[Author's Note] Hello again. Firstly I need to apologise for the delay in posting this chapter, I have been so busy with life and college I just didn't have time to write. But I can ease people's worries this story will be completed so if it's not updated in a while I'm sorry but I do 100% know how it ends and will one day have a completed story, many many chapters down the line. Thanks again for the continued support of this story, I'm so incredibly grateful for every single follow, favourite or review, so thanks again. My mind still blows when I see people taking an interest in my story, that I really started writing for selfish reason because I needed an outlet for this Paily storyline that was rolling around in my mind for far too long. Anyway, no more waffling I hope you enjoy Chapter 8 and the long awaited appearance of Paige's girlfriend, Alex.
P.S Only had time to review my writing once so apologies in advance for any mistakes, I hope to rectify them once I have time to edit it properly. :)
Emily groaned when she was awoken by the sound of Hanna, Caleb and Jacob talking and wandering around the kitchen area, she was pretty sure it was nowhere near normal human hours to be up and about, granted she and Paige did stay up till after 4am last night. Jacob ran past her picking some toys from his toy box in the corner to bring on the car journey to Rosewood.
"Mornin' Jakey…" Emily's voice sounding rougher than she expected, the blued eyed boy immediately running towards her, his eyes wide with anticipation as he waited for Emily to continue speaking. "How about you tell you're Momma and Daddy to be a little quieter, my heads sore…" Jacob smile before swiftly and determinedly walking towards his parents his new mission in mind.
"Mommy, Daddy you needs to be more quieter, you giving Emmy a heads ache" The little boy stood with his hands on his hips, trying his hardest to shoot them a glaring look.
"I don't think we're the cause of Em's headache, baby. I think that all self-induced" Hanna answered smiling down at the little boy who refused to look away.
"No! No, it's not self juiced Mama, Emmy said so… just shhh okay?" The little boy spoke again a little more defensive this time, Hanna forgetting how protective and sensitive he can be when it comes to Emily. Caleb began laughing at the two's interaction.
"Okay buddy, how about you go give Emily a cuddle before we go. I bet that will make her feel a whole lot better" Caleb finally added once he had stopped laughing.
"You know I'm pretty sure if it came down to a choice between Emily and I, my own son would choose Emily" Hanna stated pouting somewhat as she leaned into Caleb's out stretched arms as the two watched their son tug at the blanket Emily had wrapped around herself, before she stretched out her bronze arm immediately enrapture the 4 year old under the blankets with her, pulling the young boy into a warm hug.
"You know that's not true, Princess… He's very protective of Emily, you know that. He's very perceptive and incredibly caring for a four year old, I think he subconsciously knows there's more going on in her mind. He knows Emily's been acting a little differently. You know, he reminds me a lot of someone else I know" Caleb spoke into his wife's ear, his voice close to whisper.
"Who?"
"You! Dumb-dumb! Come on we need to hit the road soon or I'll get a lecture from Ashley wondering why I didn't get her daughter and grandson to Rosewood for 9am. She already warned me, she's wants as much time as she can with you and Jake today" Caleb laughed again, kissing Hanna on the neck. Hanna twirling in his arms, pecking him on the lips before walking over to fish her son out of her friend's arms.
"Come-on Jake say goodbye to Em, we have to get going and go see Nana Ashley and Ted" Hanna whispered trying her best not disturb Emily too much.
"time?" Emily groaned too tired and hung-over to attempt a sentence.
"It's 6:30am… you've plenty of time to sleep. I also left a glass of water and two Advil to help your head. I left some for Paige too, on the kitchen counter kay?" Hanna continued speaking softly, fixing her little boy's hair as she brushed her fingers through his dark locks, before he ran towards his Father who was holding out his son's coat to help him put it on.
"I nearly kissed her, Han…" Emily spoke, her voice still groggy as she remained in her half-sleep state.
