A/N: Thanks for reading :) Have fun on new years day.
Chapter 3- Next Time I wait For The Sun
Emily's POV
Lately, I have been spending my lunch break with Valerie and she reminds me of my grandmother. Valerie is sweet, caring and blunt about everything, my grandmother died six years ago and I do miss her a lot. Valerie and I we do have a lot in common, we both love zombie movies and shows and she loves Christmas.
''Well, I'm from Waterford, Ireland and I was born in 1943. I came to America in the sixties, the first state I came to was New Orleans, Louisiana. I came with my family and I was in my twenties back then. Everything was new to me and it was hard at first because some people couldn't understand my accent. I have three brothers and two sisters, we came to America for a better life. We sold everything that we had back home just to come to America.'' Valerie said.
''Do you miss living in Ireland?'' I asked.
''I do, but I like it here better in America,'' Valerie said.
She still has her Irish accent, but I can understand what she is saying.
''Who is that girl with you in the picture by your bed,'' I said.
''Her name is Robyn DeMelo, she is an American. She worked as a nurse. She was the first friend I made. I broke my leg and I had to stay in the hospital for a while but I wasn't sad because she was my nurse and we spend time together. We became fast friends, she would spend her lunchtime with me and I felt so happy and complete when I was around her. I never had strong feelings for anyone, but I never told anyone that I liked girls. I grew up in a strict family.'' Valerie said.
''Did you and Robyn dated each other?'' I asked.
''It had to be a secret. After my leg got better and went home, we still managed to see each other in private. Everyone just thought we are best friends. The more time we spent together I started to fall in love with her and she felt the same way. In secret we became girlfriends, we did wish that we could hold in public like normal straight couples, but we couldn't.'' Valerie said.
''Do you still talk to her?'' I asked.
''I haven't seen or spoke to her since 1965. I miss her so much and I want to spend my days with her until I die. One night, my parents caught us kissing and it got ugly. Her parents and my parents forced us to break up and stop seeing each other. We were both scared and we listened to our families, but my family moved here to Rosewood and I never saw her again. I was forced to marry a guy and we had kids, but I never fell in love with him because she had my heart and she still does.'' Valerie said sadly.
''I used to have someone special. I lost her because I never told my parents that I am gay. I thought it was a good idea to have a boyfriend when my parents would visit and when they leave I would date her. She didn't like the idea and I don't blame her for it, and she broke up with me.'' I said.
''I don't blame her either. If Robyn did that to me I would break up with her. I came out to my family and they disowned me, I felt free that I finally came out. Yes, I am sad that they disowned me but I was tired making everyone happy, that for many years I never made myself happy. I know how you feel because I felt that before, in my opinion, you should come out and make yourself happy. I know for so long you made everyone else happy but you never once felt truly happy.'' Valerie said.
I look down on the ground then I look back at her.
''That is true. For many years I tried to make my parents happy but I never once made myself happy and I felt so happy when I was dating Paige. She never pressured me to come out and she was fine waiting for me to come out, but I screwed up our relationship. Years, passed by and I haven't heard from her in a long time.'' I said.
''Are you going to look for her? If I had the chance to find Robyn, I will take it in a heartbeat.'' Valerie said.
''I been looking for her on my own but found nothing. My friend is a hacker thought to ask him for help.'' I said.
''Are you going to come out to your parents? I think you should before you find your true love again. Don't let fear control your life.'' Valerie said.
''I have been scared all my life of coming out. When I try to say something I would back out and act like the way they want me to. I'm scared of how they will react when I tell them.'' I said.
''I understand, child. I'm not telling you what to do or force to do something, but at the end of the day, you have to make a choice and only you. Whatever happens, I will be here for you.'' Valerie said.
''Can we talk about something else?'' I said.
''Sure. Any siblings?'' Valerie said.
''I'm an only child. I lived in Rosewood, all my life. I used to live in New York then I moved back here and I started working here.'' I said.
