Emily slowly pushed Paige's bedroom door open gently, surprised to a certain extent to see Paige was still sound asleep. It was incredibly unusual for Paige to sleep passed seven am, the thought initially worrying Emily but she quickly pushed it to the back of her mind. Taken the perfect opportunity, Emily ran like a flash and pounced, jumping on top of Paige, her two legs now straddling the sleeping beauty who was captured, trapped tightly under her bed covers. Paige jumped up startled, awake the instant she felt something heavy land on top of her, letting out a panic gasp as she fought against the heavy weight as much as she could, given her current position.

"Woah, Paige relax... it's just me. It's Emily." Emily insisted, leaning forward so she could push some of Paige's frazzled bed hair from her face, hoping that the frightened girl would settle down having got reassurance.

"Oh you..." Paige groaned as she flopped her head back down onto her pillow.

"Oh you... what lovely way to greet a friend, Paige!" Emily replied, a little taken aback by the sudden disinterest in Paige's tone.

"Emily... shhh. Sleep time." Paige finally freed a hand to flap away Emily, hitting her gently and trying to get the bright, chirpy and alert girl to shut up as she placed her whole palm across Emily's face. The action allowing her to roll back into her pillow. A look of amusement, followed by bewilderment and perplexity crossing the darker girl's features.

"Paige, is everything okay?" Emily questioned after her fears and concerns had won out, she was hit by a sudden wave of anxiety at the thought that Paige may have drifted back into depression over Alex.

"Yeah, fine... now shhh just go back to sleep, Em." Paige spoke a little quieter this time as she allowed sleep to wash back over her. Using her tiresome free hand she continued trying her best to hush Emily. The brunette not even bothering to open her eyes as she was not quite ready to be awoken, Emily's voice was the only force distracting her from collapsing back into her world of sleep.

"What? But Paige, it's not like you to sleep passed seven. Aren't you even one bit concerned as to why I'm here at 7:30 in the morning?" Emily began, but was quickly cut off when she felt one of Paige's strong arms curl around her waist, dragging Emily down from where she was sat on Paige's semi-sleeping form to pull her down next to her on the bed. Paige simply had enough.

"Just one more hour okay... Please shhh. I'll deal with all the explanations and talking afterwards... I just need one more hour." Paige mumbled out, her arm all the time remained wrapped securely across Emily's stomach. Paige's guard had obviously slipped as a result of just how tired she was, and both she and Emily revelled comfortably in their sudden closeness, neither of the two showing any signs of how much they enjoyed the new sense of warmth. Paige used her other hand to signal a weak 'shhh' sign, placing her index finger against her lips drowsily as she snuggled further into her pillow and comforter.

Emily kneaded her eyebrows together trying to figure out why Paige was so tired, the plans she had organised to surprise Paige would have to wait a little longer. Thankfully allowing Paige that little while longer to sleep wouldn't interfere with her plans too much.

As Paige slept on, Emily couldn't move very far given Paige's tight hold and her not wanting to disturb the sleeping girl, she just allowed herself to grow even more comfortable lying next to her ex-girlfriend. Three days had passed since their latest near kiss experience beside the McCuller's pool and the two hadn't seen each other since, they had texted a little here and there just catching up, but Emily was busy making plans for today. Emily wanted to surprise Paige with something she had tossing around in her mind for the past while. Emily spoke with Anne, knowing her and Nick had to go out of town last night and today for a wedding up in Scranton, it was only one of their friends from church so Paige didn't feel the need or at all obliged to attend, instead choosing to stay at home and get some of her work done. Emily had passed the plans over with Mrs McCullers, who instantly thought it was a wonderful idea, and quickly agreed to give Emily a house key to surprise Paige after the younger girl had requested her help.

Emily, as much as she loved being held within such a close proximity to the blindingly beautifully girl lying next to her, she rapidly grew bored just lying there. The tortuous feel of Paige's warm breath which rolled in gentle waves along her neck was only causing her to do battle with her every nerve, thought and test her resisting ability to avoid moving a few inches closer to place the gentlest, sweetest and most heart-breaking of kisses to the sleeping girl's soft lips. In order to distract herself, Emily reached over to the bed side table which were always piled to the brim with books, Emily noticing that there was a lot of Roald Dahl in the pile, some of which made up Paige's favourite books growing up. Instead of causing a fuss she simply grabbed the first one, it was a tattered book titled 'The Art of Howl's Moving Castle', the contents were about the illustrations and designs behind the book and film simply titled 'Howl's Moving Castle'. Emily knew Paige adored both the book and the film, the girl was always so mesmerised by the detailed and intrinsic illustrations, often begging to watch the film when nothing new tickled their fancy, it's was to Paige as Rudy was to Emily. It was only in that moment that Emily realized Paige was really doing her dream job. A proud smile to be seen by no one in particular, lit up her face.

As she flicked through the worn book she quickly took in a new appreciate and understanding for the art, something she had merely pushed aside as Paige's hobby over five years ago. Emily had loved every single doodle Paige would come up with on a whim when she was bored in class. The brief memory feeding Emily's need to hunt out some college or high school books so she could really appreciate the art that came as a result of Paige's talented hands and creative mind. The moment grew dark on realising that she really didn't appreciate them years ago, the way she should have.

Emily was entranced by the book, not minding the time pass as she was kept interested by the incredible amount of whimsical detail Miyazki got into his work, it was all truly beautiful.

Paige stirred a little, her eyes unable to open fully as a result of the blinding daylight no longer held back by her thin curtains. She moved forward slightly pulling herself closer to Emily, before she nuzzled her nose into the other girl's arms. Emily suddenly broken from her previous trance and was now frozen still.

"Mmm... you smell so good" Paige rasped out, a thick sleepiness licked to her words before she placed the lightest of kisses to Emily's arm. It was only then did she realise exactly what she was doing. Paige immediately sat up straight in the bed, any sign of colour was instantly gone from her face, as she paled in panic.

"Emily?! ... I'm so sorry... I thought..." Paige stuttered out trying to excuse her behaviour.

"Paige, it's fine... you thought I was Alex... it's okay" Emily interrupted, her face a mirror of Paige's as shock crowned both their features.

"What?!" Paige replied a little confused as to Emily's remark, she knew it was Emily next to her all along. "I mean... umm yeah, Alex... I'm sorry... ummm" Paige decided it was better to go with Emily's theory than fess up her own side, rubbing at the back of her neck out of sheer panic and ever-growing awkwardness. The moment a strong reminder at how she allowed her thoughts to run free the previous night and was partly the reason she was so tired this morning.

The night before

Paige had sat down at her bedroom desk to do some work, after having dinner and saying goodbye to her parents when they left for Scranton last night. She had decided she would continue her work on the piece for Hanna's fashion release. Around eleven thirty she felt herself getting tired, not happy with where she was on the project, she figured she would have to put in a few more hours. Taking a break from the artwork, she mindlessly began doodling on a draft piece of paper she always kept to hand.

It wasn't until she came back to work after heading downstairs to the kitchen to make some coffee did she realise maybe there was more to the thoughtless doodle she had scribbled to life. The figure she had drawn now a recognisable person.

Emily.

Of course she had drawn Emily, the woman was a constant thought dancing on the forefront of her mind for a few weeks now. The whole thing coming together after she began questioning her feelings towards the dark-haired beauty, initially brought into question as she was recently reminded of Alex's jealously. The idea that her most recent ex-girlfriend was so convinced something had gone on between the two had stirred something up within Paige. She had come to accept the fact that she'd always feel something for Emily, she would always be her first love, the girl who helped to change and shape her whole world, the girl she lost her virginity to and the girl who saved her. Frankly the last one is a little more ironic given Emily Fields was also the one who nearly destroyed her.

She noticed feelings began to emerge, more so brought on by fear that maybe she could fall for Emily once again. 'What if' questions constantly plagued her mind, a tantalising tease or simply a poisonous trap, she threaded the line of unknowing and risk -like taking a pill to experience the thrill of a high when you don't know what damage it may lead to. The idea of just being friends with Emily was also terrifying, a limiting ordeal that made her feel trapped. Lately she began to notice the beautiful intrinsic details of Emily's body, some familiar others new and had come about as a result of ageing five years. The personality that she fell in love with the moment the two shared their first words, back in sophomore year continued to draw her in to this day. Memories of their kisses, most private intimate moments, the most intense and secretive touches played on her memory more often, it sometime made her feel like she was going insane.

The natural pull that always lingered between the two, had become suddenly more noticeable like as if she had cleaned her vision of a heavy hazy fog. The brief touches, the lingering stares, the numerous lost breathes and the almost kisses a constant weight on Paige's mind and it was petrifying.

What came as an enlightened piece of solace was Paige's ability to convince herself it was all just one-sided, that she had exaggerated everything. Emily had moved on, the two had their chance at forever and it ended, tragically. Emily no longer loved her of felt for her in that way.

Anyway it's not like Emily would ever be able to forgive her.

"Soo ummm... why exactly are you here?" Paige decided to break the tension, slipping out of her thoughts to converse with Emily.

"I wanted to surprise you... I have the whole day planned out, if you're feeling up to it." Emily spoke cheerily.

"Okay..." Paige replied still confused given Emily's vague response.

"Paige, if you don't want to do anything I can just leave and let you get some more sleep. I get it, okay." Emily responded hastily, her tone the complete opposite after she had wrongly read Paige's confusion as irritation, and a sign that she didn't want to do anything.

