hurt you the most?"

"What about your father and brother? Why haven't they spoken out about any of this?"

Alison instinctively stepped in front of the tall brunette as Pepe jumped in front of her and began to growl in warning. The sheltie had always been protective, but since Emily got attacked he's been on even higher alert-ready to pounce if necessary. The teacher was glad that all of the questions were directed towards her because Emily had always been shy, but did these reporters honestly think she was going to talk to them when they bombarded her while she was walking her dog with the love of her life? Jesus Christ they seriously needed to work on their communication skills.

She rarely reverted back to her Queen Bee self, but Alison was glaring so fiercely she's not surprised when the reporters take a few steps back (of course Pepe's growling also contributed to that).

"I really don't appreciate being harassed," Her voice is seething and she sees fear flash across all of the reporters' eyes and it somewhat satisfies her as she takes a threatening step forward. She's now in line with Pepe and they share a glance that has the sheltie easing out of his protective stance and walking back towards Emily because he knows his mother's got this covered.

There's a definite threat laced into her tone as she warns, "Neither do my girlfriend or best friends; so it would be wise of you all to leave us the fuck alone, because we'll never answer any of your questions," The reporters all gulp and avert their gaze from her own, so she throws out for good measure, "Why don't you go report on real news stories like say, I don't know, the Syrian civil war that has left the city of Aleppo completely destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people dead."

Honestly, Alison will never understand how the journalism profession works and why stories like the atrocity happening in Syria aren't touched on, yet it's breaking news when Kanye West meets with then president-elect Donald Trump…Talk about fucked up priorities.

While most of the reporters scurry away from the couple and Pepe with apologies stumbling from their lips, one guy in his late 20s remains and lets out a slightly nervous laugh as he implores, "C'mon Alison, you and your sister both rise from the dead…you can't expect us to ignore that…"

The blonde's fists clench at her sides as she steels this idiot with her fiercest glare yet, "I suppose that's true…however, you'd be wise to leave me and the people I love alone. Especially Charlotte, because if you think I'm rough to deal with, you don't stand a chance in hell against her."

This sends the reporter scurrying away-literally with his tail between his legs-and Alison smiles. Two strong arms wrap around her middle and the blonde leans into Emily's tantalizing touch as the brunette husks into her ear, "Damn, it's sexy when you get all badass, Ali."

She turns her head slightly so she can kiss Emily soundly, before pulling away briefly so she can breathe out, "What can I say? No one fucks with my people."

Emily kisses her with so much passion that Alison damn near falls over, but her girlfriend's getting stronger by the day body keeps her upright as their lips move in perfect sync. She hears Pepe whimper as they get lost in one another and seemingly ignore him. When they pull apart a minute later with their foreheads resting together, Pepe lets out an excited bark-obviously anticipating his walk is going to continue…

They both chuckle as their eyes momentarily rest on the antsy sheltie who looks like he could burst at any second from all his pent up energy.

Alison lets out a dramatic huff as she places one last lingering kiss on Emily's lips, grabs the brunette's hand and begins walking further down the trail as Pepe trots in front of them.

Moments later when the blonde mutters, "You're lucky your moms love you, Pepe," she swears the dog offers her a triumphant smirk.

Thankfully things had quieted down drastically in their suburban town since then and the reporters had pretty much all returned to their home fronts. She was back to teaching. Emily was back to coaching. And Pepe was back to being well his adorable sheltie self.

The English teacher shook her head as a way to refocus on her conversation with the athletic superstar, "Well, yes, but I couldn't exactly talk about that in your recommendation letter James."

"Sure you could have," James teased as he leaned his tall frame against her desk and sported that charming smile that reminded Alison so much of Bradley's, "Just slip in a little mention between your discussion of my stellar academic performance and my impeccable character."

The blonde playfully glared at the young man, which caused him to laugh, "Okay! Okay! I'm just kidding! Damn Teach, can't a brother have a little fun or nah?"

"Just as long as the brother keeps up the amazing work, which I know he will," Alison replied and the two shared a warm look before their moment was interrupted by the teacher's cell phone loudly vibrating on her wooden desk indicating she just received a new text message.

James cleared his throat as he stood back up, "I should get headed to football practice, Teach. Thank you again for writing this."

"Anytime," Alison smiled and called after James' retreating form moments later, "Emison Defense Squad leader."

The athlete's booming laugh filtered through the halls of Rosewood High as he hurried to practice and the blonde shook her head once again while she grabbed her iPhone to see who had texted her.