"You what? Emily! You know I really don't have much time to talk and you go ahead and say this, Em. Are you okay?"
"I dunno, Han. I was drunk and I let my guard down… I could've ruined everything"
"Well did Paige even notice because I mean I love that girl as much as I love any of you but she's pretty oblivious when it comes to this sort of thing" Hanna replied her hand brushing the hair from Emily's tired and sleepy face.
"I dunno… we were both pretty tipsy, Han"
"Okay well just don't bring it up. Nothing happened Em, it's okay… neither of you did anything wrong. Listen, I have to go but I'm only a phone call away and I think Spencer will be home all day aswell. Toby's helping Paige move into her new apartment. Now sleep some more it'll make you feel better. I'll talk to you later okay?" Hanna spoke again kissing Emily on her forehead before rubbing and messing with her best friend's hair, this time earning a muffled sleepy groan from her best friend.
Emily guessed an hour must have passed when she heard Paige come out her of her room not wanting to start into a conversation Emily pretended to stay asleep, glad she had decided to turn over and face into the back cushion when Hanna and the other two left. She heard Paige mumbling to herself, her tone registering a level of annoyance immediately telling Emily that Paige was also somewhat hungover.
Paige continue wandering around the living area for a few moments, her voice growing that little bit louder when she knocked a bunch of beakers and lunchboxes off the draining board into the sink as she longed to cease her thirst and dehydration looking for any bit of available water. Her eyes darting to see if she had awoken Emily.
"You know you could have just avoided making all that noise if you used your eyes and saw that Hanna left out a glass of water and some Advil on the kitchen table" Emily voiced, still not willing to move though.
"Sorry if I woke you, Emily… Also, I think I am in love Hanna Marin, right now." Paige joked.
"You didn't wake me, so no worries… I'm just refusing to move and actually accept I'm probably stuck with this hangover for the rest of the day. I sometimes forget at 25 my body doesn't take alcohol as well as it did it in college"
"Oh so it's not just me who feels like crap this morning… Shots were probably a bad idea, huh?" Paige laughed lightly. A silence hung in the air neither girl really knowing what to say. Emily not at all tempted to bring up their near-kiss last night and Paige had already pushed the thought aside, as if it was something she had over thought in her tipsy state… 'There was no way Emily nearly kissed her'.
Paige finally spoke up "So you won't have to sleep on the couch anymore… I finally get to move into my own place, and hopefully have it all set up for Wednesday."
"Why, what's Wednesday?" Emily asked wondering why Paige specifically pointed out a day.
"Alex flies in Wednesday night for a week" Paige spoke her voice a little chirpier now, Emily immediately chastising herself for asking. She knew Alex was arriving on Wednesday but had somehow forgotten that little detail. Why do all these little pieces of info regarding Alex keep evading her mind, causing her to question Paige and then in turn have to suffer through Paige talking about her girlfriend.
"Oh right yeah, sorry" Emily replied trying her best not to appear annoyed or disappointed. "Hey, actually I meant to say it to you earlier. I'm thinking about going to the gym over the next few days and since you're kinda off running at the minute how would you like to join me? It's basically just stretches and pretty easy routine stuff."
"Yeah cool, sounds great Emily. Just shoot me a text later to remind me. I should probably get ready, Toby's collecting me at 10." Paige replied as she walked back towards the guest room.
"Oh and Paige…"
"Yeah?"
"You should still be using your crutch your crutch you know, I don't want another trip to the ER if you re-injure your knee." Emily smirked although her face still hidden from Paige's sight as she remained curled into the couch.
"Yeah, Yeah… whatever Mom!" Paige joked back in return walking into the guest room.
Paige would be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she was nervous about how Hanna and Spencer would react to her girlfriend. She couldn't even bring herself to imagine how the scene of Alex's and Emily's first meeting would go down because it tied her stomach up in knots.
