Thank you to everyone who took the time to review and comment on the previous chapter! I didn't write it to be mean and I certainly didn't want the image of Paige to be shattered within a few seconds. Every chapter I wrote was done so carefully so I could describe the confusion the characters are facing. I didn't write the last chapter as though Paige decided to go out there to be with her girlfriend despite being in love with Emily. I wrote the last chapter in a way to show you that she was so captivated by her dance with Emily that she couldn't respond coherently to her girlfriend. When I wrote this story, I didn't want Paige to be perfect. I wanted her to be flawed like the rest of us. We all make mistakes. We're all confused at a certain point in our lives. Age doesn't discriminate when it comes to life lessons. We all see the turmoil Paige is going through. We all know what she's feeling is love but she doesn't understand that yet. She's scared, she's vulnerable, she's confused.

On a side note, my Paily heart is still breaking over Tuesday's episode. BUT, I want to give a quick shout out to Heather Hogan for her insanely awesome recap of the episode. It definitely helped ease the pain. Thank you!

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

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"I honestly think that is one of the best dishes of Ga Sate I've had in the city" Shana groaned as she wiped her lips before placing her dinner napkin on the table.

With quarter end finally coming to an end, everyone needed to take a break from reality just to relax a bit before heading back to work for yet another week. Shana decided to take the initiative and send out a mass text to group asking if they were up for some dinner and drinks to start off the weekend. Deciding on Saigon Market located in Union Square, Shana knew it was the safe choice since everyone was near that location. It was one of her favorite Vietnamese restaurants in the city and knew they would have quick service especially on a Friday night.

Reserving a circular table in the back, Paige began squirming realizing the position she was in as she sat near Angela and across from Emily. What her friends didn't know was after her family's party a few weeks ago; Paige finally came clean to Angela about her feeling towards her. It wasn't fair to either of them if Paige wasn't going to be honest. After her father brought up how perfect Angela would be for the family, it hit Paige like a ton of bricks of what she was doing; she was using Angela.

It was no secret Angela was attractive. She had long sleek dark hair to enhance her ocean blue eyes and was in top shape for all types of physical activity; much to Paige's pleasure. But if Paige wanted to be honest with herself, Angela wasn't the one she wanted to be with. Sure, they had fun together. She got along with her friends and family. But when it was just them two, their conversation was lacking depth. Paige knew that long before Emily came back into the picture.

Nevertheless, the feeling she had whenever Emily was around is what she wanted; it was exhilarating. That feeling of being unnerved by just a single glance from the woman, the feeling of freefalling if she was close to her or the way her body responded by a single a touch; that was all she hoped for. Paige knew she didn't deserve a woman like Emily. Emily deserved someone who could give her everything; someone who wouldn't have to think twice about it when introducing her to family or friends. Paige only hoped one day she can at least have a fraction of what she was feeling for Emily with someone else. Emily deserved the best of everything, and that wasn't her. As of right now, Paige had to do the best for herself; that meant letting go of Angela.

Paige remembered every detail that night. She could still feel her voice crackling as she finally said the words; earning a shock look from Angela. She could see the tears forming in the woman's eyes as she finally worked up the courage to look at her. The questions of what the oceanic beauty did wrong or why came up as expected, but Paige didn't even know how to answer her. All she was able to muster was it's me; it was because she wasn't giving herself completely to the raven hair beauty. They argued for hours that night. After about 4 hours, Paige left; but didn't want to leave the girl in such a state. But break-ups are never easy. The first sighting of each other after is even worse. And unfortunately, tonight was the first time they've seen each other since.

As her chest tightened, Paige focused on the floor to ceiling wall full of liquor; working up the courage to be the first one to speak. "How's everything going?" she simply asked; careful not to say it too loud for everyone else to hear.

"It's going well. Work's been keeping me busy" Angela politely answered. "Am I right to conclude the same for you?"

"Work has definitely been a challenge" Paige replied. "Are you…ok?" she asked hesitantly.

"As good as I can be" she answered looking at Paige. "Thank you for asking"

"Thank you for coming out tonight" Paige sincerely stated. "It really means a lot that you're still willing to hang out with my friends"

"Paige" Angela firmly stated as she turned slightly to grab Paige's stare. "This is still fresh for the both of us. Of course I'm still going to come out. But don't think it's not weird. And don't think it'll continue. I just need to ease myself out of it".

