Locum Tenens

by snowballs

Locum Tenens – place holder, substitute. Paige & Emily have been connected through only one girl. Jai has been Emily's girlfriend for almost 3 years & Paige's best friend for 7. When she died, the dynamic between the two drastically shifted. As Emily slowly comes to grips with her loss, she enters into a tentative relationship with Paige. But has Emily truly let go? Paily AU.

33. non progredi : chapter vii

DISCLAIMER: Pretty Little Liars and all its characters is the intellectual property of others. Some characters used in the writing of this fic belong to PLL. Events that transpire, will transpire and have transpired in this story are entirely of my own creation.

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Hi, everyone. Sorry if I kept uploading this chapter. I'm having some issues with the Doc Manager.

I know it's been months since I last updated this story. I currently have some time on my hands to edit the remaining chapters of Part 3 because of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hope everyone is safe. Please stay at home if you can and do help out if you're in a position to do so.

As always, thanks for the reviews.

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PART THREE: "Non Progredi Est Regredi"

~ To not go forward is to go backward. ~

CHAPTER SEVEN

Present Day

"It doesn't matter what most of the judges said. I still think you nailed that cook off." Jai insisted before taking her eyes off the road and glancing at the rearview mirror to meet her sister's eyes. "You cooked your ass off, Kayla and that's what's important."

Emily turned around from the passenger seat to face the girl. "Jai's right. Besides, a couple of them loved your food. I think one of the judges even had an orgasm." She quipped.

Kayla's lips finally formed a smile since they left Drexel. "Ah. That would be Professor Cummings." She supplied, stifling a laugh when she saw Emily and her sister share a look. "I know what you two were thinking just now. And she does live up to her name. When she tasted our dishes in her class for the first time, I almost died trying to hide my laughter when I heard her moan. I think we all did. After that we started calling her 'I-Moan-Cummings'."

"Oh my god that's horrible." Emily commented before dissolving into fits of laughter with the two girls.

"You know, that cook off wasn't entirely for nothing. I mean, you did land a summer job." Jai reminded her sister when their laughter finally died down. "It may not be the one you wanted but at least you still get to cook and improve your skills. I'm sure dad would be proud."

Kayla averted her eyes and stared at the passing scenery instead. "Yeah. His daughter working at a greasy spoon at Penrose Avenue. I wouldn't hear the end of it. Who are we kidding? I'm actually kinda relieved he wasn't able to make it today." She muttered glumly.

Emily and Jai exchanged glances before the former turned to face Kayla again. "I'm sure you're going to learn a lot working there." She said encouragingly. "And it doesn't hurt that the owner is hot. Am I right? I mean that's gotta be a perk working side by side with her the entire summer. What's her name again? Daryl?"

Kayla nodded. "I guess there's that. I was actually flattered when she approached me after the cook off and offered me a job." She admitted. "I'm just gonna make the most out of my summer there. Who knows? Maybe I'll be able to come up with a new item to add to their menu or something."

Jai mouthed a silent thank you to Emily before focusing on the road again. "Anyone hungry?" She asked, trying to change the subject. "There's a gas station a couple of minutes away from here. We still have time."

"Not really hungry but I could use a bathroom break." Kayla replied.

"Em?" Jai asked, glancing at the girl seated next to her. "Bathroom break it is." She declared when Emily shook her head.

The three girls rode the rest of the way in silence until Jai finally pulled into an empty parking spot that's a little way off where the bathroom stalls were. She turned off the engine then faced her sister with an apologetic look. "Sorry." She uttered. "This was the nearest spot I could find."

Kayla rolled her eyes and got out of the car, leaving the two girls alone. Emily and Jai sat wordlessly for a minute or so with the latter glancing at the other girl once a while until she decided to break the silence.

"Are you okay?" Jai asked, giving the girl a small smile.

Emily turned her attention to Jai and took a deep breath. "Yeah." She answered as she rubbed the palm of her hand against her jeans to wipe the sweat off.

Jai rested her hand on Emily's left thigh and squeezed it. "It's going to be fine." She reassured the girl.

Emily nodded as she stared at Jai's hand before looking up to meet the girl's eyes. She was about to say something when a movement outside caught her attention, making her look past Jai instead and she watched as two girls made their way toward the convenience store. She didn't know them. But one had long black hair and the other one had brown hair, like Paige's. Other than that, the two girls were complete strangers to her and yet the sight of them reminded Emily of something.

---

Four Months Ago…

"...and then she had the nerve to tell me that I needed a chill pill! I mean, seriously?! You're not supposed to say that! You're..." Emily tried to focus on what Spencer was telling her about the girl's earlier encounter with a pharmacist but something else caught her attention and now she couldn't concentrate.

It was just past noon and the two girls were seated on one of the tables outside the quad, having just finished eating their lunch. Spencer was telling Emily the story of how Connor hurt his ankle over the weekend and that although it was minor, he still needed to take painkillers and she offered to pick them up at the pharmacy this morning. Only what was supposed to be a quick errand turned into twenty minutes and she ended up being late for her class.

"I'm not a junkie. Do I look like a junkie?!" Spencer asked but she was too busy launching into a tirade to notice that her friend wasn't listening anymore. "I keep trying to explain that I misplaced the prescription but she wouldn't listen and..."

By now, Emily's attention was completely focused on the two girls walking across the quad, seemingly on their way to the cafeteria. She watched as Paige laughed at something the other girl said, for some reason feeling uncomfortable when the girl touched Paige's arm before moving a little closer. It's that girl again. Emily thought to herself, managing to keep a neutral expression when Paige grabbed the girl's hand to steer her clear from a group of rowdy students.

"Do you know her?" Spencer suddenly asked.

"Know who?" Emily asked in reply, feigning confusion even as her pulse raced at the thought of having been caught staring.

Spencer inclined her head to the side. "That girl with Paige. I feel like I've seen her before." She said as she tried to remember where.

Emily shrugged. "No. I don't." She answered offhandedly.

"Well she's gorgeous. Maybe she's Paige's flavor of the month or something." Spencer commented, laughing at her own joke.

"I wouldn't know. So what happened next?" Emily asked to change the subject. "Did you manage to get Connor's painkillers?"

Spencer nodded. "Yeah. I did. But I had to call..."

Emily tried to listen this time as her friend resumed telling her story, but her eyes kept drifting toward Paige and the girl. Spencer's comment about the mystery girl being a looker bothered her because she wasn't imagining it and to say that 'she's gorgeous' was an understatement. She would know because this wasn't the first time that she'd seen the two girls together. Emily didn't want to admit it but the girl was much, much prettier up close. That and the fact that Paige was spending a lot of time with the girl really bothered her.

---

Five Months Ago...

Emily smiled at the barista as the guy handed her a steaming cup of coffee and one sugar packet, the heat from the cup instantly warming her. It was the reason she loved coffee so much. Well, that and she just loved the smell of a freshly brewed coffee. Like she could buy a cup of happiness and comfort for a few bucks. Armed with her drink and the sugar packet in one hand, and her phone in the other, Emily turned around to make her way to the door, her progress slow as she focused on typing a reply to Jai. Aware that she was nearing the exit, Emily leaned forward to put her weight on the door but made contact with a warm body instead.

"Sorry." Emily uttered, looking up from her phone and seeing a flash of amusement in Paige's eyes. She quickly took a step back, aware that her face was turning red from embarrassment.

"Let me guess. Jai." Paige said while looking at the girl's phone pointedly.

Emily cleared her throat as she pocketed her phone, feeling her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red. She didn't have to say anything. They both know Paige was right. Somehow feeling exposed without her phone, Emily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as they stood in awkward silence. This was the first time that they've seen each other ever since that fight they had on Thanksgiving and neither of them knew what to say.

"How are you?" Emily finally asked, cringing inwardly at how upbeat she sounded just now.

"Okay." Paige replied then placed one hand in the front pocket of her jeans to hide how nervous she felt. She made it a point to steer clear of Emily and Jai since Thanksgiving but Rosewood is a small town. It had to happen eventually. "You alone?" She asked, looking past the girl briefly.

Emily nodded. "I'm meeting Jai and Kayla at the theatre." She casually explained like it wasn't a sore subject between them. "Do you want to join us?" She asked, mentally berating herself for making things even more uncomfortable than it already was.

"Thanks but I already have plans." Paige replied, her tone almost biting.

"I spy a mistletoeee…" Emily heard someone say in a singsong voice behind her before she could ask Paige about her plans. "It's tradition so you better lay one on her." Emily and Paige looked up and true enough, they were standing underneath a mistletoe. Before Emily could comment, Paige reached for the plant and handed it to her.

"It wouldn't be right." Paige said, a flash of emotion crossing her features as she recalled their Christmas last year. Not anymore. "What the heck took you so long?" She then asked the girl much to Emily's surprise. "I was about to come get you."

The girl gave Paige an apologetic look, her cheeks turning pink and her eyes crinkling at the corners as she made a face. "Sorry. There was a line in the restroom." She explained, her smooth, long black hair cascading like silk at the slightest movement.

"Whatever. Ready to go?" Paige asked, annoyed.

"Yeah." The girl replied before adjusting her parka.

Emily studied the girl's soft and slender fingers as they moved over her coat and she couldn't help but stare, seemingly mesmerized.

"Gosh where are my manners? Hi!" The girl said in greeting, much to Emily's surprise. "You a friend of Lazlo's?" She asked with a smile so genuine and infectious that Emily didn't feel embarrassed that the girl caught her staring just now.

"Lazlo?" Emily repeated, confused.

"We should really get going." Paige hurriedly said as she grabbed the other girl's hand and practically dragged her outside. "See you around." She told Emily before making her way down the street with the other girl in tow.

Emily watched the two girls, intrigued. The other girl wasn't from around here. That's for sure. It was the first time she'd seen her. But Paige couldn't have just met her. They acted like they've known each other for quite some time. And Lazlo? Why did the girl call Paige 'Lazlo' like it was a term of endearment between them? Emily knew the girl and Paige were probably just friends. Only the girl was way too beautiful to just be a friend and she's been around Paige long enough to know Jai's best friend wasn't blind. Something was going on between them and that made her uneasy.

---

Four Months Ago...

"...and now I'm running late for my class again." Spencer complained, jolting Emily out of her stupor. "This is so not my day."

"Sorry." Emily uttered apologetically. She felt guilty for not listening to what her friend was telling her but the girl mistook it for sympathy.

"Don't be. It's not your fault. I just want this day to be over." Spencer lamented, fixing her things before getting up. "With the way my luck's going I bet I'm going to miss the bus to Spruce Street."

"Wanna go Greek tonight? My treat." Emily offered knowing how much her friend loved Greek food. It was the least she could do for spacing out earlier.

Spencer was about to say yes but instead groaned in frustration. "I can't tonight. I'm spending the night at Connor's. Girlfriend duties." She added with a sigh. "Raincheck?"

"Sure." Emily replied with a small smile. She watched her friend walk across the quad, but her gaze lingered on Paige and the mystery girl when Spencer walked past them, unable to help but wonder who she really is.

---

Paige opened the door to her apartment and stepped aside to let the girl in. "There's really nothing to see so this tour will be short." She said, closing the door behind her once they were both inside.

The girl merely nodded her head in acknowledgment and walked around the small apartment, the amusement evident in her striking features. Paige has known the girl long enough to read what she's thinking. And right now, the girl was impressed with the place even if Paige didn't have time to clean up.

"Sorry about the mess." Paige muttered, walking past the girl to clear the coffee table of clutter. She wanted to slap herself silly for getting flustered as she quickly sorted the books and papers into a neat pile.

"It's okay. You know I don't mind your mess." The girl reminded Paige with a smile that showed off her dimples.

"And yet you left me for someone else." Paige shot back before she could stop herself.

Silence.

"That your room?" The girl finally asked, inclining her head toward a closed door at the end of the hall.

Paige quickly got up and sprinted toward her room, barely managing to wedge herself between the girl and the bedroom door. "Off limits." She warned before grabbing the girl by the shoulders to steer them back to the living room.

The girl's melodic laughter was such a painful reminder of their past, it made Paige release her hold on the other girl's shoulders. Her guest didn't seem to notice it though and just made her way to the couch, saying something about a mishap she had with a similar piece of furniture. Paige tuned out what the girl was saying and instead recalled the night she found the girl standing in her living room, the sight taking her by surprise as she never thought she would see her again.

---

Six Months Ago...

"Dad." Paige uttered in surprise when she turned around and saw her father standing behind her. "What... are you doing here?" She asked, confused.

Nick walked over to his daughter and hugged the girl briefly. "The client decided to move the meeting next week and I was lucky enough to catch the next flight back. I figured we could celebrate Thanksgiving together this year, but it looks like you already have dinner plans with the Hayes." He added, studying his daughter.

"I did. I mean, I do. But I'm sure Jai and her family would understand." Paige hurriedly said. She won't be spending Thanksgiving by herself after all.

Nick nodded and smiled. "It's a good thing I came home when I did, too. Otherwise your friend here would've stood outside our house for hours." He remarked, acknowledging the other person in the room.

"Nah. I was actually about to leave when you pulled over." The girl confessed. "It's my fault. I should've called first instead of just showing up out of the blue."

"Well you're welcome to stay and join us for dinner. But it's last-minute so it'll be store-bought." Nick warned.

"Sounds good to me. I could use a reintroduction to American food if I plan on staying. But only if it's okay with Paige." The girl added, looking at the other girl uncertainly.

Paige looked from the girl to her father and back again, trying to decide. She wasn't in the mood to entertain guests tonight, especially this one, but she didn't want to be rude either. She took a deep breath and finally nodded, albeit reluctantly.

"It's settled then. I'm going to find us some food and try to be back soon." Nick said before planting a kiss on his daughter's head. "Why don't you two catch up while I'm gone?" He suggested as he made his way to the door.

