A/N: Hey, so this is a Christmas present to you guys from me, KJ99. This is something I have slowly been working on and am excited to show you. Now, I haven't
written much for is but I am getting there. This story will be different to how I normally wirte things, all chapters will be named. This is just the beginning and along the
way chapters will be named after characters that this character is dedicating songs too. So i'll also be infusing songs to this story. I had this story idea after listening to the song, Thank, U Next by Arianna Grande; so that song will be used. Eventually this story will be an Emison story but I am using other characters for relationship beforehand. I hope you enjoy this story and Merry Christmas ~KJ99
Thank You To My Exes, Now Next!
The Beginning:
"Morning Paige," I say while untying my shoelaces.
"Morning," Paige replied looking confused. We hadn't exactly spoken in the last few months since breaking up, it was still so raw. I really didn't think we were going to end up together and so did she, sometimes things just don't work out.
I then asked seemingly out of the blue, "What are you doing tonight?"
"Practicing, Dads been drilling more than ever lately. You know, scholarship and all," Paige answered.
"Sorry," I say knowing I was part of the reason behind it.
"Emily, don't do that thing."
"What thing?" I asked pulling my jumper off and lightly tossing it into my locker.
"Take the blame for things that you think are your fault when they are not. Yes, the break up hurt and it's taken me a lot of time to move passed it. But, I want to be able to get to that place where we can be actual friends. So, I can be free tonight, if you want me to be."
"I just, umm…"
"Emily, what is it? You have me worried."
"Sorry, I'm having my first music gig at the brew tonight and I wanted."
I was cut off by Paige stating "There is no way I am missing that." I smiled up at Paige relieved that she was coming, I don't think I could do this without her.
"Really, but what about your Dad?"
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he understands this is way more important than swimming and just do extra over the weekend. I can't believe you are finally singing in public, I never thought that would happen."
"It's like you say, I've got a talent and should show the rest of the world; friends and all," I say while standing up to remove my sweatpants.
Paige spoke "Well don't worry about me, I'll be there cheering my head off before your even singing."
"Yeah, I just hope I'm good," I say staring into the back of my locker looking for some form of hope and guidance. I heard Paige scoff from behind me before she lightly pushed my head forward making us both laugh. Shaking off my doubts, we grab our caps and goggles before leaving the locker room; ready for the gruelling practices ahead.
"Hey you," I spoke while tapping the other persons shoulder and moving to sit the other side of them. I laughed a little when they looked the other way before looking towards the laughter.
"Oh my god Emily," Hanna stated annoyed while bringing me into a hug.
"How are you this fine free period?" I asked.
"Going just as about as well as all free periods," she spoke gesturing down to her books. Hanna wasn't one to spend much time in a library but she had confessed to me before the start of our senior, she wanted to make her Mum proud and graduate this year.
I asked "Well, can you take a small break for your favourite person in the whole wide world?"
"Unless your hiding Channing Tatum in that bag of yours, you're barking up the wrong tree," Hanna said making me scoffed.
I replied with "Sorry no, it's just me but I'll make it worth your while. I promise and ain't nothing like an Emily Fields promise."
"Good point," Hanna answered with a little laugh. We then heard the librarian tell us to quieten down.
Looking at Hanna, I say "Follow me," and stand up while holding my hand for her to take.
"Always," Hanna said happily taking my hand. I lead Hanna down through the many rows of books before we arrived at the last row.
Hanna said "Emily, if you wanted to make out you could've just asked."
"No, it's not like. I promise."
"Emily chill, I was only joking and besides I'd never cheat on Caleb."
"I know you wouldn't," I say relaxing.
Hanna asked "What did you want to tell me?"
Looking at Hanna with a confused look, she stated "Emily, I've known you for what ten years. I know when you get worried because you have to tell someone, and you can't control how they are going to react. This is me Emily, your best friend in this whole entire world. I'm not going anywhere."
"As true as that maybe, I actually wanted to give you something," I say while searching my back pockets for the item.
I then explain "I don't know if you remember but I do and was amazed when I found it in all of my things from when we were little."
"Em, your rambling."
"Sorry," I say taking a deep breath before continue "I gave this to you when we were about eleven I think and I think you threw it at me in anger. I don't know why you were angry, but I kept it all this time." Taking Hanna's hand in front of us, I slide the small ring down her pinkie finger knowing it was the only one it would fit and not wanting Hanna to feel weird out by this.
"Oh my god," Hanna gasped seeing the item, she then began to giggle making me smile.
Hanna stated "I cannot believe you kept this after all these years. We were so different back then, I mean I was so."
