Outfits in the external link 

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", outside the school, Emily, Lucy and Dakota were sitting together. Dakota looked past Emily and Lucy to see Caleb.

Aria: (voice over) "Previously on Worlds Colliding (Pretty Little Liars)"

Lucy looked at Dakota. "What are you looking at?"

"Not what, who," Dakota told them. "Caleb Rivers."

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", in Ezra's apartment, Ezra led Aria to the door. "Oh, uh, you should probably go first, and I'll count to 50."

From 1.08 "Please, Do Talk About Me When I'm Gone", in the temporary DiLaurentis House, Pen and Jason were talking.

"Mara, who apparently lit as many fires under the cops as I have about this," Jason told her.

Pen chuckled. "All this time apart, and you two are still so similar. She hasn't talked about you much, but it's obvious that she misses you,. And that you miss her. But maybe you'll stop pretending to be a businessman by the time you finally talk to her."

From 1.08 "Please, Do Talk About Me When I'm Gone", in the kitchen of the DiLaurentis House, the girls were talking.

Spencer walked toward Pen. "If that's Alison's bracelet, what about the one you four found in the woods?"

Pen was weirded out and in shock. "Someone made a copy of Alison's bracelet."

From 1.12 "Salt Meets Wound", in the kitchen of the McCoy House, Dakota took the pasta box, pouring the contents, the money included, over the counter. Jean walked closer in shock.

Dakota: (voice over from 1.12 Salt Meets Wound) "Mom, there are thousands of dollars in here."

Dakota looked at the text from A. 

You might consider this as repayment for saving you for worse things to come. Or you can consider my offer. You'll get your money back and save Daddy from jail. If you do what I say. Sweet dreams.

-- A

From 1.13 "Know Your Frenemies", in the Apple Rose Grille, Dakota found a note taped to the side of the mop bucket, slowly peeling it off to read.

Want the money? Destroy the mess you cleaned. I want you to explode. In front of everyone.

-- A

Dakota did as the note told her to do, exploding, destroying the restaurant, pushing over everything, tables included, while the boys were filming her.

Dakota: (voice over from 1.13 Know Your Frenemies) "I blew up in front of a restaurant full of people, and they were taking videos, so no doubt that they'll be online by the end of the night, and everyone in town will know."

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", in the courtyard of school during the dance, Dakota and Caleb were talking.

"You're officially the first one outside of my 'kind of girl clique' that hasn't treated me like a freak after that video got posted," Dakota told him.

Caleb chuckled. "I don't care about the video. I don't even care why it happened."

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", in the dance, Dakota and Caleb were dancing.

Caleb: (voice over from 1.14 Careful What U Wish 4) "A lot of bad happens that the only thing that can help or make it better is exploding like that."

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", in the courtyard, Emily hung up her phone.

Lucy walked toward Emily. "Hey, was that Maya?" Emily nodded. "How is she?"

"It's all good," Emily told her.

"I'm not sensing good here, Em," Lucy told her. 

"Maybe she's moved on," Emily told her.

From 1.14 "Careful What U Wish 4", in Peyton's room, Madison, Hanna, Spencer and Peyton were looking at Dakota's laptop. Spencer pulled up a picture of Alison in the backyard by the barn.

There was a message in the picture.

Watch your backs. I didn't.

-- A

"This was taken in your yard the night she disappeared," Hanna told them. "There's a shadow right there like someone was following her. Guys, you know who that is?"

Spencer shook her head. "I--I have no idea."

The girls sighed in frustration.

---- / -----

Day One

Morning - Hastings House - Kitchen

The girls were all at the Hastings' House, walking downstairs.

"Wait, where's Ian?" Aria asked.

"Don't worry," Peyton told them. "He went to Philly to be with Melissa."

"I didn't realize life existed at this hour," Madison told them.

"Come on, guys, just walk," Lucy told them. "You need to see this."

Dakota sat at her computer on the counter.

"I always hoped my first sunrise would have tequila in it," Hanna told them.

"I'll make coffee," Spencer told them, walking over to the counter.

"Well, when it's ready, just pour it down my throat," Pen told her.

Dakota showed them the picture that the girls had found of Alison and the shadow behind her on the laptop.

"I thought we were done looking at this," Emily told her. "I mean, we know the shadow is Ian, right?"

Dakota printed out the picture, walking over to the printer to pick it up.

"You woke us up for this?" Aria asked.

"It's important," Dakota told them, sitting at the counter again. "I couldn't let it go."

"Have you been up all night?" Lucy asked.

"Maybe," Dakota answered.

"You have," Hanna told her. "One eye is bigger than the other. You look like a strung out Powerpuff Girl."

"Stop looking at the eye," Dakota told them. "Just look at the picture."

"Who's having coffee?" Spencer asked.

Emily, Hanna, Aria, Madison and Pen raised their hands.

Pen looked at the picture. "There's only one place where this picture could have been taken from."

"Where?" Emily asked.

"Alison's bedroom," Pen answered.

Dakota nodded, putting the picture down.

"No, Alison is in the picture," Madison told them. "She clearly didn't take it."

"Okay, but somebody in that house did," Peyton told them.

Emily looked at Pen. "Like who, your parents?"

"No," Peyton answered. "But maybe your brother."

"Jason?" Spencer asked.

"We have to talk to him," Aria told them.

"No, ew," Hanna told them. "I am not going to talk to him."

"Me either," Lucy told them.

Pen rolled her eyes. "Obviously, I will talk to him. We need to know if he took this."

The girls nodded in agreement, looking at the picture.

---- -----

Opening Credits

(Song:) Secret - The Pierces

A closeup of Lucy's brown eyes showed her applying mascara to her lashes.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Got a secret."

