I could have sworn I'd just updated this a month or two ago, so imagine my surprise when I realized I haven't posted a new episode since January. Between student teaching and the whole world ending, I haven't been able to find the motivation to write until recently, but finally, here it is - A's story. Thank you times a million, as always, so everyone who reviewed and left feedback. I'd love to know what you think now more than ever - but please remember that even if you're not satisfied with A's story or it didn't end up being who or what you wanted, please keep your comments civil and constructive.
SEASON 6, EPISODE 9: "ONCE UPON A TIME IN ROSEWOOD"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DILAURENTIS HOUSE - DAY
Text at the bottom of the screen reads "MAY 1995" as we PAN ACROSS the front of the DiLaurentis' house. The paint looks fresh and new. The lawn is a brilliant green. There's not a cloud in the sky, and the scene represents the picturesque, perfect image of Rosewood.
INT. DILAURENTIS HOUSE - PLAYROOM - DAY
The room is the ideal child's playroom. A child size table and chairs provide the centerpiece, and the room is filled with board games, stuffed animals, and blocks.
CHARLES and JASON (8) sit cross-legged on the floor at the table, paper and colored pencils spread around them. ALISON (1), toddles unsteadily around the center of the room. She stumbles, lands on a large teddy bear, and laughs.
JASON
What are you drawing?
He attempts to peer over at his brother's drawing, but Charles covers the paper with his hands.
CHARLES
No! It's not finished yet.
Jason makes a face and pushes Charles' hands out of the way. The drawing depicts a well-drawn, realistic version of the family home...with flames shooting up from the windows and smoke billowing in the sky.
JASON
Is that our house?
Charles is completely unaffected by the disturbing element of the drawing.
CHARLES
Yep. From the future.
Jason stares at him for a beat...then cracks up laughing.
JASON
You're such a weirdo, Charlie.
Charles gives him a strange smile. His eyes fall on Alison, who has toddled over and picked up the model airplane sitting on the floor beside Charles. His face darkens.
CHARLES
(sharply)
Put that down.
Alison turns the plane over in her hands, looking down at it curiously. Her expression is pure innocence. Charles grows angrier.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
I said put it down, stupid. You're gonna break it.
JASON
Don't call her stupid.
He walks around the table and kneels down next to Alison.
JASON (CONT'D)
Come on, Ali. Give me the plane, okay?
Alison SQUEALS and wrenches away from him, clutching the plane tightly. Charles' face contorts.
CHARLES
Give it to me!
He grabs hold of the plane, but Alison holds firm. Charles rips it away from her with a GRUNT, and in the hasty movement, one of the wings snaps off and lands on the carpet. There's a beat of silence, then Charles explodes.
CHARLES
See?! I knew she'd wreck it!
JASON
Charlie, it's okay. Dad can help you fix it.
Charles doesn't seem to have heard him. He advances toward Alison, who blinks innocently up at him.
CHARLES
It's all her fault. She came into this house and now she ruins everything, and I can't take it anymore!
With a sharp, fast movement, he reaches out and shoves Alison to the ground. She hits the carpet with a heavy THUMP, and immediately bursts into terrified tears.
Jason's expression shifts from concern to fear. He backs away as Charles looms over his baby sister. The fury on his face has melted into a scary detachment.
JASON
Mom!
He races, horrified, from the room.
JASON (CONT'D)
Mommy!
End Teaser.
ACT ONE
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - PATIENT ROOM - DAY
The room is small, plain, and depressing. JESSICA stands at the shoddy dresser, placing folded t-shirts and jeans inside. KENNETH ENTERS the room, hand-in-hand with a distressed-looking Charles.
CHARLES
I don't want to be here. I want to go back home.
KENNETH
This is the best place for you right now.
CHARLES
She was fine! I didn't hurt her!
KENNETH
(gruffly)
But you could have. And we're not taking that risk again.
Charles gives up on his father and turns to Jessica with pleading eyes.
CHARLES
Mommy...
Jessica has tears in her eyes. She looks like she might break. Kenneth takes her arm.
KENNETH
Charlie, just sit down on the bed. We'll be back in a second.
Charles sits, disgruntled, as Kenneth pulls Jessica out of the room.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - HALLWAY - DAY
Jessica and Kenneth move to the side of the hallway. They lean toward each other, their heads bent and speaking in near whispers.
JESSICA
This isn't the right place for him.
KENNETH
What other choice do we have? Moving didn't work, and neither did homeschooling. Are we supposed to keep him isolated and a secret from the world forever?
Jessica SIGHS. She realizes he has a point.
KENNETH (CONT'D)
He'll get better here, and before you know it we'll be able to bring him home. Things can go back to normal. Better than normal.
JESSICA
Fine. We'll give it a few months. But if things don't improve, I'm bringing my boy home.
Kenneth squeezes her arm supportively, and they return to -
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - PATIENT ROOM - DAY
Charles sits on the bed, his legs swinging but his face despondent. Jessica kneels down in front of him.
JESSICA
You'll be alright here, Charlie. I promise.
CHARLES
I don't understand why I have to stay here. I didn't do anything.
Jessica and Kenneth exchange an unsettled look. He is truly unremorseful.
KENNETH
You've come too close to hurting your sister more than once.
JESSICA
Yes, and this hospital is going to help you learn how to control your anger better.
She hugs him tightly. Charles stares straight ahead over her shoulder, his eyes blazing.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - DAY ROOM - DAY
Charles, now dressed in a white hospital gown, walks cautiously into the room with a NURSE at his side. The room is filled with kids, both boys and girls, milling around. Some of them play board games with smiles and laughs, but others sit alone on the couches and chairs, their faces expressionless.