''When I was growing up, I always wished to be an only child. Growing up with many siblings, was not easy at all. I got my most of my clothes from my older sisters when it didn't fit them anymore. And I had to share my room and I hardly got any privacy when I had friends come over. I do miss them so much, but they made their choice to disown me and I'm going to live my life the way want to.'' Valerie said.
''I always asked my parents for siblings, but never happened,'' I said.
''How about we watch a movie?'' Valerie said.
''Sure,'' I said.
''In my closet, I only have old VHS tapes,'' Valerie said.
I walk towards the closet and I start to look the VHS tapes, there are movies I never heard of.
''What kind of movie is this?'' I said.
I show her the movie and it's called Elvira: Mistress of the Dark.
''It's a horror comedy movie, you might like it. She is funny.'' Valerie said.
''Alright,'' I said.
I put in the tape and we start to watch the movie together.
I'm home and I'm lying on my bed, I keep thinking what Valerie said, about coming out. I just think about everything else. I have dated other girls but I stopped because I didn't want to drag them into my issues of why I'm not out. It feels like I know the answer but I'm unsure of what's my next step.
''Want to talk about what's on your mind?'' Caleb asked.
I look at him and he is standing by my door, I make space for him on the bed. He lies down next to me and we just look up at the ceiling.
''Been thinking of coming out to my parents but I'm scared,'' I said.
''Well, you are not alone. If you want I can go with you and you shouldn't feel alone. I do wish I knew the answers to tell you, but being human is we have to find out for our own what will happen next. Maybe your parents will be mad because they will feel they fail as parents and it will take for them to understand.'' Caleb said.
''I want to come out because it's important to me. And I'm not doing it for anyone else.'' I said.
''You know the answer. But you are scared of what will happen next.'' Caleb said.
''Yes. When I'm ready to come out, will you come with me?'' I turn my head and look at him.
''Of course, I will go with you.'' He looked me.
''Can you do me a favor?'' I asked.
''Depends on what it is,'' Caleb said.
''Can you find Paige McCullers and Robyn DeMelo?'' I said.
''I can do it. But who is Robyn?'' Caleb said.
''I don't know her, but I'm helping someone to find her soul mate. She doesn't know about it but I want to surprise her.'' I said.
''I get it. Give me some time and I will do what I can.'' Caleb said.
''Thanks,'' I said.
''Don't mention it.'' Caleb said and we smiled.
Paige's POV
I'm at work and I teach music to kids and I do love my job. I work at an elementary school and I been working here about two years now. Now I'm in my classroom, cleaning up and setting up the instruments. I'm on my lunch break and I go online trying to Emily, but her name is not uncommon because too many people have the same name. I start to think of how I can find her, I did try to find my best friend Ralph but I had no luck either. I was so stubborn that I wanted to be alone because I felt hurt by Emily having a boyfriend. I just started to ignore everyone and I wanted to get away. So I just dropped out of college, traveled to Texas for a bit then I went back to college but in Canada. I wanted to get away from everyone because I held a grudge against Emily. Time went by, I let go of the grudge and I moved on from the situation and I still have feelings for Emily. I'm having doubts about trying to finding her because I don't know if she is dating someone or if she is married.
I get a phone call and it's Spencer.
''Good news, Kenzie made the team,'' Spencer said cheerfully.
''Wow, that's great news,'' I said with a big smile on my face.
''Later, we should go buy hockey equipment and I will pick you up,'' Spencer said.
''That sounds great,'' I said.
''So any luck, finding your ex?'' Spencer said.
''Not really. Her name is not uncommon and I don't know where else to look. Plus, I don't know if she wants to see me or not.'' I said.
''Well, if you are going to keep doubting yourself then stop looking for her. Plus, you won't know if you don't find her, I think she will be happy to see you.'' Spencer said.
''I do miss her,'' I said.
''Find her. Don't forget you have to come with me to my work party and I'm not going alone.'' Spencer said.
''Do I have to go? It's really boring.'' I said.
''Yes, you are going last time I went alone because you lied about being sick,'' Spencer said and I laughed.