Dakota applied lipgloss to her lips with a small brush.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Can you keep it?"

Spencer fastened her black high heel.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Swear this one you'll save."

Hanna curled a piece of her blonde hair.

Madison painted her nails pink.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Better lock it."

Aria applied eyeshadow to her eye.

The Pierces: (voice over) "In your pocket."

Pen stood next to Alison's coffin, closing her eyes.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Taking this one."

Emily folded Alison's arms over her chest.

The Pierces: (voice over) "To the grave."

Mara, Lucy and Emily closed the coffin.

The Pierces: (voice over) "If I show you then I know you."

The girls were standing around Alison's coffin, all in black funeral dresses.

The Pierces: (voice over) "Won't tell what I said."

There was a closeup of Pen. She put a finger to her lips. "Shh."

The Pierces: (voice over) "'Cause two can keep a secret."

Pen disappeared.

A message appeared in the clouds that had been behind her.

Worlds Colliding (Pretty Little Liars)

The Pierces: (voice over) "If one of them is dead."

(Song Ends)

---- -----

Sport Tracks 

Pen walked along the bleachers, seeing that Jason was running up and down the bleacher steps, walking toward him.

Jason saw her, running up. "Hey."

"Hey, Jason," Pen told him. "I got tired of waiting in the car for you to finish your workout so you could take me to school."

Jason nodded. "Figured. You're not the most patient, Pen."

"Look who's talking," Pen replied.

Jason chuckled. "What do you want?"

"What makes you think that I want anything?" Pen asked.

"Because you have that look that you and Ali always get when you two wanted something," Jason answered.

Pen smirked, taking out the printed out picture from her bag, handing it to Jason, but without the A message. "This was sent to me. It looks like it was taken from the second floor of our old house."

Jason nodded. "Yeah. It does."

"So, why do you sound not convinced?" Pen asked.

Jason sighed. "We tried to hide it from you best as I could, but after Ali disappeared, our parents and I got a bizarre things in the mail. Sympathy cards from strangers and letters with conspiracy theories about what happened to her. Sometimes it was photos, blurry images of a blonde girl running away from the camera."

"Why didn't you guys tell me?" Pen asked. "Did you seriously think that I needed to be protected from that?" Jason didn't answer, sighing. Pen rolled her eyes. "I don't need to be protected, Jason. I've gotten things like that before and I haven't told you about it, either. But that's definitely Ali in Spencer and Peyton's yard. And it was taken the night that she disappeared. I mean, look. She's got the same yellow top on."

"Pen, they have programs now that make photoshop look like scissors and a glue stick," Jason told her. Pen sighed. "Look, I'll tell you what. Mom and Dad hired a PI. I'll take the picture to him and see what he comes up with." Pen nodded, turning away. "Pen." Pen turned back. "I know that Ali's memorial was the hardest thing that you've ever had to do, especially when it was ruined." Pen nodded, looking down. "It was the hardest thing for me, too. And people sending things like this to me and to you, it makes it harder. And I don't want that for you. So just let me know if you ever get anything like this again. Okay?"

Pen obviously wanted to tell him about A and everything because she wanted it to be over after a year of being harassed by them, but was worried about what could happen, deciding just to nod and sigh. "I'll be in the car. Hurry up. I don't wanna be late."

Jason nodded.

Pen walked away toward the car.

---- -----

Rosewood High School - Pool Room

(Song:) Get Ready - The Daylights 

Emily and Dakota were practicing with the swimming team before school, going back and forth through the water.

Dakota finished first, getting out of the water, walking to the side, taking off the hair net and goggles.

Another girl named Paige got out of the water. "Ease up, McCoy. This is practice, not a meet."

Coach looked at Dakota. "Looks like somebody ate their Wheaties this morning. Way to hustle, Dakota."

Dakota smiled. "Thanks, Coach."

"Paige, looks like you've got some competition," Coach told her. Emily walked toward Dakota, smiling. "Dakota, remember, she likes to win."

Coach walked away.

Emily looked at Dakota. "So, is this for real this time? Can we count on you for the full season?"

Dakota nodded. "Oh, yeah."

Dakota and Emily smiled, hugging.

(Song Ends)

---- -----

Hallway   

Lucy, Hanna and Madison were standing at their lockers.

Aria, Spencer and Peyton walked closer.

"Hey, guys," Lucy told them.

Spencer pulled out tickets from her bag, handing them to Aria. "Ooh, here. I forgot to give these to you last night."

Aria and Spencer hugged, smiling.

"Thank you," Aria told her. "Oh, I owe you big time. Are you sure your dad's not gonna miss these?"

"Oh, please," Peyton told her. "He joined the museum board for networking."

"The man doesn't know the difference between a Monet and a Mojito," Spencer told her.

Aria smiled. "Well, hey, how can I get you back?"

"Pay for the extra toppings on our pizza delivery," Peyton answered. 

"All right, you got it," Aria told them.

"Oh, and a DVD rental, because if we have to hole up in my room all night as your alibi, I would like to do it with Jake Gyllenhaal," Spencer told her.

Peyton smiled. "Totally."

Madison looked at them in amusement. "Wait. What alibi? Aren't you guys going to the museum thingie?"

"No," Lucy answered. "Spencer and Peyton got the tickets from their dad for Aria and Fitz."

"You're taking Mr. Fitz?" Hanna asked.

"I really wish you'd just call him Ezra," Aria told them. "And yes, I'm taking him. He just... doesn't know it yet." She smiled. "It's a surprise. I don't know, I just figured that a date out of town would give us a chance to actually have a date."

"Yeah, I get it," Madison told her. "You guys do kind of have the social lives of shut-ins."

They smiled.

---- -----  

Girls' Locker Room 

Emily and Dakota were in the locker room with the rest of the girls' swim team.

