[A/N] I'm sorry! I know it has been awhile since my last update but life got in the way. Thanks again for the continued support for this story it continues to amaze me. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Paige was sat there nervously drumming her fingers along the edge of the table, her eyes trained in on the front entrance, as she waited in anticipation and hope that Emily would show up. She had arrived to the bar early, and thankfully the place was still relatively quiet meaning she could choose a booth in the corner. The place has a vintage style, black leather covering the seats and a burnt down candle sat in the middle of the table. Paige was momentarily perplexed by what seemed like a piece of artwork created by the melted wax alongside the candle.
Emily spotted her as soon as she entered the small bar, the brunette looked beautiful dressed in a blue button-up denim shirt, decorated only with a long chain, the girl's hair was slighter curled and tucked neatly behind her ears. Emily laughing to herself as she could quickly tell how nervous Paige was, distraction awash on her eyes as she continued fidgeting with the candle wax.
"Afraid I wasn't going to show?" Her voice initially scaring Paige causing the brunette to flinch.
"You came?" Her voice, breathy, and one of disbelief. She quickly stood to welcome the other girl.
"Yeah, only because I really had nothing better to do." Emily teased, the two awkwardly standing face to face, neither really knowing whether they should hug or kiss, or just sit down. Paige eventually took initiative placing a fleeting yet welcoming kiss to Emily's cheek before the two sat down on either side of the table. "You look great by the way." Emily smiled breaking the tense silence between them.
"Yeah, you do too!" Paige responded her heart was racing a mile a minute with nerves, of course it only seemed to speed up when she allowed herself the opportunity to take in what Emily was wearing now too; heeled ankle boots, black high-waisted jeans and a vintage t-shirt under a wine coloured leather jacket.
"Okay Paige... can we just stop with all this awkwardness because it's killing me... I mean, seriously." Emily chuckled nervously, her words causing Paige to blush a light shade of scarlet. "I mean we know each other for how long? We're just having some food and some drinks... and chatting, that's it." Emily drawled on, afraid she may have offended Paige unable to read the other girl's embarrassment.
"Thank you for saying that." Paige smiled timidly. "We are being super awkward... and it's pathetic. Maybe we should start over?"
"No! No we not doing that super cheesy thing of re-introducing ourselves. We're just 25 year old Emily and Paige on a date, nothing has changed since you've asked me out."
"You're right" Paige nodded in agreement. "Oh by the way, My name is Paige McCullers and I am 25 years old. I enjoy long walks on the beach and good company..."
"Stooop..." Emily laughed. "You're such a dork."
"I know" Paige's lips curling into a smile as she revelled in Emily's laughter, naturally reaching forward to capture the bronzed girl's hand within her own. The two continued chatting with ease, laughing and eating together. They eventually broached the subject of where their stood with each other from today, how they were going to continue taking things slow, the two deciding it was best to keep it between themselves until they figured out if things were actually going anywhere and decided it was a better idea to just take things one day at a time.
"I guess that makes us twenty-five year old, Emily and Paige who occasionally go on dates together." Paige interrupted earning an exaggerated eye-roll from Emily, eventually concurring with a nod.
The seriousness of their conversation didn't last very long, they both had a common end goal and that was all that really mattered to the two of them. Almost everything else just seemed to make logical sense for now, it was going to be hard but the two were most definitely up for the challenge.
As soon as they stepped outside Paige exaggeratingly held her hand out in front of Emily hoping the other girl would take the hint and entwine their fingers. She did, their hands falling between them with a natural closeness as Emily leaned over to gently nudge into Paige's shoulder.
Walking home holding hands was nice, it was easy and comfortable. They continued to joke and laugh, chatting breezily and with ease while hand in hand. "Holding hands on our first date is that not moving a bit too fast?" Emily teased.
"Nope... I like holding your hand." Paige admitted shyly, a blush tinting her cheeks unable to hold eye contact at what she considered an embarrassing statement.
"I like holding your hand too." Emily nodded in concurrence, leaning into Paige's side this time seeking extra contact. "Can I ask you another question?"
"Shoot."
"Does Ms McCullers kiss on her first date?" An inquisitive look flashing on her face brought together with a toothy and bold smile from the slightly taller girl.
"No... I do not." Paige replied, a side smirk hanging to the corner of her lips. Her response enough to wipe the cock-sure confidence on Emily's features only to be replaced with a confused gaze.
"But you kissed me first back in highschool."
"Yes, but that wasn't a date was it? You kissed me after our first date, I just didn't refuse. Anytime we got back together after that it was you Emily Fields who kissed me first." Paige nudging into Emily this time.
"No. What about that 'I'm so tired of talking' kiss." The fiery banter between the two was growing competitive.
"Still wasn't a first date. You were just being too hard headed to confront me about possibly getting back together, so that's why I had to initiate that kiss." Paige responded coolly while shrugging her shoulders.
