A/N: Hello there, sorry for not updating for a while but I was called away on a family emergency and didn't have access to a computer (I know, how weird in this day and age?) But anyway here's chapter 4 and it's quite long so hopefully that makes up for the delay a bit.

I've now sketched out the remaining ideas/chapters for this story and it's got quite a few twists and turns in it so might be a bit more angst ridden than I originally intended but don't worry there'll be plenty of fluffiness too.

I'm broadly happy with this chapter but not 100% sure about the ending. Thank you for reading, alerting but especially reviewing, getting feedback is always great and the reviews really do make me very happy and spur me on so the more the merrier.

Hope you enjoy the update.

Naomi stared at the blank piece of paper in front of her.

"Dear Emily," she wrote and then scribbled it out before screwing the paper into a ball and wildly throwing it towards the waste bin. Like the many other bits of paper before this one, it missed totally and landed on the floor instead.

She sighed, this was going to be tougher than she thought, especially if she couldn't even get the first bit right.

"My Dearest Emily." She tried this time before screwing the paper up again and repeating the toss towards the bin. For fuck's sake, I'm supposed to be a 17 year old telling another 17 year old how I feel about them, not some Victorian spinster aunt talking about my invigorating travels around the spas of Europe, she thought.

There was a knock at the door and Effy entered with a bottle of vodka. She took in the scene around her. Although it was evident from the mess in the room she asked the question anyway,

"How's it going? I thought you might want a bit of Dutch courage." She said gesturing towards the bottle.

"Well as you can see Eff, it's going brilliantly. I can't even get past the first line, let alone actually talk about my feelings." Naomi replied sarcastically.

Effy handed her the vodka and picked up a few random pieces of paper before laughing, "Jesus Naomi 'Dear Emily Fitch' really? That's the best you can do?"

"Shut the fuck up, I'm trying. That's not even the worst one, there's a 'Ms Fitch' piece of paper amongst all that." Naomi responded taking a swig of the alcohol.

Effy smiled at her, "I can see I'm here in the nick of time then. What about the present?"

Naomi motioned towards the smallish book perched on top of her chest of drawers, "That's finished, it was pretty easy, well very easy compared to this."

Effy picked the book up and flicked through it, each page contained a photo and a caption or narrative underneath it. Most of the photos referred to significant firsts or events Naomi and Emily had shared while on holiday. There was a picture of a bruised foot accompanied by the caption "Our first contact" that made Effy laugh.

She reached one photo and studied it for a while before showing it to Naomi, "What on earth is that?"

Naomi smiled, "It's a toasted sandwich, each morning who ever got to the pool first would buy two toasties while they were waiting for the other, they helped clear up the hangover."

Effy continued to flick through the rest of the pictures, smiling as she went. She got to one particular photo and stopped. "Really?"

The blonde looked at the scene, it was a muddy alley way behind a building that looked like a shed or garage. Naomi nodded, "Yep, best sex of my life. We were in a bar having a drink after we'd eaten. We were just chatting away when suddenly Em looked at me and her pupils were so dilated her eyes were practically black. So I took her outside and led her into the shadows and we fucked against the wall. Emily was like a wild animal and I don't think I've ever been so turned on in my life, hence the caption."

Effy raised her eyebrow, "It turns out the quiet Fitch twin isn't as sweet and innocent as she makes out after all."

Naomi grinned at her, "Believe me Eff, she can be sweet but there is definitely nothing innocent about Emily Fitch."

Effy closed the book, "Right that's enough smut, you need to focus on your warm, fuzzy feelings and get this letter written. I'd suggest you get it done before you drink too much vodka as I'm not sure a piece of paper covered in tear stains with the words, 'I love you, you're my best mate you are' is going to cut the mustard."

"Hey, as if I'd write that, give me some credit." Naomi protested.

Effy snorted, "Well that's what you always end up saying to me when you get trashed."

"Fuck off, now are you going to help or not? I'm not sure a letter that reads more like a job application form is going to work either." Naomi said with a frown.

Effy took a deep breath, "You need to write it as if you were talking to her, there's no point her reading it if it doesn't sound like you saying it and it needs to come from the heart. Tell her how you felt when you first saw her, when she smiled at you, when you saw her again in the common room and tell her how sorry you are that you fought and lied about Cook."

Naomi nodded, "Thanks, I think I know what I want to say now."

The blonde smoothed out the next piece of paper and took a deep breath.

"Em,

This is not the easiest letter for me to write, as you soon discovered I am a bit of a basket case when it comes to understanding what I am thinking and feeling. But I need to tell you how I feel about what happened in Cyprus and more importantly how I feel about you..."

Effy watched in silence as Naomi wrote furiously for several pages, the writer's block seemingly gone.

Finally the blonde looked up, "All my love or just love Naomi?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "Which one is closest to how you feel?"

Naomi smiled before finishing the letter, "Do you want to read it?"

Effy looked horrified, "Jesus Naomi, of course not, it's private between you and Emily."

Naomi nodded before placing the letter in an envelope and sealing it, "No going back now. Let's hope it works."

"If you've been honest, I can't see how it can fail." Effy replied with an encouraging smile.

Emily blinked herself awake, she knew something had stirred her from her slumber but couldn't work out what it was. Suddenly she knew, Katie was bouncing on her bed and prodding her.

"Wake up, wake up. It's our birthday." Katie said in an excited voice.

"Fuck off Katie, I was asleep. What time is it anyway?" Emily replied wearily.

Katie tutted, "It's morning, who cares what time it is. 'Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday Katie and Emily, Happy Birthday to us'. Where's my present?"

Emily sighed realising it was futile to try to sleep anymore, "How old are you exactly?"

Katie grinned, "I'm 17 and 5 minutes older than you."