Her eyebrows furrowed when Spencer's name flashed across her screen and she read the lobbyist's message:

I'm like 90% sure I know who killed your mother…but if I'm wrong and my intuition turns out to NOT be correct your girlfriend will never forgive me.

Alison's fingers flew across her cell phone as she texted back,

Spencer what the hell are you talking about? Emily loves you no matter what.

The teacher anxiously awaited as three bubbles formed indicating that the brunette was composing her reply…

You say that now, but I started to have all these flashbacks to junior year yesterday-you know when you were still gone-and remembered who I didn't trust and who I thought was a threat…who I thought was –A…and Paige was at the top of my list.

Alison felt her heart drop as she read the other swimmer's name-the love of her life's ex-girlfriend's name. Fuck.

Before she could answer another long message popped up on her screen,

She was so angry that night we all left to meet you in New York, because Em broke up with her for turning you into the police…and I don't know Ali…I've seen her lose her temper before and maybe I'm crazy for thinking that she could have been so enraged that she killed your mother that night to take it out on you, but I told Brittany everything…which isn't even much…it's not like I have any evidence.

The blonde let out a heavy sigh as she typed back,

That's good Spence, if there's any truth behind your "hunch" Brittany will find out.

Alison didn't know how to process what Spencer had just told her as she set her cell phone back on her desk. She knew Paige had a mean streak when they were younger-hell Ali had been on the receiving end of a vicious blow from that rage during gym class freshman year-but a killer? The teacher just couldn't picture it...and furthermore if (and mind you that was a big fucking "if") Paige did kill her mother-fuck her for still dating Emily and making her mermaid think that the blonde was the one who couldn't be trusted and for living her life as if nothing had ever happened.

Alison rubbed her thumb in soothing circles along the back of Emily's hand as she gently inquired with concern lacing her tone, "Em, are you okay? You haven't said anything since we've gotten here."

Emily's soulful brown eyes remained focused on the table in the CIA New York City Headquarters' conference room they were sitting in as she took in a shaky breath and replied, "I dated her for years, Ali." Her mermaid's voice trembled and all Alison wanted to do was envelope her in a warm embrace and never let her fucking go, but unfortunately they had a few hurdles to get over before they could even think about getting to that point.

"If Paige…if Paige really did kill your mom…what does that say about me?" A single tear streaked down the coach's perfectly defined cheekbone.

The English teacher wiped it away with the pad of her thumb and directed Emily's eyes to meet her own as she softly reminded her girlfriend, "I dated Elliot for years and he turned out to be a complete psychopath."

"Yeah, but…you didn't choose Elliot over me," An immense sadness swirled within Emily's brown orbs as she continued to explain, "I chose Paige over you because I thought you couldn't be trusted…and then I accused you of being –A and got you sent to prison…God, Ali…I'm so sorry."

Alison can't help but grimace as the painful memories from after she'd returned to Rosewood senior year come flooding back. Of finally being with Emily like she'd always dreamed about that glorious night in her bedroom to having the swimmer believe Mona and Paige instead of her. Of being scared out of her mind in prison and hanging onto Emily's every word as they talked over the phone before her trial to thinking she was never going to see the light of day again when the jury came back with a guilty verdict. As traumatic as it all had been, the blonde hasn't thought about any of it since she and Emily had gotten together. It wasn't that the teacher was living in denial; she just wanted to move forward with Emily by her side.

"That is all in our past Em, okay? Paige, Mona, jail, all of it. What's important now is the life we're building together…the life we one day want to give Wayne and Estella." The mention of their future children caused a beautiful small smile to grace Emily's face and the teacher returned it as she brought their foreheads together.

"Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you Emily Fields."

Not even if your ex-girlfriend did murder my mother…

Emily softly kissed her and the blonde melted as the brunette tenderly caressed her cheek and sincerely declared, "I love you, Ali." Even though Emily told her she loved her every day, the reality of it would never stop making her heart flutter.

"I love you too, Emily," Alison echoed and held her girl's gaze once again, "We've overcome everything life's thrown at us thus far, and I know we'll get through this because we have each other."

"Charlotte…" Someone called out to her, but she can't make out who it is. Her vision has blurred and the room began spinning as the video from her mother's secret surveillance camera revealed what happened during the final moments of her life.

Paige McCullers had shown up at their house demanding that Jessica tell her where Alison was hiding. But of course her mother didn't know where Alison was because she was too busy protecting her older daughter. Making sure Charlotte was safe as she tried to keep Ali as shielded as she could from Mona.

Paige had become irate because she assumed the older woman was lying-because that's what the DiLaurentis family did-they lied. But this one time, Jessica was telling the truth. She didn't know where Alison was. And it killed Charlotte to see the sparkle in her mother's eyes at the prospect of actually seeing her youngest child once again. She knew how desperately the older woman wanted to make things right with Alison.

