Shadedgrey15/pllpailyaddict/Guest/Sheirome…thank you for the amazing comments

Bonnie/vic…McCullers is a badass! She just needs some time to realize it : )

Elena/Tombraider/Bay…wait for it ;)

Kristen…I absolutely love your comment. I completely understand and share that "feeling" because I felt it when writing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters

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Throwing her black Vault NorthFace book bag over her shoulders, Paige jogged down the 116 street train station staircase as she heard the 1 train approaching the station. Halfway down the stairs, Paige was met with all the other straphangers getting off the train as they began walking towards her to exit the station. Pushing her way through the commuters; Paige finally broke free, but unfortunately was only able to run into the closing doors. Leaning against the door hoping it would open again, Paige watched as the train left the station sending a series of curse words through her head. Frustrated as any other New Yorker would be in that situation, Paige combed back her wet hair with her left hand to control her anger before heading to the front of the train platform.

Sitting down in one of the wooden benches, Paige let out a heavy sigh before taking off her bag back to brace back. Columbia University had one of the best Lacrosse Fields she knew in NYC. With Paige's dad as an alumnus, she was free to use it anytime she felt fit. It became a ritual for Paige to practice there from 5pm to 9pm after school on Tuesdays since she was a freshman in high school.

Within seconds of the previous train leaving the station, pedestrians began filling the subway's platform yet again. Closing her eyes to get away from the cluster of people around her, Paige increased the volume of her iPod as she listened to 'Rough Landing, Holly'; giving her ability to finally relax. Completely zoning out after a few minutes, Paige was suddenly awaken by a mere jab to her right as the overly large weighted woman tried sitting down. Clearing her throat, Paige lightly rubbed her right eyebrow before looking up to take a quick glance at the train schedule for the next approaching train; noting another downtown 1 train should be approaching within 2 minutes. As she stood up, Paige began throwing her book bag over her shoulders as she watched the burly woman begin to get more comfortable before her. Walking to the far end of the platform, Paige placed her hands in her hoodie pockets before she glanced across the platform to see a scene that would make her blood sore.

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Smiling uncontrollably, Emily swung her arms around her girlfriend's neck as she gave Bess a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

Grabbing Emily's waist, Bess looked into the brunette's warm brown eyes before giving her a quick kiss on her forehead. "For?"

"Just being you." Emily responded as she kept the girl's gaze. "I know it's probably hard on your end…not getting…what you want" she managed to whisper out.

"Hey, it's okay. I understand." Bess replied. "I'm sorry for keep pushing it".

"And that is why I like you so much." Emily said as she gave Bess a quick kiss on the lips.

Licking her bottom to savior the taste of the brunette, Bess couldn't help the large grin that crawled on her lips. "Good, because I like you so much too. So you ready?"

"I can't wait. You always seem to give the best surprises." Emily whispered.

"You're going to love it." Bess whispered back as she gave Emily another quick kiss.

"I have no doubt." Emily replied.

The moment Emily opened her eyes this morning; she couldn't wait to see her girlfriend to officially celebrate the ending of their ruthless college application process. Emily knew it had been brutal for both of them since they weren't only dealing with the intensive requests from each individual school, but also had to make sure they weren't lacking in their current studies or on their respective teams. Thinking the demanding schedule was the reason for Bess's recent behavior, Emily hoped tonight would go back to normal for the couple.

With the sound of the oncoming train approaching, Emily was steered to peek over to see which direction it was coming from. Realizing it was the opposite platform, Emily instinctively looked in front of her only to be met with the same large chocolate eyes that always seem to find her in the wrong settings. Halting in her steps, Emily felt as though she was caught doing something she shouldn't be.

Emily's wanly expression immediately brought Paige out of her reverie just as the 1 train stopped in front of her. Stepping onto the train, Paige made sure her back was faced toward the happy couple, hoping she didn't need to face the pair again. Paige could feel the pounding of her heart resonate through her ears. Feeling the heat of perspiration on her cheeks, Paige found herself slumping near the train doors. She should be happy her best friend. For the last few weeks, Paige knew something was off about Bess and only hoped Emily was able to comfort her; it looked like she did.

Emily couldn't remove her eyes from the train that was in front of her. Trying to find the woman that recently began sending shivers down her spine with a single glance, Emily just felt the need to apologize. Apologize for what exactly? She wasn't certain. Paige was absolutely despicable. A month ago Emily would have sworn the girl would have been making cat calls from across the platform once she saw her best friend in an intimate position, but now Emily saw a completely different person. It's as though she did even know her. They had one decent conversation a few weeks back and that was about it. It was more than just a civil conversation though. Emily knew there was something different about the conversation, maybe because it was personal for the both of them. But then, there was the house party 2 weeks ago where Paige came out of nowhere and helped her yet again.

