Sunday afternoon I was finally had finally been discharged from the hospital with the promise of taking it a lot more easier, this meant Mum, Dad and Aria were all going to be on my case about relaxing. Hanna and Spencer hadn't come seen me Saturday in hospital but had come seen me at home when I had gotten discharged, they were really cute together but it was going to take a while of getting use to them being together.

Getting used to them kissing, holding hands and whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears just to make the other smile; like Aria and I do all the time, yeah that was going to take time to get used to. Spencer told us her Dad was still giving her the cold shoulder, which no of us understood. Since his never had a problem with me being gay or Aria now, so why should it matter if Hanna and Spencer were.

After a lot of begging Sunday night after Aria left to go home for the first time since Friday morning, she hadn't left my side the whole time at the hospital unless it was to get me something to eat. But it had taken a lot of begging my parents to allow me to go school today being Monday morning, I promised that if things started to get to much for me, I'd call one of them to come pick me up and take me home. Dad dropped me off and I saw Aria standing at the entrance waiting for me, I had called her last night to tell her I was coming to school and she questioned if that was a good idea; I told her I'd be to bored at home and she called me weird.

"Hey Beautiful," I say before pecking her on the lips.

"Hi," she wraps her arms around my neck and mine go around her waist.

I asked "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes I did, did you?"

"It took a while to get use not to being in your arms or having you in my arms but after that I slept very well."

"That's great Em, are you sure you're ready to be back at school so soon?"

"Yeah I'm sure, if things get too much I'll call Dad or Mum to come pick me up."

"Good and if I find out you pushed yourself today I won't be happy."

"Well I can't have that now, so I promise to you if things get to much then I'll speak up and call my parent to pick me up."

"You promise?" Aria asked.

"Yes, I promise Aria," I look deeply into her eyes just to make sure she knew I wasn't lying.

Aria said "Alright, we better go in."

"Yeah, can I walk you to your locker?"

"Of course, then we'll go to your afterwards."

"Sounds like a plan, let's go," I reach over her to grab the door handle and pull it open for her to walk in first followed by me closely behind. We were walking towards Aria's locker, I had my arm around her and I was holding her really closely into me, as we passed people I could see them looking at me almost afraid; word of what happened must've spread really quick.

"Fields!" I heard my name being shouted from behind me. Aria and I both stopped to turn around, there was only one person who called me Fields in this school and that was my swimming Coach.

She gets to us and I say "Hey, what's up?"

She looks at me shocked before replying with "What's Up? What's up is my key swimmer missed practiced this morning," it all dawned on me that swimming practice started back today.

I say "Shit, I am so sorry I completely forgot."

"You forgot about practice?" Coach asked.

I replied with "Yeah, I only just got out of hospital yesterday and swimming was the last thing on my mind."

"Hospital?" Coach asked, she sounded surprised which made me think she didn't know.

I asked "You didn't know I was in hospital?"

Coach answered with "No, I didn't why would I know?"

"Because I collapsed at school on Friday, I had to be rushed to hospital from here and practically the whole school is talking about it."

Coach said "I had no idea I wasn't informed, are you okay?"

I replied with "Yeah I'm fine, I had a delay concussion from the car accident I had a few month ago and it was brought on by stress and not relaxing."

Coach said "Right, this means you're not ready to swim?"

I say "Sadly not, I'll see how this week goes. If everything goes well and I can get through a week of school, maybe I can do light duties like going for runs with my Dad after school or doing weight, just slowly building up my strength again."

Coach nod and replies with "Well I think that's all we can do."

I say "Sorry Coach."

Coach replied with "No, it's not your fault. I'm just grateful we don't start competition until next year," I nodded my head agreeing.

Coach said "You have classes to get to, I'll leave it to you," nodding my head I watch as turned and left.

Aria and I turned back towards the direction we were walking to before, Aria said "That's not really relaxing."

I replied with "I know but I won't rush it. I'll see how this week goes and then assess what I can do from there, all I know is I need to get back into the pool fast."

Aria asked "Why?"

I replied with "The more time I'm out of the pool, the more the others are and slowly taking my spot on the team; which I can't have."

Aria asked "It's not that cut throat is it?"