"No... no, I do. I just I need a moment to wake up fully. I'm just going to run to the bathroom wash my face, brush my teeth and take a moment to freshen up. If that's okay"

"Yeah sure, no problem... we're in no rush. Actually that's a lie, where I have planned on us going closes at noon."

Paige quickly hurried off extremely grateful for the moment allowing her to catch a breather. Looking at herself in the mirror she took a few deep breathes trying to straighten out her thoughts, and ease her worries as she patted cold water on her face before washing it. She began to feel a little better having taken the deep breathes, but her mind constantly ticked over with ideas and questions pertaining to Emily's secret plans.

Paige re-entered her bedroom, Emily was still sat on her bed reading the same book she noticed Emily had been flicking though when she woke up.

"Paige we really don't have to do anything today, especially if you don't want to." Emily spoke up after noticing Paige step back into sight.

"No, no... I do. I really do." Paige reiterated her answer.

"It's unusual for you to sleep in past seven, what had you so tired this morning?" Emily asked curiosity finally getting the better of her.

"I knew this was going to come up again" Paige grinned knowingly before continuing. "I didn't get into bed until maybe half five last night..."

"Half five?! Paige is everything okay? Like are you feeling okay?" Emily shrieked a little, honestly surprised by the revelation.

"Let me finish, Em" Paige smirked at Emily's ability to immediately jump to conclusions. "Yes, half five... I was working on my piece for Hanna, and got a little distracted. Inspiration struck and I guess I couldn't put my pencil down until I had completed. If you're worrying about me falling backwards like I did initially after Alex and I split, I promise that is not the case. Now time for you to give me some details on what the hell you have planned for the day"

"Okay, I'm glad to hear that. Before I explain, can I see the pieces you worked on last night?" Emily asked eager to see some of Paige's work since she graduated.

"Nope... but maybe one day. Now my turn to get some answers." Paige replied somewhat mysteriously, she did in fact know exactly when she wanted to show Emily the pieces of artwork, the girl really wouldn't have to wait that long either.

"Fine, well we need that bag over there, I ask your mom to fill it with everything you'd need before she left. Also you're not allowed to have any breakfast." Emily responded but kept her reply just as vague as before.

"What no breakfast?!" Paige replied incredulous, forcing out an exaggerated pouty face.

"Fine, you can grab a juice, a banana and maybe like a cereal or protein bar. Nothing that will fill you up too much" Emily added, earning a growing quizzical look on Paige's face. "Don't look at me like that McCullers, grab your stuff we need to get going... also you'll have to wear this" Emily smirked playfully as she held up a blindfold.

"Emily Fields, are you kidnapping me... or has Hanna introduced you to some kinky shit? I mean we both know what she's like." Paige added jokingly, teasing the girl stood before her.

"You wish, Paige... now come on, move your butt." Emily laughed, blushing ever so slightly thanks to Paige's flirty banter, nudging Paige's side to get the girl to move out the door.

"We're here." Emily declared as she put the car into park. "But keep the blindfold on."

"If I didn't trust you with my life... I'd be a little worried right now" Paige added as the two remained sat inside in the car.

Emily was a little surprised to hear Paige say that, a timid smile lit up her face as she was sure her heart skipped a beat on hearing Paige proclaim something with such insignificance. The statement coming across as if it was something they both already knew and understood.

"You trust me with your life?" It seemed like a stupid question to ask especially considering the fact that Emily felt the exact same way towards Paige. Unfortunately Emily struggled to believe Paige's statement was truly genuine.

"Of course" Paige replied within an instant sincerity shining through. "I just figured if you were going to harm me or worse try kill me, you'd have done it at this stage." Paige quickly joked, even though she was blindfolded she still felt the intensity of the conversation increase, immediately deciding it was better to make light of the situation instead of falling into an intense conversation that would no doubt end up in tears.

"You're such an idiot..." Emily laughed, hitting the blindfolded girl lightly across the chest with the back of her hand.

"Owww... Okay, I take back my previous statement about you not wanting to harm me." Paige smirked, exaggerating how hurt she was.

Emily got out of the car after telling Paige to remain seated, as she walked around to open the door for the blindfolded girl. Taking Paige's hand she helped her up out of the car, placing her arm around Paige's waist, she then lead them forward a few steps.

"Okay... you can take off the blindfold" Emily requested, as she kept her arm wrapped tightly around Paige's waist.

"Rosewood High's natatorium" Paige whispered out as her eyes raked over the recognisable words printed in bold lettering above the familiar blue double doors that still had the same Rosewood Shark's prints painted onto them. Her eyebrows knitted together, as she was hit by a flurry of emotion, not knowing if being here was a good thing or a bad thing.

Emily gulped noticing Paige being quickly overwhelmed by mixed feelings, had she gone and done something terribly wrong?

"Paige..." Emily began feeling instantly bad as she watched the confused reaction grow on Paige's face.

"Emily stop... just give me a minute." Paige interrupted, the slightest tinge of anger mixed with sadness on her tone as she reached forward to trace the outline of the shark print with her hand.

The two remained silent, while Emily kept her head hung low. She really thought that Paige would get something good out of coming here, she was obviously wrong.

A few moments passed as the two still remained stuck in a dense silence, Paige moved first reaching her hand forward she opened the door nodding for Emily to enter before her. The two sharing a brief glance, Emily offering a thankful smile but neither said a word. Emily now felt it was down to Paige to break the uneasy silence lingering around the two like a dark and tumultuous rain-cloud ready to burst.

The two pair of eyes danced around the familiar hallway, in a weird way it still felt and looked the same as it did when they were in highschool. Numerous memories hung there, frozen in a rose-tinted past. New photos, achievements and memorabilia were the only new additions. The two stood still, side by side gazing into the big glass cabinet about half way down the hallway, the middle shelf catching their scrutinizing peer at first, it showed a photograph of Emily and Paige in 2011 holding the swim trophy when they won regionals in junior year. Looking back at that photo was always strange, the two had briefly been together that year, unfortunately it just wasn't meant to be. Paige was simply terrified of coming out while Emily was terrified of being pulled back into the closet. Emily's sexuality was the one thing she had control over, when everything else in her life was restricted by A; as much as she wanted to, she couldn't give that up to be with Paige.

The next shelf up showed some more photographs; photos of the team's success in 2012 -Emily and Paige's time in senior year. Paige had brought her team to win nationals, the picture showed Paige holding the trophy's surrounded by the swim team, Emily was off to the side as coaching assistant, her eyes beaming proudly onto Paige. As crazy as life was back then for them, it suddenly seemed like their present realities were a little tougher.

Paige walked forward again, her eyes glancing at each of the pictures, stopping once again when she noticed the personal best records listed on the wall, she was still number one. A few new names were now on the list but none able to beat hers. Emily was in fourth place on the list, but Paige was almost certain if she had not have hurt her shoulder in senior year she would have no doubt beaten her personal best. Paige worked hard to get those results, but to Emily swimming just came so naturally.

"Still the best swimmer Rosewood has ever seen." Emily broke the silence, Paige just shrugged it off offering a small smile out of politeness, in her mind Emily would always be the better swimmer. She decided against saying anything, trying to formulate words while mixed up in a flurry of emotion was hard enough, she was struggling now more than ever as memories flooded back.

Finally they reached the public entrance into the natatorium, Paige looking through the rounded window almost afraid to open the door in front of her. Her eyes trailed down the lines of seating before falling on the still pool, she had once known every inch of that room, from the bottom of the pool to the way the third diving platform wiggled ever so slightly when you kicked off it.

Taking a deep breath she pulled the doors open, a wave of chlorine scented air hitting her like a strong wave at sea. Emily was just as taken aback by the scent as Paige was.

The two walked together taking a seat on one of the bleachers. Neither knowing what to say while keeping their gaze firmly placed on the deep blue of the pool.

"Why did you bring me here, Emily?" Paige finally broke, her voice shaking and remained just above a whisper. Emily jumping a little on hearing Paige's voice which although low seemed to echo around the room.

"Paige, I've thought about bringing you here for the past while, but I only just got the opportunity this week. You were so lost in your break-up with Alex, I thought bringing you back to a place where you had such a strong sense of self, a freedom and escape would help pulled those parts of you back to life. Swimming and the water was where you excelled, Paige. The one place you really didn't care what was going on around you, what anyone thought or who was watching. You learned to swim for fun here. I just thought that bringing you here would remind you that everything bad you were feeling was all only temporary. I'm sorry for bringing you here if it's made you upset, Paige... I really thought it would be a good thing." Emily explained, turning in her seat lifting one of her legs over the bench so she could face Paige fully, unfortunately Paige still wouldn't look at her.

"Maybe that would have been the answer five year ago..." Paige uttered out, not realising just how harsh her words came across, Emily immediately recoiled a whip of hurt stringing her heart.

"Nobody knows this because I've kept it a secret, but I stopped swimming. I haven't swam once in five years and frankly at this point I don't even know if I miss it." Paige admitted with a tinge of melancholy.

"What?! But Paige you love swimming... you couldn't just have given it up! I know how much you love the water. Why?! Why would you do that Paige?!" Emily instantly replied overwhelmingly angry at the fact Paige would just gave up on swimming, her angered words causing Paige to look at Emily with a bemused sense of disbelief.

"Emily, swimming wasn't just my thing... it was our thing. Ours, Emily!" Paige hissed back in return, anger heavy on her words s her eyes glossed over with some unshed tears.

"No! No... You did not give up swimming for me. Please tell me you're lying." Emily uttered in response, Emily desperately hoping this was some kind of sick joke.

"I can't" Paige spoke dejectedly, her anger seeped away replaced by a sadness that weighed heavy on her heart.