Emily rolled her eyes, "is there ever going to be a time when those 5 minutes don't count? We're twins, identical twins, made from the same egg splitting, you're not older than me, I just couldn't be arsed to compete with you to be born first."

Katie pushed her, "Why are you trying to spoil things? You've been a right miserable bitch ever since we started at Parkview. I thought you might fit in a bit more there. You seemed to be doing ok on your first day but ever since you've been a moody cow."

Emily sighed, "Yeah well, having Melissa following me everywhere hasn't helped."

Katie scoffed, "The sooner she gets the message you couldn't give a fuck the better. Why did she transfer anyway?"

"Apparently she now realises I'm 'the one' and wants me back." Emily said with a frown.

Katie shook her head, "anyway that's enough about the stalker bitch, who have you invited to the pub tonight?"

Emily shrugged, "JJ, Effy, Panda and Panda's crush Tommo."

"For fuck's sake Em, mong boy, total bitch, away with the fairies and I suppose he's fit. What a bunch of losers." Katie said with a sneer as she counted them off on her fingers.

Emily got annoyed, "Fine Ms popular, who have you invited?"

Katie smiled, "pretty much all of the people worth knowing. Most of the football team, and the rugby team, all of their groupies and Freddie with his mate Cook."

Emily's heartbeat increased, she wanted to ask the question but without it seeming obvious, "Will Cook be bringing Naomi with him?"

"What Head Girl, control freak, stick up my arse, Naomi?" Katie replied.

Emily nodded, "Yeah, that Naomi, his girlfriend."

Katie snorted, "I suppose so but I don't really get why they're even together, she's such an uptight bitch."

Emily closed her eyes and breathed deeply, try to stay calm and not arouse Katie's suspicion she thought before turning back to her twin.

"I think she's probably a lot more fun when you get to know her." Emily responded.

Katie laughed, "Yeah right, if you ever get to know her. From what I've heard she rarely makes any friends, Cook and Effy are about the only two real mates she has, everyone else is just an acquaintance. Jesus Em, she makes you look sociable."

Emily decided to change the subject, she reached down to her bedside table and brought out a present, "here you go, Happy Birthday sis."

Katie clapped her hands, "goody, I love gifts." She tore open the wrapping and opened the box inside, it was a chain and pendant with their birthstone in it. Wow Em, that's really nice. Here's yours."

Emily took the parcel, knowing it would be a book, Katie always got her a book. She tore the wrapping off and it revealed a copy of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Attwood. "Thanks Katie, it's one of my set texts."

Katie nodded, "I know, how thoughtful am I?"

Emily smiled, "Thanks, it's really kind." She didn't have the heart to tell her twin that she'd already bought and read all of the set texts she'd need for this year.

Katie glanced at the clock, "Got to get ready for school, it takes time to look this hot."

Emily watched her twin bound off to the shower and she collapsed back onto her bed. Her mind was spinning. She hadn't really seen Naomi since they fought in the library, she had a strong suspicion the blonde was avoiding her. Occasionally she'd noticed her staring but as soon as she'd looked back Naomi had broken eye contact and disappeared somewhere. As much as she tried to deny it, Emily was hoping Naomi would be at the pub tonight, she hated the fact they were so distant. She knew Katie's opinion was one that was shared by many at Parkview, Naomi was cold, a control freak and a bit uptight. But she knew differently, the Naomi she'd met in Cyprus was warm, passionate and caring. Emily smiled as the memories that were always so close to the surface of her brain came flooding back.

She's definitely not uptight in any way, shape or form either thought Emily as she allowed her mind to be filled with images of the blonde. She could feel her colour rising as the mental pictures became more explicit but her blush was accompanied by the stirrings of arousal between her legs. The redhead listened to make sure Katie was still in the bathroom , she could hear her twin singing at the top of her voice.

She's going to be at least another quarter of an hour, that gives me plenty of time Emily thought before she moved her hand slowly down her body, imagining it was Naomi touching her. She finally reached her destination and smiled as she closed her eyes. It's time to give myself a special birthday present, she thought as her breathing became shallow and she totally immersed herself in memories of the blonde and Cyprus.

Effy looked around the common room and noticed Naomi pacing straight away. She walked up to her friend and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Everything ok?" she asked gently.

Naomi shook her head, "I'm nervous as hell Eff, what if she laughs at me or gets angry again?"

Effy smiled, "Look we've talked about this, you need to get her on her own and then give her the present and letter. That way no matter what her reaction is no one else will see it."

Naomi tutted, "I know that's the plan but she never seems to be on her own. She's always with Katie or being followed around by that stupid girl who looks like a fucking leprechaun."

"Yeah about that, her name's Melissa and she was at Kingsmead. She was supposed to transfer somewhere else but changed her mind over the summer." The brunette stopped as she saw a frown form on Naomi's face. "What's up?"

"I hate her even more now. She's Emily's ex, they went out for six months and all that time she was screwing someone else. But she is the reason Em was in Cyprus in the first place, so I suppose I have something to thank her for." Naomi said with a scowl.

Effy tried to hide her smile, it always amused her when Naomi got jealous. Well one thing's for sure Melissa better have a thick skin as Naomi is going to make her life hell Effy thought. She reached into her bag and removed a piece of paper before handing it to the blonde. "Here's the other thing you asked for."

Naomi took the paper and looked at the number scribbled on it, "Thanks Eff, at least now I can send Emily a text to see if she'll meet me. Where did you get it?"

Effy shrugged, "I asked Katie, that's how I know about Melissa although she didn't mention that she and Emily had history."

"Katie wasn't suspicious was she, I mean she didn't know it was for me?" Naomi enquired with a worried look.