Paige made sure her father was out of earshot before turning around to face the girl. "Why are you here?" She asked, not bothering to hide her surprise and confusion.

"I'm visiting my brother and his family. And I'm starting in Drexel next semester." The girl replied.

"What? Why?" Paige asked, brows creased.

The girl shrugged. "Call it nostalgia. I've been missing my brother ever since he left to follow Valerie and my newborn nephew here." She explained while placing her hands in the back pocket of her jeans. "Some of my courses back in London were credited so my parents let me. They figured my brother and Val could save on hiring a nanny when I offered to look after Pete."

"Doesn't explain why you're here in Rosewood." Paige pointed out.

"Oh. That. Well I wanted to see you." The girl admitted. "I've been back for some time now. I just didn't tell you because I wasn't sure if you would want to talk to me again." She explained with a faint smile. "I've been summoning the courage to come visit you. But judging from your reaction I'm guessing I shouldn't have bothered. I can go." The girl offered, gesturing to the door.

"It's not because of you." Paige blurted out just as the girl walked past her.

"Oh. Okay. But you're upset about something." The girl guessed.

"I don't want to talk about it." Paige answered edgily. "But you should stay. Knowing my dad he probably bought half of the inventory at the convenience store. Make yourself comfortable. I'm gonna freshen up before he gets back."

"Can I come with?" The girl asked, stopping Paige in her tracks. "It's kinda scary down here."

Paige sighed. "Still? For someone who likes taking risks I don't get why you're afraid of being alone in the dark." She said wryly. "Fine. Whatever." Paige muttered, making her way up the stairs with the girl close behind.

Once they were inside her bedroom, Paige made her way to the closet to get a change of clothes, aware that the girl's eyes were on her. She tried to ignore the girl's presence but she couldn't. It was like being back in Girard and it was unsettling.

"So." Paige uttered, clearing her throat. "What have you been up to?" She asked as she busied herself with rummaging for clothes.

"Adventure." The girl replied from somewhere in the room. "You know me. It's a miracle my parents got me to stay in school."

"Yeah. Didn't figure you for a college girl." Paige admitted, finally turning around to face the girl. "What are you taking up?"

"Photography." The girl answered proudly.

"Wow. Well that makes sense." Paige said after a beat. "Do you still go camping?"

The girl nodded. "Every now and then. Though I'm more into extreme sports and roughing it nowadays." She added with a grin.

Paige took in the girl's features and realized that the outdoors suited her. It's been years since they last saw each other so she couldn't be sure but the girl grew even more beautiful than she remembered. The girl's skin was tan from spending most of her time outdoors and her body was lean but strong, filled up in all the right places.

"Outdoor activities suit you." Paige blurted out before she could stop herself.

The girl's laughter echoed in the room. "You haven't changed. Still getting tongue tied around me." She said, making Paige blush. "Thank you. I will take that as a compliment."

"So what's the most recent adventure you had?" Paige asked, trying to change the subject.

"That would be backpacking across Europe." The girl replied as she walked toward a vestibule. "Aww... I didn't know I still matter to you." She teased.

Paige quickly made her way toward the girl and reached for the spider monkey the girl was holding. "Don't flatter yourself. I kept it because it was too cute to throw away. Not because of you." She insisted as she returned the stuffed toy to where it was resting. "Backpacking, huh? That could get pretty dangerous not to mention lonely if you're by yourself." Paige said, returning their conversation to the girl.

"I wasn't." The girl corrected. "You know I'm scared of the dark. I wouldn't last sleeping outdoors alone overnight let alone for months. Let's just say I was with… a friend." She added mysteriously.

"A friend. The same friend you cheated on me with?" Paige asked, a hint of bitterness in her tone.

The girl's smile faltered. "Ouch." She uttered.

Paige sighed. "Sorry. That was a low blow." She admitted, feeling guilty.

The girl shook her head. "It's fine. I deserved it." She said, taking a deep breath and exhaling. "You know what? I think I heard your dad pull up. I should go back downstairs. See if he needs help."

"Ria, wait..." Paige uttered but the girl was already out the door. Left to herself, Paige tried to gather her thoughts as she struggled to make sense of the night's events and how she felt about the girl's sudden return in her life.

---

Four Months Ago...

"Paige. You in there?" Paige blinked twice, snapping out of it when she saw the girl looking at her worriedly.

"Yeah. Sorry. What did you say?" Paige asked.

"I was wondering if I can go outside the balcony." Ria repeated. "Is it locked or...?"

"No. It's not off limits. Knock yourself out." Paige interjected. "I'm gonna go change." She continued, unsure if the girl heard her because Ria was reaching for her phone when it rang.

Once she was inside her room, Paige took a few seconds to compose herself and leaned against the door with a heavy sigh. It's been weeks since the girl came back in her life but she still hasn't gotten used to it. To be honest, she doesn't even know what she's doing. Things between them have been over for years and she's completely in love with Emily but for some reason, she still found herself drawn to the girl. She doesn't know what to do about it or what it is they're doing exactly. All she knows is that they're hanging out and she felt uneasy all the time but she couldn't bring herself to stay away. Paige lifted herself off the door when she heard a knock and reluctantly opened it after a few seconds.

"Sorry but I have to go. My brother wants me to come over and join them for dinner and I couldn't say no. Val's an excellent cook." Ria explained. "Thanks for showing me your place. Do you have plans tomorrow night?"

"Why?" Paige asked, her eyes narrowing into slits.

"I was just wondering if maybe we could grab dinner. On me." Ria offered. "Say yes?"

Paige racked her brain for an excuse but couldn't think of any. "Yeah. Okay." She finally answered, unable to say no to the girl.

"Cool. I'll call you." Ria promised before turning around to leave.

Paige watched the girl with a thoughtful expression and sighed as she mentally berated herself for spending even more time with a supposed ex.

---

Emily looked up when she heard the bell above the door chime, telling her someone just came in. Her shift at the café tonight was hectic and she couldn't wait for it to be over so she could finally relax. She was almost wiped out but she was on the clock so she pasted a fake smile on her face to greet the customer but when she saw Kayla walking toward her, her smile turned into a genuine one. Which was more like a grimace at this point.

"That bad, huh?" Kayla said in greeting as she took a seat on one of the chairs that lined the counter.

"Let's just say I'm glad my shift's over." Emily replied, exhaling.

Kayla cringed. "Not exactly." She said before pointing to the wall clock behind the girl. "My professor didn't show up so I decided to come over early."

Emily groaned. "Kill me now." She muttered, making Kayla laugh. "Jai's on her way so once my shift ends in, oh, forty-five minutes we can leave for the theatre. In the meantime, can I get you anything?"

"Bottle of cranberry juice, please." Kayla ordered then opened her bag to take out her wallet while Emily got her order.

"It's on me." Emily said when Jai's sister handed her a five.

"You sure?" Kayla asked as she took the ice-cold bottle from the girl. "Okay. Thanks." She said before twisting the cap off when Emily nodded. Kayla took a few sips of the beverage and studied the girl from behind the rim. "So. What's going on with you?"

"What do you mean?" Emily asked, brows creased.

"You just seem out of it." Kayla pointed out. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Emily bit her bottom lip as she tried to decide whether or not to open up to the girl. Ever since she saw Paige earlier at the quad with that mystery girl, she couldn't seem to think about anything else. She wasn't comfortable asking her girlfriend's sister about the said girl spending time with her best friend. It felt wrong. But she was dying of curiosity and she didn't know who else to ask. Emily looked past Kayla to make sure Jai isn't there yet before speaking.

"It's about Paige." Kayla guessed when she saw Emily's anxious look. "I promise not to tell Jai. Now will you tell me what's going on?"

"I saw Paige with a girl today." Emily confessed in one breath. "Only it's not the first time I've seen them together. Back in Rosewood I ran into them at the Brew but Paige didn't introduce her so I can't help but wonder who she is."

Kayla's eyes narrowed. "Are you jealous?" She asked.

"No." Emily answered, shaking her head emphatically. "Just curious. I don't know what's going on in her life lately."

"How come?" Kayla asked, confused.

"I guess you haven't noticed." Emily said wryly. "Ever since she agreed to let me go Paige has avoided me like the plague."

"Oh. Hmm. Well… I'm not trying to be a bitch here but... what did you expect?" Kayla asked, trying not to sound condescending.

Emily shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. I guess I was hoping we could somehow be friends. I even asked Paige several times but she doesn't want to." She admitted, the disappointment evident in her tone.

"Well that's a lot to ask. This is Paige we're talking about. Saying she's liked you for years is an understatement." Kayla pointed out.

"I know that." Emily said, frustrated. "But up until last year I had no idea how she felt about me. Before that I considered her a friend when Jai left and we started to get along. I'm not trying to make her feel like the only reason I want to be her friend is because I consider her a consolation prize. She's important to me."

"I believe you. But right now you can't do anything about it if she refuses to be your friend." Kayla said ruefully. "As for that girl you were talking about I think-"

The sound of the front door opening again made the two girls stop talking and they watched as Jai stepped inside. Emily glanced at Kayla before looking at her girlfriend again, this time with a smile on her lips, hoping her face won't reveal her anxiousness. Jai returned Emily's smile then turned her attention to her sister.

"My professor didn't show up." Kayla explained before Jai could ask why she's early.

"And my shift ends in a few minutes." Emily added as Jai took a seat next to her sister.

"No rush. The movie doesn't start until eight." Jai reminded the two girls.

"Cranberry?" Kayla offered, extending the bottle of juice to her sister.

Jai shook her head. "How's school today?" She asked instead.

Emily excused herself when she saw a customer at the counter so she made her way to the cashier. She watched the two girls talk out of the corner of her eye as she rung up the orders, frustrated that Kayla didn't get to tell her who Paige's mystery girl was.

---

"Reese, come on. She asked first. I can't back out." Paige explained to her pouting friend.

"Who exactly is this Ria girl that you can't cancel on her for me?" Reese asked, arms crossed.

"An old friend." Paige answered vaguely.

Reese's eyes narrowed. "An old friend." She repeated, her tone disbelieving. "Just a friend?" She asked and Paige's silence confirmed her suspicion. "When?" Reese continued when the girl refused to meet her stare.

"Before Emily." Paige admitted. "Back in Girard."

Reese let out a low whistle. "And here I thought Emily's the only girl in your life." She quipped.

"Are you calling yourself a boy?" Paige asked, amused.

"Are you saying I'm one of your girls?" Reese shot back teasingly.

Paige felt her cheeks turning red. "That's not what I meant." She stammered.

"And you know what I mean." Reese said, trying not to laugh at the girl's obvious discomfort. "Why did it end? If you don't mind my asking."

Paige sighed. "A lot of reasons." She began as she took a seat on one of the wooden benches in the locker room. "Her family moved to London before we graduated in Girard. We tried the long-distance thing for a while but... she ended up cheating on me." She admitted, feeling a twinge of hurt at the memory.

"So she broke your heart and now she's back. Why is she back?" Reese asked, taking a seat next to her friend.

"Ria and her older brother were really close growing up. He got married and moved back to Philly to be with his wife since Valerie's work is based here." Paige explained. "Ria really missed him and her nephew so their parents let her continue going to college at Drexel. It was that or she stopped going to college and believe me it's a miracle she stayed in school. That girl would rather go sky surfing any day than sit still in class."

"So you've kept in touch with her all these years." Reese guessed. "I mean, you seem to know what she's been up to. Why are you still friends with her after what happened?"

"It was Jai who kept in touch with her. They ran in the same circle back when we were in middle school. Their friendship didn't end just because Ria cheated on me and she moved to another continent." Paige explained. "She's the one who's kept me up-to-date. I guess in a way she admired how Ria lives her life."

"Still doesn't explain why you're spending time with the girl who cheated on you." Reese pointed out.

"There's a lot of history between us." Paige confessed, staring at the tiled floor. "And when I saw her that night standing in the middle of our living room, I realized I never really stopped caring about her despite what happened. Despite what she did."

"What's she like?" Reese asked, intrigued.

Paige kept silent for a few seconds as she thought of her next words. "She's... adventurous. Like, extremely. She will take on a new sport any day to get an adrenaline rush out of it. She's a risk-taker, she's fun. Full of life. I guess that's what attracted me to her in the first place." She admitted, smiling faintly. "Being around Ria at a time when everything felt so hard made me feel better."

Reese nodded thoughtfully. "You think it's possible that's the reason why you're spending time with her again? To make yourself feel better now?" She continued softly.

Paige sighed. "Maybe." She replied, finally meeting Reese's worried gaze.

---

"I promise you'll meet Ria soon." Jai said, taking Emily's hand in hers as they continued walking leisurely across campus. "One of these days. When we're not so busy with swim meets, exams, and reports." She enumerated. "You'll really like her, Em. The Figueroas treated me like family when I was in London so now it's my turn. She's like my second sister and now that Ria's here for good I promised her parents I'd look after her."

"What's she like?" Emily asked, noticing the eagerness in her girlfriend's tone.

"Carefree and adventurous with a good head on her shoulders." Jai answered fondly.

"Why did her family move to London anyway?" Emily inquired.

"Her mom got the position of heading the ground crew of an airline in London so they had to move. Her dad's company is based there anyway so the decision wasn't that hard to make. At least for their parents." Jai explained as they stopped at an intersection. "Then her brother met Valerie at a conference in Paris three years ago. They got married last year and Valerie just gave birth to their son but her work is based here in Philly so he decided to move back. He and Ria are really close so she followed to be near him and his family. She's taking up photography at Drexel." Jai added, about to cross the street when someone called out her name, making her stop.

"Jai!" Ria called out again, waving at her friend while trying to drag with her a reluctant Paige.