"Fuck Paige, why? Swimming wasn't our thing, I was forced to give up swimming in senior year and you... you just threw it all away? Swimming was... is you, Paige. You won the awards, got the scholarship, you thrived in the water. You love swimming more than anything else in the world. You turned down the opportunity at Olympic trials because you didn't want swimming to become your job, or overly competitive and too pressurised once again because you were afraid of losing the appreciation you had for the water, the appreciation the water had for you. The sense of escape, freedom and spine tingling thrill you got from just being in the water. The opportunity to be in the moment and not care about anything else. Paige...you just gave up on it?" Emily returned still angry but sadness and desperation sneaking in on her too, after the aftershocks of Paige's confession began to sink in.

"Swimming was our thing, Emily. You taught me how to swim for fun, you made me a better person in this very pool. We shared so many moments here, by my pool at home and the pool in Stanford. You may not have been in the pool with me but you were always there, standing beside coach checking my times, being supportive or just teasing me about my stoke when I'd go for late night training sessions while you'd sit on the edge, dipping your toes in. Emily in senior year you were taken of the opportunity to swim competitively, you still swam for fun... with me. We have kissed, danced, dived, splashed around like we're five year olds, fought with one and other, made love, shamelessly fucked each other, told each other secret stories, said I love you, planned our lives together... all in the water at one stage or another. So don't you dare deny that swimming wasn't our thing. When I lost you Em... I lost the water."

"I'm sorry..." Emily began and wanted to continue, but quickly stopped after Paige placed her hand on top of Emily's while shaking her head and giving her a heavy look that said she didn't need any more of an explanation. She didn't want one.

Paige finally spoke "I know", her expression revealing the slightest hint of a kind smile confirming what she said with her previous actions. Emily's head hung in shame as Paige squeezed her tightly clasped hand before standing up and making her way down the bleachers towards the water.

When Paige reached the last row of seats she sat down for a moment, taking off her shoes and socks, rolling up the bottom of her sweats. Taking a deep breath she moved to the pool edge taking a seat and allowing her feet to be enveloped by the cool water, the feel of water allowing her to release a tense sigh. Emily watched on for moment, wiping at her face when she felt a burning hot tear tinted with embarrassment and shame roll the length of her cheek.

They room hung still within the uneasy silence, Emily moved herself to lie lengthways on the bench staring blankly at the ceiling wishing with everything she could read what was running through Paige's mind right now.

Close to an hour must have passed and Emily must have drifted off asleep because next thing she knew she felt a warm soft hand rubbing ever so gently across her forehead which quickly caused her to jump up nearly falling off the bench.

"Sorry... you were frowning in your sleep it was causing lines to form on your brow, I wanted to try ease whatever was worrying you" Paige answered hoping to ease some of Emily concern.

"Oh... I drifted off, and started having this weird dream"

"Flashbacks" Paige simply responded, the two immediately knowing what she was referencing. Emily nodding a yes, deciding she didn't want to tell Paige the exact details of her recurring dream.

Sometimes when she dreamt of the crash she was simply re-living the experience, other times and more commonly the dream begins with her going to the cinema to watch a film with her friends. The movie starts playing as normal for a few moments until it suddenly changes to the experience of the crash being played out on screen, she looks around the room only to see that everyone is gone, the blindingly bright screen only seems to grow bigger, brighter and the sound gets louder, more intense. It's only when she tries to escape that she notices the doors are locked and blood begins to appear on her hands and dripping off her face, it often ends with her running down to the fire escape only to find a bruised, bloody and broken Paige lying on the floor, telling her it's okay to just hold on, and how much she loves her before Paige takes her last breath.

"You ready to go?" Paige's rasp of a voice breaking Emily of her brief stupor.

"Sure... umm do you want to maybe head to The Brew? I could do with a coffee." Emily offered still feeling groggy after unintentionally falling asleep.

"I can't, Em. Hanna is coming over later to check out the final piece and I want to make sure everything is in order." Paige apologised.

"It's okay... don't worry about it, Paige. Anyway you're going to Hanna house tomorrow for the gift exchange, yeah?"

"Of course, Hanna and Caleb have made me promise about fifty times over the past two weeks that I'll be there. Plus Aria and Ezra will be there and I'm excited to see them again."

"Good... I'm glad." The tension had seemed to ease a little from before, as Emily spoke excitedly about the plans for tomorrow evening.

The two finally reached Emily's car.

"I think I'll just walk home if that's okay?" Paige asked, Emily not thinking too much of Paige's request to walk home and simply smiled in response, knowing whatever the outcome of the day, Paige probably would have requested to walk home anyway.

Paige began on her journey, but just as Emily was climbing back into the passenger seat of the car she decided to speak up.

"Em?"

"Yeah?"

"Maybe I will decide to start swimming again. Maybe. One day." Paige responded, on hearing what she had to say a side smile crept onto Emily's face.

Hope.

The words 'one day' seemed to be the definition of the two's relationship. Maybe one day Paige would swim again. Maybe one day the two would talk about everything that happened. Maybe one day the guilt, heartbreak and longing would stop.

Maybe one day they would fall back together.

"Paige! It's been so long. I can't believe I'm actually seeing you in the flesh. You look amazing. I mean you always did, but wow a few years older and you're looking smokin'" Aria exclaimed as soon as she saw Paige enter the Marin's living room having been let into the house by Hanna.

"Aria! Hi. I know it's been far too long... it's nice to finally see you, without seeing you as the pixelated blur Skype usually procures. Are you getting shorter?" Paige joked, placing her hand out on top of Aria's head only for her to hit it away in a flash before enrapturing the taller girl in a friendly hug. The two girls were never overly close, their relationship was always a little more distant that the friendship Paige had developed with Hanna, Caleb, Spencer and Toby, but they both considered themselves good friends none the less, and the two felt comfortable in each other's presence. Paige immediately welcomed the hug, she was never big on being overly touchy-feely with friends but it was hard not to feel at ease with Aria.

"Paige... it's great to have you home." Ezra interrupted holding out a fresh glass of streaming mulled wine for Aria, who seemed to beam even more so having noticed his presence.

"Fitz, it's good to see you too." Paige and Ezra shook hands, she and Mr Fitz never developed much of friendship when she and Emily were together. She liked him and considered him a good guy but she was always a little self-conscious and frankly a little weirded out at the idea of being friends with someone who was her also teacher. She did hope that would change now that they were a few years older and school was many years behind them.

The three continued exchanging stories; stories of travel, education and Aria's life as a published author came to fruition as the conversation flowed naturally. Paige enjoyed catching up with the two but couldn't help but be distracted by Emily who was curled up on an armchair in the corner staring blankly into the glowing fire, a sad and forlorn look written on her face, which quickly caused a bubbling sense of worry to register in Paige's lower gut. Thankfully the conversation naturally fizzled out and Paige held up her near empty glass of egg nog to signal she was off to the kitchen in search of another, instead she used her opportunistic escape to figure out what the hell was going on with Emily.

"Hey Tob... what's up with Em?" Paige saw Toby standing near the doorway decided it was best to ask him first before approaching Emily.

"She's been like that since Spence and I got here. Spencer tried asking her what was going on and she just blew her off."

"Is she drunk?"

"No, as far as I know she hasn't touched a drink all evening. Maybe you could talk to her?" Toby offered, squeezing Paige's shoulder out of support. Paige simply nodded in response before adding a kind thanks, and began walking towards Emily.

"Em?" Paige called the distracted girl's name and got no response.

"Emily?" Paige got down on her knees placing her hand on her ex-girlfriend's folded knee, finally capturing the girl's attention.

"Paige... you finally got here, I was worried you decided not to come." Emily's face lit up ever-so-slightly having finally taken in Paige's presence. She had noted Paige entering the room, but quickly fell back into a day-dream when she noticed Paige had started up a conversation with Aria. Emily was instantly torn between seeking out the girl's attention or trying her best to stay hidden and reserved, her heart picking up speed like it always did as soon as Paige came by her side.

"I was always going to come... I mean there's presents involved, who would want to miss out on that?" Paige joked, earning only a brief flash of a smile from Emily before she noticed the somewhat dazed woman try her best to stifle a yawn.

"I'm more worried about what's going on with you, Em?"

"I'm fine, just a little tired." Emily forced an attempt at normalcy hoping her best attempt would brush off Paige's questions.

"Em?" Paige tried again, swaying her head to the left to try meet Emily's eyeline knowing that was the secret to reading her ex-girlfriend's expression.

"Paige, can we please just drop it" Emily whispered this time, her words barely audible given the sudden influx in noise in the room, the conversation was growing louder now that Hanna and Spencer brought some food into the room.

"Em... come with me for moment" Paige reached out for Emily's hand, intertwining their fingers which seemed to tangle together like a perfectly practiced dance. Their hands always did fit together with ease like they were specifically made to be held by the other, their skin tones always a beautiful contrast. The two walked hand in hand out of the room and into the kitchen which was now empty.

"Stop looking at me like that?" Emily chastised Paige as soon as the two were stood face to face. The girl's hearts ached immediately after the loss of contact shared between their hands, the two hoping the other wouldn't noticed how much they craved the slightest tingle of contact.

"Stop looking at you like what?" Paige huffed out, frustrated.

"That look! Fucking puppy like sympathetic eyes, the way you bite the bottom corner of your lip and you get the slightest hairline crease in your brow when you're all concerned." Emily stated with such nonchalance, Paige had to try her best to hide a bashful smile, not expecting Emily's simply observation to have such an effect on her.

