The paragraph in italics is a flashback.

Chapter III

"Hey, P. Want to hang out a little?"

"Of course."

"Good. I am in front of your house, so hurry up."

You do as she says. You haven't seen her in a few days, both too busy with work and her with family, too, so you're happy to see her. You leave your apartment and exit your condo. You smile when you see her and you hug her.

"You've been a stranger, P."

She's right, you have. For the past few days you've been going on like a machine. You got up, you went to work, you didn't talk to anyone unless it was necessary. Then you went running or swimming until you were certain you would be so exhausted that you were going to fall asleep very quickly. For a few days, that was your routine. It helped you not to think about her or, at least, not so much. Want it or not, more or less, she's always on your mind, the thoughts of her choking you, drowning you.

"You know work is getting always more demanding. We're on the final stages of the project and then we'll move on the next one."

"Yeah... That's what I want to talk about."

You look at her curiously, but she only shakes her head and points at the café near the corner of the road. You lead the way and, after entering, you go ordering the coffees. Maybe it's time to tell her, you've kept the fact for yourself long enough, you've avoided the topic for too long.

"I have to tell you something, too.", you say while you hand the cup to her.

She nods and lets you start first. You take a deep breath.

"Remember that day at the shop? I saw Emi... Her."

You flinch. Even now you can't say her name, it still hurts. You look at Pru, she's looking at you intensely.

"Is this why you've been distant lately?", you nod, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"At first, I wanted to keep it for yourself. But then, it was getting harder day by day. I didn't know how to tell you."

"You should know it doesn't matter how you tell me something, it only matters that you do it."

She seems disappointed, so you look down, ashamed.

"Are you mad?"

"What? No. I mean, yes. At myself.", you look at her confused, "I knew something was wrong, but I thought it would be good to give you some space, but I made a mistake."

You look at her surprised, you knew she has noticed but you didn't think she would feel guilty about not saying anything. You are grateful, you tell her that, she didn't push you to talk. You wouldn't handled it.

"And there's more... She's moved here. Hanna told me a few days ago."

"Oh... So you already know."

"Wait, you knew?"

Shaking her head, she says "I found out this morning. Guess who is the new Biology teacher?"

"Guess who is the new Biology teacher?", she ask with a happy smile on her lips while she sits on your lap.

You smile, you were so sure she would get the job, she's amazing.

"What will you give me if I guess right?"

"A kiss", you pout, "Okay, okay, billions of kisses", she says laughing and leaning to kiss you, waiting for your answer, which will be correct.

"Well, I'd say you. Is my guess correct, miss?"

She playfully slaps you and kisses you. You both smile into the kiss.

"I'm so proud, you know? We should celebrate."

"We can do that later. I want to give you all of those billions I've promised you. Right now."

"But..."

"Right now, Paige."

"Paige!"

You jump on your chair. What the heck?

"What?"

"I've lost you for a few second. Where did you go?"

"Remembering... I was just remembering something."

You shake your head, thinking you'll shake this memory off your head this way. She looks at you apprehensively, understanding.

"And do you remember what your next project will be?"

Shit, you forgot. You face palm yourself. The Science Lab. Your next project is the Science Lab at Pru's highschool, now Emily's, too. Fuck. Your plan to avoid her until the wedding won't work.

"Paige..."

You shake your head, "I can't escape from her."

"You shouldn't. You're strong. But if you think you can't do it... You can drop the project, you don't have to do it. The school can find someone else."

"No, I won't. It's my job, I'll be professional. You don't need to worry, okay?"

She nods, but you notice she's still doubtful so you raise an eyebrow to which she responds with a more convinced nod. You're growing tired of people treating you like this fragile thing.

"Good.", you say checking your watch, "I have to go. Caleb will be at mine in a couple of hours."

You accompany her to her car and you hug each other.

"Dinner at mine tomorrow? Elaine misses her auntie."

You laugh and nod, "Sure, say hello to the little one. I miss her, too."

Pru gets in the car and waves at you. She starts the engine, but then she stops.

"You still love her, don't you?

"That's mine!"

"What? No. You ate more than I did."

"Yours were bigger."

You've grabbed the last slice of pizza at the same time and now you're arguing like children. That slice is yours, you'll take it. And you do when Caleb gets distracted by his phone. You slip the slice from his hold and, with only a few bites, you eat it all.

"Told you it was mine.", you smirk, "Tell Hanna I said hi and a thank you, that was so good!"

"You're such a bitch."

"And yet, you love me."

"That I do, my friend."

You both laugh and he throws you a crust of pizza. You mock surprise and pretend to be offended. Suddenly an idea comes to your mind, you are on a competing mode.

"You want war? That's what you'll have, then."

You quickly grab a pillow and you hit his head.

"Headshot!"

You begin your little battle and laugh so hard. You haven't laughed so much in a very long time. That's why you love hanging out with Caleb. You both surrender at the same time.

"Truce?"

"Truce. Care to see who is the better shooter here?", he asks, pointing to your console with his head.

"You just got yourself in troubles, Rivers."

Author's note: So sorry for the delay!

Here it is some angst and some happy times from the past and the present, I really like the contrast, but I'm talking about something that's mine so that doesnt'really matter, right? I really hope you liked the chapter and leave a review, I really want to know what you think. I am a little worried, because I don't know what you think of the last chapter so I hope you'll tell me something.

I'll update within next Friday, if I can I'll update a little sooner. Promised.

So what's next? Paige and Emily seeing each other again? Or the wedding? Who knows? You can try to tell me.

See you later,

Meek.