A/N: Thank for all the reads and reviews. Won't hold you up any longer, A/N part 2 will be at the bottom.

Disclaimer: This story is of fictional work. You Fool and Skins don't belong to me. Only the typos do.

Chapter 5

Emily who was on her way home at the end of the fair felt a buzz in her pocket before she managed to doze off. Upon checking, she saw that it was a text from Mandy.

It said 'Dinner tonight? To thank u for tdy. U r really too gd for me. xM'

Emily was moved with how bad Mandy felt; that Mandy felt that her father went too far this time, forcing Emily to help with the fair and now she wanted to make up for what her father has done. She sent back, 'I'm already looking forward to it. Meet at Samuel's Restaurant at 7? And I'm not, I just do what I can. xE'

'K. xM', was the reply she got and Emily could only sigh in return. Things between them have changed recently but not too much that it was different, just enough for Emily to notice it. It was the shorter conversations, be it text or phone calls.

It started with the calls, the conversation started to get brief and cold because Mandy had business or meetings to return to. It did not bother Emily since Mandy would still put in the effort to text her instead when it was inconvenient for them to talk through the phone. However, that too started to fall short where spelling the word 'okay' seems to be time consuming than just typing 'K'.

Then it was their meet up. Emily understands the arrangement that they have; she knew that Mandy had to attend to the McClairs as per Mathew's instruction and how their relationship needs to maintain low-key for now. That does not mean she was pleased with how Mandy seem to be spending more time on the Shanick-McClair family-gatherings and the business meetings she seemed unable get away from. Even if they do spend time together, most of the time is spent on Mandy whining about how she hates her father or about whatever the current problem is with the elections.

Still, Emily holds on to the hope that once this is all over, everything will be back to how it used to be.

At a quarter to 7, both the Fitches have arrived at Samuel's restaurant. Although imposing, Katie would usually follows on these dinner dates as a façade for if they ran into any reporters. Having three friends catching up would seem inconspicuous compared to two women who had a past.

When they reached the host stand, the twins were greeted by one of the staff and confirmed their reservation. They were ushered to a private room within the restaurant where the waiter serving them, Sasha, presented their drinks menu. With the recommendation from Sasha of the "today's house special", the server quickly took the order and went about to getting it. It was slightly after 7 p.m. when Sasha got back with their drinks. Mandy was late.

The twins mundanely chat about the schedule and projects for the coming days as they wait. When it hit a quarter after 7, they order a fruit salad on Katie's insistence claiming that she was famished. At 7. 45 p.m., they finished the last piece of melon in the bowl and fell into silence. Emily took this chance to send Mandy a text and continued for the next 15 minutes. By then, Mandy had read all her messages as indicated by Whatsapp blue-ticks but had not replied to Emily's texts.

Emily was fuming as the time ticked by and Katie could practically feel the anger radiating off her in waves. When 8.30 p.m. strikes, Emily picked up her phone from the table rather aggressively and speed dialled Mandy's number. She mentally prepared the long bollocking she was going to give to Mandy for working and making her wait.

When the call got through, Emily was greeted by a deep male voice, "Ms Fitch, I find it rather rude of you to be interrupting on our family dinner." Matthew answer after he found Mandy's phone which has been ringing incessantly throughout dinner. They had just left the restaurant before Mandy could cause a scene after she tried to drink her weight.

"Mr Shanick…" Emily uttered softly, feeling the anger ebb away into confusion and finally anguish when the thought of where Mandy could be dawned on her. "Where's Mandy?"

"Like I've said Ms Fitch, we are having a family dinner with my in-laws and I find it rather inappropriate for you to still be in contact with my daughter." Matthew lied, voice stern and stiff. His chauffer was buckling Mandy into the back seat of their limo and Mandy was already out of it, mumbling in her sleep.

"I just-" Emily started but was cut off.

"You may not care for your reputation, Ms Fitch, but I'll have you know that I would not allow your illicit relationship with my daughter to ruin my family's. She is an engaged women and they are going to be married as soon as the election is over. What you had with her in the past is history and I hope you have the sense to know where you stand now."

Before Emily could reply, the called ended, leaving tears in her eyes.

Silence fell over for a minute before Emily stood to leave. By the time Emily walked into the store, the time was well passed 9 and she was the only one in it. She picked out row after row of clothing and accessories with four salesperson following behind trying to keep out with her shopping.

As much as Katie loves shopping, she knew what Emily was doing, she classify it as 'rage shopping'. Where Emily puts on shades even though it is night time, trying to hide away the pain that she is in, being an utter pain in the neck to the salesperson should they tell her that there was no stocks of the dress colour she wants.