"Fine! I'll stop when you tell me what's bothering you." Paige smirked, having successfully hid her previous, near and unexpected slip-up.

"Nothing's bothering me... I just didn't sleep very well last night."

"More dreams?" Paige responded sympathetically, now fully understanding after hearing the defeated tone that haunted Emily's words.

Emily stood still for a moment, her body seemed to slump and her whole demeanour fell from her usually confident and assured 25 year old self to that of a sad, broken and confused teenager looking for any kind of guidance. She had to bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering, and hung her head to hide away her watery orbs. Paige took a step forward, tentatively wrapping her arms around a vulnerable Emily, pulling her into tight, secure and loving hug. Emily was incredibly grateful for the familiar sense of warmth and safety that she always got from Paige.

"I thought I was done having nightmares..." Emily mumbled dejectedly, her words vibrating across Paige's chest where she had tucked her head. "I don't know if it's because it's Christmas time, or what we talked about yesterday or... I have one bad night and it brings me right back to that stupid fucking night." Emily continued, a suffocating sadness tinged with a burning hiss of anger laced her words.

"I know, Em... I know..." Paige cooed in return, placing an amicable, caring and concerned kiss to Emily's forehead when she felt a warm wetness on her neck; no doubt the result of an escaped teardrop or two.

"Thank you" Emily finally hummed out, breaking the relaxed silence that was established between the two as she reluctantly pulled herself from Paige's warm embrace.

"I'm pretty sure if I stay curled up on your side for much longer, I will pass out asleep" Emily joked feeling better having been comforted by Paige.

"So, you feelin' better, Fields?" Paige nudged the girl playfully.

"Much better... thanks to you, of course."

"Well there's really no surprise there. I am the world's best cuddler... it's the reason I get so many of the ladies." Paige replied with an exaggerated hint of ego, puffing out her chest for extra exaggeration.

"You're such an Idiot." Emily responded to Paige's over the top cockiness, rolling her eyes.

"You ready for some presents?"

"Yep... you better have gone above and beyond McCullers." Emily continued the giddy banter between the two.

"Guess you'll have to wait and see." Paige winked as she put her two hands onto Emily's hips from behind and began pushing her out of the kitchen and into the living area.

"Looks like we still have a little while to wait before anyone gets any presents..." Emily commented as she and Paige scanned the room. Everyone was still caught up in lively conversation, Toby and Caleb were chasing an excited Jake around the room trying to tickle him and Hanna looked a little impatient as her eyes continuously flicked from Caleb to the presents.

"Yep... pretty sure Hanna's going to have a conniption fit if the presents don't get opened soon, she looks super stressed." Paige added, the two were now standing in the living room doorway laughing gently at Paige's observation.

"KISS!" a shouting voice interrupted the entire room, as all eyes fell on Jacob as he stood beaming pointing his finger up at Paige and Emily.

"What?" Caleb questioned his son.

"I got Emmy and Paige under Mister Toe... so now they have to kiss" Jacob explained, he had been calling people out all day after Hanna explained to him what the point of the decoration was. His words causing a whirlwind of awkwardness to settle in around the room.

"Kiss." Jake proclaimed once again with excitement.

"Ummm..." A panicked Paige swallowed hard, her eyes quickly darting around the room in search of help, a similar look also planted on Emily's features.

"Jake, sweetheart not everyone has to kiss under the mistletoe... maybe we can let Paige and Emily off." Hanna jumped forward hoping to distract her son and save her friends from their current situation.

"But their supposed too, Mama... it's bad luck if they don't. You even said so." Jake whined a little this time, confused as to why the rules had suddenly changed.

Emily taken a half breath inched towards Paige offering a confident smile to Jake, before placing a soft kiss to the paler girl's cheek.

Jake shook his head, the five year old unable to pick up on the discomfort he was raising in the room. "A real kiss... like in the photo."

"What photo?" Emily questioned the young boy, looking puzzled once again.

"That's my fault..." Ashley Marin stood forward this time offering an apologetic expression, "I took out Hanna's old high school yearbook to show Jacob what everyone looked like in school. Jake was particularly transfixed on the photo of you and Paige kissing after the Sharks took home nationals."

Everyone instantly knew the photo, it was even a favourite for both Emily and Paige. It was taken a few moments after the picture the two girls had looked at in Rosewoods High's hallway the other day. Paige had wanted nothing more than to experience the moment of winning nationals with no one other than Emily. The second they got their team photo taken, Paige passed the trophy off to her other teammates and ran towards her girlfriend, picking her up and spinning her around in a tight hug before putting her back down and kissing her with everything she had in her. Neither caring that they had a full natatorium as an audience. After the kiss their friends told them the whole room erupted into boisterous cheers and clapping, neither Emily nor Paige had heard or taken in a bit of it, in that moment it was just them. The photo in question showed exactly that, only Hanna, Spencer and Aria were in background looking on proudly and behind them showed the bleachers full of blurred faces presumable cheering and clapping.

"Oh that one..." the words slipped from Paige's lips which were currently shaped by a proud smirk, that was definitely one of her best moves to date. The unintentional slip-up causing a quiet laughter to bubble up within the room.

The room went quiet again, and Emily and Paige just stood frozen side by side almost like they were being set up for their first kiss ever. Jake stood looking at the two intently, not letting up on either of them.

'Oh to hell with it' the words ringing out in Paige's mind.

It was Paige who moved first, turning slowly to face Emily. Paige's eyes were still firmly focused on the ground, before she grew enough courage to trail her gaze the length of the other girl's body in the hope of finding some kind of solace in Emily's beautiful almond shaped eyes, only to find her also looking shyly at the ground. Using her hand she caught a loose hanging curl that hung covering Emily's face ever so slightly, being extra careful she pushed it back behind Emily's ear. The simply gesture given Emily the confidence to look up and meet Paige's eyeline. Their locked gaze speaking volumes, enough to shatter the awkward vibe in the room into a thousand smithereens. A simply nod of acknowledgement of the situation was offered up by both. Paige used her hand to gently cup Emily's cheek before leaning forward. One last glance echoed between the two as warm breaths entangled into a delicate dance. Emily moved into Paige's advances, their lips coming together after five long and complex years apart. Emily needing support, slipped her hand to Paige's hip looking for some kind of anchor. Their mouths, desperate, melding together into one another in a longing but chaste kiss. Sadly the kiss was over before it even got started. Paige was fighting with every single nerve, thought and heartbeat not to push Emily up against the doorway and continue kissing her, pouring every inch of herself into Emily's being. What she didn't know was Emily was enduring that exact same battle. Their eyes meeting briefly once again, and the world seemed like a slightly different place.

"I umm... I'm just going to go the bathroom" Paige spoke unable to hold Emily's gaze any longer. Emily nodded in response not realising her hand was still firming placed on Paige's hip, smiling shyly when she caught Paige glance down at it.

...

When Paige returned everyone had settled down and were sitting comfortable around the room getting ready to exchange gifts. She was glad to notice the atmosphere had returned to normal, even Emily seemed at peace as she chatted with Ezra who was sat beside her on the lounger. She was continually grateful that at twenty-five; relationships, sex and kissing were never a big deal anymore like they were when they were all teenagers. Of course they were big conversation topics and often times lead to dramatics, but at twenty-five a brief kiss under the mistletoe was no longer a titillating or shy worthy topic where your friends would hound you for answers and all the dirty details; which she was thankful for, but frankly also a little sad.

The gifts were quickly passed out; books, work tools, diaries, shoes, music, clothing, artwork and jewellery were among a few of the gifts received. Hanna and Caleb were handing out their last two gifts one for Emily and one for Paige.

"A Christmas card?" Paige questioned on opening the small red envelop from Hanna and Caleb.

"Well duh... open it!" Hanna exclaimed excitedly.

Paige began mumbling out words briefly as she read what the card said. "Your gift will come at a later date?" Paige finally looked up.

"Yeah, sorry Paige... you're going to have to wait a little while longer for your present." Caleb explained with a kind smile, earning a slightly confused expression from his friend in return.

"Okay Em... you're next!" Hanna spoke up again giddily.

Emily excitedly began ripping the coloured paper from the small package she got from Hanna and Caleb.

"Hey Em, just a head's up... this was all Hanna." Caleb interrupted holding his hands up defensively, just as Emily began opening the small cardboard box.

Once opened a deep scarlet colour ran across Emily's face as her eyes caught sight of the lacy material, immediately knowing what Hanna had bought her.

"Come on so, what is it?" Aria sat up curious to see what had caused Emily to turn such a deep shade of red.

Emily simply grabbed the material pulling it out of the box, holding it up for everyone to see. The sight of the cut-out lace garter slip in a deep velvety purple colour sent shockwaves around the room, it was almost comical. The guys didn't know where to look; Hanna beamed with pride, Spencer and Aria eyes remained examining the undergarment, and Paige felt like she was on the verge of having a heart attack, her mouth had gone dry and her heart pummelled so hard in her chest she was sure the neighbours could hear the tremendous sound of her heartbeat thrumming from next-door. She thought finding restraint after the kiss was hard, the idea of Emily wearing the clothing sent her mind alight. She was of course attracted to Emily, she would always be the most beautiful woman in the world through Paige's eyes. That attraction only grew in recent weeks almost like a hunger, that combined with the stir and mix-up of confused feelings towards her ex-girlfriend as of late only made her wish she would be the only one ever get to see Emily in that outfit.

