DarkBlueMint: I think Alison tends to blind Emily a bit from who she really is. And since Em could be a bit gullible when it comes to her, she got confused of everything.
Naiel2017: Paily is everything! Even I want them to get together already! But I can promise it'll be soon!
Guest1: Well thank you for that! Thank you for reviewing!
EmGarretson22: I hope you don't hate me for too long! I'm not sure how you'd like how I planned the rest of the story…but you will definitely see a part of Emily's POV. Just as a little nudge…there was a little connection between chapter 5 and chapter 14.
Siophiefandom: I completely agree with you! Alison and Claire are two completely different people. But the jealousy factor is still there. She won't be sulking for that much longer though.
Sofiadc66: Wow! I mean I know I messaged you thank you, but just looking at your comments again…just wow! Thank you so much again for all the reviews and amazing words. I hope you like the next chapter!
Pailyshark: I love the feels! And I need to share it with you all, it's only fair. There's a lot that needs to be said on both ends. But at least they're moving toward the right direction.
Thecatfromaliceinwonderland: You said it perfectly! You can't help who you're attracted too. And what makes it worse is not knowing that they act differently depending on who they're talking too. You can say you feel sorry for Claire. I do too! But it was kinda necessary for Emily to get all riled up. Hahaha, you'll see! I promise I'll message you back shortly. The holidays are just crazy right now.
Xweet338: Thank you for the PM!
A/N: Hope everyone had a fantastic NYE and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters
There was a certain chill in the air tonight and it wasn't because the temperature; Paige knew that. Letting out a light breath, the auburn girl placed her right hand on her stomach to calm her nerves as she walked up the stairs toward the Willard InterContinental grand ballroom. As she approached the top stair, Paige stood still as she looked at the large golden double arched doors. Feeling a sense of nervousness take over, the brown eye officer knew she should be proud. Tonight was about her and her team. When they received word earlier in the week that they would be receiving top honors for resolving the Wilson's case last year, the entire team was complete shock at their new ranking.
The Wilson's case was possibly one of the most disturbing cases the team or anyone within their department had to face head on. Dealing with drug trafficking as well as human trafficking, the team was left in an emotional turmoil. Witnessing the extreme environments children and women had to live through as they were smuggled across the border left the group completely reserved. They couldn't find their own voice to talk to one another, but managed to physically support each other through the case. Managing to not only save Wilson, the 7 year old boy from Guatemala who was promised a loving life in the states, the team managed to save over 3 dozen victims as well as open up several other investigations around the world. It was something they were more than just proud about. It was something their peers respected them for.
Tonight they were going to receive recognition for the heroes they were and will always be. The team ran into warehouses blindly with only their weapons, tactics and each other to count on. They went in undercover as victims themselves as well as acting criminals to bring everyone they could get their hands on arrested. It took its toll on the group, but with the reliance on each other and the department; they managed to get through it and became closer because of it.
Taking in yet another breath as the tall doors gradually opened before her, Paige felt an arm wrap around her right arm as a dazzling smile from the redhead came into view.
"Are you ready?" the petite woman asked as she observed Paige's hesitancy.
"A bit nervous, but yeah I guess" Paige honestly responded back.
Smiling a bit to give the auburn girl a bit of courage, the red-head continued. "Tonight is about you guys. Enjoy it. I know you would never think of yourself as a hero. But you are. You all are. You have changed so many people's lives for the better. This is just a token of what you deserve"
"How are you supposed to enjoy getting recognition for being human? Any person would have done the same exact thing to save those people if they saw the state they were in" Paige replied.
Nodding in agreement, the green eyed girl understood. "But it was you. You and your team were the ones that saved all those people and countless of others with those cases you opened. No one can imagine the extreme lengths you had to go through, especially on an emotional level"
"I know" Paige quietly responded. "Let's just get this over with"
Finally walking through the doors, the pair gradually made their way over to the roundtable holding the rest of team and their dates as the room continued to fill with hundreds of officers ready to congratulate them. Taking her seat as she gave her team a wide smile, Paige took in the surrounding environment; instantly being engulfed by a sudden sense of honor.