"Yeah, I know" Paige whispered as she turned her attention back to the wall of liquor.

Glancing up, Paige took notice of Emily focusing on everything and anything else beside her despite sitting right across from her. Paige knew she was to blame for that; to be at fault for why the brunette couldn't even look at her. She couldn't reprehend her. If anyone witnessed what the auburn girl did a few weeks ago, Paige was sure they couldn't look at her with a straight face either. Easily feeling uncomfortable, Paige couldn't help how restless she was becoming. She could hear the conversations around her, but couldn't focus on anything. Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, Paige felt as though her heart was going to beat right out of her chest. Placing her napkin on table, Paige excused herself from the party in order to collect herself. As she wore a false smile exiting the restaurant, Paige only hoped no one would notice her behavior; she just needed a few minutes to breathe.

XXXXXXX

"What's going on?" Paige heard as she was taking in deep breaths outside against the corner of the restaurant.

Opening her eyes, Paige found herself looking directly into her brother's concerned ones. "I don't know. It just started getting a bit clustered in there".

"I can always tell when something is bothering you, you know" Kyle responded as he braced his back against the wall as well.

Paige stayed silent for a bit before finally responding. "I broke up with Angela, the night of mom and dad's anniversary".

Kyle slowly nodded. "Are you feeling clustered because Angela is in there…or is it because Emily is right across from you?" Kyle couldn't hold back his smile as he watched Paige stare at him in disbelief. "You don't honestly think I haven't seen the way you stare at her? The way you're always looking out for her? The way you dance with her?" Watching his sister look down mortified, he continued. "It's not wrong you know…what you're feeling".

"I don't know" Paige finally whimpered out.

"You do know!" Kyle firmly stated. "You don't know? You're just scared of mom and dad. You can't let that stop you"

"You don't understand" Paige retorted as she walked away from her brother.

"I don't understand? Look who you're talking too. Mom and dad still can't even look Shana in the eyes" Kyle responded as he raised his voice.

"You weren't there to watch mom break down every night when you started dating Shana. You weren't the one that went with dad for drive out's for months so he could vent about the situation. You weren't there when Aunt Alice called dad on his birthday cursing him out for being a horrible father and letting his family down. You weren't there when grams pulled me aside to say what a disgrace it is. I was. I had to hear about everything. I had to comfort them. I had to look them all in the eyes just to see the emotions destroy them." Paige screamed out painfully. The two stood there in silence without saying anything for a few minutes before Paige finally spoke up. "Emily…is the reason why I left Midwood".

Completely shocked at the confession, Kyle turned around to face his sister as he needed to understand what she was feeling. "What happened?"

"Do you not see that girl in there?" Paige exclaimed as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I can't even put into words how beautiful she is. How smart she is, or how charming, honest and list goes on and on" she started. "I've wanted her from the moment I laid eyes her. I couldn't deny that. I tried so hard to push her away. To date Hallie. To date anyone but her. Then after one night of finally having an actual conversation with her, those feelings came back all over again. Bess…was such an asshole. She didn't even appreciate what she had and I just, I don't know…I just got mad".

"Which is when dad got involved and you used the fact that a fight is still a fight as an excuse despite you defending someone who really needed help. You knew dad was going take you out of there." Kyle stated as he tried comprehending the situation.

"I can't fall for her Kyle" Paige said heartbrokenly.

Watching tears form in his little sister's eyes, Kyle quietly stated "you already have Paige" as he hugged his younger sister.

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As the small 1998 white Honda civic pulled directly in front of Saigon Market, Toby exited the driver's seat as he looked toward his friends. Fitting at most 5 people within the sedan, everyone knew with some intense maneuvering they would be able to squeeze everyone in. Given Toby was driving, that left Paige, Kyle, Shana, Emily, Spencer, Angela and Kate to defend themselves. As Kyle open the right side passenger door, Angela's head raised from her blackberry with a sudden surprise.