"Just something special to hopefully encourage you to go out and do some things... think back to the conversation we had Em." Everyone looked at Hanna with confused glares on her cryptic explanation. Emily let out a the slightest rumble of laughter along with an eye roll on knowing this was Hanna subtle way of encouraging her to just go out, have some fun and get laid, like she had wanted her to do with Kira.

A few moments passed and everyone settled down once again, Emily began distributing her presents, Paige receiving hers last.

"Paige, this one is yours." Emily spoke briefly interrupting Paige from her thoughts.

"Sorry, Em... my what?" She replied hastily, her brain still frazzled at the thoughts of Emily dressed in the lingerie.

"You're present, duh!"

"Oh yeah. Sorry, thank you." Paige shook her head, taking the beautifully wrapped present.

Paige's hands were shaking as she peeled back the wrapping paper gently.

"It's only something small." Emily was nervous now too, waiting eagerly for Paige to open the small box.

Paige's breath evaded her as soon as she opened it, the first thing catching her eye was a small worse for wear book, a whimsical smile growing on her face as she read the title "Le Petite Prince" by Antoine Saint Exupery, she didn't read French but she adored the playful illustrations that filled up every single page of the short story meant for children but loved by people of all ages.

"How did you get this?" Paige beamed, true astonishment on her words.

"When you left yesterday, I went into town looking for the last few presents I needed. I went into the small vintage shop near The Brew thinking I could find some kind of exuberant piece of jewellery for Aria, but I just happened to ask the old man who runs the shop had he any children's books with pictures. We talked for a while and he eventually pulled out that, stating it was one of his most prized possessions mainly because he said it never gets old, no matter how many times he reads it or adores the illustrations. When I looked through it, I thought you'd like the images and gain some inspiration from it. It's also signed." Emily replied glad to see the effect the present had on Paige.

"What no!" The childlike excitement on Paige's voice only grew more intense, causing everyone to laugh. Her hand running over the second page where the slightly faded signature stood proudly.

"Thank you, Em." Paige looked up to meet Emily's gaze, her voice low but laced with a true sincerity.

"Okay Paige, now it's your turn." Hanna interrupted the brief moment between Emily and Paige. Paige handed out her presents to the group; before it was her turn to bite the bullet and hope Emily was as thrilled with her present as she was with hers.

Paige handed Emily a large brown envelop, that was obviously full of something given the slight thickness.

Emily opened it carefully, pulling out a small handful of rectangle pieces of card, her brows furrowing together for a brief second.

"You umm... You'll have to read the letter first that kind of explains everything."

"Read it out loud, Em" Spencer spoke up looking to Paige at first to see if Paige minded the letter being read out loud to the group. Paige just offered the two a slight nod, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious over her present idea. This could go completely wrong.

Emily began.

Em,

Happy Christmas. The other morning you were worried why I was so tired. I answered with telling you I was up all night after being hit by a bout of inspiration. Well, that inspiration, which I didn't want to show you in that moment, is now being held in your hand. Keep reading the explanation gets clearer, I promise. Not so long ago I had a conversation with Spencer about our break-up, it was only brief, but we got talking about Stanford. She told me how you burned, destroyed and threw out every single photo, memorabilia, and memory of Stanford not long after the break-up. I don't blame you, I nearly did too... the hoodie was a little too difficult to get rid of though. I know you regret doing it, Spencer told me that too... unfortunately there's no way to bring those physical things back but I hope these little drawings I did, help. Happy Christmas.

P.

After finishing reading the short letter she looked up at Paige though glossy eyes, unfortunately Paige was shrunk down into herself as her head hung low facing the ground as a result of insecurity.

She turned over the handful of paper. A small smile crept on her face and a laughter which instantly lightened the mood in the room as she remembered the memories that Paige had captured so beautifully in her drawing. Some were just snapshot style drawings of the campus, others were Emily sat in a lecture hall, Emily with their Californian friends on different occasions, one particular drawing making her laugh depicted a large water fight that broke out by their dorms. Drawings of Emily stood intently with a stopwatch around her neck, focus written on her eyes. Another one of her with Hanna and Caleb in front of the golden gate bridge when they came to visit. The next one she flicked to an image of Emily asleep at her desk in their shared apartment, surrounded by science books.

Emily was then struck with a heavy sadness, Paige hadn't included herself in any of the drawings. The last one showed an image of Emily sat at the pool end with her feet dipped into the water, the drawing only showed her back as the pool expanded out in front of her. It took her a minute but she finally noticed that there was the faintest outline of what looked like a small figure swimming in the pool, so minuet, Emily didn't recognise it at first. Was that Paige?

...

About an hour had passed and everyone continued chatting, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Emily had moved from the couch to sit on the floor, choosing to sit between Hanna and Paige. It didn't take long for Jacob to take up a seat in Emily's lap once he began to settle down for the night. The sight was truly something mesmerising for Paige, the way Emily tentatively held the young boy in her arms sometimes brushing his long hair to side, laughing along to all his jokes and listening intently to his stories. 'She's going to be wonderful mother, one day', were the only words circulating in her mind.

"Emmy?"

"Yes, Jake?"

"In those pictures grandma showed me... you and Paigey used to kiss a lot like my Mama and Daddy?"

"We did." Emily simply replied a little confused as to where the young boy's trail of thought was headed.

"But you don't kiss Paige anymore... how come?" Jake looked up, confusion now on his tone.

"Well before you were born, a really bad, sad and scary thing happened and Paige and I had to be apart for a little awhile, she went to Europe, which is far away over the ocean and I stayed here. Paige only came back recently, and now we're just friends. Just like me and Toby, or me and your Mom and Dad or even me and you. I don't kiss you guys, like that." Emily explained hoping her words would offer some clarity for the boy.

"Will you ever kiss her gain'?"

"I dunno Jacob, why?" Emily wondered

"It's just cause, you and Paigey look super super super happy in the photo... and that made me feel happy too." The little boy expressed excitedly a wide smile plastered on his face.

"You're so smart and clever do you know that?" Emily added, genuinely proud of how in tune Jacob was with other people at such a young age. She figured it was a definite trait he picked up from both Hanna and Caleb, who were both incredibly intuitive and brilliant at reading people and their emotions.

Jacob simply smiled and nodded before tucking himself into Emily's hold even further. He allowed the littlest of yawns to seep from his lips as he sleepily began grasping at the new teddy bear he got as a present from Ted and Ashley having chosen to open their present tonight.

"Come on baby, let's get you to bed before you fall asleep in Em's lap" Hanna interrupted once she noticed her son was already half-asleep, whilst Emily was talking with Paige.

"You're so good with him" Paige added once Hanna and Caleb had taken their son out of Emily's hold.

"He kind of makes it easy. I mean you have eyes... you've seen those dimples and blue eyes."

"Yeah Hanna and Caleb did a pretty good job on that one."

"I know right, fantastic genes. So you seem to like your present?"

"Meh... it's fine, I mean it'll do." Paige spoke shrugging her shoulder like it was nothing.

"Hey!" Emily poked Paige in the side causing the other girl to laugh out loud "You loved it".

"Well yeah it's umm... nice" Paige spoke through her laughter, which this time had caught the attention of the others who all briefly admired the at ease friendliness between the two, especially given their history. Spencer and Aria sharing a coy knowing look before re-engaging in their conversation, leaving Emily and Paige alone.

"Nice? Just nice? Paige seriously? Admit it you loved it... I'm an excellent gift buyer." Emily teased back.

"Wow Em, I forgot just how modest you can be. I mean to be fair the present was mediocre at best."

"Just give me a straight answer, woman." Emily huffed playfully.

"I don't really do straight... sorry" Paige stuck out her tongue.

"Oh yeah, figured" Emily rolled her eyes while laughing.

"Fine!" Emily finally gave up and sat up straight crossing her arms and purposely turning her head in the opposite direction of Paige's gaze.

Paige couldn't help but burst out into more hearty laughter at Emily's action she looked like an overgrown five year old throwing a strop. Her laughter got the most of her and she unknowingly snorted.

"Oh my god... did you actually just snort?" Emily quickly turned, her eyes wide with amusement immediately understanding what her ears had heard was to be believed after she quickly noticed the slightest crimson blush rise up Paige's neck. The revelation causing Emily to fall back on the floor in a newly energised fit of laughter.

"I guess that's karma for winding you up, which is so easily done by the way. If it's any kind of reassurance -I really do love the present, Em. Thank you." Paige spoke seriously this time, offering up a kind smile that was enough to leave Emily momentarily breathless. Emily reciprocated by nodding with a similar heart melting smile.

The two settled once again, Paige reached forward taking one of the Christmas biscuits Aria and Ezra had made and brought over, taking a big bite out of it. Not realising she had left a substantial smudge of icing on her upper lip. Emily, without really thinking moved forward, her hand briefly cradling Paige's jawbone for a moment causing Paige to instantly freeze, Emily then used her thumb to wipe away the remnants of the icing from the other girl's lips before retracting her hand and placing her thumb in her mouth. The over-familiarity of the situation and over-stepping the lines of friendship, a result of their growing closeness over the past few weeks. The slip-up not initially registering with Emily.

On finally realising what she just did, Emily looked to Paige, the two holding eye-contact for a millisecond before two sets of eyes quickly flickered to look towards the others in the room, thankfully everyone was involved in deep conversation and not fully aware of what was going on around them. Their two eyes flickering past one another once again, embarrassed half smiles growing almost uncontrollable as scarlet licked to their skin. Paige struggled holding Emily's eye contact, dipping her head and looking into the ground.

The trademark McCuller's head dip.

The small moment that would most likely be considered insignificant to anyone other than Emily and Paige, resulted in a hidden breathlessness, racing minds and confused battlescarred hearts for the two women.

