"So mom, last night was nice, wasn't it?" Emily asked.
"It was. The Hastings are good people."
"So...can I see Spencer again? Please mom, I don't see why you're still keeping us apart. Spencer's cute, sweet, funny, kind, smart, she's everything I've ever wanted and the only person I want to be with." Emily rambled, not giving her mother a chance to respond.
"Emily, honey, sit down." Pam said moving over to the couch. "I do think we need to talk about this."
"Spencer tries so hard with you, mom. I mean she came here to talk to you, I didn't ask her to do that and I never would have expected something like that of her. That's just the type of person she is."
"I'll admit it did take a lot of courage for Spencer to come to me." Pam said, matter-of-factly.
"Of course it did, you make her a nervous wreck. Mom, please just hear me out...I'm so lucky to be with her. You have no idea how many girls would kill to have the chance to date Spencer. Do you know how easy it would be for her to just break up with me for a less complicated relationship?"
"Emily, after seeing you and Spencer together last night, I seriously doubt that there's much of a chance of her breaking up with you..." Pam sighed.
"Because she loves me just as much as I love her. Spencer chose to stick by me when things got tough. She's always protected me and stood up for me when I was too scared to stand up for myself. I just don't understand why you'd want to keep me away from someone who's so wonderful." Emily said. "I truly do see us having a future together, Spencer is honestly the best thing to ever happen in my life. She's so important to me."
"I know she is..." Pam said. "I realize that keeping you apart hasn't changed anything...and that's why I've decided to let you see each other again."
"But mom...I...wait...what did you say?"
"I'm giving you permission to see Spencer again."
"You are!" Emily asked excitedly.
"Yes." Pam said, smiling faintly at her daughter.
"Mom. You're amazing and I love you." Emily said, leaning over and wrapping her arms around her mother. "What changed your mind?"
"Last night when you said you wanted to choose a college close to Spencer, she didn't even hesitate to tell you that she wanted you to choose the best school for you, even if it would have to mean the two of you attending schools on opposite ends of the country." Pam said.
"That's the only thing that made you change your mind?"
"Not exactly."
Emily didn't speak, but just gave her mother a confused look.
"This is what changed my entire perspective of your relationship." Pam said producing a small, folded up piece of paper from her pocket.
Emily immediately recognized the paper as being the letter that Spencer had written for her the morning after their midnight rendezvous.
Emily blushed slightly, thinking about all of the things the letter had said. At this moment Emily was grateful that Spencer hadn't dated the letter or written anything that would link it to a particular day, as she was certain her mother wouldn't approve if she had known what transpired that night while she was asleep.
"Where did you get that?" Emily asked.
"I was gathering up some of your laundry this morning, it was in one of the pockets of your jeans." Pam said. "I know I probably shouldn't have looked at it but…"
Emily then remembered slipping the note into her pocket after showing it Aria.
"Mom, it's okay." Emily cut her off. "If it changed your mind about Spencer, then I'm glad you read it."
"Here." Pam said handing the letter to Emily. "You'll probably want to keep this in a safe place. This is beautifully written. After reading this, it has become clear to me that Spencer is obviously very genuine. I'm certain that this letter was meant only to be read by you, so she would have never written these things of she didn't honestly mean them. Her heart seems to be in the right place. I realize now, that I couldn't ask for a better match for my daughter." Pam said sincerely.
"You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that...Spencer is so much more than just a pretty face."
"She is...you know I'm still not thrilled with the idea of you two being sexually active...but I suppose it's just something that I'm going to have to deal with."
"I know you're not happy about the physical part of our relationship, but we have so much more than that. I already told you, Spencer's the only person I've ever slept with and it was something that I was ready for."
"If you were at that point in your relationship that you just couldn't wait anymore why didn't you come talk to me about it? You and Spencer must have discussed it and I'm sure it left you with a lot to think about."
Emily thought for a minute about how her first time with Spencer had played out. It was completely unexpected and had occurred before she and Spencer were even technically dating. Although Emily still felt just as strongly about Spencer then, she wouldn't dare tell her mother about the spontaneity of her first time.
"You've never exactly made it easy to talk about sex, mom. We had that talk before and you always told me to wait until I was in love and I promise you that I am. Spencer's the only person I've ever felt comfortable enough to share that sort of experience with."
"I just never expected you to get so serious about someone so quickly."
"I know, but I've always felt differently about Spencer than I have my other friends. I've had a crush on her for as long as I could remember."
"I still think you're too young to be so heavily involved with someone, but I can see now no matter what I say you aren't going to change your mind." Pam sighed. "I guess I should be happy that you're with someone who treats you so well...it's just hard for me to watch my only daughter grow up so fast."
"Mom. I'm always going to be your daughter no matter what and I love you so much. You're the best mom in the whole world. I love you." Emily said, hugging her mother.
"I love you too, Emily."
"Can I go see Spencer?" Emily asked pulling away from her mother.