"I didn't mention you at all, I said Emily had given me her number but I'd lost it so needed it again so I could get the final arrangements for the pub tonight. You are coming aren't you?" Effy said.

Naomi shrugged, "Technically I haven't been invited by either of them."

Effy gave a snort of laughter, "So what, Cook has and they both think you two are an item, I'm sure Emily is expecting you."

"Maybe, but it feels a bit weird gate crashing on the back of an invite issued to my ex-boyfriend who they think is my current boyfriend. Besides we don't know yet what Emily's reaction to the letter will be, I'm definitely not going if she laughs in my face." Naomi said matter of factly.

Effy nudged her friend, "Well you'd better send Emily a text and arrange to meet her so you can find out. I need to know if my wing woman is going to be there tonight otherwise I need to make contingency plans."

Naomi smiled nervously at the brunette before putting the number into her phone. She sighed and bit her lip, what was she going to say to Emily? The words and tone she used were important, they could be the difference between the redhead agreeing to meet her or not. She pondered her options carefully for a few minutes, ignoring the tapping foot of the increasingly impatient Effy to her side.

Oh fuck it, she thought finally, honesty has got to be the best policy.

Emily sighed as she finally came to a rest. She had been avoiding Melissa all morning but the dark haired girl had continued to look for her and Emily was running out of places to hide. She knew there would be some sort of attempt from Melissa to use her birthday as an excuse to persuade her they needed to be together. Emily laughed bitterly again at the sheer irony of the situation, she didn't want Melissa, all she wanted was to speak to Naomi. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her phone beeping. She looked at the display and was surprised when a number but no name came up. Her initial thought was that somehow Melissa had managed to get her new number from Katie but she dismissed that, Katie could be a cow at times but she hated Melissa and wouldn't want to encourage her. She nearly didn't open the message, she hated getting anonymous texts or calls, but something made her look. She gasped in surprise as she read the words and realised who it was from.

"Hi Emily. It's Naomi. Effy got your number from Katie, I hope you don't mind. I feel really bad about us fighting the other day, I've been trying to apologise but you never seem to be alone. Would you meet me in the reading room at 3? The library should be quiet and maybe we can talk then? Oh and I have a present for you, Happy Birthday by the way. N x"

Emily checked her watch, it was only 12.30. She sighed, Naomi had remembered her birthday and bought her a present. She wanted to see the blonde but was still undecided if she should just go running when Naomi clicked her fingers.

Emily shook her head, "Yeah right, like I'm not going to say yes." She quietly muttered to herself. As soon as she had seen who the text was from her heart had begun to race; there was only going to be one answer to Naomi's request, no matter how much the redhead tried to fool herself she hadn't made up her mind. She pressed the reply button and kept the message short and direct.

"Naomi, yes I shall meet you at 3 in the library, I'd like us to talk too. Emily."

She knew it sounded cold and a bit pompous but she didn't care. Naomi had asked her to meet up and she'd agreed. It wouldn't do any harm to make the blonde think she was detached about it. Only Emily had to know how nervous she felt and that there were a million butterflies fluttering around in her stomach right now. Her phone beeped again making her jump.

"That's great, thanks for agreeing. I'll see you this afternoon and I'll try not to be late this time. N x"

Emily smiled as she read the reply. How the hell was she going to last until 3 and more importantly how was she going to sneak off without Melissa following her? Suddenly she had an idea, Effy would know what to do. She nodded her head and went off in search of the brunette who would help solve her little dilemma for her.

Naomi checked her watch for the millionth time before sighing again. She had promised Emily she wouldn't be late but she hadn't expected the redhead to keep her waiting.

Maybe she's not coming, she thought as a worried look appeared on her face, maybe it was a joke and Emily had never intended to meet her at all.

She shook herself, the redhead wasn't like that, she wouldn't be so cruel. She checked the time again, "Will you stop looking at your fucking watch, the time is five seconds later than the last time you checked. It won't make her appear any quicker." She scolded herself.

She looked at the gift wrapped present on the table, it had seemed like a good idea at the time but now she was nervous. What if Emily didn't like it or worse thought she was an idiot for doing it? Naomi sighed and reached into her bag to check the letter was still there. She was far more nervous about that, she had basically poured her heart out onto the pages, what if Emily was coming to talk about the fact that they should remember Cyprus for it for what it was – a holiday fling. She flinched as a pain shot across her chest when she thought of the redhead uttering those words.

She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of the door opening and the redhead dashed in before quickly closing it behind her. Emily was out of breath and she put her finger to her lips ordering the blonde to be quiet. After about half a minute she finally spoke, "Phew, I think I managed to lose her."

"Lose who?" Naomi asked with a frown.

Emily rolled her eyes, "Melissa, she's been following me around all week doing her best puppy dog impression trying to persuade me we need to get back together."

Naomi's eyes narrowed as the stab of jealousy coursed through her, maybe it was already too late. But if that was the case why was Emily hiding from her and why had she agreed to meet Naomi.

"So you don't want to? Get back with her I mean?" Naomi asked tentatively.

Emily snorted, "No fucking way. She cheated on me and now because this Donna has done the same to her she's suddenly decided she was mean to me. I'm not that desperate, I mean who goes back to someone who has cheated on them, it's pathetic."

Emily stopped abruptly, realising that she has just described the blonde as desperate, "I mean most of the time it's wrong but I didn't mean to say you were pathetic. It's different with Cook..."

Naomi sighed, "It's ok, you're right it is pretty dumb behaviour. I wanted to talk to you about that actually but we can do that later." She picked up the present and handed it to the redhead, "But first 'Happy Birthday Emily', I hope you like it."

Emily smiled shyly at her, "Thanks, I'm sure it will be lovely. I'm impressed you even remembered."

Naomi shrugged, "I remember lots of things about you."

