Chapter 9

Emily's POV

"You make me wantto be myself around everyone, Em. Because you think I'm worth it, and everything with you feels right" Paige spoke with such honesty and stared into my eyes with so much emotion I was completely at a loss for words. What she said made perfect sense, everything does feel right with her. Coming out had been so hard for me after my experience with Allison and I just assumed that's how it would be for anybody. Paige was so strong, so much herself that she could just accept it without fighting with herself. Her individuality astounded me to a point beyond words. So instead of saying anything I pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss, trying to convey everything I felt to her.

I love her. The thought ran through my mind as I kissed her. As soon as I contemplated my thoughts, I knew without a doubt it was true. This kind of love was different than what I felt for my parents or my friends. I was truly in lovewith Paige McCullers. I had never been in love with Maya and my love for Allison were such a mixture of friendship, true love, and pain that I couldn't even begin to compare it with Paige. I didn't want to. Paige was here, Paige had feelings for me, and Paige was exactly the person I wanted to love.

I pulled away from the kiss and without even thinking began to speak my mind. "Paige I—" my voice broke as I realised what I was about to say and I saw the look of complete shock and confusion cross Paige's face. This quickly turned to a look of complete terror, she knew exactly what I was about to say. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and I felt that painful feeling of rejection flutter through my body. Did she not want to hear how I felt about her? I hadn't even considered that. Clearly, from the look on her face and her sudden rambling about leaving and school tomorrow, she was nowhere near ready to hear it or reciprocate the feeling. She was out the door and in the car before I even had a chance to explain myself.

I stood in the doorway and watched her drive away dumbfoundedly until she turned off my street. I closed the door and silently banged my head against it. Great, Emily. Just great! You find a perfect girl and you probably just blew it by blurting 'I love you' too soon. So I was one of those girls now? I contemplated texting Paige and apologising but then again, what was I sorry for? Definitely not for loving her and absolutely not for being honest about what she means to me. The Paige I know has the most respect for people who say what's on their mind.

That struck me with the question, why did she freak out then? The only answer I could see clear as day in my mind was that she didn't feel the same way. There came that feeling of rejection again. I trudged up the stairs to my room and made an effort not to slam the door. I put in the effort to change and then flopped down on my bed. I felt like complete shit. Paige was usually the one who joked about wondering 'how she got me' but now I'm left with the feeling that I never really gother at all. Maybe she needed more time or maybe the idea of love just scared her but I still couldn't put the worst thought of all out of my mind. What if Paige never loves me?

Just then my mom knocked quietly on the door, "Em, sweetie your dad wants to talk to you…Emmy are you alright?" My mom looked at me in concern.

I pulled myself from the bed and reached to take the phone, "Yeah, I'm fine I'll talk about it later" I smiled at her, eager to talk to my dad. I hadn't heard from him in nearly 2 weeks and I missed him like crazy. I worried so much about him and his phone calls were the only thing that would keep me grounded sometimes. My mom gave me the phone and smiled before walking out of my bedroom, giving me and my dad some father daughter time. It was the best we could get considering he was still in Afghanistan.

"Dad? I've miss you so much!" I squealed into the phone.

"I've missed you to Emmy you have no idea how nice it is to hear your voice. It's been a tough past couple of weeks here" My dad sounded drained and I began to worry what he meant by a tough week. It scared me to think about the possibilities of what that meant.

"Tell me all about it dad, I just really want to hear your voice" He began telling me about the high security alert at the base his unit was stationed at. Of course, he couldn't tell me where this was or why they were on such high alert but he assured me things were returning to normal and there was no longer any suspicions of any further 'issues'. I breathed a sigh of relief at this. If there's one thing I know, it's that my dad wouldn't lie just to make me feel better. I made him promise that before he left each time and he never broke his promises.

My relationship with my dad is unexplainable. Even during the awkward times around the house with my coming out, he never once treated me differently. Once he adjusted to knowing who I really was he became quite the jokester about it. It relieved a lot of the tension in the house between me and my mother, especially when he insisted that he could 'teach me how to pick up chicks' it was the funniest thing I'd ever heard him say and even my mom cracked a smile at that a couple of years ago. Along with that, he always insisted that we probably had the same taste in women, or that I would turn out to be quite the lady killer because we shared the same DNA. He really helped me by being comfortable with who I was and not being afraid to talk about girls in front of me. He treated me like a father would treat a son when it came to girls and I think it helped my mom realise that we could still be a normal family and I could still have normal relationships.