"Speak of the devil." Jai quipped and stepped back to the curb to wait for the girl to reach them. "I guess you'll get to meet Ria tonight."

Emily looked past her girlfriend and felt her smile waver when she recognized the two girls walking toward them. She felt stupid for not putting two and two together sooner. Emily cleared her throat and tried to stop her pulse from racing as Paige got closer and closer with Ria, noting that Jai's best friend refused to look at her.

"Em, I'd like you to meet Ria, one of my oldest friends. Ria, this is my girlfriend, Emily Fields." Jai said proudly, squeezing Emily's hand as she made the introductions.

"So you're Emily Fields. Lazlo here forgot to make the introductions when we ran into you back in Rosewood." Ria added teasingly as she shook Emily's hand while inclining her head toward Paige. "I'm glad to finally meet you in the flesh. For the second time. I feel as if I've known you for years. You're all Jai talked about when she was living with us but she refused to show me a picture of you. She also talked about Paige, of course. But mostly you."

"Sorry I can't say the same." Emily told the girl apologetically. "Jai rarely talks about her life before Rosewood."

Ria shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Just think of me as the invisible helping hand Jai needed to pull off that virtual birthday party she threw you two years ago." She said lightly.

"Yeah. I meant to thank you for that. And for looking after Jai." Emily added, rubbing her girlfriend's arm affectionately.

"No need to thank me. We've been friends for years. I was more than happy to help." Ria reassured the girl.

Emily returned Ria's smile with earnestness, unable to feel antagonistic toward the girl. She wanted to dislike Ria for the mere fact that she's spending time with Paige but something about the girl made her easy to like. Emily turned her attention to Paige instead; trying to get the girl to acknowledge her but Jai's best friend was looking everywhere but at her so they all ended up standing there awkwardly.

"Emily, you remember Paige?" Ria asked, finally breaking the silence.

Emily nodded and tried to smile at Paige when the girl looked at her. She was about to say something witty or funny but Jai's best friend barely acknowledged her so she decided to keep silent.

Ria looked at Paige and Emily, then at Jai, before exhaling loudly. "Who's hungry?" She asked in another attempt to break the deafening silence. "We're on our way to grab dinner. You're welcome to join us." Ria added as she wrapped one arm around Paige's shoulder.

"Not us. We just had dinner." Emily answered politely, smiling at Ria to hide her discomfort.

"Oh. Too bad. Maybe some other time then." Ria suggested.

Jai nodded. "Definitely." She replied.

"Okay. I guess we should get going then." Ria said after another pause. "Come on, Lazlo. I'm starving." She continued, taking Paige by the arm and leading the way past the two girls.

"So that's Ria." Emily said while watching the two girls walk toward the direction they just came.

"That's Ria." Jai repeated.

"You forgot to mention how gorgeous she is." Emily commented, her gaze still on the two girls. "She could be your type."

"Are you jealous?" Jai teased. "'Cos you know you don't have to worry about anything. You're my type."

"I was just making an observation." Emily pointed out. "I'm not jealous. We don't get jealous, remember?" She reminded Jai, forcing a smile on her lips as she squeezed the girl's hand and resumed walking.

"Yeah. We don't." Jai repeated, following Emily with a thoughtful expression.

---

From behind the menu she was holding, Ria risked another glance at the girl seated across her and quickly averted her eyes when Paige's brown ones happened to wander to the top of the menu in front of her as the girl scanned the items written on it. Ever since they ran into Jai and Emily earlier, Paige's demeanor the rest of the way to the restaurant changed. Their conversations consisted of her making a comment about something as mundane as an uprooted tree they passed by just to get a response out of the girl but Paige either grunted or just completely ignored her.

"Hmmm… I can't decide between the seafood pasta and the spinach ravioli. What about you? Found anything you like yet?" Ria asked to break the silence between them.

"Nope." Paige answered without so much as a glance at the girl.

"Great." Ria muttered under her breath. "So. What's up with the weird vibe earlier?" She asked, refusing to let Paige ignore her any longer.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Paige said in reply while keeping her eyes on the menu, but Ria noticed the girl's shoulders tense.

"What's going on with you, Jai, and Emily?" Ria pressed.

"Nothing." Paige answered dismissively.

Ria reached for the menu Paige was using to cover her face and firmly pulled it down, forcing the girl to lower the menu on the table and look at her. "You're not fooling me. You barely said a word to Emily and Jai." She pointed out. "Emily, I get. Jai told me back in London about the two of you not being able to be in the same room without fighting. But Jai?" Ria asked, confused. "You've been best friends for years. I don't get the silent treatment."

"There's no silent treatment. I just wasn't in the mood to make small talk." Paige insisted.

Ria tried to catch the girl's gaze, but Paige refused to look at her. "If you say so." She finally said, choosing to let the matter drop for now. "Let's just have dinner." Ria continued as she signaled for a waiter to come over.

---

Paige reluctantly opened her eyes to the incessant sound of knocking on her front door on Saturday morning. She was tempted to drown out the sound by burying her head under a pillow but then the person outside probably got tired of knocking and began to ring the doorbell instead.

"Ugh. Go away." Paige muttered, unable to find the strength to shout as she lay there unmoving under the covers. When the person went back to knocking on the door, Paige finally got up to see what the person wanted, all the while cursing under her breath as she made her way outside.

"I need glue." Kayla said in greeting once Paige opened the door.

"Are you serious?" Paige asked, her expression neutral but her tone annoyed. "I just fell asleep."

Kayla nodded. "Yup. Sorry. I have a project I need to submit before lunch and I ran out of glue." She explained apologetically.

Paige sighed and left the door open to let the girl in, walking toward the kitchen to get a glass of water instead. Kayla stepped inside and closed the door behind her before heading for the living room. She waited until Paige was on her side of the room before addressing the girl.

"What were you doing if you just fell asleep?" Kayla asked, looking around the room then at Paige.

"Reading." Paige lied, knowing Kayla would worry if she told the girl that she's been having trouble falling asleep these past few days. "In my room. I was reading in my room." She added when she noticed Jai's sister looking around.

Kayla nodded her head absentmindedly as she studied Paige. "Emily's been asking about you in case you wanted to know." She said, catching the girl's attention. "She's seen you around with Ria so she's curious."

Paige shrugged. "It's not exactly news. We ran into her at the Brew last year. I just didn't introduce them to each other." She explained. "But then we ran into her again last night this time with your sister and she did the introductions so that should take care of her curiosity."

"Oh yeah? Did my sister happen to tell her about you and Ria?" Kayla asked, one eyebrow raised. "Because I'm pretty sure that's the part Emily's really interested in. Only she couldn't ask you because you've been giving her the cold shoulder."

"I'm just giving her what she wants. For me to let her go." Paige said, looking away.

"Only that's not true. You're nowhere near letting her go." Kayla pointed out.

"Doesn't mean I can't try." Paige argued.

"And it's good that you're trying. But what about your friendship with her?" Kayla asked, her tone softening.

Paige scoffed. "What friendship? She and I were never friends. How many times do I have to say that to you and to her? This is really getting old." She said, frustrated.

"Yeah, well I'm kinda getting tired of telling you as well that as much as you want to deny it, the truth is you and Emily were friends. When Jai left and you two started to get along, you were friends." Kayla reminded the girl. "I know it's selfish of her to want to be friends with you after everything that's happened but I understand what she couldn't say. That it's better than nothing." She said, giving the girl a sad smile. "Emily isn't a horrible person for choosing Jai and wanting to be your friend. Just as you're not a horrible friend for loving her. After all, you're keeping your distance because of my sister."

Paige sighed. "Fine. If it'll get you off my case I'll think about it." She relented.

"That's all I'm asking. And glue." Kayla added, almost forgetting the reason she came over in the first place.

Paige shook her head and managed to crack a smile as she made her way to a drawer.

"I miss that smile." Kayla said as she took the glue the girl was handing her. "I hope I'll see it more often. Anyway, thanks for this. I'll return it tonight." She promised before leaving Paige to her thoughts.

---

"I don't know. Maybe we can attend both?" Emily suggested while studying the pink flyer on the table between her and Jai. "It's our first Valentine's Day in college and this dance seems fun. It's a masquerade. I've always wanted to attend one of those."

"Yeah... but if we attend this dance and the one the foundation's throwing, which one do we go to first?" Jai asked, playing with the pen in her hand.

The two girls were seated at a corner table of a café outside of campus, taking a break from studying for their respective exams when a guy handed them a pink flyer and invited them to his fraternity's masquerade party on Valentine's Day. Jai was about to say they already have plans but she saw that Emily was interested so now they're trying to decide which party to attend.

"Here's a crazy idea. How about we just skip both and just stay in and watch sappy romantic films?" Jai suggested, smiling at the girl.

"We can't. You have to attend the dance for the foundation." Emily reminded her girlfriend.

Jai frowned. "Yeah but I doubt we'll have fun there. Most of the time I'd have to mingle with the guests and convince them to give more to the foundation and I don't want to spend Valentine's Day doing that." She confessed.

"Okay so let's just go to this masquerade first then stay the rest of the night at the foundation's dance." Emily suggested, rubbing Jai's hand.

"I can't be late for the foundation's dance and I can't leave early either." Jai lamented.

"This sucks." They said at the same time, sighing.

"Why don't we just get back to studying instead?" Jai reluctantly suggested when she realized their discussion was going nowhere.

"Fancy running into you two here." Ria's cheerful greeting made the two girls look up. "Jazz, Emily."

"Hey." Jai uttered in reply, returning her friend's smile.

Emily forced a smile on her lips as well but didn't say anything and instead moved the flyer lying on top of their books a little so she can continue reading.

"I see you already made plans for Valentine's Day." Ria commented when her eyes landed on the pink flyer.

"Not quite. We're still trying to decide on some things. There's that foundation dance I have to attend." Jai divulged. "What are you doing here?" She asked, changing the subject.

Ria raised both of her hands to show the girls what she bought. "Meet my lunch. Mister shrimp po boy and missus smoothie." She said with a grin as she waved her food at them. "I just came from a class and I thought I'd swing by here before heading back to my dorm to study for an exam tonight."

"Oh. You're in good company then. We're studying for our exams as well. Why don't you join us?" Jai offered.

"Are you sure?" Ria asked, giving them a hesitant look. "Seems like you two have a thing going here and I don't want to intrude-"

"You're not. We're just studying. Right, Em?" Jai asked, glancing at her girlfriend.

"Yeah. Come sit with us." Emily told the girl and moved some of their things around to make room for Jai's friend.

"Oh. Okay. Thanks." Ria uttered before sliding into the seat next to Jai. "I'm probably going to fall asleep studying on my bed anyways."

"I know what you mean. My friend Hanna has the same problem." Emily commented and shared a knowing look with her girlfriend.

"I should probably get another cup of coffee. We're running low on supplies." Jai said as she got up. "You want anything?" She asked, touching Emily's shoulder as she walked past the girl.

"Earl Grey." Emily replied with a smile.

"Tea it is. I'll be right back." Jai promised, kissing her girlfriend on the cheek before heading for the counter.

Left to themselves, the two girls sat across each other awkwardly. Emily racked her brain for something to say while Ria cleared more space for her things.

"You know, you should convince Jai to ditch that foundation dance." Ria said when she finally broke the silence.

"Um..." Emily uttered as she tried to recover from her surprise. "I don't want to do that. It's important to her." She explained, glancing at Jai.

"Then why do you sound so uncertain?" Ria asked, tilting her head to the side. "Emily, priorities change. That girl needs to have fun once a while without thinking of responsibilities. Act like a college student just like the rest of us. She's too young to think of adult responsibilities like running a foundation."

"You're... not much into responsibilities, are you?" Emily asked wryly. "I appreciate the suggestion but whatever Jai decides to do, I'll support her. If she wants to go to the foundation's dance then that's where we'll spend the fourteenth."

Ria raised her hands in mock surrender. "Jai did say you're extremely supportive. Sorry if it seemed like I was meddling." She said apologetically.

Emily shook her head. "It's fine. You were just looking out for your friend." She replied. "So. Jai told me you've been friends with her and Paige since you were kids."

Ria nodded. "And Cesca. She was our friend as well." She added before taking a sip of her smoothie.

"Was?" Emily repeated.

"It's... a long story." Ria finally said.

"Right. So you haven't gotten a chance to catch up with her since you got back? She's on my swim team." Emily divulged.

"I know. Paige told me but seeing her isn't my priority right now." Ria admitted.

Emily nodded and watched as the girl ate her lunch. She was itching to ask Ria more questions about her relationship with Paige, but she didn't want to seem too interested. "Um... so you knew Paige and Jai at the same time?" She finally asked.

"Not exactly. I was friends with Jai first but I was roommates with Paige before we were separated. Then Jai became roommates with her while I became roommates with Cesca who was another friend of ours at that time. Jai and Paige eventually became best friends-"

"And that's how all of you became friends." Emily interjected. "Why were you and Paige separated? You two didn't get along? I wouldn't be surprised." She added wryly.

Ria laughed. "No. We got along fine. More than fine, actually." She corrected before leaning forward as if to share a secret. "It's sort of a big deal back then so we had to keep it from most people but Paige and I... we were together."

Emily fought to keep her expression neutral as she took in the information and instead fiddled with the pen she was holding. "Oh. I didn't know Paige had a girlfriend." She said, trying to seem unaffected.

"Well now you do." Ria bantered. "Not many people know about it, to be honest. But when the rumors began to circulate the grownups did damage control hence the changing of roommates and we pretended to be broken up."

"So… how long were you two together?" Emily asked, trying to keep the jealousy out of her voice.

Ria's brows creased. "Hmm... I guess up until summer before freshman year of high school started. Why do you ask?" She inquired.