Paige walked through, handing out presents. "Girls? Hey, everyone? Can I get everyone's attention, please? I've been thinking a lot about team spirit lately. What is spirit? And how can we create--" She noticed a girl opening her present. "Actually, can you not open your presents until after I'm done? Um, like I was saying, a leader inspires spirit. These are my gift to you to boost morale."

"All righty, Paige," Coach told her. "I'm sure everybody appreciates your gifts, but I want you swimming, not shopping. All right, listen up, Sharks. I want you focused. Like Dakota. She renewed her commitment and broke a record today." Coach, Emily and a few other girls cheered and applause. Paige and the others were skeptical, looking at Dakota like she was a freak because of the videos. "That's what I'm talking about. I like that. All right, ladies, let's get to class. Come on, come on."

Most of the girls walked out, leaving.

Emily looked at Paige. "Hey, Paige. You forgot to give Dakota a present."

"No, I didn't," Paige told them. She looked at Dakota. "I don't give presents to freaks who explode and destroy everything in their path."

Paige walked out, leaving.

Emily looked at Dakota sympathetically.

Dakota sighed, trying not to let it get to her.

---- -----  

Ezra's Classroom

(Song:) Hey Na Na - Katie Herzig 

Aria walked into Ezra's classroom. "Hey."

Ezra nodded to the desks. "Miss Montgomery. What can I do for you?"

Aria followed his gaze to a couple of students that were there for makeup tests, turning to Ezra. "Um, I was wondering if you could look over my reading assignment."

"Perhaps this could wait until after the makeup test has been administered," Ezra told her.

Aria put her binder down, unzipping her jacket to where only he could see a tie around her neck, as his eyes widened and looked at the students. "Actually, it would be great if you could just review it now..." Ezra looked at the post it note on the tie that said, 'Wear me'. "So I know I'm on the right track?"

Ezra barely spoke over a whisper. "Okay." 

Ezra took Aria's notebook to see that the Basia ticket was inside, with Aria's note above it, 'Tomorrow night?' 

"What do you think of my work so far?" Aria asked.

Ezra smiled, clearing his throat, handing the notebook to Aria. "Looks outstanding."

Aria smiled. "Great. Then I'll turn it in at the end of the day."

"Great," Ezra told her.

Aria smiled, using the notebook to cover the tie over her chest, waving bye to Ezra, walking out of the room.

Ezra used his hand to cover his mouth so that no one could see the little laugh.

(Song Ends)

---- -----

Hallway

Dakota walked down the hallway.

The football coach was out there, waiting. "Dakota, we missed you in history again today."

Dakota turned to face him. "I missed you, too."

Dakota turned to walk away, seeing Caleb standing at his locker.

"Oh, well, that's the third time you've ditched my class," the coach told her. Dakota turned to face him. "So, I'm gonna have to give you detention for the rest of the week."

"You know, I work in the mornings at the Brew before school, and most of the time, I'm even late for swim practices," Dakota told him.

"And that's why you always ditch my class?" the coach asked sarcastically. "Or is it because most of the kids that are giving you a hard time after that video hit the Internet are in that class with you?"

Dakota hesitated. "Maybe a little bit of both."

"Call your mother and tell her that you'll be coming home late this week," the coach told her, giving Dakota the detention slip, walking away.

Dakota rolled her eyes.

"Skipping history?" Caleb asked. "If you really want to earn more bad girl stripes than you already have, I'd be happy to help."

"If you're proposing that we get matching tattoos, the answer is no," Dakota told him. Caleb smirked, closing his locker, starting to walk past her. Dakota turned after him. "Hey." Caleb turned to face her. "Thanks for what you did at the six hour long dance-a-thon."

"Saved you from embarrassment, got to raise a few hundred bucks for the school trip, and all I had to do was dance with you," Caleb told her.

Dakota smirked. "Don't make it into a bigger deal than it really is, okay?"

Caleb chuckled. "Done deal. And you should know, news about what happened and the video will dial down. The next big thing will happen soon, and everyone'll be too busy paying attention to that to give you any more hell."

Dakota looked past him toward where Paige was walking down the hall, sighing. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Caleb walked away.

Dakota walked toward her locker, opening it, seeing an envelope inside. She took it out in confusion, pulling out a card.

Happy Father's Day

I need money!

Dakota opened the card to reveal a message inside.

Wanna get $$$ and save Daddy from prison? Show Aria's mom what her kid's been hiding

-- A

Dakota pulled a ticket for Basia out of the envelope, the same place where Aria was taking Ezra. 

---- / -----

Day Two

Morning - McCoy House - Kitchen

Dakota walked into the kitchen, seeing Jean was sitting at the table with her head to her knees. "Mom?"

Jean looked up, looking toward Dakota. "Hey, Kota." She stood, walking toward the stove. "I, uh, I thought I'd make some pancakes. I haven't made them in a while." She pulled out a pan and measuring cup. "You want to get the mix? It's in that cabinet."

Dakota pulled the mix out of the cabinet, putting it on the stove. "What's wrong?"

"It turns out... that the money your father had here, he did not just take from the men who had taken you," Jean told her. "He took money from several of his... so-called friends. 'Poker buddies'. And he didn't want to give it back, even if it meant saving you."

"So, what, we're in more danger from more guys?" Dakota asked.

Jean shook her head. "No. I'm more afraid of what they might do to your father, or that they will do something about it to make him go to prison forever. The only way to stop that is to get the money back and give it back." She looked at Dakota. "After I invest it. Your father put us in this mess, and it may become even worse, but I won't let it go to bad without getting some good in return. I want you to know, that whatever happens, you will always be my baby girl. And I will always figure out a way to take care of you." Dakota managed a small smile, hugging her. Jean returned the embrace, pulling away. "You want some bacon? I'll make some bacon."