"So what about this Paige?" My father asked suddenly. "Your mother seems to really like her Emmy. Way to go! Finding a girl you andyour mother approve of? Now that's an accomplishment" He joked. "All we ever do is talk about me when we're on the phone like this Emmy. It's your turn to talk now, tell me everything"

I told my dad the entire story, glad to finally have time to tell him about Paige. He didn't have much time to talk last time we were on the phone, and I always insisted he tell me about his life first.

"She sounds wonderful. Really I can hear how happy you sound, Paige is a lucky girl" He sounded genuinely happy for me and I smiled to myself.

"I'm pretty sure I'm the lucky one dad, I can't even explain it" I remembered my blunder with the 'I love you' from a couple of hours ago but it didn't bug me nearly as much. After talking about everything Paige with my dad I remembered why I had said it in the first place. Paige liked me a lot, and I could live with that for now.

My dad spoke again, returning to his usual jokester self "So the real question I have for you Em… is she a looker?" I rolled my eyes. It was such a typical question he would ask it made me miss him being here even more.

"Well come home soon and you can see for yourself, dad" He laughed and I joined in. "She's stunning dad" We chatted a little bit more until his time for personal calls was up. We said our goodbyes and he promised to call again when he could.

I felt dramatically better after speaking with my dad, as usual. I considered texting Paige but decided I would just see her at school tomorrow and we would deal with the minor awkwardness between us. I curled up in bed and drifted into a peaceful sleep thanks to my father's phone call.

I arrived at school a little late, surprised that Paige's car wasn't in the lot yet. First bell rang and I rushed to first period. That was strange. Usually Paige was early for school waiting with a coffee for me every day. Paige wouldn't be the type of girl to miss school over our blunder yesterday so I wondered if she was feeling alright. I took out my phone and sent her a concerned text.

Morning Sunshine! I noticed ur not at school is everything alright? If ur sick get some rest and text me when you wake up xoxo –Em

I waited, expecting an immediate reply like Paige usually does but there was nothing. My morning classes dragged on slowly as I waited to hear from Paige. By this point I figured she already showed up at school and just didn't want to text in class. This suspicion was ruled out when I didn't see her at lunch either. I even went so far as to look for her car in the lot again. I caved and decided to call her but it went straight to voicemail. Now I was starting to worry.

I was about to jump in my car and head to her apartment to make sure she hadn't gotten in an accident or something when someone caught my arm. I turned to see Spencer looking at me questioningly.

"Are you alright, Em? You've got that worried look you wear to often"

"I'm alright. I'm just not sure where Paige is. She's not at school and she's not answering her phone. I'm just going to go over and make sure she's alright" I explained as I tried to pull my arm out of her grasp.

Spencer shook her head "Emily we have that Bio Lab next period, you really can't miss it. I'm sure Paige is fine, she's a big girl and you don't need to baby her everysecond of the day"

I glared at her, but she was completely right. "You just want me to go to Bio so you don't have to be partners with Quinn Bleeker again" I joked. We began walking towards the cafeteria, me giving in to Spencer's logic.

Finally, the end of the day came. I caved a few more times by sending texts and another phone call and I still hadn't received a reply. I raced to the parking lot and drove straight to The Brew. Paige's car was still here, that was a good sign. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she hadn't been in a car accident on the way to school. I walked up the familiar stairs to her apartment and knocked loudly in case she was asleep. I waited about a minute before knocking again. Still nothing. I began knocking and knocking until I decided to use the key under the mat to open the door. She must have been pretty sick if she hadn't answered the door.

I turned the knob and opened the door quickly, anxious to see to whatever Paige needed. What I saw around me was the last thing I was expecting when I opened the door. I had to blink my eyes a few times before realising that it was real. Everything was torn apart. The cushions were thrown about the living room, there were books everywhere and the shelf was completely knocked over. The living room was flipped upside down. I looked across to the kitchen and saw glasses and plates smashed on the floor. What happened here?

My brain kicked in and answered my question. Someone had broken in here. I was suddenly hyper aware of everything surrounding me. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I thought of my one immediate worry. Paige.