"I just find it hard to believe that Paige could be in a relationship." Emily admitted. "Ever since I've known her she's been known to not take girls seriously." She added hurriedly.

"Oh yeah? I guess that's a good thing, then." Ria commented but more to herself.

Before Emily could ask why, her eyes wandered to Ria's backpack and she spotted something that made her mouth go dry. "You're Dominique." She uttered, her eyes never leaving the faded bag tag.

Ria followed the girl's gaze and rolled her eyes. "I hate that name." She confessed as she reached for the tag and flipped it. "Not many people know of it and I want to keep it that way, but my brother gave it to me when we were kids and I just couldn't let go of it." Ria admitted, smiling at the memory. "Paige used to call me by that name even after I told her how much I hated it and eventually I just stopped protesting. I figured her teasing me about my name was her way of telling me she liked me. It sort of became our thing..."

"What's her name?" Emily asked, hoping this time Paige was going to open up to her. They were in the middle of nowhere and unless the girl shoved Emily out of her dad's car, they weren't going anywhere.

Paige sighed. "Dominique." She answered.

"I don't know any Dominique in Rosewood High." Emily said slowly, mentally going through the names of girls in their school.

"That's because she doesn't go to our school." Paige explained.

"So where did you meet her?" Emily asked.

"Around. I've known her for years." Paige added.

"Do you love her?" Emily asked hesitantly.

"I used to. Now I don't know anymore." Paige answered, looking away. "It's complicated."

88888

"So what does she look like?" Emily suddenly asked.

"What does who look like?" Paige asked as she lowered the plate of pizza between them once again.

"Dominique." Emily clarified, taking a bite of her own pizza.

Paige sighed. "Again?" She said wryly.

"I'm just curious." Emily admitted. When Paige didn't say anything, she decided to start the ball rolling. "Is she pretty?"

"That's an understatement." Paige said, looking away. "She's gorgeous. Brown eyes, long eyelashes, black hair that flows like silk. Perfect smile." She said quietly.

Emily nodded. Dominique does sound very pretty. "What's she like?" She inquired, chewing her pizza slowly.

Paige took a deep breath. "Graceful. Fun. Sweet. Down-to-earth. Really smart." She rambled on, not meeting Emily's eyes.

88888

Emily tried to listen to what Ria was telling her, but she couldn't focus on the words. Not when every conversation she had with Paige about her mystery girl kept flashing in her mind.

"You still don't get it? Em, there is no Dominique. You're Dominique." Kayla pointed out. "See? All the clues point to you. Just tell her."

All this time she and Kayla had it wrong. She wasn't Dominique. Not by a long shot. There was someone else before her. Someone Paige loved and now that girl is back. Emily tried to smile when Ria laughed at a story she was telling but her insides were slowly turning into a mess, not knowing how to react to the realization she just had.

---

"Wait up!" Reese called out when she saw Paige walk behind her in the locker room after track practice on Wednesday afternoon. She quickly gathered her things and closed her locker before heading for the exit as well. "Newbie, wait up! Where are you off to in such a hurry?" She asked once she caught up to her friend outside.

"Nowhere. Why?" Paige asked in reply as she fixed the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder.

"Don't you want to celebrate? Getting accepted to compete in the WTS is a pretty big deal." Reese pointed out.

Paige shrugged. "I guess." She replied. "What do you have in mind?"

"Don't worry. It's nothing crazy. I just thought we could have dinner with the team. Maybe treat them to ice cream or something?" Reese finished lamely.

Paige cracked a smile and shook her head. "Sure. But I have to get home first to do the laundry. Yes. It's laundry day for me." She added before her friend could comment. "Just tell me where and I'll follow after."

"Done. So. You told anyone the good news yet?" Reese asked as they resumed walking toward the parking lot.

"Just my dad." Paige replied, staring straight ahead to avoid the girl's eyes. "We're going to celebrate this weekend."

"That's great. Any plans to tell other people? Say, Emily and Jai?" Reese pressed.

"Um… I don't know." Paige admitted hesitantly.

"You should. They'll be happy for you." Reese assured the girl. "Besides, it's not like they won't notice when you leave before the semester ends."

"Yeah well I haven't gotten around to talking to either one of them since the holidays and I don't want my first words to be 'I'm leaving.'" Paige said wryly.

"Well don't stop there. Tell them you're coming back in time for fall semester of junior year. Less dramatic." Reese quipped. "But you're right. Those words don't really make for a good conversation starter. How about coming up to them and saying, 'Hi, how's it going?'"

Paige cringed. "I don't know. It's not that easy." She hedged.

Reese nodded. "I know. But... you have to start somewhere." She added carefully. "I'm not saying you should be the one to reach out or that they should. I just want your attention to be a hundred per cent when we're there. So you can't leave things the way they are because I know it'll distract you and we need to focus on the competition. I'm not gonna let you throw this away. Okay?"

"Yeah. I'll see you later." Paige said rather dismissively and with a small wave at her friend, she went the opposite direction to head for her car. She didn't want to admit it but everything Reese said made sense. And the girl's genuine concern for her made her mull over the situation and what she could do about it.

---

"Those go here. Careful please, they're fragile." Jai told the two men carrying a box between them as they walked past her. She looked around and watched the activity in the ballroom as preparations for the dance later that night continue before checking off something in the clipboard she was holding.

"Need help?" Paige's voice behind her caught Jai by surprise and she slowly turned around, not knowing what to expect.

"Hey." Jai uttered in greeting, looking at Paige then at Ria then back again. "Um... yeah. I could use a couple of extra hands."

"Great. Where do you want me?" Ria asked as she stepped forward with an eager grin.

"Uh, check with the decorations committee over there." Jai replied, gesturing to a table to her left where a handful of people are gathered. "I think Gillian needs help with the cutouts."

"Sure thing. I better get to work then." Ria said, touching Paige's arm before leaving.

"Thanks for coming." Jai said after a few seconds of silence passed.

Paige nodded. "Your sister told me about the dance and I wanted to help since I had nothing better to do on a Saturday morning. Ria showed up just as I was leaving so I thought I'd invite her to come along." She explained, nodding her head toward the girl. "What can I do?"

Jai reached for another clipboard lying on the table next to her and handed it to her friend. "Seating arrangements. Check if the guests all have seats then put the nameplates on the tables where they're assigned." She instructed, gesturing to a small box on the table. "Everything's written there. It's not hard to figure out." Jai added as the girl scanned the names on the clipboard.

"Sounds easy enough. I'll get right on it." Paige said, reaching for the box.

"There's a couple of extra seats on our table." Jai told the girl before she could leave. "If you don't have any plans tonight. For charity." She added hurriedly.

Paige studied the names on the clipboard again before replying. "Thanks but I think I'll pass. I don't have a date. I know that seems like a lame reason but I don't want to be the odd one out." She admitted.

"What about Reese?" Jai suggested.

Paige shook her head. "She already has plans." She replied, placing the clipboard on top of the box.

"Oh. Well, last time I checked Ria doesn't have any plans tonight." Jai disclosed. "It doesn't have to be a date." She reminded her friend before the girl could protest.

Paige toyed with the idea as she studied Ria for a few seconds. "What time's the dance again?" She finally asked without taking her eyes off the girl.

"Eight. And it's semi formal." Jai replied, a smile forming on her lips.

Paige nodded. "We'll see you there." She said before carrying the box and leaving.

---

Later that night, Paige took another sip of her drink as she pretended to listen to the conversations around her. So far the night has been uneventful and if she could have it her way that's how it's going to end. She looked around the table, once again avoiding eye contact with Emily when she caught the girl staring at her from across the table. The last thing she wanted was to sit across the girl, but the seating arrangement was final and the only seats available were across Emily and Jai and she couldn't back out, not when she already asked Ria to come as her plus one before realizing her mistake.

"What do you think?" Ria asked, pulling Paige out of her reverie.

"Hmm?" Paige uttered, racking her brain for a better reply when she realized that Ria and an older gentleman were both waiting for her to say something. "I completely agree." She guessed. "Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies' room." She continued, getting up before either one could react.

"Jasmine, why don't you show our guests around? Give them a tour." Ria heard Logan say and she turned in her seat to look at her friend.

"My daughter here has been learning the ropes when it comes to running things at the foundation and she's been hands on ever since her miraculous return." Logan continued proudly. "If you're done with your desserts we can take a quick tour before the rest of the program continues."

"You're welcome to join us if you want." Jai told the three girls still seated at the table.

"I think I'll pass." Emily answered, shaking her head at Jai when the girl looked at her.

"I haven't started with my dessert so I'm out as well." Kayla said, gesturing to her untouched plate of chocolate ganache.

"And I'm good here, thanks." Ria replied. "Besides, I'm waiting for Paige to come back."

"Okay. Well, I'll be back soon." Jai said, kissing Emily on the cheek before following Logan and some of the guests.

"So. What time are you guys leaving for the masquerade?" Ria asked Emily when it was just the three of them.

"We're not." Emily replied. "We're staying. It's pretty obvious Logan needs Jai around for marketing." She explained, inclining her head toward the direction her girlfriend disappeared.

"Really? Well that sucks. Going to a masquerade party is a hundred times better." Ria commented. "No offense." She added when she saw Kayla looking at her.

"None taken. I'm bored myself." Kayla admitted wryly.

"I know. But I want to support Jai and the foundation since this means so much to her." Emily told the two girls. "Oh my god!" She suddenly exclaimed when she felt something cold run down her chest then her lap and she stood up abruptly.

"I'm so sorry, miss." A guy who looked like he was in his early teens said as he lowered on their table the tray of glasses filled with red wine he was carrying. "I lost my balance. Here, let me help."

"It's fine. I got it." Emily said, raising one hand while using the other one to wipe her dress with a table napkin.

"I hate to say this but it's not coming off. You better wash that off before it stains that pretty white dress of yours." Ria told the girl once the waiter left. "Here, use this." She said, pushing her untouched glass of white wine toward the girl. "Pour it on the stain and then blot it with a clean towel. Don't rub or wipe it."

Emily sighed. "Thanks. If Jai comes back tell her I'm just taking care of this." She said before quickly making her way to the bathroom, reaching for another glass of white wine from a passing waiter for good measure.

---

What are you doing here? Paige asked her reflection as she absentmindedly stared at the mirror. This was a bad idea. You should've just skipped this thing. She thought with a sigh. She checked her reflection one last time and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, about to return outside when she heard the door swing open and she looked toward the sound. Paige managed to hide her surprise when she saw Emily's reflection from the mirror. She watched the girl mumble to herself, oblivious to her presence until Emily looked up and their eyes met.

"Oh. Hey." Emily uttered when she got over her surprise.

"Hey." Paige repeated, turning around to face the girl. "You planning to drink those in here?" She asked while looking at the two glasses of wine in Emily's hands.

"No. Wardrobe malfunction. This waiter spilled red wine on my dress." Emily explained, gesturing to the stains. "Ria told me to wash it off with white wine and I can't do that without taking it off so..."

Paige's eyes slightly widened. "Right. Well I better get out of the way then. Let you have the room to yourself." She added before starting to head for the door.

"Speaking of Ria." Emily began, stopping Paige in her tracks. "You brought her as your date tonight." She continued, more of a statement than a question.

"We're not on a date. We came here as friends." Paige clarified. "But if she is, do you have a problem with that?"

Emily shook her head. "Nope. No problem. Just surprised." She lied. "It's just that, I found out recently that you two used to go out so maybe you're trying again. Especially since she's the Dominique you told me about." She added, walking toward the sink to lower the glasses of wine. "Were you ever going to tell me or were you just going to let me go on believing I was Dominique?" Emily asked, hurt.

Paige's brows creased. "What? I never said Dominique didn't exist." She argued. "What gave you the idea that I was talking about you?"

Emily felt her cheeks turn the same color as the stain on her dress. "I never thought I was Dominique. At least not until Kayla told me there was no Dominique. Her saying that gave me the courage to admit I was starting to feel something for you." She confessed.

"A lot of good that did me." Paige commented before she could stop herself. "Ria's not fond of that name so I'm few of the chosen ones who get to call her Dominique." She continued, bringing the subject back to her ex.

"Yeah. She, uh, told me that." Emily admitted. "She must be really special." She said wistfully.

"What makes you say that?" Paige asked.

Emily shrugged. "Because you found a way to still be friends with her. Something you couldn't do with me." She said, giving the girl a sad smile.

Paige sighed. "What do you want from me?" She asked despite knowing the answer.

"For us to try and be friends." Emily replied. "That's all I've ever wanted since I made my choice."

Paige's resolve weakened when she heard the sadness and plea in Emily's voice and saw how hurt the girl is. Without saying anything, she headed for the door, aware that Emily's eyes were on her. She placed one hand on the knob and for a second thought about her decision before finally locking the door and turning around to face the girl again.

"I suppose I could help you wash that stain off. I mean, that's what friends do, right?" Paige asked, making Emily smile.

---

"Here, let me carry those for you." Jai offered and took from Emily the books she was carrying with both hands so the girl could fix her bag.

"Thanks." Emily said as they continued walking toward the girl's car.

"How was your day?" Jai asked.

"Hectic." Emily answered, smiling faintly. "I'm so glad this day is over. I can finally relax. What do you want to do tonight? Dinner and movie? We can watch Guardians of the Galaxy?" She suggested.

Jai stopped in her tracks. "Yeah, um... I'm kinda going to see that film. Tonight." She added uncomfortably.

Emily stared at her girlfriend, mouth slightly open. "Since when do you watch superhero movies?" She asked, surprised.

"I don't. But Paige asked me earlier today and she was so excited I couldn't say no." Jai explained. "Besides, I kinda miss hanging out with her and I'm not exactly the first person she asks to spend time with these days so when she asked I said yes."