Jean walked toward the fridge.

Dakota was worried and conflicted, because she didn't want to hurt Aria or Ezra or anyone else, but she also didn't want anything bad happen to her family again.

---- -----

Foyer 

Dakota walked toward the table, going through her bag, pulling out the envelope with the ticket, licking the sticky part, sealing it closed, writing down 'Ella Montgomery'.

---- -----  

Rosewood High School - Hallway

Dakota was standing outside the office, writing on the back of the envelope.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Rosewood PTA.

Dakota put the envelope into Ella's mailbox, walking away.

---- -----  

Girls' Locker Room 

After swimming practice, the girls were getting ready to leave.

Emily had already left.

Paige walked up to Dakota on the other side of the locker. "Congratulations on your time today. First freestyle, now butterfly. You break any more records, and we'll have to test you for doping."

"Bring it on," Dakota told her.

"You know, you'll have to do more than break records if you want to become team captain," Paige told her.

"Who said I wanted to become captain?" Dakota asked.

"Come on, Dakota," Paige told her. "You checked out on this team for months, and now you check back in, and act like you never left? Of course you're gunning for captain."

"I'm not gunning for captain," Dakota told her.

"Okay, sure," Paige told her. "I believe you. But I don't believe that you're not gunning for your next mental breakdown."

Dakota lost her patience, angrily slamming her locker closed, turning to face her. "You know what, Paige? You need to suck it up. If you want to beat me, work harder."

Dakota walked out, leaving.

---- -----  

Courtyard 

Aria walked up to the school, seeing Ezra inside. Ezra saw her. Aria made a tie motion over her chest, indicating their plans for that night. They both smiled.

Hanna, Madison, Spencer, Peyton and Pen were sitting at a table, eating. Aria, Lucy and Emily walked up to them, sitting down.

"Hey, guys," Lucy told them.

"Oh, hey," Peyton told them.

Pen picked at her food. "Why is this called 'meat' casserole?"

"That lunch lady has a gift for suspense," Spencer told them.

Emily looked around. "Where's Dakota?"

"I don't know," Aria told them.

"So, we're gonna get mani-pedis after school," Hanna told them. "Do you wanna come with us?"

"Oh, we can't," Lucy told them. "We've got homework."

"Homework?" Madison repeated in amusement. "What subject is more important to you than your cuticles?"

"Em, how's swim practice?" Peyton asked.

"Can we talk about something else?" Emily asked.

"Okay, I've heard of communal cramps, but this is ridiculous," Spencer told them.

Pen looked at Aria. "What happened to all that 'first real date' excitement? I mean, yesterday, you were ready to give Spencer and Peyton tongue for giving you two tickets. So, what? You're not into it anymore?"

"Yeah, I'm... so into it," Aria answered. "We're..." She smiled. "Gonna have an amazing time tonight."

Hanna smiled. "Okay, so, talk. What are you gonna wear?"

"I can't decide between my backless or my strapless," Aria told them.

"Go with the red one," Madison told her. "Be bold. What do you think, girls?"

Emily saw Paige across the way. "About what?"

"What are you looking at?" Lucy asked.

"It's nothing," Emily told them. "Just some girl on the swim team who wants Dakota to disappear."

"What's her name?" Peyton asked.

"Paige McCullers," Emily answered.

"Pig Skin?" Pen asked.

"What?" Spencer asked.

"Ali had nicknames for everyone, and Paige McCullers was no different," Pen told them. "Alison called her Pig Skin."

Hanna looked at Emily. "What'd she say to Dakota?"

"Just excluding her and calling her a freak because of that video," Emily answered. "She got presents for the whole team, but not Dakota."

"I will destroy her," Spencer told her.

"Can I help?" Peyton asked.

"It's okay," Emily told them. "I think that was the worst of it."

"Is that why Dakota conveniently disappeared again?" Madison asked. "Because people are still giving her a hard time?"

"No, I think she said something about detention," Pen told them.

"Anyone else thirsty?" Lucy asked. "I'm gonna get a drink."

"Wait, Em, what gifts did Paige give your team that she didn't give to Dakota?" Aria asked.

Emily pulled out the box from Paige, showing it to them. "Whatever it is, you can have it. She's trying to bribe her way to becoming the next team captain."

Hanna picked up the box, opening it, taking it out to show them that it was a bracelet like the friendship bracelets that Ali and Pen had gotten for the girls, but this one was blue and said 'Go Sharks'. "Do you... think they're from the same place?"

"It's possible," Lucy answered.

"If they were, maybe the store owner could tell us who bought the fake Alison bracelet," Spencer told them.

"Yeah, or maybe even the Jenna one," Madison told them.

"And we would know who A is," Peyton told them.

"Pen, do you remember where you and Ali got these bracelets?" Hanna asked.

"Yeah," Pen answered. "It's a place called The Bead Boutique." 

"You think you can go back and see who got these?" Aria asked.

Pen nodded.

---- -----

Classroom

Dakota, Pen and Evan were sitting in a classroom that Mara was subbing for.

Mara was pacing. "Who can tell me if appeasement actually worked? Anybody? It didn't. When the territory was annexed, Hitler's aggression only increased. Would anybody like to share their thoughts on why the appeasement did not work?" Evan raised his hand. "Evan."

"Because giving in to a bully never works," Evan answered.

"Can you elaborate on that a little bit?" Mara asked.

"Even if you give them everything that they ask for, it'll never be enough," Evan told them. "Your only choice is to stand up to them, even if it costs you something."

