Please help us on the AP questions

I have two questions about my AP.

It has been pending more than 3 mothes in TX center. I called the coustmer service and the guy told me that TX is processing Jan 1st cases now. I need to wait for another 3 monthes. Can I request service at our local office  or should I have to lie that I have an emergency to get the service request at our local office?

another question is that I have a valid H1 visa but I don't have EAD. I heard that if I use AP, when I come back to USA, they will ask my EAD because AP is always associated with EAD. is that true? Can I just use AP without EAD?

Thanks a lot,