The rest happened so quickly…

Her mother stormed past Paige into the front lawn determined to get to her car and start her own trek for answers, but the furious swimmer remained hot on her heals. And of course her mom was annoyed and had to throw out a snarky remark, because that's just how the DiLaurentis women operated.

"You know dear, you really are appearing rather crazed…You're practically stalking me…it's no wonder Emily Fields questions your relationship so much. She really deserves someone much better than you."

And that one truthful comment had spelled Jessica's doom. It was almost like Paige transformed into an unrecognizable person as she lunged at the older woman and strangled her to death. It had taken all of thirty seconds for her mom to stop struggling and go limb underneath the other swimmer. The lack of resistance appeared to snap Paige back into reality, because she started trembling and whimpering "oh my God" over and over again.

Then Mona showed up dressed in her black –A attire a few minutes later, told Paige to get lost, and mumbled down to her mother's lifeless body,

"Well this certainly wasn't part of the fucking plan."

Elliot had helped her move the body over to the Hastings backyard a few moments later and that was that.

That was how her mother-the one person who had accepted and supported her during her transition-had died. Killed by fucking Paige McCullers because the bitch couldn't control her temper long enough to chill the fuck out and walk away.

Charlotte could feel her freshly healed ribs violently constricting as sobs raked through her entire body. She'd been discharged from New York General less than twenty four hours ago after being there for more than six weeks and if she can't calm down she knows she'll be readmitted. Which she doesn't want to happen because she's so sick of being in hospitals, but how can she possibly calm down?

Just as she felt the onslaught of a panic attack setting in, two strong arms enveloped her in a loving embrace and a soothing voice murmured against the crown of her head, "Charlotte, I'm right here…You're not alone…I love you."

The older blonde melted into the hold, once she could process that it was Brittany trying to pull her back from the brink, and she was somewhat able to calm down. The tears didn't stop, but her breathing had become instantaneously less erratic…Brittany had that profound of an effect on her. Her mere presence quelled the turmoil.

Charlotte clutched onto the tall brunette, needing to feel that she physically existed, and let the other woman's words sink in. She loves me. I'm not alone. My mom was ripped from my life, but I have her. When nothing else makes sense, she does…

"Your mom will always be with you, Charlotte and I will never let you go."

Charlotte burrowed further into her girlfriend as she choked out a shaky, "I know." Brittany rubbed soothing circles up and down her back for the next few minutes as Charlotte focused on steadying her breathing and calming her racing heart.

When she glanced up, the blue eyes that she found herself constantly drowning in, were gazing back at her. Brittany placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before she whispered, "Hi, beautiful."

The blonde softly giggled, "I highly doubt I look beautiful right now."

"What, are you kidding? You look sexy as hell," Bradley's booming voice had her turning in her love's arms and raising a questioning eyebrow at the young man who she had grown incredibly fond of over the past six weeks. He had such a pure heart and much like his sister was just an inherently good person. It wasn't hard to figure out why Alison had gravitated towards the two of them over the past three years.

Bradley was standing a good five feet away from them and his brown eyes swirled with warmth as he cracked a charming smile and clarified, "What I meant to say is that it would be impossible for you to look anything other than beautiful, Charlotte."

The blonde returned his smile with a small one of her own. God, I'm going to love having him for a brother-in-law…you know, eventually.

Charlotte's eyes settled on her younger sister who looked rather…indifferent. Almost like she didn't know how to feel about what she had just seen. She can only imagine how conflicted Alison must feel. Their mother hadn't exactly treated her very well. She'd conditioned Ali to lie and manipulate people since she was a toddler. Not to mention Alison's last memory of Jessica consisted of her shoveling dirt on top of her still breathing body.

Alison was still sitting in her chair at the table in the conference room. Emily was holding her hand and rubbing soothing circles on her back. Charlotte smiled at the scene. She'd always known the two of them were meant to be. They were just so stubborn that it took them a damn decade to actually admit and talk about their feelings. How crazy is it that my "death" and Pepe finally brought them together? Whatever, at least they're together now…or else Alison might have ended up marrying Elliot and God that would have been a travesty.

Charlotte really couldn't have asked for a better person to love her sister than Americano. Knowing that Emily was in Rosewood taking care of and loving Alison made her feel less guilty about moving to New York City…and changing the Carissimi Group's headquarters to the Big Apple. Ali seemed to understand that Rosewood just wasn't the place for her (it held far too many painful memories) and let's be real her heart really couldn't withstand the distance from Brittany. Yeah, she could semi-withstand it when they were just friends, but now being so much more? If she didn't have to Charlotte wasn't living three hours away from her happy ending.

