[Disclaimer] I own nothing *weeps*.
[A/N] Here comes some more apologies, sorry once again for the delayed update. At least you can say I'm consistent... consistently bad at updating regularly(?). This is the longest chapter I've ever written to I do hope that helps, at least a little bit? Thank you for the continuous support of this story, I am incredibly grateful to all those who read, review, favourite and follow, it means a lot. Actually, after posting the last chapter the story broke 100 followers, which is truly insane to me so thank you all for that. Anyway enough talking... please go enjoy this chapter.
Hanna, Spencer and Emily had took up their places around the TV, ready to settle in for the night. Spencer and Hanna were curled up in an oversized arm chair each, the two chairs placed either side of the couch, where Emily had found herself stretched out, her travel and emotional fatigue grateful for the comfort. The three had ate dinner together, none of them really bothering to bring up the emotional turmoil of the day, instead the girls decided it was probably better to discuss their day, gossip a little, as well as them allowing Emily to fill them in on her trip to Texas.
After a ten minute argument had emerged as a result of what film they wanted to watch with Hanna and Spencer being at centre of the disagreement, the three finally decided to watch Legally Blonde. Emily made the final decision, simply stating the film had something they both kind of liked. She herself, wasn't really too bothered by the choice, the tiredness after her day of travelling, overall exhaustion and shock after encountering Paige in such a state, was beginning to wear on her.
Just as the film started the group of friends were disturbed when they heard a noise coming from the direction of Paige's room, Hanna, Spencer and Emily instantly looking towards the door. Their eyes witness to Paige walking out of the room a few seconds later, immediately easing their concerns which had jumped to the forefront of their minds when they heard the slight commotion.
Seeing all three pairs of eyes on her, Paige suddenly felt awkward. "I umm... I was gonna just head to bed... but I'm actually kinda hungry? I was wondering if there were any leftovers or if there was something I could make? Hanna?" Paige asked, the uncertainty in her voice only emphasised her sudden awkwardness and embarrassment, enhanced by a slight rawness to her voice, most likely a result of her tumultuous day.
"Yeah, yeah! Of course, Paige. There's some leftover stir-fry in the wok over there, take as much as you want." Hanna replied pointing towards the kitchen. She had made it a habit of preparing some extra food for dinner ever since Paige moved back in with them. Although this was the first time the brunette showed any real intent on eating. Hanna, most days would bring food into her room or leave something in the fridge for Paige when everyone else was out of the house, unfortunately Paige just picked at the food most of the time, never really feeling up to eating.
"Thanks" Paige mumbled back as she padded hurriedly towards the kitchen, avoiding further eye contact with any of her three friends.
Emily, unlike Paige, couldn't keep her eyes off the girl. She noticed Paige was now dressed in a fresh pair of clothes and her long hair while still slightly damp, had been pulled into a ponytail. What really struck her was the girl's gaunt figure. Paige had always been very slim but a significant amount of her figure was shaped and accentuated by lean, strong and tight muscles. Paige had lost a noticeable amount of weight through loss of muscle mass, her skin also lacked the natural glow she usually exuded. Emily, remembering Hanna had told her Paige had eaten very little since moving back in with them, guessed that was most likely the culprit behind Paige's weight loss. The lack of nutrients, excess amount of alcohol, as well as lack of exercise and constantly being cooped up in that bedroom for the past week must have all contributed to Paige's neglected body. Emily knew Paige just needed some help to get back to her usually self and her brain was beginning to tick over with ideas in how to help her.
"Hey Paige, there's some things to drink in the fridge if you like; water, wine, beer, soda, juice... just help yourself." Hanna spoke up again, her voice giving Emily the perfect opportunity to look up at Paige in the kitchen once again, only this time she noticed the exact details of what Paige was wearing, a hoodie from Stanford. The fact the Paige still had that particular piece of Stanford merchandise, planted a huge smile on Emily's face. If it was the hoodie she was thinking of, Paige came into possession of that Stanford hoodie after the swimmer had left her own one in Seattle after competing there. She was devastated and incredibly annoyed that she had lost it, so Emily decided to surprise her by offering Paige her own one. Through-out her time at college Emily didn't wear hers that often, especially not in comparison to Paige anyway, who seemed to wear her own hoodie any chance she got.
Emily's smile only grew bigger when she saw Paige stop for moment, a puzzled look on her face as her eyes danced around the room in search of some kind of kitchen utensil, or at least that's what Emily guessed caused the bemused look to form on the paler girls face. She waited intently to see if Paige would make the move she was expecting, something that she used to let on annoyed her much more than it actually did. There it was, Paige promptly picked up one of the drawstrings from the hood and placed it in her mouth before she started chewing on the bottom of it, the action causing Emily to let out a little laugh. Her cheeks blushing when she earned questioning looks from both Spencer and Hanna. The habit to most people, would seem somewhat gross, and Emily always made it seem like she was grossed out by it too, but to be frank she couldn't help but adore the look on Paige's face anytime she did it. The ex-swimmer only did it when she was overly stressed or incredibly confused over something, Emily was always entranced by the subtleties of Paige's movement, and this time was no different.
It wasn't until Paige walked out from the kitchen did it confirm Emily's thoughts regarding the hoodie. It was hers, she promptly noticed the familiar red stitching on the front pocket, the memories of that particular incident playing on her mind. Emily was dancing around their apartment one day to amuse herself, while Paige was studying. She was dancing into the bedroom to check up on her girlfriend when she somehow caught the pocket off the door handle which pulled her back in a flash. Emily who was usually the more graceful one of the two, fell to the ground in an extremely comical manner, almost like it had been a rehearsed cartoon style slip on a banana skin. The fabric of the pocket immediately ripping about half way down that particular line of stitching. Of course, Paige couldn't stop herself from laughing at her girlfriend falling, rolling around in fits of laughter on their bed.
Emily recalls, when she eventually pulled herself up, she stormed off back into their living area sulking, knowing Paige would be quick to follow her out and eager to make amends. The stitching had found it's way onto the hoodie when Pam Fields got her hands on it one day when Emily had come home for a visit.
"Em?" Emily was distracted when she heard Spencer calling her name, both she and Hanna had a perplexed look across their faces. It was only then that Emily realised she was giggling out loud to herself at her fond memory, her eyes quickly darting back to Paige hoping she didn't notice her strange behaviour. Thankfully the brunette was still busy preparing her meal and not at all bothered by what the other three girls were up to. Unfortunately it didn't stop a warm blush from forming on Emily's cheeks, as the embarrassment of being caught in a day-dream wore on her.
"Han, thanks for all the drink offers... but I think I stick with a bottle of water, if that's okay?" Paige interrupted once again. Hanna simply smiling to signal a yes to her friend, positively surprised by what seemed like an immediate improvement in Paige's mood. At least she was trying.
Paige quickly finished up heating the food, placing a big pile of mixed veg, noodles and chicken into a bowl before making her way back towards her room. As she was making her way back she glanced every few seconds at the girls sat in front of the TV, none of them really bothered by her wanting to head back to her bedroom. Instead she decided it might be nice to have some company.
"I was feeling tired earlier, but umm... is it okay if I join you guys out here?" Paige responded her voice sounding more timid than she anticipated.
"Yes. Of course you can, Paige" Spencer insisted, as Emily moved to sit up from her lying position on the couch to make some room for Paige given it was the last spot in front of the TV.
"Paige, please don't feel the need to ask... this is your home too, at least for now." Hanna insisted, keeping eye contact with the girl as she moved towards the couch. Paige simply responded with a shy smile, still feeling like she was more of a burden staying with Hanna and Caleb than anything else.
As the gentle conversation flowed between Hanna, Spencer and Paige, Emily's mind was currently wrapped on something completely different the moment Paige sat down beside her. The couch suddenly seemed to shrink in size, as she so desperately wished the small gap currently between their two bodies would grow much wider. The moment Paige took her seat, Emily was caught up in a whirlwind of scent which she guessed must have been Paige's citrus shampoo or body wash, which instantly bought her back to the 'weird near-kiss' moment they had shared earlier. Paige always had a thing for citrus, in a way it became her signature scent, a smell Emily quickly fell in love with. The scent only emphasising the close proximity between the two, viciously teasing her. Emily more than ever, wished she was curled up in Paige's arm, with her head tucked into the perfect shaped nook on Paige's neck, a safe place she would often fall asleep in when they were together surrounded by the soft sounds of Paige's heartbeat and breathing right below her ear. The delectable scent of citrus tingling the end of her nose, as pictures of her and Paige together would begin dancing behind her eyelids, all brought together by the subtlest taste of Paige's lips which was oftentimes left lingering on her own.
"EM!" Emily's stupor was once again broken when she heard Hanna shouting at her.
"What?!" Emily replied irritably.
"What is wrong with you today? I've only been trying to get your attention for the last two minutes..." Hanna questioned, shooting a confused and irritated glance at her friend.
"I'm sorry... I'm just tired you know? I had long day of travelling and flying always takes it out of me" Emily played off what she was really distracted by, content to see Hanna was satisfied with her response.
"Are you working this week? I need someone to look after Jake; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday... I have to be in the head office all three days. I have to present my outlines for the spring line and Caleb's been super busy lately." Hanna questioned, a pleading tone on her words.
"Well you know I'm off work for 3 months, I have two exams after Thanksgiving, and then more exams and practical's after Christmas." Emily replied, pretty sure she had already filled Hanna in on her upcoming schedule.
"Oh yeah I know that... I just wanted to make sure!"
"Yeah, no worries I can look after Jake. Paige, you won't mind us being around" Emily faced Paige who was currently digging into her food.