"Paige" I called, my voice broke with worry. I immediately scanned the apartment, hoping for the best but only finding the worst. Paige wasn't here. I ran to her bedroom and found that it was in the same shape as the rest of the apartment. My mind started racing at the thought of what happened.

Someone took Paige. Broke in, she fought, they took her. "NO!" I screamed. This couldn't be happening. Paige couldn't really be gone. I had already been through this once. Losing a friend was enough, not my girlfriend too! "no no no no no, not Paige" I sobbed. I felt broken and empty. She had been missing all day! I should have stopped by in the morning. I should have stopped her and made her stay the night last night. I didn't even get to fully tell her I loved her.

This was the consequence of a seventeen year old living alone. Creeps went around looking for this type of situation. A young, pretty girl living on her own. I sobbed and broke down at the thought of this. Paige was really gone. "This wasn't supposed to happen" I sobbed again.

I caught a glimpse of her mangled cell phone on the ground and I picked it up. I sat on the bed and let myself cry. I had to call the cops. They had to find her and they had to find her alive. I had to feel her in my arms, I would see her again, wrap my arms around her and never let go. She would never stay alone again. When I found her I would protect her from this cruel world, from her parents, from the girls at school, from who ever took her. She would be safe again, that's what I would have to do. If I wasn't too late.What if she was really gone like Allison. I wasn't ready for her to be out of my life so quickly. I was only just getting to know her and now it seemed like the dream of being with Paige was over. The dream of being with Paige came with the nightmare of losing her. What was I going to do? I couldn't feel my body anymore, everything was happening in my mind and I needed to snap out of it and fight to find my love.

"Emily" I heard a beautifully familiar voice call. I looked up and saw Paige rush in the doorway of her bedroom with a frantic, pained looked on her face.

"Paige" I sobbed her name. It didn't take me long to comprehend that she was really here. I had never been so relieved to see someone in all my life. She's really alright! I love you, I love you, I love you was all I was thinking. I flung myself off the bed, collapsing in the arms I swore I would never let go of. I sobbed and sobbed, thanking the stars that Paige was alright. I pushed myself into her, willing myself to feel her and accept that she was really here while kissing every part of her my lips could find. I pulled away only to pull her closer again. She pushed back into me and I began holding her up. As she leaned into me and clung to me tightly my relief subsided once again. She looked physically and mentally drained. Her eyes were red and puffy like she had been crying and she smelled like she had just run a marathon. What had really happened to her? Physically, she was here and alive but who had taken her and where could I find them and personally show them nobody ever gets away with hurting Paige. I pulled away slightly, just enough to see her face, her gorgeous eyes were full of a mix of worry, fear and relief.

"Where have you been? I tried calling when I didn't see you at school and when you never showed I came here!" My voice broke but I kept going "And then I open the door with the key under the mat and the place is torn apart, you're phone was destroyed and you were… you were… what happened?" I cried and ran my hands along her sides, feeling her with me, making sure she was really safe.

Paige held me close, calming me down before telling me exactly what happened. I looked at her in shock when she said it was her own doing. My face fell as she told me what her dad said and it broke my heart that she was so mad and I wasn't there to comfort her. She finished telling me what happened and I took a moment to process everything.

Paige wasn't taken, no body broke in. My Paige wasn't taken away from me after all. She had done everything here on her own and didn't have the decency to at least call me. The emotions in me were switching so fast I began to feel dizzy. Relief that Paige wasn't gone was quickly replaced by heartbreak about her dad, then despair that she was so angry this morning, followed by sadness that she didn't come to me for comfort. The last emotion I landed on was anger. My anger was fueled by embarrassment and truly believing Paige was gone when she in fact did this all herself. I sobbed angrily, not able to contain my emotions anymore, the poured out and Paige was the target

"Damn it Paige I was worried sick about you! I thought you were gone, I thought someone…" I trialed off and began punching Paige angrily in the stomach, breaking down even more as I continued punching her. My punches were soft and harmless and really just conveyed how much I didn't want to think about losing her. I was pissed that she made me go a moment thinking she was gone forever. Didn't she understand how much I worried about her? "Don't you ever, ever do that to me again Paige don't you get how much I care about you! I don't like thinking I've lost someone I love alright? I've dealt with enough of that and you are way to reckless and I just can't…" I couldn't lose her and the thought of her actions set me off again as I pushed her roughly on the bed.