Alex would be arriving in JFK airport at 10:32pm tonight, and although Paige's mind was clearly fogged with anxiety over her girlfriend and friends meeting for the first time. Her heart raced every time she thought about actually being able to hold, kiss and touch her girlfriend again. Paige had been back in the states now for just under a month and it was the longest the two have ever spent apart in their relationship. Paige laughed to herself as the cheesy phrase 'Absence helps the heart grow fonder' that swirled around in her mind as she thought of how long the two had been apart.
The brunette had her girlfriend's night all planned out for when she arrived, she had made a small sign saying welcome to NYC, Alex, that she was going to hang up just before she left for the airport. Hanna had found it earlier when she was helping Paige organise some things, the blonde collapsing in laughter when she found the hand-made sign, Paige just about understood "typical McCullers' move" through Hanna's laughter causing her to blush lightly in embarrassment. But Hanna finally composed herself and told Paige it was very adorable. Paige had bought in some champagne, and had prepared some chocolate covered strawberries along with bookmarking numerous food websites on her laptop so Alex could choose almost any kind of cuisine she felt like if she was hungry. She must have placed near to 100 candles around the house, as well as investing in some new bed clothes. She wanted her girlfriend's first night back with her to go so swiftly she had even bought in some expensive bubble bath and soaks as advised by Hanna, just in case her girlfriend wanted a bath to refresh from her long 7 hour flight when she arrived to their new apartment.
Hanna left about 7:30 leaving Paige to herself. She couldn't leave to go to the airport till 9. Trying to kill almost two hours was killing her, she tried to read but every few words her mind wandered to thoughts about her girlfriend. Her thoughts briefly interrupted when she heard her phone beep, causing her to jump up a little, the noise of the text frightening her somewhat.
Hey Paige, I know it's late but I was thinking of heading to the gym. You interested? Might be good to stretch out your knee a little, only if you haven't managed to trip over yourself again and do even more damage ;P –E
Paige read over the message a few times, she couldn't think of the appropriate way to respond. It was a simple text message, she has sent thousands of them and so many of them to Emily, even just in the past few weeks they were texting again like normal friends. Maybe she was over thinking the words but she felt guilty for the flirty vibe of the text she had just received. Then again maybe she was just a little more on edge tonight and over-analysing it, as she waited impatiently for the arrival of her beloved girlfriend.
Can't sorry, busy! –P
Paige deciding to keep it brief. Emily must have forgotten Alex was coming to NYC tonight, and Paige couldn't bring herself to mention her reason for blowing the girl off. Paige's mind suddenly remembered the past few weeks she has spent with Emily, guilt for whatever reason the feeling coming to mind at first. Paige hadn't done anything to deceive her girlfriend so why did she suddenly feel like the rapid friendship she developed with Emily over the past few weeks was somewhat fraudulent. Yes, she left out some details about her closeness to Emily to Alex when they talked over the phone but that was only because she didn't want her girlfriend to think the worst, Alex was known for her jealousy and protectiveness of Paige, Paige just didn't want to play into that by telling her girlfriend every time she spent some time with Emily. 'They were friends. Just friends now. Friends…' the words twirling around in Paige's mind, a small part of her telling her that maybe she was just trying to convince herself of this fact. Truthfully, she knew deep down Emily's text meant nothing to her, at least not anymore, that thought reassured within her, anytime Alex came to mind. There was no denying the fact that Paige McCullers was anything but head over heels about her girlfriend. But why did this one text suddenly make Paige's stomach tighten, and make her press the delete all button for every single message lingering in her inbox sent by Emily.
Paige stood nervously at the arrivals gate, her eyes examining each of the incoming faces fresh off the plane from London.
A growing smile appearing on her face as soon as she saw the 5ft 5 raven haired girl walking towards her, a similar smile plastered on her face. Her heart racing as her dark eyes enveloped her girlfriend's walking form, her legs clad in wine coloured skinny jeans, followed by a thick grey woolly jumper under a vintage black leather jacket that Paige always envied, wishing it was hers. Her green eyes illuminated by her shy smile as her short raven hair looked impeccable. Alex didn't look like she had just walked off a 7 hour flight at all.
