Hey guys! Once again, sorry for the wait. This chapter is really setting the stage for the long awaited confrontation between them so I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 6

Emily

I couldn't fall asleep this time, my mind racing. It didn't feel real, lying here with Alison in my arms. It was something I hadn't been able to do for three years, even though it occurred frequently in my dreams. I knew I had a long way to go with her. I had so much to explain, a whole other life to tell her about. I thought about that life less and less when I was with Ali. Everything in California was so… boring. Even when I met up with Paige again, everything felt wrong.

I'd been coaching at Stanford for a few months now, and the sting of my old life was starting to wear off. It was late, maybe nine or ten, and we had just won a big meet. All the girls went out to celebrate, but I didn't have the energy or the enthusiasm to join them. I put my earbuds in, turning my music up loud, and started walking back to my small apartment. It wasn't far from campus, which is why I picked it, and I had finally gotten past the paranoia that had gripped my for years after A. Tonight was a peaceful night, the air was crisp and the win had my spirits higher than usual. A hand fell on my shoulder, making me jump out of my skin. I whipped around, tearing my earbuds out and narrowing my eyes.

"Emily Fields?" A familiar voice said, a tall red-head stepping even closer than she already was.

"Paige..?" I tucked my phone and earbuds back into my pocket, looking at her. She had definitely grown up since senior year, her hair short and face much more chiseled.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were staying in Rosewood with Alison," she said, her eyes instantly diverting to my left hand. The sound of Alison's name cut deep into my heart.

"I uh, got an offer to coach at Stanford a few months ago and couldn't pass it up…" Her eyes travelled from my baren left hand to my eyes.

"Wow, I'm impressed. That's a big deal. I have to say, I'm surprised Alison isn't here with you," she continued. I flinched again, quickly shutting this down.

"Well, I ended things. I'm here by myself," I stated, trying not to show any emotion. "What have you been up to?" She seemed to get the message and didn't skip a beat.

"I'm the athletic director at Palo Alto High. It's been a lot of fun, pays well, guess I can't really complain," she said, a smirk playing on her lips. I smiled a bit, glad to have the company.

"Well, I was just heading home. We won the quarterfinal meet today," I continued, starting to walk again.

"Walking home? I never thought we'd be able to do that…" I chuckled.

"Yeah, that's one thing I don't miss about Rosewood. Paranoia seemed to follow me everywhere in that town," I murmured. "Want to walk with me?"

"Yeah, why not. I'll just call a cab home," she said through a smile. "Maybe we can catch up a bit more over a bottle of wine, if you're not too tired."

"That sounds nice," I said, a coy smile on my face.

We talked for hours until Paige fell asleep on my couch. I didn't wake her, just going to my room and closing the door. I envisioned a future with Paige, wondering what it would be like. With Alison, everything we did together was so full of love. Cooking, watching movies, going out on weekly dates, holding hands as we walked down the street. Those small, romantic gestures were things I couldn't imagine doing that with anyone else. But Paige was here, giving me a chance to forget about the horrible mistake I made a few months ago. So we started going on dates, watching movies, holding hands as she walked home with me from work. But nothing felt the same.

Thinking back on it now, I knew from that first meeting that I didn't love her. Even after months of dating, I couldn't reciprocate the feelings she had for me. So I started to fake it. For months that turned into years, I convinced myself and Paige that I loved her. It made everything easier, being in a relationship. It distracted me from the feelings I had for someone else, someone I had destroyed and left back in Rosewood.

Alison was still sleeping in my arms, my gray swim t-shirt hanging loosely on her body. It made me smile, seeing her wear my clothes again. She used to wear them to bed every night, claiming they were an extra layer of comfort. I kissed her head lightly again, sliding myself out from under her and heading down the stairs. I latched the door to her room closed, hoping she would sleep for a few more hours so I could clean up.