"Han, don't," I say brushing a fallen strain of hair back behind her ear.
I state "I wouldn't have changed you at all back then, you always gave the best hugs and you still do. Whenever I have a rough day, the only place I want to be is in your arms because you always relax me. You always have since I meet you."
"Only you know how to make a girl feel so special."
I asked concerned "Is everything okay with you and Caleb?"
"Yes Emily. I was just meaning your way of words. I just know whoever you end up with, is going to be one lucky girl. Even if that ends up being Paige." I smile knowing for whatever reason, Hanna never really seemed to like Paige.
I then state "Paige and I, we were a really strong couple and we had a beautiful two years together. Things just weren't meant to be for us, which is okay and we've both accepted it."
"Really?"
"Yeah, we are both finally in that place where we can be friends."
"That's great Emily. Now, I know this ring isn't the only reason you pulled me aside, no matter how beautiful it is."
"Right, umm...the band from tonight, they've pulled out. So, Ezra he's finally giving me a shot."
"What!" Hanna shouted a little too loudly for the library.
"Emily that's amazing, why wasn't I the first person you told?"
I smiled and stated "I wasn't expecting him to call last night and well then I had to get things ready."
"Okay, you are forgiven only because this is so amazing."
I asked "Does that mean it's coming?"
"Of course I'll be there. I've been waiting to use my team Emily shirts for years, now is finally the right time."
"Hanna, I've been on the swimming team for two years. Where were that shirt then?"
"They aren't good enough for the swimming team besides I knew you'd be singing one day and that's why more better."
"I don't know whether to be offended or insulted," I state extremely confused. Just as Hanna went to reply the lunch bell rang out making Hanna and I both smile.
I asked "Can I walk my wife to lunch?" I hold my elbow out for her to take.
"You most certainly may," with a smile she threads her arm through mine.
Skipping into the cafeteria with Hanna, giggling and running out of breath along the way. We slowly stop once we are around too many people, Hanna continues on while I stop to scan the lay-out. My eyes first land on Paige who is sitting at a table with a group of the swimming team, I can see her looking across the cafeteria. Following her eye sight I see them landing on Mona, which makes me smile and think no wonder she's happy to suddenly be friends. When I look at Paige she's looking at me and blushing, knowing she's been caught staring by me.
I smile letting her know it's okay. Paige gestures towards the free seat and I gesture my head to the table my friends are sitting at. Next time, Paige mouthed making me smile with a small nod. As my eyes drifted around the room, they fall to the special outside seating area and I can't help but feel sadden. Which is washed out way when I heard the sound of laughter. Looking to where the laughter was coming from, I saw it was my table and it always was.
Hanna had obviously said something funny causing everyone to laugh, even Spencer was laughing and that was extremely rare. Walking over to join everyone, I stopped when I saw Caleb come up behind Hanna and peck her cheek; causing a squeal of surprise to come from Hanna. I smiled in happiness for her, she finally found her happy ever after and I couldn't be happier.
"Hey Em," Aria spoke distracting the table from watching Hanna and Caleb kiss.
"Hi," I say not being able to resist I leant down to peck Aria on the cheek making her laugh.
"Why thank you," Aria said making me smile as I take my seat down next to Spencer. I immediately steal fries from her plate and Spencer hits my arm.
"Ow," I state rather loudly that it breaks Hanna and Caleb from their moment.
Spencer said back "How come she gets a kiss and I have you stealing my fries."
"Jealous there Spence," Alison said causing everyone to laugh.
"What of?" Spencer said making oh's go around the table.
I state "You know Spencer, if you wanted a kiss you just had to ask."
"I have a boyfriend," Spencer defend.
With a laugh, I say "I did share everything with Toby as a kid, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"That's what it was!" Hanna shouted randomly as she pointed at me. Looking at Hanna confused until I saw the ring on her finger, I thought back and soon was bursting into a fit of laughter. If the table wasn't confused now, they most certainly were now.
"Oh my god, I can't believe I forgot. That's why you broke off our wedding, oh my god," I say through fits of laughter.
"Wedding?" The entire table asked.
Hanna stated "Don't worry, it was a fake wedding."
"I'm hurt, I had real feelings for you," I say in the most serious voice I could master up. However, the moment Hanna and I connect eyes, we burst out laughing.
"Your face, oh my god," Hanna said pointing.
Aria stated "I have no idea what's going on but it's good to hear you laughing Em. I haven't heard you laugh like that since before the break up."
"Thanks boo," I say moving to kiss Aria's cheek and give her a small hug from behind.
I then said "I should probably give you some extra thanks, I know it was you who convinced Ezra. No one else would've been with him last night when it all happened."