''Alright, I will go with you,'' I said.
''Good,'' Spencer said and we hang up.
My lunch break is over and the kids start to come in. The kids pick the instruments they want to learn to play. In each group, I teach them the basics how to play the instruments.
After work, Spencer picked me up and we go to the store to buy hockey equipment.
''Jeremy and Dominique are with Hanna. Kenzie, show her your jersey.'' Spencer said.
Kenzie has the biggest smile on her face and she showed me the jersey. Her number is twenty-five, the logo is werewolf holding a hockey stick and wearing hockey uniform. The color jersey is black and blue.
''What position you will play?'' I asked.
''I will play left defense. Coach Donnie said I was really fast.'' Kenzie said.
''I'm so happy for you,'' I said.
We arrived at the store we walk around looking for the hockey equipment she will need. First, we went to look at the hockey sticks and one by one, she tried to find the best one for her. Then we went to look at the ice skating shoes and other equipment.
We arrived home and Kenzie is really happy that she will be on a hockey team. I'm getting ready to go with Spencer to the party. Dominique is helping me pick what kind of earrings and necklace to wear.
''Are you ready for the party tomorrow?'' I asked.
''Yeah and mom helped pick out what to wear. I got a present for her.'' Dominique said.
''What is it?'' I asked.
''Its big bag of science and Olaf toy,'' Dominique said.
''That's great. I bet she will love it.'' I said.
Spencer walked into the room.
''Ready?'' Spencer said.
''Almost. Dominique was helping me pick out the jewelry what I should wear.'' I said.
''That's nice. Here, you should open this.'' Spencer said.
She gave me a yellow envelope and I start to open it.
''It's Emily's current information for example where she lives and her telephone number. A friend owes me a favor so I asked him to find any current info on Emily.'' Spencer said.
I just hugged her and she hugged me back and I couldn't stop smiling. We break from the hug and Spencer is smiling at me.
''Thank you. This means a lot to me of you helping me.'' I said.
''You don't have to thank me. Since we met you always been there for me and the kids, I do want to see you happy.'' Spencer said.
''You deserve happiness too,'' I said and we smile at each other then we kissed.
Flashback-
Year: 2011, summer
Paige and Emily finally arrived in Texas and Emily is really nervous meeting Paige's family. After getting their luggage, Paige sees her mom waiting for them. Paige couldn't help but run to her mother and give her a big hug.
''I missed you so much.'' She said.
''I missed you too, mom. Emily this is my mother Karen and mom this is Emily.'' Paige said with a big smile on her face.
''Nice to meet you, Mrs. McCullers,'' Emily said shyly.
''Call me, Karen. I'm just happy I finally get to meet you. Well, let's get out of here and everyone is waiting for you back home.'' Karen said.
They all get in the minivan. Emily starts to see that Paige actually lived in a small town like she has seen in those movies. Now, Emily started to see farms and animals and she never been on a farm.
''You live on a farm?'' Emily asked.
''Yes. We do have couple animals, which we have to take care of every day. Have you been on a farm?'' Karen said.
''No I have never been on a farm. So, this is a first time for me and I never been around farm animals.'' Emily said.
The drive is over and they finally reached the house. Emily sees the barn and animals, a chicken ran passed by Emily and she got scared.
''The chicken won't hurt you,'' Paige said laughing.
''Shut up,'' Emily said.
They go inside and Emily finally got to see Paige's bedroom. Paige had couple posters on the wall, queen size bed, video games, some books and pictures on the wall.
''Nice room. And the bed is really comfortable.'' Emily said and she is lying down on Paige's bed.
''Are you okay with them knowing that we dating? Because my family will ask what's our relationship.'' Paige said.
''You can tell them,'' Emily said.
''Are you sure?'' Paige said.
''Yes,'' Emily said. She pulled Paige into a kiss.
''Gross. Seriously close the door.''
They pull away from each other and its Paige younger brother Joel and he is sixteen years old. Paige introduce him to Emily,
''What do you want?'' Paige said.
