Author's Note: Hey guys let me start off by apologizing for the long delay for this chapter. First I got sick and was sick for two weeks then when I started to feel a tad better I got another cold on top of the one I had. I for one didn't know that was possible, but I can't explain it any other way. Then I had to read two books and write 4-5 page essay analyzing the books using themes and philosophical language, so I've been busy. This is not to make an excuse, just to let you know that I haven't forgotten the story, I've just haven't had any time to write. So without further ado here is the next chapter.

Emily POV

"You're what?" Hanna asked in a whisper.

"I'm gay." I said more confidently, but still softly. There was a long pause before anyone spoke again.

"Wow Em I-I- how long have you been gay." Spencer asked I could tell she was unsure of how to word it probably a first for her. Before I could answer Hanna forcefully chirped in "It's not like she randomly became this one day Spence. It's not a choice."

Spencer piped up a "sorry." Before looking down at her hands. Knowing Spencer meant no harm and was only being her normal curious self I responded "It's okay Spence I know what you meant and I guess I've always known, you know. Somewhere deep down." I said looking at anything, but their faces until I heard Hanna start to speak.

"I'm sorry this wasn't the first thing I said, but Em you know this doesn't change anything. I love you no matter what. It doesn't change who you are it only means I have to start telling girls about how amazing you are instead of guys, but you're still the same old Emily Fields." Hanna said Finishing with a radiant smile at the end. This was one thing I absolutely loved about Hanna. She might not be the brightest person in regards to school, but when it comes to being a true friend you couldn't have any one better. I smiled a true smile back at her.

"Yeah Em it doesn't matter we love you and that's never going to change." Aria said as she got up and hugged me followed by Hanna and then Spencer who said "And if any one gives you any crap we'll handle them." I smiled as she decided to ruffle my hair as she pulled out of the hug. The one thing I didn't fail to notice was the silence and lack of support coming from the blonde in the corner. I saw Hanna notice this as well and was about to ask Alison what her problem was. Before she could say anything Aria piped up "So are we the only ones who know or do your parents know too?"

I couldn't hold back my laughter "Your joking right?" Seeing her face I could tell she was serious and continued "My dad Mr. Military man and my mom the most religious person I've ever met who I might add has a very opinionated view about the gay society. Yeah they were the first people I told." They looked at me with a sympathetic gaze before I said "Well we should really get to bed. I have a meet tomorrow and Coach would kill me if I came in tired."

They all nodded before Spencer followed by Aria and Hanna went upstairs. I was just behind them before I felt a tug on my arm. I turned and found myself looking into Alison's blue eyes. I gave her a questioning look. She didn't answer, but pulled me into the kitchen. My back hitting the counter as she stared intensely into my eyes. We were so close I could feel every inhale and exhale she took.

"You know-" she started off so softly if I wasn't this close I'm positive I wouldn't hear her. "I might not have said it, but I hope you know that I don't care either. You'll always be my killer." She ended with an endearing smile that melted everything inside of me.

"I told you something personal about me tonight. Something I never thought I'd tell anyone. So if I ask you one question. A question where you have to tell me the truth would you answer?" I spoke just as softly as she did. It was almost as if we spoke any louder reality would crash in and steal the moment away from us. Her only response was a nod. With alcohol still running through my veins I bravely asked "Why do you pretend to be heartless?" It was something that always plagued my mind.

She was quiet for what felt like hours though I know only a few minutes had passed by. She finally answered "Because if I wasn't where would I be today?"

I paused before saying "Happy."

"That's one thing I've always envied about you Em, you were always big on happy endings, but I know I'll never have one. I'm mean, bitchy and if I wasn't on top I'm sure no one would pay any attention to me at all. Do you want to know what my mother said the first day of Middle School?" She said with a dark laugh. "She said you are to be the most intelligent and envied person in the school. Don't let feelings get in your way or you'll end up regretting everything you do, don't worry they only make you stupid anyway. You must uphold our family name, but the most important thing is to make sure you're never forgotten darling. All the while she was pampering over me to make sure I looked perfect and the last thing she said to me before I left was you should probably lose some weight while you're at it. " She stepped away causing a gap to develop between us. Tears started to flow from her eyes.

"Are you really willing to lose yourself just to be remembered?" She didn't answer right away only giving me a sad smile.

"It's the only thing I can do. Spencer is the most intelligent person in our grade. You wouldn't believe how much my mom yelled at me when she found out. This is the only thing I have Em. It's the only thing keeping me from forever being forgotten." As she ended I stepped closer so the gap was once again closed. I pulled my hands up to her face and started to wipe away the tears as I said "You shouldn't keep your feelings behind walls Ali. That's not living. That just floating by living on the expectations of others and not yourself. Can't you see how amazing you are?" She just laughed.

"I wish I had the power to show you yourself through my eyes. Then and only then would you see how special you are when you're not hiding behind walls." I said while wiping away the last stray tear.

"Maybe I'm just waiting to see who cares enough to break them down." Before I could respond she said "We should really get some sleep." She turned away and went to upstairs. I just stayed downstairs trying to process the information I just received. I finally snapped out of it and went upstairs to get some well-deserved sleep. When I got to Spencer's room everyone else had already gone to sleep. I just plopped down on the floor next to Hanna and fell asleep wondering what the morning would bring.

I hoped you liked it. Let me know what you think