Chapter 1

"So," Hanna trailed off. "Any lucky guys in sweet, innocent Emily's life?" Hanna asked with a smirk deviously pulling at her bright red lips.

"Actually, yes. Yes, there is Han. But," Emily started. She didn't know how to tell her best friend that she was ... well ... different.

"Go on, Em" Hanna encouraged "What is it? You can tell me. We're best friends, I'll be here for you even when you don't want me too." Hanna's previous smirk turning into a genuine smile.

"Well... I... I guess I should just t...tell you" Emily stuttered, beginning to noticeably fidget and pull at the sleeve of her burgundy sweatshirt which complemented her tan skin perfectly. Hanna reached for Emily's hand which she gently squeezed as a sign of support and for her to continue, when she sensed the brunettes hesitation.

"Well, Han ... I like girls." Emily stated bluntly. She purposely avoided the blondes gaze after she heard a gasp escape her friends' heart shaped lips.

"Oh" was all that Hanna could respond. Never before had Hanna been lost for words, but at this moment in time, she was speechless. When Emily heard this she felt as the world was going to crumble around her. She couldn't make out whether it was a shocked "oh" or a disgusted "oh" either way, Emily prepared for the worst.

Hanna then realised Emily's failed attempt at looking anywhere but the blondes eyes. She immediately said "Em?" No response. "Em, look at me" the blonde said in a firm yet gentle tone. Emily then slowly turned her gaze to the blonde who was staring directly at her. As soon as their eyes met the brunette instantly searched the warm blue seas for any sign of disgust, discomfort, anger ... But she found none. When she saw no sign of negative emotions she began to relax.

"So," Hanna said breaking the awkward silence that felt like went on for at least an hour. "Who is this lucky girl, and when can I meet her?"

"You're okay about this?" Emily asked slightly wary because this was a topic that not many people took lightly.

"Of course, Em. You're still Emily. No matter who you date. Who you date doesn't define you as an individual. Maybe your sexuality but definitely not you." Hanna replied smoothly. As soon as Emily detected the pure sincerity in Hanna's voice she relaxed as she raked her fingers through her hair.

"Well ... She's my sunshine in the rain. My Tylenol when I'm in pain. Let me tell you what she means to me. Like a tall glass of lemonade when it's burning hot on summer days. She's exactly what I need. She's soothing like the ocean rushing on the sand. She takes care of me. She helps me be a better person. She's so beautiful, sometimes I stop to close my eyes and think .'She's exactly what I need'. She's my smile when I'm feeling down. She's my good night sleep when my day is through. She's kinda like the feeling after your first kiss. Except that everyday she makes me feel like this. She's exactly what I need." Emily slowly explained to a slightly tear-eyed Hanna, while pure tears carelessly streamed down her own now heated face.

"Who is this girl, Em?" Hanna asked, curiosity clearly evident in her sweet caring tone. "You can tell me. Whoever it is, I'll be there for you." She continued as she reached for Emily's tan hand, which she then slowly started to gently caress with her thumb.

Emily began to shift uncomfortably. She could trust Hanna, that wasn't even a question. The question was, Can she trust herself? A brand new set of tears began to freely pour from her beautiful brown orbs. Emily began to whisper.

"Alison. Alison DiLaurentis."