"No, not at all. I haven't really seen Jake around for a little while... I miss that little dude." Paige spoke her voice quietening knowing exactly why she hasn't seen Jacob.
"I don't know if you know this sometime he'll sneak off from Caleb and I's eye line and sit outside your bedroom door with his ear pressed up against it, and then when Caleb or I find him, her just says he was checking in on you. I don't think he can hear anything through the door but it's incredibly cute." Hanna explained, Emily and Spencer just smiled while Paige gave a watery grin before looking back down at her food feeling somewhat ashamed at the distress she caused her friends and the four year old.
"Actually, you know what I haven't seen in a while?" Emily added, placing emphasis on the 'I'.
Paige looked up from her food, her mouth was still full to the brim with noodles, just about mumbling out the word "What?" as she scrunched up her eyebrows, a result of confusion after Emily's out of the blue statement.
"This... I honestly didn't think you'd still have it" Emily replied somewhat excitedly as she moved slightly closer to Paige so she could grab the material of Paige's hoodie. On understanding, Paige let out a gentle understanding laugh quickly finishing up her food before talking again. Hanna and Spencer at this stage not really bothered about the conversation, knowing it was obviously some kind of inside joke from the two's time at Stanford.
"Oh yeah... well to be honest, I didn't know I still had it. I didn't wear it much in Scotland, it brought up too many questions, people were always asking me was I doing a year abroad, what was Stanford like, how I ended up in Scotland... it was easier to just pass up wearing the hoodie to avoid any possibility of some awkward questions. Spence packed my stuff from the apartment, a handful of my clothes; basically enough to keep me going were thrown into a box for my time here, the rest went into storage... it just so happened this was on top and I was feeling the chill after my shower." Paige explained, embellishing the truth a little. She was cold after getting out of the shower and she did avoid wearing the hoodie in Scotland. She lied about choosing the hoodie out of convenience, instead purposely choosing it after she noticed the striking red writing before anything else while she was looking for some clothes to put on, she felt an instant sense of warmth wrap around her when she pulled the hoodie from about half way down into the box, as memories flooded her mind.
"Mmmh, Han... that was delicious. Mind if I go for seconds?" Paige felt it was best to change the subject not wanting to invoke many memories of Stanford for her own sake and Emily's too, instead complimenting Hanna on her cooking trying to ward off the current subject.
"Well thanks, I guess? I dunno if I should be proud that you liked it, or upset that you sound so surprised." Hanna focused her attention back on Paige, a scrutinising look crossing her face along with a playful glint in her eye.
"Well to be fair, last time I was around your cooking you did almost set the house on fire." Paige replied non-chalantly, she had got better at being able to respond to Hanna's quick witted responses.
"Actually, I've been cooking for you every day since you moved back in, only you haven't even looked at it... I also don't know if you noticed the fire alarm didn't make a peep, there's no fire where there's no smoke."
"I think you mean; there's no smoke without fire, Han" Spencer added, briefly interjecting into the conversation, causing a knowing grin to form on both Emily and Paige's faces at the familiarity of the on-going banter between the blonde and brunette .
"Yeah that's what I said, Spencer" Hanna whipped back a response, rolling her eyes and hawing out a pathetic sigh to emphasize her brief irritation at Spencer's comment. Spencer simply revelling in the blonde's annoyance shooting a light-hearted wink towards Emily and Paige.
"Anyway... I guess I'll give you a break Paigey, since you weren't here. To explain my now top class cooking skills, I took up some cooking classes when things weren't really working out for me in the fashion industry just in case I needed a back-up plan... and now I guess I get to have best of both worlds. I'm a brilliant fashion designer and fantastic cook" Hanna purposefully over exaggerating the last bit causing the others to laugh again.
"You wish..." Spencer sneered under her breath, earning herself a large throw pillow hitting her with a powerful force across her face. A growing trademark Hanna Marin smirk licked to the blonde's lips, seeing the brief shock cross Spencer's face.
As the conversation eased to a natural ending, the group of girls fell into a comfortable silence. Paige continued eating her food, while casually glancing at the television screen along with Hanna and Spencer. Given just how tired she was Emily was struggling to stay focused as her eyelids continually worked against her tiresomely pulling her into an exhaustive sleep. Emily could no longer fight it, deciding a quick nap wouldn't do her any harm, thoughts of the memory Hanna and Paige had evoked still swirling in her mind, as she fell into her dream state.
"You know I might just leave college and join the police force" Paige interrupted the group of friends, everyone suddenly stopping and looking at her, Toby, Caleb and Spencer bursting out into a raucous laughter.
"Is this like that time Toby had a mad idea to join the force when we were back in highschool?" Spencer replied once her laughter had settled enough for her to speak coherently.
"No, I'm deadly serious... I could do it, it's not like I'm enjoying doing this stupid law degree anyway." Paige returned, confidence strong on her words as her voice never once faltered given the reception she had been given from her friends.
"Well, if that is what you want to do, Paige..." Ezra added shooting his friend a look of encouragement.
"Yeah... I'm sure Em will enjoy seeing you in that uniform. I mean even I wouldn't mind seeing some McCullers in a hot police uniform." Hanna teased impishly, only to be meet by an angry sigh and exaggerated eye roll from her as fore mentioned friend.
"Woah sorry Em...it was only a joke." Hanna added defensively, Emily rolling her eyes once again as her long, lean arms crossed in front of her chest as if she was trying her best not to let loose then and there.
"What d'you think, Em?" Paige turned to her girlfriend, eager to hear her thoughts.
"What the hell? You're actually serious about this, aren't you?! Did that woman over there tell you'd look great in uniform, wielding a gun would look 'hella sexy'... is it because of her you suddenly want to become a cop?" Emily hissed in return, pointing at the blonde cop sat up front on a high stool in the sports bar they were in, she had started up a conversation with Paige when she went up to the counter to order some pizza for everyone, as well as some root beers.
"What no?! Em, we were just talking. I asked her a little about her job because it interests me... she said it's a really rewarding job if I was willing to put in the time and deal with all the crap females cops have to deal with!" Paige responded as confusion stuck, she was taken aback by Emily's sudden mood change.
"Yeah sure... whatever Paige! Oblivious to her obvious flirting once again. Come on Paige, you're not that fuckin' stupid. You're also interested in sports and having ranch dressing as a pizza topping but I didn't see you have a lengthy conversation with the barman over that when you placed your order" Emily spoke irritated, this time everyone knew this was heading towards a full-on fight, Paige and Emily rarely fought in comparison to the other couples but when they did it was usually a grand affair, and anyone within reaching distance could easily be dragged onto the battlefield. It was a much safer bet for them to just move aside, ignore the two fighting and make conversation amongst themselves.
"But Em, being on the police force I could make a real difference on the ground, serve a community, protect the people and serve justice. It would be hands on, instead of being stuck behind a book reading about different constitutions, loop-holes and all the BS the US State feeds us. I'd be the worst lawyer. I could do something really productive, really rewarding, make a change, Em... and at the minute I don't get any of that out of studying law." Paige explained, her ability to sound cool, calm and collected prevailed as she tried her best to get through to Emily.
"Fine Paige! You want to make a difference, do something productive... go back over to your blonde friend and talk it out about how you two can change this world... because clearly what you have at the minute is not rewarding enough!" Emily viciously spat back.
"You know that's not what I meant! Emily what the hell is going on... why are we fighting? She was just being nice. I thought by bouncing some ideas off of you, you'd offer some advice or support, instead you're attacking me and I don't even know why!" Paige raised her voice a little more this time, frustrated at not knowing where Emily was coming from.
"You know what, forget it Paige! I'm feeling kinda tried, I'm going to head back to the house. Enjoy your night everyone." Emily said, offering her friends a wave goodbye. Paige simply stood frozen, sighing irritably, it was her turn to roll her eyes at Emily's behaviour as she watched her girlfriend walk out the bar's front doors knowing she'd also be exiting through them in the next ten seconds. Even though they were only five minutes away from the beach house there was no way she was letting Emily walk home by herself, angry and upset with each other, or not.
"Sorry guys, I guess that's my cue to leave as well..." Paige spoke feeling disappointed, this was the first time she had really felt like she was a part of the group, a member just as equal as Emily. The group of friends had grown closer through-out their senior year, but Paige integrated the most over the summer before they all went in different directions for college. The whole group offered her a supportive smile, every single one of them especially the other girls had been on the wrong side of Emily at one time or another, and Emily Fields may have been the most caring, loyal, warm hearted person in the world, but if she was angry and upset with you, be prepared to be blasted by an ice-cold blizzard. Paige quickly grabbed some left-over pizza placing it into one of the empty boxes before leaving, knowing Emily hadn't eaten much, and maybe the offer of pizza would help soften her up again.
"Em... Emily! Wait up! Please! I'm not gonna let you walk back alone" Paige shouted as soon as she was on the street, sprinting to catch up to the storming brunette. Once she finally reached her girlfriend, Emily just kept walking, a scowl on her face ignoring what Paige had to say.
"Fine! Silence it is, so..." Paige remarked sarcastically.
Once inside the beach house, Emily took a seat on the couch folding her arms, her whole demeanour still obviously fuming with anger.
"Okay, Emily seriously... I can't apologise for something I did, when I don't know what it is..." Paige huffed, pacing around the floor. Emily remained stubborn and silent. Her silence only causing Paige's anger to grow.
"For fucks sake, Emily... talk to me!" Paige couldn't hold back any longer, her sudden booming voice making Emily jump a little.
"Paige, you had to have known that cop was flirting with you... she was practically foaming at the mouth. Come on you must have realised and she was really hot too!" Emily remarked finally realising her silence was getting them nowhere.