"Very nice," Mara told him. "Proof that not all jocks are brainless." The class chuckled. Pen looked at Evan, smiling. Evan smiled. Dakota was very effected by the speech because it applied to what was happening to her. The bell rang. Everyone stood, getting ready to leave. "Okay, people, term paper is next week. Don't forget."

---- -----

Hallway

Dakota knew that she couldn't go through with this, walking down the hallway to see that Ella was walking out of the school with the envelope. "Mrs. Montgomery."

Dakota almost got to Ella when the football coach stopped in front of her.

"Miss McCoy, detention is that way," the coach told her, pointing behind her.

"I know, but I have to talk to Mrs. Montgomery," Dakota told him, trying to step around him.

The coach stepped in her way. "It'll have to wait until tomorrow."

"It can't," Dakota told him. "I have to talk to her today."

"You should have thought of that earlier," the coach told her. "Move it."

---- -----  

Detention

The football coach took Dakota down the hall into detention. "Take it inside, take it inside."

Dakota walked inside, seeing that the only seat left empty was next to Caleb, walking closer, sitting down.

Caleb smirked. "Whoa. Are you stalking me?"

Dakota nodded sarcastically. "Yeah. Can't get enough of that knock-off cologne."

Caleb smirked, shaking his head, texting on his phone, hiding it with his book.

Dakota stood, trying to walk away.

Caleb held his leg in the way. "Hey, princess, where you going?"

"The princess needs to pee," Dakota told him.

"Mm, good luck," Caleb told her. "We get out bathroom break at ten after."

Dakota sighed, sitting down. "I have got to get out of here."

"What's the hurry?" Caleb asked. "You want to be the first in line to see your boy Justin Bieber's new movie?"

"First of all, I hate Justin Bieber," Dakota told him.

Caleb smirked. "Calm down, girl. It's only an hour."

Dakota looked down. "In an hour, she'll already be in Philly."

"Who?" Caleb asked.

"Mrs. Montgomery," Dakota answered.

"The teacher?" Caleb asked. "Why do you care? Forget to turn in your homework?"

Dakota rolled her eyes. "No. But if she gets there, a lot of people are gonna get hurt."

"Is Mrs. Montgomery running a terrorist cell?" Caleb asked.

"Why am I even talking to you about this?" Dakota asked. The teacher walked closer, handing Caleb a yellow slip of paper. Caleb started to gather his things. "Why do you get to leave?"

Caleb smiled. "My social worker just had me excused." He stood. "You know, email is a beautiful thing." He held up his phone. "Meet my social worker."

(Song:) Leave It All Behind - Allie Moss 

Caleb walked out, leaving.

Dakota scoffed softly, shaking her head, sort of impressed.

---- -----  

Ezra's Apartment Building - Outside

Aria was standing outside the apartment building, ringing the bell, but she wasn't getting an answer. She pulled out her phone to call Ezra. 

Behind Aria while her back was turned to the street, a limo pulled up.

Ezra was in the backseat with the window rolled down, in a tux. He answered his phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, where are you?" Aria asked.

"You look good," Ezra told her.

Aria looked around, turning to see Ezra inside the limo. She laughed in surprise and happiness, walking down the steps toward the limo. "I--I thought we were taking the train."

Ezra smiled. "I know you had your heart set on being coughed on by commuters, but..."

"So this is what a real date with Ezra Fitz looks like?" Aria asked, impressed. "Damn."

The driver opened the door for Aria.

"You can hang up now," Ezra told her.

They both hung up.

Ezra slid over so that Aria could get in next to him.

The driver closed the door, going to get in to drive them away.

Ezra and Aria kissed in the backseat of the limo.

---- -----  

Rosewood High School - Detention

The bell rang to release the detention students.

Everyone stood, walking out.

Dakota looked up at the time on the wall.

4:00.

Dakota sighed, walking out guiltily, leaving.

---- -----  

Street

Ella walked through the street to get to her car with coffee, getting inside, trying to start the car, but it wouldn't start.

---- -----

Town Square

Mara was going for a walk in Town Square, talking on her phone.

Lucy and Emily were at home in Lucy's room, studying.

"Yeah, we're at home studying and working on homework," Emily told her. "Mom's not home yet."

"She's not gonna be for a while," Mara told them. 

"Good," Emily told them.

Mara chuckled. "Emily..."

"I'm sorry, I'm still mad about her sending Maya away like that," Emily told them. "And both of you know I have a right to be."

"Yeah, you do," Lucy agreed sadly. She perked up, changing the subject. "Hey, Mara, where are you?"

"Walking in Town Square," Mara answered. "Just had to clear my head." She noticed that Jason was jogging through the Square, shirtless, pausing where she was, distracted. "I'll see you guys when I get home. Talk to you later."

"Okay," Lucy told her.

Mara hung up. Jason saw her. Both of them looked at each other and smiled slightly.

(Song Ends)

---- -----  

Street

Ella was in her car.

Byron was outside, trying to get the car to work. "Did you turn the key quickly?"

"Yes, I did," Ella answered. "Any quicker and it'll snap off in my hand. Of course the car had to break down when I'm on my way to an art opening. Why couldn't it break down when I'm on my way to, say, I don't know, jury duty?"

"It hasn't broken down," Byron told her. "It's the kill switch. Try it again. Go ahead, jiggle it."

Ella was getting really frustrated, but it was comical. "I did jiggle it."

"Well, try it again," Byron told her.

"You know, I wouldn't have to master the finer art of jiggling if you had just listened to me in the first place," Ella told him.

"Ella, please, not again," Byron told her.

"I begged you not to buy a used car with a kill switch," Ella told him.

"You didn't even know what a kill switch was," Byron told her.

"It's a switch that stops the flow of electricity to the engine so that thieves cannot steal the car," Ella told him.