"Did Paige say anything when you questioned her?" Ali's quiet voice surprised everyone in the room and certainly drug the older blonde out of her thoughts. The teacher's eyes had looked so vacant before that Charlotte just assumed she wasn't really there with the rest of them.

Alison interlocked her fingers with Emily's and looked down as she whispered, "Was she sorry? Did she feel bad?"

"Does it really matter, Ali?" Charlotte blurted out and she hoped her sister didn't interpret the question as being insensitive, but seriously what difference does it make whether or not Paige feels bad about her actions now? Their mom was still dead, because of Paige.

Alison looked up and finally met Charlotte's gaze. The older blonde's eyebrows furrowed because her sister looked guilty…wait was Ali blaming herself for what happened to their mom? Oh hell no. Sis, don't be doing that shit.

"I just…can't help but think Paige never would have done this if I'd treated her better," Tears pooled in Alison's expressive eyes and Charlotte's heart clenched as the teacher continued to unnecessarily blame herself, "If I never bullied her she wouldn't have felt so compelled to do whatever necessary to stop Emily from finding me."

Not even three seconds later Charlotte was kneeling in front of Alison and cradling her face in her hands as she implored, "Ali, please…please stop loathing yourself." Charlotte had been trying for years to get Ali to see herself in a more positive light. Her sister was an amazing person and she hated that the other woman struggled so mightily to see this.

"You are not responsible for every bad thing that's ever happened in Rosewood, okay?" God sis, why can't you understand that? "What Paige did is on her, no one else. Yes, you treated her horribly when you were a teenager, but you've grown so much since then. You've become the person you were always meant to be and I am so fucking proud of you," A lone tear streaked down Alison's cheek and Charlotte lovingly wiped it away with the pad of her thumb, "Just look at how dedicated you are to your students, sis. Not to mention every time I see Americano she's fucking glowing."

This caused Alison to crack a smile and Charlotte couldn't help but tease the younger woman a little, "I mean don't get me wrong you're glowing too. So much so that someone might think you're pregnant."

"Shut up," Ali mumbled as a blush tinted her cheeks and a playful glare flashed across her brilliant blue eyes.

"It's just really hard for me not to blame myself," Her sister confessed a few moments later and Charlotte nodded because she understood, probably better than anyone.

"I know. I just hate seeing you do it, because I love you so much, Alison."

Ali inched forward and wrapped her arms around Charlotte and the older blonde relished in the embrace, "I love you too, Char. You're the best sister anyone could ever have."

"Um, I'd have to disagree with you on that, Ali," Bradley pipped up and she, Alison, and Emily laughed at the young man who never missed a chance to brag about his older sister. His love for Brittany was rather adorable.

"Okay fine, Bradley," Ali rolled her eyes and dramatically turned back to look at her sister as she clarified her statement, "Charlotte, you're one of the best sisters anyone could ever have."

"Now that's more like it," the tall man smirked as he moved over towards his sister and wrapped his muscular arms around her shoulders.

Brittany shot him a playful glare as she mused, "You just had to ruin their moment, didn't you?"

A shocked look spread across Bradley's face, "What? I didn't ruin anything. I'm just stating facts."

"Jeez, watching all of you makes me wish I had a sibling," Emily threw out and they all laughed once again. It felt good to laugh with four people who meant so much to her. There would always be a part of Charlotte that longed for her mom to still be in her life, but she felt grateful to be surrounded by her "family".

Kenneth and Jason hadn't come around since her "resurrection" (not like she'd want her homophobic dad around anyway and she understood how conflicted her brother must feel about everything), but Charlotte felt blessed regardless. She and Alison had somehow survived everything their dysfunctional family and Mona threw at them. Not to mention ending up with two beautiful brunettes as their soulmates who made everything worth it.

Ali released Charlotte and turned to face Emily. The older blonde stood back up and moved over towards her girl once more as her younger sister lightly ran her fingers through the coach's long tresses, "Aww baby, are you feeling left out?"

Emily crossed her arms over her chest and tried to hide her smile, "No…"

God, the two of them really are adorable.

Emily ran her fingers through Alison's long blonde hair, gently scratching her scalp as the teacher traced patterns on her stomach while they laid in Brittany's guest bedroom (or well she supposes it's Brittany and Charlotte's now given that Ali's older sister was living here). The coach knew Alison was exhausted from all the craziness that unfolded today-hell so was she-even though it wasn't even 10 o'clock yet. Thank God the two of them had planned on spending the night in New York and already arranged for her mother to watch Pepe before they'd left Rosewood earlier in the day.

