Thank you all again for the reviews and comments!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any its characters
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Emily felt relieved as she felt the cool crisp air surround her when she finally stepped foot outside the venue. Not only was it invigorating, it gave Emily a chance to compose herself as she closed her eyes to revel in it. Slowly opening her eyes, she began berating herself for drinking as much as she did. Stumbling as she took a step forward, Emily soon found an arm drape around her waist to help her forward.
"Let's get you home and into a warm bed" a slurred voice whispered into her right ear.
She could feel the warmth radiating from the woman's lips as the overbearing smell of alcohol surrounded Emily. Instead of the heat sending a whirlwind of butterflies in Emily's stomach, it caused Emily to flinch in disgust as she removed the arm around her waist but held onto it. Coming face to face with the bearer, she looked in Kate's glossy eyes and gave her a soft smile. "Thanks, but maybe we should just call it a night" she replied politely.
Feeling like utter shit, Emily closed her eyes reliving the look of pain she saw in Paige's eyes as the auburn girl watched her and Kate sing just an hour ago. She knew Paige was watching her the entire night and relished in it. The feel of Paige's gaze made her feel as though she was alive. Emily wanted Paige to be jealous. She wanted Paige to feel what she had been feeling every time she saw Paige and Angela together, especially that night her parents' anniversary party; it was only fair.
Emily could still feel how broken she was when she witnessed the act the auburn girl immersed herself in a few nights ago; feeling nothing like it before. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to know why Paige made her feel the way she did. Emily swore Paige felt something for her; especially now that she broke it off with Angela. But that didn't mean Emily was going to make it that easy for her. Paige might have matured in every aspect of her life since high school; however when it came to her, Emily was never certain of the woman's motives. One moment the auburn girl would show unsullied feelings for her and the next she would put up this wall.
Emily knew she had to be careful with her heart. However she couldn't deny the way she felt when witness how distraught Paige looked after her kiss with Kate; it spoke volumes. All she wanted to do was go home. But with the amount of peer pressure surrounding her, she ended up staying for one more drink. That one drink led to another, then another, then another which eventually ended to Emily stumbling out the lounge and into the arms of someone Emily hardly knew. "Maybe the taxi driver can drop you off first since her closer than I am" Emily quietly added.
Kate simply smiled back as she opened the taxi door for Emily. After sliding in, Kate followed as she gave the driver her address. Emily loved sitting in the passenger's seat watching out into the world as the car drove on. It made her relaxed and felt as though she was beyond her years. With the added alcohol, the movement of the car made her feel as though she was slightly out of her own body.
Focusing more on the view, Emily didn't feel the hand currently grazing up her leg and planting itself between her crossed legs; causing her to flinch out of her stupor. Turning to face Kate, Emily soon found herself in a lip lock with the woman. The kiss lasted only a few seconds. It wasn't bad. It was a sweet and simple kiss. But it was a kiss that lasted longer than it should have.
"Maybe you can just stay at my place tonight" Kate whispered as she stared at Emily's lips then into her large glossy brown eyes.
"Not tonight" Emily replied with a small grin. She was feeling like an emotional mess, all she can think of was Paige. Why she left early. Why she didn't tell anyone about Angela. Why she kept looking at her. The way Paige's arms felt around her; feeling like nothing else she's experienced before. The more and more Emily thought about it, the more and more she became frustrated with her feelings. She was so overwhelmed with her own thoughts; she failed to take notice of the taxi pulling up to Kate's apartment.
"You seem to be a little…distracted since we left the lounge" Kate began as she placed a few fingers below Emily's chin to nudge the girl to look at her. "I just want to be straightforward with you. I like you, I like you a lot" she continued as she took Emily's hand. "Maybe we can meet up sometime and do this again…minus the group of other people".
"That sounds good to me" Emily replied with a smile. The last thing Emily wanted to do was come off as being rude. Kate hasn't been anything but nice and thoughtful to her. A date may be a good thing. Giving Kate a quick kiss on the cheek, the taxi waited until Kate was safely inside before driving off.
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Throwing her dark brown Ameri Leather Vertical messenger bag on the floor upon entering her apartment, Paige slammed her door shut reluctantly scaring the brown and black German shepherd walking toward her; causing him to retrieve behind her couch before finally walking toward her again.
"I'm sorry boy" she tearfully said as she bent down to scratch his neck lightly to indicate the apology. "Just a long week" she continued.
Rubbing her temple with her forefinger, Paige's mind unconsciously flashed back to the kiss she witness between Emily and Kate triggering her to ball up her fist in anger once again. Walking up to the split level which led to the kitchen area, Paige placed a filter in her Hamilton Beach coffee maker; there was no way she would be sleeping tonight. As the coffee started brewing, Paige walked back down her stairs and over to her office. The least she can do to not waste any time and focus on work. Beginning to sort through her files, Paige knew she had a lot on her plate with work; this would be perfect distraction to get her mind off of a certain brunette.
Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy as she figured it would be. After hours of working and numerous cups of coffee sipped, Paige still found herself thinking of Emily. She found herself reimagining the ways Kate's hands combed over Emily's body on stage and the smile it brought to the smaller woman's lips. Paige could hear Emily's laugh as Kate whispered something into her. She could see Emily's lips move with a certain charm as she answered one of Kate's questions. She could see the light in Emily's eyes grow as Kate made a joke only they knew about.
Taking in a deep breath, Paige had to get a hold of herself. She had to force herself to gain back her composure and get a handle of the situation. As she was about to place another pot of coffee to brew, Paige heard phone beep indicating someone sent her a message. Looking over at her clock radio which laid at the corner of dark cherry desk, the large LED blue displayed 12:43am. Thinking it was her brother replying back to her text, Paige rolled her eyes assuming he was being his overprotective self. As she unlocked her phone, Paige raised an eyebrow; it was Emily.
Hey, hope you got in safe and that you're feeling better…Kyle told me what happened. Feel free to call me anytime…if you need to talk…or anything. Let me know if you got home ok…it's pretty late - Em
Paige focused on her Samsung Galaxy screen as she swallowed. Rereading each word numerous times, she couldn't text back. She felt embarrassed for the way she's been treating this woman, but at the same time she had to figure out what was happening to her and what she wanted before she could go any further with Emily. Closing her eyes in frustration, she placed her phone down and continued back to the kitchen.
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As another few hours passed, Paige jolted awake at the sudden sound of a garbage truck outside. Finding herself face down on her desk, Paige slowly sat up as she rubbed the back of her neck from the stiffness formed throughout the night. She was used to having many late nights just like this since college. All she needed was a cup of coffee and she was ready to be on her way. Removing the piece of paper stuck to her cheek, she reached for her phone out of habit. Unlocking her android, the first thing she saw was she had 5 unread texts and 3 missed calls. Opening her messages first, she noticed two were from Kyle asking if she was okay. Two others were from clients which she had to quickly respond too. And the last was from Emily…again.
Hey, just got home. Sorry to bother you again. I just wanted to make sure you got home okay. Please just send me a quick txt to let me know - Em
Noting the time the brunette sent the follow up text, Paige closed her eyes in frustration; 4:13am. Exiting out of the brunette's text, Paige quickly skimmed over to see who called her; noticing both were from her dad. Immediately thinking something was wrong, Paige pressed call.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" Paige asked her dad as he picked up the phone. "I saw you called".
"Everything is fine. Did you just wake up? It's after 12pm" the brawny man asked.
"I had a late night. I ended up falling asleep by my desk" Paige responded as she rubbed her neck. Walking over to the kitchen to place another pot of coffee to brew she continued. "Is mom okay?"
"Everyone's fine here. I wanted to see if you're free next week Saturday. Uncle Ivan and Aunt Sarah are both coming over for dinner. It would be nice if you came over. Paul and Frank are joining them as well" her father asked.
Perfect. About to let out a sigh, Paige realized this would be an ideal opportunity to get her out of the group hangout Aria had setup. Knowing she needed an excuse, she responded, "Yes, I am. I'll see you guys there dad." Paige replied with a smile.
"Great! You can bring Angela as well" her father suggested.
So close. Taking in a deep breath, Paige knew it was bound to come up. "Actually…Angela and I no longer together".
"Excuse me? What do you mean you're no longer together?" Mr. McCullers asked sternly on the other end. "Angela has already been considered like a daughter to this family. I told you specifically not to screw that up! This better have nothing to do with that Fields girl we met at the party".
"No dad…no" Paige quietly answered. "Angela was great, but I don't think she was for me. As for Emily…she's met someone".
"Despite everything your mother and I tell you, I don't understand why you and Kyle still decide to do the complete opposite. But I'm glad you at least know better. You'll just have to find someone else. I can always help if you want it" he responded.
That was the last thing Paige needed; for her father to set her up. Paige didn't want anyone, especially if her parents had say in the process; she just wanted to be left alone. "I'm fine, thanks dad. I'll see you both next week".
Ending the call, Paige quickly began typing out a message to Aria before she forgot:
Hey, I'm not going to be able to make it out next week. Tell the gang I say hi though. Paige was relieved to know she had an actual excuse. She needed some time by herself to figure out what she wanted exactly.
Awww is everything ok? I heard you left early last night. Aria asked as she texted back within minutes.