"I had a feeling you were going to ask that…go ahead, before
I change my mind."
"Thanks mom! You're the best!" Emily said, standing up and practically running out the door.
Spencer was sitting in her living room early in the evening, playing chess with her father.
"Dad, thank you so much for being so great with Emily and her mom last night. I appreciate it so much." Spencer said as picked up one of her pieces and moved it across the board.
"Do you think they had a good time?" Peter asked as he reciprocated against his daughter's move.
"I think so."
"Good. Emily's a great kid, I'm glad to see you with someone you care so much about and Emily obviously adores you."
"Thanks dad. She means everything to me, I just wish Mrs. Fields could see that."
"She will, eventually. Just stay strong. You're a very passionate person, Spencer, you've never given up on anything in you're entire life, this is no different."
Spencer looked up to meet her father's warm, caring gaze, when she heard the door bell ring.
"I'll get it." Veronica said from the kitchen as she made her way to the door.
A minute later Spencer watched Emily follow her mother into the living room.
"Em? What are you doing here?" Spencer asked, standing up. "Does your mom know you're here, because..."
"It's okay, Spence. She knows."
"She does?"
"Yep. And starting right now, we are officially allowed to see each other again."
"Oh my God. Are you serious!"
"Of course I am." Emily said as she leaned in and wrapped her arms around Spencer's body.
Spencer pulled away from Emily's embrace and gently pressed her lips to Emily's, not even caring at all that her parents were still in the room.
Emily smiled sweetly at Spencer. "I was hoping maybe we could go to a movie or something?"
"Em. I'd love to take you to a movie."
Spencer then turned toward her father. "Dad, do you mind if we finish this later?" Spencer asked, motioning toward their unfinished chess game.
"Not at all. Clearly you've got a better offer. Have a good time." Peter stood up and smiled at Emily as he patted Spencer on the shoulder. "Don't let this one go, Spence, she's quite a catch."
"Yes she is. I've got to be the luckiest girl in the world."
"I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about. Come on Peter." Veronica said, motioning for Mr. Hastings to leave the room.
"Wait...Mr. Hastings. Mrs. Hastings." Emily said. "Thank you so much for last night. You'll never know how much I appreciate you guys being so supportive of Spencer and I."
"You're welcome...we couldn't have chosen a better girl for Spencer...if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask either Peter or myself."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Veronica gave Emily a friendly smile before walking out of the room with her husband.
Spencer then sat down on the couch, pulling Emily down with her.
"You play chess with your dad...that's too cute." Emily said looking at the chess board in front of them.
"I've had a lot of free time without you here, I had to do something to keep from going crazy." Spencer said. "Today, I even finished my application to Princeton."
"That's great, Spence! Have you mailed it yet?"
"Nope. It's right here." Spencer said picking up a large envelope from the end table, next to the couch. "You wanna come mail it with me?"
"Absolutely. We can stop by the mail box on the way to the movies..."
"Your car or mine?" Spencer asked.
"Would you mind if we walked? It's such a nice evening."
"I'd love that..." Spencer said, standing up and taking Emily's hand. "Just let me grab a blazer and we can get out of here. I'll be right back."
Spencer leaned in and kissed Emily again before excitedly disappearing up the staircase, taking the stairs two at a time.
Spencer returned a few minutes later. "Here. I brought you a sweater." Spencer said, handing Emily a navy blue, argyle-print cardigan.
Emily smiled as she took the sweater from her girlfriend. "Thanks, Spence." Emily said as she slipped the sweater on over her shoulders. "I love wearing your clothes."
Spencer smirked. "And I love seeing you in my clothes...you ready to go?"
"Sure am." Emily said, linking her arm with Spencer's and walking toward the door.
"I hope your dad's not too upset that I'm stealing you away from your chess game. It looked pretty intense."
"Don't worry, he'll understand. I mean when given the choice between going on a date with a smokin' hot girl or playing chess, it's pretty much a no-brainer. Besides, my parents have plans tonight anyway, they're going to the ballet with the Vanderwaals."
"You're parents hang out with the Vanderwaals?"
"Yeah. My mom keeps telling me how nice of a girl Mona is and that we should hang out more often."
"Yeah because the two of you have so much in common."
"That's pretty much what I said." Spencer laughed.
"Hey, Spence?"
"Yeah?"
"You never told me what major you're applying for at Princeton."
"I applied to the pre-law program."
"Really? I thought you didn't want to be a lawyer?"
"I've been thinking about it a lot lately and I think I'd be a good lawyer. I do love to argue...but it's not set in stone. I could always change majors later, if I hate it, that is if I even get in."
"You'll get in, I know it. And by the way, I think you'd make an amazing lawyer."
"Because I'm such an ass?" Spencer laughed.
"No." Emily chuckled. "Because you're very determined, confident and intelligent, not to mention totally gorgeous."
"Thanks. But what does physical appearance have to do with being a good attorney?"