"Guys, Mike just texted me, he needs some help with packing since his flight is only in a few hours" she said looking for her metro card. The rest of the gang knew Angela would never pass up an opportunity to go out for a drink unless it was an emergency.

"Aw come on Angela, not even one drink?" Shana asked as Angela kissed her good bye.

"I can't sweetie" Angela frowned. "You know I'd love to go with you guys"

Paige knew Mike's flight was until tomorrow morning. She also knew Mike was done with majority of his packing and had Aria's help if he needed any extra hands. Staring at Angela as she said her goodbye's to the rest of the group, Paige could tell Angela didn't want to spend any extra time with her if it didn't call for it. Not to show any negative emotions towards each other, Angela came to hug Paige goodnight last. No one could tell the difference they were over; especially Emily.

As Paige watched Angela walk towards the train station, everyone's attention went back to the car.

"Shot gun!" Spencer screamed out running towards the front seat.

It was understandable Spencer was going to take the front passenger's seat given it was her fiancé's car. Paige knew she didn't want to sit in the middle so she went in first. Kate followed then Kyle. Shana of course sat on top of Kyle, leaving Emily standing outside of what to do.

Always being paranoid with time, Toby was getting a bit frustrated sitting up front as the rest of the group took their time figuring out how they would enter the vehicle. "Come on! We need to go!"

Emily knew she was going to have to sit on top of Paige since she was closest to the other door and berated herself for not trying to go in first. Opening the other passenger door, Emily avoided all eye-contact with Paige as she cleared her throat. Ever since she witnessed Paige being pleasured by her girlfriend, Emily just wanted to stay as far away from the auburn girl as possible; even though the act was between two lovers. Without saying anything, Emily slid in uncomfortably on top of Paige as she witnessed the auburn girl brace back to give her more room. Struggling to not touch the brunette, Paige closed the back door allowing Toby to glide off into the night.

Paige couldn't help smell the lavender and vanilla scent in Emily's hair; it was simply incredible. The fact that the beauty was sitting right on top of her, Paige could feel Emily fidgeting to stay forward rather than have her body snuggled within her frame. Tightening her jaw, it didn't matter if Emily was just sitting on her knees; the contact was causing Paige to become more roused than she expected. As Emily continued shifting in her seat, the sudden pothole in the road made Emily involuntarily fall back; sinking further into Paige's form. Parting her lips, Emily instantly felt the heat radiating between the girl's legs. Thrilled to know what she was able to do without even doing anything, Emily mentally scolded herself as she reveled in feeling. It was just a few weeks ago she saw the auburn girl get finger fucked right in front of her. What doesn't make this girl wet?

XXXXXXX

Being in the city on a Saturday night, traffic on 5th avenue was a given; bumper to bumper all the way from Astor street to 59th street. Getting impatient, Toby turned into a 'Bus Only' lane. Driving at the speed he would normally, he couldn't help but laugh at the other bystanders still sitting in traffic.

"Ha! Friggen idiots don't know how to drive. Get out of the city! No need to block everyone!" Toby screamed out. As he turned his head slightly to the left to glance at another car he passed, Toby didn't realize how fast the bus ahead of him was slowing down. Right at the last minute, he managed to catch a glimpse of the large vehicle; hammering down the breaks as it forced everyone to instantly fall forward.

The sudden stop did not move Paige much because of her seat belt. With a brash reflex, her left hand went securely under Emily's jacket and around her waist to hold her back so she wouldn't move forward as the auburn girl's right hand went up to hold the driver's headrest as an extra security. Emily was nestled perfectly in Paige's lap; her head settled right below Paige's neck as she could feel her heart pounding as fast as she was breathing, but was petrified of moving.

"What the hell is fucking wrong with you Toby? Do you think you're a God damn sport's driver? Do you not see the other cars around you?" Kate screamed out.

Toby turned around "I'm so sorry. I didn't notice the bus. Is everyone ok?" He said in a panic. Looking over at Shana, he quickly took notice of the small amount of blood dripping from her head due to the impact of the headrest. Kyle didn't seem to realize until he noticed Toby's reaction. Kate pulled out a napkin for her pocket to give to him to hold against the small cut.