Getting a bit angry everyone keeps asking if she's okay, Paige knew it was her own fault. Not wanting to spend too much time on the topic, she was only able to think of one thing. Yes, drank too much too quickly last night. As for next week, the parents are having a little gathering at their house.
Happy with her decision, Paige thought Aria wouldn't ask any more questions; but she was wrong. Really? Kyle didn't mention anything.
You should know I wouldn't make something like that up. My dad just called this morning. I couldn't really get out of it. Paige lied.
Ok no worries. Good luck then! With that Paige finally let out the breath she was holding satisfied with ending result.
Paige knew without a second thought word was going to get back to Kyle. It was only 2 hours before her phone rang with verification.
"So you can't make it out next week because of dad?" Kyle asked sarcastically.
Folding her laundry on her bed, Paige rolled her eyes before answering. "Yes. Uncle Ivan and Aunt Sarah are stopping by. I haven't seen them in a while".
"Oh really? Uncle Ivan and Aunt Sarah? Because obviously you're so close with them?" Kyle continued.
"Look, dad asked. I haven't seen them in a while. I thought it would be nice to have a family dinner" Paige responded nonchalantly.
"That would be so nice!" Kyle responded ecstatically. "Why don't you invite Emily? And Shana and I can join".
Paige stayed silent for a few seconds. "What do you want Kyle?" she sternly asked
"You're hiding" he simply stated.
"I have a lot to do" Paige answered as she tried to keep it short.
"Sure you do" Kyle agreed. "I saw the look on your face when Kate kissed Emily".
"I have to go" Paige said dismissively.
"She texted me asking if you were ok" Kyle quickly stated to Paige's surprise.
"What did you say?" Paige asked.
"That you were fine. That you were probably getting over a hangover." Kyle quietly replied. "Paige you're not the only one involved in this. You're hurting Emily the more you ignore her. I understand your scared and confused, but maybe if you talk-" was all the auburn girl heard as she hung up the phone. She didn't want to deal with anyone today. All she wanted was to focus on her work at this point. She didn't want to hear about her family issues or her hangouts with her friends and she sure as hell didn't want to hear about Emily and Kate.
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3 weeks, 2 days and 6 hours was what Emily had estimated. Three fucking weeks Emily thought to herself. Paige hasn't changed. She was the same self-centered selfish person she was in high school. All she thought about was herself. She can't even return a simple text to say if she was okay. For all Emily knew Paige could have been lying in a ditch somewhere.
Thankfully she had Kyle's number. At least the auburn girl's brother, who actually had some common sense, returned her text within seconds saying his sister was okay after 230 fifth. Emily thought she would at least be able to see Paige that following Saturday at the Proline Archery Range in Ozone Park, but was she sorely mistaken as she found out Paige made plans with her family; even though Kyle and Shana were sitting right near her on the bench. Emily knew deep down Paige was hiding yet again. Whenever the girl was about to be confronted with feelings she wasn't use to, she ran away believing she could just outrun them.
When Emily spotted Kyle stand up to start his round of archery, Emily took it as the ideal moment to ask Shana how the brown eye beauty was doing as she tried not wanting to seem overly concerned.
"So how's Paige doing after that hangover last week?" Emily asked the caramel girl nonchalantly.
Raising her hands up in excitement as she watched Kyle hit the bullseye, she couldn't contain her enthusiasm before responding. "She's doing well. I never really saw Paige as one getting drunk so early in the night. Actually come to think of it, I've never seen Paige drunk"
Nodding her head at the unexpected revelation, Emily tried to focus her eyes forward to keep her composure. "Well you should have seen her in high school. She sure knew how to knock some back before tripping over her own two feet when she left a house party. "
"Yeah! What's that about?" Shana asked as she took a sip of her coke. "How was Paige in high school? Were you guys part of the same crowd?"
Scrunching her eyebrows at the question, Emily tilted her head lightly as she began answering the question. "We were, but we didn't really know each other. She dated my best friend, and I dated hers"
"Sounds like high school" Shana smiled. "Why did she leave? Kyle never really explained it to me"
"Well…that's not really my place to say" Emily stated uncomfortably. "She was helping out a friend but ended up getting in trouble instead. I guess she just wanted a fresh start without the added attention"
"Ah, that sounds like Paige" Shana nodded as she understood the girl's situation. "Always trying to help out people closest to her despite risking her own wellbeing"
Letting out a light laugh, Emily smiled at the statement. "Have you guys seen her since 230 fifth? I tried texting her, but she didn't return anything" the brunette asked as she took a sip of her soda.
"I believe Kyle spoke to her about that family dinner she's going to tonight. But I think that's about it" Shana answered as she continued watching Kyle propel the arrows before her.