"It's exactly like that. It's like anything in this world, if you don't perform well or get injured you are out and replaced by someone else, who might not be as good as you but with the practice and the races they will be."

"But that's not fair."

"It's just the way it works, I'm not injured or swim badly at all but the fact that I am sideline at the moment isn't good; especially when scouts start to appear."

"But you don't graduate until next year."

"I know that but if impress scouts now then they are going to come back next year to see I'm better than I was this year, which means I could get a scholarship to a school."

"Your really counting on a scholarship to get you to college?"

"No that would be dumb of me, it's why I've been quietly looking around for jobs to star saving money up for college and even though I don't pay attention in class, I still knuckle down to get the work done so that my grades are college worthy."

"You have it all figured out."

"No, I don't know where I want to go to college, let alone whether I want to swim for the rest of my life but swimming is the one good thing I have going to get a scholarship. I haven't figured out what I want to do with my life either, what I want to do as a job."

"Can I ask you something?" Aria grabbed my shoulder to stop me from walking.

I replied with "Of course," she could ask me anything which I thought she knew.

Aria said but it was more of a question "With all this planning of your future where do I fit in?"

"This is me being honest; I didn't think I'd have a shot with you. I didn't think you'd be interested in dating me so I created my future plan that I didn't include you in, only because I thought I didn't have a shot."

"And now?"

"Well now, I want to be with you right here and right now but also in the future. This isn't just some high school romance for me Aria, what we have is way stronger than anything I've ever seen or been told by Hanna. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow or next year but I do know that I wanted to be with you, whether that means long distance, whether that means living together, whether that means anything else because I can't come up with anything right now. I want you and me forever Aria, where that fits I don't know but I'm sure we can work it out together."

"Your always one for big long sappy speeches aren't you."

"Your one to talk Miss I read poetry for fun."

"It is fun and I will get you to admit you like it one of these days."

"The future is still coming Aria, we have plenty of time to just sit back and enjoy the moment." Just as we were both started to lean in to kiss, we were interrupted by the bell ringing and we both let out sigh of annoyance.

Aria said "We're going to be late."

"I know," I smirked at her and she soon smirked back at me. I wrapped my arms around Aria neck pulled her in close to me and kissed her lips with as much passion, love and lust that could show her how crazy and in love I was for and about her. As we pulled apart to catch our breath, we learnt our foreheads against each other's and just stared lovingly into each other's eyes.

Aria was the first one to speak "I love you Emily."

Smiling again, I said back "I love you too Aria." We were both in this haze, a haze of love almost or was that too sappy? We didn't care if we were late for class and we didn't care if people were watching us, all we cared about was each other and whatever happened in this moment; that I'm sure we'll both cherish forever. We were snapped out of our haze by being run into by some freshmen late for their class and not wanting to get into trouble, oh the young I thought.

"We better get to class."

"Yeah, I think your right but don't we need our stuff."

"Right, meet you outside of the room."

"Meet you outside of the room," I confirmed. Aria pecked my nose before walking away leaving me standing there thinking we had I become so lucky to have this amazing person not only in my life but as my girlfriend; it was pretty special.

After quickly going to my locker to collect my books, I now stood outside the English classroom both Aria and I were supposed to be in but I was waiting for Aria to finish collecting her books. I start to worry when it became ten minutes since last seeing her but she came whizzing around the corner and over to where I stood made me less worried.

Aria said "Sorry, I couldn't find my books."

"It's okay," I peck her on the lips before walking over to open the English door and walking in first.

Mr Fitz stopped dead in his wording, turned to look at us and said "Aria, Emily nice of you to join us."

I replied with "Sorry we're late," looking around the classroom I found Spencer and Hanna sitting next to each other in front of Aria and my desk, Mr Davidson was sitting at a back corner table looking at us.

Mr Fitz asked "Please tell me why you are both late?" Thinking smartly about my answer, trying to work out how to hurt him without anyone else knowing.

Smiling I said "I had to reassure my girlfriend that we had a future together and this just wasn't some high school thing we'd both look back on and smile."

Mr Davidson said "That's not a good reason Emily."