Paige's daze finally broke on hearing "Fancy meeting you here, stranger" in a gently lulling British accent, the brunette swore her heart skipped a beat on hearing her loves voice again. They had been talking on the phone and over Skype every day but nothing could beat the sound of hearing her girlfriend's voice in person again.
"I'm sorry do I know you, I'm waiting here on my beautiful girlfriend. You must have the wrong person" Paige jokingly stated.
"Oh okay, maybe I can help you find her. What's she look like" Alex turned around to the crowd making exaggerated movements to imitate peering through the approaching people.
"Well, she actually looks a lot like you… don't tell her I said this, but you're actually a lot more beautiful than her" Paige whispered the last part.
"Oh shut up you… and where's my kiss?" Alex pouted this time, before Paige wrapped her arms around the smaller girls waist, pulling her closer, the words "I've missed you" registering before she captured her loves lips between her own. The kiss ending rather quickly as they were both conscious of the fact they were stood in the middle of the airport. Paige grabbed the handle of her girlfriend's suitcase.
"Where's your crutch, P?" Alex looked her girlfriend up and down.
"I didn't bring it, Lex… You see I wanted to be all chivalrous and take my girlfriend's suitcase and hold her hand at the same time, I can't do that with a crutch now can I?" Paige smirked, grabbing her girlfriends hand with her free one, pulling her closer to place a kiss on the smaller girl's temple.
"You should be using your crutch Paige… I don't want to see you damage your leg anymore" Alex explained although secretly grateful Paige didn't bring it as she leaned into her girlfriend hold.
"It's fine Lex, I have a pretty good crutch right here" Paige smiled as she squeezed Alex's hand a little tighter letting her know that her crutch was actually her. The two continued towards the exit, chatting, laughing and basically taking in one and other as they waited on a taxi.
As soon as they found one and the two were seated safely in the back they couldn't help but steal kisses from one and other, some a little more heated than others but neither allowing themselves to get too carried away giving the fact they were in full view of a complete stranger.
As soon as the two girls got inside Paige's apartment door, Alex pushed her up against the wall attacking her lips and neck with more passionate kisses now. Kisses mixed with intensity, tongues finally reuniting and playful nipping across skin with her teeth, Paige letting out broken moans unable to hold back what her body was feeling.
Paige grabbed her girlfriend's hand and dragged her into the living area, "Are you hungry, I bought stuff for a bath if you just want to relax?" Paige asked her girlfriend, smiling when she saw Alex come to sudden stop as she noticed the numerous candles and hand-made sign hung up on the wall.
"Paige you did all this?... For me?" Alex voice not much louder than a whisper as her eyes glazed over with emotion.
"Of course, you deserve all this and more, Lex. I've missed you so much… it's hard being away from the love of your life for close to month"
"I know… I've missed you too, so much. Paige it's beautiful. Thank you. I love you so much babe" The petite woman spoke, disbelief still registering on her voice. Alex kissed her girlfriend again, this time pouring as much passion into it as possible.
Paige pulled away for a brief moment, "So do you need anything. Food? Shower? Anything at all?"
"Everything thing I need right now is standing right in front of me… Although she'd look so much better without all these clothes on" Paige blushed slightly at her girlfriend's comment before wrapping her arms around Alex's waist, as Alex's hands quickly pushed Paige's jacket off her shoulders before they went to work unbuttoning her shirt. "I could say the same about you, Love", as she quickly whipped off Alex's top revealing a red lace bra. Paige's lips attacking the raven haired girl's collar bone something she knew drove her girlfriend crazy. Paige then picked up the petite girl up into her arms leading her to the bedroom before gently laying her down onto the bed "Paige your knee! Just be careful okay?" Alex called out this time a little more worried Paige might actually do some damage to her knee. "It's fine… It's fine! I've missed you so fucking much, babe" Paige whispered sensually into her girlfriend's ear before she started leaving kisses there. Paige felt Alex's hand grab her ass before she slid her hand under her now unbuttoned shirt pushing it off her girlfriend's body. "I've missed you too, babe" Alex spoke in a breathy gasp as she felt Paige's hand slide under her bra.