NURSE
Group therapy starts in ten minutes. Until then, you just make yourself comfortable and have a look around, honey.
Charles stares around at the other children. His face scrunches in disgust.
CECE (O.S.)
They're freaks, right?
Charles turns. CECE DRAKE (8), a bone thin girl with pink cheeks and wispy blond hair, approaches him with the sly smile of someone who just learned a secret. Like Charles, she is also dressed in Radley's hospital gown.
CECE (CONT'D)
What's your name?
CHARLES
Charles.
CECE
I'm Charlotte. But I go by CeCe. We pretty much have the same name. I like you already.
She speaks bluntly and quickly. Charles stares, unsure what to make of her.
CECE (CONT'D)
So what are you here for?
CHARLES
My parents say I tried to hurt my baby sister.
CECE
Did you?
Charles hesitates. He takes her in for another moment.
CHARLES
I guess so.
CeCe raises her eyebrows. For a moment, she seems much older than her years.
NURSE (O.S.)
Come on, everyone! Let's grab some chairs and make a circle for group.
CeCe grabs Charles by the arm and tugs him toward the center of the room.
CECE
Come on, you can sit next to me.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - ROOFTOP - NIGHT - 4 YEARS LATER
The night is clear and crisp. Charles and CeCe, now twelve, sit side by side on the center of the roof, which is surrounded by a tall mesh fence. CeCe stares at it intently, her gaze traveling up to the very top.
CECE
Have you ever thought about how amazing it would be to climb to the top of that fence?
CHARLES
Amazingly terrifying, maybe.
CeCe reaches over and gives him a shove.
CECE
Scaredy cat. I'm serious. I bet we could see all the way to Rosewood from up there.
Charles' expression turns morose, almost detached.
CHARLES
Yeah. Maybe I could see my family, living their perfect little lives without me.
CECE
At least they actually visit you sometimes.
CHARLES
Barely. My mom hasn't been here in almost a month. I've been keeping track.
CECE
You shouldn't do that to yourself, Charlie.
She shifts closer and rests her head on his shoulder.
CECE (CONT'D)
You're better off without them, anyway. You said it yourself, they never understood you. Not like I do.
Finally, Charles' expression begins to brighten.
CHARLES
You know what would be cool? If we could sit on that fence and pick the place where we want to live someday.
CECE
(teasing)
In Rosewood?
CHARLES
No. Anywhere but there.
CECE
Just a few more years, Charlie. And then we'll be free.
The two kids lean back on their hands and gaze up at the stars above on this peaceful night.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - CECE'S ROOM - THE NEXT DAY
CeCe sits on the edge of her bed, clutching a crisp white envelope. She takes a deep breath, then rips it open. As she reads, a smile begins to stretch across her face.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - HALLWAY - DAY
CeCe tears out of her room and down the hallway. A NURSE presses against the wall to avoid being bowled over.
NURSE
Miss Drake, you slow down this minute!
CeCe ignores her and skids around the corner.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - CHARLES' ROOM - DAY
The room is vacant. The bed has been stripped, and the dresser drawers are open and empty.
CECE (O.S.)
Charlie!
CeCe bursts through the door without knocking. Her eyes are still on the letter clutched in her hand.
CECE (CONT'D)
Charlie, it's my mom, she's finally coming to -
She stops short when she finally looks up to find that the room is deserted.
CECE (CONT'D)
(dumbly)
See me. Charlie?
She steps cautiously into the room. The excited glow is gone from her face as she takes in the vacated room.
CECE (CONT'D)
Charles?
NURSE (O.S.)
He's not here, honey.
CeCe whips around. The same nurse from the hallway is standing in the doorway.
CECE
Where is he?
NURSE
By now he's at home, I imagine. His parents picked him up first thing this morning.
CeCe is reeling. She leans against the bare desk for support.
CECE
His...parents?
NURSE
Could've just been the mother. All I heard was that he was taken out without any warning.
CECE
No. That's impossible.
The nurse busies herself with collecting the folded bedding.
NURSE
They don't tell me anything, sweetheart. Except to come and change the sheets.
She bustles out of the room with a sympathetic look in CeCe's direction. CeCe stares around at the empty room. She's incapable of feeling anything but outright shock. Then she whirls around and EXITS at a sprint. A SOB echoes into the room from the hallway.
End of Act One.
ACT TWO
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - CECE'S ROOM - DAY
CeCe, now 17, walks slowly toward a dingy calendar taped to the cinderblock wall. Even with the dark circles under her eyes and her hair in a messy ponytail, she's grown into a stunning young woman.
CECE (V.O.)
It's been five years. From tomorrow.
With a look of grim determination, CeCe draws a bright red "X" over yet another date.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - THERAPY ROOM - DAY
CeCe sits upright on a faded blue couch, her legs folded primly. DR. EDGARS, a middle-aged man with balding black hair and deep frown lines, sits across from her, a notepad in hand.
DR. EDGARS
Since your mother last visited?
CeCe barely flinches.
CECE
No. No, I stopped wasting my time thinking about her a long time ago.
(a pause, then)
It's been five years since I last saw Charles.
Dr. Edgars nods in comprehension. He's clearly familiar with the subject of Charles.
DR. EDGARS
That's right. How have you been dealing with this...anniversary?
CECE
Actually, I've been okay. I've been sitting with a few other girls during meals for the past couple of weeks.
