Emily POV:
I stand behind the counter, watching the clock on the wall tick away almost hoping it sends me into a hypnotic state. Not one customer has appeared within the last 45 minutes and I'm starting to get restless. 4:37 PM, just a few more hours until I get to go home and cuddle up to Ali and watch movies. Oh how I long for her kisses right now.
Ever since she told me she loved me the other night, I haven't been able to stay away from her. Although it's unclear where we stand with each other. We're not exactly girlfriends, yet. It scares me to think what might happen if I mention it to her. I know she's changed drastically, but a part of me still feels like the old Ali would suddenly make a surprise visit. So I haven't made an effort to bring the topic of girlfriends yet.
Plus, we still haven't gotten the whole Gage situation under control. Not knowing where he is and if he's in search for Alison or not. The last we had heard from, or about, him was when he went to Alison's house about two weeks ago. A day or two after Ali's altercation with him had happened.
Apparently he barged in looking for Alison throughout their whole house. Not caring that he was tearing their house apart until Jason had to physically fight him to remove him from the house. I knew it was a good idea for her to stay with me. Just think about what he's capable of sends shivers down my spine.
I'm shook out of my daydream, one of many, by my phone vibrating in my back pocket. I pull it out checking the name. My heart flutters as I read the message.
From: Baby Ali 4:43 PM
When are you coming home? I miss you already... I'm having mermaid withdraws :(
I smile as I re-read the text several times, needy Alison will forever be my favorite. As I'm about to type a quick reply, someone walks into the Brew in a baseball cap and shades. I quickly lock my phone and set it down.
"Hello, what can I get you?" I ask with a bright smile, busying myself while straightening things out behind the counter. Turning around to place the bags of coffee grounds in their respective spots. "Emily..." The person calls my name, immediately realizing who it is I stand there shocked, not being able to turn around to face them. "I-I've missed you so much." This cannot be happening right now.
Alison POV:
I sitting on Hanna's bed, filing away at my nails as the other three girls gossip and discuss other topics going on in the world around us right now. Seeing that they really haven't had the chance to have these normal teenage conversations in over 3 years, I don't mind one bit hearing them gossip over who wore it better, or who broke up with who.
But It's almost 7 PM and Emily still hasn't returned from work. Last time I had heard from her was around 5:30, saying she was gonna be a little late coming home today. Im trying not to let myself worry too much, but nothing is soothing my racing mind, thinking the worst has happened to my beloved mermaid.
But Gage has no idea what she even looks like, let alone her name. So I shouldn't be so on edge. But what if A had something to do with it? Maybe I should leave and see where she is? I argue with myself in my head, contemplating on whether to leave or not.
Deciding that it's best if I go look for Emily, I get off of Hanna's bed and grab my purse. "Where are you going?" Spencer asks quickly. "Just back to Emily's, I'm really tired." I respond, throwing in a fake yawn.
"Nice try. I'm sure Emily is fine, she just got caught up at work." Spencer says raising an eyebrow at me, turning her gaze back to the magazine in her hands. "Spence she works at a coffee shop, not the White House." I say dramatically as I plop back down on the bed, taking my phone out and searching for Emily's number in my call log.
Emily POV:
I get in my car and let out a long sigh. It's already 7, I didn't even realize how long I'd been out. Alison is probably freaking out right now. As if on queue my phone starts buzzing in my bag. Searching for it quickly I take it out and look at the screen and sure enough, it's Alison. I close my eyes composing myself before I answer the phone. How am I gonna tell her who I was with?
"Alis-" I carefully speak into the phone but she cuts me off."Em, where have you been? I haven't heard from you in hours I thought something happened to you." Alison says, a hint of annoyance and paranoia laced in her voice.
"I'm sorry, I...I uh a friend came by and I, um...we just got caught up in conversation." I cursed myself for stuttering so much. But I didn't lie, I really did have a long conversation with the person. I just didn't mention who this person was.
"Emily...what were you doing." Alison says in a serious tone. I can't hide this from her, she knows me too well to let this slide. I sigh for the nth time tonight, "Ali I'll talk to you when I get home. I'm sorry I didn't call or text you, but I'm on my way now."
"Fine." She calmly says. I can tell she's extremely annoyed with me right now, and I don't blame her. If I hadn't heard from Alison for several hours I'd be pretty bugged out myself.
Not just because we're missing one another, but for the sole purpose of knowing that A, or any other opposing force hasn't gotten us. It's sad really. Living in constant fear that one day maybe one of us will be watching someone we love go 6 feet under.