The redhead turned the present around in her hands a few times, "Are you coming to the pub tonight?"

Again Naomi shrugged, "I wasn't sure I'd be welcome, I mean I haven't actually been invited by you or Katie."

"Well consider this an official invite, I'd like it if you were there." Emily replied.

"Ok, then I'd love to come. Are you sure Katie won't mind? I don't think she likes me that much." Naomi responded.

Emily snorted, "Katie doesn't like strong females, she always wants to be top dog. Jesus, why do you think I'm so reserved and quiet?"

"You're not always reserved, or in fact quiet." Naomi said with a smirk.

Emily studied the present in her hands, trying desperately not to blush too much, "So what is it then?"

Naomi laughed, "You can find that out if you open it. It's not a new concept with presents, it's quite tried and tested, I am assuming you've celebrated your birthday before?"

Emily tutted as she sat down next to the blonde, she looked up and smiled, "I really wasn't expecting anything, it's very thoughtful of you."

Naomi watched as Emily carefully opened one of the ends of the present and had to stop herself reaching out and tearing the paper off. The redhead sensed Naomi's impatience and this knowledge made her go even more slowly.

"Oh for fuck's sake Em, open the damn thing." Naomi said getting annoyed.

Emily looked at the blonde, "It's funny, I seem to remember you liked to be teased when we were in Cyprus."

It was now Naomi's turn to blush, "Not all the time, sometimes I like instant gratification."

Emily smiled as she slid the book out of the paper, "I have fond memories of that too."

Naomi coughed, she didn't want to look directly at the redhead in case her eyes gave away the nature of the thoughts she was currently having, "So open it properly then, see what's inside."

Emily stared at the book in front of her, she had no idea what it was but it was obviously something Naomi had made for her. The simple fact that the blonde had taken the time and effort to make her a present meant Emily knew she was going to love it. Slowly she opened the front cover and read the message inside.

"This is to remind you of the great time we had in Cyprus and to let you know how special it was to me. N x"

The redhead turned to Naomi with a puzzled look, "I still don't get what it is."

Naomi rolled her eyes, "Jesus Emily, open it and you'll find out."

Emily did as she was told and opened the book at the first entry, she began to laugh as she saw the picture of the foot and read the caption. She continued to leaf through the book pausing at various pages to laugh, sigh or in some cases gasp until she got to the end.

When she looked up at Naomi her eyes were shining. "Thank you so much, no one has ever made me anything for my birthday before. It's beautiful."

Naomi smiled shyly, "So are you."

Suddenly the atmosphere in the room changed, the air became charged as they both realised how close they were sitting to each other. Emily reached over and stroked the blonde's cheek, "It was special to me too."

Naomi closed her eyes slightly as she enjoyed the feel of the redhead's touch on her skin, she felt Emily move her hand and the redhead's thumb gently traced a line across her lips. She gently kissed Emily's hand and when she opened her eyes again Emily was staring at her intensely. The redhead moved her thumb and they both leaned towards each other, never breaking eye contact.

Suddenly they were interrupted as Melissa burst into the room, "There you are Em, I've been looking all over for you trying to give you your present."

They sprang apart as if they had been hit by a bolt of lightning. Emily quickly put the book in her bag and was relieved when the dark haired girl seemed to be distracted enough not to have noticed.

Naomi coughed, "Right, I'm glad your first week here seems to be going well, but as I said if you need anything just let me know. I should be going."

Emily watched as the blonde picked up her bag and walked out of the room. She followed her out to the main library, "Naomi, there's no need to leave."

Naomi turned to her, "It's fine, I'll see you at the pub later. Happy Birthday again by the way."

Emily watched her go before turning round to her ex-girlfriend, "Didn't it ever occur to you that maybe you couldn't find me because I didn't want you to?"

Melissa smiled, "Come on Ems, don't be like that. You know we're going to end up together. Why do you keep fighting it?"

Emily grew exasperated, "Melissa, we're not getting back together. Why did you have to barge in like that, you could see I was in the middle of something."

Melissa laughed, "You were having some lame talk with the boring, stuck up Head Girl about how you're settling in, I figured you'd want to be interrupted, especially to get a present."

Emily sighed resigning herself to the fact that her moment with Naomi was gone and that the best way to get her ex off her back was to get the stupid present.

"Fine, what is this fantastic gift then?" Emily asked.

Melissa smiled and winked at her, "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist, come here and I'll give it to you."

Meanwhile out in the corridor Naomi was leaning against the wall, trying to gather her thoughts.

We nearly kissed then, she said Cyprus was special to her too and then we were about to kiss, the blonde thought before getting annoyed, yeah until that stupid pixie burst in and interrupted.

Naomi groaned, she'd told Emily she was beautiful. Well I wanted to be honest so why not tell her she's beautiful, it's the truth.

Naomi looked down at her bag and saw the letter poking out of the top. Shit, she hadn't given it to Emily. Ok so she'd delivered the present which partly showed the redhead how she felt but the real purpose of the meeting was to give her the letter which would leave Emily in no doubt how she felt about her. The blonde sighed, maybe she'd get a chance later at the pub.

She began to walk away until she shook herself. I'm the fucking Head Girl, I own this school. What right does she have to burst in to a room where I am talking to her ex-girlfriend and almost force me to leave? Cheeky bitch, Em told me she wasn't interested in getting back together with her. She should respect that and piss off. She had her chance and she blew it.

Naomi sighed, she didn't think she'd read the signs wrong, she was pretty sure Emily would have kissed her back if she'd instigated it. She had arranged the meeting to give the redhead her letter and she was buggered if Melissa was going to spoil that. She quickly turned around and made her way back to the library.

Let's see how she likes detention for a week, she thought with a smile thinking of as many spurious reasons she could use to punish the dark haired girl as possible.