"It's fine Emily, just kill it tonight and then I'll rek the rewards."
"I knew it, you were just in it for that," I say making Aria giggle.
Alison asked as I walked back to my seat "What on Earth are you two talking about?"
"Oh, I'm just performing at the brew tonight. No big deal," I shrugged as Spencer and Alison faces dropped into ones of surprised.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me," Alison said drawing my eyes into hers and making me feel extremely guilty.
As I went to reply, Spencer asked "How are we celebrating this?"
I asked "Celebratory shakes at your house after school?" I gave her my most hopeful look.
"Sure thing, you all free?"
"Wouldn't miss it," Hanna said making my heart melt at her sweetness.
"Definitely there," Aria added in.
"Count me in as well," Alison spoke up.
Caleb then asked "Are boyfriends welcomed?" When I looked at Spencer she was also hopeful with a sigh, I rolled my eyes and nod my head. Making a Hanna squeal and Spencer lean over to kiss my own cheek before immediately breaking out the phone. I laughed when Aria did the same thing. Smiling across the table at Alison, I jolt my head to the side before standing up and leading the way towards a current free table.
"What's up?" Alison asked sitting down next to me.
I asked "Do you believe I can do tonight, like the performing thing?"
"Emily, I've watched you swim and it doesn't make you as happy as singing does."
"You were the first person I wanted to tell when Ezra called but, I didn't know if you would answer."
"Emily I would always answer if you rung, no matter the time."
"Really?" I asked surprised.
"Yes Emily," she placed a hand on top of my own.
I asked "Will you be there tonight?"
"Emily, I am not missing the first time you perform for anything."
"Cool," I said awkward but extremely excited on the inside.
"You can be such a dork sometimes but an adorable dork."
I smile at Alison before looking to that spot again and state "Just two more to invite." When I felt a hand lightly run through side of my hair, I smile and sighed in contentment of the feeling.
Turning to look at Alison with a more sadden face, she asked "Are you okay?"
"I will be," I say while looking deeply into Alison's eyes. Our moment or what I thought might be a moment was broken by the sound of the bell. With a sigh we broke away from each other and eventually went different ways in the cafeteria having different classes, miles apart from each other.
Walking out of the school that afternoon, I had walk this morning and Spencer was happy to drive me home as long as I was happy to met at her car.
As I was about to make my way to the car, I heard a voice shout out "Emily!" Stopping I look around until I see Mona walking towards me.
"Ah, the girl I wanted to see," I say once she gets to me. Mona holds a finger up and begins to catch her breath making me smile in endearment.
Mona then spoke up "I heard about your gig tonight, it's the buzz around the school and I wanted to wish you good luck or to break a leg or something like that."
"Why thank-you," I say beginning to lead the way over to her car.
Mona asked curious "Now, you wanted to see me?"
"Yeah, I was hoping you might want to come along tonight?"
"Any particular reason?"
"Well she wouldn't want me telling you but I like helping out because god knows she needs it."
"Rambling," Mona stated.
"Thank-you," I say taking a breath and explaining "Paige, she umm…likes you and if the looks you were shooting us while dating were right. You like her too."
"Gays really do have good gay-dar don't they."
"Like you wouldn't believe."
"And you don't mind Paige and I dating?"
"I just want Paige to be happy and for us to remain as good friends, like we were before we even began dating."
"I always knew you were mature but wow." I smiled while shrugging my shoulders making Mona laugh a little.
I asked "So, I take it I'll be seeing you there?"
"Yeah, definitely."
"Cool," I say with my signature smile in place.
"Emily!" I heard Spencer shout and looking I saw her at her car waving me over.
"I'll see you tonight Mona."
"Bye Emily," Mona said with her own signature smile on her face. Walking over to Spencer's car she looked at me widely but didn't say a word.
That wasn't the case once we were in the car, she asked "What was that about?"
"Nothing, I was just helping out a friend is all."
"Okay," Spencer said wanting to more but eventually accepting I wouldn't give her any more than that.
Spencer then asked "Don't bite my head off or anything but what's like happening with you and Alison?"
"I don't know," I state honestly.
"Well you clearly like her as more as a friend and it's quite obvious she likes you back. So, why haven't thing evolved?"
"I don't know," I say looking out the window and looking at the houses go by.
Arriving at Spencer, I wasn't surprised when we walked in to find the others here already. After giving Spencer a kiss, I was holstered up into Toby's arms as he congratulates me on the gig and saying he couldn't wait to hear me sing.