DR. EDGARS
Would you say that you're starting to move on?
CECE
He was my first real friend. I'll never forget him. But it's time for me to stop living in the past.
Dr. Edgars gives her an approving look. He jots a note down on the pad.
DR. EDGARS
I've been impressed with your progress these last few months, Charlotte. You're really on the right track. And you've been keeping up with your schoolwork?
CECE
My tutor made her rounds yesterday. I officially passed junior year.
DR. EDGARS
I'm glad to hear it. All of it.
He stands, and she follows his lead.
DR. EDGARS (CONT'D)
I'll see you in two weeks.
CECE
Not next week?
DR. EDGARS
I have to speak with some of Radley's internal staff first. I think it may be time to start taking strides toward getting you out of here.
CeCe's face lights up, first with disbelief, then joy.
CECE
Seriously? I'm getting out?
DR. EDGARS
It's not only up to me. Don't start getting your hopes up yet. We'll talk more at your next session.
CECE
Thank you.
He steps aside and gestures for her to exit. CeCe gives him another grateful smiles as she passes. As soon as her back is to him, her expression morphs into a satisfied smirk. The door to the office falls shut behind her.
INT. ROSEWOOD COURTHOUSE - DAY
CeCe stands in a small office, in front of a JUDGE seated at a large wooden desk. She watches intently as the judge signs the final page of a stack of paperwork with a flourish.
JUDGE
You're officially emancipated, Miss Drake. Should I say congratulations?
He scoops up the papers and pats them into a neat pile.
CECE
You should definitely say congratulations.
JUDGE
I'll get these filed right away.
He sets the papers in a folder and sets it aside.
JUDGE (CONT'D)
And you'll start at Rosewood High School on Monday?
CECE
That's right. I checked out their website last night. Apparently I'll be just in time to get my picture for the yearbook.
The judge CHUCKLES.
JUDGE
What made you settle on our little town for your new residence?
CeCe gives a vague, mysterious smile.
CECE
An old friend lives here.
EXT. ROSEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY
Jason climbs out of his car, a shiny black BMW, and slams the door behind him. His wrinkled t-shirt and faded jeans are a sharp contrast to the overly made-up, well-dressed students streaming toward the school around him.
Jason takes a few steps away from the car, then turns back and heaves a SIGH. Alison is still sitting in the passenger seat, carefully touching up her bright pink lip gloss in a compact mirror. Jason strides back to the car and yanks the door open again.
JASON
Ali, come on, move it or we'll both be late.
ALISON
When have you ever cared about that?
JASON
Let's go.
Alison rolls her eyes and exits the car. Even at eleven years old, she exudes such confidence that several high school students stare as she stalks through the parking lot.
ALISON
At least I managed to put a little effort into how I look for picture day. What are you going for, homeless chic?
JASON
You know, I don't have to keep giving you a ride every day.
ALISON
Fine by me. Why can't you actually drop me off at my school, anyway? I'm sick of getting all sweaty on the walk there.
JASON
And sit in the parent drop-off line for twenty minutes? Keep dreaming.
Alison HUFFS and turns away from the high school. She pulls out a sparkly pink flip phone and flips it open as she strides away.
JASON (CONT'D)
(calling after her)
It's one block, Ali! Get used to it!
He takes a few steps backward, his eyes still on Alison's retreating figure, and is just turning back toward the high school when he slams into someone. The contents of a purse scatter onto the pavement.
JASON (CONT'D)
Damn, sorry.
He looks up and locks eyes with CeCe. With her hair curled into loose ringlets and her face glowing with makeup, she's almost unrecognizable from her former, institutionalized self.
CECE
Nothing to apologize for.
They take each other in for a long beat. Then CeCe kneels and begins gathering the dropped contents of her purse. Jason scrambles to help her.
JASON
You go to school here?
CECE
It's my first day.
Jason scoops up a few pieces of makeup and hands them to her. They both stand as CeCe shoves everything back into her purse.
CECE (CONT'D)
Thanks.
JASON
So where'd you move from?
CeCe falters. Jason doesn't seem to notice.
CECE
Um, L.A. My...dad's job transferred him here.
JASON
L.A.? Man, Rosewood must seem like a downgrade.
CeCe eyes him appreciatively.
CECE
I like what I've seen so far. I'm CeCe Drake.
JASON
Jason DiLaurentis.
She freezes. Her face goes blank. In the distance, the BELL RINGS, and Jason looks toward it.
JASON (CONT'D)
Shit. Hey, maybe I'll see you around?
CECE
(faintly)
Yeah.
Jason takes off toward the school. CeCe stares after him, her eyes widening in shock.
INT. DILAURENTIS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Jason ENTERS through the front door, followed closely by CeCe. He tosses his backpack onto the floor carelessly. She steps cautiously into the room, trying to keep herself from openly staring.
JASON
Want something to drink?
CECE
Water's fine.
He EXITS into the kitchen, leaving CeCe alone. She moves to the center of the room and turns in a slow circle, taking in the house - Charles' house. Her skin is practically buzzing with anticipation.
She glances toward the doorway, then walks to the piano and picks up a framed family photo. She studies it carefully.
CLOSE-UP on the photo: Jessica, Kenneth, Jason, and Alison stand on the beach, smiling into the camera. The crystal clear ocean is their backdrop.
CeCe's brow furrows as she takes in the picture - and who's not in it. She sets the frame down and moves to the fireplace. Large, framed prints of Jason and Alison's most recent school pictures hang over the mantel.