"Umm I think it's time I head home, thanks again for all the lovely gifts. I can honestly say this has been one of my most favourite Christmas celebrations in the past few years." Paige stood up putting on her leather jacket. After having another close call with Emily the two moved apart to chat with the others.

Everyone said their goodbyes and Paige waved to everyone as she left the room.

"I'll be back in one second." Emily stood up briefly apologising to her friends having gotten up in the middle of a conversation.

"Paige?" Emily called out just in time to stop Paige from pulling the front door all the way over as she stood on the small porch.

"Yeah?"

"Umm... I just wanted to see if you were up for the camping trip we've been taken annually over the past few years?"

"Yeah. Yeah Spencer and Toby mentioned it, and so did Caleb... it sounds like fun. Although everyone's being pretty vague about the location, do I need to bring a sleeping bag or?" Paige asked curious as to the details of the trip that everyone purposely kept a secret.

"Ummm, no you don't need to bring anything like that. It's not really camping per say, we're staying in Spencer's grandparent's cabin, when her grandmother passed away 4 years ago Spencer inherited it. It's pretty cosy and there is enough space for everyone. But it's still a cabin in the woods on the lakeside just so you know what to expect." Emily answered, also trying not to give too much away.

"Okay sounds nice. What day is it again?"

"We always leave on the 27th, it's about a six hour drive and we stay for at least a week if not a little longer, that usually depends on everyone's work schedule."

"Why the 27th?" Paige asked after hearing the emphasis Emily put on the date.

"Well it's the day before, you know... well we had the accident on the 28th. I don't like driving on that day especially long journeys. It was all initially Spencer's idea, every year around that time... it was hard being in Rosewood, so getting out and away from everything helped a lot. It became a tradition we wanted to keep up, this will be our fourth year."

"Em, if this is some kind of escape for you... I don't want to be a reminder of certain things we all want to forget." Paige interrupted she was looking forward to the trip but now the idea didn't seem so great.

"Nooo, Paige stop thinking like that. I want you to come." Emily stood forward a little, placing her hands on Paige upper arms and squeezing them gentle to express comfort.

"I guess I'll see you all on the 27th. I better get going, the folks have friends coming over at 9 and I have to be the perfect host." Paige laughed.

"Yeah, see you then" Emily voice was lower this time, as she stepped forward again wrapping her arms around Paige's waist, she felt Paige's arms instantly reciprocate the hug.

"Thanks for everything tonight, Em." Paige whispered, now resting her own head on top of Emily's which had tucked it's way into her shoulder, the feel of Emily's breath against her neck was astonishing, enough to take the biting chill out of the cold Pennsylvanian air.

"Thank you, Paige." Emily murmured in response.

The two remained still, simply absorbing the other's presence for a few moments.

"Happy Christmas, Em" Paige's hold tightened around the other woman, her voice low.

"Merry Christmas, Pay" Emily couldn't help but place the softest of kisses to the column of Paige's neck.

A few moments passed and Emily finally retracted herself from the warmth of Paige's strong and comforting hold. She noticed the briefest of shivers run the length of the paler girls body, reaching forward she pulled Paige's leather jacket tighter around her body before fixing the girl's scarf, hoping her actions would ward off the cold for the brunette.

"You should get going, it's too cold to be standing around outside." Emily simply stated, not realising she was predominately the reason behind the chill that echoed across Paige's frame. Paige smiled once more, turning on her heels after offering up a gentle wave goodnight.

"So I hate to sound like a spoilt child... especially considering your four year old son was perfectly behaved the past six hours, but are we nearly there?" Paige asked Hanna and Caleb, who shared a playful look after hearing the question.

"Umm yeah about another hour or so" Hanna responded shrugging her shoulders slightly like it was nothing.

"Uggh really? I am bursting to go pee." Paige moaned, slumping back into the seat.

"You'll be fine, just hold it... take in the views of the area we're in now. It's so incredibly beautiful, do you not think?"

"Yeah... the houses are insane, and the scenery is like something out of a film. Where the hell are we anyway?" Paige questioned, intrigued by the expansive neighbourhood they found themselves in.

"We're here!" Hanna declared a few seconds later as the car edged out of a wooded driveway to pull up in front of massive log cabin style house. Paige's jaw dropped on seeing the house, the ground floor walls were half wood half stone given it a really authentic feel. Wooden stairs opened up onto the first floor linking up to a large decking area that covered the whole front of the house sheltering two large garage doors underneath. The first floor was decorated with what seemed liked endless rows of large windows and the eye catching feature being the redwood double doors that stood proudly beneath a balcony edging out from the top floor. The whole front of the house overlooked a perfectly manicure garden that was home to a fish pond and welcoming seating area set around a huge stone fire.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Paige finally spoke, still in awe of the house that towered out in front of her. Her childlike amusement causing Hanna and Caleb to burst out laughing.

"Nope... all real. Did you really think the Hastings did real estate that wasn't big enough to intimate even the most powerful of people?" Caleb asked, an amused tone to his question.

"I just thought it would be your average log cabin not a freakin' mansion." Paige proclaimed.

"Well to be fair, the first time Spencer brought us up here, she had us all convinced we'd be roughing it big time in an old, rustic and weathered cabin. I guess we wanted you to have that surprise too." Hanna explained.

"Come on, everyone's inside. Also wait until you see the interior, Spencer and Toby redid the whole house over about a 9 month period, it truly something spectacular." Hanna exclaimed.

"Spence I feel like I'm on episode of Cribs... or maybe even Punked I'm not entirely sure." everyone laughed again on hearing Paige's astonishment.

"I'm glad you like it"

"It's beautiful, seriously. Really beautiful" Her eyes soaked up everything, from the matching furnishings in the living area, the perfectly laid out lighting achieved by large hanging lamps, a blazing fire and numerous candles, to the artwork that dotted the walls before finally taken in the state of the art kitchen. The whole house had a modern vibe but felt warm and cozy like a tradition log cabin should. The fact that it was approaching darkness when they arrived that evening, only seemed to add character to the house.

"I can show you to you room. There's two bedrooms upstairs as well as a bathroom." Spencer explained as she headed up the grand pine staircase that was the eye catching centre piece when you entered the house.

Once she reached the top she pointed to the right and around the corner "Emily's staying in there, she got the room with the balcony over the front that you saw briefly when coming in, the bathroom is just there on the left, you'll have to share with Em, unfortunately the rooms upstairs are the only two without an ensuite. Finally this door right here, leads into your bedroom."

"Spencer, I feel like this is a dream. Every time I think I've seen it all and then you go and show me this." Paige was amazed when she took in the image of the room in front of her. A large four poster oak double bed took up the middle of the room, the room was furnished beautifully with a large dresser, two bed side tables and a large desk sat beneath a window. A medium sized TV hung on the wall opposite the bed, it felt like she was staying in a five star resort.

"This is usually where Toby and I stay but he recently finished renovating the ground floor garage into a large bedroom, once we converted an outhouse to the new garage and we both fell in love with it, so we decided to stay there. Hanna, Caleb and their son are in the main bedroom on the first floor along with Aria and Ezra who are staying in one of the guest bedrooms. Anyway I guess I'll show you why Toby and I always used to stay up here." Spencer moved forward pulling back a large curtain, to reveal a sliding door that opened out onto a large wooden balcony that overlooked the vast expanses of the lake, this balcony was a little bigger than the one at the front of the house, and housed a large outdoor sofa bed that was partially covered by a canopy and wicker in an egg shape. The whole setting was truly spectacular.

"I can only imagine why..." Paige smirk knowingly, earning a rare glimpse at a blush that registered on Spencer's face.

"Everyone's taken awhile to settle in, I'll get Toby to bring up your bags and you can rest up and get used to the room before dinner, we're ordering in pizza in about an hour." Spencer explained

"Thanks for inviting me along Spencer... it really means a lot."

"We're all happy you're here Paige." Spencer smiled as she left the room.

Later that night after everyone retired to bed, Paige struggled to sleep. The combination of being in a new place and it being the night before the twenty eight were causing a whirlwind of emotion and memories to fight out any symptoms of sleep. Instead she decided to read, forfeiting to the idea that she'd most likely be missing out on sleep over the next few days.

In the room across the small hallway Emily was enduring a very similar battle, almost afraid to close her eyes out of fear of seeing the memories of the crash flash beneath her darkened lids. She hadn't gotten the chance to talk that much with Paige tonight and she was desperately missing her company. Her mind wondering curiously if Paige was still awake too.

The night dragged on tiresomely, the two only testing their patience as they checked their phones for the time.

1:11am, 2:34am, 3:15am.

4:36am

Emily needing to go to the toilet, sneaking out of her room to cross the landing. She tediously paced the floor in her room before building the courage to open her bedroom door, not really knowing why she needed the courage.

Taking tentative steps she padded as quiet as she could across the landing, not paying much attention to Paige's room given her desperate need for the toilet. It wasn't until she came back was she a little happy but also saddened to the slightest glow of a lamp seep out from below the door. Her footsteps caused a loud creaking sound to echo around the hallway.

"Em?" Paige called out, she also wondered if Emily was able to sleep but pushed it to the back of her mind once she became entranced by the book she was reading.

No answer came.

Emily went to return to her room only for the floorboards to creak once more.

"Emily?"

"Yeah?" Emily approached Paige's door to open it ever so slightly, briefly blinded by the lamps bright light having remained in near darkness out in the hallway and her own room.

"Can't sleep?" Paige simply questioned.