Kyle was furious; everyone knew it because of his silence. Shana touched his thigh giving him the signal she was ok. "Guys, I'm ok. It's just a minor bruise. Toby, let's get back on the road and get us there in one piece, please" Shana managed to reassure everyone.

Toby did just that. Still a little fragile, he looked both ways before yielding into the rest of traffic.

Paige's arm was still securely around Emily even after all the uproar. Refusing to remove her arm away from the brunette, Paige held on tighter indicating she had no intention of taking it away. Thinking to herself Emily might fight it off; she soon felt the brunette's silky hand grabbing hold of her own hand as she held it in place. Paige could feel the girl breathing heavy against her chest. Swallowing a bit, Paige couldn't help but revel in the feel of Emily's right arm now resting on her right leg as it created more of a security for the brunette to sit in. Placing her own hand on top of Emily's, Paige leisurely intertwined their fingers as she securely held it in place against her knee.

Despite her wishful thinking, Emily had to admit she always felt safe with Paige around. She knew regardless of the fact that they had this weird relationship; the girl would protect her no matter what.

As the car got back in line with the rest of traffic, Paige could feel Emily trembling below her; she needed to make sure the beauty wasn't harmed. "Are you ok?" Paige whispered in a low voice, soft enough so no one else could hear her. Closing her eyes, Emily basked in the feel of Paige's lips lightly grazing her ear at the question. Nodding against her chest, Emily felt as though her muscles melted beneath her.

Tightening her grip just a bit more, Paige never wanted to let go of the girl; neither girl did.

XXXXXXX

After 35 minutes of driving around, Toby was finally able to find a parking 2 blocks away from the venue, ecstatic he managed to find one so close. As everyone made their way out the car, Paige didn't want to release Emily. Her hold over the brunette remained longer than it should have, however Emily's hold on her lingered as well. Unfortunately, when Spencer closed her door in the front seat, the sound resonated through the car breaking both Paige and Emily out of their trance. Finally stepping out, neither girl dared to look at each other scared the other would just shove aside the feelings radiating through them; they wanted to hold onto that warmth that managed to engulf them for as long as possible. Falling in line with the rest of the group, the pair soon found themselves in the middle of the crowd trying to get into venue as well.

230 fifth was truly a great lounge to just lay back and enjoy the evening. With a gorgeous view of the entire city plus an exceptional up close view of the Empire State Building, the gang took a seat on the rooftop just enjoying the feel of finally relaxing. Scolding herself for the incident that just occurred, Paige couldn't deny that her entire body was still pulsating with adrenaline with how turned on she was. Making sure she was at an acceptable distance away from Emily, it didn't keep Paige from stealing glances in her direction; quickly taking note of how close Kate was leaning into Emily. It was more than she should be. Paige wasn't oblivious; she knew Kate had her eye on Emily. The question was did Emily share that attraction.

Downing the Corona she was currently babysitting, Paige asked the waitress for something a bit stronger. "Can I have a Jameson on the rocks?"

With the help of good whiskey, the night managed to fly by for Paige. Unfortunately, she spent majority of her time watching Emily from a far. She didn't like the way Kate was looking at her and she sure as hell didn't like what Emily was wearing. Paige didn't even think it was appropriate to wear to work. Slowly dragging her eyes from the brunettes nude heels, up her long legs to the short gold stripe skirt, up to her black drape blouse, they finally landed on the woman's gorgeous warm brown eyes which happened to be looking right back at her in that moment. Clearing her throat, Paige looked away as she placed her glass down and turned around.

"You know if I didn't know any better, I would think you were trying radiate laser beams from your eyes and direct them Emily's clothes" she heard Kyle rhetorically joke.

"Shut up" Paige said passive aggressively.

"You're doing one hell of a job trying to ignore the woman you know" Kyle responded with a smile as he took a sip of his beer and lean against the bar.

Paige signaled the bartender for another glass of whiskey as she said "I'm just trying to keep my distance right now".

"It looks like you also want Kate to keep hers as well" Kyle stated smugly.

"Look at the way the girl is leaning in. Emily looks like she could barely breathe" Paige responded angrily, balling her fists.

"Paige, do you want her?" Kyle asked again as he blocked the brunette's view from Paige.