It made her sick to her stomach to think about the fact that someone she had dated for years had killed Jessica DiLaurentis. She knew Paige had a dark side, but she never would have pegged her ex as being a murderer. And Emily knows she might sound a bit hypocritical because she had killed Nate. But she'd done it as a last resort in self-defense, whereas Paige went after Mrs. DiLaurentis in a rage, seeking to inflict pain upon Alison. In her twisted eyes Alison had stolen the tanned swimmer from her (even though Emily never fully gave herself to any of her past girlfriends because her heart always belonged to Alison, so really she was always the blonde's) so taking Alison's mother was a justified payback. It was just so fucked up.

In another vein, Emily also felt relieved that they finally knew what happened to Alison's mom. Because even if the English teacher never mentioned it, the coach knows that not knowing who murdered her mother weighed heavily on her love's shoulders.

"It just feels so surreal," Alison murmured as she curled further into Emily's side.

"What does, babe?"

"Every question we had surrounding -A has been answered…Everyone who was on the -A team is behind bars…We can really move on with our lives and not have to look over our shoulders anymore. We can really have our happy ending."

Emily closed her eyes and kissed Alison's forehead savoring the feel of the gorgeous woman in her arms. The woman who she had loved for over a decade. The woman who believed in her no matter what and encouraged her to follow her dreams. The woman who she was going to ask to be her wife on Christmas day in a little over a month's time.

"Emily fucking Fields what are you trying to tell us?!" Hanna was never one for tact and Emily chuckled at her best friend who was practically bouncing out of her seat at The Brew. Alison had parent teacher conferences tonight and the coach decided it was the perfect opportunity to tell her three best friends what she was planning on doing in a few short weeks. Aria was sporting a huge grin and even Spencer couldn't contain the way her lips curved upwards as her eyes settled expectantly on the swim coach.

"Well…you all know how much I love Ali and I can't imagine ever living without her," Emily took a sip from her cup of coffee for dramatic effect and had to contain her laughter when anger flashed through Hanna's eyes obviously annoyed that she was being made to wait to hear the brunette's news.

"So…on Christmas I'm going to ask her to marry me."

"I fucking knew it!" Hanna exclaimed as she tackled the swim coach on the couch they were sharing and enveloped her in a bone crushing hug.

"Han, let her breathe! Did you forget that Emily recently had bruised ribs?" Spencer reprimanded the designer although her tone was light.

"I'm sorry Em," The feisty blonde apologized as she sat back up, "I'm just so happy for you! God, I ship you and Alison so hard!"

Aria moved from her chair and sat on the other side of Emily, offering the brunette a much gentler hug. Pulling back from their embrace Aria couldn't contain her inner hopeless romantic as she inquired with a sparkle in her eyes, "Did you buy a ring already?"

Emily bit her bottom lip and nodded. The brunette reached into her backpack and pulled out a tiny black box handing it to the publicist as she explained, "The jeweler finished it today and I picked it up after class...I really hope Alison loves it."

Spencer and Hanna moved to huddle over behind Aria so they could examine the engagement ring when the tiny brunette opened the black ring box. Her three best friends let out gasps and Emily held her breath. Please, tell me they think it's beautiful.

"Oh my God, Emily…it's wow," Aria marveled at the diamond ring that had cost the swim coach a small fortune. After she officially moved in with Alison, her mom had informed her that she hadn't actually blown through all of the money her father left her like she thought. Apparently, there was an additional fifty thousand dollars sitting in a trust fund of sorts that Emily wasn't allowed to touch unless Pam signed off on it. Wayne Fields knew that his daughter more than likely wasn't going to make the wisest decisions in the aftermath of his death and had planned accordingly. If she could she would give her father the biggest hug ever, because her "inheritance" from him had made it possible for her to buy the love of her life a ring fit for a queen and still have a good chunk of money left in the bank.

"God, that rock is huge. If Alison doesn't say yes, I'll marry you Emily." Hanna stated rather seriously and the coach laughed because it was just such a Hanna thing to say.

"Do you know how you're going to ask?" Spencer smiled at her and Emily could feel a blush creeping onto her cheeks and warmth filling her heart as her three best friends reveled in her joy.

"We always end up taking Pepe to the Kissing Rock on our daily walk and that's always kind of been mine and Ali's spot so I was going to ask her there."

"Isn't that where you two finally confessed your feelings?" Aria inquired and Emily smiled while she nodded and the wonderful memories came flooding back.