Katie knows by now how much of a queen bitch Emily can be, much like the one she portrays. She knew Emily was nice in the way that that at the end of it she would feel like shit for being such a troublesome customer. She would give them a large sum of tip, much more than what a person who held a piece of clothing for you would deserve.

This is the exact reason why Katie was not having her fill in shopping right now because she was seething with anger on how badly Mandy has hurt her baby sister and how after Mandy came into the picture Emily had changed. If it was for the better and Emily was happy with it, Katie would have come to terms but Emily was not, and it did not make her a better person, it made her bitter and sad.

They headed back home when Travis, Emily's bodyguard, was unable to hold anymore shopping bag. By then Emily's anger had dissipated, morphing into sadness and despair instead.

All she wanted to do now was to crawl into her cold and overly large king size bed, curl into a ball and cry to her heart's content. Hoping that when tomorrow comes, she would have forgotten about the conversation she had with Mandy's father.

They were home for some time now. It was nearing 11 when the intercom rang and Katie found Naomi waiting by their doorstep. She let her through and Naomi walked through their yard to get to the threshold where Katie was already waiting. Naomi got to the living room before Katie asked the intent of her visit.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to pass Emily something," Naomi indicated with the shift of her gaze to the small bag she was holding in her hand.

"Right." Katie spoke, mildly curious as to why Naomi came at this time of the night. She walked towards a door that was situated at the side of the living, one that Naomi had labelled as Emily's room from her previous visit and knocked, "Emsy, could you come out for a bit?"

They stood there for a bit as they heard shuffling from inside of the room before Emily emerge. She was in the same white dress she wore for dinner, hair slightly tousled, her eyes were red tinged and there were some droplets of moisture that darken parts of her sleeves. All these should have clued Naomi that she was currently not welcome yet she was oblivious to them.

"Hi, Emily." Naomi began, going into first name basis, prompted by their water fight. After the water fight they had at the pool, Naomi was sure that what they had would at least be considered as friendship.

"What brings you here all of a sudden?" Emily asked rather than replied in greeting.

"See, I was on the net this afternoon and I saw that you have received an award. I thought I ought to congratulate you for it so I went and got this small gift after work today. It's not much with my meagre wage but I do hope you'll accept it," Naomi presented the bag with both hands and a bright smile.

Emily scoffs during Naomi's explanation, Naomi who was unaware of that took it as a chuckle where Emily was actually delighted to have received a gift from her. "And why should I accept that from you?" Emily questioned derisively.

Katie was taken aback with Emily's reply and all Naomi could say was "Eh?"

"I asked why I should accept that from you, Miss Campbell." Emily repeated in the same tone.

"It's not like we are strangers right?" By now Naomi have caught on to her tone but her smile did not fade.

"Then what are we to each other?" Emily had her arms crossed and brows raised.

Emily with her tone clipped, defensive body language and challenging questions only mean one thing to Katie. She was preparing her attack. Emily is intelligent, Katie knows that and she knew this was how Emily would go about when put in a spot, especially with difficult reporters and their questions.

It is like one of those god awful documentaries where you see the hunters laying out bits and pieces of fish to lure the unknowing bear to a bear-traps where they will then proceed to the poaching of their various body parts.

In the time that which Katie's realisation sets in, Naomi have failed to utter a single word, her smile slowly fading but not entirely gone… yet.

Emily heaved a heavy sigh, the kind of sigh that clearly indicated even to the kind of slow Naomi that she was disappointed. Disappointed that Naomi could not comprehend the answer she wanted from her questions, disappointed that she had to state it out and disappointed in what she was about to do. "I reckon I should make things more understandable for us."

They were now stood in front of an eight seater Toyota Highlander car in an automobile shop that apparently opens 24 hours. Odd considering who would actually purchase a car in the middle of the night, however, their presence would proof otherwise.

"What colour would you like?" Emily questioned with her arms crossed and her gaze upon the car. "I'd say black," she continued.

Naomi, unsure of whatever was going on asked, "What do you mean?"

"We'll make it black then," Emily said instead of answering her. "Kay, would you please go prepare the papers, thanks."

"Emsy…" Katie exclaimed, feeling rather unsettled at Emily's request.

"Please." A glance towards Naomi and a heavy sigh later, Katie left begrudgingly, knowing that Emily is being thoroughly stubborn at the moment.

"Sign it when Kay comes back with the papers," Emily ordered and still failing to make eye contact with Naomi.

