Silence is the worst thing (Emison)

Chapter 22

Chapter 22
It was less than an hour until school and Alison found herself slowly opening her eyes to the closed shutters of Emily's room. She felt it was a significantly bigger room when she was alone in it.
Looking over at the alarm clock on the bedside table she found a small post-it note stuck on the time.
Alison, you don't need to go to school but if you feel up to it there are some clothes at the end of the bed for you.
With love Pam and Wayne
Alison smiled to herself and sure enough as she looked over at the edge of the bed there were a few items of clothing hanging on the frame.
Removing the sticker she realised the time frame she had left and swore to herself.
Quickly stripping of her old dirty clothes that she hadn't changed since leaving her father's house Alison realised how much she missed her old room, the way everything was where she liked it and even the way it smelt, however not dwelling as an attempt to forget she quickly dressed and grabbed her phone.
Dialling a few numbers Alison hoped she wasn't too late to ask for a lift.
"Hey Ali what's up?" Hanna answered after one ring, her tone slightly worried.
"Hey Han, is it too late to ask for a lift to school?" She yawned half way through her sentence causing Hanna to giggle before replying.
"Not at all, I just pulled up Spencer and Aria is already with me."
"Hey Ali!" Alison heard Aria say on the other end.
"Oh okay party in Hanna's car. Hey Aria."
"Yeah, I would've offered you a lift but I didn't know if you'd be up to school just yet."
"That's okay I'll see you soon then?"
"Spence just got in the car now so we're on our way."
The girls said their goodbyes and Alison made her way down stairs.
She knew she could not avoid school forever and she also knew Emily would want her to go.
As Alison made her way into the kitchen there was another post-it note on the bench.
There's lunch in the fridge and coffee if you want it. The spare keys are the house are on the hock near the door
Please lock up if you leave
Alison however didn't feel like having coffee or food, she was too tired to even think about it. Picking up the note she appreciated the sentiment and placed it into her pocket when she heard a car horn beep.
Aria, Hanna and Spencer sat in the car and watched Alison shut the door and lock it behind her.
"Wow." Hanna murmured when Alison turned towards the car.
"What?" Spencer question curiously from the back seat.
"I haven't seen her without make-up in forever."
"I don't think I've seen her without make up ever." Aria mumbled in the passenger seat.
As Alison headed down the path she saw all three of her friends observing her with wide eyes.
"Hey." She murmured as she got into the car, still three pairs of eyes gawking at her. "What are you all staring at?"
"Nothing." Hanna replied quickly as she turned the keys in the ignition.
It had been an awful morning and as Alison walked through the corridors people constantly stared at her. She usually wouldn't have minded but she knew they were staring because of what happened with her and Emily.
Hanna, Spencer and Aria had made an effort to stand up for her during the morning but by lunch time all of them seemed to be exhausted.
"I don't know about you guys but I am in desperate need of coffee." Spencer signed as she sat down with her books, half slamming on the table.
"Maybe you should lay off the caffeine for a bit Spence." Aria motioned to the brunette's books and chuckled.
Alison smiled at Aria's joke but looked back down at her phone.
The item had lost battery power earlier in the day and with no way of charging it she felt somewhat useless.
"Have you spoken to Emily today?" Hanna asked, noticing Alison gaze.
"No, she's in rehabilitation for her legs. I didn't want to distract her."
"Toby?" Spencer looked passed Alison and Hanna; Aria who was sitting next to the brunette followed her stare while the others turned their heads.
When they caught vision of Toby he was in his uniform with another officer.
"Miss DiLaurentis?" The unknown office asked as they made their way over to the girls, Toby's eyes lighting up as he made eye contact with Spencer.
"Yes?"
"We just have some questions for you. About Noel Kahn and we also have information about your stolen vehicle."
Alison looked around and noticed everyone in the courtyard was looking and she had just about had enough. Nodding towards the officer she picked up her bag and followed them towards the front office. The lady at the desk directed them to the principal's office and told them to wait.