"Oh." Emily uttered. "Okay. I guess I'll just stay in, order Chinese food and watch Top Chef. I need to catch up on several episodes anyway."

"Or you can join us instead." Jai suggested. "I mean, if you really want to see that film. I have a feeling she's going to tell me to shut up if I keep asking about that green character Zoe Zaldana's supposed to be."

"Gamora." Emily supplied.

"Right. And... she's not in any way related to the Hulk?" Jai asked hesitantly. "'Cos there's, like, three hulks, right?"

Emily shook her head. "Nope." She answered while trying to keep a straight face.

Jai groaned. "This is what I was afraid of. You have to come with us." She insisted as they resumed walking.

"Yeah. I think I should." Emily said wryly. "What time are we meeting?"

"Well Paige insisted we watch the last full show so we agreed to meet outside the theatre around ten. If that's too late for you maybe we can watch the movie some other time? Just us." Jai added.

"No. Ten o'clock is fine with me. I have a late class tomorrow anyway." Emily replied.

"Okay. I have to go to the hospital first after I drop you off at Harrison so I'll just meet you and Paige there." Jai explained as she unlocked the doors of her car. "I'll just tell Paige about the last minute change of plans later."

"You know, it's nice to know I'm smarter than you when it comes to superheroes." Emily quipped before she slid in the passenger seat and closed the door.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny." Jai shot back as she handed the girl her books once she was inside the car as well. "I know just the thing to wipe that smug grin off your lips." She said, her expression turning serious as she leaned across the console.

"Oh yeah, what's that?" Emily asked coyly.

"You're smart. Figure it out." Jai whispered and smiled as Emily's lips met hers.

---

Paige pocketed her car keys and cursed under her breath when she saw the time on her watch. She was supposed to leave for the theatre around nine thirty but she got held up at the lobby of her apartment by the receptionist so she ended up leaving at ten. Jai is going to kill me. Paige thought as crossed the street. Considering it was her idea to watch a movie in the first place, being late was unacceptable. On top of that, she wasn't able to tell Jai she was running late because she realized she left her phone in her apartment and going back for it would mean being even more late.

"Hey." Paige uttered in greeting once she was near enough to be heard. "Sorry I'm late. I got held up."

"It's fine. I just got here myself." Emily confessed.

"Oh. That's good. I mean, not good that you're late. Good that you're late and I'm late. It kinda cancels out." Paige stammered. "I'm not making any sense here, am I?" She asked, grimacing. "Wait, did I hear you right? You just got here? So where's Jai? Buying the tickets?"

Emily shook her head. "She's not coming." She replied.

"What do you mean she's not coming?" Paige asked, her mouth going dry.

"I mean, she's not coming." Emily repeated. "It's just us."

Fuck me. "Why?" Paige asked, the thought of sitting beside the girl in a darkened theatre for more than two hours making her palms sweat and her heart race. "What could be more important than Guardians of the Galaxy?!"

"Logan? Apparently whatever it was that he needed help with took longer than she expected so she canceled at the last minute. How do you not know this? I was just on the phone with Jai and she said she texted you." Emily said, confused.

Paige sighed. "I was in a hurry so I left my phone." She explained. "She should've said something sooner."

"What's the big deal?" Emily asked, noticing the girl's frustration.

"Nothing. Let's just... call it a night and watch the movie some other time." Paige suggested.

"What? No way. I've been dying to see this film. Besides, we're here. Might as well go inside." Emily pointed out, gesturing behind them. "Come on."

"Emily." Paige uttered, running a hand through her hair warily. "We really should watch the movie with Jai."

"But... I already got us tickets." Emily revealed before showing the girl two strips of paper in her hand. "And Jai's not really a fan of superhero movies so she doesn't mind missing it. She's fine with us watching a movie together."

Paige bit her bottom lip. "I don't know. I just... I gotta be honest... this... doesn't feel like hanging out." She said, taking a step closer to the girl to avoid a group of students walking behind them.

Emily let out a forced laugh. "What? You're reading too much into it. It's just two friends spending time together. Like those movie marathons we used to do every Saturday. Nothing more." She added, growing a little uncomfortable at the girl's proximity.

"Right." Paige uttered, obviously not convinced.

"What does that mean?" Emily asked defensively.

"It means those movie marathons we did weren't just two friends hanging out." Paige replied. "You didn't want anyone else to join us, remember? I wanted to invite Kayla but for some reason you kept asking me not to. What was that about?"

"You're overreaching." Emily replied.

Paige scoffed. "Right. Reading too much into things. Got it." She said sarcastically.

"Where are you going?!" Emily asked when the girl turned her back to her.

"Where do you think? To buy ammo. I refuse to spend more than two hours with you exchanging sighs and grunts in a darkened theatre. I'm getting popcorn." Paige replied.

"Ooh. I like lots of butter. With salt." Emily called out.

"I know." Paige replied, annoyed by the fact that she knew just how Emily wanted her popcorn.

"And don't forget the tissues!" Emily added.

"Groot better be worth this." Paige muttered under her breath as she headed for the concession stand.

---

"Sorry." Emily uttered when her fingers accidentally grazed Paige's as she took the small bucket of popcorn the girl was handing her.

"It's fine." Paige replied and instinctively wiped her hand on her jacket to try and erase the sensation of Emily's skin on hers. "So, where to?"

"It's this way." Emily answered, gesturing to the opposite direction. "Come on, I want to see the previews."

Paige moved to follow Emily but stopped short of the door when they reached it. "Here, let me get that." She offered when she saw Emily struggling to pull it open and held on to it so that the girl could enter. "What?" She asked when she saw Emily's expression.

"Paige..." Emily uttered warily.

"Oh come on." Paige said, rolling her eyes. "It's just a door. I'm trying to give you a hand here." She explained, exasperated. "You know what? Fine. If it bothers you so much I'll go in first." Paige said and walked inside before releasing her grip on the door.

"Ow!" Emily suddenly exclaimed when the door swung close and hit her squarely on the arm.

Paige cringed. "Sorry." She uttered, pulling the door open for the girl and taking the bucket of popcorn Emily was holding.

"You did that on purpose!" Emily exclaimed accusingly as she rubbed her arm.

"What?! I did not!" Paige protested. "I didn't know you were right behind me."

"Let's just find seats." Emily said, trying to hide her embarrassment and walking past the girl to make her way to the back row. "What are you doing?" She asked when Paige settled next to her.

"Singing." Paige replied sarcastically. "I'm taking a seat to watch a movie. What does it look like?!"

"Well don't sit too close to me." Emily said, her voice almost panicked.

Paige stared at Emily incredulously. "How am I supposed to do that?! These seats are bolted to the floor!" She reminded the girl.

"Well, then, keep your arms to yourself." Emily told the girl, crossing hers.

Paige scoffed. "Are you kidding me?!" She asked, exasperated. "You're serious." She continued when Emily didn't say anything. "I told you this was a bad idea." Paige said with a sigh. "We should just go home right now. Watch the movie when Jai's with us." She added, getting up.

"No!" Emily uttered, grabbing Paige's hand by mistake. "I want to watch the film." She said nervously as she let go of the girl's hand.

"Fine. I'm sitting over there, then. Enjoy the film over here." Paige said, taking her drink and bucket of popcorn with her.

"Oh I will." Emily said smugly.

"Fine." Paige shot back.

"Fine." Emily repeated, fighting the urge to watch Paige go as she faced the screen.

---

Ten minutes into the movie, Emily struggled to contain her laughter again and found her gaze wandering from the screen to a spot in front of her. She couldn't take it anymore. The film was funny and engaging and she wanted to laugh and discuss it with Paige, but the girl was seated one row in front of her. Finally deciding to do something about it, Emily took a piece of popcorn from her bucket, aimed for Paige's head and pumped her fist discreetly when it hit the girl squarely before landing on Paige's shoulder.

Without batting an eye, Paige brushed off the piece of popcorn on her shoulder dismissively and kept her attention on the movie screen. She knew who threw that popcorn and she wasn't going to let Emily distract her. Just then, she felt another piece of popcorn hit her on the head before landing softly on her shoulder. The girl had perfect aim, she'd give her that. But she wasn't going to make it easy for Emily to catch her attention. She will watch the film from start to-

"What the-?!" Paige exclaimed, standing abruptly when it began to rain popcorn. "That cost me three bucks! What the hell is the matter with you?!" She asked as she turned around to face a smug-looking Emily.

"Finally got your attention." Emily replied, arms crossed.

Paige sighed. "What do you want now?" She asked as she brushed popcorn off her head and her shoulders, the smell of butter lingering on her fingers.

Emily reached out to remove a piece of popcorn that was stuck on Paige's hair. "Can we sit together?" She asked in reply, her voice almost pleading. "This is getting silly. We almost have this theatre to ourselves and we're sitting apart." Emily continued while gesturing to the nearly empty room.

"Yeah, well, whose brilliant idea was it to begin with?" Paige asked smugly.

"Paige... please?" Emily implored.

Paige studied the girl for a few seconds and rolled her eyes. "Fine. You can sit next to me. But I'm not sharing my popcorn." She warned before turning around to face the screen again.

"That's okay." Emily answered and hurriedly moved to sit next to the girl.

"Satisfied?" Paige asked when Emily was finally settled on her seat.

Emily nodded and smiled at the girl then focused her attention on the screen once again. Paige shook her head and faced forward as well. She took a piece of popcorn from her bucket and ate it before extending the bucket to Emily. Despite saying she wasn't one to share, she knew it was a lie. And so did Emily as the girl's hand disappeared inside the bucket before smiling.

"Wipe that grin off your face." Paige said as she took back her bucket of popcorn. "You're paying me back that three bucks."

Emily shrugged. "I don't mind. It was totally worth it." She quipped, the laughter evident in her voice.

---

"That. Was. Awesome!" Paige remarked as they exited the theatre two hours later. "They better be making a sequel. Groot was so cute."

"And how funny was Drax and his dry sense of humor? He wasn't my favorite character until tonight." Emily admitted.

"I'm so glad we watched it tonight. If it had been the weekend that theatre would've been packed." Paige said while jutting her thumb behind her.

"And I'm glad you finally saw the light." Emily quipped. "Oh and uh… you're welcome." She added, glancing at Paige and nudging the girl playfully. "See? We can hang out without Jai. Tonight wasn't so bad."

Paige stopped on her tracks and gave the girl an incredulous look. "Need I remind you that I've got butter on my hair and on my jacket all because you got weirded out on the idea of sitting next to each other?" She asked wryly.

"Well my elbow's still throbbing from when you accidentally shut the door on me." Emily shot back.

"Hey! That wasn't intentional! How was I supposed to know you were right behind me?" Paige asked defensively. "It's not like you-

"The point is..." Emily interjected. "...although things between us started out weird tonight, we eventually found our groove. We're getting the hang of being friends. We can do this."

Paige saw the eager smile on the girl's face and forced herself to smile as well. "Yeah." She answered feebly. "So..." Paige uttered while racking her brain for something to say that would change the subject. "How's swimming?" She asked lamely.

"Um... good? Thanks for asking?" Emily replied, her eyes gleaming in amusement. "How's track and field?" She shot back.

"Good. Thanks for asking." Paige answered good-naturedly. "Sorry. That was lame. But here's a not so lame question for you. It's probably too early to ask this but any chance you and Jai already talked about your plans for the summer?"

Emily nodded. "They're going to Maldives and Jai asked me to join them. Though I'm not sure how long I'll be staying there. If I can even afford to go. I don't want to freeload off Jai's family and I don't think I can save enough money in time to buy a roundtrip plane ticket let alone offer to pay for a room for one night." She admitted as they reached the sidewalk.

"Money isn't an issue for them. They're close to filthy rich, it's perfectly fine." Paige joked, expecting the girl to laugh. "Hey. Don't worry about it. Logan's more than happy to have you join them. You're practically family." She reassured Emily when she saw how worried the girl looked. "And if you think you're freeloading then I guess I'm mooching off them for years now. Saturday breakfast ala Hayes, anyone?" Paige added wryly, making the girl smile.

"Speaking of. Are you finally joining us again on Saturday for breakfast? Logan keeps asking about you and we're running out of excuses." Emily confessed.

"Hmm… I don't know." Paige hedged as she placed her hands inside the front pockets of her jeans. "I think you might've been used to me not showing up. You sure you can handle sharing that plate of bacon?" She asked teasingly.

"Hey! I can share!" Emily insisted. "I have self-control, you know?" She added before punching the girl's arm playfully. "But you can always ask Logan to cook more if it's not enough since you're mooching off them anyway."

"Well I don't know about you but mooched-off bacon tastes way better than the ones Gwen cooks at home for some reason. And that goes for pretty much everything that's free." Paige whispered conspiratorially. "I'll see you Saturday." She promised in her normal voice.

"Good." Emily uttered, her face beaming.

There it is. The smile Paige was so powerless against. She missed hearing Emily's laughter and seeing the girl's smile but more than anything she missed being the reason for it. "Although I have to warn you, if there's no bacon on that table I'm out of there." She said as she took out her car keys. "Can I give you a ride back to Harrison?"

"Thanks but I think I'll walk." Emily replied. "It's not that far and I don't mind the exercise."

"You sure? It's past midnight. I could swing by Spruce Street on the way home." Paige offered.

"I'm sure." Emily insisted. "Thanks for the popcorn and watching the movie with me. Sorry you smell like butter." She added, wincing.

"Right. Which means I should probably go home to wash off the scent." Paige said while running a hand through her hair. "Okay. I guess I'll just see you Saturday, then. Goodnight. And by night, I mean morning."

Emily laughed. "Back at ya." She quipped and watched Paige for a few more seconds as the girl made her way to the parking lot before going the opposite direction with a smile on her face.

