Pretty Little Liars: The Final Lie

Goodbye Calm

Sirens filled the air of Faran's street. It was September 3rd, the day three high schoolers were arrested, and their three friends witnessed the brutal murder of Mona, who had shown up to support Mouse, Faran, and Kelly. The street, usually quiet and familiar, was now a chaotic scene of flashing lights and raised voices.

Mouse hadn't stopped shaking. The tremors in her hands mirrored the tumult in her mind. Faran and Kelly held her tightly, their grip the only thing anchoring her to the present. Alison and Spencer spoke with the curly-haired cop who had arrested their friends, their voices barely audible over the cacophony.

Faran pulled away and approached the officer, hoping to question him about what had happened to their friends, but Spencer shook her head, advising it was not a good moment. Faran shrugged and walked back to her friends, frustration bubbling under her calm exterior. She couldn't shake the image of Mona's lifeless body, the horror replaying in her mind like a broken record.

Ash pulled up in his car and ran toward Mouse, sweeping her into one of his perfect hugs. The familiar scent of his cologne, the warmth of his embrace—it was almost enough to make her believe everything would be okay. Almost. Mouse broke down into his shoulder, sobs wracking her small frame. He held her tight, whispering assurances that felt thin against the weight of their reality.

Alison finished speaking with the officer and made her way toward the group. "That was Detective Tanner. She'll be in touch with you girls to get your statements. Don't worry, she knows about A. She was a right bitch once upon a time and thought we were A ourselves, but stick to facts and ignore her... jargon," she instructed, trying to offer a semblance of control in the midst of chaos.

"She's theoretical in nature but always has good intentions," Spencer added, her tone a mix of bitterness and respect. The girls nodded, unsure of what to say in reply.

"Would you like to go for coffee?" Alison asked, her voice attempting to be soothing but sounding painfully out of place.

Kelly frowned, a snarl forming on her face. "Are you kidding? Coffee? No, we do not want coffee! No offense, but right this moment, we don't want either of you near us!" she snapped. "You come in, cause trauma, and then want to take us for coffee?! Fuck off!"

Alison and Spencer stood wide-eyed, their eyes welling up as they remembered how A's trauma once felt. They knew the blonde one would be feeling the same, causing this reaction.

"I understand. We'll get out of your hair," Spencer said, her voice thick with suppressed emotion. "We are staying at the Red Ranch Motel if you need us."

Kelly rolled her eyes and cringed.

"Please take our cards," Alison said, handing two cards to Faran. "If A texts or calls and you are frightened, we will be there."

"We will," Faran replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a tough day. We'd all probably be best off with some rest."

Alison and Spencer nodded in agreement before leaving, their footsteps echoing in the sudden silence.

"This shit can't be happening again," Faran said to the group, her voice trembling with anger. "I'd take the Bloody Rose games again over fucking A."

"I need to go," Mouse spoke up, her voice small and broken. "I'm sorry, I need to go."

Ash grabbed her hand, and the two walked toward his car, the only comfort she could find in the chaos.

"I better get back to Mama as well," Kelly said to Faran.

"No worries," Faran nodded, giving her friend a final hug for the day. "Stay safe."

Kelly smiled weakly before heading in the direction of her house, her steps heavy with exhaustion.

With the investigation still ongoing, Faran couldn't go back into her house. Instead, she walked aimlessly, her mind racing with anger and helplessness. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, and she found herself at the edge of a park, deserted at this late hour.

She sat on a bench, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The events of the day replayed in her mind, each memory sharper than the last. The realization that this nightmare was beginning again overwhelmed her, and she clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

*DING*

Faran frowned and grabbed her phone, opening the message that had just come in.

"Boo! - A"

Faran's heart began to race as she looked up and across the park, striking fear into her soul. There stood Archie Waters. The blue jumpsuit, the long straight hair parted down the middle, the monstrous mask, and a large knife in hand.

Faran's eyes widened as he ran towards her. She stood up from the bench and sprinted toward the park exit. She didn't even look back once as she flew out of the park, heading toward the Red Ranch Motel. Kelly might not like those two women, but right at this moment, they were the only ones Faran could think of for safety.