She reached the library door and pushed it open, she went to move into the room and looked up to see if Emily was still there. The sight she was greeted with caused her to stop dead in her tracks. Melissa and Emily were in the main library, against one of the book shelves. The dark haired girl had her hands resting on Emily's shoulders and they were kissing, not a friendly peck type of kiss either, this was a full on I want to fuck you type of kiss. Naomi's hand went to her mouth as she gasped at the scene. She backed out of the library and walked down the corridor to the girl's toilet.

Once she was inside she splashed her face with cold water, her hands were shaking and she slowly looked up at her reflection. How could I have been so stupid and read things so wrong? she thought sadly as she stared at herself in the mirror. She reached into her bag and pulled out the letter.

"Well I don't need this now do I?" she said to the room as she slowly tore the letter into tiny pieces and flushed it down the toilet.

Emily made her way home after school, she had tried to find Naomi once she'd managed to get rid of Melissa but the blonde had disappeared without a trace. It didn't matter, she'd see her at the pub later and the thought made her smile.

She was startled as an arm linked through hers, she initially thought it was Naomi so she couldn't hide her disappointment when she turned to face Effy, "Oh hi, I thought you were someone else."

The brunette laughed, "Wow, thanks very much Emily. That is possibly the worst greeting I've ever received."

Emily smiled, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

Effy raised her eyebrow, "Hoping it would be someone a bit more blonde than me eh?"

Emily nodded, "We met up in the library earlier but were interrupted by fucking Melissa."

"Yeah, sorry about that. I honestly only took my eyes off her for a second but it was enough for her to escape." Effy apologised. "So did you get your present before the evil pixie descended?"

Emily burst out laughing, "That's a very apt description, did you come up with it?"

Effy shook her head, "No, you have Naomi to thank for that. She's actually quite witty when she's jealous."

"Naomi's jealous of Melissa?" Emily asked tentatively.

Effy snorted, "Green with envy, can't stand the thought of her with you."

Emily tutted, "It's a good job she didn't stay in the library this afternoon then. Can you believe Melissa had the audacity to kiss me in public and pretend it was a birthday present?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "Is she really that dense? So what happened?"

Emily shrugged, "It took me by surprise at first but as soon as I realised what she was doing I pushed her away. The fact that all I could think about was Naomi didn't help either, I think we were about to kiss before Melissa burst in. I was livid."

"Ah well, hopefully she'll get the message this time. Anyway you didn't answer me, did you like your present?" Effy asked again.

Emily nodded, her eyes bright, "It's amazing, both the present itself and the fact that Naomi went to all that trouble in the first place."

Effy laughed, "God if you think she put a lot of effort into the present you should have seen her when she was trying to write the letter, it was agonising to watch."

Emily stopped, "What letter?"

Effy stared at her, "Didn't Naomi give you a letter as well as your present?"

Emily shook her head, "I sort of got the feeling there was something else she wanted to say but Melissa burst in and ruined everything. What did the letter say?"

Effy shrugged, "I don't know, I've obviously got my wires crossed somewhere. Just forget I said anything. Well this is me, so I'll see you at the pub later."

Emily nodded as she carried on her journey, "Great, we'll be there from 8 o'clock onwards."

Effy watched the redhead disappear from view. Right I need to get ready fast and go over to Naomi's to find out what went wrong.

Gina opened the door with a smile, "Hello Effy love, you look nice, are you going somewhere?"

Effy nodded as she entered the house, "Thanks Mrs C. Yeah we're off to the pub to celebrate someone's birthday. Actually it's two people's birthday, they're twins. Didn't Naomi tell you?"

Gina snorted, "Naomi doesn't tell me anything these days. In any case are you sure she's going because she stormed straight up to her room when she got in from school. She's been in a foul mood this past week, all I get are grunts."

Effy smiled, "She'll tell you what's going on when she's ready. I'll go and rouse her."

The brunette walked upstairs and knocked on Naomi's door before entering. The blonde was lying on her bed facing away from the door and she was still in her school uniform.

"I told you to leave me alone Mum, I've had a shit day and no, I don't want to talk about it." Naomi said.

Effy sat on the bed, "Good job I'm not Gina then. Come on you need to get ready if we're going to get to the pub for 8."

"I'm not going." Naomi replied sulkily.

Effy turned her best friend towards her, she could tell Naomi had been crying. "Yes. You. Are."

Naomi scowled, "Am not."

Effy sighed, "For fuck's sake Naoms, how old are you? What's wrong? I thought you'd jump at the chance to spend some time with Emily, she loved her present by the way."

Naomi frowned, "Yeah? She loved it so much that it sent her running straight back into the arms of her ex-girlfriend."

"No it didn't, Emily thinks Melissa is a bunny boiler." Effy said simply.

Naomi shook her head, "Really? She didn't seem to think that when she had her tongue shoved down her throat in the library."

Effy paused, suddenly understanding why the blonde was upset, "You saw Melissa kissing Emily, that's why you didn't give her the letter?"

Naomi sat up, "It's a bloody good job I didn't, they'd probably both be having a good laugh about it if I had."

"No they wouldn't. Emily isn't back with Melissa, it's you she wants." Effy said gently.

Naomi snorted, "I know what I saw Eff, Emily certainly wasn't complaining."

Effy changed tactics slightly, "Ok so you saw them kissing, but what was Emily doing?"

Naomi gave her an anguished look, "Effy, I really don't want to keep picturing it ok?"

Effy sighed, "Please just once more, really think about the way Emily was standing and what she was doing."