The split level ballroom was drenched with an antique feel. From the hanging chandeliers, to the oak wooden flooring, to the unique ceiling crowns and the indented walls; it felt as though they were in the middle of a fairytale. As the team sat by the stage, they took in the evening as it slowly progressed.
Listening to the key note speakers as they praised the group, Paige couldn't help but think back to the girls. She knew she had been keeping this evening a secret for their own safety. If it was even mentioned to them, Paige knew the girls would stop at nothing to come join them this evening; but she couldn't risk it. Paige needed to make sure someone was keeping an eye on them at all time. Yes, the evening was full of special ops officers which would be the ideal location for protection; but Paige knew she'd be constantly distracted when it came to a certain brunette. Instead of listening to the commanding officers speak she'd be focused on the proximity of Emily Fields.
Concern was just one emotion Emily was feeling. She knew the moment Paige decided to show up a bit early for her daily visit something was up; but she couldn't put her finger on it. Then the minute she noticed three new black Lincoln MKZ cars appear in her front driveway, it only confirmed the team was up to something. Maybe the team had another task tonight. But during those tasks, officers the girls had become accustomed to would watch over them. Something different was going on and Emily was more than determined to get to the bottom of it. Thinking to herself maybe the team was able to take a day off to just relax, the brunette felt her throat constrict. It was possible this was how Paige really felt about her now. The second Paige was given a chance to just have fun, the girl wouldn't think twice about her; she was really just a job to her.
Refusing to allow any of her tears to fall, Emily needed to confirm her suspicions.
"Em, where are you going?" Spencer asked as she turned away from the T.V just in time to see the brunette make her way toward the front the door.
"I'm going to find out a little more of our new babysitters" Emily answered firmly.
Furrowing her eyebrows at the response, Spencer stood up as she made her way toward the brunette. "Uh, Em. It's their job. The team was probably given a new assignment or something to do tonight"
"Then officers Heath and McKinley would be out in those SUVs, but they're not" Emily sternly replied as she opened the door to make her way outside toward one of the cars.
Quickly running behind the brunette, Hanna and Spencer were taken aback by Emily's sudden behavior. Watching as the driver of the first car rolled down his windows, both girls moved even faster to try to catch up the irritated brunette.
"Hi there!" Emily greeted happily; surprising both girls behind her at her sudden behavior. "I couldn't help but noticed I never seen you here before"
"Yes ma'am" the blue eye man responded. "I'm new to the task at hand"
Clenching her jaw to keep herself from responding harshly at being called a 'task', Emily continued. "Well welcome. I'm Emily. This is Spencer and this is Hanna" she pointed to both girls respectively. "And you are?"
"Officer Williams" he replied a little flustered.
That's all Emily needed to see before she knew she had a handle over the situation. Walking a little closer to the officer she repeated his response. "Officer Williams?"
"Mark" the medium built officer replied. "My-yy name is Mark" he stuttered.
"Nice to meet you Mark" Emily smiled. "Do you want to come in? We just bought some dinner. We'll be happy to share"
"No thank you ma'am, I should-" the officer began before Emily interrupted him.
"Ma'am?" the brunette flirtatiously replied.
"Emily" the raven hair man stuttered out as though just saying the girl's name was driving him crazy.
"Look, the team might be coming back in an hour or so. In the meantime, why don't you just join us?" Emily asked slyly.
Blushing a little to himself at the invitation, the officer knew he had to stay out despite wanting nothing else but to get to know the brunette a little more. Drifting his eyes down the brunette's luscious body that was obvious through the white high low summer dress she was wearing, the officer gulped at how stunning she looked. "I would love to, but right now I need to stay out here. The team will probably not be back until tomorrow afternoon since the award ceremony is going to last till the morning hours if you count the celebration afterwards. Plus it's all the way downtown"
"Award ceremony?" Spencer soon chimed in as the term caught her attention.
"Yes" the officer answered enthusiastically. "They're receiving top honors for one of their cases. They honestly deserve it after everything they've been through"
Emily felt her chest tightened as she realized Paige couldn't even be honest about something so simple as an award ceremony. How are they ever going to get to same place they once were? "Thanks Mark. We completely understand" Emily mumbled out as she tried pulling Spencer with her.