"Oh how heroic of you, Paige." Emily laughed, pretending to fan herself exaggeratingly. "So you've never made a move on a first date."
"Honestly the only time I have ever made a move on a first date was with Cath, the religious girl in Scotland... and she didn't even realise it was supposed to be a date. Look where that got me." Paige giggled bashfully.
"Home, sweet home." Emily turned recognising the building in front of her, her heart sinking somewhat at the prospect of the date being over. She hadn't expected to enjoy every single second of it so much, it was nice and easy to be around Paige like this.
"Yep, home again... but what about you Ms Fields. Do you kiss on a first date?" Paige knew she was threading the line of unpredictability, but needed to push both their limits none the less.
Emily didn't respond, she simply stopped in her stride to turn and face Paige. A knowing look glaring in her brown orbs as she used her free hand to swipe back some loose hair behind Paige's ear. She inched closer, so close Paige could taste the warmth of the slightly taller girl's lips on her own. A flashing glance shared between the two, Emily making sure this wasn't too much for the other girl. Nothing seemed to push her away as she closed her eyes, closing the gap between them, and in a moments hold Emily lips were on Paige's. Both soft, shy and timid, as the soft silk sheaths of skin glided together. It didn't last long, nor did it grow in intensity, a simple yet sensual kiss followed by a whispered "Always" slipping from the tip of Emily's tongue.
The way Emily had just hit Paige with that one single word made her knees go weak, she was sure the whispered word was enough to belittle every other word ever uttered on the planet. The simplistic moment ultimately leaving her breathless.
"Goodnight, Emily" Paige bit her lip bashfully, her head dipping towards the ground as she turned to head towards her own apartment.
"Goodnight, Paige." A similar look plastered on Emily's features as she stood there momentarily awe-struck watching Paige leave.
"Emily Fields if this is you hammering on my door at fucking five am, I may well have to kill you." Paige trudged drowsily towards her front door with her comforter still wrapped protectively around her body. The girl's movements slow as she tried to focus any little energy she had into opening her front door.
"Don't kill me, please?" Emily stood their holding her hands up innocently, a timid smirk on her face. Paige rolled her eyes at how alert Emily currently was for five o clock in the morning, she'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit how secretly excited she was to see the other girl. They had both been busy Monday through Friday with work, and didn't get a chance to talk in person since their date, of course there was endless texts, online messaging and late night phone calls but no opportunity to re-capture what they had at their date.
"Emily, this has become joke. I mean you're more than welcome here whenever, but maybe start visiting at normal human hours? It's still only the ass crack of the morning. I know I'm an early-riser but not this fuckin' early. What could you possibly want?" Paige yawned as she headed back to sit on her bed, she was still using the blow-up mattress in the middle of the floor.
"I missed you?" Emily winked teasingly, the light-heartedness on her tone telling Paige otherwise.
"Yeah right, my arse... come one spit it out."
"Fine, but you can't be mad. Grab you blanket, a hoodie and some shoes we're heading out..."
"Emmm..." Paige droned out, flopping down into the bed. "But I'm tired." She whined, closing her eyes and trying to fall back to sleep.
"Stop being such a baby, come on you can sleep in the car."
"We're driving somewhere." Paige perked up a little suddenly intrigued and perplexed.
"Oh yeah, now you seemed interested... and no I'm not saying anymore, it's a surprise." Emily winked once more.
Paige smiled contented when she felt Emily's hand burrow into the blankets seeking out her hand, holding it warmly as they journeyed out of the city. Paige was too tired to even think more in-depth into where on earth they could be going at this hour of the morning. It wasn't long before she found herself drifting off back asleep, of course driving still put her on edge but being there with Emily in that moment she felt safe and secure, it was strange but comforting at the same time.
Emily smiled, biting at her bottom lip as she took in the appearance of Paige sat beside her. The girl was curled up in the front seat, her body and seat belt covered over by the big blanket Emily had allowed her to bring. She was sure Paige had never looked so beautiful, her eyes fluttering behind her eyelids as the brunette lived out a world of dreams while sleeping. Moving forward she placed the softest whispers of kisses to Paige's temple before uttering a simple flowing of words "Paige, we're here."
Paige eyes crunching together as she momentarily forgot where the hell she was, the seat belt around her body initially evoking a sense of fear as she felt trapped and suffocating against the car seat, it wasn't until she felt Emily's hand tighten around her own did she finally begin to piece together where she was. It was still dark, but the blackness before them was fading into a lazy blue and Paige could just about make out the scenery before her, the blue of the ocean appearing ever so slightly darker than the swirls of blues lightening up the sky for the day ahead. The white wash of waves highlighted the shore while lolling gently onto the rocky beach.
"Where are we?" Her voice rasped, still unsure if what was happening was real life or not.