"Don't forget that she and Ali graffitied the rock with red spray paint during freshman year…drawing a heart around their initials and everything," Hanna teased.

"Well clearly they knew even then that they were destined to end up together Han," Aria concluded before she turned to Spencer and asked with a raised eyebrow, "How is it that you never noticed the way they felt about each other again? I mean everyone could see it, Spence."

"Jesus, I miss one little thing once during my entire life and you act like I'm completely oblivious."

"Sorry Hastings, that was a huge thing, so you don't get a pass," Hanna cheekily replied and the lobbyist playfully shoved the designer's shoulder in response causing her to fall back on the couch into Emily's lap.

All four of them fell into a fit of laughter that more likely caused some of the other Brew customers to look their way in annoyance, but they didn't care. They were finally living in a world without -A, which was amazing in itself, but they all had direction in their careers and love in their lives as well. And what could honestly be better than that?

Hanna looked up at her a few moments later as she remained sitting in the coach's lap, "I love the engraving on the band, by the way."

"Yeah Em, 'How about forever?' has got to be the best inscription on an engagement ring ever," Aria complimented and the brunette wore the widest smile imaginable for the rest of the night.

Emily wrapped her arms tighter around Alison's small frame pulling her impossibly closer, as she murmured, "It's going to be one beautiful happy ending. I love you, Ali."

Her beautiful blonde mumbled out a quiet, "I love you too" before she drifted completely off to sleep on top of Emily's chest.

Despite it being a Saturday and knowing she could sleep in, Alison was out of bed and making a pot of coffee at 7 am. Given how easily she moved around Brittany's kitchen you would think she owned the high-end Bronx apartment…

The teacher couldn't really explain just how free she felt when she woke up this morning with Emily's protective arms wrapped around her. She finally knew what happened to her mother and everyone on the -A team was behind bars. She stirred awake around 6 am and just started at Emily, memorizing the contours of her flawless face as the New York City sunlight reflected off her tanned skin, for a good hour. When her bladder wouldn't allow her to lay in bed any longer, Alison placed a lingering kiss on Emily's forehead and made her way into the apartment's nearest bathroom before venturing into the kitchen.

Ali giggled when she turned towards the refrigerator and saw a hand-written note taped to the door:

Sweetie,

I figured you haven't had time to go to the grocery store since you've been living at the hospital with Charlotte, so I stocked up on fresh produce and other essentials for you. I know you can take care of yourself, but I'm your mother and will never stop feeling the urge to do whatever I can to make your life a little easier.

By the way dear, I adore Charlotte. She obviously loves you and is strong enough to handle the craziness of your job. I know you always thought you'd never find anyone who could, but she can Brittany.

You know I'll never understand how God blessed me with two such wonderful children. You and your brother not only save the world on practically a daily basis, but also brought your amazing girlfriends, Eva and Charlotte, into my life. It really doesn't seem fair, but I'm going to be a little selfish and hold you all close for the rest of my life.

On another note, the bags underneath your eyes are practically non-existent. Could the impossible be happening and my beautiful daughter is actually getting sleep now? Just more evidence that Charlotte is a wonderful influence on you. She forces you to be a little selfish and take care of yourself Brittany-I hope you realize that.

I suspect Charlotte will be getting discharged from the hospital soon. When she does, please bring her over for dinner. I promise not to tell too many embarrassing stories about you…okay, that may be a lie, but it's coming from a good place!

I don't know why I wrote you this long of a note when I talk to you on the phone or in person every day, but I guess I'm trying to bring the art of writing letters back lol.

All my love as always,

Mom

Alison felt tears form in her eyes as she read Teresa's words. She had loved Brittany and Bradley's mother from the moment she met her almost three years ago, but seeing on paper just how accepting the nurse was of Charlotte made her heart fill with joy. Knowing that her sister had a future mother-in-law who would love her unconditionally, much like the teacher had in Pam, made Alison feel exponentially better about the older blonde's decision to move to New York.

The teacher shook her head and willed her tears not to fall. She was so happy and didn't want to cry, even if they were happy tears.

Ali opened the fridge and let out a gentle laugh because everything in it was healthy-no junk food whatsoever. Other than drinking numerous cups of coffee throughout the day, Ali doesn't think Brittany ever consumes anything that isn't nutritious. That probably explains why she's all lean with defined muscles and abs to die for…not like I ever look because hello Emily's the most beautiful woman on the planet, but I have eyes. Maybe that's why Hanna, Spencer, and Aria all have a girl crush on Brittany. The three of them literally gawk at her and think they're being subtle as they check her out.