"Why are we at the principal's office?" Alison asked curiously before Toby knocked on the door.
"We just need his permission for us to talk to you."
After the principal had given the all clear he informed them that he was going for lunch so they would be able to stay in the office.
"So Miss DiLaurentis-"
"Alison, please just called me Alison." She interrupted the unknown officer and looked over at Toby who was smirking.
"Okay well Alison, we first off wanted to inform you that we found your car, it was located on the outskirts of New York City. So we were going to organise with you how you wanted to deal with it."
"Well it's technically my dad's car, so I assumed you would've talked to him." Alison was mildly surprised the police had gone to her first, after all, the car was registered in her dad's name and though she loved it very much it was never technically hers.
"Okay well we can discuss it with your father together if you'd like?"
Toby looked over at the officer, it seemed he was aware of Alison's situation but hadn't informed the police yet.
"My father and I aren't exactly on speaking terms sir. You're going to have to talk with him without me."
The officer and Toby exchanged looks before drawing their attention back to Alison.
"Well when you return home this afternoon could you give him our card?"
The officer pulled out a card from his note pad and placed it in front of Alison.
"Greg..." Toby began when Alison didn't take the card.
"What?"
"He kicked me out." Alison didn't allow Toby to continue but Greg had caught the hint and withdrew his card.
"Okay well, we just have a few questions about Noel Kahn then."
*
After half an hour of questions Toby and Greg let Alison return back to school, though her mind was elsewhere. She desperately wanted to leave and go see Emily but she knew the brunette would be hard at work with her rehabilitation.
It was becoming a struggle to even walk to her class, the heaviness of her stress and exhaustion was weighing down upon her and the only thought she was able to process was Emily.
Alison had made it down the hallway when she decided against going to class and as she turned around she was met with Toby headed towards her.
"Hey."
"Did you have more questions or something? I've kind of told you everything I know about what happened."
"No, you did well with all the questions; I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Toby closed the distance between them and looked over Alison carefully, the blonde had deep dark bruises underneath her eyes representing the lack of sleep and she was beginning to look weak and tired. Though she smiled to portray a different story her body gave her away and Toby could tell by Alison crossing her arms across her chest that she was feeling vulnerable.
"I'm okay." She replied quietly.
"Not going to class?" He raised an eyebrow humorously before walking with Alison towards the front doors of the school.
"I know it's technically breaking the rules but I didn't think it was a police matter." Alison's sarcastic tone eased Toby's nerves a bit.
"It's not but I'm free for a bit, can I take you anywhere?" Alison thought and realised she couldn't really think of anywhere she wanted to go, home was out of the question and Emily's house would just feel weird without her.
"Not really. There's nowhere I particularly want to be."
"Well, I have Greg keeping your father occupied with your car; want to go get some stuff from your place?" Toby smiled innocently as he leaned against his patrol car.
"Isn't that like... trespassing?" Alison found Toby's smile to contagious and leaned against the passenger side of the car.
"Do you have keys?"
"Yeah I think so."
"Then no, we'll call it... not breaking and entering." Both Alison and Toby laughed before he motioned her to join him in the vehicle.
The drive was relatively quick to Alison's old home, Toby would nod or wave at people he knew while Alison observed all the police equipment in the car.
"Am I actually allowed to be in here if I'm not under arrest?" Alison asked as she listened to the beeping off the machines.
Toby looked over at her and raised his eyebrows cheekily, silently answering her question.
Laughing softly Alison watched cautiously as Toby pulled into her old driveway. She sighed when he stopped the car at her doorstep.
"I'll wait here. You get what you need and then we can drop it off at Emily's."
Alison nodded as she reached for her keys in her bag and pulled herself out of the car.
Trudging inside the house didn't feel any different; it was still the big, modern, empty house that was there when she left it. Even though the feeling of loneliness lingered Alison still missed her home.
Walking up the stairs she slowly moved passed the bathroom which brought back memories of the first kiss she shared with Emily. It had been a confusing time and now all she could think about was the brunette.