"Just north of Long Beach, Long Island... and about twenty minutes away from sunrise." Paige looked at Emily, somewhat baffled that this was the reason she was awoken at five in the morning.
"Emily... I-I don't know what to say." Paige beamed, truly speechless. It had been awhile since someone went to such lengths to surprise her.
"You don't have to say anything." Emily smirked secretly proud of herself for successfully surprising Paige. The brunette turned enveloping Emily's face within her palms, attaching their lips together with a heated passion. Emily reluctantly pulled away, but Paige resisting the loss of contact captured Emily lips once more for a final fleeting embrace. "One second." Emily declared as she climbed out of the car moving to the trunk to pull out a picnic basket and flask. Paige looked like an excitable child once she noticed what Emily had returned with. "We've got coffee, some fruit and fresh croissants."
"Emily, this is amazing" Paige uttered, stealing another kiss from Emily's lips not knowing how to thank her otherwise.
The two ate breakfast together in peace waiting for the sun to break above the horizon. Eating, chatting and sharing intermittent kisses the two really enjoyed their morning.
"Are you awake enough now to do some walking?" Emily prompted poking Paige in the side, the brunette squirming under her touch.
"Yeah but you do realise I'm still in pyjamas."
"Nobody's out here, nobody will see you."
Emily ran around the side of the car, opening Paige's door the slightly smaller girl shivering as she dropped the blanket from around her shoulders. The two walked hand in hand along the shore, the whole morning was nothing but serene and calm, the sound of pebbles clashing together as the sea wash rolled in on top of them, the smell of the fresh and salty sea breeze, the feel of the other's hand clutching their own and it couldn't be more perfect. There rarely had such perfect moments together since their break-up five years ago, but this was most definitely one of them and would not be forgotten anytime soon.
Another busy work filled week had passed, leading up to what would be their third date. Paige wanted to surprise Emily this time, calling Emily and asking her to meet her in a café after work Friday evening. Emily came prepared for a simple date over coffee, the surprise coming when Paige held up a blindfold for her to put on.
"Okay so I kinda stole this idea from you..." Paige mused nervously, suddenly beginning to regret deciding on this as her date. Emily anxiously made her through the New York streets blindfolded, her worries only ease having Paige hold her so close.
She couldn't help but laughed to herself every time Paige would utter something random to strangers every time the pair got an odd look. Excuses fleeting from 'She just had laser eye surgery' and 'She's big into method acting' to 'Bad case of pink eye... in both eyes. It's gross." Unfortunately for Paige, the last one earned her a light slap across the shoulder.
"Okay, Em we're here. You can take off the blindfold." Paige declared. "Emily, you brought me to Rosewood High's pool not so long ago. I was still dealing with some stuff and it didn't go as you planned. I'm sorry about that. Think of this of my way as making up for that night." Paige started to ramble but was quickly cut off by peck on the lips.
"You don't have to be sorry, Paige. I should have planned it out better in my head first." Emily blushed slightly still embarrassed by the events of that day. Paige without a word, moved forward to soak up Emily's embarrassment with a kiss premeditated by the short-lived peck Emily surprised her with. Paige teasingly sucked the girl's lower lip between her own dragging her tongue along the soft skin found there, before taunting it with a gentle nip with her teeth. Emily falling into the embrace allowed her hand to fall to Paige's waist seeking out a steadying hold.
"The only difference about today is, we're both going swimming..." Paige pulled back, playfully booping Emily on the nose, knowing she had done enough to render the other girl momentarily breathless.
"Pai..."
"Don't Pai me, Emily Fields. I swam for the first time in five years that day at the cabin when I had to jump in after you..." Paige was quick to answer.
"I know and I'm so grateful you did that... but first of all I have nothing to wear." Emily sighed, her eye-line falling to the ground as she played with loose thread on the bottom of Paige's shirt.
"Yes you do, I brought extra swimwear. So can we quickly move on to your next excuse, so I can counter-act that one too" Paige replied sarcastically.
"Paige..." Emily rolled her eyes and sighed once again, it was quiet obvious she wasn't feeling up to it.
"Em, please?" Paige moved even closer to Emily, who only seemed to falter. Her eyes remained glued to the tiled floor. It was only when Paige used her hand to raise Emily's chin, did she catch sight of the glassy glaze now found in her brown orbs.
"W-w-what if I can't." Emily's voice was weak, quivering with an innate sadness.