"Thanks," I say grateful to be back on my feet. Spencer had left in this time to begin making the milkshakes and we all venture into the kitchen to either help out or just sit around waiting. I went to help when something caught my eye and I couldn't help but laugh.
I asked Spencer "How long has your sister been in town for?"
"I don't know, couple of weeks."
"And you didn't tell me?" I asked annoyed at not being given this information earlier.
Spencer looked at me confused "Sorry, I didn't know it was important information to know."
"It's fine, umm…I'll be back," I say walking around the kitchen grabbing two cookies off the plate as I did so and made my out to the backyard. I watched leaning up against the pillar as the golf club goes up and swings down and misses the objected that she was trying to hit.
Laughing, I stated "Your holding the club wrong."
"Oh my god Emily!" She exclaimed and I watched as the club left her hand and went flying into the back fence.
I say "Remind me never to make you mad or sneak up on you."
Melissa then storms up to me and slaps my shoulder, "Jerk."
"You're the jerk who didn't tell me you were back in town."
"I didn't want to bring up old feelings, especially while you were getting over your latest break up. Last time was too intense for me and I couldn't, not again."
"It broke me to," I say taking her hand in my own. When I saw tears roll down Melissa cheek, I was quick to wipe them away before pulling Melissa into a hug.
"Don't cry, it was for the best. For both of us, we couldn't have continued and you did the right thing by leaving."
"Thank you for saying that," Melissa spoke stepping back.
When she's groaned, I looked at her confused and she explained "The others are all looking, I'm guessing you never told them about us."
"No, I value Spencer's friendship and I don't know if she could've handle it back then."
"And now?"
"I still don't know."
Melissa then asked "What are you doing here anyway?"
"We are having celebratory milkshakes."
"That could only be your celebration choice, so what are you celebrating?"
"I've got a gig tonight at the brew," I say hiding my smile.
"Emily! Oh my god! I am so proud of you, I can't believe it."
"Thanks, neither can I. You should come and bring your date."
"How do you know I'm dating someone?"
"Well you have a type, the sporty type. You got into hockey because of Ian, swimming because of me and now one can only assume golf for?" I left it open to give a name.
Melissa rolled her eyes and said "His name is Wren and I met him at Hollis, he is studying to be a doctor."
"That's so amazing Melissa, I'm really happy for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, why don't I say happy?"
"No. it's just, I worry about you Emily. I want you to be happy as well and I don't know if you are."
"I'm happy Melissa, you don't have to worry."
"So, who's the girl then?" she asked while moving to retrieve her golf club.
"Umm…" I stutter while looking back into the house at the girls.
"Let me guess, Alison."
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Things might've been intense between us, but I still notice things. Believe me, I was as surprised as anyone when Spence told me you were with Paige, I had money on it you would be with Alison."
"Well things were complicated, Alison she wouldn't admit feelings for me and I couldn't go back into the closet. I promised her I wouldn't do that again, it broke us up the last time and it crushed her."
"I haven't heard you speak of her, in a very long time."
"Well things like this make me wish, she was here for it. It's so unfair she doesn't get to be here, she would've been making posters and everything. She was good like that."
"Emily," Melissa said with sadness in her voice.
"Enough, now let me show you how one holds a golf club."
"Thank you," Melissa breathed out. I spent the next twenty minutes helping Melissa learn how to play golf.
Entering the kitchen with Melissa who was all sweaty, which I couldn't help but point out and she began hitting me lightly with the golf club.
Melissa stopped while saying "Thanks for the help Emily, I'll see you tonight," she leant up and placed a peck on my cheek.
"You better be looking hot, you know how I like my dates too look."
"Shut it or you'll get another spanking."
"Oh, rough one too. Now that I can get on board with," I say making Melissa laugh. Her laugh could be heard throughout the whole house, making me smile because
I had gotten her too laugh so much.
I asked "Umm…is that one mine?" I pointed at the milkshake sitting in front of the free chair next to Alison.
"Yes and it's chocolate your favourite," Spencer answered.
"Thanks babe," I say moving to sit down at the chair.
"Babe?" Toby was the one to questioned it.
I replied with "Sorry, hanging out with Melissa too long. Thanks Spence," I then take a sip and smile because it had been made just right.
Hanna was then the one to ask "When were you and Melissa so chummy?"
"I don't think she wants to know that answer," I gesture my head towards Spencer.
Spencer said "No, I really do want to know and it's going to drive me insane."
With a sigh, I state "Melissa and I, we date or really hooked up. I don't really know which word suits us."
"No way, when?" Aria asked just as surprised as everyone else.
While Spencer shouted out "I knew it!"
"How?" I asked confused.