Paige's personality was driving her crazy. Noticing Paige was avoiding her since their awkward run-in at school, Emily didn't know what she did wrong. The auburn girl didn't even care to make her normal bickering comments at her. Emily constantly spotted the girl glance over at her when they were by the lockers, or randomly in a reflection but never actually said anything. It wasn't as though the girl was a lurker, Emily had to admit she enjoyed the sensation she felt when Paige watched her. It was naïve to think if Paige actually liked her. One minute she would be overly protective of her from a reason she could only feel. And the next she wouldn't even look at her in the eyes. But there was something about Paige that Emily couldn't put her finger on. There was something she seemed scared about. What Emily didn't understand was why Paige acted so different around her compared to the other girls in school; she was just another girl.

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Finding a folded 8 by 11 yellow notepad paper braced against a small clear plastic container that currently held a large pineapple coconut muffin on the top shelf as the auburn girl opened her locker, had Paige beyond confused of who broke into her locker. Unfolding the paper, Paige hoped the note would clarify who the culprit was.

Hey Sexy-

I hope you enjoy this present. I know how much you LOVE pineapple coconut muffins! Don't eat it all at once now. Have to savior the taste ;)

Anyway, I needed a way to ask you a question that has been on my mind for a while now and didn't know how. So here it goes. I wanted to take the initiative and ask you, Paige McCullers, if you will be my Batman to our Halloween dance?

With Love,

Your Secret Admirer

Thank you for always being there for me! I really appreciate it even though it may not seem like it all the time…

Have you figured who I am yet? (Turnover to Reveal Answer)

Opening the folded paper Paige then read:

HAHA! MADE YOU LOOK! Meet me by the quad table at lunch if it's a yes : )

Taking the plastic container out of her locker, Paige couldn't help but smile at the gesture. As she closed her locker door, Paige soon felt someone snatch the gift away from before her was able to grab it back.

"Hey! Stop messing around. Give that back" Paige sternly stated as she tried to grab the container back.

"Well well well, what do we have here?" Kayla asked smugly. Slowly opening the plastic container, Kayla was confused at what she saw. "A muffin? Do you know the muffin man?" she jokingly asked over Paige's shoulder.

From behind, Paige managed to distinguish who the second person was once she heard them ask, "The muffin man?"

"The muffin man!" Kayla exclaimed just as Paige caught Emily gazing at her as the brunette approached the humorous scene.

"The muffin man that lives in Drury Lane?" Bess continued as she grabbed the container from Kayla.

The sudden motion snapped Paige out of her trance. "I sometimes wonder what the hell your moms did to you as kids. Just give it back to me" she stated as she snatched back the container.

"Sorry, geez. I didn't realize you were so sentimental about your muffins" Kayla said as a smirk formed across her lips at the double meaning.

Bess couldn't help but smile as well. Slowly snaking her arms around Emily's waist, she asked, "seriously, what's with the muffin?"

Having to build enough courage to stare Bess in the eyes without risking a glance at Emily, Paige forced herself to answer the question, "I can't just buy a muffin?"

"You can buy whatever you want to buy. But we just never seen you buy a muffin" Bess quickly answered.

Avoiding any eye contact, Paige straightened out the strap of her backup; holding it as though it created a force field for her against the world. She didn't know why she was acting flustered, but felt as though she needed to defend herself. "I don't understand why everyone's so concern about a muffin. It's a pineapple coconut muffin –"

"From Toasties near Sutton Place." a familiar voice chimed in from behind the group. "Not quite Drury Lane" Hallie stated. "They make the best pineapple coconut muffins. I never knew the effect it could have on P until we went there one day" she continued.

"I didn't know the effects it could have on me either" Paige smiled with her signature smirk, gradually gaining back her composure.

Emily saw the effect Hallie instantly had on Paige and began feeling a sensation of sickness in her stomach again. She watched as her one of her closest friends was became engulfed by the McCullers charm right before her and couldn't do anything to stop it. "Let me try a piece" she heard her girlfriend ask from behind her.

"No, go get your own" Paige playfully replied. "This one was a gift".

"Whoa whoa whoa…a gift? From who?" Kayla asked as she opened her locker to put her books away.

"A secret admirer" Paige simply replied without breaking eye contact from her girlfriend.

