A/N: Sorry this is early, i'm busy at the weekend so i wouldn't have time to upload. Once again, thank you to everyone reviewing etc. It makes me happy :)
21st September- 178 days until Emily returns
*No one POV*
'Ali, seriously she'll call. It's only 12 so it's about 8.30 in Afghanistan. She's probably asleep' Hanna said, annoyance evident in her voice. The other blonde sitting at the other end of the kitchen island just ignored her as she continued to keep clicking the home button on her cell phone once the screen turns black.
'What if something has happened to her?'
'Ali she arrived yesterday morning and then she had to attend briefings and then she went straight into her shift.'
'How do you know? Have you spoke to her?' There was almost hurt in her voice at the prospect of Hanna speaking to Emily considering she already had before she left. Hanna rolled her eyes and sat down on the stool. In fact, she more slammed her bum on the stool to add emphasis on how annoying Alison was being.
'No, like I told you I spoke to her before she left Texas. I promised you you'd get to talk to her next and I'm not breaking that' she said, reaching her hand across to squeeze the other blonde's. Over the past few days, they have both grown a lot closer having spent a lot of time together. 'Anyway, I'm sure Em would prefer to listen to you than me' she said, causing Alison to laugh slightly.
The phone in Alison's hand began to vibrate, soon followed by ringing. Instead of answering, she just stared at the screen froze in place as the unrecognised number popped up on the screen.
'Alison what the hell are you doing? It's going to go to voicemail' Hanna said taking the phone out of her hand and answering, earning her a saddened glare from Ali.
'Hey Em! How was your flight?' Hanna said, smirking at Ali as she glared at the Hanna with her eyebrows creased as she was trying to listen into the conversation. 'Anyway, I have a surprise for you' Hanna said, handing the phone over to Ali.
'Hey' Alison said, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper. Hanna raised her eyebrow, she'd never in her life heard Alison talk so innocent and sweet to anyone in her life.
'Ali?! Hey' Emily said, a smile evident her voice.
'How are you doing?'
'Yeah I'm okay, I've just settled in. As I'm based at camp bastion I have a nice bed and a cover but I don't have any bedding' she laughed, causing Alison to smile. Her laugh was enough to make you smile even if you didn't know how.
'Well I'll send you one. It can be a Christmas present seen as though you won't be here' She heard a whine at the other end of the phone and she smiled at the childish like behavior. After all, everyone knew how much Emily loved Christmas.
'But thank you, I'll look forward to opening it'
'Good' she smiled. An awkward silence filled the air, neither of them knowing what to say to the other as they left at the airport on quite a cliff hanger in terms of where they stood.
'So how's life for you? How's everyone doing?'
'Yeah it's okay, everyone's okay but we all miss you. I've been meaning to pop around and see your mom but I've been so busy with school and planning nativity plays for Christmas and things I haven't had chance but I will.'
'Thank you Ali. It would mean a lot to her to see you, she always had a soft spot for you.' Emily said, causing Alison to smile once again. It was true, even though she knew how much of a bitch Alison was, Pam always treated her like she was an angel.
'I know. Anyways I'll put Hanna back on, she's dying to tell you about something' Ali said, as Hanna was practically doing the hop scotch on the spot next to her.
'Okay, well I have internet access on the laptop here so when I'm free I can get onto Facebook and Skype so I can still talk to you' she said, obviously picking up on the blonde's now saddened tone.
'I'll look forward to it. Bye Em'
'Bye Ali'
'Stay safe' she shouted as she handed the phone to Hanna who practically snatched it out her hand and began walking around the kitchen, flinging her arms around dramatically as she explained how Spencer ditched on her when they were meant to be going shopping for a day with Toby yesterday.
1st October- 169 days until Emily returns
A sudden buzz from the coffee table woke Alison up from her sleeping position on the couch. She peered over at her phone, squinting at the screen as her eyes tried to adjust to the bright light. It was a Facebook notification: 'Emily Fields has sent you a friend request'. She abruptly sat up, the blanket over her falling to the floor as she quickly typed in her password and cursing under her breath as she got it wrong before finally succeeding. When Emily cut Alison off almost 5 years ago she also removed the blonde, and blocked her, on Facebook. She quickly hit the accept button before clicking on her profile. Her recent timeline was filled with good luck messages from all her family and friends, even the likes of people like Noel and Lucas had wished her good luck. She scrolled down and the next post was 2 weeks ago, a picture of her and her dad and they were stood face to face saluting each other. Her dad in full uniform with Emily being no more than 5 and the caption was simply 'RIP to my hero. x' the post had received 342 likes and Alison couldn't help but like it herself. Even if it would give away that she was stalking her profile. She scrolled down again and the next post was 2 months ago, when she changed her profile picture. She was stood in Times Square in New York, looking off into the distance as the busy roads and buildings were reflected from the lens of her designer sunglasses. Alison didn't even realize that she was full on gawping at the picture. Again, that picture received 275 likes and she was shocked at how popular Emily actually was. Alison thought the 82 likes on her profile picture were a lot.