"Emily really... this is really about that cop at the bar? I told you she was just being nice, we had a conversation that was it..."
"Then why all of a sudden do you want to become Officer 'make a difference and save the world' McCullers... surely she had some kind of sway over you, Paige!" Emily stood up this, sitting down was only restricting her exaggerated hand movements and this way she was face to face with Paige.
"Fine! Fine... yes she was flirting... and of course I noticed. I passed it off because I have you and nothing comes close to you, Em. Frankly, I'm pissed you think I'd drop you so easily" Paige replied irritated by what she now considered to be Emily's irrational jealousy.
"Fuck, Paige don't you see... forget it, it's not really about her." Emily continued venting her frustration, she had felt jealous when she saw the way the off-duty cop was interacting with Paige, but that wasn't the real reason her angry had spiked.
"What?! So this was never really about her... What have I done then?" Paige sighed throwing her hands up in the air.
"Nothing, forget it" Emily's voice was suddenly a lot quieter now.
"Emily?" Paige questioned her voice also significantly lower.
"How could you just off the cuff decide you want to be a police officer? I get you're not completely happy doing law, but joining the police force, Paige?! Really?! Why do you suddenly want to make a difference?" Emily replied a forlorn quiver on her tone, as her eyes glazed over.
"Woah... it was just an idea Em, it's an interesting job prospect that's all. Why are you so worked up about this?" Paige spoke a little more concerned this time, but secretly pleased that Emily's stubborn side had worn down.
"Fine, I'll explain. Paige, my heart dropped the minute I heard you were actually seriously considering this as career path. I was immediately scared, alarmed and petrified by the idea of you becoming a police officer, it's a dangerous job 24/7. I grew up with my Dad in the army all my life, and still to this day my heart drops, feeding that overwhelmingly sick and terrifying feeling of dread I get in the pit of my stomach when Mom or I haven't heard anything from the base, here in the US or when he was abroad, in a few days... or when I get a phone call from a Texas number that isn't my dad's... sometimes I even have to ignore the calls because I'm so scared of what the person on the end of the line might say. Thankfully nine out of ten times it's just dad ringing off the base's landline. You claiming with such non-chalance that you're going to become a police officer equates to that of my father turning around one day saying he got called up to go overseas again, something I never want to hear again in my life. I can't stop you doing anything, Pay... but I don't want to live the rest of my life being terrified of getting a phone call from some stranger, telling me you've been hurt or worse killed in action. The idea is so heart wrenchingly terrifying. You're everything to me Paige, my life, my love, my other half, I just don't want you in a position that could one day jeopardise that." Emily finally spoke her true thoughts on the situation, a few tears slipping from her eyes as her voice continued quivering as she spoke.
"Emily... why couldn't you have just said this in the first place, we could have avoided this stupid argument. It was just an idea... I get frustrated with college sometimes because it feels like I'm getting nowhere anytime soon. It was just an idea, Em. A stupid idea." Paige approached Emily an enlightened smile on her face as she used her thumb to brush away her love's tears. Emily simply leaning forward placing her head on her girlfriend's shoulder tucking her face into the nook of her neck. The two standing like that for a few minutes, embracing each other and settling into the silence and warmth of the other's hold.
Unbeknownst to Emily, as she was enjoying just being held in her love's arms, a mischievous smirk registered on Paige face, as she slid her hands along the length of Emily arms before resting at her wrists. Being somewhat forceful but not enough to hurt Emily she spun her girlfriend around pressing her whole body into the nearest wall careful not to hurt her. Emily was understandably a little taken aback by the suddenly movement, as she felt a coolness hit her body as she was now lying flat against the cold wall, Paige's body pressed up tightly against her back.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, I have been informed and advised to investigate some suspicious activity within the premises. It seems two angered female voices have been reported to our police department, said to be in a heated argument that may have gotten out of hand. The neighbours were worried." Paige spoke with authority into Emily's ear, her words causing Emily to break out into a loud laughter.
"You're such an idiot..." Emily couldn't help but continue laugh.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, are you mocking a policer officer? That's against the court of law and I'll have to give you a strict warning." Paige insisted again as she continued the game, Emily couldn't controlled the raucous laughter falling from her lips, struggling to breath, Paige was making her laugh so hard.
"That's it Ma'am, you show no signs of co-operation! You're under arrest for contempt of cop. You have the right to remain silent anything you say, can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to be speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you." Paige recited off, her flawless deliverance of the line half impressing Emily, but also strangely turning her on. It wasn't helping that Paige had begun to slowly and teasingly grind up against her, Emily now unable to hold back restrained pleasurable groans. Knowing she was successful in her movement a proud grin grew on Paige's face.
"Ma'am I also have it on good authority that you may be in possession of some contraband, as a result I'll have to perform a frisk search and if that shows up with nothing, I'll may have to perform a strip search." Paige continued, her act never once faltering, as she lifted Emily hands above her head teasingly sliding her fingers along their length before they made their way along the contours of her girlfriend's body. Leaving a delectable trail down her chest, across the delicate wave of her waist and hips before running the length of Emily's beautifully toned legs, edging closer to the spot Emily craved her most.
"I still have my suspicions Ma'am that you are in fact in possession of some illegal substances... I'm going to have to perform a strip search." Paige voice teased huskily, a mouth-watering rasp licking to her every word, the words almost enough to push Emily over the edge as her head rolled back onto Paige's shoulder. Paige instantly taking the opportunity to kiss, lick and nip at her girlfriend's newly exposed jawline and neck.
Paige quickly spun Emily back around, the two now eye to eye, face to face. Emily letting out another gasp at the rapid and rough movement, as her back was now pushed into the cold wall. Her hands still held firmly above her head with one of Paige's own. Emily's eyes only darkened as she felt Paige let go, using her two hands to tantalise the buttons on her shirt, continually working Emily up as she traced her lips so close to Emily neck, the feel of Paige's warm breath on her skin was sending chills down her spine and shockwaves across her whole body. In one quick successive move Paige wrapped her fingers tightly about the shirt's middle parting, before separating her hands quickly sending the button holding the material closed to fly around the room, the action enough to send the air rocketing out of Emily lungs with a gasp of pleasure. Within seconds Paige had the shear shirt material lying on the floor accompanying the many buttons.
Emily couldn't hold back for much longer, dropping her hands to pull Paige closer, grinding into her girlfriend's lower half as she brought her hands to Paige's plaid shirt hoping to access the burning skin under there, trying desperately to ease her own thirst as her fingers went to work on the buttons she quickly found Paige's lips with her own. The kiss was brief, and she only managed to free the top three button on Paige's shirt when she felt her girlfriend pull away and push her hands back over her head. Emily let out frustrated sigh, she was sure she was going insane as a result of Paige's playful teasing. "Fuck Paige..." the words seeping sensually from her lips.
"Ma'am it's against the law to resist arrest and to physical interfere with an officer of the law" Paige continued in her authoritative ways. This time her hand reaching the single button on Emily's skirt, popping the button she then catches one of the loops before pulling them down enough so that Emily could step out of them, Paige quickly throws them to floor. The two's rhythmic hip movement continues, only furthering the pleasurably burn the two felt between their legs. Emily was so incredibly grateful for the removal of some clothing allowing her easier access to ease the growing sensations between her legs. Paige was struggling to hold back her moans at this stage too, as she leaned in to place a kiss on her girlfriend's lips, passion igniting immediately as she requested access to Emily's tongue. The kiss ending as Paige pulled away, capturing Emily's bottom lip between her teeth playfully tugging, enough to send her love into a whirlwind of light headiness.
Now latching onto the tans girl's collar bone, she raked her fingers the length of Emily's exposed back, scratching at her skin but not enough to break the surface, in manner with her other moves she quickly and assertively unhooks Emily's bra, one of her hands unable to hold back instantly capturing the newly exposed flesh with her touch. Emily's whole body revelling as a result of Paige's grasp, it was all too quickly becoming too much for the darker skinned girl.
"Fuck, Paige please..." Emily once again couldn't resist holding back the ability to touch Paige with her own hands and fingers, tangling her hands into Paige's hair and pulling their lips together. Emily asserted dominance for the briefest of moments, as she pressed her front further into her girlfriend, earning herself a delicious sounding moan to seep from Paige's lips.
Paige although dazed by Emily's sudden action, decided if this was to continue they'd need to move to the bedroom knowing the others would be back soon.
"That was your last chance Ms Fields, resisting arrest is a serious offence I'm going to have to take you down to the station." Paige asserted once again keeping up character, as she wrapped her strong arms around Emily's waist picking her up with one swift movement. Emily immediately tightening her grip of Paige, as she wrapped her bare legs tightly around the swimmer's hips, taken the opportunity, she quickly went to work finishing unbuttoning the last few button on Paige's shirt before ripping it off her upper half, managing to drop it to the floor just before Paige had her inside the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind her as she threw Emily onto their shared bed.
Emily and Paige finally decided it was time to re-enter the 'real' world, and confront their friends once again.
"Wow... about time you two showed up..." Hanna grumbled sarcastically, while Aria, Ezra and Spencer sat around the living area chatting and bursting out laughing when they heard Hanna's annoyance.
"Is something burning... where's the smell of smoke coming from..," Paige asked her eyes quickly scanning the kitchen for any sign of danger.
"Oh now you notice do you? Not when we spent over five fucking minutes banging on your bedroom door trying to alert you that the cooker went on fire. Oh no you two were too busy, going for round two in the shower, this morning. Oh yeah, by the way Emily your and Paige's clothes are over there, you shirt's gone in the bin... I can't imagine it'll be much good with all the buttons ripped off it!" Hanna explained, as infuriation hung heavily on her tone.