Everything I did and said was full of such raw emotion and finally, after Paige apologizing I couldn't take it anymore and I pounced on top of her, kissing her again and asked her how she would feel if she thought I was dead. She tensed at the thought, bringing me some satisfaction as I rolled off of her and she stroked my hair. I was still unbelievably angry but I didn't want to fight with her right now. I had worn myself out. She stared at me with her deep eyes and I remembered every reason I was so scared of losing her.

"I love you too by the way" She whispered softly, smiling at me. I almost couldn't contain my shock and happiness at her words. By the look in her eye and the things she said to me before I knew it was true. I was still upset and my reply to her beautiful words wasn't the nicest but she went on to explain why she ran away instead of coming to me. When she tried to joke and kiss me it was too much and I pulled away. The look that crossed her face broke my heart and when her tears began to fall I realised how unfair I was being. She had a very tough day and I wasn't helping her when she needed me. I cupped her cheek and she visibly relaxed into my touch. I softly calmed her and let her know how much I loved her.

"I do love you, a lot actually, although you make it a very emotional job sometimes. Stop fighting with yourself and talkto me"

She leaned in and gave me a soft kiss. "I love you Emily, I really do. I don't think there was ever a doubt in my mind" She muttered it again and I smiled, she really made it hard to stay mad at her. Her confession sparked my curiosity.

"Last night then?" I teased, hoping for a real answer.

"Well you just surprised me I guess. I didn't expect you to say it so soon I thought maybe if you said it you would want to take it back or something" I tried to tell her that could never happen but she cut me off, putting her finger delicately over my lips. "Relax, babe. I know you meant it I was being stupid, and I was also being stupid today for scaring you like that so tell me how to make it up to you and I will do anything"

She was truly incredible. Thinking I would regret loving her? My heart still fluttered at her calling me 'babe' she had no idea the effect that could have on me, or did she? She was impossible notto love. Everything about her was just beautiful. Only Paige McCullers could get me so scared, angry, and blissfully, stupidly happy in a matter of 20 minutes. That was one of the many reasons I loved Paige McCullers.

"Shot gun" Spencer called as we approached Paige's car.

"You can't be serious Spencer!" I whined, looking to Paige for back up.

"Sorry, babe. She called it. There's nothing I can do for you" Paige laughed and held her hand up for Spencer to high five her.

"Ugh! you guys are awful" I whined. I looked at Paige and smiled thoughtfully. "Actually, I'll just sit behind the driver's seat then, I think I'd prefer that anyway" I smiled devilishly.

Paige's face dropped "No! Emily come on be nice" Paige whined, knowing I was planning on torturing her the entire drive.

I looked her in the eye and grazed my hand along her forearm before getting in the car, "Maybe I plan on being extra nice" I whispered seductively, smiling as I heard her gulp.

Hanna cleared her throat and looked at us, "Sorry, Emily I'd like to make it to Philly in once piece so you'll be keeping your hands to yourself on this little road trip" Hanna climbed into the middle seat and I moved in beside her as Aria climbed in the other side.

It was Friday afternoon and we were all on our way to Kelly's house for the night. Paige had asked Kelly to have a small get together and Kelly's only request was to 'bring Hanna' so Paige insisted on making a road trip of it and inviting all of the girls. According to Paige, Kelly had a way of getting the words 'small party' mixed up with 'go ahead and invite the entire high school' so it was bound to be an exciting night.

"Wow, Hanna. Are you actually not squealing at the thought of them touching for once?" Aria joked.

Hanna huffed and nodded, "For my own safety obviously, besides I'm sure Emily can hold out for an hour cause' they're going to be all over eachoth—"

"Hanna!" Paige and Spencer yelled. They looked at each other and grinned. Usually Aria and I just let Hanna say what she wanted, for one it was easier than hearing her whine and two, usually it was absolutely hilarious, that is of course until she took it too far. Spencer was usually the one to cut her off, but lately Paige had taken it upon herself to be Spencer's backup and vice versa. Their friendship was funny because they would spend most of the time competing but when it came to Hanna's loud mouth they had each other's back.