She caught sight of the time at the top of her screen, 10.48pm. She had to be up at 6 in the morning as she had school but she still needed to have a shower. She hoisted herself off the couch, quickly turning off all the lights and the TV before sprinting up the stairs. Although Ali could defend herself, being in the big huge house by herself scared her. This is the 3rd time this month that Adam and Mona have been out of town at meetings at other similar hospitals around the country.
Once out the shower, she headed over to her bed, snuggling under the covers before bringing her MacBook onto her lap and logging into Facebook. She was looking at some heated debate between Spencer and Hanna about some grammar mistake Hanna has made in her status when a message popped up. She didn't bother to look, thinking it will just be Charlotte asking her why she isn't asleep or Hanna sending her the link to a new music video on YouTube. She continued reading Spencer and Hanna's argument until she got a notification, her eyes instantly drawn to the name, 'Emily Fields liked your profile picture'. Her heart rate picked up, clicking on the link to send her to the picture to check it was real. Emily liked her picture. It's stupid because everyone likes everyone's picture on Facebook but the fact that it was Emily who went onto her profile and liked it made her heart simultaneously combust and melt at the same time. The laptop pinged, signalling that the person had messaged her again so she quickly looked down at the message box.
'Hey Ali :)'
'Are you ignoring me? Haha'
Of course it was Emily.
A: Hey :)
E: how are you?
A: I'm good thanks, you?
E: yeah I'm good, just finished working out, I go on shift soon
A: oh well I hope it goes well, I sent you a bed cover in the mail yesterday
E: you did? :D what's on it?
A: it's a surprise ;)
E: you know I don't like surprises :(
A: don't you? I didn't know that ;)
Alison almost cringed at how flirty she was being, feeling like she was over using the wink emoji just a little. But she couldn't help herself, it's like it was natural.
E: haha. You're profile picture is beautiful btw
As her eyes scanned over the message, she almost went into cardiac arrest. It was the first time that Emily had ever called her beautiful or said that she was beautiful. Alison took a deep breath, her heart almost physically hurting from lust.
A: yours wasn't too bad either
E: but bad enough it didn't deserve a like huh?
A: what?
E: I'm joking Ali haha, it's just with the other girls if we like a picture they have to return the like. It was Hanna's idea haha
A: ooooh haha. You won't notice if I like it or not anyway with your 275 likes;)
E: shut up;)
E: I've just been summoned to do my duty so I have to go. I don't know when I'll next get to talk but hopefully it will be soon.
A: I hope so too. Stay safe mermaid x
Although they were being playful throughout their conversation, Ali felt it was necessary to take it a bit more seriously even though she was still completely confused as to where she and Emily stood. They both confessed their love for each other 10 days ago and now they are speaking like it didn't even happen. That seems to be a common occurrence in their relationship.
E: I will stay safe. I need to stay safe so I can hear you say that to my face haha. Goodnight Ali x
The green dot next to her name disappeared as it signaled she was now offline. Ali just sat there, staring at the screen as something inside her felt hollow. She was sure that Emily was going to say 'I love you' at the end of her message and she would be lying if she said she wasn't disappointed or a little upset. She wondered if Emily just said those things at the airport thinking she wouldn't be seeing or speaking to her again. But then again, she was the one who added Ali and messaged her first. The time was now nearly 12.30 am so she shut her computer down and climbed into bed, the thought of Emily still whizzing around her head.
25th October- 145 days until Emily returns
'I'm coming jeez woman!' Hanna said, hopping to the car whilst trying to slip her wedges on. Alison was sat in the car, impatiently tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.
'What took you so long?' Alison said, pulling away before Hanna had even closed the door.
'Oh I missed you too' Hanna said, turning on the radio for Alison to turn it straight back off again.
'I haven't seen you in like 3 weeks Han, not 3 years.' She said, as Hanna still continued to turn on the radio.
'Yeah well you missed Emily more after an hour than you did for me in them 3 weeks.'
'Yeah that's true' Alison said, the mention of Emily's name making her heart ache. Emily had been moved out to a base in Musa Qaleh for 3 weeks where she didn't have internet or any of her near luxuries. According to Hanna she was sleeping on the floor. That, however, turned out not to be true as Emily was stationed at a base with the Chinook helicopters ready for medical evacuation. Lucky for her, they were the more sanitized and luxurious facilities.
'Why did we have to go shopping this early Ali? I don't even think the shops will be open'
'Jason, Charlotte and I have a family therapy session at 3 so I need to be back. And I wouldn't complain Marin because you were the one dragging me to this Halloween party thing anyway.' Like all those years ago, Rosewood was throwing a Halloween train again with the after party being at The Radley.
'Ali the after party is at your brother and sister's restaurant-bar thing. And plus you're going with Rollins'
'No I'm not' she sighed. 'Him and the hospital staff are all going together as crazy doctors and nurses.'