Paige sighed now too, going weak at the sight of Emily's insecurities. She placed a chaste kiss to Emily's lips, before following it up with one on the cheek meanwhile capturing a lone teardrop that escaped the confines of Emily's eye. "Emily, I look at you walking one foot follows the other like your floating. The seamless dancing, where you never miss a beat. Jogging with a determination any Olympic athlete would be envious of. You're not going to be as good as you were in highschool, or even after highschool when you used to come to the pool with me in Stanford, but it's still in you. Honestly it scares me too, I haven't considered swimming since our accident. I gave up on it, it was done for me too. I can barely remember moving in the water that day at the cabin, that was on pure adrenaline. I need to confront it all too. I have to learn to accept that I won't be as good as I was in the past and frankly it absolutely terrifies me too. Also maybe in selfish way I wanted you here with me. You taught me to swim for fun once before Emily Fields. Let's swim for fun again."
A half smile grew on Emily's face, "You and your words, McCullers. It's super hot." She winked this time allowing her hands to sneak beneath Paige's t-shirt as she gently raked her fingers the length of the other girl's back, kissing her more intensely as their tongues twirled together again.
"Stop trying to distract me, Fields. We still going in." Paige reluctantly pushed the taller girl away, throwing the swimsuit over the other girl's shoulder before pushing her off in the direction of the changing room.
"Can we just make-out in the bleachers, we used to that for fun too..." Emily turned her bottom lip sticking out as she mockingly sulked.
"Nope, sorry." Paige teased moving towards the edge of the pool to dip her toes in after removing some of her own clothes while waiting on Emily to return.
"Did I mention I now have hatred of swimsuits? How did my mother let me out wearing just this in public, they literally cover nothing." Emily ranted as she carefully padded back towards Paige trying her best to avoid slipping on the wet tiles. Her lower half covered up with a towel. Paige's eyes roamed the bronzed girl's body unashamedly, she had to disagree wholeheartedly with Emily's opinion. Of course she understood why Emily was suddenly self-conscious she experienced the same feelings in high school, scars drew attention. Always there as a permanent reminder of a certain aspect of your life. Always there lingering in questioning minds. Paige stood to meet Emily, her heart panged with pain knowing Emily was nervous about how on show her scars would be. Paige kissed her, distracting her enough to untangle the towel from around her thin waist.
Once the kiss had eventually fizzled out, Paige whispered "You look beautiful, scars and all. You thought me not to be ashamed of mine, you shouldn't be either." Paige pushed a piece of hair behind Emily's ear. "You are so incredibly beautiful, Emily." She whispered once more, her index finger trailing the side of the other's girl's face as Emily blushed a deep shade of red. The two embraced once more, a cheeky smirk growing on Paige's lips as she wrapped her arms tighter around Emily's waist.
A look of sheer panic and horror flashing onto Emily's features as she quickly picked up on Paige's plan. "Paige! Nooo!" Their two bodies flew towards the pool as Paige made a leap for the water, Emily in her strong hold, a loud splash enveloping them cutting off Emily's screech of panic.
"Paige, what the fuck was that" Emily's voice was laced with red hot anger as she kicked her legs to chase after the other girl. "We've could have got hurt!"
"Yeah but at least now you know you can still swim." The brunette bit her lip holding back a beaming smile.
"What?" Emily looked on confused still overwhelmed with anger.
"You're swimming, Em."
"I'm swimming..." Emily only now noticed she was naturally floating through the water, her innate ability to swim showing through with a sleek fluidity still evidenr, obviously not at all to the level she was at in highschool of even before the crash but the signs that she was once a top athelete in the water still shone through. Much like it did for Paige. "Paige, I'm swimming." Emily sounded like a child learning to swim for the very first time all over again, the excitement on the other girl's tone causing her to laugh.
"You're such a dork." Paige swam over to Emily, splashing her in the face with some water as she reached the girl's side.
"Thanks for bringing me here, Pay." A sincere thought spoken by Emily. The mood seemed to change, an intensity radiating between them. Their eyes were locked together, Paige subconsciously licking her lower lip as the sensations of wanting to be close to Emily swelled around them, Emily's brown orbs catching a glimpse at the brunette's lips and suddenly she wanted nothing more than to taste them all over again. Within a flash Paige moved forward, Emily was pushed back floating into the cold tile wall of the pool surrounding, a sharp breathless groan seeping from her throat at the sudden contact, Paige lips were on her's, a beautiful mixture of Paige and chlorine pulling so many memories for the past back into existence. Emily bit at Paige's bottom lip sucking it further into her own until she earned access to the girl's tongue, a subtle moan earned as a bonus. Paige pulled herself closer to Emily, as she felt the other girl's legs wrap tightly around her waist. The kiss growing more passionate and more heated in a matter of minutes, Paige kissed down along Emily's jawline before capturing a sweet spot on Emily's neck, her hands moving to caress Paige's side, her fingertips slowly edging closer to the paler girl's chest. The two still completely wrapped up in the wondrous moment, allowed their hips to slide together, a teasing pressure building between them as Emily's hand eventually landed on Paige's chest, a gasp slipping from her lips at the intimate contact.
A moment of clarity, unfortunately hitting too soon.