Paige woke about 8 o clock, Alex still fast asleep wrapped perfectly in her arms. Paige's eyes wandering the silhouette of her girlfriend's naked body covered by the thin blanket as memories of last night danced on her memory. Paige leaned down kissing Alex's forehead as she felt her starting to stir in her arms "Good morning, beautiful" she spoke softly.
"It is a good morning isn't it" Alex voice rasped, sleep lingering on her words, as she pulled herself closer to Paige.
"So what you wanna do today, Lex?"
"Stay in bed all day, more sleeping… and kissing…and cuddling… oh and more of that thing we also did last night" Alex spoke, too tired to open her eyes placing a gently kiss to Paige's naked chest near where she was lying comfortably.
"Remind me again… what was that thing we did last night?" Paige smirked, her hand now playing with her girlfriend's short locks, who let out a soft giggle.
"Wow thanks babe, way to knock my ego when you've already forgotten what we did last night" Alex replied her hand tracing shapes across her girlfriends flat stomach.
"Maybe you should refresh my memory" Paige slid down in the bed her lips meeting those of her petite girl's beside her.
"You ready for round two?"
"I think we're on round three right now, round two already happened about 4am this morning" Paige laughed quietly, her hand running soft trails along Alex's smooth back.
"So you do remember last night?" Alex winked at Paige.
"Of course, babe… don't forget we have to leave at 1. We're meeting Hanna and Spencer for lunch. You'll finally get to me them" Paige explained before Alex nodded in response before pulling their lips together again.
"So you ready to meet Spencer and Hanna, Lex?" Paige asked as the two walked hand in hand towards 'Brewed' the coffee shop that was like a second home to the Rosewood girls. Paige forgot to ask the last time she was there why the girls liked it so much probably something to do with the chill atmosphere but she suspected, they probably liked it because it not only had a similar name but also had a similar vibe to 'The Brew' back in Rosewood.
"mmmhmm… kind of nervous, I'm not going to lie. But only because I want to make a good impression." Alex replied.
"You'll be fine, they'll love you. Just a heads up though. Hanna and Spencer can be a bit intense, Hanna is intense in that she'll be very energetic and curious and probably ask a lot of question more than likely some inappropriate ones too. Spencer's intense in a different way, she'll be intense in the way that you'll wonder if her glare has ever actually killed anyone. But no worries it'll be fine" Paige kissed her girlfriend's cheek reassuring her. "We're here" She added as she pointed to small coffee shop.
"It's kinda small and looks a little umm…" Alex began a little shocked by how the coffee shop looked, she had quite high standards when it came to places to eat and drink, and this place looks a little run down for her taste.
"Yeah I know it's probably not suited to your taste Lex, but Aria, Spence, Hanna and umm Emily love it here. They serve some of the best coffee I've tasted in New York and the atmosphere is very chill, I actually like it a lot here too. They have a Jazz band who play every Tuesday and Thursday night and again on Sunday for brunch." Paige explained, her mood a little more sullen, suddenly regretting not asking to meet Spencer and Hanna elsewhere.
"If you say so, babe…" Alex replied.
"Hey look they're already inside" Paige's voice now more excited as she caught the blondes eye in the window waving at her. Her hand tightening a little around her girlfriends to ease not only Alex's nerves, but also her own which had spiked up in the past few minutes. She really wanted Hanna and Spencer to like Alex.
Paige with Alex following close behind her, walked into the coffee shop strolling over to her two friends.