Naomi still offered a smile as she said, "Uh… I don't need a car and I don't fancy such big cars too." She was being polite while declining the offer but Emily was not having it and the glare she sent Naomi's way proved it. That had Naomi's smile faltering.

"Please understand this, Miss Campbell. I'm giving you the car in exchange for your help, this is a transaction between the two of us. We only meet when we need to and not for personal reasons. You do not pop by as and when you like without an appointment." Emily pushed, making extra sure to put more venom into her tone.

It took Naomi a few seconds to process before a gentle smile graced her features, "I see, you're mad that I turned up so suddenly today." She made sure to make eye contact with Emily before saying, "I'm really sorry about that. I was just thankful that you've agreed to come to our sports day and with the award, it felt right to get you a gi-"

With the expression playing through Emily's face during Naomi's apology – from anger to surprise then on to frustration and finally disbelief – scoffs of disbelief was the last thing Naomi expected from her.

"Miss Campbell," Emily called out mockingly.

"Yes?"

"You actually think I was going to attend the sports meet?" Emily tilted her head a little, almost like she could not believe how naïve Naomi was.

Naomi bowed her head, unable to take anymore of Emily's wrath and asked sheepishly, "You're not?"

"I couldn't possibly turn you down with your co-workers and the businessmen at the fair, could I? You should know better or do I have to spell everything out for you?" Emily's had her palms out, facing Naomi as if mockingly questioning how she came to the conclusion that Emily would go for her company's sports meet.

Now it was Naomi's turn to scoff in disbelief, "Huh. So that's how it is?" She was embarrassed, through and through for reading the situation wrong. "I understand now, Miss Fitch, seems like I've got the whole thing wrong before. My apologies, it won't happen again and please forget about the car." Naomi turned, ready to make her leave.

"How long are you going to keep this up?" Emily's question stopped her. "Pretending you're nice and all, you can't do that forever. This is a transaction, I receive you help so you have to accept the car for this transaction to be complete. Is that clear?" Emily who has become exasperated had raised her voice louder and could be heard clearly within the small showroom which the two were in.

Naomi turned slowly, looking at Emily with slight pity and disbelief, "So this was just a transaction then? And here I was thinking that I'm just a fan trying to help wherever I can and maybe… Just maybe, you would be my friend in return."

"The car is all I have for you, Miss Campbell, I can't be your friend." She turned away, done with the conversation.

It took Naomi a moment but finally, "Then I can't help you anymore, Miss Fitch." This had Emily turning back and Naomi continued, "The only reason I lie through my smiles to everyone, even my one and only brother… Was because I thought I was helping you. The fact that you'd asked someone like me to help you…" She trailed off. "However, if you insist on giving me the car, I don't think I can help you anymore."

"Then what do you expect me to do? You won't accept my car and I can't be your friend, what am I supposed to do then?"

"I won't expect you to be my friend so please, keep the car." Naomi who was tired of this whole conversation, just wanted it to end already.

"So what, I'm just supposed to accept your help then? I'm sorry, that makes me uncomfortable and I'll only feel better when I give something in return."

Naomi sighed, having enough, "Fine. Come to the sports meet rather than giving me the car. That's what I really need." She turned and left, leaving Emily to her thoughts.

When Naomi reached the streets and the first poster board she passed by was of Emily in a perfume photo-shoot, she paused to give a flick on the head of the poster.

Whereas the twins were in Katie's Audi TT and on their way home when Katie spoke. "I know you have a fucked up day but do you have to be so mean to her? She was only trying to help."

"Invite her to the fashion show tomorrow night, Kay." Emily said out of the blue.

"What?" Katie who was confused, turned to look at her before getting her eyes back on to the road. "It'll just make things more uncomfortable for her with the amount of reporters that are going to be there."

"I wanna show her that this is all just a show." Eyes flaring with determination.

"Emily! What the fuck is the matter with you?! That women is only trying to help you." Katie asked, frustrated with Emily's actions.

"Please. Just do as I say," Emily ended the conversation, too exhausted to bicker with Katie.

"Naomi, please look this way!"

"Here, Emily!"

"Smile for us, Naomi! Here!"

They were currently in the lobby of some fashion show, surrounded by eager reporters who wish to capture the couple first time at an official event. Emily dressed in a formal peach suit was at Naomi's arm, once again presenting her award-winning smile. Naomi was in a white long-sleeve blouse with a red tie and a formal grey pants, she was tense and had a stiff smile on.

It is safe to say that the Campbell-Fitch couple has thoroughly taken the spotlight away from the other models that have turned up before and after them with the amount of flashes that way going their way.