I started with the living room, picking up her mangled blue dress and tossing it in the large trash bag I was carrying with me. I then continued out to the front yard, pushing my shoes away to let the door swing open. I started to pick up the bigger pieces of glass and wood, trying not to cut myself. There were pictures of her and Jacob scattered along the grass, which I took the liberty of throwing away as well. Once I had picked up all the largest pieces, I threw the bag in the trash can on her curb before heading back through the wide open door. I found a dustpan and broom in her kitchen and went back outside, starting to sweep away the tiny glass fragments that covered the walkway. I got as much up as I could, and once it looked clean again, I headed back inside. My next task was to fix the door.

I wasn't the most handy person but I knew that Spencer and Toby still lived in Rosewood, so I snuck back upstairs to find Ali's phone. I had Toby's number, but my phone was now sitting in a million pieces in my trash can.

I looked around her room but couldn't find the phone anywhere, assuming that she left it downstairs before Jacob attacked her. So I hurried back to the living room, looking all around the kitchen and the couch. I found it tucked in between the cushions of the couch, the battery dead. I rushed to plug it in on the kitchen island, hoping it would at least turn on. I saw the screen turn white and grabbed it quickly, only to find a I needed the passcode. All I needed was four numbers.

I started to brainstorm important dates in Alison's life. I started with her birthday, June 23rd, 0623. That didn't work. Next, I tried the day we got engaged, September 18th, 0918. No luck. I even tried the day I left her, March 7th, 0307. Still, nothing. I had one more chance before I was locked out of the phone for at least 30 minutes, and I wanted this door fixed before Ali woke up. So, in a last ditch effort, I tried my birthday, November 19th, 1119. And to my surprise, it worked. I laughed to myself a bit, pulling the phone into my hands and bringing up Toby's contact. I hit the call button before I could second guess myself.

"Hello?" A raspy voice answered, one I hadn't heard in a long time.

"Uh, hey Toby, it's Emily… listen before you hang up, just hear me out," I pleaded, trying to keep this call going. I felt his hesitation through the line.

"Why are you calling me from Alison's phone… how do you even have it?" He seemed hostile, which didn't surprise me.

"I'm at her house right now. Her boyfriend Jacob freaked out on her when they broke up and ruined her front door. I wanted to have it fixed for her as soon as possible and my phone is broken…" I didn't know how to fully explain this without talking to him in person.

"This is insane, Alison would never let you into her house."

"Her door was wide open when I drove by and her yard was covered in glass and broken picture frames. I was concerned so I went to help her… listen, we can talk about this more when you get here. I just want this door fixed before she wakes up." There was silence on the other end for a few seconds.

"Yeah, fine, I'll be over in five," he grumbled, hanging up quickly. I set Alison's phone back on the counter, letting it charge while I waited for Toby. I decided to wait on the porch, allowing myself some fresh air. I sat for a few minutes until I saw Toby walking up with his tool belt secured around his waist.

"Thank you for coming, Toby…" I said, standing as he approached Alison's house. He had a small frown on his face, and I could see the confusion in his eyes.

"Yeah well, I'm here for Alison," he said, his eyes locked on mine. I looked at my feet before I continued.

"So uh, the doorknob fell off and the deadbolt cut into some of the wood… is there any way we can fix it without replacing the door entirely?"

"We should be able to. Just need a new deadbolt," he said, his tone relaxing a bit as he walked past me to the open door ahead. "And you said her boyfriend did this?"

"Yeah, he apparently slammed the door pretty hard. I already cleaned up all the glass but didn't know how to latch the door." Toby looked at me before starting to work.

"Why are you doing this for her? I mean, why even make an effort? You already destroyed her once," he said, his words sharp.

"Toby I… I regret leaving her. So much. And I already explained as much of it as I could to her, and I know I have a lot of work to do, but please, just hear me out…"

"Hear you out?" His voice was rising. "Spencer and I had to piece her back together for nearly a year and even after she met Jacob she still couldn't hear your name without cringing. You broke her, Emily, something I never thought you would do." I just stood there, at a loss for words. Tears started to find their way down my cheeks again, but I didn't care.