"Woah calm down, Han... someone got up the wrong side of the bed this morning. Also I could have sewn them back on... you didn't need to throw it out!" Emily huffed walking over to the bin to see her shirt was now covered in rubbish.
"It's okay babe I'll buy you a new one... kinda my fault anyway" Paige approached Emily, kissing her passionately.
"Ugh... you two gonna start doing it out here, now too?" Hanna spat out rolling her eyes.
"Ew Hanna!" Aria interjected at Hanna's outspokenness, Paige and Emily looked on with confusion, not fully understanding why Hanna was so aggravated with them.
"Relax Han, it's okay now..." Spencer added, Paige and Emily shooting her a look asking her to explain "Hanna tried to cook everyone breakfast this morning, but she got distracted when her Mom called and forgot about the pan on the stove, when she returned the pan had got on fire as well as a dish cloth beside it, the fire had melted the overhead extraction hood. She panicked... not knowing what to do she decided it was best to get everyone out, but when she was knocking on you and Paige's door she only panicked some more ,when she got no answer. Thankfully Ezra and Caleb got the fire under control, unfortunately the breakfast was ruined and Caleb was pissed at Hanna over the minor damage to the above extractor fan, understandably since it's his Mom's beach house. So they argued, and Caleb stormed off to go surfing, leaving us to deal with Hanna."
"Oh well I'm sorry Han... we didn't hear you" Paige apologised, blushing at the commotion.
"Of course you didn't! You two were too busy getting busy in the shower... you know you could have died, I was worried and scared... and I didn't even get to have my breakfast in the end." Hanna explained a little more civil this time but a whiney tone still lingering on her words.
"Well we appreciate your worry, Han... sorry for adding to the commotion" Emily walked over to give Hanna a hug. While she did that, Paige approached the fridge where she had hid the two slices of pizza from last night in there. Taken the two, she held one slice out, approaching Hanna and Emily, Emily immediately thought it was for her reaching her hand out to grab the slice her stomach ravished after last night, instead Paige pulled it back and made sure to hand it to Hanna. "Here have some food, Han... we haven't known each other that long but I know you're more easily upset when you're hungry, plus this was your first attempt ever at making me some food so I should pay you back for that kind offer." Paige smirked as she walked away, taken a seat on a free armchair everyone laughing at the sudden look of shock and disdain that registered on Emily's face.
Emily then walked over to the armchair, choosing to sit crossways across Paige's lap. Hiding a devilish look on her face she pointed out the double doors, which was in her direct eye line but off to Paige's right, she posed the question "hey look is that Caleb back?", Emily's question raising enough curiosity from Paige to look around, giving Emily the perfect opportunity to steal the pizza slice from her girlfriend.
"Hey Em! That was mine..." Paige mocked indignant, sticking her bottom lip out like a sulking five year old.
"Yeah well it's mine now... you gave my slice to Han" Emily stuck out her tongue like a little child, the others only laughed at the two's flirty and teasing banter before continuing back to their own conversation.
"Fine! But give me one last bite... if you don't I may well just have to go and join the police force..." Paige teased again, earning a dirty look and gentle punch to the shoulder.
"Hey! That was mean... plus I strongly remember you're half the reason I worked up such an appetite and why I am completely ravished this morning"
"Well in fairness you seemed to be coming round to the idea last..." Paige winked "...no pun intended".
"You're such a dork, McCullers" Emily couldn't help but smile this time.
"But your dork, none the less... here have the rest." Paige added quickly placing a chaste kiss to her girlfriend's cheek
"Yep, of course... my dork." Emily replied a sense of pride on her words. Resting her head on Paige's shoulder a sudden wave of tiredness began washing over her, to be fair it's not like the two had got much sleep the night before.
"I love you, Paige... and if becoming a police officer is what you want to do, I'll get behind you no matter how terrified I may be." Emily whispered quietly.
"It was just an idea, Em. I love you too." Paige replied with a genuine smile.
None of the girls had noticed Emily had fallen asleep, until she turned and move a little, her body moving closer to Paige's, her head choosing her new resting spot would be on the paler girl's shoulder as her left hand began wrapping itself protectively around Paige's waist.
The three pair of eyes watching on, both Hanna and Spencer cringing slightly not wanting either of their friends to feel awkward as a result of Emily's action. Paige just eyed Emily as she curled in tighter, her whole body tensed for a few moments, before she herself began to feel comfort from Emily's hold. It was like Emily was still protecting her after the revelation of the day's events. A sense of security and safety washing over her once again.
Paige eventually looked up to the blue and brown eyes fixed on her every move and expression that crossed her face. Paige just gave a half smile before adding "It's okay... just let her sleep."
"You're a good friend Paige. There's no way I'd let Em sleep on me... she sometimes drools whilst sleeping, especially if she falls into a deep sleep."
"I guess you could say I'm kinda used to it..." Paige replied without really thinking, quickly trying to retract from her previous statement she added "Ummm... well... I mean... I..."
"Paige it's fine, we understand. Plus it not as bad as being spooned half to death by this one" Spencer interrupted trying to ease Paige's sudden embarrassment, directing the second half of her statement at Hanna.
"All ahead of you tonight, Spencey." Hanna winked teasingly, earning herself a Hastings' eye roll.
Another hour passed, as their finished up watching the end of the film in silence. Hanna got up first simply yawning out a tiresome 'goodnight' before making her way upstairs. Paige had little to no interest in the film, instead spending the majority of her time taken in the miniscule facial movements Emily made as she slept, some of them familiar others not so much. She was simply entranced by the way her eyelids twitched every so often, and the way her mouth hung open ever so slightly namely being the main culprit behind Emily's drooling, a small wet patch coming to fruition on her shoulder. The scene was all too familiar, and it made Paige's heart ache even more so for familiarity, when her world suddenly seemed so foreign given her current situation.
"Spence, can you pull Emily up... my arms gone dead" Paige asked, Spencer was quick to move and pulled the extremely heavy sleeper up from her current position and moving her to lie down, placing her head on a cushion down the opposite end of the couch.
"Thanks" Paige spoke out as she approached her room for the night, Spencer simply smiled in response as she was close behind, waiting to grab some blankets and a pillow for Emily from the guestroom closet.
"Spencer, I'm sorry about the way I spoke to you when you guys found me in my apartment that day. I never got the opportunity to fully apologise. Hell up to this point I didn't even know if I wanted to, or even accept the consequences of what I said." Paige said all at once, feeling awkward bringing up the near past.
When Spencer had arrived at Paige's apartment the day they found her there, she told the guys to leave for a little while so she could clean her up and get her sorted before bringing her to Hanna and Caleb's apartment. This resulted in an outburst of abusive words and statements being hissed at her by Paige, who in the moment was understandably still a little drunk, tired, angry and desperate. Spencer just took the abuse knowing Paige was just overly upset, as a result of her broken heart and emotional turmoil that was until she started to bad mouth Emily. Paige was upset and angry that Emily just left when she needed her most, and she had decided now was the best time to express that anger towards Emily to Spencer.
But Spencer quickly shut her down, she could take the abuse regarding herself, but there was no way she would hear Paige say one bad thing about Emily, especially considering just how much turmoil Emily had put herself through deciding to go to Texas, being brave enough to decide she shouldn't be the one to save Paige.
Spencer remembering what she replied when Paige started on about Emily. "Paige, you can say whatever the hell you want about me. I get it, you're hurting and that's okay. But don't you dare speak of Emily the way you just did. Emily was terrified, devastated and torn up over not knowing where the hell you were these past few days, her world began to fall apart when she got that phone call from your parents asking if she was in contact with you. She decided to go to Texas because she didn't feel like she deserved to be the one to pull you back together, she was afraid of only making things worse. That you deserved someone better to help you, someone more deserving to be there for you. So don't you dare pretend and try to convince me or yourself that Emily Fields selfishly left for Texas because she didn't want to deal with your issues, because we both know that's not the case. I know deep down you still care deeply for Emily, whatever category or label that sense of love and care falls under, I don't give a fuck. But just know Emily still cares about you and I don't think you realise just how much. You are more than entitled to be angry at Emily over certain things, we all know she did and said some shitty things to you in her past, but don't you dare bring her down over this."
Paige could tell Spencer was reliving the moment in her head just now. A disappointed scowl crossing her own face, as she whispered out another apology breaking Spencer from her thoughts.
"I shouldn't have acted like that, I'm sorry. I'm so incredibly lucky and fortunate to have all you guys and Emily back in my life, I should have never jeopardised our friendship." Her eyes watering over ever so slightly.
"Paige I get it, getting hurt and having your heartbroken isn't easy, your apology is forgiven." Spencer returned offering her friend a quick hug. Paige and Spencer rarely showed any physical affection towards one and other, but a hug was called for in this situation.
"Thanks Spence." Paige replied genuinely.
The two broke apart, Spencer taken the blankets before offering a slight wave as the two said goodnight. Spencer approached Emily, taken her friend's jacket and shoes off. Of course Emily never once stirring, she was most definitely the heaviest sleeper out of the group. Spencer tucked her friend in for the night, removing the cushion and replacing it with the pillow so Emily could be a little more comfortable. Emily began mumbling some non-sensical speech as she continued to sleep.
"Shhh, Em... go back to sleep." Spencer cooed softly hoping it would ease Emily's tiresome mumblings.
"hhhmmm... goodnight Pay. Love you..." Emily returned, a saddened look crossing Spencer's features, she placed a gentle kiss to Emily's forehead before heading up the stairs to head to bed.