"Man dude, I don't understand why the girls over here are always leaving you gifts" Bess laughed out. "You have one hell of a way with the ladies"

Walking closer to Hallie, Paige simply responded to the statement made against her. "Well this secret admirer asked me to be her Batman to the Halloween Dance. I'm conflicted of what to do." Snaking her arms around Hallie from behind, Paige saw Emily watching her; holding onto the brunette's current gaze she continued. She didn't know what she was feeling at the moment, but she wasn't oblivious to the sudden tension that suddenly surrounded both girls. "Here I have this gorgeous girlfriend of mine…but then there's this pineapple coconut muffin admirer. I don't know who to choose. If only they were one in the same. But this admirer can be equally as gorgeous. She could be the captain of some sport...or this hot nerd of some type" Paige stated as she cocked an eyebrow at Emily.

Feeling Hallie suddenly hit her arm, Paige broke her gaze from the tanned girl to turn toward her girlfriend in order to face her. "Hey. I would recognize your handwriting even if that note was covered in mud…and I don't want you to be a secret. I love the fact that you can still surprise me and make me smile even when you're not around. You never had to ask. I would be more than honored to be your Batman" she smiled, giving her girlfriend a kiss.

The second Hallie playfully punched Paige's arm, Emily watched every movement Paige made as though it was happening in slow motion. The way the auburn arms rested upon Hallie's hips, the way her fingers were slightly sprawled out so each one could have their own trace of the red-head's warmth, the way the bright brown eyed girl managed to gently caress her thumbs on the girl's hips, to the type of grin she managed to have the instant Hallie managed to smile. Once Emily saw Paige lean in, she couldn't watch them anymore; convincing herself she was intruding on the couple. Clearing her throat lightly, Emily turned around to face her own girlfriend as she tried to hide the emotions dancing across her own surface. Emily gave Bess a small smile before pulling her into a hug; trying to squeeze away the growing feeling of wariness she had in her stomach yet again.

XXXXXXX

Opening the right side of one of the large wooden oak doors, Paige was more than elated to be home; especially with the demanding day she's had. Despite spending the rest of the afternoon with Hallie, Paige still couldn't get the image of Emily and Bess in the train station from the night before out of her head. It was frustrating how much the girl had an effect on her; every time she closed her eyes, every kiss she gave, every laugh she had somehow made her think of the brunette. Paige didn't understand how it was possible she was able hide her feelings for 3 years but simply after one night, everything could come back crashing twice as hard. Given her girlfriend couldn't help keep her feelings for the tanned girl at bay, Paige decided she needed to let out some steam to clear her head. Lacrosse always helped her get her mind off the brunette; unfortunately having a similar effect on time.

Letting out a heavy sigh of relief as she closed the door behind her, Paige immediately entered upon the foyer of the house placing her keys on the table right by the spiral staircase on her left. As she began unzipping her jacket, Paige groaned in exhaustion as she heard her mother's voice.

"Paige, where have you been? Do you know how late it is?" the small petite woman asked as she descended down the stairs. "You couldn't pick up the phone to call us?"

"I went to the gym." Paige simply answered as she placed her jacket in the coat closet. "I didn't realize how late it was."

Crossing her arms, Paige's mother thought otherwise. "It's Wednesday. When did you start going to the gym on a Wednesday?"

"I'm sorry, did you have to sign my permission slip?" Paige coldly quipped realizing the mistake she made.

"Cut the sarcasm, Paige." Immediately standing up straight, Paige flinched as she heard the domineering voice towards her left. Closing her eyes in frustration, she took in a deep breath as she continued to hear her father speak. "Where were you? This is the 4th night in a row where you've missed dinner."

Glancing over to her mother for a moment, Paige turned to face her father. Clenching her fists to control her anger knowing an argument was about to begin. "I just went to the gym."

"The gym? You prefer to worry about that God damn team of yours then this family?" Her father sternly asked.

"Dad, you told me yourself to focus on my strengths. I've never missed on Shabbat because of it. I know the importance of our family and culture. I won't disrespect–" Paige began before her father cut her off.

"And not letting us know Kyle and that girl attended the charity event last Saturday isn't disrespectful?" Her father stated walking closer to face his youngest child.

Tightening her jaw, Paige lightly cleared her throat finally realizing the motive for the current argument. After spending years listening to her parents harass her over her brother, Paige knew better than to interrupt or fuel the argument. With the experience of enduring her father's previous lectures, Paige mentally prepared herself knowing her own faults would soon be used against her.

"You don't think we hear what people say about you guys? The disgrace Kyle has shown on this family? The attitude you have in class? The demeanor in which you treat women? Think you're tough huh? Love that attention don't you?" Mr. McCullers harshly asked as he continued walking closer to his daughter. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Paige did as she was told. Looking up into the dark brown fiery eyes that were full of rage, Paige didn't dare show weakness but easily felt the anger protruding from the man crawl through her skin. Her father was an intimidating and proud man. If he saw any sign of being insolent he would easily put you in your place. But when it came to protecting Kyle, no matter what Paige did, she knew she would have to face not only Kyle's fight but her own as well. Anytime Paige helped her brother, her own qualities were put out for display as well. "You might be some high school Lacrosse team captain but you're just another naïve girl here. The only thing I am proud about when it comes to this family is you dating that Jewish girl and God only help you if you decide to bring home another kind."