"We should stop..." Emily whispered shyly, Paige allowing her head to fall into the crook of the taller girl's neck on hearing her words, moving only to peck her way back up to Emily lips for one last lingering kiss shared between the two.
"I know." Paige swallowed hard, crimson on her cheeks as she reluctantly entangled herself from Emily. A heavy awkwardness settling in around them. "Sex complicates things... it's too soon."
"Too soon." Emily nodded shyly in agreement, as much as wanted that to continue she didn't want to ruin what seemed to be a good thing they had got going. They both needed more time to heal and slowly grow back together. She also knew out of the two them, Paige still wasn't ready. Placing a hand to Paige's cheek, she pulled her in for a slow gentle kiss soaking up the tense awkwardness. "Race?" Emily finally declared, now completely breaking the ice between them.
"You'll have to catch me first, Fields." Paige shot off the wall, a playful smile plastered on her face as she dove deeper into the water. Adding force to her kick-off so she caused a bigger splash purposefully hitting the other girl in the face.
"I'm coming Emily, can you relax?" Paige chuckled to herself when she heard the incessant knocking on her door, knowing immediately it was Emily without even having to hear a voice. Once she opened the door Emily didn't say a word simply walked passed Paige and headed straight for the couch. "Hey... What's wrong?"
Emily replied by shaken her head, causing Paige to only become more concerned for the other girl. "I can't do it, anymore." She eventually spoke her voice drawled with exhaustion. Paige picked up on the dark circles beneath Emily's eyes, her hair wasn't as tamed as it usually was and her face was void of the little make-up Emily usually wore. Paige briefly distracted, feeling almost guilty for liking the fact Emily still felt comfortable enough to show up to her apartment looking like this. Of course it really wasn't something new, Paige had seen Emily like this so many times before, but not since she had returned to US. It warmed her heart as she revelled in the subtle ways they were becoming that little be closer once again.
"Em?"
"Paige... my life is over." Emily sighed desolately, falling back into couch with a desperately sad groan.
"Emily, can you explain a little more. You're scaring me." Paige was baffled as to why Emily was acting so strange. The other girl appeared genuinely upset and worried, and it only added to Paige's own unease.
"My board exam is tomorrow and I'm going to fail, Paige!" Emily whimpered, a glistening tear escaping the confines of her eyelid, gliding sadly down her left cheek. Paige moved to the other girl's side, wrapping her up in her arms.
"Oh Emily, you had me worried for a minute." Paige released a tense sigh when she realised why the raven haired girl was so upset.
"Paige, this is serious." Emily sighed. "I'm going to fail, and it's going to be so bad. My hard work will be for nothing. I can't do this." More tears following the trails of the previous one.
"Em, babe don't be so hard on yourself."
"Did you just call me babe?" Emily's lips curled up in a smile.
"I...umm... yeah I mean." Paige blushed awkwardly, not realising her slip-up.
"Cute... but you know I hate that one. We've been through this before." Emily smirked through her tears, a reminder of when Paige went through a phase of trying out pet names for Emily, when they moved out to California, if. It was nice to hear Paige's candid slip-up none the less.
"I know, it just came out. Anyway back about your exams... how about I go run you a bath and then we can do a couple hours of study afterwards." Paige offered, pulling Emily into a comforting hug after a placing a soft kiss to girl's forehead.
Paige had to go make a work phone call having to go sit at her computer for close to twenty minutes as she talked with her boss, leaving Emily to continue the study by herself.
She smiled when she returned, Emily was passed out asleep using an anatomy book as a pillow. A smile growing on Paige's lips as she took in the image of the sleeping girl. Having sat quizzing Emily for close to three hours she was one hundred percent sure Emily was going to be completely fine. As gently as she could, she slid the book from under Emily's hair, a muttering of nonsensical words slipping from her lips as she stirred awake ever so slightly. Paige grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch pulling it over Emily's sleeping form, whispering a goodnight kiss to the girl's temple.
Paige trotted off to get herself ready for bed, making sure to set alarm after alarm on her phone so neither she nor Emily would sleep in past eight. She knew Emily had already set about five but she wanted to make sure for the both of them. She was tired now too, yawning as she climbed into the bed next to the couch. She missed the contact with Emily but didn't want to disturb her when she seemed so peaceful.
Paige was balancing on the brink of sleep, when she sensed movement. Emily sleepily moved around the room sneaking in beside Paige, without saying a word she grabbed Paige's hand entwining their fingers as she pulled it around her waist, obviously Emily missed that contact too. Paige inched closer, as the two fell contented into the world of sleep.
Emily huffed as she struggled fitting her key into the front door, it was just one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did. As well as that the whole day only seemed to drag on, her boards were being released at 4:30pm, it was now after 6 and she hadn't got a single chance to look at a computer having being caught up with clients all afternoon. Eventually she decided it was probably best she just go home to check, she wanted to check the results at Paige's, but Paige told her she was already at Hanna and Caleb's.