"Hanna and Spencer this is Alexandria, my girlfriend. Alex, this is Hanna and Spencer" Paige introduced the two taking a seat at the table.
"You can call me Alex, only my grandparents and apparently Paige when she introducing me to her friends calls me Alexandria" Alex added, shaking Spencer and Hanna's hand while doing so.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Alex. We've heard all about you" Hanna spoke first.
"Only good things I hope" The raven haired girl replied, glancing shyly at Paige who had placed her hand on her girlfriend's thigh out of comfort.
Hanna and Alex seemed to click almost immediately, but it would be very unlike Hanna to not ease into conversation with anyone she just met. Spencer was a little different, Paige was trying her best to get Spencer to ease down a little, trying her best to send messages with her eyes. Spencer was always the most cautious when it meant new people were getting involved with the group of friends.
Paige was distracted when she heard Hanna trying to imitate Alex's accent, also asking her to say different words like 'Water' or 'Fish and Chips' just to hear her accent. Paige could read her girlfriend's expression knowing she was already bored of this little game Hanna had thought up.
"Hey Han, as entertaining and beautiful as my girlfriend's voice is I think we can talk about something else, no?" Paige finally interrupting the two.
"Yeah Han, 'Fish and Chips' really? Could you not have been a little more original" Spencer added, Paige letting out a near silent sigh as she noticed Spencer beginning to warm up to the new girl.
The three continued to talk for the next half hour, discussing things for their everyday lives what they did for a living, Hanna talked about Jake, they even talked about socially awkward high-school Paige and how her and Spencer were mortal enemies since middle school which luckily changed in their senior year of high school. Paige enjoyed just sitting back watching all three interact, in fact it warmed her heart knowing that her friends were so accepting of Alex, especially considering they were and always will be Emily's friends first. A sudden though dawning in her mind, a sick feeling registering in her stomach when she thought about when Alex and Emily will eventually have to meet. After all Emily did seem genuinely happy over the fact that Paige had meet someone else, maybe it would be okay.
Paige was distracted from her thoughts when she felt Alex stand beside her, "Just going to run to bathroom" the petite girl kissed Paige's temple before walking off.
"You two are so cute together" Hanna remarked "Hanna's right you know, I'm really glad she makes you happy, Paige" Spencer added, their comments making Paige blush a soft shade of red, as she dipped her head, "I'm glad you guys are all getting along… and thanks Hanna for holding back on the questions" She smirked.
"Yeah well I wanted to earn her trust first… I'll start asking all about your sex life as soon as she comes back" Hanna smirked back attempting to wind Paige up.
As the three were talking they didn't notice the dark-haired girl walk into the coffee shop, walking towards the counter to order her usual to go. The dark haired girl was distracted by her phone but looked up when she heard a group of familiar voices and laughter in the corner. If was one particular laugh that unsettled her the most, causing her heart to momentarily speed up. 'Maybe I should just leave' she thought to herself, but Hanna had already spotted her waving in her direction. She took in a deep breath before approaching the three girls, Paige still hadn't notice who was here as she sat facing away from the entrance. The girl couldn't deny the annoyance that was now bubbling just under the surface, she had texted Paige just last night, but Paige completely blew her off, and now here she was with her friends.
"Hey guys, what brings you all here today?" Emily spoke up once she had reached the table, the colour quickly draining from Paige's face on hearing the familiar voice.
"Emily?" Paige spoke, her confusion registering on her words.
"So this is the famous, Emily Fields?" Paige felt a hand on her shoulder, this time she felt physically sick knowing Alex's return couldn't have come at a worse time.
"Al… Alex..." Paige stuttered, of course a situation like this could only happen to one Paige McCullers.
"Yeah, I dunno about the famous bit, but yes I'm Emily Fields… who's asking?" Emily replied her tone friendly.