The slim brunette was confused to why Emily was pulling her away now when they were finally getting somewhere with the young officer. When they were far enough from ear shot from the officer, Spencer broke her silence. "What are you doing? We were finally getting somewhere with that guy"
"Yeah, close enough to him wanting to basically rip this one's clothes off" Hanna responded as she tilted her head toward Emily.
"We have what we need" Emily firmly stated as she made her way into the house. "We just need to figure out where the ceremony is taking place downtown"
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Hanna asked as she closed the door behind her. "And why are we even doing that? The team is allowed to take a day off without us"
"To support them" Emily answered being half honest as she grabbed her laptop and quickly pulled up a map. She wanted to see Paige outside this case. She needed to see Paige be herself. "I think I got it. The Homestead" the brunette stated as she pointed to the screen on their laptop. "It's the only venue big enough in the downtown area to hold a group of people plus it's booked tonight" the brunette responded as she made her way upstairs.
"Well look at you Nancy Drew" Spencer stated sarcastically as she watched the brunette make her way up the stairs. "But the front door is down here"
"Yeah, where the officers are all standing guard" Emily stated. "There's a tree right alongside my room window. We could use that and Uber our ways to the ceremony. I don't there's any transit that goes there"
"When did you become so determined?" Spencer asked impressed.
"When I realized what I want is out there" Emily replied as she gave a quick glance over to the brunette before opening her bedroom window.
The girls managed to make their way toward the venue within 3 hours. Completely in awe at the large vicinity before them, Spencer knew there was no way they could just walk into the venue especially since they weren't even dressed for the occasion. "Let's try to get in through the back. Maybe we could sneak in from one of the service entries. It's a hotel after all right?"
As they made their way to the back entrance of the hotel, the girls soon noticed a few other pedestrians of the hotel were entering and exiting as they pleased. Giving each other a quick glance, they all knew what they had to do. Beginning to act as though they were having a girl's night out, they began laughing and holding each; slowly making their way toward the lobby of the hotel completely unnoticeable. Impressed by their own acting skills, the girls felt as though they were in the clear until they spotted a metal detector section. Taking in a deep breath, the three placed their acting masks back on before continuing their façade of being guests in the building. Given they had no other item on themselves besides a small wristlet, they were able to pass security fairly quickly before heading to the elevator bank. Pretending as though they were going to take the elevator as they made their way up to the second floor, the girls noticed an entrance to the ceremony which they could easily slip into. Stooping down to make sure no one would see them; the three kneeled down by the railings and peered through them to see if they could spot the team.
"There they are" Hanna pointed out as the two other girls followed the direction she was pointing in.
Emily felt her breath hitch when she caught sight of the auburn girl; she looked absolutely breathtaking. Trailing her eyes from the auburn girl's luscious wavy hair that was styled to the right, to the barely there make-up which only enhanced her flawless features, down over to her golden tassel earrings, to her simple yet elegant dark gray micro faux suit jacket with a black deep v-neck blouse that managed to show off her perfectly sculpted arms along with her matching slim faux suit pants which showed off her toned legs; Emily continued her gaze down to the girl's five inch golden peep toe shoes.
The brunette had to tighten her jaw at the sight of the auburn girl to prevent herself from gasping too loudly. Arching an eyebrow as she was at a loss for words, the sudden appearance of a certain red-head smoothing her hand over Paige's lower back immediately brought a scowl to her face. So Paige did have a girlfriend.
As the lights dimmed, Emily shifted her gaze over to the stage for a few minutes before drifting them back toward the auburn girl. Sitting quietly with the other girls on the balcony's floor gave them a perfect view for learning about the team they knew so little about without being caught.
Commanders none of the girls knew about spoke on behalf of the team; praising them for their job on the last case. Parting her lips at listening to the gruesome details they had to face, Emily had to wipe a tear that slowly fell from her right eye. She never expected Paige would ever have to encounter something like that. Listening to the details of Paige having to go undercover as a victim herself, Emily wanted to run over to her to shield her from everything and everyone. The idea of someone laying their hands on her as she couldn't fight back made the brunette's stomach churn. Thankfully, the commander speaking knew when to stop giving the details and continue with the outcome of the task. They managed to save 46 victims and countless of others with the other cases they managed to open around the world. Emily couldn't be more proud.