"Well, is it good news or?" Hanna jumped on her friend the second she entered the room.
"Hanna, can you like back off?" Emily shrieked, shrugging the blonde out of her personal space.
"So it's bad news then?" Hanna suggested, earning what sounded like a strangled growl slipping from beneath Emily's clenched teeth.
"Han, maybe back off a little?" Spencer suggested, she was sat on the arm of an armchair next to Toby. "Oh and Aria says hello and good luck!" The slim brunette added, turning her phone around to show a blurry image of Aria, she too not wanting to miss out on Emily getting her results.
"Why is everyone here anyway?" Emily leaned against the kitchen counter she was a bit away from the group but she felt like she needed the space.
"Paige reminded us your results were out today, you were playing it so low key we all nearly forgot. It's something to be celebrated." Hanna chirped excitedly. Emily briefly glancing to Paige who was sat on the couch with a playful Jacob holed up in her arms, as they read a book together. The look unfortunately being one of irritation and annoyance, Paige seeing it instantly unable to hold the other girl's eyeline for more than few seconds biting at the inside of her lip knowing Emily wasn't happy.
"...and what happens when I fail?" Emily sighed, she was genuinely worried she hadn't done enough to pass this one last exam. Something itching within her that she wouldn't succeed. In a similar struggle to Paige, she too was worried that since things finally seemed to be picking up and improving for her there had to be a downfall. She was waiting for something to go wrong, for something bad to knock her off this plateau of happiness. She was frankly petrified that this was going to be that moment.
"You're not going to fail, Em" Aria shouted through the phone.
"Yeah, but..."
"You're not going to fail!" Paige uttered this time, a sense of confidence on her voice enough to draw all eyes in the room onto her. Everyone else nodding, the only one not sucked into the belief was Emily, herself.
"Well are we going to sit around speculating all day, or are you going to check online?" Toby chuckled heartily.
"Yeah the results aren't going to change whether you decide to check them, or not" Spencer added, Hanna taking motive first grabbing her laptop and bringing over to Emily on the kitchen counter.
Emily sighed again, allowing her head to lay on the cool marble counter top. Relishing in the brief moment as she allowed all the thoughts in her mind to dissipate, she focused solely on Paige's voice reading some children's book about dinosaurs. The distraction truly welcomed.
"Fine, let's do it." Emily finally grabbed hold of the slightest urge of courage within her, sitting up on a stool and began typing into the laptop. "Han, please go sit over there." The blonde rolling her eyes as she made her way over to sit next to Paige and her son.
"Well?"
"Hanna will you chill, I haven't even got to my emails yet." Emily actually laughed this time, as worried as she was it was seeing just how calm, dis-interested and nonchalant Paige seemed over the whole situation that broke her anxiety. It irritated her too, to a certain extent not knowing why Paige seemed so unmoved by something so important to her, hurt a little. Unfortunately she couldn't afford to think too much into it all right now. "Okay, here we go..." Emily took a deep breath holding it in, all eyes on her with the exception of Paige and Jacob who seemed more interested in that damned dinosaur book than anything else.
Her brown eyes fluttered from left to right as she read the detailed information on the email before clicking on the attachment. Her heart racing in her chest as watched the download bar complete within a flash. 3...2...1 go, she continued encouraging herself as she opened the downloaded file. Her eyes taking in all the details. "I think I passed... I passed!" Emily uttered, her friends cheering. Hanna and Spencer running to her side to get a look at the computer screen. Spencer still holding her phone upright making sure Aria was included too.
"72.8, 85.7, 64.1, 78, 81.8... Emily you didn't just pass you did brilliantly." Spencer spoke as she read down through the list of results. Emily still in shock was unable to pull her eyes from the screen, unfortunately she missed the proud smile flicker onto Paige's lips as soon as she heard the news.
Emily eventually stood enveloped into a hug by Hanna who had already spat out the word 'doctor' more than was necessary. Spencer offered a congratulatory embrace next, quickly followed by Toby. Paige then stood approaching the slighter taller girl, the two embracing and Paige whispered a gentle 'congratulations' into the girl's ear. Paige felt Emily arms grow tighter around her, they were still keeping their growing relationship a secret, so swallowing hard she reluctantly pulled away. Once again unable to look Emily straight on knowing she'd only be met with a look of hurt. Jacob was quick to distract the tension, as he ran and tackled Emily into a hug, not one to miss out on the scene "Congramaltions Emmy" he smiled proudly as she picked his up in her arms pulling him for an even tighter hug.
"Good thing I prepared for some celebrations, who wants a drink?" Hanna proclaimed, pouring glasses of champagne. "Caleb's going to grab some us some food on his way home from work, so that should be sorted in under an hour."