"What? No I just woke up and needed to pee." Emily didn't know why she felt the need to lie; was it out of fear of showing weakness to Paige, worried what Paige might say or do if she admitted to being terrified of closing her eyes and experiencing those haunting images for what could be the millionth time, or was she afraid of evoking bad memories for Paige, not wanting to be the cause behind dragging such trauma back to the forefront of both their minds. She had already done enough when she had an impact on Paige's panic attacks.

"Oh right..."

"You okay?" Emily asked this time.

"Yeah, yeah... I umm I just got sucked into a book, couldn't put it down. Probably going to try sleep now though" Paige also lying, not wanting to bring up their past especially since Emily seemed to be doing okay. Not knowing that Emily was enduring her exact same battle, she quickly decided it was best to avoid such a conversation.

"Yeah me too, goodnight." Emily pulled the door closed, standing still briefly listening against the door not knowing what she was looking for. The soft sound of a broken sigh, only invoking a heavy sadness to settle in the pit of her stomach.

28th December – Five year anniversary of the crash.

After breakfast Emily stood up, the air was heavy as it always was on this day, it was definitely a little stranger having Paige around this year too.

"I think I'm going to take a walk" Emily declared, thankful for the breakfast Hanna and Caleb had prepared. A selection of blueberry pancakes, piles of fruit and fresh bacon a favourite for both Emily and Paige, who both knew they were going to be the centre of attention all day, the two desperately seeking an out.

"Is it okay if I come with you? I'd like to get to know the area a little better." Paige asked, Emily instantly responded with a kind smile more than grateful to have Paige's company.

"So..." Paige started, having walked next to Emily for over ten minutes and neither mentioned a word to the other.

"So." Emily replied not knowing what to say.

"It's really beautiful out here"

"It is." Emily allowed her eyes to scan the scenery, she had chosen a secluded path around the lake it was one of her favourites, and she made sure to make at least one journey along it every time she stayed up here. The pathway was beautifully carved out between the calming waters of the lake and the earthiness and raw edge of the woods; the smells, the air, the atmosphere that lingered just seemed to be all she needed every time she made her journey along it.

The two continued their walk in silence for over an hour, deciding to turn back about twenty minutes ago and were edging closer to the perimeter of the house. The silence remained comfortable between the two girls, both using the silence to reflect, think and just take the opportunity to clear their minds. There was something so truly magically about walking around together on this day, considering how far they've come.

"Are you cold?" Emily spoke first this time.

"No... are you? You can have my jacket if you need it." Paige offered immediately causing Emily to laugh lightly. Typical Paige.

"No... I'm fine, thanks though. If you're not cold do you mind staying outside with me for a little while? I like to sit on the edge of the pier there. I dunno why I like it so much." Emily pointing towards an old pier that stretched out about twenty metres into the lake, Paige quickly obliged.

"Are you sure the pier is still viable and safe to walk on, Em?" Paige asked as soon as she approached the old rickety wooden feature, a little more worried now seeing it up close.

"I think it's fine" Emily never had any problems with it before, she did notice just how worse for wear it looked but it still looked stable enough to be walked on. The two walked together along the wooden walkway out onto the lake.

"The water." Paige spoke out breaking the brief moment of quiet between the two.

"The water?"

"Sorry, you said a few minutes ago that you don't know why you like it so much... I'm just guessing you like it because of the water. The closeness to the water, I mean."

"I guess you're right." Emily replied as she sat down on the edge of the wooden pier letting her legs hang over the edge mere inches above the darkened water, Paige sat next to her allowing her legs to do the same. The chill in the air settling in around them made even more obvious by the warm fog that escaped their lips every time they breathed outwards.

"I hate this day." A simple statement made by Paige through a heavy sigh as she took one of Emily's hands within her own entwining their fingers, each finger slotting perfectly together. Back in sync.

"I'm so glad you're here, Paige" Emily whispered out as she leaned over to allow her head to rest on Paige's shoulder, a warm tear rolling down the hills of her cheeks offering stark contrast between her cold skin bitten by the chill in the air, and the almost sickly warmth of the escaped salty water.

"Me too" a simple response came about, close to being inaudible. The sadness that hung on the words brought to life by a sad quivering lip and another trail of escaped teardrops from a different pair of brown eyes.

The reality, memories and scars of this day finally weighting down them.

"Paige... Paige are you still awake?" Paige was a little startled to hear someone call out her name in the middle of the night, she had accepted that she wasn't going to get much sleep earlier on, having decided to do some drawing instead. Drawing always seemed to bring her happiness.

"Yeah... come in." Paige responded, as soon as she realised the person calling out her name was Emily. Emily slowly opened the door before walking into the room.

"You know what this is stupid, it's five in the morning... I should just go back to my room." Emily shook her turning on her feet to head back out the door.

"Wait Em, come back. Something's clearly bothering you. Come here." Paige patted the side of the bed hoping Emily would take up her offer.

Emily approached the bed taking a seat next to Paige.

"I couldn't sleep. I'm kind of afraid to. I lied to you yesterday when you asked me if I could sleep, I don't know why I felt the need to lie but last night was definitely a struggle. The thoughts of re-living the crash through the endless nightmares scares the hell out of me, and they always happen around this time of year. I'm just so tired of them...ironic, I know" Emily sounded defeated, the emotional influence of the day also weighting her down.

"I lied as well. I'm struggling too. I tried to sleep yesterday but my mind went into overdrive, the thoughts, memories, pain... it's better to avoid even trying to sleep, than have to go through it. The thoughts of it turns my stomach, who knew something that lives inside our minds, is not at all 'real' in the physical sense of the word, would be so absolutely terrifying?" Paige agreed, her voice soft and understanding.

"At least we have each other to go through it with. We got through today, together."

"That's true. It was one thing Alex never understood, when my panic attacks and night terrors became more frequent like they usually do around this time of year, she was always so confused as to why I didn't just choose to stop thinking about the crash. One day hasn't gone by without me wishing that it was that easy."

"Do you think they'll ever stop?" Emily mumbled out, almost afraid of the repercussions of her question.

"I hope so... one day." Paige responded just as quiet, unsure if she even believed the hope she tried to express.

The two sat side by side, silence settling around them, Emily unable to hold back a shiver as she felt immersed in the cold night air of the room.

"You can get under the covers if you're cold you know? I am wearing pyjama pants... I swear." Paige joked pulling back the blankets to allow Emily curl up under them next to her. Emily, once submerged within the new found warmth had to fight with herself not to wrap her arms around Paige's waist absorbing more of the girl's delectably body heat. It also didn't help that the smell of citrus lingered, Paige must have showered before bed, the scent teasing the ends of her nose and causing her heartbeat to speed up.

"Fuckin' hell! Your feet are freezin'" Paige jumped slightly after Emily accidentally hit her foot against one of Paige's legs, trying her best to get comfortable in the bed.

"Sorry..." Emily smirked having seen Paige's reaction, before laughing out loud, earning a playful scowl from the other girl. The moment a welcome but brief distraction from the day's emotional overload.

"Can I ask what you're drawing or is it another secret?" Emily asked, trying to make out the drawing on the sketch pad in Paige's hand.

"Just doodling, trying to come up with some new ideas for my portfolio, it looks bad if I'm applying for jobs and it's not kept updated." Paige explained.

"Is it okay if I stay here for a little while?" Emily asked her voice was low and sounded unsure.

"Of course" Paige smiled, as she felt Emily sink further into the bed, her head and raven hair resting next to her arm. Emily flicked through the channels, deciding on some late night TV documentary on volcanoes.

Tiredness was beginning to quickly wash over her and the documentary wasn't offering much assistance to help her stay awake. Thankfully she felt comfortable enough to rest her eyes lying next to Paige, knowing even if she was to experience any of the flashbacks at least Paige would be right there next to her.

"Paige?" Emily hummed out her voice a deeper rasp as a result of her sleepiness.

"Mmmhmm?"

"Do you think you could do a drawing of you and I at Stanford? I mean, I know why you didn't want to include yourself, but you -and us just being together was such a big part of that and those two years. I'd really love to have one to go with the other drawings. I mean it's up to you..."

"I'd love to, I just didn't know if that would be over-stepping the mark." Paige replied honestly, neither of the two looked at each other, Paige remained focused on her project and Emily was fighting with her heavy eyelids forcing sleep upon her.

"You could never overstep the mark, Paige" Emily mumbled out, her words beginning to drift into one another thanks to her tiredness.

"Being honest... I drew that swimming pool drawing with us in the back of my mind. I just haven't decided if I want the small image of the swimmer to be me or not, hence why I left it as a shadow."

"I like to think it's you..." Emily stifled out a yawn as she spoke, unknowingly nudging her head and body closer to Paige eventually letting the sleep win.

Emily's eyes fluttered back to life having felt the sunshine dance across her face as it peered through a small gap in the curtains. Once she tried to move to shake off the stiffness conjured up during her slumber she struggled to move, she was being held down. Her heart immediately skipping a beat, before starting to race on noticing it was Paige holding her down, her strong arms were wrapped tightly around Emily's waist and her hand; which most have slipped under Emily tank top when the two fell asleep, was resting across her stomach mere centimetres away from grazing the edge of one her breasts. The feel of Paige's hand on her naked skin, instantly sent a blush across her face thankful she could revel in the fact the brunette was unknowingly still fast asleep while also appreciating the way their bodies still fell into synchronicity. Paige's arm held onto her body with a certain amount of force, enough that it felt like she was really protecting her in her sleep, yet her soft palm and fingers felt almost sensual as they lay gentle across her abs. The moment bittersweet, and that ached Emily's heart, she really didn't want this closeness to end. She refused to move even the slightest, out of fear that Paige would stir and she would lose the contact. Lying still, earth-shattering shockwaves would tremor across her body every time she felt the slightest twitch on Paige's fingers as they moved in the slightest of subtleties against her stomach.