After about an hour after the speeches began, the lights were shut off completely as a large screen descended from the ceiling onto the stage. The sudden image of a young Aiden appeared on the screen; showing a clip of a video back in his college days. The girls couldn't help but smile at how young the team looked prior to them joining the team. It was a video collage of the entire team and how they came to be.
Watching thoroughly as each member was shown where they were before joining the force, to training, to studying and finally to the event that gave them the ticket to be a part of the special ops team before taking the stage to accept their award, Emily took in deep breath when the one person she was waiting for finally appeared before her.
With her eyes full of tears, the brunette couldn't look anywhere else then at the young Paige McCullers on the screen. It must have been just a couple of months after leaving Rosewood since the girl was still sporting her sharp bangs and bob haircut along with her large black spectacles. Emily couldn't help but smile as she watched the girl be engulfed by the textbooks in front her. Whoever was videotaping her was obviously a friend since Paige kept trying to block the camera before pouting every time she failed.
The next clip was probably taken a few months later since Paige's hair was a bit longer as her bangs blended in with the rest of her hair and she was no longer wearing her glasses. The clip itself seemed to be taken professionally as the sudden appearance of ABC 7 News appeared at the bottom right hand of the screen. Emily knew it was the event where Paige saved the students from the chem lab. It was obvious Paige didn't save them yet given the fact that she was standing in front of the building watching as people ran out. Then it happened; as though it was a superhero movie. You could see the hesitation in Paige's facial expression at first before she ran passed a few fire fighters and made her way into the building. The video quickly flashed to the security cameras inside the chemistry lab as you could clearly see Paige protecting the students with a fire blanket as she used her familiarity with chemicals to blast through the wall. The video then flashed back to the cameras outside as it focused to the explosion right above them as the image of Paige climbing down from one of the windows with the other students followed right behind her. This girl was amazing.
Tears continued forming in the brunette's eyes as she continued watching. The next clip to appear had to be the first time the auburn girl stepped in a training room as she grabbed one of the throwing knives and studied it carefully. By the way Paige was holding the weapon; it was known she was unfamiliar with it. Staring at the target 50 feet in front of her, Paige threw it with all her energy, but it only managed to get 30 feet from her before hitting the ground and sliding away from her. That was the Paige Emily remembered as she drifted her eyes toward the auburn girl watching her own video and laughing alongside her team.
Feeling a sense of jealousy take over, the brunette felt dejected knowing she missed so many years of Paige's life. The next few clips were set up as a collage as it pieced together several months of the brown eye beauty practicing nonstop in the training room; only getting better with time. The final clip shown was one from the last assignment. Paige had been fighting several gunmen as one of the victims; a 9 year old girl somehow got pushed in the middle of the gunfire. The brown eye girl didn't hesitate before throwing her own body over the young brunette as she became the girl's human shield. While the gun fire continued all around them, Paige tried her best to continue fighting back; only to be shot at right in the abdomen as her team managed to get the upper hand against the criminals.
Emily watched in horror as Dylan dragged Paige's body to safety as the auburn girl got to her feet indicating she was fine; showing the bullets had hit her vest preventing any serious damage. Paige's main concern was making sure the little girl was safe. After directing the girl to safety, the two continued on with helping the team.
This was Paige's life. This is what she has to go through every day. Emily didn't know if she should be impressed or fearful. Those moment showed on that small clip were all the moments Emily couldn't be there for her; all the moments she missed.
As the lights went back up, the entire room got to their feet when Paige made her way to the stage. Collecting her award as a gigantic grin was displayed across her lips, Paige had to force herself to hold back her tears. 10 years ago, she would have never expected to be where she was today; and she loved it. While descending from the stage, Paige took a look around her to take everything in. This was for her. This was for her team.
The team was too excited to stay still as the pounced on Paige as she made her way back to the table. Grouping together to take a picture with their awards, the girls had to admit it was the first time they've seen them in such a relaxed moment. They were having fun. They were laughing and smiling. Something they were not use to seeing from the team.