Alex just move a little bit closer to Paige, wrapping an arm around her girlfriend's shoulders this time. Paige literally felt she could die then and there, this was a million times worse than that time Emily and Shana had a weird showdown thing in the costume shop back in high school.
"Uhh… ummm… Emily this is Alex, my girlfriend" Paige smiled at least pretending not to be so nervous, she immediately noticed the drop in Emily's mood.
"Alex… hi, it's so nice to finally meet you. Paige has told us nothing but good things." Emily smiled holding out her hand for the other girl to shake it. She quickly recovered on hearing the unexpected news.
"Good, I'm glad. Too bad I can't really say the same about you… but I mean you must expect that being the ex-girlfriend and considering everything that happened" Alex spoke her tone confident and handshake firm as she asserted herself in Emily's present. "But I hear you and Paige have come to some kind of reconciliation so I guess that's a good thing" the smaller girl added before taking her seat again beside her girlfriend, her hand coming to rest protectively on Paige's thigh.
"Yeah… yeah, it is… I… mean umm it's nice to be friends again and have someone to go running with" Emily replied, surprised by how intimated she felt because of the other woman's remarks.
"Oh yeah Paige mentioned that… you're the reason she hurt her knee?"
"Umm, no… well… uhh" Emily stuttered her eyes briefly looking to Paige for some help.
"No she wasn't Lex, I was being my usual over-confident self and fell" Paige laughed hoping to ease the now apparent tension lingering between the three, luckily Hanna and Spencer seemed oblivious to what was going on caught up in a conversation amongst themselves.
"Of course you were babe… and probably acting all stubborn about it as well" Alex teased Paige this time before placing an adorning kiss to the now blushing girl's cheek.
"So, Alex you're here in New York for a week? Is it?" Emily interrupted genuinely wanting to get to know the girl.
"Yes, I'm meeting with some of my bosses in the offices here on Monday, then I fly back to the UK on Wednesday and finish up business there so I can finally move out here completely. I can't wait to be back with this one full-time" Alex spoke nudging Paige in the shoulder when she made reference to her, Paige leaning over this time to kiss her girlfriend.
"Yeah… Yeah, I can't imagine how hard it must be" Emily voiced thankful it came across in a friendly manner although on the inside she was fighting back against her real emotions.
"So Emily, what does your girlfriend do?" Alex asked not knowing if Emily had a significant other.
"I'm… I actually don't have one at the minute. I'm still waiting on the right one to sweep me off my feet" Emily forced her laughter, Paige and Alex quickly joining in. Paige's eyes never once straying from her girlfriend's laughing form, seeing Alex laugh was something that made Paige's heart race that little bit quicker. 'Although maybe she already did, and I let her get away' Emily pushed her thoughts aside as she took in the way Paige looked at her girlfriend. Pure love.
"Lex you mentioned my fall earlier, it was actually Emily who fixed me up" Paige added turning back to face Emily as she wrapped her arm comfortably around her girlfriend's shoulders.
"Oh so you're a doctor, Emily?" Alex inquired.
"Umm no, not really. I'm an intern at the minute. I'll be a fully qualified Physical therapist with a dual-specialism in sports and traumatic injuries after 9 months. I just graduated from NYU last September." Emily explained, proud of her achievements.
"Well, being friends with Hanna Marin, an up and coming name in the fashion world, Spencer Hastings making waves across the city as one of New York's best and youngest lawyers and then Aria Montgomery who has established her name as one of the best young adult authors at present, you must have big plans to open your own practice or to go down in Medical history or something?" Alex asked, Hanna and Spencer re-joining the conversation after hearing their names mentioned.
