Nothing will ever be the same.
She felt the slap against her cheek before she even realized what had happened. It stung and Emily lifted a land to her face, shocked. Alison's face was twisted into a surprised, angry look. "Em, what the hell?"
"I- I'm sorry,"
"Why the hell did you just kiss me? I'm not into you like that."
Emily's jaw dropped slightly. "But, I just thought-"
"Save it, Em. I have a boyfriend anyway. He's the best."
Emily bit her lip and tried to hide the hurt from spreading across her face. Her cheek felt numb. "You never mentioned a boyfriend, Ali."
Alison giggled. "I was waiting for the perfect time to mention him, and I guess now's more perfect than ever. Don't worry, Emily. I'm sure there are lots of Rosewood girls who are-like you." She smiled.
Emily looked down and nodded slightly. How could she be so stupid? Of course Ali wasn't into her like that. Why would she ever like Emily? Dorky, skinny, freckly, swimmer Emily. It had felt, for one second, like Alison had kissed her back, but it must have been wishful thinking. Emily just loved Ali so much, hearing Ali point blank reject her and talk about her amazing new boyfriend broke her heart into a million pieces. Emily felt tears spring into her eyes. Oh no, not now. She couldn't cry now. She had to leave.
Emily began to climb down the tree they sat in, careful not to slip or let Ali see her tears. Alison called down as Emily scampered down the tree. "Em, where are you going?"
Emily just shook her head and continued down the tree.
"Aw, come on, Em. Come back up. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Emily stopped climbing down for a moment, looked up at Alison's beautiful heart shaped face and twinkling blue eyes. She reversed her climb and made her way back up the tree. When Emily reached the top again, Alison took her hands and squeezed them. "Em, you're my best friend. You're the best, best friend anyone could ask for. Promise me we'll always be BFFs,"
Emily sniffled and nodded. Ali engulfed Emily in a hug.
Emily rested her head in the crook between Ali's shoulder and neck, taking in her intoxicating scent of vanilla soap. Alison would always be her best friend.
Ali rested her chin on Emily's bony shoulder, wrapping her arms around her friend. For a long minute they sat in the tree, holding each other. Alison closed her eyes peacefully, and for one slight second, her pink lips formed a beautiful little smile.