---

Logan took another sip of his coffee on Saturday morning and watched from behind the rim of his cup the four girls seated on either side of him at the dining table. It seemed like ages ago since they last sat there eating breakfast together and he couldn't help but feel nostalgic.

"I can't tell you girls how much I missed our Saturday breakfasts." Logan said as he lowered the cup.

"Me, too." Jai replied while looking around her. "Somehow it's not the same without Paige here. And arriving on time at that." She added, smirking at her friend.

Paige swallowed the piece of bagel she was chewing before opening her mouth to speak. "What can I say? I got a head start this morning so I finished my training just in time for breakfast." She explained.

"I think it's the scent of bacon that made her train faster." Emily chimed in, sharing a private joke with the girl seated across from her.

Paige returned Emily's smile before clearing her throat when she caught the curious look Jai and Kayla were giving them. "That and these fluffy eggs. I gotta say Kayla, these are way better than Gwen's." She commented before spooning more scrambled eggs on her plate. "You're getting better."

"Thanks. It's just a little something that I've been working on." Kayla replied, grinning proudly at the girl on her right. "More bacon?" She offered and pushed the plate toward Paige when she saw her father's expression change.

"Sure." Paige replied then took a couple of strips from the plate. "Hey Jai, you busy today? Maybe we could shoot some pool or something after breakfast?"

"I can't." Jai answered, shaking her head. "I have this... thing that I need to take care of this morning. But maybe later?"

"Thing?" Paige repeated. "What thing?"

"That would be the interview for the hospital gazette." Logan supplied. "They're doing a feature on the children of the hospital doctors and they're interested in putting Jasmine on the cover." He continued proudly. "And speaking of hospital, I have to cut this breakfast short or I won't make it to my ten-thirty." Logan told the four girls when he saw the time. "Tell me how it went when I get home later. Good luck." He said, getting up and kissing Jai on the head then Kayla.

"Jai, Jai, Jai." Paige uttered while shaking her head. "So being perfect isn't enough now you gotta be famous, too? What next? A TV commercial?" She quipped.

"Shut up. I'm only doing this to promote the foundation." Jai answered, embarrassed.

"Then it's a good thing you photograph well." Paige commented with a straight face. "I guess I'll just read a book or clean my room or something."

"We can play pool." Kayla chimed in. "My sister may be famous but she's still no match for my pool skills."

"But... I thought they're interviewing children of doctors?" Paige asked, confused.

Kayla nodded. "They are. But they're only interested with those who plan on pursuing a career in the same field as their parents." She explained wryly. "After all, it's a gazette for the hospital. So. Wanna play pool with me instead?"

"Sure." Paige answered before taking a sip of her orange juice. "What about you? Want to join us?" She suddenly asked Emily to everyone's astonishment.

"Thanks but I can't." Emily said when she finally got over her surprise.

"She's with me." Jai commented as she reached for Emily's hand and squeezed it.

Paige's gaze shifted from Emily's face to the two hands intertwined before looking at her friend. "I don't doubt that." She said, managing to keep her tone light.

"I meant for the interview. She's with me." Jai clarified. "They want her there when they interview me."

"Oh." Paige uttered. "Well I guess it's one on one then." She continued, looking at Kayla for help to ease the tension.

"Fine by me. You're going down!" Kayla declared gamely as she stabbed a piece of bacon on her plate with her fork.

"I don't think so. Ease up on the poor thing." Paige said with a laugh before handing the plate of bacon to Emily when she saw the girl trying to reach for it out of the corner of her eye.

"I got it." Jai cut in, taking the plate from Paige and holding it for Emily while the girl transferred some bacon on hers.

Paige's laughter died as she watched the two girls interact, barely able to hide the jealousy she felt toward Jai for getting to show Emily how much the girl meant to her without thinking about the repercussions. Because unlike her, Jai has every right to take care of Emily. And even though she was trying to just be friends with her best friend's girlfriend, getting to witness front row and center their affection for one another still hurt.

"Pass me the juice, please." Paige heard Kayla ask next to her so she absentmindedly reached for the pitcher in front of her and handed it to the girl.

"Thanks." Kayla said but Paige barely acknowledged the girl.

Instead, Paige reached for her glass of juice and took another sip, using it as an excuse to study the couple behind the rim of the glass. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. With the rays of the morning sun shining down from the stained glass window behind them, the image of the two girls was like that of a couple straight out of a glossy magazine. They looked so perfect together it hurt.

And in that moment Paige felt that anger again. But this time it was aimed at the powers-that-be.

Because she felt cheated.

It was like the universe was mocking her for daring to love Emily Fields. Like it gave her a taste of being with the girl, but then the powers-that-be resurrected Jai from the dead and laughed at her for being the fool who thought she could be happy in this life.

I have to get out of here. Paige thought when she felt like she was suffocating. Reaching for her phone in her pocket, she pretended to read a message and frowned before getting up. "Um... I have to go." Paige said as she pocketed her phone and forced herself to smile, albeit faintly. It took every ounce of strength she had in her to hold herself together.

"Thanks for breakfast but I have to get going. My dad just texted and asked me to go home. Said he needed to talk to me about something." Paige lied.

"What? But... what about pool?" Kayla asked, disappointed. "We had plans."

"I'll try to get back as soon as I find out what my dad wants." Paige reassured the girl. She felt guilty for bailing on Jai's sister but she really needed to get out of there. "Or you can come over later and we can watch movies instead." She suggested as she moved to leave the room. "Break a leg you two." Paige bade, tapping Jai on the shoulder as she walked past her friend.

"That's not the right expression!" Jai called out.

Paige didn't bother coming up with a reply and just waved a hand without looking back. She felt relief wash over her once she was outside and gave herself a pat on the back for bringing her bike today. As she pedaled away, Paige told herself it was going to be a long time before she would step inside that house for Saturday breakfast again.

---

"You really think we can pull this off?" Jai asked four weeks later, tapping the notebook she was writing on as she studied what she's written down so far. "I mean, it's not much of a surprise but we have to make sure we still pull it off.

"Trust me. It'll be surprising." Ria assured her friend. "The fact that you're the one planning it is enough to surprise her."

Jai sighed. "I don't know." She hedged then looked toward the counter where Emily was busy manning the cashier. "Things with her are still kinda rocky given everything that's happened."

"Which is why she won't expect it. You have the advantage here." Ria insisted.

"Okay." Jai uttered and poised her pen to resume writing. "Let's see. We've pretty much covered everything... so all we have to do is make sure she shows up."

"Who shows up?" Emily suddenly asked, startling the two girls.

"Um..." Jai stuttered and exchanged glances with Ria before looking at her girlfriend again. "Paige." She finally answered. "Her birthday's in three days and we're planning a surprise party for her."

"Right! I almost forgot. Can I still help?" Emily asked, looking back and forth at the two girls. "I didn't know until last year when her birthday is. And now that we're finally friends I'd like to make up for the other times I missed it."

Jai checked the time on her watch before answering. "Your shift's over? I didn't notice the time." She told the girl apologetically.

"My shift just ended." Emily affirmed. "So can I still help?"

"Uh... yeah. Of course." Jai replied, moving some of her and Ria's things to make room for the girl. "Here. We think we pretty much have everything covered but we could use a fresh pair of eyes to see if we're forgetting anything." She explained before sliding her notebook toward Emily.

"Maybe you can suggest something you did last year." Ria suggested as she flipped her hair. "What did you two do for her birthday?"

"Um… last year? We…" Emily trailed off, suddenly growing uncomfortable.

"We don't have to do anything tonight, Em." Paige reassured the girl. "It was amazing."

"I know." Emily said, leaning down to kiss Paige once. "But it could be perfect." She added before kissing the girl again.

Emily licked her lips nervously as she tried to come up with an answer. "I think we just went to see Passion Pit's concert in Darby." She finally said and hoped she sounded like it was no big deal.

"Passion Pit." Jai repeated. "That's her favorite band." She explained, looking at Ria then at Emily. "That's some gift. Must've cost you a lot."

"I'm hungry." Ria suddenly voiced out. "I think I'm gonna go get something to eat." She continued, sensing that she needed to give the two girls some privacy. "You guys want anything?" Ria asked as she got up. "My treat."

"We're good. Thanks." Jai answered, giving her friend an apologetic look before Ria left their table.

"I got the tickets in exchange for a favor." Emily explained when they were alone. "They were from Vince. He's a roadie for Passion Pit now." She continued. "Jai, really, it's not that big a deal." Emily reassured her girlfriend, reaching for Jai's hand and squeezing it when she saw a change in the girl's demeanor.

Jai took a deep breath and forced herself to smile. "You're right. You're right. It's not a big deal." She repeated, squeezing Emily's hand as well. "Besides, that's all in the past and what matters is now."

"Yeah. All in the past." Emily echoed. "I'm your girlfriend and Paige is... she's our friend. So let's plan this surprise for her."

"Okay. Um, why don't you go over my notes and I'll go see if Ria's offer still stands." Jai said as she got up. "Salad? Sandwich?"

"Sandwich. And a cup of coffee." Emily added.

Jai nodded and kissed the girl on the cheek. "Coffee and sandwich, coming right up." She said with a smile before leaving.

---

Paige fixed the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder as she exited the stadium on Monday night, eager to get home and call it a day. She's been getting birthday greets the entire day from her dad, the team, Jai, Kayla, Ria, even Logan. But while she was glad they remembered, all she really wanted was for Emily to greet her as well. But it seems like the girl conveniently forgot or just chose not to greet her. Which is weird because last time she checked they were trying to be friends. At least she was.

Wait. Emily couldn't possibly be mad at me for my abrupt exit that one time I actually joined them for Saturday breakfast since Jai came back, could she? Paige asked herself thoughtfully then sighed. Either way, her birthday sucked because of it and she couldn't wait to go home, crawl in her bed, and wake up the next day.

"Hey, newbie!" Reese called out from behind her, making Paige stop in her tracks. "Wait up!" She said as she jogged to close the remaining distance between them. "Why didn't you wait for me?"

"Sorry. I just wanted to get out of there and go home." Paige confessed.

"Well at least I caught you before you left. I got you a present." Reese explained as she dug for something in her bag. "It's nothing fancy." She added before handing the girl a small box. "Happy birthday. You're officially not a teen anymore."

"Gee. Way to make me feel better." Paige said wryly. "Thanks. What is it?" She asked, bringing the gift close to her ear and shaking it.

"Open it." Reese told the girl.

"This is the first and I think only gift I received all day so this better be awesome." Paige warned her friend as she unwrapped her gift then smiled when she realized what it was. "Is this...?"

"A sweat cuff." Reese affirmed. "It has a zippered pocket so you can put a house key or a five-dollar bill in case you need a drink when you're out training."

"I've been planning to get one of these." Paige confessed while putting the gift in the side pocket of her bag. "Thanks. It's awesome."

Reese grinned. "You're welcome. Now it's your turn to get me something awesome for my birthday next year. I'm thinking shoes or a new bike since you didn't get me a gift last January." She said excitedly.

"Really? 'Cos I was thinking of getting you a nice birthday card and a slice of cake in exchange for the sweat cuff." Paige teased. "How do you feel about chocolate?"

"I think I'll pass." Reese answered wryly. "But thanks for putting so much thought into it." She shot back. "So. Where are we headed to celebrate?"

"We're not headed anywhere. I'm going home." Paige reminded the girl.

"What? That's boring." Reese said, rolling her eyes. "How about we go to I-Candy?"

Paige shook her head. "I don't want to celebrate turning twenty in a bar full of sweaty girls I don't know." She replied, making a face.

"Well how about going out to dinner with me and the team?" Reese suggested.

Paige sighed. "Patrice..."

"It's your birthday. Nobody should be alone on their birthday. And stop calling me Patrice!" Reese reprimanded. "Come on. It'll just be a couple of hours I promise."

"Okay." Paige uttered, finally giving in. Though she wasn't in the mood to be sociable, she'd be lying if she said she was looking forward to spending her birthday holed up in her apartment alone. "But nothing fancy. I'm not dressing up."

"That can be arranged. I'll make the reservations, disseminate info to the rest of the team, and text you where to meet us. That okay?" Reese asked.

"Yeah. Just... hold on." Paige said, taking out her phone from her pocket when she felt it vibrating. She didn't want to get her hopes up but maybe it was Emily finally calling to greet her a happy birthday. Then she could casually invite the girl to join them for dinner.

But it wasn't Emily. And Paige couldn't hide her disappointment when she saw who was calling. For a second she thought about ignoring the call but finally decided against it. "Hey." She uttered in greeting.

"Hey." Jai repeated. "Where are you?"

"Um... outside Franklin Field? Why?" Paige inquired, mouthing Jai's name to Reese.

"I just wanted to ask if you already have plans for your birthday." Jai explained. "'Cos I was thinking maybe we could grab dinner with Kayla at your favorite restaurant." She continued before Paige could respond.

"Um… I'd like that but... I already made plans with the team." Paige said, glancing at Reese.

"Oh." Jai uttered. "Okay. So you're on your way now to have dinner with them?"

"Well, no. I'm going back to my apartment to freshen up then I'm meeting them later." Paige explained. "Uh... do you want to join us? Bring Kayla along? You've both met Reese and you have excellent people skills I'm sure you'll fit right in." She said, feeling guilty for not making plans with her best friend first.

"Nah. It's fine. Go have dinner with your teammates. But are you free this weekend? Maybe we can do something." Jai suggested.

"This weekend? Yeah. I'm free. What do you have in mind?" Paige asked as she fixed the strap of her bag again.

"Camping trip." Jai replied. "Like we used to do when we were kids."

"Yeah, okay. I'm in. It's been a while since we did that. Maybe this time we'll be able to actually make s'mores." Paige added lightly.

