I've Always Loved You. Always Have, Always Will - Emison

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

It's the first day of school back from the summer for Eliza - Alison's niece. Both Alison and Eliza are talking in the kitchen whilst Eliza finishes packing her school bag ready to go.

"Hey, so are you ready for school?". Alison asked enthusiastically as she tried to be a positive influence on her niece's first day of school.

"It's okay, you don't need to treat me like one of your kids. My own parents let me down so I can take care of myself".

"Look, I'm sorry for what you have been through with Jason being a bit MIA at the moment, but I'm sure he'll be back soon. He just needs some time to get his life back together again. I can't imagine how hard it must be as a single parent...".

Eliza cuts in "Well, I'm sorry I'm such a burden".

"You know I didn't mean it like that".

"Then how did you mean?".

"I wasn't saying you're hard work. He loves you more than anything, you are his world, that's why he wants you to stay here for a while so that he can continue to be the best father he can be. You're not hard work at all. It's just a lot of stress to have on one person to keep you safe when he works so much.

"I'm 15, I can cope".

"He knows that, but he doesn't want you to have to cope. He wants to protect you for as long as he can, it can be hard being an adult and have all the responsibility".

"Okay, I guess I can see his point a bit more. I just miss him that's all, and I miss home".

"I know you do". Ali says as she gives Eliza a short embrace and then goes on to say, "I know it's not the same, but you can phone or FaceTime him when you get home from school.

Eliza replies with a quiet "Sure". Accepting the fact that this situation will hopefully only be temporary and the quicker she adapts, the quicker it will seem until she gets to see her dad again.

"Could you also tell me things about my mom? Dad refuses to talk about her. The only thing he has said to me is that she was one of your friends in high school".

"Yeah sure". Alison says hesitantly at first. Thinking, she might be betraying Jason. But soon realised, Eliza has the right to know who her mother is.

"So are you all ready for school?". Alison changed the subject. "Do you want me to drop you off? I don't want you to be late".

"No thanks. It's not that far and I could do with a walk".

"Okay well have a great day. With those DiLaurentis looks and talents you'll be strutting the halls as one of the popular girls in no time".

"Well I don't know about that...". Eliza hesitated.

"Sure you will". Alison insisted, hoping to build Eliza's confidence. "You can tell me all about it when you get home".

"Okay, I'll see you later then".

"Bye". Eliza put shortly

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As Eliza is approaching the school, she takes out one of her earphones to take a moment to look at the building before her. Starting school is daunting for anyone, so she uses that second to take in a breath to build up the courage to carry on throughout the day.

As the first class gets started she is sat next to a girl with long, straight, light brunette hair with subtle curls that have been tonged. As their Math teacher is talking, the brunette is curious about the new girl and whispers quietly to introduce herself.