5 MONTHS LATER
Paige
The start had only been given a few seconds ago, the start of the end. My last chance to show all that I got. My birthday was last month, people thought I was older they were surprised to learn I turned 28. My announcement was a shock to some people, still there was nothing that made me change my mind. The start had just been giving, my ending seems now a lifetime away. The wall came closer and closer finally my hands touched. The only thing I heard was the water, the only thing I smelled was chlorine and my only goal was gold.
I guess it was now a minute since I left the starting block, I was back with my team. My eyes locked on the scoreboard, impatiently waiting. I punched the air with both fists as I saw my name in first place. The time next to my name in lights was a record breaking one. Right now I achieved my moment of glory. Nothing came easily, I swam naturally like all the others, it was a case of self-discipline and dedication from everyone on my team. I have to say adding a new trainer to the team was a wonderful decision. I will never take for granted what Emily did for me, emptying her schedule to move it around mine.
"I can't believe you did it! You won at the freaking Olympics!" As soon we were back behind closed doors, Em could congratulate me proper without only chaste kisses. She was so proud which made me so proud. I have only won one battle, but that was enough. It meant so much to be able to see her from where I was standing at the Olympic podium. Even my dad got emotional saying, "My daughter never rests and keeps on growing up. It all went so fast." I knew there was more behind his words, regret.
"Here, see it as a good luck charm." I still had one more race, the one with Team USA. I put my medal round Emily's neck. "You kept up with my crazy routines and got through these lonely nights, you deserve this one too." The only thing she was able to say was "I love you." My favorite words from my favorite girl.
4 MONTHS LATER
Paige
The airplane just touched the ground meaning I can't hide my tears anymore. I feel awful, the trip to the Maldives were perfect. The perfect first Christmas present from Em. I tried to not show it, I didn't want to appear as an emotional mess like the first time we were on holiday together. The more I was able to relax, the more I got lost in thoughts of painful memories. It was one year ago my ex-girlfriend got shot and one week away from my first marriage anniversary with the girl I've been dreaming about my entire life. How has this year been? It was good. I would answer with perfect, somehow it feels wrong today. It even feels wrong to kiss Emily, every single time she touches me I feel awful. Don't get me started on how awful I feel for feeling awful. But I can't regret taking a road my mind hadn't even imagined yet back then.
Emily
Paige and I walked down the elevator into the hotel. People were congratulating us, in reality we were simply celebrating our one-year anniversary. Our one-year was very special. We were the first ones to marry in Pennsylvania in the way we did. Her dad wasn't there, which broke her heart. This was the best opportunity to redo the ceremony with her dad. We also invited the experts and all our dearest to this special reception to show our gratitude.
We walked out the hotel in the limo, we were having a lot of high emotions today. Looking back at the last year was crazy. It pained me to see the grief on Paige's face. Paige used to think the only woman that ever understood her was Shana but Caleb said they had absolutely no chemistry. I tried my best to support her, the scary part is that we have dead exes in common.
"Do you want to make the announcement about the baby?" Paige sighed. "I suppose now is as good as any moment." She shrugged. I took her hand in mine, and I would not let it go until she's fully relaxed. Everyone was already inside when we walked in, well not everyone. Aria and Sydney became friends which frustrated Ezra, the man left. Caleb and Hanna are actually doing pretty well and there's Spencer and Toby who are giving a total new meaning to the word romance. I put my arm around her shoulders, we walked over to Hanna asking her to get everyone together. "There's something we'd like to tell everyone."
"Spill the beans hotshot." Caleb said. Paige glanced at me as she reached for my hand. "We would like to tell you, we'll be adding another member to our little precious special family soon."
"We're going to have a baby." I tuned in. There was a silence hanging over us. "That's wonderful." Aria said, breaking the silence as she stepped forward to hug us both. The others joined in. "I'm so excited for you." Caleb said. "Oh my god. Can I plan the baby shower? Please?" Hanna spoke up enthusiastically. "Do you know the gender yet?" Spencer asked. We laughed. "No too early for that. We're having an ultrasound in a couple of weeks." My mother was clamping me, not releasing me not even for one second. Paige walked to the other side of the room, standing next to her crying dad. I looked at the people around me, this little one is going to be lucky growing up with such amazing aunts, uncles and grandparents and with our Paige of course.
I find it odd no one has asked yet who's carrying our baby. Is it that obvious? Paige needed time to get ready for the baby, to get used to the idea. I wasn't surprised about that, though it was her who made the first move. After the Olympics we had our first try, the week after we went sitting on Ryan again. She stated she would want a kid just like him, he was very silent and sleepy the second time.
Paige
"What's the story dude?" Caleb pulled me aside. "I know as much as you do." I smiled. I heard Hanna talking to Emily, offering her suggestions on what she thinks a baby could use. I wasn't surprised, the baby was already a huge part of this family. "When you find out, will you tell the gender or let ot be a surprise?" Again I smiled, I didn't think I would feel such a proud mom already. "We thought to tell everyone but to keep the name secret."