Paige woke early, she hadn't slept great... but at least she got some hours and those hours along with her little nap earlier meant she got more sleep than the past week combined. As a result she was feeling a little more energetic this morning. After her conversation with Emily, Hanna and Spencer she decided maybe it would be best to just move on or at least try her best at moving on these things were often easier said than done. She was so sick of crying and tired to the bone feeling hopeless, broken and desolate, maybe an attempt at a forced change of mind-set would finally convince her that moving past her break-up was an actual possibility, at least that thought alone gave her enough energy to force herself up out of bed, which was a vast improvement. She was also pleasantly surprised to hear the sound of her stomach rumbling, igniting hunger. She really hadn't felt like eating at all since the break-up, last night was the first time the idea of food didn't immediately make her want to throw up. Thankfully, now that she was starting to feel the slightest figments of herself shine through again and she was getting her appetite back, she decided it was better to fight for those familiar figments than fall back into the darker side of herself once again.
Looking at the alarm clock placed on the bedside table she noticed it was 6:01am, still early enough that everyone would still be sound asleep. Over the past week she had memorised Hanna's schedule, unable to sleep, hearing the blonde run around the kitchen was enough to keep her mind occupied for a couple of hours. When she didn't have to go to the office Hanna was up at 8:30am and if she did, she was up by 7:00am leaving the house no later than 8:30am. Spencer was a little more difficult to tell, and Paige knew she could easily be up at 6am but she remembered Spencer mentioning she wouldn't be working today and as result she'd get to sleep in before meeting Toby for brunch. Finally there was Emily, if she still had the same routine as she did when they were together, then Emily would be out of it until at least 9:00am, she really wasn't an early riser at all, she also wouldn't have to worry about going out into the kitchen knowing Emily, when she was asleep was out like a light. She was an incredibly heavy sleeper and not easily disturbed, something which often resulted in Paige having to resort to every kind of method trying to get her girlfriend up in the morning for her 9am classes, when they were together in Stanford.
Paige sauntered slowly still feeling sleepy out of her room and into the kitchen area, turning the kettle on and looking in the pantry and fridge for some kind of breakfast food. Her swift movements around the kitchen immediately coming to a halt on hearing a sleep laden voice now awoken.
"Morning..." Emily mumbled out, a sleepy smirk on her face as soon as she realised she made a startled Paige, jump.
"Emily, you're awake... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud" Paige initially panicking, feeling bad for having waken Emily.
"Paige you didn't wake me, my sleep pattern is just messed up after leaving early yesterday morning to catch my flight back to Philly. Stop worrying about me and continue making your breakfast." Emily explained hastily but a disappointed expression still held dominance over Paige's facial expression.
Emily quickly understanding the look written on Paige's face, added; "Come on we both know I could sleep through a marching band stomping through the room perfectly fine. You didn't wake me, Paige. I promise." Paige's resolve finally broke on hearing Emily utter the words 'I promise', Emily had purposefully used those two words, the two ex-girlfriends knowing the importance the words held within their past relationship and still to this day. Paige simply offered the raven haired girl a candid smile, believing her statement.
"I know, you're right. I was actually reminded of just how heavy a sleeper you are last night..." Paige replied off the cuff, her response causing a questioning expression to register on Emily's face. "Wait... I'll explain. Last night you fell asleep on the couch and a one point you decided I was the most comfortable pillow."
"Oh no, Paige! Really?! I'm so sorry... that's really embarrassing. I didn't drool did I?" Emily asked hesitantly.
"No... it was fine, honestly. I didn't mind." Paige returned unable to meet the questioning brown eyes across the room.
"You're the worst liar! I'm sorry for drooling on you... I also think I'm going to live under this comforter from now until eternity" Emily blushed, pulling the blankets up over her head and sinking back down into the couch genuinely embarrassed.
"Em... you don't have to be embarrassed. Plus it was nice to know old habits die hard." Paige couldn't help but smile at the way Emily had rolled herself up under the covers, as she continued making breakfast.
A few minute passed the two not really interacting, Paige had planned on sitting on the love seat beside one of the large French windows that overlooked the park but since Emily was now awake she figured it would be more polite to take a seat on one of the armchairs near the couch where Emily was laying. Without really think Paige placed the breakfast food down on the table, as well as two mugs. "There have that..." she spoke before taking up her chosen seat.
"What's this?" Emily peeked out, curiosity enough to ward off her embarrassment.
"Oh... umm... I..." Paige stuttered out her eyes enlarged like a deer caught in headlight, she was now the one who was wishing she had a blanket to hand, to cover up her burning cheeks. She had just made Emily breakfast without asking her what she wanted or even how she takes her tea, simply just assuming it was the same as 5 years ago. She instantly felt disconcerted after not thinking about what she was doing 'Was this over-stepping the mark?'
"Paige?"
"I'm sorry. I was making breakfast for myself and since you were awake I just assumed you'd want some too... I should have asked you what you wanted. I mean I don't even know if mint infused green tea is still your favourite." Paige replied her head hung low out of sheer mortification.
"It is... you used to always make me breakfast in bed. What was it you said about 5 minutes ago 'Old habits die hard'? It's obviously true, old habits really do die hard." Emily laughed lightly, she couldn't help but feel the butterflies swirl in the pit of her stomach at Paige just off the cuff making her breakfast, and remembering her favourite tea. Paige had quickly picked up her iPad to distract herself from overthinking her over-familiar action, her cheeks still red enough to offer a beautiful contrast between her strong cheek bones and chocolaty brown eyes. Emily given the shameless opportunity to gaze at the brunette, couldn't help but just openly stare in pure astonishment at the woman sat two feet from her. Paige McCullers you get more and more beautiful every second you spend on this earth.
A few moments of silence passed, the two savouring their breakfast in peace. Paige's worry easing, to allow a comfortable air settle in around the two. A thought entering Emily's mind caused her curiosity to stir and a new question arise to between the two.
"Paige, how come after we broke up you never joined the police force?" Her question causing Paige to look up at her bemused slightly, before she burst into a fit of laughter.
"Hanna bringing up of 'That night' obviously stirred some memories up in your head too?" Paige replied.
"Yeah..." Emily returned bashfully.
"I told you that night it was just an idea, I honestly never really considered it. You remember how stressed I was... we had just got Christmas results before spring break and I didn't do too great even though I studied my ass off. I hated studying law from the moment I got there, you know that... I mean, we had enough fights and stupid arguments over you wanting me to just change major and I wouldn't. For a brief moment I thought being on the police force would be a good thing for me, I also knew it would please my dad as he'd see it as an honourable career choice. I had caused a lot of upset for my parents as a teen; coming out as a lesbian, the way I was secretive, anxious and stressed over the A thing, the trauma after the Nate/Lydon ordeal, self-harming and... Bringing you into my life, my family's life. Thankfully those things were only challenging for my parents, particularly for my dad, to deal with at first, but they eventually grew to love and accept those thing about me. You saw, my Dad was like a completely new person towards the end of our senior year. Unfortunately, I put a lot of that down to me getting a full ride to Stanford as well as my plans to study law, I was just terrified that if I told him halfway into my second year I've hated studying law since my first semester, he'd be disappointed in me all over again, that if I suddenly wanted to change maybe I'd end up losing my scholarship. Thankfully, it wasn't until I told him what I was planning to do in Scotland did I see I had his full support. Of course Mom would have backed me if I said I was moving to the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal to raise a goat farm." The two laughed together knowing Paige's description of her mother was exceptionally accurate.
"Did you ever talk to your Dad about why he suddenly changed his views towards certain things?" Emily inquired, looking back she and Paige never really had an in-depth conversation regarding Paige's parents, especially in regards to how Paige's dad reacted when she and Emily became involved first.
"We did, a few times actually. The most poignant was probably... You remember when we broke up for a little while in October of senior year? It was after your birthday, which I managed to make a complete mess of..."
"Yeah, I had just damaged the muscles in my shoulder and my swim career was as good as over. I was stressing over getting into Stanford, or college at all... and you were so definitive about me going to California, it only added to the strain. The whole thing eventually bubbled over and I think a break was for the best."
"Yeah well the next day, I was understandably upset... I remember drawing all day, everything and anything, from sketches to doodles, caricatures to comic strips just to keep me distracted..."
"You always used to scribble or draw when something was up... I don't think there was a page in any of your books and even a few of mine that didn't include some kind of McCullers' artwork, maybe if you stopped doing all the doodling you would have gotten better law results." Emily teased light-heartedly this time.
"Hey! We're not talking about that right now. Anyway I was still working on a piece, Mom and Dad must have gone to bed, but I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. It was Dad, he saw my lamp was still on and knew something was wrong. He sat down on the bed and just asked me outright what was going on. I explained that you and I had broken up. He didn't say much about that, he just told me to not give up on you so easily because McCullers' fought for what they love."
"I'm glad you did... we got back together the day before Thanksgiving, right?"
"Right!"
"I...You... were done talking" The two spoke in unison, their words overriding the other's. The two remained frozen for a second as they eyes connected briefly. Paige dropped her head, a familiar McCullers' grin registered on her face, while Emily looked away almost out of fear of seeing Paige's head dip and that grin she hadn't earned a glimpse at, just yet. The two were also trying desperately to hide the burning crimson rising up their neck.
