A/N – I've had serious writers block trying to write this chapter. I've got a good idea of where this fic is going but it's not as easy to write as I thought it would be, so this might not be up to standard and is probably more of a filler to get things going. Anyway, hopefully you'll enjoy this little chapter…more drama soon : )

Chapter Three

Strolling down the street Emily found she was strangely nervous about seeing the rest of the gang today and couldn't help but fiddle with her hands as she tried unsuccessfully to mirror the undoubtedly calm exterior of the brunette walking alongside. Biting her lip as she felt her nerves begin to build Emily was determined not to look at the girl next to her, knowing that one look at the beautiful, yet effortlessly stoic girl, was likely to send her into some kind of panic.

Emily sighed inwardly as she pulled a cigarette from her pocket and lit it with shaking hands, she wanted more than anything to ask Effy what was happening between them, and what it all meant, but for some reason the words were stuck in her throat and no matter how hard she tried she was unable to vocalise her confusion.

It was then that Emily realised she had begun to tap one hand against her leg in an agitated gesture and as the two slowed their pace she felt the knowing eyes of Effy turn upon her.

Not sure of what to expect Emily did her best to remain oblivious as she stared into the distance but was caught off guard as she felt the soft hand of the other girl slide into her own, catching the twin in mid-action Effy clasped their hands together in an unspoken act of understanding.

'Okay?' Effy whispered as they subconsciously increased their pace again, spurred on by the confidence they found in such a simple gesture.

Sneaking a look at the brunette Emily nodded a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth a she saw a glimpse of nerves in the other girls expression 'Okay'

It might not have been the explanation Emily felt she needed but it was enough to calm her for the moment, and forcing herself to relax the twin flicked her cigarette away as the park where the gang were waiting came into view.

Rounding the corner it was Katie she spotted first and judging from the expression on her sister's face Emily knew she was not going to be in for an easy afternoon, though the confused look which followed as Katie noticed Effy was almost worth the hassle Emily knew she was going to get.

Emily barely noticed the rest of the group until she spotted Naomi and as her hand subconsciously slipped from Effy's grasp the redhead sunk to the grass, taking a seat next to her sister all her previous confidence vanishing under the harsh glare.

None of the others seemed to have noticed the two girls' arrival and Emily was glad for the loud voice that crashed through the awkward silence that had descended between the four girls.

'Alright babes?' Cook shouted as he seemingly appeared from nowhere, followed by Freddie and JJ.

'Cook' Effy replied unenthusiastically, while the rest of the girls smiled and offered their own greetings.

Unaware, or not caring, about the tension within the group he dropped to the ground with a huge grin and pulling a spliff from his pocket Cook gestured for a lighter from Freddie before sparking up. Flicking his eyes between Effy and Emily he chuckled as taking a long toke he gave them a knowing look, which Emily was sure he'd leant from the brunette next to her.

Emily waited for a dirty joke or a sarcastic comment but when none came she risked a look at the boy and was surprised to find a friendly smile.

'So, where exactly did you two disappear to last night anyways Ems?' came Katie's irritated voice.

'We…we just decided to leave early that's all, this jerk from college was hassling me so we…left' Emily replied, desperately trying not to blush as images of Effy flooded her mind.

'Well…you fucking owe me big time, I had to convince Mum you told her you were staying at a friends' Katie said as she took the spliff from Cook.

As the group fell into easy conversation Emily relaxed, glad that the subject had been dropped quickly she snuck a look at Effy but frowned as she noticed the other girl seemed more than interested in something Freddie was saying. As an uneasy feeling swept over her she battled to keep her emotions from showing and not wanting to cause a scene she smiled, casually announcing she was going to get a drink.

Standing quickly Emily make a swift exit from the group and heading towards a nearby ice-cream van the twin was glad for some time alone, until she realised someone had followed her.

Turning slowly Emily watched the blonde approach and as Naomi stopped in front of her the twin offered a small smile 'Hey'

'What the hell are you doing Emily?' Naomi asked, the neutral expression on her face betrayed by the anger in her voice

Shaking her head in disbelief Emily sighed, she was not in the mood for the other girls mind games 'I'm getting some water'

'You now what I mean…I…saw you with her last night' Naomi whispered her voice catching in her throat.

'Oh?' Emily replied trying to sound casual as she shrugged and continued to make her way across the park, pushing past the blonde and hoping Naomi chose not to follow.

Not giving up Naomi fell into step with the twin 'That's all you have to say? 'Oh' she's using you Emily you know that right? I mean for Christ sakes…she's Effy, how can you even think for a second that she could like you?'

'Right' Emily snapped spinning round to face the blonde, angry pulsing through her 'How could anyone possible like me? Shy, boring Emily…you know just because you like to fuck me around doesn't mean Effy does too'

'What?' Naomi shouted, scanning the passing faces to see if anyone was listening to them before dropping her voice to a harsh whisper 'I…I'm not…we're not…'

'I saw you last night too' the twin spat 'You don't want me I get it okay, you've made that perfectly clear time and time again-'

'And who says she wants you?' interrupted Naomi, pointing angrily in Effy's direction 'Stop kidding yourself Emily…you're just a game to her, it's Freddie she wants. Anyone can see that'

Flicking her eyes over towards the brunette Emily hesitated, sure Effy had reassured her but had she really made anything clear? Torn between the girl in front of her and the brunette in the distance Emily felt tears spring to her eyes, she was sick of feeling like a freak, that the girls she liked weren't like her that and that she was just a game to them. Taking a deep breath Emily willed herself to stay strong and to not let it show how much it tore her apart to feel so different.

'You have no right-'Emily tried fighting back the tears that threatened to fall 'You have not right to try and tell me who I can and can't see, you don't know anything about Effy'

Naomi sighed raking a hand through her short hair 'I just…I don't want to see you get hurt by her-'

'What?' Emily laughed bitterly, unable to process the words she was hearing 'And what about you? What about all the times you hurt me, where exactly was your compassion then?'

Stunned Emily stood staring at the girl in front of her, and watched as Naomi's words deserted her. Turning away she almost missed the whisper that came next.

'I…I never meant to hurt you' the blonde managed, her voice shaking 'Emily I-'

'Don't' the twin stated, keeping her back turned as she cut off the other girl.

'Emily please…' Naomi begged

'I said don't Naomi, I don't want to hear any more excuses okay…I'm tired of it, I'm just so tired of it'

Turning as the tears began to fall Emily kept her eyes cast down as she walked away from the other girl just willing her feet to carry her away anywhere else.