Gosh thank you so much for the reviews! They've really made me smile:3 Here's another chapter, hope you like it! Keep reviewing!


Emily's POV-

"When I was 14 my uncle took me to the zoo for the day and he promised I'd have the best day ever. It wasn't even midday and he tripped on some wood and actually fell into the penguin enclosure. The park rangers tried helping him get out but he just kept getting attacked by these angry penguins and they just kept pulling him back in. Not going to lie, it was hilarious but I have to admit I've been scared of penguins ever since and surprisingly it wasn't the best day ever." Alison coyly smiled at me.

"What else are you afraid of?" I asked.

"Now that is a very big question for such a late hour. But if I had to narrow it down to three things I guess it would be spiders, rejection and being alone forever." She looked away sadly.

"2 out of 3 of them I can solve. But I won't tell you which ones, I'll leave that for you to decide." I whispered. We were sat really close now on the sofa and feeling the heat from her body radiate on to mine was strangely reassuring that she was still there.

"What's the time? We better head home. I- I mean if you want to." She stumbled. My hand was touching hers. I didn't even realize it until I followed her gaze looking down at our kind of entwined fingers. I couldn't help but feel the sudden surge of energy pulsate through my veins.

"Y-yeah, we better go back." I stood up removing my hand from hers. The energy was gone. "I'll help you clean up" I began picking up all of the plates up cups.

"Thanks, just put them in the sink and I'll clean them tomorrow don't worry."


"You know it's weird. I feel like I've known you forever yet I can't figure you out. Usually when I meet someone for the first time, I can pretty much know what that person is like and what their life is like, but with you, I don't know, it's different." She looked at me puzzled as she was walking and talking.

"Is that a good or bad thing?" I asked worriedly and I fiddled with my hands.

"... It's a good thing. It's a very good thing because it just wants to make me get to know you better." A small smile tugged at her lips. "Man it's cold." She rubbed her hands against her bare arms.

"Gosh, where are my manners?" I unzipped my coat, took it off and placed it around her shoulders. Little cliche, I know.

"Oh, you didn't have to do that." The blonde haired girl stared at me confused but I could tell she was quite happy as well.

"I wanted to."

"Um, well... thank you." I didn't fail to notice the blush forming on her cheeks as she turned her head to the side to hide it.


"I had a really nice evening, thank you." Ali smiled.

"Me too. It would be nice if I got to see you again though." I grinned back.

"Definitely. Oh, wait, here's your jacket." Alison went to take off the jacket before I reached out my hand to stop her.

"Don't worry about it, you can keep it for a while if you want." I gestured.

She giggled lightly which made me heart leap. "Thanks." I noticed she kept smiling at the ground which I found really sweet. "So, I-I guess I'll see you around then."

"Yeah, you will."

Alison giggled again. Was I making her like this? "B-bye." She finally looked up and smiled shyly.

"Bye." I followed her expression.

"Bye" She said once last time before hastily turning around to go up stairs to her apartment. Nicely done Em; Nicely done.


Alison's POV-

I turned round to close the door but then stayed leaning against it for a moment or two trying to recollect my thoughts. Woah. What just happened?

I was so deep in thought I hadn't even realized my mother was stood in front of me.

"My gosh, you're late coming home. What happened? Don't worry I put Callie to bed." She whispered worryingly.

"Yeah, sorry. I got caught up talking to someone. Thank you for taking care of her today. Was she good?" I asked as I removed my- her jacket to hang up. Walking to the kitchen to make myself a drink, my mom followed me.

"Who is this someone then? And yeah she was fine." She raised an eyebrow at me.

"Just someone, okay? All your stuff is ready in the guest bedroom, whenever you want to go to bed."

"Thank you dear. We can talk about this someone another time."

"Fine." I secretly smiled to myself when she wasn't looking at me.

My mom agreed to stay for 3 days this week to look after Callie whilst I worked. Seeing as I decided to fit some more hours in, I couldn't leave Callie alone all that time. She's only 10 and very energetic.

"Alison." I heard my mum call from behind me. "Whoever put that smile on your face that you're so eager to hide, is someone that's going to stick around for a long time." She paused. "Anyway, good night dear." I listened as her footsteps faced before walking towards the mirror to look at myself.

I saw a smile that just would not shift.


I rushed out of the door, careful not to wake anyone as I closed it. As I quickly walked down the two flights stairs, I slammed into someone down the corridor.

"Gosh, would you what where you're going!" I shouted as I stumbled on my feet before looking up and meeting the eyes of a brown haired beauty. I instantly regretted my outburst of annoyance. "Emily, shit, I'm so sorry. I didn't know it was you and I just swore oh god now yo-"

"Hey, it's fine. I didn't hurt you did I?" She looked sincere.

"No, nope, no I'm good. Sorry, did I hurt you? I was the one dashing off." My words stumbling from my mouth. Oh god, is it hot in here or is it just me? What is happening?

"I'm good, don't worry. Where you off to?" She asked and I noticed myself staring at her. Emily was wearing gym clothes with a water bottle in her hand and she was so so sweaty but she was so so sexy. Wait.

"Work, did you just come back from the gym?"

"Oh I don't want you to be late and yeah I did. I could meet you at the shop in a bit and grab breakfast? I mean, I um I don't want to distract you." She laughed lightly. I gave her a puzzled look when I realized I've just been caught staring at her. Oh god, nice one.

"Uh sorry and yeah that sounds cool. I uh better go; don't want to be late. See you in a bit." I slowly walked past her and smiled.

"Bye." She smiled.

"Bye. I waved as I head down the rest of the stairs and made my way to work late.