Another few seconds past, the two now composed enough to continue their conversation, Paige broke the silence and spoke first; "Anyway, he basically explained his childhood growing up in a staunchly religious and strict family embedded a narrow-mindedness within him, he loved his religion and explained to me how for a while he really struggled with being a profound deacon and being able to support his one and only child. That in turn resulted in a lot of unkempt anger and frustration which unfortunately he inflicted on me, most of the time. He apologised for that. Eventually he figured out a way to do both, we never really got into details about that side of things, once he was more accepting and at ease with me, I was happy, so I didn't want to push him any further. I remember exactly what he finished up with, he told me; 'If you're happy, Paige. I'm happy too... you and your Mother are the most important things in my life and I only want what's best for you, sweetheart. If you love her and care for her, Paige don't let her go. Fight for what you love. But if it's too hard, too hurtful and doing more damage to you, if you're holding onto something so toxic because of love, you will just have to let her go, Paigey. You can't sacrifice your own well-being. A broken heart with the right medicine can be healed, a toxic relationship that you're clinging onto remains toxic and will rot you from the inside out. Paige, if you think you and Emily can work things out regarding Stanford, fight for it with all your McCullers' passion. If you think it will only get worse... let her go'". Paige's voice was soft, a solemn look written on the two girls faces as she recounted the exact words of her father to Emily.
"It was worth fighting for me after all the problems regarding Stanford?" Emily questioned making sure Paige was one hundred percent happy with her decision to fight for them to get back together.
"Of course, Em" Paige replied instantly, a strong sense of confidence, honour and pride on her words.
"...and after the crash?" Emily had to tread lightly this time, as a dense sadness hung around the room, clinging to her words and the newly adjusted torn expressions on both their faces.
"I tried..." Paige began to explain, the two now eye to eye once again.
"Goooood Morning!" Hanna sung as she made her way down the stairs, interrupting Paige as she was talking. The two remained in a battle of emotions trying to read everything brown eyes whispered to brown eyes, unfortunately the war continued. That would have to be a conversation for a different day.
Five days has passed since everything happened. Paige had been feeling much better, she still kept to herself for the most part, and remained reserved and quiet in herself, but she interacted with the others whenever she really felt up to it, none of them wanting to make Paige feel uncomfortable allowing her as much space as she wanted. Emily had been over in Hanna's most days looking after Jacob for Hanna and Caleb, Paige would sometimes help, other times not so much, she particularly enjoyed reading to Jacob though and Emily allowed her some time alone with Jake to read to him just before his naps every day. That always seemed to pick up her mood somewhat. Otherwise Paige spent her time in her room drawing, reading or out running, everyone took it as a good sign when Paige decided to get up early one morning and go for a run, something she had been doing most mornings now, and also started going in the evenings now, too. Her body was begin to grow back into it's own, familiar muscles began shaping her slight curves once again, as her skin replenished it natural healthy glow. She and Emily exercised together once or twice, and the two enjoyed having the other around, not really fallen into as intense conversations as the last day had resulted in, but their natural chemistry allowed an easy friendship to flow between the two.
Emily after her few days of minding Jacob has made plans for Friday night a little while back and was quickly beginning to regret doing so.
"Emily will you stop worrying, you've been on so many dates before. Why are you so freakin' worried about this one?" Hanna huffed as Emily continued pacing around the kitchen repeatedly questioning how she looked, her hair, what she was wearing, and what the two would talk about for the night and so on.
"I know... I just..." Emily tried to explain, but couldn't articulate what she was feeling.
"This is because of Paige, right?" Hanna rolled her eyes as Emily froze still on the mention of Paige's name.
"I... well... I" Emily knew Hanna was right but didn't want to admit it out loud.
"Spit it out, Em... if you've suddenly forgotten how to talk like a real person, I can tell you right now your date is going to think you're a freak"
"Fine! I feel like a fraud. I still have feelings for Paige and I know that's never going to happen again, but I can't just move on and start going out with a new person, especially considering Paige's current position." Emily explained, "it will only put more emphasis on her current situation."
"Ok yeah and? Who says you have to be exclusive with this new girl. When was the last time you got laid?" Hanna replied instantly off the cuff, as if she was listing off her grocery list.
"Hanna... really?!" Emily rolled her eyes.
"Emily!?... and yes! Now answer?" Hanna pushed further.
"When I was with Tess..." The taller girl answered, her voice a little more timid this time.
"What really? But that's like nine months ago... Paige isn't your problem. You're wound up and sexually frustrated, and that's your problem." Hanna only half-joked.
"No it's not, plus I'm not going to sleep with Kira after our first date. She my roommate's friend I can don't that."
"Yeah well you need to do something, because you have to leave in thirty minutes." Hanna pointed towards the clock, furthering Emily's panic.
Emily continued worrying and decided if she called Spencer she might offer some moral support or at least some sound advice, unlike Hanna.
While she was on the phone to Spencer in the kitchen, Emily didn't hear Paige come in. Paige had just been out for a run around the park, her earbuds remained in as she danced towards the kitchen hoping to grab a glass of water. Paige waved at Hanna who was now sat by one of the large windows, sitting at a desk shooting some emails off on her laptop, an amused look crept on her face as she foresaw what was to come. Paige rounded the corner into the kitchen area just as Emily was walking out towards the seating area to say something to Hanna the two bodies instantly clashing, as a stream of swear words bounced off the large apartment's walls.
"Paige?!"
"Emily?!"
The two were shocked still, each pair of eyes shamelessly raking over the other's body. Emily went breathless at the sight of Paige's shimming body, legs, torso and shoulders from a thin sheen of hard earned sweat, she was sure her brain jump-started at the sight of Paige's exposed abs still pulsing just below the line of her sports bra as she was still a little out of breath from her run. Emily's mouth instantly went dry, seeing Paige after her work-out was just about enough to send her crazy. Paige couldn't help but be taken aback by the gold detailed dress that hugged the ever so slightly taller girls curves, stopping about half way down her thigh allowing Emily's long lean legs to shine in all their glory, accentuated by simple black strapped heels. Paige's heart rate and breathlessness only seemed to pick up again as she took in the full length of Emily's dressed up form in front of her.
"EMILY!" The two broke out of their sudden stupor when they both heard an angered voice screaming down the phone. Emily quickly looking at her hand, briefly confused after forgetting Spencer was still on the other end.
"Sorry Spence... I'll umm, I'll call you back later." Emily responded quickly into the phone.
"Hi..." Paige spoke first.
"Hi..." Emily repeated a childish grin lingering on her lips.
"I take it you're going out?" Paige guessed.
"Yep... I have a da... a thing." Emily returned sheepishly.
"Oh okay... was Spencer okay she seemed pretty uptight on the phone just now?" Paige questioned, the awkward tension lingering heavily between them.
"Yeah, I was just getting her opinion on what I was wearing"
"Oh..."
"Yeah... anyway, I should probably get going. I don't want to be late." Emily walked further into the living area, Hanna still shamelessly watching the interaction, an impish smirk planted on her face as she revelled in the tension between the two ex-girlfriends.
Emily approached Hanna hugging her goodbye, the two sharing some brief words before Emily grabbed her coat, purse and keys and headed for the door.
"Em?" Paige called out at the last minute.
"Yeah?" Emily promptly turned around.
"You can stop worrying. You look insanely beautifully, you're date would be stupid not to think so too" Paige spoke in return as she offered up a truly sincere smile. The smile which was instantaneously met by a similar one from Emily, seemed to light up the room. Hanna this time choosing to remove herself from the interaction as she focused back on her work, feeling like she was over-stepping the mark this time.
As soon as the door closed Paige simply offered Hanna a timid smile as she walked into her room to go shower.
Emily had to drive to collect Kira, her date. Kira was attending Yale part-time and working in the city every other free day. The two decided a date just outside the city might be nice, Emily offering to collect her after her afternoon classes, so they could catch up over dinner and maybe go for some drinks. The two had meet a few times, since Kira was good friends with Emily's roommate Sara the two often ran into one another. There was a natural chemistry between the two, and Emily couldn't deny the fact that Kira was incredibly attractive, black ringlets of silky hair framed her thin but open and inviting face. She was taller and slimmer than Emily, with long toned limbs. Her eyes were her best feature, blackened orbs similar and as determined as a puma eyeing up it's next meal. She was studying theatre and exuded a level of confidence that rarely faltered, she was more outgoing than Emily and naturally claimed the spotlight, but in a subtle humble way that didn't come across as obnoxious or irritating. She was eloquent but also had a rash and crude sense of humour which shocked Emily at first but it only contributed to her charm. They had kissed once before after Sara's birthday party this year, the two somehow ended up chatting all night. When it was time to leave Emily decided to walk her out, which resulted in a heated goodnight kiss. The kiss spurring on a trail of flirty text messages every now and then, sometimes they'd go weeks without talking, other times it was continuous over a few days. It was Kira who suggested the date once Emily returned to New York after her trip to Texas, and Emily promptly took her up on her offer. Unfortunately now she was beginning to regret that ever since Paige's break-up.
Emily drove, uncertainty regarding her date continually hanging in the air. Getting out of the city was the hardest part, she had expected traffic to be busy at five, and thankfully she had agreed to meet Kira at seven giving her plenty of time to get to Yale. The further she waiting in traffic the harder it was for Emily to push Paige to the back of her mind. The words Paige telling her before walking out the door raising anger, frustration, sadness, pride, lust, confusion and a sense of longing in the pit of her stomach, only encouraged by the conversation they had just a few days before, or at least the unanswered question regarding Paige's thought process after the crash when they were interrupted by Hanna.
Emily had finally got onto some open road, hoping the open road in front of her would be distraction enough. Unfortunately the words only grew louder in her mind.
"You look insanely beautiful... you're date would be stupid enough to not thin so too."
Of course Paige knew she was going on a date. Emily turned up the radio to try ease the swirl of insanity in her mind, but the words continued to win out.
"You look insanely beautiful"
The vivid image of Paige's eyes sincerely staring into the depths of her own eyes, as the words poured seamlessly from her lips.
"Em?"
The way she spoke out her name just as Emily was about to leave the apartment, the words mixed with an air of breathlessness.
In an instant Emily had pulled her car off the side of the road, putting it into park on a small inlet off the main road.