Paige could feel her eyes fill with tears. Of course she wanted her. But it's never that simple. As Paige took a sip from her drink she soon saw Spencer run over from the stairwell from the corner of her eyes.

"Guys! Guess what? They're doing karaoke downstairs! We should totally check it out" Spencer exclaimed as she dragged Toby by the arm as she took notice of Paige's eyebrows raise. "What? You started it with all your singing at your parent's anniversary"

Allowing a smirk to crawl on her lips, Paige arched her eyebrow as she looked at her brother in amusement.

"Come on you guys, let's go see those two make a fool of themselves" Shana soon said as she pulled Kyle away. Paige couldn't help but smile as she watched the couple beam with enthusiasm, but soon found herself back to square one as she saw Kate leading Emily down the staircase as well with her hands fixed on the girl's lower back.

Clenching her jaw, Paige took her time as she took one more sip of her drink before heading the down the stairwell as well. By time she reached, she quickly took notice that the lounge was packed and Toby and Spencer were already entertaining the crowd by singing Coldplay's "Princess of China". Making her way to the free space at the bar, Paige managed to catch the last minute of the song before the audience stood up in roar of appreciation. As the crowd died down, Paige soon noticed Kate crawling on the stage as the next song started.

"Oohh oohhh ohhhh, Look around, there's no one but you and me. Right here and now. The way it was meant to be. There's a smile on my face. Knowing that together everything that's in our way, we're better than alright" she sang.

As the music continued, Paige took a sip of her next drink before hearing the voice that would haunt her.

"Take me nowwww. The worlds such a crazy place. When the walls come down. You know, I'm here to stay. There's nothing I would change. Knowing that together, everything that's in our way, we're better than alright." Emily belted out.

Paige felt as though her heart dropped in her chest. All she was able to do was watch in agony as Emily swayed softly to the music as Kate held her from behind; feeling her entire body as they just swayed in unison. The entire song was a complete blur, especially when they began singing it together.

"Walking between the raindrops. Riding the aftershock beside you. Off into the sunset, living like there's nothing left to lose. Chasing after gold mines, crossing the fine lines we knew." Emily sang as she looked directly at Paige. Fixed in place, Paige realized Emily knew where she was standing the entire time despite the hordes of people around her; she knew it wasn't accidental when Emily decided to stare at her as she sang.

As the song concluded, Paige finished her drink and turned her back to the stage. Hearing the crowd get to their feet, Paige turned back around to witness what she dreaded all night. Looking on as though it was in slow motion; Kate lightly rubbed Emily's cheek as she planted a soft kiss on Emily's lips; the lips she's been wanting to taste since she's laid eyes on them years ago. Closing her eyes in frustration, Paige turned away feeling as though she was intruding on the couple.

Emily was free to do as she pleased. The brunette had to endure her own relationship with Angela for the past few weeks, why shouldn't she be able to date who she wanted. Letting a tear fall from her eyes, Paige took in a deep breath and decided to head to the exit. She couldn't bear to see anything else tonight, she couldn't bear to talk to anyone. Quickly sending a text to Kyle, Paige descended down the staircase and into a close by train station.

XXXXXXX

"Shit" Kyle whispered under his breath.

Shana straightened up after lying on Kyle's chest. "What's wrong?"

"Paige…she left. She wasn't feeling well" he simply stated. It wasn't entirely wrong; just a little white lie.

"She left?" Kyle heard softly over his shoulder. Turning around to see the question came from the reason of his sister's sudden sickness. Kyle answered her back as he held her gaze. "She suddenly felt sick to her stomach".

Guilt. That was what Emily was feeling all along. But why should I? She's been watching Angela and Paige for the past few weeks just making out and fucking in public. Why should I care? I shouldn't have to feel guilty for kissing someone. "Maybe Angela can help with that" Emily calmly replied.

"Angela isn't in the picture anymore" Kyle directly stated as he got up and headed to the bar.

"What do you mean she isn't in the picture?" Emily asked as she grabbed Kyle's arm to turn him around.

"It mean's just that. Angela is not in the picture anymore" Kyle honestly said.

Emily swallowed realizing that's why Paige probably left. It couldn't because of her. It had to be painful to watch other couples dance and sing around her; enjoying another person's company. That had to be it…right?