I replied with "Well that's where you're wrong Sir, so very wrong."

Mr Davidson looked at me curiously and said "Please go on."

Smiling I said "Well finding true happiness is what I believe the world is really about, finding happiness can come in many different things or people. Achieving your life long goal of becoming a teacher, a doctor, a nurse or anything that you want to become career wise; that brings happiness. But I believe to find true happiness you have to find the other half of yourself, the person that makes you a better person, the person who sees the best in you and the person who inspires you to change or to grow. I believe finding that person you want to be with is incredible important, now I'm saying that Aria is the perfect person for me or we are meant to be together. That's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is I believe that right here and now in this moment Aria is the perfect person for me to be with, she makes me smile and laugh at times when I probably shouldn't. She makes the bad day turn good, she makes the days when I'm feeling weak to turn into feeling strong and she makes me inspired to be a better person. I love Aria Montgomery and if we were on top of a building right now, I'd scream it to the world because I don't care who knows that I love Aria Montgomery," I turned to look at Aria who looked in per awe of me. I then wrapped my arms around her waist, pulled her closer to me and kissed her; once again right in front of everyone.

We were then interrupted by Mr Fitz saying "That is bullshit."

Mr Davidson said "Now Mr Fitz you can't say that. Emily you just said a lot then and I actually think your right, but it doesn't excuse you for being late. You both will receive a warning and if it happens again detentions will be given," I smiled at him and nodded my head.

Mr Fitz sighed and said "Please take your seats and follow along with the rest of the class," I lead Aria through the rows of tables and right to the back where ours were. I saw Spencer and Hanna shaking their heads at me, what for I actually didn't know but I'd find out later I guessed. Taking our seats, we both looked at each other for a minute before turning away to look at Mr Fitz; I'd much rather look at Aria and that's what I did.

After boring morning classes, I was grateful for lunch to finally arrive and I was also hungry. Putting my books away on my locker, I left for the cafeteria and to see Aria and the girls. As I was walking I felt someone wrap their arm around my neck and looking to my side I saw it was Noel with his big cheeky grin on his face.

"It's good to see you on your feet," is the first thing he said and I nod my head.

"How did the coffee go with Maya?" I asked.

I saw Noel cheek redden a bit before he responded with "Yeah it went well, we are going out for dinner on Friday." I could see the twinkle in Noel's eyes he was really happy about this new relationship with Maya he was starting to form and I was happy for the both of him.

I then start lightly singing "Love is the air, everywhere I look around."

Noel shook his head and said "No it's not that serious, yet."

"Yet, being the key word," Noel pushes my head back a bit and it makes me laugh.

Noel then said "I just wanted to make sure that you are okay with us maybe dating."

I replied with "If Maya wants to date you and you want to date her than it has nothing to do with me. I never should have asked Maya out when I was in love with someone else or told her the truth from the start, I hurt Maya badly and I'm going to regret that for the rest of my life."

"Hey we all make mistake."

"Yeah I know but it's still no excuse."

"You're being really hard on yourself."

"No I'm not. I want Maya to be happy and if that's with you than that's great and if it's with someone else so be it; as long as it's not Ben I'm fine."

"What did he do to you Emily?"

I replied with a serious tone in my voice "The unthinkable."

"Will you tell me one day."

"Maybe," I say as we walk into the cafeteria.

Noel said "I'll see you around and let me know when you're up for that party."

"Yeah alright," we shook hands before he walked off in a different direction and I walked over towards the table Aria, Spencer and Hanna were sitting at.

Arriving at the table, I peck Aria on the top of her head and saying before sitting "Hey Beautiful."

"Hi," Aria replied with before pecking my lips.

Looking at Spencer and Hanna, I say "Hey you two," they smile and say their hellos back.

"Carrot stick?" Aria asked while pushing her tray towards me.

I replied with "Sure thanks," I take one and start eating it.

I then asked "Why did you two shake your heads at us in English this morning?"

Hanna replied with "It was more to you than Aria."

Spencer continued with "Yeah, you just seem to get everyone to love you or have them wrapped around your finger."

I replied with "I can't help it," I shrugged and picked up another carrot stick to eat.

Hanna said "But any other student would have received a detention for being late but not you."