The blonde grabbed a container of vanilla Greek yogurt and some fresh fruit. She was never one for eating a big breakfast and knew the lite meal and coffee would sustain her until lunch time.

It doesn't even surprise her when Brittany walks into the kitchen before the coffee has even finished brewing. Much like Spencer, the scent alone is enough to wake the former athlete up.

"Hey, how'd you sleep?" Brittany greeted and offered Ali a smile as she grabbed her signature New York Knicks mug from the cabinet and waited for the pot to finish brewing.

"Really well actually. Thank you so much for letting Em and I stay here," Alison offered the tall brunette a sincere smile as they both finally poured themselves some coffee.

Brittany took a generous sip of the liquid gold before she replied, "No problem. I've always considered you family Ali and now Emily's included in that. You both are welcome anytime."

Ali stared at her best friend in admiration as they both settled into their seats at the breakfast bar.

The CIA agent quirked a curious eyebrow, "What?"

"It's just…God, how differently would my life have turned out if I never would have tripped that day in Central Park and been caught by you?"

As her body tumbled closer and closer towards the pavement, Alison internally scolded herself for being so immersed in the pictures she was taking in Central Park that she missed the construction tools in her path. She closed her eyes and prepared for the inevitable impact that was going to leave her cut and bruised considering she was wearing a sundress.

But instead of feeling pain, the education major felt strong arms cradle around her and bring her into a protective hold. When Alison opened her eyes, she was met with a gorgeous athletic brunette softly smiling down at her. The way the sun was positioned overhead made it appear like the brunette was wearing a halo-like she was guardian angel or something.

"Are you okay?" The woman asked and Ali just can't comprehend where she came from or how she managed to prevent the blonde from pummeling into the pavement and catch her expensive camera that had slipped out of her hand. It was almost superhuman.

"How did you do that?" Alison inquired in a mystified manner as she felt just how toned and defined her savior's muscles were as her body relaxed in the other woman's arms. God, this is so not good for my bisexual ass...I'm missing Emily like crazy and this gorgeous brunette falls into my lap…

The stranger smirked before she responded, "Quick reflexes," and effortlessly got Alison back on her feet.

Once she had somewhat collected herself, Ali could formulate a coherent thought, and she earnestly stated, "Thank you so much."

She finally got a good look at her savior and noted the way her Nike shorts and t-shirt clung to her majestic body-she must have been jogging in the park. God, she was so attractive. Okay libido seriously chill the fuck out, you're just really missing your mermaid.

"No problem," The tall woman replied as she flashed a smile that had Alison's heart fluttering. Ali couldn't really explain it, but she wanted to get to know this person. Not so much in pursuit of anything romantic despite how beautiful the woman was, because let's face it Emily consumed all of her thoughts, but rather on a human level. She struggled so mightily to make friends at Hollis because everyone just assumed she was a bitch, and few people were ever compelled to change their perceptions of her no matter what she did. As she gazed into slightly lighter hued blue eyes than her own, the future teacher got the distinct sense that this woman was friendly and non-judgmental.

"Can I buy you a cup of coffee for saving me…?" Ali asked drawing out the "me" as she waited to learn the woman's name.

This earned her a small chuckle and response, "Brittany. And well…coffee is my weak spot…"

Now it was the blonde's turn to laugh as Brittany waited to learn her name, "Alison. It's really nice to meet you, Brittany."

"It's really nice to meet you too, Alison."

The two of them ended up talking for hours at a coffee shop near Central Park and Ali was dreading saying goodbye to her new friend. She never realized how much she'd been missing genuine human contact until she shared an almost instantaneous connection with the kindhearted brunette. Of course, she had Charlotte and she cherished the relationship the two of them had built since the older blonde got admitted to Welby, but it felt amazing to talk to someone who was around her age and not her sister. She found herself becoming completely vulnerable and opening up about things she never intended on divulging to anyone.

As the two of them made their way out of the coffee shop and began walking down the New York City sidewalk, Ali was suddenly overcome with emotion. It was no secret that she missed Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily like crazy; but maybe, just maybe, she could forge a friendship with someone who she'd never hurt before and therefore wouldn't constantly question her motivations. The education major didn't even realize she was hugging Brittany until she felt the CIA agent's hands rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Ali buried her face in the taller woman's chest as she breathed out, "I'm sorry…it's just really hard for me to make friends."

"Well, you have one now Ali. Seriously, you can call me anytime. I mean I may not pick up right away because I could be dodging bombs in Syria or trying to prevent a nuclear war somewhere…," Alison didn't understand how Brittany could joke about constantly being in life threatening situations, but she supposes she does the same thing when talking about everything -A related, "But I'm here for you, okay? I promise."