"I know. I don't deserve the kindness she's shown me, but I… I still love her. And she needs me right now, she's the one who asked me to stay. I just wanted her to wake up to a clean house." He simply nodded, looking back at the damage and pulling out the tools he needed. Without looking back at me, he continued.

"If you hurt her again…" I cut him off.

"I won't… I promise."

"She still loves you too, if that's any consolation. I just hope she makes you work for it," he sighed, picking up the doorknob and starting to screw it back in its place.

"I know. I don't expect anything from her… I just need her to know it wasn't her fault."

Toby kept working as I sat on the porch, both of us silent. It was better that way. I couldn't bear to hear the disappointment in his voice and I didn't have the right words to say to him right now. It wasn't long before he had finished putting the door back together and was gathering his tools.

"Toby?" He looked at me as he strapped the belt back on his waist. "Can we… meet for coffee sometime? Spencer can come too… actually I'd love if Spencer came," I said hesitantly.

"I uh… I can ask her. And Em? I believe you… what you said about not wanting to hurt Ali? About still loving her? I think after what A put us through, all of us can say we've done something similar." His small smile warmed me, making me think that it was possible to gain their trust again. I nodded and stepped towards him.

"Thanks… it means a lot." I hugged him quickly, glad I was one step closer to having a friend back.

"I'll call you about that coffee, on your phone this time?" He chuckled lightly, starting to walk down the steps. I chuckled to myself. I really did need to get a new phone.

"Yeah, that sounds great… thanks again, for the door." He nodded before turning and walking back down the street towards Spencer's house, where I guess he had moved in after the engagement. I smiled to myself, glad that I was able to get a second chance with two important people in my life. With the door fixed, I stepped back inside and latched it behind me, setting Ali's phone back on the charger. I went to sit on the couch. The past 24 hours seemed like a blur, everything my heart longed for the past 3 years coming true. I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep after a long morning.

Alison

I woke up for the second time that morning, but this time I was all alone in my childhood bed. Where was Emily? I remembered falling asleep against her and asking her to stay, so a slight anger started to boil within me when I couldn't find her in my room. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and forced myself to stand, taking the opportunity to throw on a pair of black sweatpants that were still left in my dresser. My head was still pounding, but this time I figured it was because of too much sleep. I headed downstairs quickly, hoping to at least find a note from Emily. After her explanation, I really felt that we could move on, even if we had to take things slow. I just wanted her back in my life, no matter how broken our past relationship was. I needed her, and last night I got the feeling she needed me.

I reached the kitchen and found my phone charging on the island. The first thing I noticed was Emily sleeping on the couch, her arms curled under her head. I smiled, glad she stuck around. Next, I saw the living room was clean and the door was latched shut, the door knob back in its rightful place. Emily's shoes were sitting next to the door instead of holding it shut. I was amazed at how quickly she was able to get this place cleaned up… at least I think she was the one to do it. Who else would have put my house back together in the past four hours? I peeked out the front window to find my yard completely devoid of glass, picture frames, and wood, which made me smile brighter. All evidence of Jacob's breakdown was gone, giving me a chance to finally breathe again.

I couldn't believe Emily was sleeping so soundly on my couch after cleaning my entire house and somehow fixing my door. It felt like a dream, seeing her lay there with a soft smile spread across her face and her hair falling over her shoulders. Seeing her like this took me back to when we first found out about the twins. She fell asleep in this exact spot, all of the emotions from that night flooding back to me.

"I'm pregnant," I whispered, facing away from her. Emily spun around and looked at me.

"What?" She acted as if she didn't hear me.

"I'm pregnant… I just… in there…" I sat on the small chest in front of my bed, Emily rushing to sit beside me and grab my hand.

"Are you sure?"

"There's two lines on the stick… I was waiting for one to disappear but it didn't," I stammered, my mind racing.

"Is it Archer's?"

"Of course! Who else could it be?" I paused, my entire body shaking. "Oh my god I can't believe this is happening… I thought we were careful. This isn't how I pictured starting a family," I mumbled.

"You don't have to make any decisions right now," she assured me, squeezing my hand lightly.