"I don't understand why you hate everything I do. I'm still top of my class. I'm captain of the Lacrosse Team. And so far every college has accepted me that I applied for." Paige stated coolly.

"Do you think I care about your team? Do you think I care about your grades? Or what college you go to? All I want for you two is to live up to the McCullers name. I'm seen as an important figure in our community. How do you think it looks when my own children can't even show respect for this community? If my own children can't even show me respect, how is anyone else supposed too? As long as you take care of this community we will take care of you. We will provide you with a future." Walking towards the window, the broad man pointed to it as he continued his outburst. "That! That out there is just high school. That means nothing. Let's take a look at your character. You're selfish and self-centered. All you ever do is think about yourself, putting everything else second."

Paige began walking away once she started hearing her list of negative qualities. Glancing over at her petite mother, Paige knew the woman wouldn't defend her. Her parents shared the same opinion when it came to qualities of their children. Swiftly passing the middle-aged woman on the staircase, Paige heard her father scream out "What? You don't like hearing the truth?"

"I just wish people outside this house hear how you speak to your children." Paige painfully responded without making eye contact. "I've worked as hard as anyone in this house to get me where I am. I can build an amazing future with everything I've become out there" she continued as she pointed to the same window her father just did. "I've done everything you've asked. I went to Yeshiva and public school, I went to all the charity events we've had, I've attended all our religious occasions-"

"Oh, yes, that's all for me! That's not for you, that's all for me! Because that's only my God" Mr. McCullers harshly responded as he interrupted Paige's rant.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Paige tried holding back the tears that formed in her eyes. "I don't understand why you hate your children so much"

"My children? My children. My name is attached to you both. Everything you do comes back to me. You've become a burden on me when I'm out there. Do you think I can peacefully walk anywhere without constantly being reminded about the embarrassment my children bring to the community. I refuse to let you tarnish my name." Her father bellowed out.

"Your name, dad?" Paige asked as she turned around to look down at her father. "I haven't done anything to tarnish your name. How about you defend us? We're kids! We're still learning who we are when we're out there. I'm impulsive, what is the big deal? It's a trait that could be used in the real world"

"Defend you? You think I want to defend you? You don't think! You fight people –" Her father yelled.

"It was one fight." Paige snapped.

"Against your own people." Her father retorted back. "What kind of quality is that to have out in our community? Do you know the looks I still get from the Tovah's?"

Angry at how incompetent her father sounded, Paige finally took off the mask she was wearing. "They made the most obnoxious comments towards our friends! You bet I would fight them! And I'd do it again!"

Shocked at the tone his daughter just spoke to him in, he just stood there angrily before speaking again. "And you wonder why you both are such a disappointment in my eyes." Her father coldly responded. "You and Kyle walk around as though you don't have a care in the world. You go to our volunteer centers, our supermarkets, our banks and everything else with that girl. And I have to hear about it everyday. Everyday. 'Do you know your children were here today?' 'Do you know Paige was flirting with the bakery cashier?' 'Do you know Kyle was all over his girlfriend in the soda aisle?' Every God damn day!" the grey haired man shouted. "You two are such a nuisance in our community. All you two do is add entertainment; give them something to talk about. I regret everyday sending you to public school. Maybe it was my own fault. You don't know how good you got it. The fact that you can just stroll in this house whenever you want? You think other families allow that type of behavior? I should have pulled you out of Midwood when you were caught trying to steal answers to a test. How pathetic are you?"

"I'm going to go get cleaned up." Paige calmly replied as she retreated up the stairs. Ever since her brother left for college, Paige had to learn to take the verbal hit from her father.

After 2 years of verbally getting abuse, Paige taught herself how to separate herself from the arguments. Her parents weren't horrible people; they only wanted their children to live the lives they had. Moving to New York when they were married, Mr. and Mrs. McCullers wanted their family to have the best of both lives without taking into the consideration the countless number of other cultures surrounding them. Hoping their community was strong enough to keep their children inline, both were greatly mistaken once both kids hit puberty.

Taking in a deep breath, the only thing keeping Paige from lashing out at that point was the simple fact that she would be moving away for college. All she wanted to do was lock her room door and hide under a pillow fort, hoping today would just end.

"You do that." Her father responded as he watched his daughter walk up the stairs.