"I'm just saying we all know you're doing it. We've all seen the hickys and nail marks on Paige. And everyone thinks you're the sweet one, Em" Hanna spoke nonchalantly but we were all staring open mouthed at her. Paige burst out in a fit of laughter, clearly not embarrassed at Hanna's observations. I on the other hand felt the burn as my cheeks reddened and I hid my face in my hands.

Paige spoke through her laugher, "Sorry, Em" she tried to hide her smile but I could see it in the reflection of the mirror. Aria and Spencer began laughing to and I was the only one left feeling embarrassed.

Spencer looked back at me, "Don't be embarrassed, Emily, we're all friends here. It's not bugging Paige at all"

"Actually I'm just laughing at Emily" Paige said. "Well that and the fact that Hanna is completely wrong because despite appearances, me and Emily haven't done ityet, sorry to disappoint you, Hanna" Paige joked.

I couldn't take anymore humor at my expense, "Ugh! I don't want to be talking about my sex life in the car guys come on!" I begged.

Spencer chuckled lightly, "What sex life?" Everyone burst out laughing at my expense again. Hanna even had tears running down her face. Paige high fived Spencer and continued laughing at me.

"Well if it's so funny, I guess Paige can do without me tonight" Paige looked in the mirror questioningly at me, clearly my intentions hadn't sunk in.

Hanna clued in on what I meant and laughed, "Uh oh, Paigey! Looks like you've been put in the dog house tonight. Good luck with that, Em. Because when you're not all over Paige, Paige can't keep her hands off you, your plan is going to fail miserably"

Paige gulped as Hanna pointed out that she wouldn't be getting any attention from me tonight. I smiled as my threat had the desired effect and I decided I would pretend to stick to my plan. I didn't like being teased and Paige enjoyed our kisses. "Oh C'mon, Em! We were only joking" Paige whined. I rolled my eyes and looked away from her, if I looked into her eyes I would have caved.

"Nope! I'm not budging. No kissing, no hugging… I don't even think I feel like holding your hand tonight" I joked. Aria and Hanna laughed and Spencer shot Paige an apologetic smile.

"20 bucks says Emily caves first" Hanna called out.

"What you guys can't be—" I was cut off by Spencer

"Yeah right! Have you seen the way Paige stares at Emily! She doesn't take her eyes off the girl! I'm putting 20 on Paige making the first move tonight" Oh great! Now I had to stick with my plan for my own honor.

Paige cleared her throat, "Hold up guys I'm not sure if—"

"Oh hush, Paige! Aria, Place your bet!" Spencer looked at her expectantly. Of course with Spencer in on it, she was all about winning now. There goes my fun with teasing Paige.

Aria thought for a moment, "Paige is going to cave first" Paige looked at her accusingly. "Sorry, but you will! I mean we're going to meet your friends and you're going to be drinking tonight and you're going to want to show off to your friends…" Aria trailed off.

I smiled victoriously. Aria had made a very good point, and if I played my cards right, I wouldn't have to face losing my pride again today.

The rest of the car ride was spent with Spencer, Hanna and Aria talking logistics and rules. Basically, if me and Paige did anything more than hold hands, the bet was over and we'd have to admit to who instigated it. Leave it to my friends to ruin the fun of holding my girlfriend. We arrived at Kelly's house in town and noticed the driveway and street was already packed with cars. It was only 8:00 but the place already looked pretty busy.

We climbed out of Paige's car and Paige looked at me thoughtfully before reaching for my hand. She stared deeply into my eyes and I had to fight every urge to kiss her cheek. The desire must have been the same for her because she focused her eyes on the house and began walking. I laughed lightly, Paige looked keyed up to see her friends and she practically dragged me behind her to Kelly's door before walking in. She stopped and looked at me again, "I love you, and because of that I should warn you that some of my friends are pretty weird. Oh and don't hang out with any sketchy looking people please, because I wasn't kidding when I said Kelly invited everyone"

"I'm planning on spending the entire night by your side anyways, so there's no need to worry about me" I responded.

Paige pulled the door open, taking my bags and running up stairs quickly before coming back down. "We're the first bedroom on the right, Everyone's probably in the back-room, C'mon guys" Paige led us through the house and opened the door to a large recreation room. Kelly saw us entering and waved before running over to us. I looked around and there were already about 30 people here and more people were coming in behind us.

"Paige! You made it!" Kelly called and several others looked up.