"Well cheers." Spencer shouted, the sound of clinking glasses ringing out. Emily quick to down her first glass of champagne.
"I'm just going to go ring my parents and tell them the news." Emily declared Hanna pouring her another glass of champagne as she headed off in the direction of her room.
"Em, wait" Paige tentatively approached Emily before she entered the room.
"Paige, I'm not doing this here!" She sighed, annoyed.
"Not doing what? You're upset and angry at me and I'm just trying to figure out why."
"Forget it, go enjoy the celebrations!"
"Emily..." Paige could feel her own frustrations growing at Emily's cold behaviour.
"Just leave it! Okay."
"Fine! But you do realise how petty you're being right now." Paige shot back, her words throwing Emily for a loop.
"I have a phonecall I need to make" Emily replied unmoved, nudging passed Paige's shoulder to walk into her bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Paige sighed, shaking her head before making her way back into the living room.
"Hey Cull, you good?" Caleb approached Paige who was sitting by herself away from the crowd, sipping on a beer.
"Yeah, yeah! Just been a long day." She sighed rubbing at her forehead.
"You sure that's it. You've been quiet since I got home."
"You know I'd rather sit back, let the girls just be together for things like this."
"I get that, but it's Emily, Paige. That makes it a little different, no?" Caleb's words unintentionally hurting Paige, Emily had barely looked at her since their brief argument earlier on.
"I'm just a little tired, okay. If it was anything more I'd let ya know." She forced a smile punching her best friend in the shoulder.
"Good!" Caleb smirked back, ruffling up her hair. They really did come across like brother and sister.
"Oh it's my dad...I just going to run outside and take this. He wasn't around when I called them earlier." Emily spoke up as she headed to take the phonecall outside.
Paige grabbed a fresh bottle of beer, taking a deep breath trying to force a calm over her body still seething with anger, before deciding to sneak away unnoticed hoping to get the chance to chat with Emily once again.
Emily was still on the phone when she reached the River's rooftop terrace, the fresh air helping to ease her mind.
"Thanks dad, I love you too. Talk to you soon. Bye." Emily was leaning against wall overlooking the cityscape as she hung up the phone.
"Hey." Paige spoke, her words causing Emily to jump out of her skin.
"Fuckin' hell, Paige... you scared me." Emily spoke uneasily. "You remember how highschool was?" The two laughing together momentarily.
"Congratulations again." Paige whispered, her voice timid.
"Oh you care now do you?" Emily responded their light-heartedness suddenly shot down by her tone awash with a harsh bitterness.
"You don't think I care?" A flash of hurt crossing her features.
"You know I wanted nothing more than to get to spend this night with you, in your apartment. I wanted to open my results with you, only you. We could have shared a bottle of cheap champagne and ate pizza... Instead you go and remind the girls today is results day." Emily tone was irritated.
"I didn't purposefully tell them, Emily. I mentioned it in passing to Hanna over the phone and she ran with it. She wanted to make it special for you. They are your friends, Em. Why wouldn't you want to spend this day with them?"
"Ugh, who cares? Maybe we can talk about that children's book you were reading with Jacob, seems like a much more interesting subject? At least that's what it seemed like earlier" Emily ranted.
"What?!" Paige was confused.
"You could have seemed a little more interested when I opened my results, Paige." Her tone sadder and desolate this time than angry.
"Emily, don't go there."
"What, why not?" Emily's anger quickly re-engaged. "You couldn't even hug me congratulations within thinking too much into it."
"Woah slow down there!" Paige hissed back anger and irritation growing within her now too. She was trying her best to stay calm and level-headed but Emily was being ridiculous.
"What is it not the truth?" The slightly taller girl throwing her hands up in the air, impatiently waiting on Paige's answer.
"What do you want me to say, Emily?" Paige sighed
"I don't know, Paige. You're the one who wanted us to try this thing again... and suddenly you're gone cold."
"You want to know what I really thought?" Paige responded harshly, still hurt by Emily's accusations towards her.
"Go ahead..." Emily rolled her eyes.
"I seemed disinterested, because they was no doubt in my mind that you had passed every single one of those exams with flying colours. I already knew it was going to be good." Paige's words enough to silence Emily. "As for the hug, I had to pull away... not because I was suddenly re-thinking everything. I was so overwhelmed with pride, I wanted to do nothing more than kiss you senselessly then and there. I wished in that moment, that we were alone. I'm not ready to open up to the others yet and if that upsets you Emily then that's on you. You know me better than anyone else on this planet, you know I make stupid mistakes time and time again, I put my foot into thinks, I act without thinking. I'm sorry I slipped up on telling, Hanna... it was just another stupid mistake."
"Paige, no!" Emily replied angrily.
"I should probably head home, we've both had a bit to drink and it's getting late anyway." Emily took a step back, Paige nodded in her direction as she made her way back into the apartment.
