Ok here is the next chapter of this, things start moving along in this for our girls. I have known from when I started writing this chapter how I wanted it to end.

Thank you for the reviews and for adding this to your alerts and favourites, I am really enjoying writing this one again now I know where I am going at the moment with it lol.

Anyway here it is, hope its ok...

Chapter Ten

A Few Days Later

Emily

Things between Naomi and I have been a little strange these last few days. What she said to me that night had been running through my mind continuously but she hadn't let me talk about it with her. I wanted to tell her that I felt the same but I was in shock and Naomi being Naomi quickly made some excuses and fled the room leaving me in my bed alone with her statement hanging in the air. It was what I wanted to hear from Naomi in so long, I just wasn't sure I could fully trust she really meant it, what if it was just her still feeling guilty about what had happened and telling me what she thought I wanted to hear to help me recover after all she knew how fed up I was about being stuck in here.

Naomi has still be coming to me each afternoon after college and staying into the evening but everything has been a little awkward between us. I just wanted to talk everything through with her and clear the air but she was determined to talk about anything but what happened and in the end I decided it wasn't worth starting an argument with her.

She was even more off yesterday and seemed very distracted. I wasn't really sure why sure bothered to come and see me to be honest as she barely spoke to me, her phone was constantly beeping and she was replying to every message. I gave up asking her what was going on as she just snapped back that it wasn't anything to do with me. In the end I just pretended to go to sleep until she finally left.


Today I didn't want to wake up at all, I just wanted to sleep through the whole day but of course other people had other plans. I had to wake up when the nurse brought in my pain killers and whatever else I had to take. I got a bit of a surprise though as I opened my eyes to find my mum, dad, Katie and James all sitting there. As soon as mum realised I was awake she smiled at me "happy birthday Emily sweetheart, we wanted to surprise you before school and college for these two."

I managed a slight smile and muttered "mmm thanks I guess."

Dad sat on the edge of my bed "Come on Emsy love it's not all that bad. You are doing well with your recovery and we will have you home very soon, probably sooner than you think. You also need to cheer up before Naomi comes to see you later."

"Whatever" I uttered my smile fading "I don't know why she bothers."

Katie looked at dad "take mum and James for a coffee dad and give me a chance to have a chat with Emily, you know try and cheer her up a bit."

Dad nodded "Ok love." He took Jenna's hand and led her from the room taking James with them as well. I knew he could see we needed some twin time.

Katie turned to me "don't tell me there is trouble in paradise" she plonked herself on the other side of my bed throwing a wrapped package at me.

I shook my head "shut up Katie, Naomi and I are just friends and anyway I'm not sure we're even that anymore she has been so off these last few days."

"I'm sure she has her reasons you know what blondie is like" Katie replied brushing it off. It was almost as if she knew what Naomi was hiding but I couldn't be bothered to push it. She nudged me "come on bitch open your present I've got to get to college."

I smiled, I could say a lot about Katie and she could be a right cow when she wants but she can really make me smile at times "Ok, ok give me a chance." I slowly unwrapped the paper to reveal a small box. I could feel Katie watching me as I opened the box to find a gorgeous pair of earrings "wow thank you Katie, I love them."

She hugged me gently "I saw them and thought of you, I'm glad you like them."

"I love them" I smiled "I have got you something; Naomi is bringing it in when she visits later. I had to get it delivered to her house; they wouldn't let me go out shopping."

I was laughing as Katie slapped my arm playfully "any excuse."

"Yep" I laughed "you know me, anyway get yourself to college."

She looked at her watch "Oh shit I'm going to be late" she jumped up and walked to the door "I'll see you later."

"I'll be here" I replied sarcastically.


I must have gone back off to sleep once Katie had left, these bloody pain killers were still knocking me out and I hated it. I did know it wouldn't be forever though and that is what I needed to focus on. I only woke up when Mandy came in all smiles "so your notes tell me it's your birthday today so let's make this a fun physio session."