CeCe stumbles back. The room begins to spin around her. There is no sign that Charles exists in this house.
JASON (O.S.)
CeCe?
She whirls around. Jason stands in the doorway, holding two glasses of water. He's watching her strangely.
JASON (CONT'D)
You okay?
CeCe runs a hand through her hair, trying to compose herself.
CECE
I'm fine. Hey, where's your bathroom?
JASON
Off the kitchen.
CECE
Be right back.
She forces a flirty smile, then brushes past him.
INT. DILAURENTIS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
CeCe ENTERS the kitchen and leans against the table. She puts a hand against her pounding heart.
CECE (CONT'D)
(whispering)
What the hell?
ALISON (O.S.)
What?
CeCe turns, even more disoriented. Alison has appeared from the doorway to the dining room. Her cell phone is clutched in her hand, and she's watching CeCe warily. CeCe stands up straighter, pulls herself together.
CECE
Nothing. You're Jason's sister, aren't you?
ALISON
Yeah. What are you, his new girlfriend?
CECE
No, I'm just a friend.
(then, smirking)
For now.
ALISON
Hm. I have a boyfriend. His name's Matt.
The pride in her voice gives away her youth.
CECE
Aren't you a little young to be dating?
Alison snorts.
ALISON
You sound like my mother.
She walks to the fridge and pulls out a soda. CeCe watches her. She takes a deep breath, then plows ahead.
CECE
Guess you had to grow up pretty fast, with two older brothers, huh?
Alison gives her a crazy look.
ALISON
Two brothers? I only have one. Thank god.
CECE
Jason's...your only brother?
ALISON
Uh, yeah. I literally just said that.
CeCe's mind is whirling. She takes in Alison's raised eyebrows and jutted out hip, and takes the opportunity to get more answers.
CECE
Interesting. You're so mature, I figured you must be the youngest of a few. Like me.
For a long beat, Alison stares at her, her expression calculating. CeCe doesn't break her gaze. Finally, Alison smiles.
ALISON
By the way, I'm Alison.
End of Act Two.
ACT THREE
INT. UPENN - CECE'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT - 5 YEARS LATER
CeCe (22) sits at her desk, which has been converted into a makeup table. She leans toward the mirror, carefully spreading mascara onto her lashes. Then she sits back and examines her reflection with a satisfied smile.
Her phone lights up on the desk beside her. CLOSE-UP on the screen: "Thanks again for the IDs. Meet you there in ten. -Alison"
CeCe smiles down at the phone and sets it aside. She kneels on the floor beside the bed and reaches for a pair of sparkly black stilettos, but her hand brushes against a thick photo album that's been tucked under the bed.
She pulls it out, leans back against the bed, and flips through it. Photos flash before her eyes: CeCe and Alison on the deck of a ship, holding beer cans high; the two of them in CeCe's convertible, Alison grinning wickedly behind the wheel; standing in the DiLaurentis' living room, their arms wrapped around each other as they grin at the camera.
CeCe smiles warmly at the photos that document their friendship over the past five years. Just as she's closing the book, a loose photo falls into her lap. It's wrinkled, its edges torn. She flips it over and takes in the image of her younger self, seated next to Charles on one of Radley's worn sofas. They're grinning at each other, seemingly unaware of the camera.
CeCe stares down at the old photo. Her expression is unreadable. She sets the album aside and walks toward a bulletin board, filled with photos and ticket stubs, on the wall next to the desk. Then, suddenly, she veers to the left and drops the photo in the garbage can by the door. It lands facedown.
INT. UPENN - FRATERNITY HOUSE - NIGHT
Alison stands in the center of the packed frat house, her chin raised confidently. ARIA, EMILY, HANNA, and SPENCER crowd around her, their eyes widened with innocence and excitement.
ALISON
Let's divide and conquer, and meet back here at midnight.
The PLLs exchange look of nervous anticipation as Alison turns. She strides confidently away, and the crowd of college students part for her as if she's the party's host. CeCe appears and wraps an arm around her shoulders.
CECE
Fancy seeing you here.
ALISON
Wouldn't be here without you. Those IDs are sweet.
CeCe winks conspiratorially.
CECE
I have no idea what you're talking about. So, is your posse here too, or did you ditch them for the night?
ALISON
They're around somewhere. Probably huddled in a corner, waiting for someone to bust them.
CECE
I still don't understand why you don't trade up. I bet there's a whole flock of seniors at that school that would love to follow your every move.
ALISON
(absently)
Come on, they're not so bad.
Her gaze is locked past CeCe, toward the stairs. She's scanning the faces of the students jostling each other and laughing. Something dark flickers in her eyes.
CECE
Okay, now you look like the one waiting to be busted. Looking for someone?
Alison composes herself and turns back to face her.
ALISON
Of course not. Come on, I need a drink.
She shoots one last look toward the stairs, then strides away, with CeCe following.
EXT. UPENN - FRATERNITY HOUSE - NIGHT
SIRENS WAIL, sharp against the quiet night. The house is bathed in flashing red lights. Partygoers swarm the yard and porch, muttering amongst themselves and staring at the waiting ambulance.
CeCe pushes through a throng of people on the front porch. She spots Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily huddled together on the grass. Alison isn't among them.
The front door bursts open, and two paramedics wheel a stretcher out the door. A RED-HAIRED GIRL is strapped to it, her neck in a brace and her eyes wrenched closed in pain. The people around CeCe begin to mutter.
GIRL
How'd she fall?
BOY
Did anyone see what happened?