Emily kept her focus on the same auburn girl as she gathered with her friends. Right there, in that moment she couldn't hold back her tears. She watched as Paige smiled. She watched her laugh. She watched as she hugged everyone as though they just won a championship. Every movement Paige was making, Emily mentally took a snapshot of.
What made Emily immediately stop crying was the last snapshot she took. The snapshot of Paige's right arm snaking around the red-heads waist who was within the girl's personal space as Paige dipped her head in the crook of her neck to make her laugh. Emily could feel her heart pounding as her ears seared with rage. I should have known.
***8 Years Ago***
Gathering her books from her desk, Emily looked up just in time to see Paige trying to scurry out of class. Remorseful of the way they ended things just a day ago, Emily knew she had to mend things with the girl. Even though it was merely hours, the brunette knew Paige had been dodging any real conversation with her. Sure the girl texted back, but it was obvious she wasn't in the mood to have an in-depth conversation. Paige was smart; she kept everything short and sweet for the sake of not making her emotions obvious. Thinking back, Emily realized this had to be the first time where Paige was shutting her out.
Quickly running after the girl, Emily made it passed the classroom door before calling out. "Hey" she yelled out before dodging the other students roaming the hallway. "Hey wait up" she yelled again. Finally catching with the auburn girl, Emily grabbed Paige's forearm before physically forcing her stop. "Please stop?"
"What?" Paige asked confused as Emily stood in front of her to block the exit from school. Realizing Emily probably figure out her semi-cold shoulder, the auburn girl walked passed her before responding. "I need to head home"
Emily refused to allow Paige to walk away so easily without even trying. She couldn't end their conversation just yet. Combing back her hair with her fingers to try to find the right words, Emily stayed on her ground "Can we just talk about yesterday?"
"What is there to talk about?" Paige asked frustratingly as she turned around to face the brunette.
"This attitude you have going on. Can we just talk?" Emily asked hopefully.
After her conversation with Alison and trying her best to convince Emily not to go on a date with the blonde, Paige needed some time to think. She needed to time to figure out what everything meant. She didn't know what her feelings meant. She didn't know how Emily was feeling. She didn't even want to know. Right now, she wanted to just leave. "I need to go"
"Please" Emily stated as she walked closer to auburn girl. "You've been giving me this silent treatment for a day now and that's just something we never did to each other"
"I've spoken to you" Paige retorted.
"Yeah, for the sake of responding. It's obvious you know. Your tone. Your stance. You actually reciprocating a real response" Emily continued pointing out. "So can we just talk? Tell me what's going on with you"
"I'm just thinking about stuff" Paige coldly stated as she began walking out the exit of their high school.
"What stuff?" Emily asked as she followed the girl toward the parking lot.
"Just stop okay" Paige quietly asked as she turned around to face the brunette with a slight glaze in her eyes. "I just need to figure out some stuff on my own"
"Paige, I've known you for how many years now? I know you better then I know myself" the tanned beauty began. "I know this date with Alison is bothering you. But I think there's other things too and I just really want to help"
Paige knew she had to talk to Emily especially after her second run in with Alison. She had to try to explain what she was feeling but couldn't contemplate the words. After walking home in the rain, Paige couldn't find it in herself to talk to Emily about her new crush. Paige didn't want her own feelings over the blue eye bombshell to conflict with Emily's. She was confused of what she had to do. "You can't" the auburn girl honestly mumbled before walking to her car again.
"I can try" Emily stated as she refused to let Paige go.
"You can't" Paige repeated as she opened the back door of her blue Ford Focus.
Holding her books closer to her chest as she began realizing Paige wasn't going to open up to her, Emily felt small tears forming in her eyes. It broke her to see Paige dismissing her. This was after all the first time she's ever felt like this about another girl and knew it was probably hurting Paige. She needed the girl to know just because it was a possibility Alison was going to be in her life; it wasn't going to ruin their relationship. Looking down at her feet, she decided to give it one last effort. "Walk with me. Please"
"Em, it's going to rain any minute. Plus your dad is coming home." Paige stated as she tilted her head toward the brunette.
"Well to your first point, we do have this thing called an umbrella" Emily retorted as she held up her black tote umbrella. "And to your second, my dad's flight was delayed till tonight. So please, walk with me" she pressed as she took a step forward
"Em-" the auburn girl began before being interrupted.