"Paaaiiiige!" a few people yelled before running over and crushing her into a hug. She returned the hug just as much and I brightened at seeing Paige interact with her friends.

I watched as different people approached Paige, hugging her and saying they missed her. Paige looked so happy and so comfortable it made me smile. After about 10 minutes of random people greeting her she reached over and took my hand again. She introduced me to a few of the people who she was chatting with and they each greeted me enthusiastically whist giving Paige high fives or winks. It was great to see that Paige's friends were so open minded and happy for her.

"Everyone listen up for a sec! This is Emily, my girlfriend!" She called to the group. "These are Aria, Spencer and Hanna, they are from Rosewood and they are awesome" Everyone mumbled drunken hellos and returned to their various activities in the room. The TV was on and a few people were watching an episode of How I Met Your Mother,a large group of people were playing a game of flip cup and cheering people on, and then there were various groups of people scattered about the large space.

A group of 3 girls and 2 boys walked up and Paige smiled brightly at them. The tall blonde boy walked looked me up and down, "Damn, McCullers! When Kelly told me you had a girlfriend this is notwhat we were picturing at all" The group laughed and Paige joined in.

"Em, this is Devon, he's kind of an ass but we accept him" Paige introduced me to the others but I quickly forgot their names. Devon held three shots up and gave them all to Paige.

"First order of business, you need to get drinking" He ordered. Paige rolled her eyes and handed me one of the shots.

"Can I at least get a chase before I do these?" Paige asked.

"That's what this is for" Devon held up a can of beer and the group began cheering her on. Paige rolled her eyes and did the first shot, then the second, and took the beer from Devon and began chugging it. I watched in shock as she finished the entire thing before I began clapping and cheering along with everyone else in the group. I looked at the shot Paige gave and downed it quickly. I could tell Paige wasn't holding back tonight and it made me smile to be able to see her in the life she had before Rosewood. She seemed like such a bright and happy person and it reminded me of how opposite it was the day I first met her. I pushed that thought from my mind and began enjoying the night with Paige.

I spent most of the night by Paige's side, watching her with her friends, having a good time and looking happy as ever. She was quite drunk but she was full of energy. She was literally the life of the party, going from person to person chatting and having a good time. I stayed relatively sober, not wanting to make a fool of myself in front of Paige's friends. We played a few rounds of flip cup and now we were sitting on the couch while Paige was chatting and joking with a few people. Paige seemed so different here. She told me she had a large group of friends which wasn't surprising but what got me was that everyoneliked her. It seemed like everyone who came to the party was here for Paige.

Paige looked at me lovingly and raised her hand to stroke my cheek, "Emily you are sooooo fantastic! Everyone loves you, see! How could they not you're my girlfriend and everybody likes a pretty girl like you" Paige rambled.

I laughed and touched her hand on my cheek, "Paige you are way too cute for your own good. But you also just caused Hanna to lose the bet" I smiled triumphantly.

Paige looked at her hand and shrugged. "So I lost! You're too hard to resist Emily and if I get to do this," Paige leaned in and kissed me softly, "It feels like a win to me" I leaned in and kissed her back and she pulled me closer until I was almost sitting on her lap. The room full of people was momentarily forgotten as I gave into Paige's lips. Cheers and whistles erupted in the room along with some 'way to go Paige' and 'how hot is that?' I pulled away, very embarrassed but Paige just laughed and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. Kelly wandered over to us, handing us a couple of drinks, insisting that I catch up with Paige. With that, I decided it was alright for me to let loose and I began drinking a little more. I felt safe and comfortable knowing I had Paige here.

Paige's POV

I stumbled over to my friends Devon and Tracy, and pretended to listen to their conversation. I was really too drunk to notice what they were talking about but I nodded and laughed along. Tonight was amazing, I really couldn't ask for a better way to spend a Friday. In Philly with my greatest friends and my girlfriend. Emily. I smiled as I thought about her. I wondered where she was. It was about 1:00 and the place was packed with people. A lot of them I didn't even recognise but Kelly ensured me that she had at least seenthese people around school. It made me a little bit uncomfortable with so many randoms here and no Emily in sight. I excused myself from the conversation and stumbled around looking for her. She was probably with Spencer, Aria and Hanna but I wanted to be sure. I saw Hanna talking to Kelly with Spencer and Aria but no sign of Emily.