"You mean not forget to bring matches? Yup. They're on the top of my list among other things." Jai promised. "Well I better go then, don't want to keep you from meeting your teammates. I'll see you this weekend. Happy birthday again."

"Thanks. See you this weekend." Paige repeated before ending the call and facing Reese. "So. Where to?"

---

"I don't get why you just couldn't stay in the car." Paige told Reese once the elevator doors opened on her floor. "I told you I'll be quick."

"And I told you I don't believe you. No one's capable of taking a three-minute shower. Come on. Who are you kidding? It takes you five minutes just to take off your clothes." Reese argued. "Besides, I don't like being stuck in a car. I'm claustrophobic."

Paige stopped in her tracks and turned to face her friend. "Since when?" She asked, confused.

"Since forever. I just put on a brave face." Reese replied.

"Whatever." Paige said, rolling her eyes. "You wouldn't be stuck in my car if you just drove yours instead of leaving it at Franklin Field."

"So sue me for being environment friendly! Do you know just how much pollution smoke from vehicles cause? It's time we do our share to save Mother Earth!" Reese rallied.

"You drive a hybrid." Paige reminded her friend. "And since when did you become such an environmentalist?"

"I've always been one. Deep inside, newbie. Deep inside." Reese repeated dramatically. "But enough about me. Why don't we go inside so you can freshen up and we can be on our way? The others are waiting."

Paige shook her head and wondered what's gotten into the girl as she unlocked the door to her apartment. She didn't have much time to think about it though. The second her hand hit the switch, bathing the room with light, she heard shouts of 'Surprise!' and 'Happy Birthday!' from inside before her mind could register what was happening.

Standing there with her mouth agape, Paige looked around her apartment at the sea of people staring back at her and slowly smiled when she realized what it was. She turned around and gave Reese an accusing look but the girl raised her hands in mock surrender.

"My job was to stall you until everyone got here then make sure you actually get here." Reese explained. "It was all her."

"I know it's not much but I figured what the hell? It's time I threw her a surprise party." Jai said as she took a step forward.

"So... no camping this weekend?" Paige asked while subtly scanning the crowd in the hopes of seeing the one girl who would make this surprise party perfect.

"Oh we're still on for camping." Jai promised. "In fact, here's my gift." She said, handing the girl a small package wrapped in recycled brown paper.

Paige unwrapped the gift and shook her head in amusement when she saw the pack of matches. "I guess we won't be cold and starving this time." She quipped.

"Not unless you forget to pack it." Jai replied. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks." Paige said, moving to hug her friend and meeting Emily's eyes as she did so. She came. "And thank you for coming, everyone." She continued as she took a couple of steps back. "Since you're all here I guess there's nothing left to say but let's get this party started!"

"You did not just say that." Reese muttered next to her. "You're running low on cool points, newbie."

"Whatever, Patrice." Paige shot back. "I'm gonna go mingle with the guests." She told her friend as she watched Emily interact with Kayla. She didn't care if she sounded lame a few minutes ago. Her birthday just took a positive turn.

---

An hour later, Paige found herself longing for some privacy so she decided to head to her room for a few minutes. Noticing that everyone else seemed to be having a good time laughing, eating, and conversing, she navigated the small crowd until she reached her bedroom door and opened it, her brows furrowing when she saw six people in her room seated in a circle. Kayla, Reese, Ria, Jai, Emily, and... Cesca. She still couldn't believe the girl showed up. When Cesca came over and greeted her a happy birthday earlier she couldn't hide her surprise. But she figured so long as the girl didn't cause trouble she could just pretend Cesca wasn't there.

"Uh... hey guys." Paige uttered in greeting as she stepped inside and locked the door behind her. "What are you all doing here?"

"Playing truth or dare." Kayla answered. "And since it's too noisy outside we decided to play here instead."

"And no one bothered to invite me?" Paige asked.

"You were busy entertaining guests." Jai reminded her friend.

"Not anymore." Paige replied. "I was hoping to take a break that's why I came here."

"So, are you throwing us out or are you joining in?" Cesca asked, arms crossed.

Paige rolled her eyes and took a seat between Reese and a very drunk Ria. "I'm in." She answered. "Whose turn is it?"

"Mine." Emily said. "Cesca. Truth or dare?" She asked the girl seated next to her.

"Truth." Cesca picked gamely.

"What's the first thing you would do if you could become invisible?" Emily asked.

Cesca let out a laugh. "Easy. I would sneak into the locker room of the men's tennis team after their practice. I bet Todd Gordon looks better without a shirt on." She mused.

"Yeah I've seen him around. He's hot." Reese said in agreement. "What? I'm gay, not blind." She reminded Paige when the girl looked at her weirdly.

"My turn." Cesca announced, smirking at Paige before addressing the drunk girl next to her. "Ria. Truth or Dare?"

Ria shrugged. "Truth. It can set people free." She continued, making everyone laugh.

"Who's the better kisser? Jai or Paige?" Cesca asked with a mischievous grin.

Ria snorted. "Come on, Cesca. I can't answer that. I haven't kissed Jai and it's been years since I last kissed Paige. Ask me a different question." She said, resting her head on her hand for a few seconds before sitting up straight. "Or. I can find a way to fix that." Ria thought out loud and before anyone could react, she leaned to her left and kissed Jai then leaned to her right to kiss Paige. "Paige wins!" She declared jubilantly.

"You're too drunk to make a sound judgment." Cesca told her friend. "Why don't we get a second opinion? Emily?"

"You're right. She's too drunk." Jai interrupted, standing up. "That's why I think we should call it a night."

"Oooh. I think I hit a nerve." Cesca said with a laugh. "Come on. It's just a game."

"Kayla, help me take Ria to your apartment." Jai asked, pointedly ignoring Cesca's taunting.

"Okay." Kayla uttered as she got up to help her sister. "Careful!"

"I got it." Cesca said, quickly moving to support Ria when Jai lost her balance. "I'll help-"

"You've done enough." Jai snapped.

"Hey, it's not my fault she got drunk." Cesca argued, refusing to let go of Ria's waist. "She's practically deadweight so don't tell me you and Kayla can carry her. At least let me get the door." She offered and walked ahead of the two girls to open it.

"Is Paige in there?" Someone asked from outside the room. "Hey McCullers! Where's your first aid kit?"

"I should take care of that." Paige said, getting up as well to go to the bathroom.

"I guess we should get back to the party outside." Emily told Reese after a moment of awkward silence between them.

"Yeah." Reese uttered before getting up. "Hey Fields. It was just a game. There's no need for you to get jealous." She told the girl still sitting on the floor.

"I'm not." Emily replied. "I know Jai and Ria are just friends."

Reese smirked. "Oh come on, Fields. I saw your reaction to that kiss earlier. You know I wasn't talking about Jai." She whispered conspiratorially before leaving a flustered Emily alone in the room.

---

Paige picked up what she hoped was the last of the trash from the party and threw it in the garbage bag as she surveyed her apartment, unable to believe she was able to clean the place with little to no help. With Jai and Kayla leaving to take care of Ria, Cesca ditching the party, and Emily saying something about having to leave to take care of something, it was up to her and Reese to clean up once everyone went home. Although Jai came back to apologize and even offered to help with the clean up but she saw how tired her friend was so she declined after thanking the girl for the surprise party. Reese left twenty minutes after Jai did since the girl has an early class tomorrow and technically, she was a guest so Paige insisted that she leave.

Finally, I can go to bed. Paige thought as she headed for the front door to throw the garbage bag but she stopped in her tracks when she heard a knock. 11:50. The time on the wall clock displayed. Who could it be? She thought, frowning as she placed the garbage bag near the door before taking a peek in the eyehole. Her expression changed from confusion to curiosity when she saw who was standing on the other side and she quickly unlocked the door.

"Hey." Emily uttered in greeting and smiled at Paige timidly. "I wasn't sure if you were still awake. Can I come in?" She asked, gesturing to the box she was cradling with both hands.

"Yeah. Yeah, of course. Come in." Paige said when she got over her surprise. "What's that?"

"This would be your birthday cake." Emily replied, walking over to the island counter and setting the box down. "I volunteered for cake duty for the party, but I came from an exam and I was running late so I didn't have time to go back for it at the café. Hence the no cake earlier." She explained sheepishly. "But I figured there's still some time left so why not get it before your birthday ends. Better late than never, right?"

"Right." Paige repeated. "Speaking of. I have a confession to make." She said before taking a seat on one of the stools. "For a while there I thought you didn't remember what today was and it really put me in a foul mood. I mean, the day's about to end and you still haven't greeted me."

"I remembered." Emily assured the girl as she took a seat next to Paige. "How can I forget? This time last year we were in Darby watching Passion Pit."

"I don't think so. I seem to remember Michael Angelakos and his friends in the earlier part of our evening." Paige corrected. "This time last year we were in my room-"

"Right." Emily interrupted, her cheeks turning red at the memory. "Um… it's getting late." She said, clearing her throat uncomfortably. "I have to get back to Harrison but I'm not leaving until you make twenty wishes." Emily declared with a smile in an effort to lighten the mood.

"Twenty? But I can't even think of one." Paige protested as she watched Emily light the candles with a box of matches the girl brought with her.

"That's not possible. Everyone has them." Emily insisted before putting out the flame on the matchstick she was holding.

Paige sighed. "Fine. But don't laugh." She warned the girl as she pulled the cake closer to her. "Here goes. I wish-"

"Don't!" Emily interrupted and covered the girl's mouth with her hand. "They won't come true if you say them out loud."

Paige's heart began to race at the feel of Emily's skin on hers and for a second, she was tempted to kiss the girl's palm. She fought the urge though and instead gently removed Emily's hand over her mouth. Paige held on to it for a few seconds before letting go and looking at the girl again.

"I don't believe that." Paige said softly. "But if it's true, I'm okay with it." She reassured the girl. "I wish I was a badass guitar player so I can serenade girls." She started then blew out one candle. "And that I have powers like those superheroes in comic books." Paige continued before blowing out another candle. "I wish... that I can travel the world whenever I feel the need to escape." She confessed, getting serious as she blew the third candle.

"Go on." Emily encouraged with a smile. "You still have seventeen wishes left."

Paige exhaled and thought of her remaining wishes as she stared at the flickering lights between them. "I wish... that I met you sooner." She continued, her voice barely audible. "And that Jai never laid eyes on you." Paige said as she held Emily's gaze. "I wish Jai treated you so horribly that it wouldn't be hard for you to leave her. That she was such a horrible friend to me so I could hate her so easily." She admitted before blowing out four candles.

"I wish that what we had was enough for you to choose me. And that I was good enough for you to take a chance on me. I wish you gave me a chance to fight for you." Paige confessed, her voice breaking. "I wish I could wake up one day and realize I don't love you anymore. I wish it was easy to stop loving you. That I could let you go. I wish I could walk away. And that I could quit you." She whispered, staring sadly at the remaining candles as she blew out eight of them.

"That's fifteen." Emily managed to say despite fighting back tears. The girl sitting in front of her was in so much pain because of her and she didn't know how to make things right. She heard Paige. All those times the girl kept saying she loves her. But she didn't really listen because the Paige of the past that she had in her mind blinded her to the Paige of the present that her heart has come to know.

"I wish that things were simple between us... and that I can love you freely." Paige continued, giving the girl a sad smile. "I wish I didn't miss you so much that I can't breathe. And that I can feel your lips on mine even if it's for the last time." She confessed before blowing out four more candles.

Paige remained silent as she stared at the last candle on the cake, not wanting to say out loud her last wish because she's still hoping against hope that it will one day come true. I wish you could love me. More than Jai. Paige thought as she blew out the last candle.

Before she knew what was happening, Paige felt Emily lean so close to her that she could smell the light scent of the girl's perfume and then Emily's lips were on hers. The kiss wasn't long or passionate. But it meant everything to her so Paige closed her eyes and savored the sensation, committing the feeling to memory.

"Happy birthday." Emily whispered when the kiss ended and without another word, slowly got up to leave.

Paige finally willed herself to open her eyes and she blinked back tears when she saw that she was indeed alone. She's always been alone. But she'd never felt more alone in her life than tonight.

---

Emily struggled to compose herself when she stepped out of the elevator on the twelfth floor of Harrison and touched the corners of her eyes as tears threatened to spill from them again. She shouldn't have done that. She should've just left. But before she realized what she was doing, she was leaning forward and kissing Paige instead. Just when they're finally starting to become friends she had to go and mess things up again by kissing the girl. She probably left Paige all confused. I'll talk to her first thing tomorrow. Emily thought as she opened the door to her room.

"There's my girl." Jai said in greeting, surprising Emily.

"Hey." Emily uttered when she saw the girl seated on her bed. "Uh… what are you doing here?"

"I hope you don't mind. I borrowed Spencer's key." Jai explained, getting up. "She went to Connor's. Pulling an all-nighter for an exam."

"Oh. Okay." Emily replied as she closed the door.

Jai's brows furrowed. "Is there something wrong?" She asked, studying the girl's face. "Do you want me to leave?"

"No. Of course not." Emily answered then forced a smile on her lips. "I was just surprised. You said you were going home."

Jai nodded. "I did. But we barely spent time together at the party and I missed you." She admitted, taking Emily's hand in hers. "So I decided to surprise you. Where did you go anyway?"

"I, uh... got a call from Zach." Emily lied. "He needed help with some paperwork."

"And it couldn't wait 'til tomorrow?" Jai asked wryly.

"Yeah. His computer crashed and he couldn't recover the file I gave him. We need to submit that and other requirements first thing tomorrow." Emily explained while keeping the fingers on her other hand crossed behind her. "You look exhausted." She commented when she noticed the dark circles under her girlfriend's eyes. "Throwing that party took its toll on you, huh?"