"Please" Emily begged. "Can we just go somewhere and hangout with no one else?"
Feeling guilty of her own actions, Paige took in a deep breath before closing the driver side the door and making her way toward the brunette. Maybe she could open up about what she was feeling. "Where do you want to go?"
"Rosemont Park. It's scenic" Emily responded enthusiastically before linking her right arm with Paige.
"You need to get out more" Paige drearily responded but obliged.
"So" Emily began as she continued holding Paige's right arm as they made their way around the large park. She didn't know how to pursue the conversation, but felt as though she needed to try. "Is there anything I could help you with trying to figure things out?"
Thinking for a moment of how she would answer the brunette, Paige knew Emily didn't deserve her silent treatment. She can't help who she wants to be with. "Have you ever thought about your future? After high school?"
"As in college?" Emily asked as she felt elated to get something out of the girl.
"Everything. College. Working. Traveling" Paige began. "Love" she mumbled.
"Love?" the brunette asked with a smile as she turned to face the brown eye girl just as Paige did a slight head dip.
"Well not just you know…falling in love" Paige started to backtrack. She should have known that's what Emily would've picked up on. "But everything. How our lives will be different in just a few months. Or where we'd be"
"Where do you want to be?" Emily asked.
"I don't know. I honestly never thought about leaving Rosewood before. It's my home" the auburn girl quietly answered.
Nodding her head as she began realizing how confused Paige was, Emily thought of something that might help. "Ok, let's play a game".
"Uh, ok" Paige puzzlingly agreed.
"When I say a word, you need to say the first word that pops into your head. Okay?" Emily instructed as she waited for Paige to comply.
Still confused of where Emily was going with this, Paige agreed again. "O-kay".
"Okay" Emily repeated as a smile spread across her lips. "Animal"
"Planet" Paige said quickly; earning a confused look from the brunette. "What? River monsters was insane last night"
Laughing lightly at the girl, Emily just shook her head. "Right. Ok, book"
"Count of Monte Cristo" Paige replied.
"Music" the brunette asked.
"Inspirational" the auburn girl stated.
"Rosewood" Emily requested.
"Home" Paige replied with a small smile.
"Burger" Emily asked.
Widening her eyes as the sudden feeling of hunger took over, Paige quickly stated, "the Fire Quacker"
Laughing at the girl's last response again, Emily continued. "Movie"
"Batman" Paige stated in her husky voice.
"School" Emily asked.
"Friends" Paige replied as she nudged the brunette; earning her a smile.
"College" Emily asked once again.
"Standford" Paige quickly stated as she realized her mistake.
"Standford?" the brunette asked as she looked toward the auburn girl for her slipup.
"Uh, yeah" Paige confirmed hesitantly. "I was looking at them last night"
"You want to go to Standford? In California?" Emily asked again; hoping they were talking about two different schools.
Digging her hands in her pockets to hide her discomfort, Paige needed to smooth out the situation. "It's an option. I didn't accept anything yet"
"So you got in?" the brunette startlingly asked.
"Yeah" Paige confirmed again as she hoped the fact that she got early acceptance wouldn't come up.
"When were you going to tell me?" Emily asked as she stood in front of Paige to prevent her from walking any further.
"It's not a big deal" Paige state nonchalantly. "I was just looking at different schools"
"In California" the brunette restated as she raised her voice a little.
"Em-" the auburn girl began before being interrupted.
Combing back her hair with her right hand, Emily's eyes widen as she tried to wrap her mind around the possibility. "I'd have to take a plane to see you?"
"Em, hey" Paige started as she grabbed the girls hands to calm her down. "I didn't accept it yet. I'm still here. Plus, aren't you getting offers from the west and east coast?"
"That's different though" Emily exclaimed as she pushed Paige away and turned around.
"How so? Because you'd be the one leaving me?" the auburn directly asked.
