Lost in Progression Preview

"Hey, sorry it took so long," Alison's voice snapped Emily out of her memories. "They were out of your favorite so I just ordered us both the same thing." She sat down across from Emily with a shrug.

"And..." She dragged the word out while placing the food in front of the brunette's face, "...instead of donuts, I thought you might like an apple fritter." Alison smiled widely. It was a genuine smile, Emily thought to herself; something she rarely saw for years before this whole thing began. "I know how much you love apple desserts so I figured you'd like it for a change."

"Thanks, it smells great." Emily smiled, resisting the urge to reach over and kiss her girlfriend on the cheek or hold her hand across the table. They sat in a comfortable silence for a while until Alison finally spoke again.

"How's work?" She inquired through a bite of the pastry.

Emily's eyes lit up at the question, "I completely forgot to tell you this...but I may be in town more often than I already am." She softly smiled when Alison gave her an impressed look.

"I've gotten two calls from people around here wanting me to help them train in boxing and swimming." Emily loved her job, that's for sure. Many people complain about their professions, but there's just something about helping people get fit that made Emily happy to get out of bed every morning – okay, maybe she wouldn't go that far.

During her college years, she had ended up switching majors after her father passed away. His death had taken an exhausting toll on her, causing her to lose interest in most things, including her much desired swimming career, and leading her to be a personal trainer to help others instead of solely herself. Her mom tried to bring up the conversation regarding her dream to become a big swimmer but time after time, Emily would only explain that she's too drained or she's lost interest. Eventually, her mom finally had given up trying to explain that swimming could possibly help her heartache and accepted the fact that stress can change people's life wishes. And it worked out great in the end – becoming a personal trainer – because Emily feels happier than she had in a while. When she isn't training someone, she'll find herself at the gym, regardless, sweating out whatever had been weighing heavy on her that day. Most of the times, she would push herself to her limits, imagining how proud her dad would be if he was here. For him, she'd think as she learned self-defense amongst other things. Before re-evaluating her choices and getting a start on her career, many times she would try to escape the world with alcohol. It was never terrible, no, but she was fully aware that it would become worse if she didn't escape its hold quickly. When she bought a bottle of whiskey on a sunny Tuesday morning, throwing the cap away and never thinking twice, that's when Emily finally came to her senses and decided to help herself before she needed someone else's. A loved one's death is not something an individual – or even a family – gets over in one night, she told herself as she paced her apartment, throwing away her stashed bottles. She figured that schoolwork would work as her safest outlet although the most difficult task, but she carried on one day at a time. The only two people who knew of this rough patch were Hanna and Alison, and she didn't dare bring it up with her mother or anyone else.

"That's great, Em! When do you start?" Alison happily questioned as she continued nibbling on her food.

"I haven't set up an appointment with either one yet, but I'm hoping to soon."

Alison picked up her drink and smiled. "Does that mean we can see each other more often?" She inquired over the rim of her coffee cup.

"Well, I'll see if I can pencil you into my schedule..." Emily smirked as she watched Alison's smile quickly turn into an unamused expression. The brunette chuckled slightly before replying more seriously.

"I think so." She finished with a smile.

The bell above the door chimed, catching Emily's attention as a tall man walked in. He looks familiar, she thought to herself; she couldn't exactly put a name to the face. The mystery man turned around and locked eyes with Emily, sending shivers down her spine. Is that –? It couldn't be. No, there's no way it's him. Fuck.

Author's Note:
Andddd there's that! We want to say thanks to everyone who's reviewed, followed, and favorited A Very Heated Winter, you guys are the absolute best. Without you, we would've just left this story as it is, instead, we've decided to continue this into a multi-chap. Now for all of the ones waiting for the new story to come out, we haven't set an exact date for that yet, BUT, we will have Chapter 1 posted sometime in February (hopefully around the first or second week). So guys, be ready and look for "Lost in Progression", since it won't be continued on this story. Also, if you have any questions, look us up on Tumblr at Delacruz01 and Brightfuture-darkpast hope to hear from you guys!