"GODDAMN IT PAIGE! FUCK!" Emily screamed taken her sudden frustration out on the steering wheel that moments ago was clutched between her white-knuckled grasp only to be battered by those same knuckles right now.
"FUCK PAIGE... WHY?" Emily roared again at no-one in particular, unable to stop her emotions from spilling over. Single teardrops chasing each other down her cheeks, leaving hidden rivers behind, the watery trails offering up the slightest contrast of skin colour.
After a few moment Emily picked up her phone.
"Spence? I can't go this date..." Emily spoke a wounded desperation on her words.
"Paige?" Spencer replied calmly, she would be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she was expecting this call from Emily.
"Isn't it always..." a sorrowful tone to Emily's response.
A few weeks had past. Thanksgiving had come and gone, Emily went home to Rosewood to spend the holiday with her mother while everyone else stayed in the city. Nothing unusual came up, Emily prepared for exams and looked after Jacob in her free time, she didn't spent as much time around the River's apartment over the past few weeks, wanting to keep somewhat of a distance between herself and Paige. The two still regularly worked out together, and continued spending some time in each other's company usually Jake when was around, meaning for the most part it wasn't just the two of them.
Paige had spent Thanksgiving with her parents in New York, Hanna and Caleb inviting her and her family to spent it with them. She still felt a little lost and sad, but for the most part she was doing okay. Since she was out of a job, Hanna had made her a paid proposition asking her to draw up some whimsical designs for her spring collection which needed to be complete by the end of December, for the unveiling at the end of January. Paige was so incredibly grateful for the offer and immediately took her up on it, but the workload and ever approaching due date kept her busy and her mind occupied with constructive ideas instead of reeling on her break-up, Alex, or her growing confusion towards Emily.
Christmas was quickly approaching, Paige couldn't determine her feelings towards the holiday season, it was something she had always looked forward to, but this year she felt a dreaded sense of guilt for looking forward to enjoying the holidays having spent the past three Christmases with Alex. Emily of course had become an over excitable child ever since Thanksgiving like she always did. She had been annoying everyone with her overly and somewhat obnoxious holiday spirit and carol singing since she returned to the New York, her thoughts continually fixated on Christmas.
Emily had decided to head home a few days early, the others wouldn't be returning to Rosewood until the 22nd. Paige had also decided that she would head home early too, asking if she could carpool with Emily. After all this was her first Christmas at home in Rosewood in five years, and although she still wasn't sure how to feel towards the whole thing, she figured it would be nice to have a few extra day with her parents.
Emily was just about home, a glowing smile appearing on her face as she caught sight of her house lit up and perfectly decorated for her dad's return, when something sitting on the back seat of her car caught her eye in the mirror. It was Paige's backpack, Paige had grabbed her day-to-day bag which she had kept in the front of the car and her suitcase from the trunk, but she must have forgotten the other backpack which was sat in the middle of the backseat. Emily knew it contained Paige's laptop, some chargers, books and other knick-knacks, realizing Paige may well need it tonight, she decided to do a U-turn and drop it back off a Paige's house for the girl, tonight.
Emily purposefully chose not to drive into the McCullers drive-way, since she hadn't visited the house in so long and it was best to just park on the side-walk out front. Even Paige had asked her to drop her end of the driveway not wanting her to go to the hassle of pulling in for two seconds only to have to reverse out onto a busy road two seconds later. A weird sensation was bubbling inside of Emily almost like she was nervous to knock on the front door, a sensation similar to when she met the McCullers for the very first time, a moment she was frankly terrified for giving the very first time she had encountered Nick McCullers in school back in junior year.
Taken a deep breathe she forcefully knocked on the door, knowing the McCullers rarely used the front door and wouldn't be used to hearing a knock on it. The action immediately making her laugh, over 5 years ago she had grown to be such a big part of the McCullers family that knocking on the front door would have been an absurd idea. Anne, Paige's mother had wanted Emily to feel at home in her family home, instructing Emily to use the back door which was nearly nine times out of ten left open for anyone to come in, anytime someone was home. The back door was the prominent entrance used by the McCullers given it's proximity to their garage and Anne didn't want Emily to be an exception to this rule. As she waited she couldn't help but adore the way Paige's parents had decorated the house, it was a lot more subtle than her own house, but also done with a finesse and perfected in a way only a McCullers could do.
Her heartbeat began to pick up as she waited longer than she had expected to, impatient as she half considered doing a runner before the door would open. She was also secretly hoping it would be Paige so she could just hand her, her bag and head back home, no other words except for a simply 'goodbye' would be warranted. Instead it was Mrs McCullers who opened the door, a brief moment of confusion crossing her facial features before she fully recognised the younger woman stood on the opposite side of the doorway.
"Emily?" Anne exclaimed.
"Hi Mrs McCullers, I just dropped Paige off about five minutes ago and she forgot one of her bags, so I said I'd drop it off before settling in at home for the night." Emily explained.
"Emily Fields, it's been so long sweetheart. You've grown into such a beautiful young woman, you were always very beautiful but a few years has only increased and accentuated that beauty. How are you, dear?" Mrs McCullers continued not really paying any attention to what Emily had to say, just surprise to see the young girl stood on her doorstep.
"I'm good, Mrs McCullers. How are you and Mr McCullers?"
"We're doing fine... come on inside, it's getting chilly. You can get warm by the fire, Paige is just in the study saying hello to her father."
"Mrs McCullers, I really shouldn't..."
"Emily Fields you will come in and get warm by the fire, I can see you shivering as it is... and did I suddenly become my Mother-in-Law? I vaguely remember having a conversation with a younger Emily and telling her to call me Anne, and my husband Nick." Anne joked practically pulling Emily inside, she was very similar to Emily's own mother, the two mother's were quite overbearing and typical protective mother bears, whereas Emily's mom was more about prying, Paige's mother was also overly welcoming. It was definitely as a result of her mother that Paige got her ability to always go above and beyond for people she cared about.
"Okay, but only for a little while. I must compliment you on the Christmas decorations, the house looks spectacular" Emily added the inside had more decoration than the outside, her favourite feature being the large real pine Christmas tree decorated beautifully in the corner of the room which was bathed in the slight sway of oranges, reds and yellows caused by the large cracking open fire, something Emily had always adored and wished for since her own house didn't have an open range.
"Well thank you Emily, I can't really say it has much on your house, which is without doubt the most beautifully decorated house in Rosewood with the brightest lights year in year out. You and your Mom do it up for your Dad's return?" Anne questioned.
"Yep, every year. As a child when my dad was stationed overseas and wouldn't be home for Christmas, my mom and I would put up as many decorations as possible... making the house exceptionally bright and maybe he could see it all the way from his base across the ocean. At least that's what seven year old Emily wanted to think." Emily replied solemnly, Mrs McCullers simply offering a friendly smile as she heard Nick and Paige begin to move from the study.
"Emily? What are you doing here?" Paige entered the room immediately surprised to see Emily sat down in the sitting room.
"Oh, umm you forgot one of your backpacks and I decided it was best to give it to you tonight, it has your laptop, drawings and things" Emily spoke feeling a little awkward and intrusive.
Paige was quickly followed by her father, who was also just as surprised "Emily, how are you?" He spoke, he was always more formal than the rest of the family, keeping his emotions at bay.
"I'm doing good Mr McCullers, thanks." Emily replied offering a shy and timid smile. "Umm I should probably get going my Mom will be wondering where I got too, I told her I should be home by eight and it's approaching nine now".
"Actually a few more minutes won't do any harm. I made some Christmas cake, I make it every year for the church's holiday bake-sale but you should take some with you for your parents." Anne insisted as she ran off into the kitchen before Emily could refuse the kind offer.
"So Emily, I just so happened to run into your mother at the grocery store just last week, she seems to be keeping well, how's your father?" Nick was the first to make conversation.
"He's doing well, he gets home on the 23rd. He's usually home earlier but he got roped into some extra shifts and didn't have the opportunity to turn them down. So I'm looking forward to having him home once again. The last time I saw him in person was a few weeks before Thanksgiving so it will be nice to have in home again for a few weeks." Emily replied a more confident smile registering on her lips this time, she always took pride in what she had to say about her father.
"That's good and I'm glad they're doing well... and you too of course. I hear you've been looking out for Paige recently as well, we all appreciate that." Nick thanked her, Paige simply blushed trying to hide after suddenly reverting back to her twelve year old self and it was as if Nick had just told the whole world who she had a crush on.
"Well, I mean she has helped me a lot too..." Emily voice was a little quieter this time, Paige still blushing profusely, an awkward air settling among the three.
"Okay, here you go Emily, and send on our best to your parents. I'm sure we will run into them soon enough anyway." Anne returned much to the delight of the three occupants of the room, handing Emily a big neatly wrapped piece of cake.
"Thank you both, it was lovely catching up again." Emily smiled politely, Emily was secretly glad she could leave. The whole affair seemed overly formal, like when your cousins you haven't seen in ten years visit and you're suddenly supposed to be naturally spark up authentic conversation. Emily had once felt just as at home in Paige's house as she was in her own, this evening she just felt out of place and intrusive. It was really the first time she noticed just how long five years really is and how some things do change.
"I'll show you out." Paige insisted as she walked Emily towards the back door out of habit, and having not known Emily had entered through the rarely used front door.
"Goodnight Emily, don't be a stranger... you're always welcome here." Nick waved goodnight as the two girls walked into the kitchen and out the back door, his arm wrapping comfortable around his wife's waist.
"When will they realize?" Anne mumbled to no one in particular.