The way their lips entangled with each other was magic, from the very first moment they connected Alison felt fireworks in Emily's presences and every moment she was away she finally realised how much she truly missed the brunette.
Trying to push the distractions from her thoughts Alison moved to her room and began searching for anything she may need later.
After about ten minutes of gathering she felt she had collected enough to survive until her father spoke to her again.
Grabbing a large bag Alison quickly threw her clothes in along with her phone charger and her laptop.
Before leaving she moved to her bedside table and pulled out the drawer, underneath was taped all the money she had been given from previous birthdays and from what she had saved over time.
"I'm glad I saved you." She mumbled before returning everything in her room back to normal and heading downstairs.
Toby watched as Alison locked the house behind her, he was mildly surprised when she only had one bag, it was big, but she kind of seemed like the girl that would pack excessively.
"That's all you've got?" He couldn't help asking as she sunk into the passenger seat.
"I don't actually have a lot. I got what I needed, the rest can be replaced." Toby eyes rose at Alison's maturity but he didn't push the subject, turning the car on he pulled away from Alison's home.
As the car rolled along Alison looked sadly as the house slowly disappeared from view.
"You okay?"
"I just feel like that was the last time, you know?" Alison's began playing with the strap of her bag and felt a small tear escape her eye.
"I'm sure it's not Ali. Your dad will get over it." Toby tried to be supportive but he knew Kenneth well enough to know he probably wouldn't and he knew Ali knew it as well.
"I hope so."
"Where's your mum?" Toby thought momentarily, he knew Jessica spent a good percentage of her time in Philadelphia so someone was close to Jason but surely she had some idea of what was going on.
"I don't know, I haven't spoken to her in months. She's always working." Alison's tone was sarcastically obvious and Toby could sense her displeasure with the topic.
"Why don't you try and call her?"
"It might be an idea but I just want to focus on Emily for now." Toby nodded. Moments later he pulled the car up in front of Emily's home and watched Alison fish for her keys.
"Thanks for the lift Toby."
"Not a problem, what are friends for?"
The blonde smiled appreciatively before getting out of the car. The pair said their goodbyes and then Toby was gone and Alison could feel the emptiness of loneliness begin to fill her.
Alison had made it to Emily's room when she made the decision to call Cece, charging her phone she waited for the power to slowly replenish.
"Ali Cat! Hello." Cece answered after two rings.
"Hey, are you busy?" Alison had determination fill through her as she heard Cece's overly confident sweet voice.
"So, why Philadelphia?" Cece questioned as Alison pointed to the correct exit. After driving for almost two hours Cece had almost run out of things to say but as she took directions from Alison she was beginning to become curious of her friends intentions.
"I have some business to attend to. Turn left up here, it shouldn't be far after that."
Cece shrugged at Alison's bossy behaviour and turned where she was directed. After about ten minutes Alison told her to pull into a long driveway that was lined with a large barb fence, Cece looked inquisitively as she slowly drove down the road, she slammed on the breaks when she was met with a sign.
"Philadelphia Correctional Facility? Why the hell do you have business at a prison?" Cece gawked as she turned towards Alison crossing her arms.
"I have someone I need to see." Alison nodded her head indicating for Cece to continue driving.
"No I'm not driving anymore until you spill the beans. Are you like bored with Emily and you want to experience some weird version of Orange is the New Black?"
"No Cece, plus this is a male prison?" Alison giggled slightly at Cece's remark.
"My god, you really are a lesbian." The older blonde rolled her eyes and continued driving towards the prison. "So why are we here then?"
"I'm seeing Jason." Alison was grateful that by the time she had answered Cece's question the blonde had managed to park the car in visitors parking because she almost stalled the car in surprise.
"Jason's in here?"
"It's a very long story. I promise I'll explain on the way home, just let me do this first." Alison opened the door and got out of the car.
"What am I supposed to do in the mean time?" Cece asked before Alison shut the door.