Once I get home, I notice all the lights are out and no car in the driveway. I start to panic as I take my phone out again and dialing Alison's number. She immediately picks up, "I'm at Han's right now. She said she'll take me home." She says in monotone. "Okay, I just got back. I'm gonna take a quick shower, you have your spare key right?" I ask getting out of the car and walking up to my house.
"Yes." She says being extremely short with me. I know she's really upset. This is what the new Alison does when something is bothering her now, short and monotonous answers. I kinda miss her going off whenever she doesn't like something, it's better than getting the silent treatment that for sure.
"Okay I'll see you soon." I say with a smile on my face before hanging up. Cause even though she's upset with me, she still comes home to me at the end of the night and I couldn't ask for anything better.
Alison POV:
Hanna pulls up to Emily's house 10 minutes later, "Are you okay?" She asks in a worried tone. "Yeah. Just upsets me that she didn't check in or anything. I don't like worrying, but it's hard when there's so many people out to get us..." I say quietly, looking down at my fingers in my lap.
Hanna reaches over and takes one of my hands in hers, squeezing it lightly. "Im sure she didn't mean to do that Ali, she just got caught up in whatever she was doing. But she's safe, so everything is okay." I lift my gaze to Hanna's "Thank you." I say and give her a genuine smile and a squeeze of the hand back before I get out of the car and make my way into the house.
Once I'm inside I quickly walk up the stairs, deathly afraid of the dark nowadays. I see the light from the bathroom shining under the door and the sound of water pounding against the tub. I relax a little knowing that we're both okay and in each other's presence. But I'm not letting Emily off that easily.
I walk into the closet grabbing a tank top, shorts and a change of underwear, taking a bath sounds like a really good idea right now. It'll relieve some stress. I hear the shower turn off just in time.
"Alison?" I hear her call out. "I'm here!" I reply walking towards the bathroom, clothes in hand. She walks out of the bathroom dripping wet with just a towel covering her. I swallow hard, trying not to gawk over her too much. I have to remind myself I'm still upset with her.
"Are you gonna take a shower?" She asks not looking at me, walking around me and into the bedroom. "No. A bath." I reply shortly walking into to the bathroom and shutting the door.
I step into the warm water, sinking down into the bath letting the bubbles surround me up to my shoulders. I rest my head back against the wall and close my eyes. I make a mental note to do this more often. It feels good not to worry for a little while and just relax.
If only Emily and I were an actual couple, this bath would have been 10x better than it already is if I were sharing it with her. But we're not at that point yet. We still have tons of things to work out and wounds to heal. We'll get there soon though, I know we will. If we love each other there's nothing that will get in the way of that, hopefully.
Emily POV:
Laying on my bed tummy down, I read the message that was just sent to me minutes after Ali went in to take a bath.
From: Paige 7:28 PM
It was nice seeing you. I hadn't realized how much I've missed you until today. Maybe we can do it again soon?
I stare at it for a few minutes before deciding not to respond right away. Instead I get off my bed and head to the bathroom.
I knock on the door before turning it and walking in. I walk over to the tub and sit on the edge, looking down at Alison with her eyes closed, not acknowledging that I'm here. She looks so peaceful, I frown at the thought of having to tell her who I was really with.
I dip my finger in the bubbles as I bring it up to her face taping her nose lightly, leaving a cloud of bubbles on the tip. She opens one eye to look at me and I smile down at her lovingly. She's absolutely adorable, it drives me crazy. "May I help you?" Alison asks nonchalantly. "I missed you." I respond honestly.
She closes her eye, taking her hand and wiping the bubbles from her nose. "Wow. I would've never guessed." She retorts bitterly, "We'll talk about it once you're out. I promise." I say in hope that she'll be much more relaxed after this bath.
I stare down at her, looking at her arms that are rested on the sides of the tub, the bruises now barely visible. My eyes glide over to her shoulder, the scars are still very visible from that night. I take my finger, kissing the tip and placing it over the scar. A tiny smile breaks through her stone facial expression. I kiss the side of her temple before getting up and walking out of the bathroom.
Let's see how all this will go down.
Hey peeps :)
I call this the calm before the storm lol cause after this update the story is gonna take a little bit of a turn! A lot of stuff is gonna happen :O so it won't be going as slow as it's been. I'm gonna update later tonight too so you guys don't have to wait so long ^_^
love you Emisonians :*