"That's not fair" Emily pointed out. "And plus I haven't decided anything yet"
"Exactly!" Paige agreed as Emily began acting as she did just a few seconds ago. "So don't get riled up just yet"
Emily knew Paige was right. But the idea of losing her friend for 4 years terrified her. Forcing out a quiet mumble, the brunette agreed. "Fine"
The auburn girl knew Emily wasn't okay with the situation and felt guilt-ridden for bringing it up. But this was reality. They were seniors. The possibility of losing some friends was a strong possibility. It was true they never spoke about how far away from each other they would be; however it was bound to come up.
Feeling a drop on her hand as the two stood in silence, Paige looked up as she realized what those droplets meant. "Uh, Em? I think it would be a good time to open that umbrella now"
Following the auburn girl's gaze, Emily looked up the sky as she felt the water coming down even harder. Quickly opening up her umbrella, the brunette soon saw it was completely destroyed as a few of the stretchers were completely bent. "Crap. I think it's broken"
"Why do you carry around a broken umbrella?" Paige quickly exclaimed as she faced the brunette.
"I didn't know it was broken" Emily yelled back as it began raining even harder.
"Well that looks pretty damn broken. I doubt that happened while it was closed" Paige pointed out as they watched the umbrella flip over by a gust of rain.
"Shit, I don't know what to do" the brunette stated as she began recoiling the spring to close.
Suddenly realizing she might have a solution; Paige began rummaging through her own bag pack. "Ok ok ok, hold on. I think I have a pocket umbrella".
"What the hell is a pocket umbrella?" Emily asked confused as she watched Paige go through her bag.
"A really tiny umbrella" Paige explained as she pulled out what she was looking for. Opening it, the girls realized it was barely meant for one person; let alone two. "You need to come closer" Paige instructed as she wrapped her right arm around the brunette's waist to bring her closer.
That was the moment everything began moving in slow motion for her. Involuntarily feeling her body move accordance with the auburn girl, Emily didn't know when exactly it happened; when that feeling of complete euphoria took over. But the instant she felt Paige wrap her arms around her, the brunette felt her heart begin to race and throat completely constrict. The goosebumps that aroused across her entire body wasn't because of the rain; it was because she began feeling something she couldn't quite explain. Emily swore it was only because Paige brought up the possibility of moving to California; the reason for wanting Paige to never let go of her.
Would you see her as someone you would want to date? The question Alison asked her suddenly popped into her head. Why hasn't it ever crossed her mind? With the girls new found proximity, Emily swallowed the lump in her throat as she couldn't help but drift her eyes toward the auburn girl's lips as Paige was focused on finding the quickest exit out of the park. Licking her own lips, Emily looked back up as she was frozen in step when her gaze focused on the warm and inviting allure the auburn girl's eyes suddenly had on her. It was as though she was seeing Paige McCullers for the first time.
The warmth eluding from Paige's body created a bubble for Emily; a bubble she didn't want to get out of. Paige was always her anchor. Her constant. The person she knew she could and will always turn to in any situation. The way she felt about Paige she knew she never felt with anyone. But what did that mean? She never looked at Paige the way she looked at Alison. This was her friend, her best friend.
With the sudden sound of a branch breaking resonated through the park, Emily pushed aside her thoughts. Feeling the auburn girl gently turn her head as she managed to graze her soft cheek against her own, Emily felt her chest drop at the light touch. "I think the closest exit is on Airdale Rd" the girl above her whispered as Emily soon felt Paige's arm around her tightened. "We can continue our convo later"
The brunette couldn't find her voice. With all the feelings suddenly coursing through her body, Emily was only able to snuggle in closer to Paige's form as her body moved involuntarily toward the exit.
***Present Day***
Paige couldn't remove the gigantic smile plastered across her lips as she went in for a hug with Skylar. Wrapping her arm around the girl's neck, Paige squeezed her tightly just before breaking off and mirroring the same hug toward Dylan. As she made her way toward Aiden, the auburn girl gave her co-lead a handshake before pulling him in for a hug. As Paige felt Aiden gently pat her on back, she turned to face her co-lead just as he leaned in. "The girls are here"
Furrowing her brows at the statement, Paige broke apart from the built man before looking in the direction he was focusing on. Drifting her eyes toward the balcony, the first pair of eyes the auburn girl made contact with was the same pair of deep orbs she found herself consistently thinking of. "Those guards are seriously useless"