'That's ironic considering where they work' Hanna smirked, receiving a glare from Alison. 'Anyway, what are you dressing up as? Queen Ali D always needs to be the star of the show'
'One, don't call me Ali D again that's not my name anymore and B, I do not need nor want to be centre of attention. I want nothing slutty or too revealing, basically the complete opposite of whatever you're getting' she teased, edging her way towards the door of the car to avoid Hanna hitting her.
'Excuse me but me and Caleb are going as Alice in wonderland and the mad hatter'
'You already have your costume?'
'No, I'm picking them up today.'
'Then why am I here?'
'Because I'm making sure you're getting a hot outfit so you can sent a pic to Em' she winked, dragging the blonde out of the parking lot and towards the mall.
'Hanna I'm not sending her a picture of me in a slutty outfit'
'Jeez the old Ali was way more fun than this, even if she was a bitch' Hanna said, causing Alison to nip her arm playfully.
*2 hours later*
'I really don't know Han' Alison said, looking in the mirror at the costume she was wearing. It was a superwoman costume.
'It's a bit too short' she said, trying to pull down the skirt.
'Since when did Alison DiLaurentis care about how short her skirt was?'
'Since I became married?' She said, more of a question than a statement.
'Oh please, we all know that was over before it began' Hanna said, lifting the cape and letting go so it floated down to rest against Ali's back. 'Ali you're getting this, the knee high boots as well.' She said, practically shoving her back into the changing room to get changed. Hanna was stood outside, waiting less than impatiently when her phone beeped: 'I spy with my little eye, something beginning with H. -A' she looked up to see Charlotte stood smirking at her.
'That isn't fucking funny Charlotte' she said, walking over to her and thumping her on the arm.
'Ow Hanna what the fuck' she said, grabbing a toy sword from the shelf next to her and began prodding it at Hanna.
'Charlotte seriously, go away. Don't you think you've fucking tortured me enough' she said, and although her commented was light hearted Charlotte instantly stopped, putting the sword down with an apologetic look on her face. Hanna smiled, 'what are you doing here anyway?'
'I've come to pick out my outfit for the Halloween party and to see Ali's hot outfit she's going to show Emily' she smirked, causing Hanna to laugh and high five her.
'As much as I really hate you I do love you sometimes' Hanna said, as she heard Alison huff from behind the changing room door as she swung it open and stepped past them both and headed towards the checkout.
*6 hours later*
Alison was sat in the living room cuddled up on the couch with a blanket watching Friends when her phone buzzed. She quickly picked it up, hoping it was a message from the one person she hadn't heard from in over 3 weeks.
E: Hey, sorry I haven't spoken in so long, I've just got back to bastion from my time at the other base.
A: hey don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're safe and okay :)
E: I'm more than okay, especially now I have my new bed cover :D thank you I love it!
Ali had bought Emily a bed set with an under the sea scenario on it with fish and turtles, dolphins, sharks, everything. Then when she's asleep, she'll be lying under the sea like a real mermaid.
A: now you can sleep like a real mermaid.
E: haha is that why you got it? I thought it was because my favorite animal is a dolphin
Alison was genuinely offended considering the amount of thought she put into it.
E: that's very thoughtful thank you. You've made me smile
A: I'm glad :)
E: what costume did you get for the Halloween thing? I better get a pic ;)
A: what?
E: hahahahaha I'm joking. Hanna dared me to say it
A: that's not funny Em. When have you spoke to Hanna?
E: just before you
She knows it's stupid but she couldn't help feel a slight twinge of jealously at the thought of the other blonde being Emily's top priority to get in touch with.
E: I know what you're thinking Ali and it's not true. I've spoken to Spencer and Aria too and I thought I'd talk to them first because I knew I'd be talking to you the longest
A: aw that's sweet, do you have anyone else to message?
E: yeah my mom, she'll be ringing soon
A: I went round to see her the other day, she was showing me baby photos ;)
E: oh god
A: you were a very cute baby, I would certainly be happy if my kids looked like you
E: maybe they will
A: I hope so, then I won't have to worry about them screwing up their school photos because I know they'll be perfect
Although Emily's comment made her heart flutter, it freaked her out as reality once again dawned on her about their situation. She couldn't think about having children with Emily. She was still married to Rollins and they hadn't even discussed kid yet. She knows she probably ruined the moment by attempting to joke but she had no idea what else to put.
E: I have to go, my mom's calling. Night Ali x
A: night Em x
Even the little things like putting a kiss on the end of the message made Ali go from being on cloud 9 to cloud 90. Even though they still didn't know where they stood with one another, Ali was still slightly upset that Emily still hadn't said 'I love you' again. I guess she could only find out where they stood in 145 days when she returned.
A/N : there may be some drama next chapter that i think you will like ;) What did you think about the chapter being all in 3rd person? Keep reviewing etc, I'd love to know what you think.