I shrug and reply with "I don't know."

Aria asked "Are you okay?"

I answered with "My head is starting to hurt a little but it's nothing to worry about," I tried smiling reassuringly.

Aria said "Emily."

I replied with "What? It's not. But if it gets any worse I'll call my Dad okay."

"Okay," Aria let out a sigh.

Spencer asked "What were you and Noel talking about?"

I replied with "About Maya."

Aria asked "How'd there coffee go?"

I answered with "It went really well apparently, they're going to dinner on Friday so fingers are crossed," I cross my fingers as I speak.

Hanna asked "When did they become an item let alone friends?"

Aria answered with "A day after you two were an item," I smile and place my arm around the back of her chair.

I asked "Is your Dad still giving you the cold shoulder?"

Spencer replied with "No Mum told him off and he explained that he didn't see his little girl with another female but has accept that it's just who I am."

Aria went to go say something when we heard "Fields!" being shouted across the cafeteria room. Turning around in my chair to see Paige McCullers storming over to us and internally groaned, Paige and I were in competition with each other on the swim team; we fight for anchor week after week but the girls don't know how bad it gets between us.

When she arrives I say "McCullers," we were also both co-captains together which was extremely hard when you don't like the other person.

"You skipped practice this morning."

I replied with "I know McCullers but I have my reason."

"What couldn't be bothered getting off your lazy ass?"

"Hey!" Aria shouted at her.

"Oh look Fields has gotten herself a protector," standing up I push her backwards a little.

Glaring at her I say "Don't you dare say a word about my girlfriend," I could see she was physical scared of me.

"So where were you Fields?"

"I don't really think that's any of your business McCullers," we both glared at each other.

"Well when the other captain of the team doesn't show up it doesn't set a good example to the others."

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know I need to be there to hold your hand."

"That's not what I meant, Fields."

"Oh I know what you meant, McCullers."

"Are you going to tell me where you were?"

"If you must know McCullers I forgot."

"You forgot? You forgot about swim practice?"

"Yeah that's what happened, I had more important things to focus on."

Paige asked "What's more important than swimming?"

I replied with "My health, my girlfriend, my family and my friends that's what is more important than swimming but I guess you don't understand what that's about would you McCullers?" Paige pushed me back a little but I pushed her right back just a little harder, we would've continued if Aria had not stood in the middle of us.

"Emily, you promised you'd relax and this isn't relaxing."

"It's her fault," I point at Paige.

Paige then said "Looks like little Fields is in trouble with the girlfriend."

"Yeah well at least I have a girlfriend."

"Why would I want a girlfriend? When I'm straight unlike some people," she look at Hanna, Spencer, Aria and I.

"I wonder now that you two are dating and the other two are dating are you all going to start trying it on with each other, maybe swap partners?" I went to charge for her but Aria held me back and felt another set of arms on me, looking I saw they were Spencer.

Paige laughed and said "Knew it! You're all just keen for each other."

"So what if we are McCullers? At least we'd have someone, friendship, comfort and everything else you get for relationship. And you'll be at home alone like always."

"You better be in the pool tomorrow Fields."

"And what if I'm not? There is nothing you can do about it, it's not season yet and there's no races but believe me when I say McCullers you better get more practice because I will be anchor again."

"Those anchors are mine! I'm the fastest swimmer and everyone knows it!"

"Yeah if that's so, then why did I swim more anchor than you last season? If you were really faster than me it'd be the other way around."

"Well I've been practicing and becoming a better swimmer."

"Yeah that's great to know but I've be practice and becoming a better swimmer too."

"Fields!"

"McCullers," it was our greeting and our goodbye to each other. We both rub each other the wrong way; it was always like that ever since she moved Rosewood when we were in the fifth grade.

Hanna asked "What the hell was that?"

I replied with "Round 1 McCullers VS Fields," I glared to where Paige was once standing and trying to calm myself down. The bell shortly rang after that and I told them all I was going to go call my Dad to come pick me up, arguing and fighting with Paige always drained my energy a lot. Aria, Spencer and Hanna said they come around after school with all my homework from my classes, which I thanked them all for before leaving to the front office to sign out.