"In their own time, sweetheart... I think they're both feeling things, but still very afraid and unsure. Things will naturally fall into place, nothing can keep those two apart." Nick whispered in return, his wife letting out a shocked giggle.
"Is Nicolas McCullers still a hopeless romantic at heart? That's where our daughter gets it from..." She spoke exaggerating incredulous.
"You're not just realizing that now, are you? She managed to earn your looks and charm and yet she turned out to be a hopeless romantic who wears her heart on her sleeve." Nick replied playfully.
"Well I find it incredibly endearing and one of the best things about our Paige... in fact it was the reason I agreed to marry her handsome father. Maybe Emily will one day decide that same thing too"
"What to marry Paige's handsome father?" Nick joked again.
"No!" Anne deadpanned "Unfortunately you also passed down your goofy sense of humour." Anne added before kissing her husband on the cheek, before grabbing a book from the shelf and taking a seat back on the couch where she sat before Emily had dropped Paige home.
"Em, you really didn't have to bring my backpack back tonight." Paige exclaimed once they stood outside into the cool, fresh chilly Pennsylvanian air.
"I know but I wanted too..."
"Well thank you and I appreciate it. Actually about earlier, my dad was right... I am incredibly grateful for you being a friend to me when I needed it most. I mean Hanna, Spencer, the guys and even little Jakey have been great but it was different with you..." Paige began to explain her mind subconsciously adding 'It's always different with you'
"Paige you don't have thank me..." Emily interrupted.
"No, I do... I was in such a dark place when Alex and I broke up, it brought a lot of things to the surface, some things I'm not quite ready to deal with, but others I can slowly start to accept. You gave me that hope, that chance at acceptance, Em." The two had naturally wandered towards the McCullers' pool, the striking navy blue reflecting the clear night beautifully as the white light of stars and the shimmer of the moon melted magically into the subtle yellow street light that just about reached the water, were all being reflected on the pool's gently rippling surface.
"Do you still think about her?"
"Of course I do. But I think I can finally say I no longer love her. You'd think after you find out someone you've spent three years with has cheated on you more than once, you suddenly fall out of love... it doesn't happen like that. That would be too easy."
The two had taken up a seat on a swinging bench, very similar to the one on Emily's porch instead this one was placed on a small patio a couple of metres from the pool's edge. The two eyes forever lingering on the water, something that still offered so much ease and meant so much to the two.
"I still appreciate all the good times Alex and I had together, doesn't mean I don't think about how things could have worked out differently, if I did something different, or decided to stay in the UK. I mean it's not like I suddenly stopped thinking about you when we broke-up and when I left. But at least now I no longer harbour any angry feeling towards her... I think that was also a result of realising I was no longer in love her, as cliché as it sound time really does heal all wounds." Paige finished, the two still kept their focus on the pool in front of them, on noticing Emily shivering next to her Paige offered her, her jacket, unlike Emily she still had a thick hoodie on whereas Emily only had a light zip-up jacket over a t-shirt, not enough to keep her warm. Once Emily had taken the coat, Paige lifted her arm for Emily to pull herself closer, resting her head on Paige's shoulder, the two instantly feeling warmer as they closed the distance between them.
"Paige?" Emily questioned.
"mmmhhh" Paige hummed in response.
"How did you stop loving her?" Emily asked a sense of caution lingering on her words.
"I don't know... just one day I woke up and it hurt a little less to not wake up to her beside me. I realised that perhaps we had served our time in each other's lives and now it was time to move on. I couldn't just sulk after her for the rest of my life, I realised by doing that she still has all the power in her hands and she would continue to hold that over me, until I choose to move on. I realised that the moment she decided to hook up with another woman was the day she no longer deserved to be in possession of that power, in possession of my happiness. It just took me a little while to figure that out. Being honest, you and the other's in New York really helped me to figure it out, maybe not intentionally or purposefully but you all really did help me. A lot. As well as that I think it was possibly because from the moment she admitted to cheating, I knew I didn't want to be in love with her any longer, it was so instant, my brain accepted the idea almost instantly but my heart took a little longer to accept the pain for what it was."
"You always leaned more towards your heart" Emily added.
"I know... maybe I should stop trusting it, I always end up hurt..."
"I'm sorry..." The apology was left resolutely ambiguous, Emily was sorry for everything she ever did to hurt Paige. She was sorry for all the hurt Paige had experienced ever since. She was sorry for any hurt Paige would endure in the inevitable future.
Paige simply nodded her head.
"Paige... what if you just don't necessarily want to stop loving a person?"
"I wish I could answer that, Em. But I can't. I haven't found on answer to that one yet..."
The two remained in silence, unintentionally playing with each other hands, intertwining fingers, swirls, patterns and drawings being brought to life by a finger on the back of the other's hand, while the lines on each other palms were carefully traced. If anyone who didn't know their history saw the two as they were right in that moment they could've sworn they were a couple so in love, bombs could go off around them and they wouldn't notice being so wrapped up in each other's world, subtle smiles, competing heartbeats one trying to outdo the other, timid glances and awe-stuck gazes.
"Do you remember coming to find me here?" Paige broke the silence between them.
"Of course... I was so terrified, I didn't know how my little speech would be accepted. I realised you were exactly what I was looking for in that moment. I know we had kissed a few times up to that point and we both had kissed different people but it still felt like a first kiss. You know when you get that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you're at the start of a roller-coaster and you start to make the ascent, once you reach the top and you're just anxiously awaiting the inevitable enhanced sensation of butterflies going wild in your stomach before the roller coaster cruises smoothly over the edge. You know it's like that rush you get the moment you're hand reaches the surface of the pool ready to win a race. That moment of unsureness similar to the moment you get back important exam results and you know you have tried your best but there's still that moment of doubt that lingers in your mind." Emily spoke passionately, coming to find Paige that night was one of the best moments in her entire life.
"Don't look away..."
"What?"
"You told me not to look away that night..."
"I did... because I wanted you to know it was real, that it was all about you. It was always you, Paige. Plus you have the most beautiful shy and disbelieving smile, I couldn't go another second without seeing it. I needed you to believe my intentions. The McCullers head dip as Hanna named it, is so adorable but sometimes it surprises me that you're in disbelief over something, usually something in praise or honour of you, it still surprises me to this day Paige that you don't see just how great you are."
The two women were now eye to eye, Paige had to do everything in her power not head dip knowing Emily would most likely chastise her. Two sets of eyes travelling over every contour, shadow and shape the other's face had to offer, Emily raising her hand, using the soft pad of her thumb to gently wipe away an escaped teardrop, that Paige didn't even realise had fallen, her hand instinctively moving to caress her cheek as their faces inched slowly forward, eyes dancing between keeping contact and lingering on soft pink, inviting lips. Edging ever closer, it felt like the brilliant glow of lights produced by the moon and stars grew even brighter, the silver light reflected perfectly in the pair of chocolately brown orbs.
"PAIII...Oh"
The two immediately moved apart on hearing the intrusive voice.
"Mom?" Paige just about got the word out as she remained still, stunned from what was about to happen.
"Oh... umm... I'm-sorry-I-thought-Emily-had-left-already-and-you-were-out-here-by-yourself-I-was-just-letting-you-know-you're-father-and-I-are-heading-to-bed" Anne returned in one big breath, her words merging together as she noticed she had just interrupted a moment between Paige and Emily.
"Okay, goodnight Mom. I'll see you in the morning."
"Umm, I should probably leave too... Mom was expecting me home over two and half hour ago now at this stage."
"Yeah, you're right" the two stood still in silence for a brief moment, surprisingly neither or the two feeling awkward, embarrassed or upset over what had just happened, perhaps a little confused. The two still craving the comfort they had naturally grabbed hold of a few moments ago.
"Well I may go, Paige." Emily approached Paige wrapping her arms tightly around her stomach in a warm hug.
"Yeah you don't want you Mom to be worried, Em" Paige quickly reciprocated the sudden embrace, the feel of Emily breath reaching her neck as she tucked her face further into the nook under Paige's jaw evoking nothing but comfort and warmth. The embrace lasting longer than most goodbye hugs would, both reluctant to let go. Emily was selfishly breathing in as much of Paige as she could, not knowing Paige was doing pretty much the same thing.
"Goodnight, Paige." Emily reluctantly pulled herself from Paige's hold, placing the softest of kisses to Paige's cheek. The heat of Emily's lips enough to take away from the chilly bite of December air in Philadelphia.
"Goodnight, Em." Paige simply waved as she watched Emily hurry towards her car.
[A/N]: Thank you for reading, please review or PM me your thoughts, opinion and comments on the chapter. I genuinely love to hear them.
Just as an add-on, I want to answer some questions that have come up. I know this story is drawn out, but that's the way I wanted to write it, I promise Emily and Paige will eventually get their moment (which maybe sooner than you thing (!)). In relation to the heated scenes I know I always pan away leaving it somewhat ambiguous, this is also on purpose (I'm sorry). I have a very specific M rated scene in my mind that I want to be the first full M rated scene in the story and that's my reasoning behind that. I do also plan to investigate Emily's state of mind after the crash, the full details of their break-up and Paige's thought process on her feelings towards Emily, some will happen sooner than others. Just as a fun tidbit, the next chapter will focus primarily on Christmas in Rosewood, I hope the newly released sneak peek photos hold you over until then... I mean they are pretty great. I do genuinely apologise for my irregular posting pattern, I'm a slow writer, an expert procrastinator and those combined with a busy work schedule mean I can only write every so often. This chapter took a little longer because I was unhappy with certain parts, which I kept deleting and re-writing and vice-versa. Anyway enough rambling, anything you wish to comment on, question or call me out on (?) please feel free to do so, more than willing to take on some feedback. I guess that's it, so until next time -KTF