I stumbled around a little more until I caught sight of her beautiful dark eyes. I looked at her and smiled. She hadn't noticed me as she was talking to some guy. I tore my eyes away to get a good look at who it was and when I took in the dark curls I gulped. Trevor. How lucky was I that Emily had found the one guy I wouldn't ever want her to meet. This was the creep who had taken advantage of my intoxicated state last year. It wasn't like I was completely innocent in the situation but from what I remember he was more than willing to push drinks my way the entire night, leading us to the bedroom and to a morning of pain and regret for me.

He was the typical douchie jock except he took things a level to far. He was a year older, meaning he was graduated and really I didn't see why he found it appropriate to be at this party. He used to hang around my friends a lot but after that night I wanted nothing to do with him. It was not below him to make a scene if I asked him to leave.

I focused in on how close he was standing to Emily, who was clearly uncomfortable with his proximity. Watching the way he was looking at her like she was his for the taking sobered me up immediately. This was more than unjustified jealousy, I felt the sudden need to protect Emily and get her out of there before he did something. And I had no doubt in my mind that he would do something if he were given the chance. I had heard many people talk about how hot the Rosewood girls were tonight but I brushed it off because I was proud to have one of them on my arm. Trevor was different because he had no boundaries, this I had learned from experience.

I saw a cocky smile form on his lips and he leaned towards her slightly. Emily looked panic stricken and I knew it was time for me to intervene. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms protectively around her waist. At first she tensed and tried to jump away, but when she looked down and saw my hands she immediately relaxed, leaning back into me. I drunkenly kissed up and down her neck and shoulder, trying to show Trevor that she wasn't his for the taking. Not tonight, not ever.

I looked up at him and he was looking at me with that same cocky grin with a hint of amusement and shock. "Paige.. I heard you were going to be here. Long time no see" He winked suggestively and I held Emily tighter to me.

I responded as politely as I could manage, "I see you've met my girlfriend, Emily."

He looked at Emily again with a possessive glance that nearly set me off, "Girlfriend huh? Last time I checked, you were pretty straight? I heard you were here tonight so I thought I'd stop by. I know it's been awhile but last time we…hung out I remember we had a good time." I felt Emily tense as she realized who this person was to me. I released my right arm from her waist, and moved to stand beside her, keeping my left arm wrapped protectively around her. This created somewhat of a barrier between her and Trevor, which put me a little more at ease.

I looked at him, controlling my disgust and began talking calmly, playing along with his game, "Yes, girlfriend. But Trevor I really can't rememberthe last time we hung out" I hoped he'd get the double meaning of my last sentence.

He squinted his eyes at me as he thought, and then looked back at Emily again, "You're seriously a dyke now?" He asked disgustedly, raising his voice. He drew the attention of a few people who had stopped to watch us. "You can't be serious, Paige. Do you really think anyone here approves of that?I mean, what would your father think?" He laughed cruelly, obviously trying to get a reaction out of me. If it had been any other day I would have given him the reaction he wanted, but Emily in my grasp kept me grounded. I pulled Emily behind me slightly and she pushed against my body, pushing herself towards Trevor.

"You can go to hell for all I care, Paige is with me. I can understand how that might suck, I mean I'd never want to have a night without Paige" Emily spoke calmly to my surprise I looked at her and realised that she was actually very scared of him. She was shaking slightly and had a panicked expression. I could tell she wanted nothing more than for this guy to leave her alone. I knew Trevor was harmless if you weren't senselessly drunk, but Emily wouldn't know that. I pulled her closer to me, trying to comfort her and gave Trevor a curt nod.

"Oh please" Trevor scoffed. "Paige will come crawlingback to me soon enough, you're just another one of her hook ups, dikey"He yelled the insult loudly, causing several people to wonder over to see what was up. I was about to speak my mind but Emily began tugging nervously at my shirt, looking at me pleadingly. I remembered again how scared she was of this guy.

Devon and my other friend Andy came and put a hand on Trevor's shoulders, putting a barrier between us and him.

"I think its time you left now, Trevor. You know you're not welcome here, and don't even think about coming back anytime soon" Devon pushed him slightly and Trevor smirked and raised his hands in defence.