Naomi paused, she recalled the mental image from the library. Melissa was touching the redhead and leaning in towards her, the memory caused Naomi's fists to curl into tight balls. She sighed and tried to remember what Emily had been doing. Her brow furrowed, now she thought about it both of Emily's arms were by her side, in fact the whole of Emily's body was backing into the bookcase. She didn't really look like someone who was enjoying being kissed.

Effy sensed Naomi's subtle mood change, "Now think about how Emily acted when you nearly kissed in the reading room."

Naomi looked startled, "How do you know about that?"

"Emily told me, so how did she behave?" Effy prompted.

Again the blonde recalled the memory. Her breathing slowed as she remembered the redhead stroking her cheek and running her thumb across her lips. Emily's mouth had been slightly open and she'd maintained eye contact as she moved towards Naomi. They were definitely about to kiss and Emily wanted it to happen as much as she did.

Effy smiled, "So are we going to the pub?"

Naomi nodded, "I suppose so."

"Good, honestly you are as bad as each other. Now you'll be able to give her the letter tonight." Effy said shoving the blonde.

Naomi looked sheepish, "I tore it up and flushed it down the loo."

Effy sighed, "For God's sake Naomi, when are you going to stop being so fucking stroppy?"

"What? I was upset because I thought she wanted to be with Melissa." Naomi replied, "now are you going to help me pick out something to wear?"

When is she going to grow up? Effy thought for the millionth time as she walked over to Naomi's wardrobe and started to rifle through her clothes.

Later that night Naomi and Effy walked into the pub, it was already pretty busy and the DJ had started his first set. In the end the blonde had settled on her favourite pair of jeans and a tight t-shirt finished off with a battered pair of converse. Unbeknown to Effy it was the same outfit she's been wearing the first night she and Emily had properly slept together in Cyprus. She didn't expect the redhead to remember but she knew she looked good.

Effy went to the bar to get them both a drink. Naomi's eyes scanned the room searching for Emily and she grimaced as she saw what the redhead was wearing. She had on a short, tight black skirt and a leopard print top with a pair of tarty looking heels.

Suddenly a husky voice interrupted her thoughts. "Another fine demonstration of the main differences between so called identical twins."

She turned to see Emily standing beside her, she was wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a check shirt which Naomi recognised as the one the redhead had been wearing on the same night in Cyprus. She blushed slightly as she remembered slowly removing it from Emily's body and kissing the skin underneath.

Emily laughed, "You look relieved that's Katie and not me."

Naomi smiled, "Sorry was it that obvious?"

The redhead nodded, "I see we both went for far more meaningful outfits instead, yours still looks as good on you as it did that night in Cyprus."

Naomi smiled again, "I wasn't sure you'd remember, given how much of the night it spend on the floor."

Emily coughed and looked back at her twin, "Her attire is not far off the outfit Katie wanted me to wear, she's into this whole 'identical twins, identical clothes' thing, but I put my foot down. She only does it so people can compare us and decide she's better looking."

Naomi stared at her, "I'm not sure that's the conclusion I'd reach."

Emily was relieved when Effy came back carrying two glasses, "Hey Emily how are you enjoying the party so far? I see Katie is already making her presence known."

They looked over to the other side of the pub where Katie had started to dance with the captain of the football team, she was whispering something into his ear while grinding her body against him.

Emily sighed, she really hoped Katie was going to behave tonight. Suddenly she heard Naomi squeal as she was picked up and twirled in the air.

"Naomikins, looking hot tonight babe." Cook said kissing her on the lips.

Emily felt herself bristle at the display of affection, she obviously knew who Cook was but she'd never really spoken to him.

Naomi pushed him away, "Fuck off Cook, I always look hot."

Cook grinned at her before looking at Emily, "I've seen you around red but I don't think we've been formally introduced. I'm Cook, Parkview legend and I'm guessing from the shirt you're the lezza twin."

Emily scowled at him, "No shit Sherlock. I suppose the fact that the 'slapper twin' is practically fucking a guy on the dance floor might have also given you a clue."

Cook burst out laughing, "I suppose that could have been a giveaway too."

Naomi rolled her eyes, "Cook meet Emily, who describes herself as the quiet twin but we prefer to think of her as the nice one."

Cook leaned in towards Emily, "Anytime you want a threesome I'm your man, girl on girl action is definitely something I'm into."

Effy watched as both Emily and Naomi shifted uncomfortably, "Oh look isn't that Freds calling you over?"

Cook looked to where she was pointing, "The Cookie monster is in demand tonight, let's go fuckin' mental."

"Sorry about him, he's a bit of an acquired taste." Naomi said apologetically to Emily after Cook left.

"Well at least now I can see the attraction," Emily responded sarcastically, barely hiding her jealousy.

Naomi shrugged, "Like I said he's ok once you get to know him."

Emily sneered at her, "Well maybe I should take him up on his offer. Let's face it I've already fucked his girlfriend plenty of times, why not let him watch and join in?"

"Em, don't..." Naomi started but Emily had already turned and walked off.

Naomi went to follow her but Effy placed a restraining hand on her arm, "Let her go, she's bound to be upset. You should tell her the truth."

Naomi shook her head, "Why should I? She's the one who keeps getting annoyed with me. I don't owe her any explanations."

Effy sighed, she was right earlier they were both as stubborn as each other. "Let's go and get another drink" she said wearily, it was going to be a long night.

Naomi stood at the bar nursing her vodka, she glanced over to the other side of the pub and snorted.

"What now?" Effy asked exasperatedly.

"She's just touched her arm again." Naomi said glaring.

Effy turned around to look, "Naomi, I've already told you it's all Melissa, Emily isn't interested."

"So why is she all over her like a rash then?" Naomi asked.

Effy sighed, they had been having the same conversation for the last hour. Naomi had been staring over to where the redhead was sitting with her ex and providing a running commentary on every little touch or gesture that had taken place between the two. Effy thought Emily was doing it to make Naomi jealous, but kept that thought to herself as the blonde was already on the verge of exploding.