"Flirt with a security guard or something. Make your own Orange is the New Black experience." Alison laughed before shutting the door and disappearing into the old brick building.
"Can I help you?" The old and rather cranky looking receptionist asked as Alison made her way to the front desk.
"I'm here to see Jason DiLaurentis. I called not too long ago." The woman nodded before asking Alison to provide all her belongings.
After about ten minutes of paper form filling she was lead down several hallways. Now she hadn't seen much of Orange is the New Black but Alison felt this was very different, but she gathered that was because television shows were always a little exaggerated.
"In here." The tall security guard made eye contact with Alison and he smiled softly aware of who she was since he had read the paper work. "First time seeing him?"
"Yes." She murmured, waiting for the man to open the door, he had caught the hint. Opening the door he allowed Alison to walk in first before following her.
There he was, her older brother, sitting in the metal wobbly chair waiting for someone to walk in the room. It seemed he wasn't aware of who was visiting him by the surprised look on his face.
"Ali?" His voice was full of the innocence she remembered him by.
"Hello Jason." Her voice was neutral.
"How did you know I was here?"
"I have my ways but I'd like you to tell me why you're here." Alison knew then and there that Jason's answer would make or break him. She knew he was here for some bank robbery incident but she wanted to hear the words about Emily leave his lips.
"I got busted for doing a stupid bank robbery. It was stupid but I'm apparently getting out soon! For good behaviour." Alison's eyes widen in terror, Jason seemed to genuinely excited, like he was the same playful boy she grew up with but it made it difficult to see him that way.
"You didn't do anything else?"
"No...?" Jason looked at her curiously, his eyes betraying his words.
"Really?" The air filled with a sticky silence that even caused the security guard shuffle slightly in discomfort.
"What do you want Ali?" Jason's tone changed instantly, he was no longer playful and relaxed but now he was leaning forwards with his hands intertwined with each other.
"The truth."
"I am telling the truth." Jason was becoming defensive and angry but Alison stood her ground.
"The whole truth, Jason Laurens." Alison starred at her brother in such a dominating fashion that her words almost made him recoil just by the sound.
"What do you know?"
"A lot more than you think." Alison leant back from Jason in an attempt to keep some distance between them but he merely leant closer noticing her effort to get away from him.
"I doubt that very much sis."
"Alison." Alison didn't let Jason speak further before telling him how to address her correctly.
"Well Alison, how's your girlfriend Emily going?"
Alison stood instinctively; she was not expecting Jason to know about her and Emily. The way he had pretended for so long that he had no idea was impressive to her.
"How did you know?"
"I have my ways too. I'm surprised it took you this long to come see me." Jason leaned back into the chair causing it to creek at the movement.
"I was ashamed. How could you Jason?" She watched her brother smile his own trademark smile before scratching his neck.
"She put up a fight that's for sure." He murmured as he pointed to his arm where several small finger nail scars lay. Emily must have really fought him well. "I also heard she was in hospital again? Someone else have some fun with her? A Mister Noel Kahn I hear, I'm very proud of him."
Jason continued to smile as he watched his sister becoming angrier by the minute; it seemed he had pushed the right buttons in order to offend her.
"You deserve to be in here." The blonde mumbled, she could feel tears welling in her eyes but she held them back and turned towards the door.
"Tell me, before you go, how does it feel knowing that I slept with your girlfriend first?" Jason kept his smile spread across his face as Alison took in what he said. In fact she was so close to launching across the table and strangling him but she clenched her fists tight and walked over to the door.
"Goodbye Jason."
"Oh and Alison?" The blonde turned back to face her brother as the security guard opened the door for her. "Give her a kiss for me."
Alison stormed out of the room seconds later and let the tears fall from her eyes.
After collecting all her items from the front desk Alison made her way back to Cece, who had been singing loudly along to some random song on the radio.
"Hey! How'd it go?" Cece asked, noticing Alison's wet cheeks and red eyes.
"Please drive before I end up in the correctional facility." Alison's voice was so low and stern that it made Cece obey her immediately.