I felt myself cringe she actually made my skin crawl but I kept the smile plastered to my face "Yeah" in reality I knew it would just be another session of Mandy's hands all over me. It wasn't long before I realised my thoughts had been true, within a minute Mandy was helping me sit up and I knew that didn't involve her hands being where they were. Once again I decided to suck it up so I didn't risk putting my recovery behind. As I was lifting my arms up above my head for about the fifth time and she slid her hands over my skin I let my thoughts drift to Naomi, the beautiful blonde I wanted to be with, I tried hard to imagine that it was Naomi's hands on my skin. In reality I knew it wasn't but if it helped me get through these sessions I would keep thinking it. I knew Mandy wasn't going to let up unfortunately and after the tenth time of lifting my arms I couldn't cope with much more "Can we have a break please?"

Mandy smiled "Of course, can I get you a drink or anything?"

I shook my head "No thanks I'm ok."

She sat down again "Let's get to know each other a little better then."

"Whatever" I uttered back

She ignored my lack of enthusiasm and continued talking "you really are beautiful Emily, do you have anyone special in your life?"

"I'm not sure that is any of your business and I think there are questions you should ask before that if you want to get to know me" I spat back

"Oh come on Emily" she started "we are going to be working pretty closely together I just thought it would be easier if we got along a bit better."

I turned to look at her "we can get along just fine without getting personal."

She smiled "Ok that's fair. Just so you know though I don't give up easily."

Thankfully Naomi saved me in that moment, I had no idea she was here as Mandy had closed the blinds earlier and I had no idea how much time had passed by. A blush covered her cheeks when she saw Mandy there "sorry I didn't realise you were busy, I'll come back later."

I shook my head "No stay we are done here for the day."

Mandy helped reposition me on the bed again so I was still sitting up but not bolt upright. I could feel Naomi's eyes on us both especially Mandy. Finally Mandy left the two of us alone but I didn't miss the glare she shot at Naomi as she left the room. Naomi sat in the chair Mandy had just vacated "she's a bit full on isn't she, I never realised physio's were meant to be so full on."

"Don't Naomi" I warned "I can't say I like her much but I do want to get better and she is my key."

"I know, I know" she sighed "I just…"

She trailed off not finishing her sentence and I didn't push it "Anyway you're early today."

She smiled "Yeah I skipped last class, I just wanted to come wish you happy birthday."

"Thanks" I smiled

She delved into one of the bags she had brought with her and pulled out a large helium balloon "I thought you might like something to brighten up your room."

I looked at the glittery writing 'Happy Birthday Emily' across the balloon, she had really put some effort into brightening up my day. Yes I know it's just a balloon but it's the thought that counts "well this will do the trick" I laughed.

She smiled "I thought so" she pulled something else from her bag "I got you something to."

"You didn't have to" I whispered before carefully unwrapping the box in front of me. I saw from the box she bought me a portable DVD player and a couple of DVDs "seriously Naoms you shouldn't have."

"I wanted to" she smiled "I thought it would wind away some of those hours during the day" she paused "plus we could maybe watch a couple together in an evening."

I smiled "that would be lovely and Naoms thank you."

"You're welcome" she whispered in my ear hugging me "and happy birthday again."

Naomi and I chatted for about an hour and everything seemed easy between us, it was like the tension between us from the last few days had disappeared. I couldn't forget what she had said the other day but I wasn't going to spoil today by bringing it up. We were laughing about something when Mandy came back in "sorry I just need to check something in your notes."

"Ok" I uttered rolling my eyes

"You two look like you are having fun" she said, a bitter tone to her voice.

"We were" Naomi spat back at her

Mandy glared back at her but didn't comment back, she quickly read something in my notes before putting them back where she had picked them up from. She smiled at me completely ignoring Naomi "I'll see you tomorrow Emily."

Once she had left I turned back to Naomi "Ughh she gives me the creeps."