"Nothing...but a little eye candy in the court room couldn't hurt."
Spencer laughed. "I love your logic."
"And just so you know...if you do decide to become a lawyer, I'm totally coming to your office on a regular basis and doing you on top of your desk."
"Then it's settled…that's reason enough for me to spend four years in pre-law, three years in law school and for my parents to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on Ivy League tuition. Totally worth it."
Spencer laughed.
Spencer then stopped in front of the mail box on the corner of the street. She held out the envelope to Emily.
"Kiss it for luck?" Spencer asked.
"I'd rather kiss you."
"That'll work." Spencer smiled as she leaned in to receive a single passionate kiss from her girlfriend.
Spencer dropped the envelope into the mail box and turned back to Emily.
"What do you say we get to that movie now?" Spencer asked.
"Let's go."
When they got to the theater, Spencer bought their tickets and they went inside, picking two seats in the very last row. As the movie began, Emily moved closer to Spencer, laying her head on the brunette's shoulder. Spencer lifted her arm and put it around Emily. It didn't take very long for Emily to get bored with the film and focus her attention to her girlfriend.
Emily leaned over and pressed her lips against Spencer's. Emily deepened the kiss and opened her mouth, hoping that Spencer would seize the opportunity to slip her tongue inside, which of course she did. Spencer moved both of her hands to either side of Emily's face as she moved her tongue against Emily's and dominated the kiss.
When the movie let out, Emily and Spencer walked out of the theater, hand in hand into the somewhat brisk, spring air.
"I can't believe I just spent twenty bucks to make-out with you." Spencer chuckled.
"I'm not cheap." Emily laughed.
"I guess not."
"I don't feel like going home yet." Emily said, taking Spencer's hand.
"You wanna go for a walk in the park?" Spencer asked.
"That sounds great." Emily smiled.
"Spence...I'm so happy right now. It's so nice to be alone with you."
"I know. I'm so glad to be allowed to see you again. But, what made your mom change her mind?"
"Remember that letter you wrote me?"
"Oh God." Spencer blushed. "You showed her that?"
"Not exactly. She found it by mistake. But it's okay, she was touched by everything you wrote and I love that you've turned into such an adorable softie...you're not mad are you?"
"How could I be? I poured my heart out to you in that letter. I'm just glad your mom finally sees how much I love you. I need you, Em."
Emily smiled. "You always try to act so tough, but you're totally a soft touch..."
"Only for you."
"You're such a sweetheart. I don't understand why you never show this side of yourself to anyone. You don't have to be so tough all the time."
Spencer looked over at Emily and smiled.
"I've never exactly been comfortable showing emotion. You know, I never thought I'd actually fall in love and when I realized how hard I was falling for you, it really scared me."
"You were afraid to fall in love?"
"Of course. You're the only person I've ever felt could actually break my heart. I always thought that if I continued to deny my feelings for you, they'd eventually, just go away. But now that we're together, I always worry that I'm gonna blow it...I mean you know that I love you with all of my heart, it's just that sometimes I wonder if I'm even good enough for you."
"Aw, Spence." Emily said, tightening her grip on Spencer's hand. "You never have to feel that way. We're perfect for each other...does this have to do with Melissa's comment at dinner last night, about you not deserving me? I think she was kidding."
"She told me she was, but it's not about that, it's just something that I think about from time to time." Spencer said, staring off into the distance. "I mean, you're gorgeous and so sweet and caring, you could have anybody you want and for reasons that I'll never understand, you picked me. I'm still just surprised, that's all."
Emily stopped dead in her tracks and moved so that she was standing in front of her girlfriend.
"Spencer. Sit down." Emily said, pulling her girlfriend over to a nearby park bench.
Emily took Spencer's face in her hands and stared directly into her dark eyes.
"You shouldn't be the least bit surprised. I picked you because you're the strongest, most amazing person that I've ever known. You're beautiful."
"Thanks." Spencer said, smiling faintly at her girlfriend. "Listen, Em, now that your mom is letting us be together again, I just feel like I have to say thank you for putting up with me through everything. I realize that I'm not always the easiest person to be with. I'm not perfect, I know that, but I love you and I'll do everything I can to make you happy. I promise."
"Just being with you makes me happy. I'm so glad that my mom finally sees that." Emily said laying her head on Spencer's shoulder.
"I honestly don't know what I'd do without you, Em." Spencer said as she shifted her position and pressed her lips against Emily's.
Emily only responded by pulling Spencer closer and deepening the kiss. Emily soon found her hand buried in Spencer's hair as her tongue wrestled with Spencer's. As the kiss became more heated Emily pulled away, remembering that they were in a public place, even if it was dark outside.
"What do you say we go back to your place?" Emily whispered before pressing her lips to Spencer's ear.
"What are we waiting for?" Spencer said, standing up and pulling Emily with her. "Walk fast, Em. Please walk fast."