''Everyone is downstairs. So hurry up loser.'' Joel said.
''You are the loser,'' Paige said.
''He is your brother?'' Emily asked.
Joel and Paige look at each other than look at Emily. Joel is Jamaican and he has a strong accent.
''I had no idea that Paige is white, my whole life has been a lie!'' Joel acting dramatic and Paige starts to laugh.
Emily rolled her eyes at them. ''By blood, we are not related at all. My parents take in foster kids and they all know that they are we are they foster family. But we just say we are related because it's better that people stay out of our business.'' Paige said.
''Wow, your parents are really something,'' Emily said.
''They are not perfect. There were times they wanted to get divorced and move on but they worked it out.'' Paige said.
The three of them go downstairs, Emily got to meet Paige's other foster siblings. In total Paige has four sisters and six brothers. Everyone to know Emily and they are okay that Emily is dating Paige.
''Emily, this is my dad Nick,'' Paige said.
''Hi, Mr. McCullers,'' Emily said.
''Call me Nick. We are just happy that Paige is back home and we are meeting you.'' Nick said.
''I'm happy that I am here to meet everyone,'' Emily said.
''I hope you are hungry because I will start to grill the food right now. So, everyone will be outside.'' Nick said.
''Yeah, I'm starving,'' Emily said.
Everyone goes outside while Nick and Karen grilling the food, their kids are playing soccer. Paige's siblings are getting along with Emily, and she sees how close Paige is with them.
''So, they will stay here forever?'' Emily said.
''Yeah, if they want to. My parents have been taken in foster kids before I was born. Some have got adopted and they will live with their new family.'' Paige said.
''Where are they now?'' Emily asked.
''Some moved away and started their own lives. They do visit when they have the chance because they have a bond with my parents. When I was two years old, they started to take in foster kids again. We used to live in a small house but my parents found this house because it had extra rooms and bathrooms and so much space.'' Paige said.
''What's Joel's story?'' Emily asked.
''His mom died of a heart attack and his dad became abusive after she died. When we first met we didn't like each other, but when time went on we started to get along.'' Paige said.
Someone threw a water balloon at Paige and Emily started to laugh.
''I'm going to get you, Sophia!'' Paige yelled and Emily is still laughing.
''Yeah right, slowpoke,'' Sophia said and she sticks out her tongue at Paige.
Sophia ran away to get more water balloons.
''She is so cute,'' Emily said.
''She does know how to annoy me,'' Paige said.
''What's her story?'' Emily said.
''Her parents were from Brazil, they came to America for a better life. Well, her parents died from an overdose when she was three years old. Now she is nine years old.'' Paige said.
''Oh. How about the girl that Sophia is talking too.'' Emily said.
''Her name is Abigail and she is eleven is years old. Her parents were abusive to her, they will spend a long time in jail. When she first came to live with us, she was really shy and eventually, she started to open up. Now help me, get water balloons.'' Paige said.
''Paige, they are just kids,'' Emily said.
''Alright, when they attack you don't come crying to me,'' Paige said smiling and walked away.
Emily started to see Paige and her siblings throw water balloons at each other. Joel and Matt sneaked up on Emily and pour cold water on her. They high five each other and ran away from Emily.
''I told you!'' Paige yelled.
''Oh this means war!'' Emily yelled.
''Yeah sure, old lady,'' Matt said and giggling.
Matt is six years old and he likes to follow Joel around and play pranks on other people.
Emily joined Paige and they started to throw water balloons at them. By mistake Emily threw a water balloon at Nick, everyone stopped and their eyes opened wide.
''Oh my god, I am so sorry. I wanted to hit Joel but he ran to fast and I'm really sorry.'' Emily started to ramble on.
''You should run because I have good aim and I never miss,'' Nick said.
''Emily, he is right and he used to play baseball in college,'' Karen said.
Paige started to water balloons at Nick to give time for Emily to run. Emily started to run but Nick started to throw water balloons at everyone. Everyone is soaked and they can't stop laughing.