"mmmm" Paige hummed awake as she allowed herself to take in the scent of Emily's silky hair.

"Shit!" The next words the rolled off her mouth as she realised the way she had awoken her arms wrapped tightly around Emily, sitting up straight in the bed her head looking around the room squinting trying her best to adjust her eyesight after waking up.

"Paige, calm down... it's fine." Emily turned to face her, using her hand to brush the loose flyaway hairs out of the other girl's worrisome face.

"I'm sorry, you fell asleep and I didn't want to wake you and then I guess I fell as..." Paige mumbled out, panic continuing to well up inside of her.

"Paige relax. It's fine." Emily interrupted unable to hold back a gentle laughter at Paige's over reaction.

"But you're okay... and you slept okay?" Paige asked taken a deep breath before lying back down on the bed facing up at the ceiling, now afraid to meet Emily's eye line.

"I'm good, and honestly I slept great... no nightmares. Thanks for that." Emily offered solemnly, with a more sincere and genuinely grateful smile this time.

Paige smiled in response, thinking about how well she had slept too, but not brave enough to mention it.

"Oh actually, last night I did this." Paige sat up finding the drawing she wanted to show Emily, handing her the small piece of card.

On seeing what Paige had drawn, Emily's jaw dropped; "It's beautiful, Paige".

Last night Paige had spent about two hours after Emily fell asleep, deciding to the draw the image Emily had requested of them two at Stanford together. The drawing depicted the two lying on a their two single beds pushed together, Emily was asleep her head resting on Paige's chest, her biology book remained open on the bed while Paige had one arm curled around Emily's back the other hand was holding up a book.

"You captured everything so well, the pile of books on the floor, Netflix on the laptop, the clothes piled up in one corner, the bedcovers, awh look the little plant we just about managed to keep alive through our first year..." Emily continued listing off the minute details of the small drawing, Paige couldn't help but take in the amusement that shone in the other girl's eyes. She wanted to do nothing more than pull Emily into herself and kiss her leaving the girl breathless and desperately craving more. It was the moment Paige realised it was simply impossible for her and Emily to be friends.

They would always be all or nothing.

"I think I'm just going to head upstairs," Paige signalled to Emily, who was on the phone to her parents in Texas to wish them a happy new year, even though they were still an hour behind, all the other couples had retreated together to celebrate bringing in the new year with the other. Hanna and Caleb were still sat outside curled up on a wooden bench, Aria and Ezra were chatting on the porch sharing drinks and Paige noticed Spencer and Toby head inside hand in hand after waving goodnight to the group. Everyone had counted in the New Year together once the clock stuck twelve, champagne bottles were popped, hugs and kisses exchanged and fireworks adored, but since then everyone had retreated into their loved ones and now Paige couldn't help but feel a overwhelming sense of loneliness.

Once Paige reached her room, she grabbed the large duvet from the bed as well as her book and dragged it out onto the large nest-like seating area, the night was cold like it always was here in the winter but tonight it felt like it could snow. Wrapping herself up into the blanket, she looked out across the lake beautifully reflecting the fireworks still lighting up the sky from across the lake. She couldn't help but reflect on how much her life had changed in the past year, this time last year she was madly in love with a woman who she thought she'd one day marry, had a successful career making plans to set up in New York. Her life, for the first time in five years was a good as normal, now she was single after being cheated on, confused about her feelings towards her ex-girlfriend, job-less and living with friends because she currently couldn't afford her own apartment.

"Paige?" The voice stirring Paige from her thoughts. "Sorry, I did knock... but you must not have heard me."

"It's fine... are you okay?" Paige asked, Emily had been staying in her bed the past two nights neither able to admit just how much they enjoyed the closeness of the other's company.

"Yeah, everyone's gone to bed... but I found this and thought you might want some company." Emily held up a bottle of champagne that she had already opened, and began taken a massive gulp from the bottle.

"What no glasses... I'm not sure I want to drink from the same bottle as you, I mean you could be diseased with I dunno what." Paige joked.

"You know I thought the exact same thing... but then said I take my chances for the sake of some 'mediocre' company on New Years." Emily was just as good as teasing back.

"Fine, but just know there's no room beside what you consider 'mediocre company' in this warm bed." Paige yanked the bottle out of Emily's hand before tucking it into her chest and sprawling out across the expanse of the round sofa bed.

"Come on Paige, it's fuckin' freezing... I even wore socks so that my ice cubes for feet wouldn't make you yelp" Emily wrapped her arms around herself while lifting her legs up to show Paige she did actually wear socks.

"Ugggh, fine I guess." Paige played exaggeration, as she rolled back the blanket.

"Why are you even out here? Are you not cold?" Emily asked.

"I guess I needed some air, the thick comforter is warm enough... also the view across the lake is kind beautiful with the fireworks, do you not think."

"Okay, I'll give you that one and the blanket is surprising warm. I think a lot of it comes from your usual high levels of body heat. Do you remember the arguments we got in while sharing a bed during that heat wave we had at Stanford." Emily added as she sunk further under the covers, the half covered nest seat was much smaller than the double bed so already found herself curled right up next to Paige.

"Oh my god, I just wanted to cuddle and curl up and you'd constantly push me away saying I was too hot and you couldn't sleep. Neglecting your girlfriend." Paige laughed thinking back on the fond memory, Emily joining in on the laughter as they continue taken small mouthfuls out of the green bottle of champagne.

"So New years the last five years... what did you do?"

"The last five years... year one, well that was the hospital. Year two I was in Scotland and got hammered drunk and made out with some girl at the very last second. Year three I was with a group of friends and we flew to Dublin and celebrated there, that was insane. Year four I was with Alex and last year I was also with Alex but we were in London. How about you?" Paige listed off.

"Well year one, New Year's didn't really happen on my end, I vaguely remember being in a coma or something like that. Year two was spent in Hanna's old New York apartment which was so small you could stretch out your hands and reach the two walls either side of you, it was just the four of us. Year three was with all the girls at a party in Rosewood I'm pretty sure I ended up drunkingly kissing Spencer(?). Year four was spent here, everyone else was with their boyfriends so I invited some girl I was kind of seeing, which ended up as a disaster... I'm pretty sure she ended up leaving the next day after we spent the whole night arguing. To be fair she was constantly complaining about having to be around Jacob, she thought the trip would be all about partying... and well last year, I was here, alone." Emily voice dropped towards the end.

"Interesting few years we had." Paige added.

"Yeah..." Emily confirmed.

"Thank you for allowing me back into your life, Paige." Emily whispered out, her hand finding Paige's. Lately anytime they were sat near the other, their hands would somehow find their way to the each other, like an uncontrollable magnetic pull always existed between them.

"I'm glad you still thought I was worth fighting for... and still worthy of holding a place in your life" Paige put down the book she was glancing at to look at Emily this time, the girl looked astonishing under the silver light of the moon.

"You'll always hold a place in my life – in my heart – Paige... of course you're something worth fighting for" Emily was almost angry hearing Paige's previous words. Paige could no longer hold Emily's penetrating gaze her eyes dropping to focus on their entwined fingers, unsure if she could really believe the girl's words, she had always struggled with that.

"Paige, look at me. Please?" Emily spoke softly, edging slightly closer.

A few moment passed before Paige tentatively raised her head, her eyes glazed over with millions of unshed tears.

"You're worth fighting for." Emily stated raising her free hand to Paige's cheek allowing her thumb to catch an escaped teardrop from Paige's darkened orbs that reflected the moonlight fantastically. Emily moved forward, taken the slightest of breaths before connecting her lips with Paige's, hoping with every fibre inside of her that Paige would reciprocate the kiss.

She did.

The kiss was slow at first, gentle lips re-capturing each other, chaste, tame and tender. Slowly the kiss grew more heated, more desperate more needing... the force between the two sets of lips becoming more ferocious but still controlled, Paige needing more of Emily opened her mouth once she felt Emily's tongue slide teasingly across her bottom lip aching for more access. Tongues after all these years apart, fell into a familiar dance than had new elements that only drove the two girls that little bit more crazy, teeth pulling, biting and nipping as the two continued fighting for dominance. Breathlessness being the one contender that forced them to slow down, the kiss had passed the stage of exploring and the red-hot rage of desire, and was now the answer to five long years of longing wanting to pour every inch of raw emotion, hurt, pain, answers, questions and more into the kiss.

Moving apart slowly the two pair of eyes remained glued to the other. Brown eyes matched brown eyes.

A sigh of relief.

Shy blushing child-like smiles. Electrifying shockwaves of electricity, rocketing chills, minds racing, hearts pummelling. Unadulterated confusion -yet at the same time everything seemed to make sense.

Emily's eye scanned over Paige's face once more, placing another longing kiss to her lips seeking a sense of confirmation, wanting to grasp hold of something that allowed her to believe the previous earth-shattering and time-altering kiss, did actually happen.

It was four in the morning and neither had a current care in the world.

"Happy New Year, Paige." Emily whispered lying down into Paige's side, tiredness washing over her.

"Happy New Year, Em."

[A/N] Thanks for reading, reviewing, following and favouriting. Please let me know your thoughts,opinion and comments regarding this chapter by reviewing or you can always PM me. Thanks again. Until next time -KTF