"Oh yeah, how come you guys didn't go to that?" Emily asked curiously.
"I'm not entire sure actually" Shana responded as she grabbed her glass of water. "I don't think Kyle was really up for his family drama today. Not even sure why Paige went" the caramel girl continued as she took a sip.
Emily knew she wasn't going to get anything else out of Shana. She doubted Kyle even knew what his sister was up too. Back in high school Paige always kept to herself, especially if something was bothering her. Emily doubted that quality in the girl had changed; knowing Paige was going to start focusing on work more than anything else. This was only one event, knowing their group of friends, there is always the next.
But one week turned in three weeks. Three weeks. Emily sat by her window seat as she looked out at the rain drenching over her street as though it created a bubble; making everything within that bubble stand still. Taking in a deep breath, Emily couldn't help but think back to their night on the Promenade.
"Please, keep it till you get home. It's not like this is the last time I will be seeing you"
"Well we never know when it comes to you. Thank you"
"I promise you. It won't be the last time"
She promised me Emily thought to herself. She left her 5 years ago after saving her; now after witnessing a kiss she left her again. Emily knew Paige saw her in the bushes that night of her parent's anniversary, yet because of one kiss the auburn girl witnessed she ran away. Emily never was never one to shy away from confrontation when it came to matters of the heart; unlike Paige. If Emily didn't know any better, she was going to have to be the one to force that engagement upon the auburn girl.
It made sense Paige couldn't attend every event her friends had and it was also possible Paige saw her text but forgot to text back. But when Spencer somehow managed to spot 10 side by side floor seat tickets to watch the Brooklyn Nets; Emily was absolutely livid when she found out Paige wasn't coming and one of Toby's friends came instead.
For three weeks all she thought about was Paige; and Paige didn't even have the decency to show any indication of where she was. Emily only wished she could be as indifferent as the girl and ignore her as well; but couldn't. All she wanted was one text.
Taking it upon herself, Emily decided to send out a mass group text a few days ago to hangout last night after work at free Summer Brooklyn Concert in Prospect Park just for another chance of hoping Paige would be there. Knowing Teisto was performing, Emily would find out if Paige was really ignoring her since it was one of her favorite artists; soon realizing her assumptions were right.
Initially, Emily figured maybe Paige wasn't just staying away from her. Maybe she was busy and had to keep her distance from everyone, but she was unfortunately mistaken. Emily found out Paige had grabbed grab lunch with Hanna and Aria last week and grabbed a drink with Caleb and Toby after work. Kyle and Shana was of course family so the auburn girl met with them for dinner during the week. It was honestly just her who hasn't seen Paige.
The disappearance of the auburn girl began effecting Emily than it should. At work she found herself checking her phone every few minutes; expecting a text or hoping she missed one. When she got home she would always check Facebook to see if Paige posted any status; knowing the girl would never do such a thing. At group hangouts she found her mind drifting off during conversations and only refocusing at the mention of Paige's name.
The only thing keeping Emily sane was her normal lunch walks she started taking three weeks ago. Dodging the hordes of pedestrians on the street during the lunch rush hour, Emily looked forward to walking over to the East River since it always calmed her down; even if the calmness last only 10 minutes.
The walk took her a mere 15 minutes once she left her building. Walking down 50th street, Emily passed 3rd and 2nd avenue before finally getting to 1st avenue and began descending down the streets. Passing the United Nations building, Emily finally got to the stairs leading to the Ralph Bunche Park which ultimately led to the entrance of Tudor City.
Emily never sat in the park knowing it was crowded with other business goers eating their lunch. Instead she continued passed the park onto a small terrace which looked out to the United Nations building as well as the East River. The East River; Spencer's party. Berating herself, Emily couldn't help think back to the first time she set eyes on Paige in so many years. The night the girl just walked right back out the door without saying one word to her.
The crisp air always had an effect on Emily. It gave her the revitalization she needed to figure out what her next step would be in any situation. As Emily sat there, she combed back her hair and sighed in frustration knowing it was impossible she was the only one feeling anything between the two. But it was honestly Paige who kept running away on her.
I miss her. I miss her smile. I miss her eyes. I miss her laugh. I miss her smell. I miss her touch. I miss everything about her. Taking in a deep breath, Emily felt the breeze crawl around her entire body. If Paige was going to play this game with her, she was going to make damn sure she would win it. Paige could hide all she wanted. Emily refused to let the girl run away from her again without saying anything. The auburn girl had to stop ignoring her and tell her what's going on. Emily knew Paige always had a wall up when it came to her feelings, but Emily also knew the girl tended to open up to her when it was just them two.
Emily knew what she had to do. I have to see her.