"Actually no. I mean I admire each of my friend's careers so much, they deserve to be where they are and they all worked incredibly hard to get there… but I enjoy working and interacting with the patients. If I open a practice it becomes all about the business and being stuck in paperwork, if I go down the line of medical research it means I end cooped up in a lab. I like talking to the patients I work with, hearing their stories, seeing how I can help them and when I successfully treat a patient whether that means helping a swimmer get back in the water after a shoulder injury or helping an army vet walk again with a prosthetic limb it makes it all worth the while. It might not be the most elite career out there, or the best paid, I mean with the help of my friends I came out of college close to debt free because they were so kind to offer me free accommodation and then the scholarship I earned, I mean it pays the bills and I can live comfortably. But at the end of the day it doesn't come down to the money or making a name for myself, for me it's all about the feeling or rush I get when I know I've restored at least a little bit of happiness in someone's life" Emily spoke proudly, Hanna, Spencer and Paige smiling on hearing her answer. Alex although smiling was a little taken aback.
"Well each to their own I guess. I personally think ambition and wanting to be at the top of your field is more important… but that's just me, I guess" The petite girl announced, causing the smile to falter on Emily's lips, Hanna and Spencer picking up on the sudden air of tension this time. Paige eyes shooting her girlfriend a confused look after such a statement.
"Umm… yeah, I guess… I… I actually have to go back to work my break is nearly over. But it was… it was lovely to meet you Alex" Emily spoke the feeling of intimidation reappearing as she waved goodbye to the group.
"You too, Emily" Alex called back her level of confidence not once failing.
"Lex… you didn't need to be so dismissive of Emily" Paige looked at her girlfriend in slight disbelief.
"Okay… I'm sorry P, Hanna and Spencer. Emily seems nice, I just… knowing she's your ex-girlfriend I had to stand my ground and stay assertive. Her career choice is admirable, yes… but you know I do value ambition over all else, you can blame it on my family background. Paige, you know what they're like!" Alex apologised, shooting both Hanna and Spencer an apologetic, shy smile before taking Paige's free hand in her own hoping to soften her girlfriend up.
"Yeah her family's a little tough going" Paige added hoping Hanna and Spencer weren't completely turned off Alex.
"No, its okay we get it… Emily's the ex. You are only supposed to be so nice to you girlfriend's ex-girlfriend" Hanna smiled understanding, giving the girl the benefit of the doubt for Paige's sake.
"Yeah, and I know what you mean about family background" Spencer chirped in, knowing Alex's background probably had a lot to do with the way she acted around Emily. Spencer can't even count the number of times anymore she must have come across as snooty or indignant as a result of her bringing up.
"Oh wait before I forget, you two are coming to the party tomorrow night. It's to celebrate Caleb's company. It has been up and running successfully for a year next week" Hanna spoke up.
"Yeah sure, I actually think the company I work for was invited as well" Paige smiled, Alex sat beside her nodding enthusiastically.
"Oh great they must have some kind of partnership with his company. I guess this way Alex will get to meet some of you colleagues as well" Hanna added
"Well that's actually a funny story, my uncle owns the company Paige works for, so I know them already. But it'll be nice to finally meet them in person." Alex interjected.
"Anyway thanks Han, we'll be there. We better get going we have a reservation at 'Chapter One' for dinner" Paige spoke as she stood up from her seat.
"For what, four o clock?" Spencer asked somewhat confused.
"Really Spence? Paige just made an excuse so she could go back home and get laid before dinner" Hanna interrupted.
"Hanna!" Spencer and Paige said in unison. "Not true, Han" Paige continued trying to hold back a blush.
"Babe… don't lie to your friends." Alex spoke coyly as she leaned in closer to her girlfriend's hold placing her hand on the flat of Paige's stomach to wink at Spencer and Hanna, who were laughing now, watching the ever growing red colour appear on the chest-nut haired girl's face. "Goodbye ladies, I think Paige is too embarrassed to even talk. It was so lovely to finally meet you both." Alex spoke again smirking at her suddenly shy girlfriend, teasing Paige was always one of her favourite things to do.
[A/N] Thanks for reading, and please review. Let me know what you think about Alex or just the chapter in general. Until next time -KTF