"I know, I just thought my mom would be here when this happened… at least I wouldn't be alone…"

"You're not alone," she said, her voice sharp. "I'm here, whatever you decide," Emily persisted, her eyes locked on mine. "Now come on, let's change into our pajamas and watch a movie, calm you down a bit."

So that's what we did. We grabbed a blanket and some popcorn and curled up on the couch, turning on an old film noir. But I couldn't shut my mind off, no matter how hard I tried. All I could think about was what having this kid would do to my future. Emily said she was here for me, but I still felt alone… and being alone was the last thing I wanted right now. So I kissed her. I figured this was the best way for me to keep her here. The kiss was light at first, but soon it became passionate and desperate. Emily pulled me into her arms, our lips still locked, her hands tangled in my light blonde hair. I fell asleep there next to her, her arms wrapped around my shoulders. I woke up the next morning to find her laying on my couch with a soft smile on her face, and I knew I had lied to myself. I didn't kiss her to get her to stay. I kissed her because I wanted to wake up to that soft smile for the rest of my life.

Seeing Emily asleep on my couch filled me with hope… and a bit of fear. I wanted to go back to where we were before all of this happened, but I had so many worries. What if she left again? How could she have done that to me? If she still loved me, why did she leave in the first place? I had so many questions, but I didn't want to wake her. So instead, I picked up my phone off the counter (Emily must have plugged it in) and headed outside to sit on my now clean porch, latching the door lightly behind me. I was dialing Spencer's number as I sat down on the front steps, leaning against the pillars.

"Hello?" The confident, sharp voice said.

"Hey, Spence," I responded, a smile on my face. It was so good to hear her voice… the past 24 hours felt like weeks.

"Hi Ali, what's up?" She sounded concerned.

"Well… how do I put this? Emily's here. She's asleep on my couch. She's been here since last night and uh, it's been nice," I said softly. Spencer sighed before she spoke.

"Yeah, Toby told me. Emily called him this morning asking for him to come fix your door." She didn't sound as furious as I was expecting.

"You don't seem that angry… are you ok? This is very unlike the Spencer Hastings I know."

"Ha ha Ali, very funny. And yeah, I was mad at first, but Toby told me she sounded really sincere. Plus, she came over and took care of you after… whatever Jacob put you through." I cringed a little bit at the mention of the event.

"I uh… yeah. I have to tell you about that, don't I."

"Oh 100%. But I'm glad she is helping you. I may not trust her, but if she's cleaning your house and making you feel safe then I can't be mad. Nervous, but not mad." I smiled again, glad I had a friend like Spencer in my life. It took us so long to get to this point, but I couldn't imagine my life without her in it.

"Thanks, Spence. It means a lot."

"That doesn't mean…" she started to say, her tone wary. I stopped her.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. That doesn't mean you condone any sort of relationship yet. I get it. I'm not even sure what Em and I are yet. I'm just glad she's here, and that's all I care about right now." The line was silent for a moment.

"Wow, I'm impressed. That was exactly what I was going to say," she said, sarcasm heavy in her words.

"Hey, that was pretty close. Don't discredit me," I retorted. I heard her chuckle lightly on the other end.

"Whatever. Just… be careful, ok? I don't want to have to piece you together again," she said seriously. Her protectiveness over me made me smile.

"You won't have to, I promise. Listen I should probably go, I don't want Em to freak out if she wakes up and I'm not there. Love you Spence," I said, standing up.

"Love you too, Ali," she replied. I ended the call and walked back inside quietly, trying not to wake the sleeping beauty on my couch. I sat down on the chair beside the sofa and knew we needed to have a conversation‒the conversation‒when she woke up, so I decided to organize my thoughts into specific questions and topics. I wrote them down on a new note in my phone, limiting myself to bullet points. Just as I finished jotting down a few ideas, I heard a soft sigh escape Emily's soft lips, smiling as her eyes lit up when they locked on mine. I turned off my phone and moved myself to the couch, lifting her legs and setting them on my lap so we could both fit. I patted her leg lightly before speaking.

"We need to talk."