"That's really too bad" He leaned around Devon and Andy to catch Emily's gaze, "You make sure she has a good time tonight, Emily. I'm sure she'll be thinking of me when she does" With that, he turned around and walked away before either of us could respond. I felt Emily shudder against me. I mouthed a thank you to Devon and Andy, I would have to thank them properly tomorrow but for now I could tell Emily needed to be reassured.

"Come on, Em. We're going to bed" I dragged her along with me to say our goodnights to everybody. Emily was oddly silent the entire time. This whole ordeal must have really shocked her and I could understand why. It was horrible for me to have to face him but I had dealt with it. I knew he was a creep and I moved on with my life. I also came from the city, I dealt with people like this my entire life. Small town Emily Fields had probably never experienced a true weirdo before.

We went upstairs and got changed without saying a word. The silence was killing me and I couldn't figure out what she was thinking. "Are you alright Emily? You're starting to worry me here"

She looked up at me before smiling weakly. "that was…" She trailed off and I nodded. "I can't believe he would…" She looked down. I took her hand and guided her to the bed, laying back and pulling her into my arms.

"What did he say to you before I came over?"

"Nothing really. He was asking about me and then he asked if I wanted to go for a walk. I told him no thank you and he was getting really pushy about it and then he leaned closer to me and…and.. you showed up and saved me. If I had known he was the guy… I would have—"

I laughed lightly, "I know you would have, and I fear for his life now that you know who he is" I joked. "How you managed to meet the one guy I never want you near at this huge party is beyond me. But I guess you know how it happened now, he targets particularly drunk girls"

Emily looked at me sadly, "I feel like you were a victim to that guy. Its repulsive" I tensed at Emily's sudden disgust. Would she find me less appealing now that she met therepulsiveguy from my past?

"You could look at it that way. Honestly, it's just embarrassing for me to not remember and how I let myself stoop so low…" I trailed off.

Emily's eyes saddened, "I didn't mean that its repulsive that you did that, Paige. I mean its repulsive that guys like that exist at all and that youof all people had to be the victim"

I chuckled at her. "So are you going to make sure I have a good time tonight? Don't worry he's the last thing on my mind right now" Emily laughed at my sudden topic change. I wasn't really comfortable talking about Trevor especially with Emily wrapped to close to me in bed.

"You're funny, Paige. He really did kill the mood tonight didn't he?" I laughed and nodded in agreement. That was probably his intention with his last comment.

I cupped her face and gave her a sweet kiss goodnight before settling my arms around her and watching her drift to sleep. I ran my fingers gently through her beautiful dark hair and kissed her head softly. She snuggled her face further into my neck and I shuddered as her warm breath tickled my neck. I always heard about people complaining cuddling in bed was the most uncomfortable and annoying way to sleep but I had to disagree. Holding Emily tight in my arms the entire night was the most relaxing feeling in the world and I didn't think I could ever find something so amazing an annoyance.

"Goodnight Emily. I love you" I whispered softly before closing my eyes. I thought she was already asleep but some part of her must have still been conscious because I felt her smile into my neck.

"S'love you too, Paige. Sooooo much" And with that, we drifted to sleep together.

Our drive home the next day was quiet. Hanna and Spencer were very hung over and I was pretty glum having to leave my friends again. Even with Emily here it was still tough to go back to Rosewood. I made myself think forward to the first swim meet of the season this coming week.

I would finally have the chance to compete as a Rosewood Shark officially for the first time. It was a little intimidating and nerve racking to think about. I had a lot to prove in one year in order to earn a scholarship. I was hoping for Danby, like Emily but I would settle for just about any offer. My father wouldn't settle. I reminded myself that I wasn't living by his standards anymore so I pushed that thought from my mind and began imagining life at Danby, with Emily. It was so weird to think that far into the future but what scared me the most was that I could actually picture it.

Training with her, living with her. It could really be an amazing four years. I was interested in Danby before I came to Rosewood and to find out that was a top choice for Emily as well was great news. I could have to put in some real effort and prove my worth if Danby was to consider two swimmers from the same high school. If anyone could pull that off, it would be from Rosewood and me and Emily could be prime candidates for scholarships. We just had to show how much it meant. This swim season could depict my whole future. My dreams at Danby, then swimming for the US team before settling down to coach somewhere. That was my hopeful future and now Emily's future was beginning to weave its way into my life. There was so much to consider and this first swim meet could be the beginning of it all.