"It did. But I'm happy. Being this exhausted was worth it. The surprise party was a success." Jai declared with a grin. "Except for Ria's drunken antic and Cesca's out of line truth question." She added, cringing. "Sorry about that."

Emily shook her head. "Don't apologize. Ria was drunk and Cesca was being Cesca. It's not a big deal." She reassured her girlfriend. If someone needs to apologize tonight, it's me.

Jai breathed a sigh of relief. "Have I told you how awesome you are?" She asked, caressing the girl's cheek. "Not just for being cool about what Ria and Cesca did but for helping me plan the party for Paige. Asking Reese to be in on the secret, I wouldn't have thought of that." Jai admitted. "I've been so out of the loop when it comes to Paige's life here in UPenn. So thank you. I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without you."

"So you weren't uncomfortable about the whole thing? I mean, I have to admit I didn't think you'd be thrilled at the idea of me helping you plan Paige's birthday party." Emily confessed.

"Well I wasn't thrilled." Jai said wryly. "I'm just trying to be mature with all of this. Besides, it's not like things aren't clear between us three. My relationship with Paige isn't exactly the same but she's still my best friend and last time I checked you're my girlfriend."

"I am." Emily affirmed, her voice hoarse.

"Then that's all I need to hear." Jai reassured the girl. "I trust you, Em."

Before she could stop it, Emily's vision blurred as Jai's words triggered the tears she was fighting so hard to hold back. The guilt she had been carrying around ever since Jai came back just got heavier. It wasn't enough that she ruined their friendship, she had to go and kiss Paige tonight. She didn't deserve the girl standing in front of her.

"Hey. That wasn't supposed to make you cry." Jai said worriedly as she moved to wipe the tears from her girlfriend's eyes. "I'm sorry."

Emily shook her head. "You have to stop being so perfect." She sobbed as Jai pulled her close for a hug. "Please stop being so perfect."

"I'm not. I'm flawed just like everyone else." Jai whispered against the girl's hair.

"But you're better than the rest of us. You're still close to perfect." Emily insisted as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. "How could you forgive me so easily?"

"Hey, Ria kissed me tonight and you were cool about it." Jai reminded the girl, pulling back and gently wiping Emily's tears. "Don't sell yourself short."

"She caught you off guard." Emily said wryly. "There's nothing to forgive."

"So you'll still kiss me even if these lips kissed someone else tonight?" Jai asked, trying to make the girl laugh.

"All the more reason to." Emily replied and finally smiled through her tears. "We need to disinfect you."

"Yes, please." Jai said, tucking a strand of hair behind the girl's ear before cradling Emily's cheek. "I guess it's a good thing we got this room to ourselves tonight. I need you to disinfect me all night."

Emily frowned. "You did not just say that." She told the girl while trying not to laugh.

"Oh, but I did. Told you I'm not close to perfect." Jai replied, her lips almost touching the girl's.

"To me you are." Emily whispered before finally kissing Jai. I'm so sorry. She thought as she closed her eyes and tried to forget her earlier indiscretion.

---

Paige walked around her apartment to turn off the lights one by one, relieved that the day has finally come to an end. She was about to reach for the switch to turn off the lights in the living room when she heard a knock on her front door so she took a peek on the eyehole instead and opened the door when she saw who it was.

"Kayla? It's past midnight." Paige told the girl in greeting.

"I know. And I'm sorry." Kayla replied apologetically. "I didn't realize it sooner but my phone's missing. I was wondering if I can look around. I'm expecting an important call later."

"Okay." Paige uttered then stepped aside to let the girl in. "Though I have to warn you, I cleaned this place up and I didn't see your phone anywhere. It didn't ring either."

"I set it on vibrate." Kayla explained as she began looking around. "And it's slim so it might've slipped between cracks or something. Please help?" She begged. "The sooner I find it the sooner you can go to bed."

"Yeah why not." Paige said before heading for the living room to look on the couch.

"Oooh cake. Who's it from?" Kayla suddenly asked and Paige looked up to see the girl hovering near the cake Emily gave her that she left sitting on the counter.

"Emily." Paige answered, trying to seem nonchalant. "She came by a while ago and brought that. Said she was on cake duty but she didn't have time to get it from the café after her class."

"Well that explains why you look so glum." Kayla commented before heading for Paige's bedroom. "Maybe I dropped it while we were playing truth or dare."

Paige returned the throw pillows on their place before following the girl and entered her room just in time to see Kayla reaching for something under her bed.

"Found it!" Kayla declared triumphantly as she waved a pink object at the girl. "Sorry for the trouble. It must've slid under your bed when we were helping Ria earlier." She added while checking her phone for any messages or calls.

"No problem." Paige said then sighed as she took a seat on the edge of her bed.

"Are you okay?" Kayla asked when she looked up and noticed the girl's demeanor.

Paige nodded. "Yeah." She uttered, smiling faintly. "Do me a favor? Shut the door on your way out?"

Kayla's gaze lingered on the girl for a few more seconds before she finally headed for the door but instead of leaving, she closed it and walked over to Paige. She then sat next to the girl, expecting to hear Paige protest but the girl didn't say anything so she decided to stay.

"So, you gotta admit, that surprise party was pretty good." Kayla finally said in an effort to break the silence.

"It was." Paige admitted, glancing at the girl. "Tonight was full of surprises. Your sister planned it, Reese was in on it, and Emily came. Just when I thought she forgot, she showed up. It was going pretty good. Up until the truth or dare game."

"Yeah, that was a disaster." Kayla said in agreement. "Knowing Cesca she probably planned the whole thing."

"Probably. I was surprised Jai invited her, actually." Paige told the girl wryly.

Kayla shrugged. "I asked her about it too when Cesca showed up but Jai said Cesca's trying to make amends." She explained.

"I find that hard to believe." Paige replied while shaking her head. "What she pulled at that game... though I have to admit, a part of me hoped Emily felt even a little bit of jealousy when Ria kissed me."

"Maybe she did." Kayla said and nudged the girl gently.

"Don't do that." Paige reprimanded as she bit her bottom lip. "She... she kissed me. When she came over tonight. It wasn't passionate or long. But for a few seconds her lips were on mine. I don't know why she did that. Maybe it was out of pity. Or her way of saying goodbye-"

"Or maybe it's because she still feels something for you." Kayla supplied. "After all, it's not that easy to forget someone completely."

"I told you not to do that." Paige chastised the girl. "Not like it matters now. She's with your sister. And I'm trying to be okay with that. For Emily and for Jai." She added. "But what happened tonight made it unbearable. Because once again I'm reminded that ever since I laid eyes on her, all I've ever wanted was to be with Emily. But I saw the way my best friend looked at her and I knew she wanted Emily, too." Paige continued before taking a deep breath. "It was the first time Jai looked at someone that way and she was always taking care of us so I thought it was time she found someone who's gonna take care of her. That's why I chose to look the other way. Forget that I ever felt that way about anyone and that I probably never will again."

"I remember the night Emily kissed me in the rain for the first time." Paige recalled, smiling faintly. "I thought my heart was going to explode with happiness. That finally I was getting my chance even if it meant I was playing second fiddle. I practically asked her to be with me. And even if she wasn't sure I took what I could because I wanted to have a shot at making her love me. At making her happy."

"Paige, I was there." Kayla said as she touched the girl's arm. "Emily was happy. You made her smile again."

"Not for lack of trying." Paige replied. "I tried to be a better person for her. Whenever we were together I made sure she would know how much I care and that she was the most important person in my life. Like I was trying to make up for all those years that I treated her horribly because I couldn't let myself feel for her." She confessed. "Emily was my girlfriend. To me she was my girlfriend and I refuse to think otherwise. I was so terrified of screwing up what we had. I was getting my shot and I wasn't going to blow it. I wanted her to commit to me not because we were always together and it was bound to happen but because she saw something worth loving in me. That even if I'm such a mess I had something to offer her. But now it's too late. I never thought Jai was going to come back into the picture. I should've tried harder. Maybe I would've actually had a shot."

"You did try. You were willing to fight for her, remember? Only she chose my sister. And I'm sorry it's still hurting you." Kayla told the girl sincerely.

Paige shrugged. "It's my fault anyway. I should've gotten used to it by now. I didn't know what I was thinking." She said, forcing herself to smile. "Of course she would choose Jai. She's the real thing. Why settle for the substitute?"

"Don't say that." Kayla reprimanded.

"Why not? It's the truth." Paige argued. "Your dad is intent on helping me because he wants to do for me what he wasn't able to do for your mom. My dad is the way he is because my mom isn't around. Emily never saw me for me, she just saw Jai. And you and Jai-"

"What about us?" Kayla asked, brows furrowed.

"You two are like your dad. Especially Jai. I only became your friend because you wanted to do for me what you failed to do for your mom." Paige continued.

"That's not true." Kayla told the girl firmly. "Stop the self-pity, Paige. I never saw you as a substitute. I saw you for you. I always have. I've always noticed you."

"That's sweet, Kayla. But you don't have to lie." Paige said with a sad smile.

"I'm not. Remember that girl I was telling you about?" Kayla asked, facing Paige. "When we threw that going away party for my sister. You asked if I have a girlfriend and I said no but there's this senior girl I liked so much. She used to go to my school. And I don't like her, I love her. She's a sophomore in college now and I'm sitting right in front of her. I've always loved you, Paige. More than a friend. It was always you. You're not a replacement to me. Don't push me away." She pleaded before leaning forward and kissing the girl.

Touched by Kayla's heartfelt confession, Paige kissed the girl back until it dawned on her what was happening. "I can't. I can't." She repeated, her breathing ragged as she held Kayla's hands in hers. "Jai... Emily..."

"...are together. We don't owe them anything." Kayla reminded the girl. "It's just us. Forget about them tonight." She said before pushing Paige backward. "I want you." Kayla whispered as she lay on top of the girl.

Paige closed her eyes and gave in to the feel of Kayla's warm body on top of hers, returning the girl's kiss with equal fervor. For once in her life Paige felt so wanted. Not Jai. Not her mom. Her. With that thought in mind, Paige surrendered and let the other girl undress her as she willed her mind to numb the pain. Just for tonight, it felt good to forget about consequences.

---

Emily tried to lose herself in the moment as Jai's warm hands caressed her smooth stomach but she was starting to become aware of the fact that her top was lying on the floor and she felt exposed. Her breathing became even more ragged and her hands began to tremble but she still held Jai closer to her, the girl's skin brushing against hers.

"I love you." Jai whispered when they briefly came up for air and caressed Emily's cheek before kissing the girl again, this time with more urgency.

"I love you, too." Emily replied, closing her eyes as Jai's legs settled on either side of hers and she felt the girl start to move on top of her.

Emily tried to enjoy it but for some reason it felt wrong. Jai is her girlfriend but being held by the girl this way felt wrong. She squeezed her eyes shut when she felt Jai's hand cup her breast, forcing herself to like what Jai was doing and for a moment it worked. Up until she felt the hook of her bra come loose and a mental image of Paige flashed in front of her, making her eyes snap open in panic.

"Stop." Emily whispered before hurriedly moving to get out from underneath the girl.

"What's wrong?" Jai asked, her breathing still ragged.

Emily shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't." She said without meeting her girlfriend's gaze. She quickly hooked her bra and looked around the floor for her top, picking it up and bringing it closer to her chest in an attempt to cover herself. "I thought I was ready." Emily continued as she put on her top.

"It's fine, Em. We don't have to go all the way tonight." Jai reassured the girl and tried to reach out to Emily but the girl kept her back turned to her.

Emily tried to compose herself as she gathered her thoughts. Jai has been so patient with her for years that Paige waiting until she was ready failed in comparison. She should be ready by now. To be as intimate with Jai as she had been with Paige. But for some reason she still can't. Especially now that something happened between her and Paige. It just felt wrong to let Jai touch her the way Paige did.

"I'm so sorry, Jai." Emily repeated, her back still turned to the girl. "I just... I don't feel ready with you."

"Hey, it's okay. I can still wait." Jai promised as she moved to rub Emily's back soothingly.

Emily took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair. Maybe they can just sleep next to each other like they used to.

"What do you mean by you don't feel ready with me?" Jai suddenly asked, making Emily's blood run cold and her breathing stop. "Em?"

In that moment Emily felt like time stood still. And she wished it would stay that way. But there was no escaping it.

"You slept with Paige." Jai realized.

Steeling herself for what's about to come, Emily slowly turned around to face the girl. She didn't have to say anything. It was written all over her face.

"Oh my god." Jai breathed. "You slept with Paige."

Emily saw the disbelief, hurt, and devastation in Jai's eyes and she tried to reach out but the girl pulled away. "Jai..."

---

Present Day...

"Jai." Emily uttered, louder this time.

"What?" Jai asked as she glanced at the girl next to her.

"Stop the car." Emily said, her voice pleading.

Jai glanced at the girl again. "What? I can't do that." She replied while shaking her head firmly.

"Please? If you can't stop then... then turn the car around." Emily suggested.

"Where? We're in the middle of the interstate." Jai reminded the girl.

"Jai, please. I can't do it." Emily pleaded.

Jai sighed. "Em, I know it's hard. But-"

"I can't do it." Emily insisted.

Jai glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Kayla bopping her head in time to the music she was listening to on her phone. "Em... I can't turn around. Kayla and I won't be able to make it." She told the girl apologetically.

"What's going on?" Kayla suddenly asked when she noticed the serious look between the two girls.

Emily glanced at Jai's sister before looking away. "I saw a sign earlier. There's a rest stop a few kilometers down the road. You can drop me off there." She told Jai.

"What? Wait, why?" Kayla asked, confused.

"Em's not coming with us." Jai explained.

"I can't say goodbye." Emily confessed, her words followed by a heavy silence as Jai headed for the next rest stop.