"You know what I'm sick of this, I don't go out on a Friday night to babysit you. I was hoping to pull tonight but you've been worse than useless." Effy said with a frown.

Naomi scoffed, "Oh I'm sorry if I'm cramping your style, I thought you were my friend, you're supposed to be helping."

Effy grabbed her by the arm, "Right if it's help you want, then it's help you're going to get."

Naomi tried to pull away, "What the fuck are you doing?"

Effy rolled her eyes, "We're going to join them."

"No fucking way Eff, I'm not going over there." Naomi protested, but the brunette had already dragged her to the table.

"Hi do you mind if we join you for a bit?" Effy asked with a smile.

Melissa smiled sweetly, "Actually this is a private conversation."

Despite her reluctance to go over the dark haired girl's comment irritated Naomi and made her determined to sit down, "Oh I'm sure Emily won't mind, after all you have been monopolising her for a while now and she is the birthday girl."

They sat down and the blonde stuck out her hand, "I don't think we've met properly, I'm Naomi and this is Effy."

Melissa took the hand, "I know who you both are, I'm Melissa, Emily's girlfriend."

Emily sighed, "Ex-girlfriend, get the tense right Melissa."

"Ok ex-girlfriend... for now" Melissa said with a wink.

Naomi smiled and looked pointedly at the redhead "So you're hoping to get back together?"

Melissa nodded as Emily shook her head.

"Ah we seem to have a difference of opinion here, so which one is it?" Naomi asked.

Melissa narrowed her eyes, "Sorry, but what has any of this got to do with you? I mean I know you're Head Girl but you seem to be taking quite a lot of interest in Emily's business, what with your cosy chats in the library and stream of questions in the pub."

Naomi shrugged, "Like you say I'm Head Girl, part of my role is to take an interest in the pupils at Parkview, especially those that are new."

Melissa eyed her suspiciously, "Well how come you haven't spoken to me since I've arrived then?"

"Why don't I go and get us all a drink?" Emily ventured in an attempt to change the topic of conversation.

"Don't worry, I'll go. Melissa what can I get you?" the blonde asked.

Melissa shrugged, "Whisky and coke please."

Naomi got up and went to the bar.

The dark haired girl watched her, "How fucking rude is she? She didn't even ask what you wanted Ems."

The blonde returned carrying five glasses, "Here we go. One whisky and coke for Melissa, a JD for Effy, vodka for me and a vodka and coke for Emily, followed by a glass of water."

Melissa looked puzzled. Luckily Effy stepped in, "I bought a round earlier, Naomi must have remembered what Emily was drinking from then right Naoms?"

Shit, shit, shit Naomi thought, I didn't ask Emily what she wanted, I just bought it automatically. Thank fuck Effy's on the ball. "Er, yeah that must be it. I have a very good memory for things like that."

They sat awkwardly sipping their drinks until Melissa broke the silence, "So what were you discussing in the library this afternoon?"

"I'm not really sure what business of yours that is, now who's prying? " Naomi said with an innocent smile.

"Actually if you must know Melissa we were talking about studying together as we're both taking History and French." Emily answered with a sigh.

"Even more cosy than I thought" Melissa replied cattily.

Naomi and Melissa continued to snipe at each other and trade insults, neither one of them missing the opportunity to put the other down, all the time smiling falsely at each other. Effy tried to diffuse the situation as much as possible but in the end even she ran out of patience and rolled her eyes at Emily.

Emily groaned inwardly, this was all she needed Naomi squaring up to Melissa, she'd never get her ex off her back if she thought there was competition for her attention. "Naomi can I have a word with you in private please?"

"Of course," the blonde said smiling at Melissa, "excuse us for a minute."

Naomi followed Emily into the ladies toilet. The redhead checked there was no one else in the bathroom before turning angrily to the blonde, "Just what the fuck do you think you're playing at?"

Naomi held her hands up, "What do you mean? I'm not playing at anything."

"Oh don't come the innocent with me Naomi, I've seen you like this before, remember Abi?" Emily spat at her.

"You've been trying to get away from her all week, I thought you'd appreciate the interruption." Naomi responded.

Emily raised her eyebrow, "I'm not stupid, I could see you glaring at us from the bar. Why don't you admit you're jealous?"

Naomi spluttered, "Why would I do that, I'm not jealous, I'm trying to help."

"Yeah right, how very selfless of you. If you want to help, you can let me make my own decisions about who I spend time with." Emily stated.

Naomi snorted, "I knew it, you want to get back together with her don't you?"

Emily raised her eyes towards the ceiling, "So what if I do? It's got nothing to do with you."

"Obviously not, do whatever you want, it's your funeral. I knew you wanted her back, that's why I tore up the letter..." Naomi stopped abruptly.

Emily sighed, "What's the big deal with this letter? Effy mentioned it earlier."

Naomi blushed, "It doesn't matter, it wasn't important."

Emily stared at her, "Well it obviously was otherwise people wouldn't keep banging on about it."

Naomi grew angry, "I wrote you a fucking letter to tell you how I feel about you but then I saw you kissing the poison dwarf in the library so I didn't see any point in giving it to you."

Emily looked shocked, "You saw us in the library?"

Naomi snorted, "Yeah, I came back to give you the letter and there you were bold as brass practically fucking against the bookcase."

"We were not 'practically fucking.' She kissed me, I pushed her away as soon as the shock wore off." Emily insisted.

Naomi shrugged, "Yeah, well you didn't seem to mind from where I was standing. Actually it made me glad Melissa interrupted us and stopped me making a fool of myself by kissing you."