"Well, now you know, after I explained it to you," Byron told her.

Ella got out of the car. "That's it. I will hitchhike."

"You know what?" Byron asked. "Next time call AAA instead of making me drive all the way out of my way to help you."

"I did call AAA, and we have used up our entire towing allowances," Ella told him.

"That's not possible," Byron told her.

"It is when you drive a used car with a stupid kill switch," Ella told him.

Byron sighed, looking at Ella in exasperation.

---- -----  

The Brew - Outside

Jason and Mara were sitting outside at a table, drinking coffee.

"Last thing I expected today was to run into you while you were out for a jog, and have you ask me out for coffee," Mara told him. "But thank you. I needed this."

Jason chuckled. "Yeah, Pen says you've been busy, being a sub, a chaperone, a sister, and a guidance counselor to an entire school plus the girls." Mara raised her eyebrows in amusement. "Pen's been really suggestive about..."

"Us getting back together now that you're back in town?" Mara finished.

"Yeah," Jason answered.

Mara smiled. "Yeah, so have Emily and Lucy."

"Speaking of last expectations..." Jason trailed off. "I never expected you to actually turn out as the responsible role model that you turned out to be, what you were planning to be back then."

"I'm still not responsible," Mara told him. "I'm just better at hiding it." Jason chuckled. "You, too, huh?"

Jason nodded, looking distracted. "Yeah."

Mara took a drink of coffee. "Uh-oh. You have that distracted look in your eye that you used to get when someone was causing you trouble."

"Not trouble," Jason told her. "Just confusion. Pen gave me this picture of Alison that seemed to be taken from Ali's bedroom window in the Hastings' backyard from the night she disappeared."

"Where did she get it?" Mara asked.

"She said that someone sent it to her," Jason answered. "And a lot of people have sent stuff like this to our family, but this is really bugging Pen, though she tries not to show me that it does. I told her that it could have been photoshopped but that I would run it by our parents' private investigator to see if it was."

"And what did your PI say?" Mara asked.

Jason took out the photo to show Mara. "Well, the picture is real."

"Did you tell Pen?" Mara asked.

"Yeah, I did," Jason answered. "And she tried to play it off as no big deal, but I can see that something's really getting to her."

Mara nodded. "Yeah, I think something's going on with Lucy and Emily, too. What else did you tell Pen? About the picture?"

"That for all I know, I may have taken it," Jason answered. "I honestly don't remember. That whole August is a blur to me."

"Me, too," Mara told him. "Not really proud of how much we partied or got high... or stoned. But it was fun at the time."

Jason chuckled. "Except for the nights that we couldn't remember."

"Those were probably the most fun, if we couldn't remember," Mara told him. They both chuckled, laughing a little. "And then Melissa and Ian, and Garrett, them always trying to crash the fun."

Jason nodded in agreement. "Poster children by day, and party kids by night. Convincing though, aren't they?"

Mara nodded in agreement.

---- / -----

Street

Byron was trying to fix the car by hotwiring it, giving up in frustration. "I don't get it. This always fixes it."

"You can only repair things so many times before they break for good," Ella told him.

Byron turned to Ella. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I was talking about the car," Ella told him.

"You sure about that?" Byron asked.

Ella gave him a look. "Yes." She looked away. "You know what? Just leave it alone. I can call a cab."

"Maybe next time you'll find a date classy enough to pick you up," Byron told her.

Ella turned to face him defensively. "I'm not meeting a date. This ticket was given to me by the PTA. One ticket. You're the one wearing a new shirt. Are you going on a date?" Byron didn't answer. "Oh, my God. You're going on a date."

Byron sighed, shaking his head. "Ella, I don't want to--"

"You bought a new shirt for this person," Ella told him. "Why didn't you just say something?"

"Because this is not something I want to discuss," Byron answered.

Ella tilted her head curiously. "Have you been working out?"

"Ella," Byron told her.

"What?" Ella asked.

"You wanted out on me, remember?" Byron asked.

There was an awkward silence for a moment where neither of them knew what to say.

Ella pulled out her phone. "I think I need to call a cab. Uh, if I'm going to make it on time."

"No, I'll drive you," Byron told her.

"No, no, no," Ella told him. "We both don't have to be late."

"No, you're not gonna be late, and neither am I," Byron told her. "All right? It's fine, I'll drive you."

---- -----  

Hastings House - Kitchen 

Hanna, Madison, Pen, Spencer, Peyton, Emily and Lucy were sitting at the counter, eating pizza.

"Wow," Lucy told them. "I can't believe Ian spent that whole summer in your house, Pen."

"Watching Alison," Pen told them.

"I'm officially creeped out," Emily told them.

"Can you be creeped out and eat at the same time?" Peyton asked. "Faster?"

"Why do we have to eat dinner at 4:30?" Madison asked.

"Because the appointment that Pen made at that shop is at five, and it's far away, and we don't know how long we're gonna be there," Spencer answered. "We all know what happens to me when my blood sugar drops."

"Why do we have to eat?" Hanna asked.

"Oh, guess you don't," Peyton answered.

"And why'd you have to make an appointment at a bead shop?" Emily asked.

"Because the shop is at her home," Pen answered. "Sounds like she makes dream catchers in her kitchen."

Lucy pointed at Madison's pizza. "Are you sure you don't want that?"

Madison slid the pizza over to Lucy. "Knock yourself out. I'm stuffed."

"Okay, what happened to our plan about going to get mani-pedis?" Hanna asked.

"You and Madison can still go if you want to, Hanna," Spencer told her. "We'll just be doing the heavy-lifting."

Hanna and Madison exchanged a look, not knowing if they wanted to go with them or not.

---- -----  

Museum - Outside

(Song:) Redeeming Love - Amy Stroup 

Ezra and Aria were talking outside the museum. 