Soon after, they retreated to the backstage, the dwindling amount of reporters still following them. Emily then proceeded to her own changing room with Naomi following. Katie was already sitting in front of one of the dressing table, re-applying her makeup, typical Katie.

Emily went for the seat of the other dressing table and took out the schedule book for tonight to look through while Naomi remained standing by the door as the two seats in the room were already occupied. Nothing was spoken at first and the silence drew on.

All three were having similar thoughts, 'Awkward.' Given the amount of tension that was suffocating the room and the silence that did nothing to help.

Katie was applying her lip-liner, just about done with her makeup when she asked, "So, Campbell, you did great out there with those bunch of hounding idiots." Katie decided that she was done being the formal professional manager around Naomi since it was clear by now that she would be hanging around for quite a bit, and given that Emily was being a stuck up bitch, a little informality seems like the way to go about this.

"Uh… thanks, I guess?" Naomi smiled, making eye contact with Katie through the mirror.

The room was quiet other than the flipping of pages made by Emily, falling back into the quietness they were in previously. Katie have finished her makeup now, she sat back and turned her chair to face Naomi, hoping to make some small talks so that they would not have to continue suffering the awkwardness. "You look good. In that tie I mean, sure and sharp, sure beats your shit floral tie you've had on previously."

"That's the tie then, not me." Naomi replied courteously, deciding that she likes this side of Katie. Although she is slightly crude with her words, it's nice to see her not having to delicately select the words before she speaks.

Emily who has been flipping the schedule book but not actually reading it was annoyed that Katie was making Naomi feel comfortable. It would have been fine had it been in other people or situation but right now, Emily wanted Naomi to see that it was all just a show. The politeness and smiles, the kind words and nice gestures, it was all only for the media and public. Once they are gone, there is no need to keep up the pretence anymore. "Katie, could you check with the crews if my outfits are ready?"

Katie should have been angered with Emily for trying to send her away. However, she knew that it was not so much of an order, per se, but more of a request and it was also a routine which she have been doing for Emily for every past fashion show they went for. It ensures that nothing was amiss for Emily which means less complication for her and also allows her a first hand at picking out which clothing Emily would wish to keep – really it was her who wish to keep – after the show.

She would make sure that by the end of the event, Emily would have been absolutely persuaded to taking that particular attire when the models are asked to pick some samples to bring back. Then when they are back home, it would end up in Katie's wardrobe. That was why she was not angered, in fact she was slightly thankful because it had indeed skipped her mind and so she excused herself from the room.

Naomi remained standing by the door after Katie's exit and it took her a moment or two before she decides to make some small talk before the elephant in the room actually drops upon her and squishes her to bits. "That was some crazy amount of reporters huh…?" She chuckled.

As she continued, Emily have went to pick up her headphone and put them on. "I hope I wasn't too bad today eh?" Naomi turned and found that Emily have already tuned her out. So they stayed as they were until Emily was called out for briefing and preparations.

Naomi was seated amongst the audience with Katie with a small pamphlets in their hands, given to inform them of the run out of the show. It was still quite some time before the models would walk down the runway so Katie took this chance to clear Emily's name for her. "My bitch of a sister must have hurt your feelings, didn't she?"

Naomi was a little surprised by the question but answered anyway, "Nah."

"I usually wouldn't do this kinda shit but I think she may have left you a bad first impression." Katie explained, "Emsy, she's not a bitch really, she's just… Had a lot in her plate recently." A pause, "Her ex-girlfriend got engaged to another women. They were together since her first year of high school but the girl's father was fiercely against them."

"That's shit." Naomi answered, not sure what she was supposed to say.

"Yesterday, before you turned up, the girl's father said some awful things to her too. The shit timing you have turning up then. Stood right in front of the firing squad too." Katie's lisp seemed more prominent, prompted by the agitation she had from thinking about what Emily was going through and how she in turn took it out on Naomi as well.

"Ah… I see." Naomi chuckled, finally understanding Emily's out of the blue reaction from the day before.

The conversation ended when Katie saw Mandy approaching them with a pamphlet in hand as well. How the seats were assigned, no one was sure but Mandy just happened to be seated right beside Naomi who was currently fanning herself with the pamphlet. The heat seem to have accumulated for Naomi after she put on an equally formal blazer on.

Mandy has barely sat for a minute and she was getting irritated with Naomi's action and how much she acted like one of those lower social class people who have little to no learnings in formal etiquette.