"I wanted you to kiss me, I wanted to kiss you and I would have if Melissa hadn't interrupted. What did it say, the letter I mean?" Emily asked quietly.

"What does it matter? You've made your feelings perfectly clear." Naomi responded.

Now it was Emily turn to get angry, "Yes, I think I have made my feelings clear. I don't want Melissa, I didn't want her to kiss me. I wanted you to kiss me. For fuck's sake Naomi, not sure how much more I can do or say to spell it out for you, why don't you grow a pair and just tell me how you feel?"

Naomi crossed the room and cupped Emily's face in her hands before she covered the redhead's mouth with her own. She poured everything she was feeling into the kiss. All the memories of Cyprus, the longing of her daydreams, her happiness at seeing the redhead on the first day of term and the upset she felt when they fought. It started tentatively as the confusion and doubt flowed between them, this was replaced by passion and want as the kiss intensified, finally it became gentle and tender before the blonde pulled away and stared deeply into Emily's eyes.

"That's how I feel about you." Naomi whispered before turning and exiting the bathroom.

Katie was making her way to the toilet when she was nearly knocked over by Naomi coming through the doorway.

"Why don't you look where you're going next time?" she snarled at the blonde.

Naomi stared blankly at her, "Sorry Katie I didn't see you. I need to go home but I hope you and Emily enjoy the rest of your birthday celebrations."

Katie noticed how flustered she looked, "Thanks, speaking of Emily have you seen her?"

Naomi nodded, "Er yeah, she's erm, in there." she replied motioning towards the toilets before she made a quick exit from the pub.

Katie tutted and said "Stupid cow." before entering the bathroom.

From across the pub Effy watched the exchange with interest. She was torn, she knew she should probably go after the blonde but she finally decided the best thing she could do right now was to keep Melissa occupied and make sure she didn't interrupt the twins.

"So Melissa," she started fixing the girl with her best smile, "tell me a bit more about yourself. What A levels are you studying for instance?"

The dark haired girl stared at her suspiciously before smiling back, she's pretty and she's taking an interest Melissa thought before starting to tell the brunette her life story.

Effy sighed before fixing the smile on her face and nodding as Melissa launched into yet another fascinating tale, the pair of them owe me big time for this.

Katie walked into the bathroom and found Emily staring into space with her fingers pressed against her lips.

"There you are, I've been looking all over for you. We're moving on to the club now so I thought you'd want this." Katie said holding out Emily's bag for her.

Emily snapped out of her trance and stared at her twin, "Sorry, what did you say?"

Katie rolled her eyes, "I said we're going to the club and I thought you'd want your bag."

Emily shook her head, "I'm not going to the club, I'm going home instead."

"Hellooooo, what is it with everyone tonight? Naomi practically knocked me over when she was leaving and now you're behaving all strangely too." Katie replied.

Emily's head snapped up at the mention of the blonde, "Naomi's gone?"

Katie sighed, "That's what I just said didn't I? When are you going to tell me what's wrong Em?"

The redhead shoulders slumped and she reached into her bag for the book Naomi had made for her, she handed it over to her twin who stared at it in confusion.

"What's this?" Katie enquired.

"It's a birthday present, open it." Emily instructed.

Katie did what she was told, she read the inscription and started to flick through the pages, she looked up, "I don't understand."

Emily sighed, "I met someone when I was in Cyprus, we were the only two young people at the hotel so we started to hang out around the pool and go out for dinner, you know normal stuff. We'd both flown from Bristol but she said she was at Goldsmiths in London so I didn't want her to think I was still at school so I lied and said I was at uni too. We were both on holiday to get over being cheated on, only in her case it was her boyfriend who she'd caught shagging someone else."

"Oh God, you didn't try to turn a straight girl Em?" Katie asked.

Emily shook her head, "You know the rules, I never go there."

Katie rolled her eyes, "How fit was she?"

Emily smiled, "She's rather beautiful actually. But that's not the point, she came on to me, I didn't need to turn her. She knew I fancied her but she was the one who got jealous when I kissed someone else. So we ended up having a row and when we eventually talked about it she admitted she liked me too. After that we were joined at the hip."

"So did you take it any further, you know sleep together?" Katie stopped as she reached the picture of the alleyway, "Oh, that's pretty much answered my question. So what happened?"

Emily took a deep breath, "We agreed not to keep in touch, I didn't want her to find out I'd lied about my age but it turns out neither of us had been totally honest, she wasn't at Goldsmiths either. She lives in Bristol with her Mum and is still at school. In fact she's at Parkview and she gave me that present today. So the reason I've been so moody is because we keep meeting up and I think maybe we're going to get together but then we always seem to have an argument. Katie, I've never felt like this about anyone before."

"Does she feel the same?" Katie asked gently.

Emily thought back to the kiss they'd just shared, "I think so."

Katie shrugged, "So what's the problem, you like her, she likes you. She used to be into cock but now she's decided to speak the vagina monologues."

"I wish it was that simple but it's not, she's back with her boyfriend." Emily said with a sigh.

Katie's brow furrowed, "Who exactly is it, this girl you met in Cyprus?"

"Look at the inscription Katie." Emily suggested.

Katie turned to the front of the book, "N, who's N? Oh my god it's not that Natasha girl is it, she's a total slag, she'll shag anything."

Emily rolled her eyes, she knew Katie wasn't the brightest spark but she thought she might have worked it out by now especially given the scene she found when she came into the bathroom. She waited patiently as her twin continued to think. "Would it help if I told you her boyfriend is Cook?"

Katie looked confused, "But Cook is going out with...fucking hell Em, you're not serious?"

Emily smiled sadly, "Yeah, the girl I met in Cyprus, the one who I can't stop thinking about, the one I think I might fallen for. It's Naomi."