CeCe watches the paramedics load the stretcher into the ambulance. Then she gives the yard one last sweeping glance, and slips out of the crowd.
INT. UPENN - STUDENT CONDUCT OFFICE - DAY
CeCe is seated in front of a large mahogany desk in the dimly lit office. The DEAN sits opposite her, his hands folded on the desk. His expression is grim; hers is shocked, nearly panicked.
CECE
No. No, this has to be a joke.
DEAN
I'm afraid not. Police interviewed over thirty students who were present at the scene. Six separate people were certain that they witnessed you push Miss Brown down that flight of stairs.
CECE
I was nowhere near the second floor at all that night. You can't kick me out for something you can't prove!
DEAN
This isn't a court of law, Miss Drake. You should feel fortunate that Miss Brown is choosing not to press charges.
CECE
No. I want to appeal.
The dean gives her a look that's almost pitying.
DEAN
I can't stop you from doing so, but all six witnesses have submitted written statements. I suggest you don't waste your time.
CeCe stares across the desk at him. She sucks in a deep breath. Her entire world is caving in.
INT. UPENN - ADMINISTRATION HALLWAY - DAY
CeCe steps into the hallway. The heavy wooden door slams shut behind her. She takes a few wobbly steps forward, shocked and disoriented.
Suddenly, her eyes light up with realization. She pulls her phone out of her purse and gazes down at her lock screen. CLOSE-UP on the phone's screen: A photo of CeCe and Alison, their faces pressed together and smiling.
CeCe stares down at the two eerily similar faces. Various emotions flit across her face, but she ultimately shakes her head.
CECE
No. There's no way.
She shoves her phone in her pocket, blinks back a sudden onset of tears, and stalks off.
INT. UPENN - CECE'S DORM ROOM - DAY
CeCe leans over her bed, filling a suitcase with clothes. The rest of her room has already been packed into boxes and bags. The furniture is bare and depressing. Alison sits at the foot of the bed, watching CeCe with a look of pity.
ALISON
Hey, at least you don't have to worry about explaining this to your parents.
CeCe gives her a withering look.
CECE
Thanks for the silver lining.
ALISON
I should be the one thanking you. For taking the fall for me.
CeCe's hands freeze in the process of folding a blouse. It falls clumsily into the suitcase.
CECE
What?
Alison looks almost amused.
ALISON
Oh, come on. You know what I'm talking about.
CeCe stares at her blankly. Alison can't believe she has to spell it out for her.
ALISON (CONT'D)
You seriously didn't figure out it was me? Damn, you really did teach me how to keep a secret.
CECE
(faintly)
You pushed that girl at the party. Why?
ALISON
She was in my way. Both literally and figuratively.
Her nonchalance toward the confession is unsettling. CeCe is speechless.
ALISON (CONT'D)
Don't look at me like that. I did what I had to do. And don't pretend you're not the one who taught me how to get what I want.
Her phone begins to BUZZ. She looks at the screen, then hops gracefully from the bed and straightens her long, flowing tank top.
ALISON (CONT'D)
Gotta take this. Back in ten.
She smiles in satisfaction and EXITS into the hallway, the phone already to her ear. CeCe turns slowly and stares as the door shuts behind her. Her face is a mixture of horror and disgust.
EXT. CECE'S CONVERTIBLE - MAIN STREET - ROSEWOOD - DAY
Alison and CeCe sit in CeCe's car, LAUGHING over a letter clutched in Alison's hand.
CECE
Mama's proud. But Emily is gonna crucify you.
ALISON
Oh please. She's clueless. I told Paige that she can't email or text me because my boyfriend's suspicious.
CECE
Does Emily even have a boyfriend?
Alison smiles slyly. CeCe CHUCKLES and gazes forward, just in time to see PAIGE approaching a sign propped up on the sidewalk across the street.
CECE (CONT'D)
Is that her?
A flicker of fear passes across Alison's face.
ALISON
That's her! Get down.
CECE
You get down. She doesn't even know me.
Alison ducks low behind the dashboard. She peers at Paige, her eyes narrowing. Then, without another word, she flings open the car door and stalks across the street.
CeCe grins after her. As she watches, she moves to push her hair behind her ear. Her hand accidentally swipes her car keys. The UPenn keychain flashes in the sunlight.
CeCe's hand freezes. Her eyes focus on the keychain. Suddenly, she snatches it, stopping its gentle sway.
INT. CECE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
CeCe lounges on a shabby couch in her small, drab apartment. Her laptop is open on her legs, and she's scrolling through UPenn's student life page. As she gazes at photo after photo of smiling students wearing college sweatshirts, her frown deepens.
A KNOCK at the door startles her. She sets the laptop aside and gets up to open it. Alison stands on the other side. Her hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she's wearing an oversized denim shirt.
CECE
What are you doing here?
ALISON
I'm sleeping over at Spencer's. I snuck out to come here.
CECE
We got back from Cape May two days ago. Didn't you get enough of me?
There's a bite to her words that's never been present before. Alison seems to notice, but CeCe steps aside and gestures for her to enter.
ALISON
That's actually why I'm here. There's something I have to tell you.
CeCe's anger is temporarily forgotten.
CECE
About...?
ALISON
Yeah.
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a pregnancy test. She palms it in her hand as CeCe stares.
ALISON (CONT'D)
I took it after Spencer fell asleep.
CECE
And?
Alison silently hands the test to her. CeCe peers down at it. The word "NEGATIVE" glows back up at her. She looks back at Alison, who smiles in relief.