As fate would have it, Naomi dropped her purse towards Mandy's seat during Mandy's mental rant. She went to pick it up but accidently pushed Mandy's pamphlet that was resting on her thigh to drop as well. Once again, she bent down, retrieving the booklet, and returned it to Mandy with a smile and an apology. Mandy smiled forcefully in return.

"Damn, it's hot in here." Naomi uttered. Mandy who was sat so close to her had overheard, she sighed and looked away, having enough with sitting so close to a lower class man.

The show started before Mandy's irritation could escalate. Naomi bored out of her mind after the first five minutes and only showed a slight raised in interest when Emily started walking out. She was in an elegant pink dress that revealed a large part of her back and her short nature was covered up with the 5-inch heel she had on.

Emily had posed at the end of the runway, made her way back to the middle and once again posed as well as smiled for the camera. Briefly glancing to Mandy then towards Naomi before she turned and made her leave.

When Naomi was sure that Emily was out of sight, she smiled, happy to see Emily smiling again. Naomi's actions further frustrated Mandy and all she could think about was 'She's mine!' but she would never verbalise it.

The fashion show had ended and Naomi who tried to make an exit through the parking lot was unfortunately hounded by reporters and their questions. Poor Naomi could only say yes to everything, failing to process all the questions with the tenseness she was feeling.

"Have your life changed completely?"

"Yes."

"Is it hard having to date a celebrity?"

"Yes."

"Who asked the question?"

"Yes."

"Is Emily a nice girlfriend?"

"Yes"

"Have you had your first kiss?"

"Yes."

The twins who were also making their way to their car though through another exit where reporters were not allowed access to saw the scene. Katie stopped in her tracks and asked Emily to return to their car first as she went to rescue Naomi from the restless paparazzi. The walked back in and turned a corner to find Emily still leaning against the wall, waiting.

"Thanks, Katie. I was trying to make an exit through the parking lot instead of the lobby, didn't know the sly fuckers would be there as well. I was panicking so badly." Naomi said.

Katie was pleased to see that Naomi had finally became informal around her as well now. "Nah, you did alright."

"Not really." Naomi took a quick glance towards Emily then said, "If there's nothing else then I'll get back to trying to get out." She told Katie instead.

Katie looked at Emily who was staring a hole into a wall.

"Thank you." Naomi turned, shocked to have heard Emily's gratitude for her help even if it is only two simple words.

"No problemo," she replied before telling Katie, "Call me if you need any help, I'll go now." She turned and left.

When Naomi was a distance away, Katie asked, "So how long are you gonna keep this up then?" Emily turned and looked at her with raised questioning brows. "When are you gonna quit all this acting like a bitch? I know you feel bad for what you did and it's making you uncomfortable even if you don't say it. So, stop, alright?"

Katie was spot on but Emily would never admit that to her. She pushed herself away from the wall and look towards Naomi's direction who have just walked out of the glass door and made a left turn, right back to where Katie previously rescued her from as well as out of Emily's view. She soon reappeared and went the correct way this time, though she seemed a little panick-y.

Emily thought 'She's kinda adorable, in a dorky way." Her train of thought was broken by Mandy who called out to her from behind. Emily turned and Mandy presented a bouquet of flowers yet somehow, Emily was not touched and her expression remain unimpressed.

A/N2: Okay, so this chapter took longer that I would like for it to be up. (Summary: Exams, party a week, shit happens, had a Vietnam trip to go to, fell sick when I was back, had rock climbing exams and start work!) My life is rather shit at the moment, I won't explain it right now.

This chapter was one hell of a hard to write for me. Mainly because I started the last chapter and first half of this during my revision for my exam and when I finally got back into it, I wasn't sure what I wanted in here anymore. So, to have it completed was one hella relief for me.

Next, I would reply to all my previous reviews tomorrow because it is current 4am here and I have work as well as a luggage to pack. I wanna thank each and everyone who have read, even those who don't review, it's alrighty with me. Those who have, thank you from the bottom of my heart, it gave me a push when I really wanted to procrastinate. (Psssst, the guest review that needed a pick me up, I hope this didn't came too late!)

Lastly, I might, MIGHT, be posting a new story, one-shot. Some time, very much later. I'm hoping it's a one-shot because I'm only done with a quarter of it now. It's not a happy ending story but it's story... I'll explain what the shit I went through was, there. If you're only curious of that, go there read the A/N then get out, no need to go make yourself feel bad. I really don't want the explanation to be here cause it's kinda depressing and this is a happy story!

That's all from me folks, hope you have a nice day/night wherever you are! Much love.

-I.