WISH YOU WERE HERE

A/U: This is slightly AU. This is basically my version of what happens after Paige's departure in 5x14. There is no 'A' in this story. Hope you like it!

note: English isn't my first language so I apologise for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies in facts. lol

"This isn't fair"

"Maybe not, but right now this is what's supposed to happen to us."

The airport was buzzing but time stood still for Paige and Emily. They both knew Paige had to go, they both knew they had to say their goodbyes. Without wasting any more time they both devoured each other in a long, hungry kiss.

The moment Paige walked away, Emily could feel her heart break even more.

Every night since Paige left, before Emily could find peace in her slumber, she would repeat her conversation in the airport with Paige in her head. She was trying to make sense of everything. What did Paige mean when she said right now this is what's supposed to happen to us? Does that mean they will be together again in the future? Emily tried to be optimistic but the sharp pain in heart wont let her.

Saying goodbye to the love of her life was one of the worst moments in Emily's life but nothing could prepare her for the days after Paige left Rosewood. She was expecting a call or a text the next morning from Paige but no, there was none. At first she thought maybe, just maybe, Paige was busy settling down or maybe her phone ran out of battery. But after a week of no contact, Emily began to worry. Emily did her part too she tried everything she could, from calling, texting, emailing and even writing her a letter, but to no avail. It didn't make any sense to Emily. Why was Paige ignoring her?

It had been 5 months since Paige left and Emily had no choice but to try and forget about her girlfriend. She hated talking about it so neither of her friends brought the topic up whenever Emily was around. The girls loved Paige and deep down they were hopeful that Paige had a good reason for why she had disappeared.

Emily was still devastated and her heart was obviously still broken but slowly she was beginning to feel normal again. She tried her best to focus all her energy on swimming. Yes, swimming. One of the things she enjoyed doing with Paige. Practice was hard; the smell of chlorine, the swimming itself reminded her of Paige. It was bittersweet but swimming was also the place where she could forget about everything else and just relaxed. It was weird though she thought, a month after Paige left, her arms began to cooperate and she could swim like before. Well, not as fast or as skillfully as before but the fact she could swim again brought her so much delight. If only Paige was around to witness this..

It was a gloomy Tuesday afternoon but Emily was oddly joyful. This was really rare but today she was extra excited about swimming practice. It was probably because she could feel her arms getting better and she knew if she practiced more she could swim like before.

It was lunchtime and as usual, the girls were eating at their spot. They were all busy with their food, clearly hungry after a very long morning.

"Oh shoot! It's nearly practice time! I need to go. I'll call you girls later, okay?" Emily said to her best friends quickly as she gathered all her stuff and rushed in the direction of the locker room.

The girls all looked up and smiled at Emily. They were genuinely happy she was swimming again.

"I'm glad she's swimming again. Just wished Paige was here though.. I miss her." Hanna said.

The three girls knew they all missed Paige. Paige was one of the few people who could make Emily happy, like, really happy.

"It's unfortunate that things didn't work they way they wanted to" Spencer said in a sad tone.

"Yeah. But I don't know, I have a feeling they'll be back together.. eventually" Aria added.

Emily was in the locker room changing into her swimming costume as fast as she could; she was feeling excited and nervous with a hint of fear. She was both excited and nervous for swimming in general but in fear of Coach Fulton because she didn't want to be late and get yelled in front of the team. She found herself smiling as she thought about the time she and Paige were yelled at for being late for practice. It was all Paige's fault. They were fooling around during lunch, which continued in the locker room causing them both to be late.

"Hey Emily, It's really good to see you swim again" The familiar voice pulled her from her thought. She looked up and it was Sydney.

Emily smiled, "thanks, Sydney."

"How's Paige anyway? Bet she's thrilled now you're back in the pool!"

Emily's smile faded and her heart suddenly became heavy. All she wanted to do now was to cry but she quickly regained composure and tried to smile again, "She.." She was torn between lying and telling the truth but she was interrupted by Coach Fulton's voice ordering them to go to the pool. Saved by the bell she thought.

"Alright, team. As you all know nationals will be in three months and that's soon. Representatives from different colleges will be there so if you girls want a good school, you need to impress them. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Coach!" all the girls in the swimming team answered eagerly in unison.

"To get into a good school, you must be smart in both your academics and your swimming. Apply all the techniques we have been practicing. I know each one of you is capable of getting a scholarship, be it an academic scholarship or a swimming scholarship. I am here to help all of you to get that. But today I will not be alone to coach you." Coach Fulton continued.

All the girls in the swimming team looked at each other and wondered curiously who it was. Emily was excited because two coaches meant that her chance of getting better would be doubled. She had a huge smile across her face and looked at her teammates who were as excited as her.

"So it is great honor to welcome back this talented athlete to Rosewood.."

welcome back? Emily thought but the suspense was too much for her to think

"Not only is she a pro at swimming but she was also in field hockey"

oh no Emily thought..

"Team, please give your warmest welcome to our very own shark, Paige Mccullers!"

To be continued..

Comments are greatly appreciated

Tell me if you want me to continue!

Thank you