CECE
(sarcastically)
Looks like everything worked out for you once again.
ALISON
What's that supposed to mean?
CECE
I'm just saying, Ali. Must be nice to never have to deal with any consequences.
ALISON
God, did someone spit in your margarita tonight? I came here because I thought you'd be happy for me.
CeCe brushes past her and returns to the couch. She picks back up the laptop.
CECE
I have enough problems of my own to worry about yours too, thanks.
Alison leans over her shoulder. Her nose scrunches at the sight of the UPenn page on the screen.
ALISON
Seriously? You're still hung up on what happened at UPenn? Don't tell me you've been holding onto that all summer.
CECE
Holding onto what? The fact that you ruined my future?
Alison rolls her eyes. There's not even a flicker of remorse in her eyes.
ALISON
Don't be so dramatic. Since when did you even care about school?
CeCe pushes the laptop aside and stands abruptly. Her face is flushed with anger.
CECE
That's not the point, Ali. You made a choice, and I'm the one who took the fall. But that's par for the course with you, isn't it? At least I'm not Spencer. You still planning on framing her for what you did to that girl Jenna?
Alison's face twists. Her bored expression finally gives way to the same anger that's reflected on CeCe's.
ALISON
You have no idea what you're talking about.
CECE
Oh really? Because you sure have told me enough.
ALISON
You can't tell anyone about that. Not ever.
CeCe shrugs nonchalantly.
CECE
I guess we'll see. You wrecked my life. Why shouldn't I do the same to you?
ALISON
No one would believe you. Don't forget, you got kicked out of college.
With a nasty smirk, she shoots out her hand for the pregnancy test still clutched in CeCe's hand.
ALISON (CONT'D)
I'm out of here.
She grabs it. In response, CeCe shoves her hard. Alison stumbles backward and lurches to the side, trying to steady herself. She falls into the floor lamp. The glass shade hits her lip, slicing it.
Alison presses a hand to her mouth. Then, slowly, she pulls her fingers away. They're shining with the blood that's now trickling from her lip. Her eyes harden as they meet CeCe's. Then she storms OUT of the room and slams the door behind her.
CeCe watches her go. She looks from the lamp back to the door, and a small smile flickers across her lips.
End of Act Three.
ACT FOUR
EXT. HASTINGS BACKYARD - NIGHT
The night is dark and hazy with the incoming storm. Lightning flashes, briefly illuminating the barn.
CeCe slips out from behind a tree. Her eyes are locked on the barn. She's striding toward it purposefully when a hand wraps around her arm and spins her around.
MELISSA stands behind her. At the sight of CeCe, her face transforms from horror to something resembling relief.
MELISSA
What are you doing here?
CeCe looks at her disdainfully. The two have never been friends.
CECE
That's none of your business.
MELISSA
You're standing in my backyard, so I'm pretty sure it is.
Her voice lacks conviction. She shoots a nervous look toward the barn, clearly distracted.
MELISSA (CONT'D)
Have you seen Spencer?
CECE
I didn't come here to babysit your sister and her friends, Melissa.
MELISSA
Then why are you -
The sound of a branch SNAPPING cuts her off. Both girls turn to see Jason stumbling down the back steps of the DiLaurentis' house next door. He stares straight at the girls for a moment, then GROANS and slumps into a nearby lawn chair.
CeCe watches him for a long beat. Then she turns back to find that Melissa is gone. Instead, she spots Alison striding toward her house. Even from afar, CeCe can make out the satisfied expression on her face.
Her hands tighten into fists. Memories begin to swirl through her head as she watches Alison.
DEAN (V.O.)
You should feel fortunate that Miss Brown is choosing not to press charges.
As if in a trance, CeCe leans down and scoops up a large rock from one of the Hastings' flower beds. She palms it thoughtfully in her hand.
ALISON (V.O.)
You seriously didn't figure out it was me?
EXT. DILAURENTIS BACKYARD - NIGHT
CeCe walks slowly toward Alison. Her breathing quickens with every passing memory. Alison grows closer, her blond hair gleaming as she strides closer to the house.
CHARLES (V.O.)
Maybe I could see my family, living their perfect little lives without me.
It's Charles' voice, back in CeCe's head after so long, that breaks her. Now right behind Alison, she reels her arm back and smashes the rock into the side of Alison's head.
Alison crumples to the ground instantly. Blood is already beginning to pool from the wound on the side of her head. CeCe takes a step back. The rock, now smeared with blood, falls from her hand. She stares at Alison, dazed.
JESSICA (O.S.)
Alison! Oh my god! Alison!
Jessica bursts from the house and sprints down the porch steps. She falls to her knees beside her daughter's unconscious form.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
Oh my god.
CeCe sees her opportunity. She takes a small step back, and is just preparing to bolt when Jessica leaps to her feet and grabs her by the arm.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
(scary intensity)
What have you done?
CECE
What?
She wrenches her arm out of Jessica's grasp.
CECE (CONT'D)
You already disappeared one kid. Shouldn't be too hard to do the same to another.
The silence between them is palpable. Jessica's arm falls limply to her side. She stares at CeCe in shock.
JESSICA
How could you know about...
CECE
Charles?
JESSICA
Who are you?
CeCe LAUGHS harshly. Alison's limp body, between them, is temporarily forgotten.
CECE
You think I just showed up out of the blue? Started dating your son, befriended your daughter, inserted myself into this family on a whim?
She reaches into the pocket of her jeans and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper. She throws it at Jessica's feet. Not taking her eyes off of CeCe, Jessica leans down and scoops it up. She smooths out the crinkled photograph of CeCe and Charles in Radley.
