Author's note: Sorry to those who saw the previous story, there was some things wrong and I'm new to publishing my stories and I kinda just deleted it. I changed my mind though so I'll just publish what I have again but extended, sorry. If you guys have any tips for me, you can comment and i'll try to incorporate it into the story. Italics are flashbacks by the way. And thank you!

I'm late. I can't believe this is the last moment I'm going to be able to see Paige, and I might miss it. I wanted to be on time, I really did. I wanted to show up before her flight, and tell her how much I loved her. Maybe if I said it just right, or if I told her about Alison's arrest, she would want to stay. She wouldn't have to be afraid anymore, and could convince her parents that she was safe. But I had to make sure Ali was caught, I couldn't risk Paige getting hurt anymore.

I got to the gate, no one was there. Everyone had boarded. My chest tightened and I felt as if I couldn't breathe. While trying to save her, I missed even saying goodbye.

I was about to leave when I saw her. Her perfect reflection in the mirror. She decided to stay, I couldn't believe it. I finally had her back, and I wasn't going to lose her. Then I saw it...her sad eyes looking up at me- "The airline changed my gate. My flight's boarding now." The air around us tensed, she started fidgeting and asked, "How'd you get passed security?"

"Uh, I bought a sixty-nine dollar ticket to Atlantic City," I said, beginning to feel silly about it. She simply looked up at me and smiled, clearly amused of my actions. I would miss that smile. I couldn't just let her leave, I had to fight for her, just how she fought for me so many times before. I couldn't hold it any longer, "Paige, you don't have to go. They arrested Alison for killing Mona, she's in jail." I was hopeful, convinced that I could somehow keep her here.

She seemed nervous, wary about the news. "She's not going to stay there" Paige said surely.

"Yes she will. Tell your parents. They have to let you stay. It's safe now."

"Emily" she said forcefully . The hope I had now deteriorating with every passing second. "I have to go."

"Listen, you don't." I looked into her eyes, I wanted her to realize what she would be leaving behind. What this meant for us.

"Yes, I do."

I couldn't take it anymore, she seemed set in leaving. I just had to know, "Why?"

"First, because my parents want me to."

I wasn't convinced, " Well, we can fight that."

She seemed passive, " I don't want to fight anymore." I was confused. Everything that we had worked for, everything we had been through was now for nothing. She continued, "I'm tired of fighting. I've used so much energy fighting and being afraid, I worry I'm not going to have anything left to just live. You know what I mean."

I had to admit it, " Yeah… I guess I do." It hurt me to acknowledge that. Admitting the stress and difficulty A had added to our lives seemed wrong. It made it seem like Ali had won. Even though she had been just been put in jail for Mona' murder, she still had power over us.

Paige tried to reason with me, " So maybe, this isn't such a bad idea."

"Yeah, well, it's a terrible idea." I didn't want to lose her, I couldn't.

"What if we decide to pretend it's a good idea?"

The airport's intercom went off calling the last boarding announcement to San Francisco. Everything was happening so quickly, I no longer had any idea what to do. "Please don't go" I begged, I didn't want to see her leave.

"I have to"

"Well take another flight" I eagerly suggested, urging for just a little more time.

"It's not going to be easier tomorrow." Paige had a point, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

We stared at each other for the next few moments, "This isn't fair."

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

"Hey Em, are you okay? You seem more out of it than usual." Aria worriedly asked.

"Yea, I'm fine. Just had a rough night." I felt incredibly bad, even during our school lunches I couldn't help but think about Paige. It had been a month since she walked away from me at the airport. I wanted to continue talking to her, hoping that somehow we could work together and preserve our relationship. But she never answered me. No matter what I sent, she had yet to acknowledge any of my calls, texts, or even e-mails. At first I thought she was just taking some time adjusting to her new life, but after the second week I became increasingly worried. I didn't understand, did I say something wrong?

Spencer insisted, "Are you sure? You know you can talk to us about anything."

"Yes. Like every other time you guys have asked me, I'm fine." I stared at my friends, irritated by the constant question. Aria and Hannah simply tensed, aware of my unstable state. Whereas Spencer just couldn't back down.

"We just want to make sure you're okay Emily." Spencer had the right intentions, but I didn't want to talk about anything. I didn't want them to view me like a vulnerable puppy who needed constant attention. I just needed space and time. And for Paige to answer me, but for now I should at least get what's at my dispense.

Just as I was about to answer Spencer the bell rang. I stood up and grabbed my things. "I know you're just trying to help but I just need some more time. I'm fine though, really. I'll talk to you guys later." They turned and waved to me goodbye, just before turning back and talking among themselves. Surely they were still worried about me, probably creating a plan for me to open up to them. Things were never simple with them, but that's why I loved them.

As I walked through the halls to get to class I managed to notice a few people staring at me. Ali was arrested a month ago, but people still outcast my friends and I as if we are some kind of threat. That's what makes it so difficult to live in a small town like Rosewood, secretes easily spread. Everything that happens is always blown out of proportion, and no one seems to believe you when you tell the truth. We have gotten used to it over the years, but it was still stressful.

Once I got to class I sat down and waited for class to begin.