The blonde smiled as she unwrapped her arms from around her new friend's toned middle and linked her right arm through Brittany's left, "I get the sense that you don't break promises."

Brittany smiled down at her as she sincerely replied, "No, that's not really my style."

"Well, that makes you different than anyone I've ever known."

They walked in comfortable silence for a few more city blocks before Brittany looked down at her and earnestly stated, "Ali, I know we just met today, but I can tell you're really hard on yourself and I just want you to know that I think you're an incredible person. You may have done things in your past that you're not proud of, I mean we all have, but that doesn't define who you are now."

The blonde felt her blue eyes water at the tall brunette's words. How was it that Brittany saw her so authentically after only knowing her for twelve hours?

Being curious as to what the CIA agent would answer Alison asked, "And who am I now?"

Brittany genuinely smiled down at her as she answered, "My new best friend who's a remarkable human being."

And now here they were bonding over coffee in the tall brunette's apartment over three years later.

Brittany smiled as she remembered their first dramatic meeting and the connection they developed that day, "You know I ask myself that same question all the time. I think we were destined to meet each other, Ali."

"I don't even know how to say thank you in a way that would encompass what I feel about you, Britt," Alison reached across the breakfast bar and held the CIA agent's hand, "You're just the best friend I could have ever asked for and God, the way you love my sister," The blonde had long admired this woman and she hoped Brittany understood just how much she cherished her, "I just…I just really love you."

The tall brunette closed her eyes and Alison knew she was trying to suppress the tears that were more than likely forming. A few moments later, Britt held her gaze and stated, "You are not allowed to make me cry this early in the morning."

Ali smiled at her before she truthfully declared, "I wouldn't even be with Emily if it weren't for you." It was true, Brittany had been the one to set her straight after she foolishly accepted Elliot's proposal and reminded her that she'd never be happy unless she was with her soulmate.

"Well, I wouldn't be with Charlotte if it weren't for you Ali, and I can't imagine not having her in my life. So, I owe you a thank you as well."

"I still can't believe that I never noticed how much you were both falling for each other. Looking back, it was so damn obvious."

"I'm so glad you're okay, Superstar," Charlotte murmured while she held onto Brittany for dear life. Alison knew that her sister cared about the CIA agent, but she never anticipated the older blonde sprinting across Welby's courtyard and jumping into her arms when she saw her for the first time in three months.

Brittany effortlessly held Charlotte up as she gently reminded her, "I promised you I would be."

Her sister lifted her head from the crook of Brittany's neck and cupped the brunette's cheek as she brought their foreheads together and pointed out with emotion seeping into her tone, "But you can't guarantee that."

"That may be true Charlotte, but I can guarantee that I will always do whatever I can to make it home to you."

Jesus, Brittany was telling her then that Charlotte was her home.

They both took another sip of coffee, which Ali had to say tasted amazing (not too shabby DiLaurentis), before Brittany changed the subject.

"So…are you still planning on proposing to Emily on Christmas?"

Ali smiled as she thought about the engagement ring she bought that was just so Emily and the prospect of marrying the love of her life.

The blonde knew she was blushing, but she didn't even care as she confirmed, "Well, it is her favorite holiday."

"Do you know where you're going to do it yet?"

"I thought about flying Emily to Paris and proposing on top of the Eiffel Tower, but I realized I'd rather marry her there."

Brittany gently laughed as Alison finished, "So, I'm going to do it at the Kissing Rock on our daily walk with Pepe.

"That sounds like a perfect proposal Ali."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and after Emily reads what you got engraved on the band of her ring there's no way she won't say yes."

Alison smiled at her best friend's reassurance. 'How about forever?' really was the perfect inscription to ask the woman who meant absolutely everything to her to be her wife.

I hope you all enjoyed! Please let me know what you think! I hope no one is too upset that I made Paige Mrs. DiLaurentis' killer. I honestly am just really upset that she's in 7b and really do think she's a shady bitch-I mean we all know she's a crazy stalker. And like how has PLL not told us who killed Alison's mom yet? What do you guys think about Emison both planning out their proposals and getting the same engraving on their rings? Talk about being in sync! Also, what do folks think about Brittany and Charlotte?

I'm planning on having one more chapter set in the present time of this story and then doing a five year time jump. What do folks think about that? I really do take your thoughts/opinions into consideration when I'm writing.

Just a note that I will be updating Guardian Angel soon-I'm hoping in the next week! Thank you all for continuing to read my stories (and my rants lol) and offering your support.

Until next time, love when the world tells you to hate and never stop pursuing your dreams.