CECE (CONT'D)
He was my best friend. Maybe you'd know that if you'd bothered to visit him.
Jessica's eyes are glued to the photo. She gives no indication that she's heard. CeCe's anger grows.
CECE (CONT'D)
What happened to him? Where did you take him?
JESSICA
(dazed)
Take him?
CECE
You took him out of Radley when we were twelve years old. I've searched every inch of that house, it's like he vanished out of thin air. Where is he?
Jessica's eyes are screwed shut. She's trembling. The words are barely out of CeCe's mouth when she snaps.
JESSICA
Charles wasn't taken out of Radley.
(a beat, then)
He committed suicide.
End of Act Four.
ACT FIVE
EXT. DILAURENTIS BACKYARD - NIGHT
CeCe and Jessica stare at each other. Lightning lights up the sky, and thunder CRASHES. Neither moves. It's as if time has frozen.
CECE
You're lying.
JESSICA
I wish I was.
CECE
He wouldn't do that. Why would he do that?
JESSICA
Charles was troubled. Ever since he was very young. We all knew he was...high risk. And on top of all of the...
She trails off, realizing she's come close to saying too much. But CeCe has taken notice.
CECE
All of the what?
JESSICA
Nothing. He was a disturbed child. Nothing could have been done.
Her words tumble out too quickly. CeCe steps closer. Her eyes have darkened. She gestures to Alison's unconscious form on the grass beside them.
CECE
You already know what I'm capable of. I want to know the truth.
Jessica's eyes flicker down to her daughter in horror. CeCe continues to advance toward her, and Jessica retreats until her back nearly hits the side of the house. Finally, she breaks.
JESSICA
It was the experiments! That was what broke him.
CECE
What experiments?
JESSICA
Experiments at Radley. Studies, into the effectiveness of electrotherapy on children. Charles was chosen as one of the subjects.
CeCe stares at her. Rain begins to pelt her face, but she's numb to it.
CECE
There were always rumors. But no one actually thought they were true.
Jessica is beginning to break down. She presses a hand to her face and nods, too choked up to speak.
CECE (CONT'D)
Alison told me you're on the board of directors there. That means you knew, didn't you? You knew your son was being subjected to that, and you did nothing.
JESSICA
(sobbing)
It wasn't my decision to make.
CECE
You let your own child be hidden away and tormented to...what? Protect your own reputation? Keep your perfect family image?
At the word "family," Jessica's expression hardens. Her eyes lock over CeCe's shoulder, on Alison.
JESSICA
Our family matters don't concern you. I'm calling the police.
She brushes past CeCe and attempts to run to Alison. CeCe grabs her arm and wrenches her back.
CECE
You're not going to say anything. She's dead. You can't change that. You're going to pretend this never happened.
Jessica rips her arm out of CeCe's grasp.
JESSICA
That's insane.
CECE
No. What's "insane" is a mother covering up her own son's abuse to save face. And I'm sure the media would agree with me.
The color drains from Jessica's face.
JESSICA
You wouldn't.
CeCe shrugs nonchalantly.
CECE
I imagine you still get one phone call in prison. You bring me down for this, I'm taking you down right with me.
Jessica freezes. Her eyes flick to Alison's seemingly lifeless form, then back to CeCe's hard gaze. Lightning flashes, and as thunder CLAPS we CUT TO:
INT./EXT. TAXI - DILAURENTIS HOUSE - NIGHT
CeCe leaps into a taxi idling at the curb. She slams the door shut behind her. Her eyes are wild. The DRIVER twists around to glance back at her.
DRIVER
Where to?
CECE
Anywhere. Just step on it.
As the car peals away from the curb, CeCe leans toward the window and peers through the rain. Jessica stands on the front porch, her arms folded, watching with a look of numb detachment.
EXT. CORTLAND - PARK - DAY
The morning is clear and bright, a jarring contrast to the furious storm from the night before. Joggers run peacefully along the winding path, and couples spread out blankets for picnics on the grass.
CeCe stumbles across the foot bridge. She's wearing the same rumpled clothes from the night before, and her eyes are bloodshot and red-rimmed. She clearly hasn't slept.
She sinks down on a bench just as SARA ENTERS, jogging across a nearby foot bridge. Her skin is glowing, her hair is pulled back into a bouncy ponytail, and she's almost unrecognizable from the terrified, traumatized girl she will one day become.
CeCe glances in her direction and freezes, bolting upright. She's doesn't see Sara - she sees Alison. As she stares, Alison turns her head and looks right back at her. She winks.
CECE
(whispering)
No. No.
As if in a trance, CeCe rises from the bench and stumbles toward the path, her breath coming quick and fearful.
Sara stops to catch her breath. She puts her hands on her knees and bends over. When she straightens back up, CeCe is suddenly right in front of her. Sara GASPS and jumps back as CeCe advances toward her.
End of Act Five.
ACT SIX
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - NURSE'S STATION - EVENING
SYBIL EXITS a patient room and walks over to the nurse's desk. She leans against it with a heavy SIGH, and EDDIE LAMB, seated behind it, raises his eyebrows.
EDDIE
Finished with intake?
SYBIL
I always get such a sick feeling when we have a return patient.
EDDIE
I know. Hard to hold onto hope sometimes.
As they share a sad look, we PAN DOWN the hallway and ENTER -
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - PATIENT ROOM - EVENING
CeCe sits blankly on the edge of the turned-down bed, staring straight ahead but not seeming to actually see anything. Her wrinkled, dirty clothes have been replaced with a crisp white hospital gown.