"Paige, stop. Wait... please" Her voice trembling and feeble this time.
"They're my friends and I love them. So much, so so much. But I shared so many moments with them, the good and the bad. My friends and I, we could have had a night like tonight on any night celebrating me passing my boards. But you and I we're taking things slow and I promise you I'm perfectly fine with that, I know neither of us are ready to have other people know. I'm just angry because I wanted to share something special, just you and I. Lately we had more bad things than good. I just wanted something special for us. Just us. Whether the result were going to be good, bad or awful, I only wanted you there because I know whatever the outcome you would have made everything okay. You would have made it special, just because that's who you are." Her eyes glazed with unshed tears.
Paige released a shy giggle "So we're both frustrated over the same fucking thing, basically. God, if I could just rewind back time and keep my mouth shut when talking to Hanna, I would. I'm sorry I ruined your night, Em."
"You don't have to be sorry, Pay. It's just a misunderstanding... all I wanted was to make-out with a really hot girl, eat some pizza and drink some champagne. I was the one acting like a petulant child, when I thought you purposefully told Hanna and got everyone to organise this little party."
"We're such hopeless idiots." Paige laughed, turning to look over the shoulder. She pushed Emily into a hidden corner, kissing her with all she had to give. The taste of beer mixing with the sweet champagne flavour an intoxicating thrill. "You know, I'm really proud of you, Emily." Paige voice nothing but true and sincere, as she held Emily's face within her hands, Emily smiled bashfully followed by a timid nod as she leaned into embrace Paige once more.
"We should probably head back downstairs"
"I know..."
They reluctantly untangled making their way back inside and down the stairs into the living area.
"What were you two up too..." Hanna immediately pounced, shooting a playful wink in their direction.
"We were just chatting Han, no big scandal here unfortunately." Emily shot back coolly.
"Ugh spoilsport..." Hanna sighed, causing everyone to laugh.
"I think we're going to head home. It's getting late." Spencer interjected, her hand held firmly within Toby's hold.
Emily approached her two friends pulling them into a tight hug each, thanking them for coming and supporting her, as she lead them out the door.
"I should probably head too..." Paige spoke as she finished her bottle of beer.
"You can stay here, Paige. I don't like the idea of you going home alone at this hour." Caleb interjected.
"What, you know I can handle myself, Rivers." Paige moved forward pretending to fight off Caleb, the two continued play wrestling until Paige fell to the floor after tripping over one of Jacob's toys.
"Yeah maybe you should just stay here. Might be for the best." Hanna laughed at her friend now lying red faced on the floor.
After everyone had turned in for the night Emily was struggling to sleep, instead pulling out her laptop and deciding on watching something mindless on Netflix until she eventually fell asleep. She heard a quiet knock on the door, a half smile growing knowing instantly who would be on the other side.
"You get lonely out there, McCullers?"
"I couldn't sleep..." Paige whispered trying her best not to knock into anything as she edged slowly towards Emily who was illuminated by the computer screen. "I also wanted to make up for earlier." Paige carefully climbed into the bed, Emily amused by the other girl's words. Paige had grabbed a glass bottle from the River's fridge before making her way to Emily's bedroom. She passed the bottle to Emily, "It's a little late for pizza, but you wanted champagne." Emily taking a sip from the green coloured bottle nearly coughed up and spat the contents all over the bed as she fell into a fit of laughter.
"You grabbed a bottle of sparkling apple cider, I'm afraid" Emily continued laughing loudly.
"Fuck... I actually can't get this right can I?"
"To be fair though all I really wanted was to be spend my night with you."
"Hopefully I won't mess this bit up." Paige laughed, Emily quick to steal the smile on the brunette's lips into her own. Their kiss heated and raging with passion, but slowly descended into slow languid kisses as a sense of sleepiness washed over them. The two now lying face to face mere inches apart, Emily tracing her fingers along the edge of Paige's facial outline. "Officially Dr. Fields, huh?... Guess you're kind of a big deal now?"
"I guess." She smiled in return.
"You did it, Em." Paige moved sealing the sincerity on her words with a chaste kiss. Emily pulling herself closer to Paige, her head tucking itself under Paige's chin.
"Thank you." Emily whispered, her voice low and wispy as she was slowly being pulled into the world of sleep.
"For what?" The other girl's words taking her by surprise.
"For everything."
[A/N]. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. It was definitely a little more fluffy than a lot of the previous chapters. Things are definitely beginning to move in Paige and Emily's favour. Thanks for all the follows, favourites and reviews. Please review this chapter, i don't think I can explain how much they encourage me to write, it also helps to know you guys are happy with where the story is going. Feel free to comment about anything, good and bad I'm willing to listen. I know this chapter is somewhat shorter than my previous few, but I will have another about this length to come within the next five days, it's still in the editing process. Thank YOU and until next time -KTF