"I just needed a breath of fresh air," Ezra told her.

"It's okay," Aria told him.

"I can't believe that artist is a no-show," Ezra told her.

"Right?" Aria asked. "If somebody threw me a party with champagne and crab cakes to celebrate my work, I think I'd try and stop by."

Ezra smiled. "Yeah. If it were my work, I'd show up if people put out folding chairs and sweaty jeans."

Aria chuckled. "Plus, I'd be there."

"True," Ezra told her. "Are you disappointed that the artist didn't show up?"

"No," Aria answered. "The only person I cared about seeing is you."

Aria reached out to take Ezra's hand.

On instinct, Ezra took his hand away, then took her hand in his. "I'm sorry. For a second, I forgot I was--"

"Not in Rosewood?" Aria finished. "It's okay. Me, too. When I first saw the limo, I thought I was gonna have to ride in the trunk." Ezra placed a hand on her cheek, kissing her slowly and sweetly. They pulled away. "Yeah. I could get used to this."

They smiled, continuing to kiss.

"Ready for more culture?" Ezra asked.

"Lead the way," Aria told him.

Ezra took Aria by the hand, leading her inside.

---- -----  

Night - Museum - Outside

Byron drove his car up to the museum with Ella in the passenger seat. "That smell never went away."

"It came with the car," Ella told him.

"No, actually, it came from Mike dropping a turkey wrap underneath the driver's seat, remember?" Byron asked. "It had been there for, like, a year or something?"

Ella shook her head. "More. By the time we found it, you thought it was roast beef."

Byron laughed. "I did." They both smiled. Ella turned to get out. "Oh, you have enough cash for a cab ride home?"

"Yeah," Ella answered.

"Okay," Byron told her. "Well, so, I guess that's it." They looked at each other. "Have a good time."

Ella smiled. "Thanks. I can't believe you drove me all the way here."

"Why?" Byron asked.

"I just... I don't know anybody else who would do that for me," Ella answered.

"Well, it's only fair," Byron told her. "I mean, I was the one who suggested that we buy a used car with a kill switch."

Ella nodded in agreement. They both chuckled.

Ella kissed Byron on the cheek. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye," Byron told her sadly.

They looked at each other for a moment, kissing.

---- -----  

The Bead Shop 

An elderly lady led Pen, Spencer, Peyton, Lucy and Emily into the shop, chuckling. "Well, I know it's in here somewhere. Oh, here it is. Oh, I have wonderful earrings to match."

Pen showed the lady Jenna and Alison's bracelets. "Thanks, but, um, we just came here to find out who bought these two bracelets."

The lady put on her glasses. "Oh, well, let me see. Well, I can tell you these bracelets were made within the last six months. I changed vendors. People were complaining about the clasps."

"You do keep records, right?" Spencer asked.

The lady chuckled, looking through logs. "Yes, dear, I'm trying, but as you can see, I'm a little better at beading than organizing."

"Please, it's important to us," Emily told her.

"Wait a minute," the lady told them. "Here it is."

"You found it?" Lucy asked.

The lady smiled. "Yes. Now, these two were purchased by a Penelope DiLaurentis. Does that help, dears?"

The girls looked at her in surprise, knowing that A had just used Pen's name as a cover up.

---- / -----  

Day Three

Morning - Rosewood High School - Courtyard

(Song:) Heal for the Honey - Brooke Waggoner 

Aria was sitting alone in the courtyard, looking at her phone.

Dakota slowly, hesitantly and guiltily walked outside toward Aria. "Aria?"

"Hey," Aria told her. "I was just calling you."

"Yeah, I've kind of been avoiding you," Dakota told her.

"What?" Aria asked. "Why?"

Dakota sighed, sitting down at the table. "Listen, I need to tell you something. Last night..."

"Last night was one of the best nights of my life," Aria told her.

Dakota looked at her in confusion. "Wait. Did you go to the museum?"

"Yeah, in a limo," Aria answered. "Being with Ezra is a risk, but he's someone that I'm willing to take that risk for. I know it sounds stupid."

Dakota shook her head. "No, it doesn't." She smiled a small smile. "I get it."

"So, what did you want to say?" Aria asked.

"Nothing," Dakota told her. "Um... I'm just really glad it worked out."

They smiled.

Dakota looked away, confused by what had happened last night.

---- -----  

Pool Room

Overcome with anger and guilt for what happened, or what could have happened, Dakota was swimming through the pools, coming up for air at the edge when someone pushed her head back under.

(Song Ends)

Dakota struggled to get back up, but they pushed her under again. She pushed away from the wall, coming up for air, pulling off the mask and cap, looking up at Paige. "What the hell?"

"Are you getting angry, Dakota?" Paige asked. "That's what you do, right? You get angry? Well, so do I. I saw the lineup. I know what you're doing."

"What are you talking about?" Dakota demanded.

"Coach replaced me as the relay anchor with you," Paige told her.

"So go and talk to Coach," Dakota told her.

"That's not what you would do," Paige told her. "Am I right? You take care of things yourself. So do I."

Paige stood, walking away.

Dakota was even more overwhelmed and angry, hitting the water in front of her, making it splash up.

---- -----  

Hallway

Dakota had gotten dressed, but hadn't bothered to dry out her hair, walking through the hallway toward her locker.

Caleb was leaning against her locker.

Dakota sighed, shaking her head. "Now what?"

Caleb was confused but amused by her appearance. "Someone's got a lot of things going on, don't they?"

"Yes, I do," Dakota answered. "Today's been a very bad day in a sea of monstrously bad days, so please let me get to my locker."

Caleb stepped aside.

Dakota walked up to her locker, working the combination.