As she continues to sit, almost catatonic, the scene shifts. Sunlight begins to stream in through the bar-covered window. The sheets on the bed change, and CeCe's eyes grow sharper, more alert, as time passes.
She jumps from the bed and crosses the room to a calendar taped to the wall. Carefully, she picks up a marker and crosses off another day. She stares for a moment at the calendar, the familiarity not lost on her. Then she closes her eyes and sucks in a breath.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - HALLWAY - DAY
A group of PATIENTS stand in a cluster down the hallway, whispering amongst themselves. They glance continuously toward a room across the hall. CeCe joins them curiously.
CECE
What's going on?
PATIENT #1
Someone new was admitted last night. From Rosewood.
CeCe's interest is immediately grabbed.
CECE
Rosewood?
PATIENT #2
I overheard a couple nurses talking at breakfast. They said she totally snapped and started tormenting a bunch of girls at her high school. The same ones who were friends with that girl who was murdered last year.
As the patients MURMUR in interest, CeCe grows dizzy. She smacks her hand against the wall to steady herself.
CECE
Alison DiLaurentis?
PATIENT #2
Yeah, something like that.
The rest of the group begins to disperse back down the hallway. CeCe remains, staring at the partly open door. She starts to move toward it when SYBIL calls from behind her -
SYBIL (O.S.)
Miss Drake. It's time for your group session.
CeCe hesitates, then gives the doorway one last reluctant glance before retreating.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - PATIENT ROOM - SEVERAL WEEKS LATER
MONA sits in the center of her bed. Her eyes are slightly glazed, and she's mindlessly turning a Rubix cube between her hands. Even in such a catatonic state, she's nearly solved it.
There's a soft KNOCK at the door, and CeCe pops her head in.
CECE
(sugary sweet)
Hi, Mona.
Mona looks up. She's so drugged, it's as if she's looking right through CeCe.
MONA
Hi, Ali.
CeCe smiles satisfactorily and ENTERS, closing the door quietly behind her. She sits on the edge of the bed.
CECE
I've been thinking a lot about everything you've told me. About the girls. And how they deserved everything they got.
MONA
Really?
CECE
They hurt you, so you hurt them back. You couldn't get to Alison anymore, so they were the next best thing.
Her voice falters on Alison's name as she realizes she's flubbed her cover. But Mona doesn't appear to have comprehended anything she's said.
MONA
(dreamily)
Those bitches deserved everything I did to them.
CECE
An eye for an eye.
She leans back, settling more comfortably onto the edge of the bed.
CECE (CONT'D)
And I want to know about all of it.
INT. RADLEY SANITARIUM - CECE'S ROOM - WEEKS LATER
A suitcase sits, drab and nearly empty, on the stripped bed. CeCe, back in normal clothes, folds her hospital gown carefully and sets it on the dresser. She gazes around the room, aware that she's leaving for the second - and final - time.
A gleam of something silver catches her eye, halfway hidden under the pillow. She pulls out a small UPenn keychain and turns it over in her hand. Her eyes harden.
INT. DIVA DISH BOUTIQUE - DAY
CeCe stands in front of the counter, watching the MANAGER read over a typed resume. She's gone through a transformation since leaving Radley - her hair is curled and gleaming, her clothes are new and stylish, and her makeup is flawless.
MANAGER
Manager of an LA boutique at sixteen, a degree in design from UPenn...well, I'd say you're more than qualified.
CeCe smiles smugly.
MANAGER (CONT'D)
After all this, I just don't see why you even want to be a sales associate here. Seems like kind of a downgrade.
CECE
Oh, I'm just taking a little break to try and get my savings back in shape. UPenn doesn't run cheap.
MANAGER
Normally I wouldn't hire anyone who only plans to be here short-team. But we're new, we're desperate to bring people on, and with all of your qualifications...welcome aboard.
She holds out her hand. CeCe shakes it, her smile growing wider.
INT. THE BREW - DAY
CeCe strides into the Brew. For the first time in so long, she walks with confidence, her head held high. She stops near the counter, examining the menu board.
The door CHIMES as it opens again, and ARIA, SPENCER, and EMILY ENTER. They converge several feet behind CeCe.
EMILY
Maybe one of us should call her mom.
SPENCER
I don't think her mom can have any more pull with Wilden.
At the sounds of their voices, CeCe freezes. She glances discreetly over her shoulder and takes in the girls. Her eyes widen.
INT. UPENN - FRATERNITY HOUSE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
CeCe edges through the crowd at the party. She spots Alison near the entrance, surrounded by the PLLs.
ALISON
Let's divide and conquer and meet back here at midnight.
As CeCe watches, the girls exchange apprehensive looks. Spencer gazes across the room, and her eyes meet CeCe's for just an instant. There's no recognition there, and she looks away just as quickly.
INT. THE BREW - DAY - PRESENT DAY
CeCe turns back to the counter quickly just as the BARISTA approaches. He takes in her shirt, which reads "L.A. GIRL" in swirly cursive across the front.
BARISTA
You from California?
CeCe gives him a dazzling smile, then turns her head almost unnoticeably to glance back at the PLLs. She brushes her hair off of her shoulder. It's show time.
CECE
Take it from me. You're always better off with a really good lie.
End of Act Six.
Once again, I hope you all enjoyed! The next episode will be the last, and there are still plenty of questions that need answered. I can't make any promises, but I sure hope to get it finished sooner than this one!