"I just want to punch her" Naomi said through clenched teeth "it's so obvious she fancies you."

"Well she is going to end up extremely disappointed if she thinks anything will ever happen." I could tell Naomi was annoyed by Mandy's actions but I just wanted her to see I was hers and nobody else's. I am getting tired of us tip toeing around one another. I haven't been sure about Naomi's feelings but they are showing more and more now and one of us is going to have to bite that bullet.


I was trying to find the courage to talk to Naomi about it all when the door burst open and Cook burst in "happy birthday Red" he was followed by Effy, Panda, Freddie, JJ and Thomas. He dumped a bag in front of Naomi before turning back to me "Katie is on her way, she's just talking to the nurse and nothing against you Red but your sister is as fit as."

I rolled my eyes "Whatever Cook, you're not my type anyway."

He smirked "I know" he put his arm around Naomi's shoulder "Blondes are more your type."

I felt myself blush and watched as Naomi blushed but thankfully Katie walked in "let's get this party started then."

"What party?" I asked confused

Katie smiled "the one Naomi here has been pulling together these last few days."

I glanced at her as her blush spread "I just wanted you to have a special day. I could see how down you were. That is what all the texts were about yesterday."

"Alright, alright" Katie interrupted "that's enough of the soppiness we have birthdays to celebrate."

Whilst all that had been going on Panda had pinned up a few decorations that Cook had brought with him and Effy put some bottles on the table at the side of the room and some nibbles. Katie sat on the edge of my bed "soft drinks, nibbles and a few games. I've cleared it with the nurses."

"Thanks Katie" I smiled "I know you would rather be out getting drunk."

"No I want to be with my sister and as I said earlier this is all Naomi."

I could see Naomi was chatting to the others as I glanced across the room; I turned back to Katie "she is pretty special."

Katie rolled her eyes "when are you two going to get your shit together and just admit how you feel?"

"I was about to talk to her when you lot came in" I laughed.

"Later then" Katie replied just as Naomi came over with a drink and some crisps for me. Katie stood up "Just make sure you do Emily."

Naomi looked confused "Make sure you do what?" she asked

"Oh nothing" I brushed off "you know what Katie is like."

She laughed "Yeah" she glanced around at everyone chatting and enjoying themselves "you ok with this?"

I smiled "Yeah it's lovely, thank you. You have really made today special."


Five or so hours later I was absolutely shattered. I tried to keep going but I was struggling and Naomi could see it. We had all chatted and laughed as we played a few card games. Cook of course was being typical Cook and telling his usual vulgar jokes and trying to talk us into playing strip poker. Thankfully Effy had put a stop to that idea. It had been a really fun night and a very special birthday, although I am in hospital I finally feel my life is coming together. Katie and I are getting along great, Naomi is one of my close friends and I actually have some friends to call my own.

Once Naomi noticed how tired I was she took care of the situation "ok guys I think it's time you all went to get pissed in town now, I will stay and tidy up."

Katie glanced at me and could see why "Ok, time to get the alcohol flowing" she walked over to me giving me a hug "happy birthday sis."

"Happy birthday K" I whispered returning her hug "I'll see you tomorrow."


It was so quiet once they all left and Naomi quickly tidied up before sitting with me again "You could have gone with them you know."

"I didn't want to" she replied shaking her head "unless you want me to go, I know you're tired."

"No" I said quietly "I want you here. In fact come here I think a hug is in order."

She smiled and jumped up for a hug, I knew this was my chance, it was now or never. As Naomi went to pull back I held her in place her lips so close to mine. I lifted my head slightly from the pillow and softly pressed my lips to hers. She didn't pull away and I enjoyed the movement of her lips against mine. Eventually she had to pull away "wow" she whispered her forehead resting against mine.

I smiled softly "I've wanted to do that since the other day. You have no need to be jealous Naoms; it is you that I want and only you..."