Caleb pulled something out his pocket. "So, you want to give it back to your teacher, toss it, or, uh, put it on your charm bracelet?"

Dakota opened her locker, looking at Caleb in confusion. "What is that?"

"It's what stopped Mrs. Montgomery from getting to Philly," Caleb answered.

"She didn't get there?" Dakota asked. "How do you do that?"

"You want a lesson in popular mechanics, or do you want to just say thank you?" Caleb asked.

Dakota smirked, impressed, biting her lip slightly. "Thank you. So, how much do I owe you?"

"I don't want your money," Caleb told her.

"Well, then, what do you want?" Dakota asked.

Caleb smirked. "I'll think about it."

Caleb walked away.

Dakota pulled out her bag and jacket, closing her locker, watching Caleb go thoughtfully, thankfully.

---- -----  

Another Hallway

Aria and Ella were walking together.

"Hey, I was just going to text you," Ella told her.

"Why?" Aria asked. "What's up?"

"I was wondering what you wee doing after school today and hoping you might want to go clothes shopping with me," Ella answered.

"Sure," Aria told her. "Why the sudden urge to splurge?"

"I just think it's time to upgrade a little," Ella told her. "So, how was your sleepover with Peyton and Spencer?"

"Oh, you know," Aria told her. "The usual. Chick flick, popcorn, Cosmo quiz, lights out. How about you?"

"Uh, me?" Ella asked. "Um, I had a great night." 

"Oh, yeah?" Aria asked. "What'd you do?"

Ella sighed. "I went to see this really wonderful exhibit." 

They stopped walking, facing each other.

"What?" Aria asked.

"Yeah, they had a big opening at the Philadelphia art museum," Ella told her.

Aria tried to hide the fact that she was worried, not knowing that her mother didn't make it there. "You--you went last night?"

Ella chuckled. "Yeah. Oh, I know, partying on a school night, I know I'm out of control, but... it was great. It was really exciting to meet the artist. It was really exciting. So, anyhow, um, I have to get to class, and so do you, so meet me in my office after."

"Yeah, sure," Aria told her nervously.

"Okay," Ella told her, turning around, walking away.

Aria walked away.

---- -----  

Night - DiLaurentis House (Temporary) - Pen's Room

Evan was sitting on Pen's bed with her laying down next to him, with her head in his lap.

Pen was more relaxed with him here with her than she was when she was ever alone, feeling safe with him, content and happy. She was thoughtful, smiling. "You know, I think that Jason's starting to see Mara again."

"A push in the right direction from you, no doubt?" Evan asked, amused.

Pen smiled. "I saw them in Town Square having coffee. And Jason's not home right now. I don't know where he is. But I do hope that he gets back with Mara. They both deserve to be happy, too. Specially after the pain that Jason went through after Ali disappeared, having to change from the stoner party dude to an Ivy League student just so that he could take care of me when my parents didn't care to. He even let me drink once."

Evan chuckled. "Sure that was fun for you."

"More than the depression after what happened," Pen answered. 

Evan noticed the picture of Alison from the Hastings' backyard, picking it up. "What's this?"

Pen sat up, worried about him getting involved. So she decided to tell a little bit of the truth, but not enough to put him in danger. "Um... it's just... a picture that someone sent to me. It's this rude thing that people did after Ali disappeared. You know, pictures that are photoshopped to be Ali, or, uh, conspiracy theories or whatever."

"Why, just to terrorize you?" Evan asked.

Pen shrugged, shaking her head. "People are scary. And mean. I don't know what else to tell you."

Evan was concerned but was impressed with how strong she was being throughout all of this. "Well, this picture looks real."

"It is," Pen told him. "Jason double checked it with the private investigator that our parents hired. It's real. I just don't know what it means. I mean, I think the shadow is me, because I remember waking up that night and looking for Ali, because we were talking about stuff, but we were both drunk and I can't remember much of that night."

"Do you remember what you were talking about?" Evan asked. "I mean, I get it if you were too drunk..."

Pen chuckled, shaking her head. "I wasn't that drunk. I remember that we were talking about how Ali liked to think of her friends as dolls or puppets. And that she made them, and that they wouldn't exist without her."

"That's messed up," Evan told her.

"Yeah, it is," Pen agreed. "And I told her that. I also said that even if she brought them together, us, all of us, actually, that she doesn't get to control us. And that a leader doesn't exist without followers, so she should be nicer to the girls that she called friends. And I told her that I would never act the way she did to her friends to my own. I may be a bitch sometimes..."

Evan smiled, shaking his head, trying to make her feel better so that she wasn't so sad. "You're not that big of a bitch."

Pen laughed. "Thanks."

"What else did Jason tell you about this?" Evan asked.

"Just that he didn't remember most of that summer because he and Mara were partying with a few others," Pen answered. "Garrett Reynolds, Ian and Melissa were part of it. Mara tried to stay away from them as much as possible, but Jason hung out with them mostly, you know, because she was trying to sober up."

"Yeah, I get it," Evan told her, chuckling. They heard noises from outside, looking toward the window, confused. "What was that?"

Evan sighed, standing, walking toward the window, looking outside.

Pen was worried, standing, walking closer. "Evan..."

Pen stopped next to Evan, looking outside, across the street, where Ian was standing outside the Hastings House, seeming to be watching them.

---- -----  

The Bead Shop 

Dream catchers were hanging on the door.

The figure was walking toward the lady from before.

"Beading is hard on the eyes, you know?" the lady asked. A cat growled at the figure, running away. "Oh, don't be startled. That's just my pet. Where was I? Oh, yeah, the eyes. You have interesting eyes, dear. The eyes are the window to the soul. Not to worry, dear. I did exactly what you told me to do."

The lady smiled, chuckling.