"You came over way too much and I swear I heard your voice in her room. Then when you stopped coming around, Melissa went to live in Philly stating this place had too many memories. But when I tell her about your break up, she's back in town."
I smiled saying "I can't believe you knew this whole time."
"I can't believe you didn't tell me," Hanna said sounding upset.
I replied with "We didn't tell anyone, it wasn't exactly an apportie time for me to be with someone."
"When was it?" Ezra asked.
Taking a long sip of my milkshake, I admit "We first slept together the night of, umm…Maya's funeral."
"What!" everyone shouted at me.
"Okay, it wasn't physical like that. We just shared the same bed."
"But weren't you at my house that night, I swear I woke up next to you," Hanna said.
"I sneaked out and then back in before you woke up. I was walking around aimlessly until I end up at the cemetery. My phone it must've butt dialled her, she was the last person I texted. Melissa heard me crying and talking to Maya's gravestone, she umm…came to get me. I spent the night up in her room and from their own we started I don't know what it was," I say pushing my hair back.
Spencer asked "But you did sleep together?"
"Yes, serval times."
"What broke you up?" Alison asked not having spoken much.
"Things got intense very quickly between us, I was still grieving and she just wasn't ready for me. Believe me, Melissa leaving was the best thing for the both of us. I don't know what would've happened if she had stay."
"See it's story time," a voice saying making us all look to see Melissa walking back in.
I replied with "Sorry, they asked and Spencer apparently knew."
"It's fine Emily. I was coming to see which dress you thought was better, he is coming tonight and I'm nervous."
With a smile, I stand up and state "Go with the blue dress, you've always looked killer in blue; especially in that old rosewood high sharks cheerleading outfit."
"Oh my god! I hate you so much!"
"How did it go again! Sharks can roar! Sharks can bite! Don't swim in the water with a shark, shark!" I cheered while doing all of the action making Melissa face immediately redden.
"I am never asking for your opinion again and for all I care you can go to hell," Melissa said making me laugh. As she walked away, I couldn't help but slap her butt lightly making her turn around in surprise.
I replied with "What! You seem to like it in bed."
"Shut it you!" Melissa warned making me shake my head and go back to sitting at the bench.
"I need air," Alison suddenly spoke up confusing me and making me feel guilty.
"GO after her, you idiot," Spencer said practically pushing me off my chair.
"Right," I say running after Alison outside.
"Room for one more?" I asked walking up to Alison who was sitting on this little bench in the corner of this backyard.
"I don't know are you going to continue being an idiot."
"I'll try not to be."
"Then, I guess it's free." I nod my head while sitting down next to Alison.
With a deep breath, I speak "I'm so sorry Alison, my brain has a hard time thinking before it's speaks."
"It's just hard sometimes, hearing you talk about others you've been with who aren't me."
"It wasn't exactly easy watching you date, guy after guy and then call me what you did after I told you, I had feelings for you."
"I wasn't ready then."
"What makes you ready now?"
"I've grown up in the last two years and so have you Emily."
"I hope that doesn't mean we've grown apart."
"No, I don't think I ever could."
"Why were you with Melissa?" Alison asked suddenly.
"You've got to understand I wasn't myself after what happened and Melissa offered this comfort without guilt. I knew what we were doing wasn't right but I need something to get me through those days. I don't know if I would've survived if it wasn't for Melissa."
"I guess I can understand, I've never really had someone I've lost that way."
"Melissa and I aren't anything more than friends, same with all of my other exes. Hanna is happy, they say Maya's in a better place so I'm hoping she's happy up there, Melissa is starting something new and Paige as well is interested in someone else. Everyone's happy."
"Expect you," Alison said.
"I'm happy."
"That might work on others but I know you Emily." I shrug not knowing what Alison was wanting from me.
"I'm here when you are ready Emily," Alison said before pecking my cheek. I watched as Alison stood up and moved to go back inside. I sat there for a while taking in this backyard which had really changed over the years.
"I've got my first gig tonight," I admit while sitting down in front of the gravestone.
"Emily! That's amazing, I wish I had time to printed posters."
"They would've been amazing and the brew would be over crowded."
"It's what you deserve Emily. Why don't you seem happy?"
"I feel guilty."
"Why on Earth do you feel guilty?"
"Your not hear, enjoying this with me. It's not fair."
"I will be there with you Emily in spirit."
"It's not the same."
"I know it's not Emily but you've got to keep moving forward with your life. I know Paige wasn't right for you, we both know this now and we both know who is. Go for it Emily, I just want you to be happy, okay?"
"Okay Maya," I say grazing the gravestone with my finger lightly; imagining it was her hair.