I noticed in the corner of my eye Emily walking in. I didn't want to rush over and act like I'm desperate. I'll wait until her eyes find me and then I'll go talk to her. Thankfully it's not just Mark and I in here today, the people I employ actually decided to show up.

I watched her from behind the coffee counter as she looked around for some place to sit. She hasn't noticed me.

I watched her as she pulled out a book from her bag and began reading it. She still hasn't noticed me.

I watched her as her curious eye glanced up and found my own. She noticed me.

I awkwardly smiled and waved lightly because this is the second time today I've been caught staring. She must think I'm some kind of freak or worse.

She nodded her head in an attempt to get me to come over there but I shook my head in order to see her reaction. Playing hard to get is always the way to see if someone's really interested in you because they'll do anything they can to make you happy. I watched her lips from afar as her bottom lip poked out as she did a pouty face. It was the most adorable thing so much so I began plodding along with my gaze on her as I approached.

There was just something so mesmerizing about her and I couldn't seem to put my finger on it.

"Hey you." Emily giggled.

"Hey yourself. Can I get you anything?" I reached for my pen and pad but I felt her warm and oh so soft hand on mine and I instantly forgot what I was doing. I've never had anyone have this effect on me. It was exciting but at the same time very terrifying.

"When do you get off work today? I was thinking we could do something later." Her eyes beamed.

"Well I was planning to finish at 9pm today but there's a lot of staff here and seeing as I am the manager I can take as much time off as I want. But I do have to do a few hours here to make sure they've got everything covered. So why don't we say at 1pm, meet me outside my apartment? It's just two floors above yours and it's apartment 3B." I waffled on.

"That sounds great. Are you sure no one will mind you finishing early?"

"Probably but I don't care, I pay them." We both laughed. "So did you want anything?" I asked politely still staring at her ever so brown eyes.

"Let's see if you can remember what I had last night." She winked and I died a little bit more inside.

"Coming right up" I winked back with my signature smile before walking away to make her order. Of course I remember, it was the day I fell for the way her smile arched.


"Holy shit Mark, what have I done?! I told her to meet me outside my apartment where my daughter lives who is being taken care of by my mother. What the fuck am I going to do? Maybe I should just cancel. She probably doesn't like me anyway." I babbled on and I began picking at my maroon colored work shirt. It was mine and Mark's break and I've tried to hold it together all day but now I'm freaking out.

"Wait, who are you talking about? Oh my gosh, did you meet someone? Alison don't even lie to me. What's she like?" He squealed in a high pitched tone that made my ears ring.

"Her names Emily and I met her last night." I whispered as I dropped my gaze to the floor as I thought about her. She was perfect, she really was. There was not one flaw about her but she's way too perfect for me.

"I know that face!"

"What?" I looked up at him as if he was crazy. "What face?"

"You've fallen for her...hard, girl and... you've only just met her. I can see that smile on your face that you're so eager to hide because she was the one that put it on there in the first place"

"God, you sound like my mother." We both laughed.

"Yeah well she's right. All I'm saying is don't rush into anything and make sure it is clear that Callie is the only girl you'll only ever put first. She knows about Callie right?" He questioned.

"Not exactly..."

"What?! Why?!"

"It never came up in the conversation and I don't know, I really like her and I'm scared of what she'll think of me." I looked away.


Emily's POV-

"Uh, hey Spencer. I'm sorry for calling you out of the blue but I need to talk to someone and well you're like the only person I hav-" I rushed out before I was interrupted.

"Don't worry about it, it's totally fine Emily. What's wrong?"

"Well, I don't know how to put this and I'm not sure if I really should be telling you because well it's your sister and I don't want it to be weird between us but okay well I think she asked me to go out on a date with her today and by today I mean in 3 hours and I'm totally freaking out because I think I really like her well I know I really like her and I don't want to screw up and ruin everything..." I paced up and down my apartment.

"She asked you out on a date? When did you meet her?" She sounded surprised.

"Well I don't know if it's a date or not but is that a bad thing? I met her last night at the coffee shop." I was getting worried. Is she not what she seems?

"Uh no- not at all in fact I'm just shocked." She said slowly.

"What? Why?"

"Because she hasn't been with anyone for... 10 years... like at all." She sounded distant.

"Really?" I was the one to be shocked this time. " Have I got anything to worry about?"

"Not all all. You're lucky to have her, you know. She's lucky to have you. Just promise me you'll look after her and yourself." She sounded sincere this time.

"I promise."

"Good. So, where are you guys going to?" I could tell she was smiling even through the phone.

"I have no idea. She just told me to meet her outside her apartment at 1pm...I'm so nervous." I finally sat down but started biting my nails with my other hand.

"WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR?" I heard someone shout from the background and I think I recognized it but I wasn't sure. It didn't sound like Aria. "Sorry that was Hanna but... what are you going to wear?" She chuckled.

"I don't know. I don't really have anything that nice to wear." I sighed.

"Well... Hanna and I aren't doing anything and Aria's at work so why don't we go shopping and find you something nice to wear so you can impress my sister?"

"I TOTALLY NEED NEW SHOES. LET'S GO." I heard Hanna's voice shout down from the phone which made Spencer and I laugh harder.


"Okay, this would totally look cute on you. You need to show off your legs because they are enough to turn any woman gay." Hanna said whilst piling the 5th item of clothing on me to try on. Me and Spencer just look at her like she was crazy and she must have noticed because she was looking at us questioningly.

"Got something you want get off of your chest Han?" Spencer smirked.

"I think my husband would tell you otherwise." Hanna shot back. These two were hilarious when they were together. "Anyway, there's nothing wrong with me acknowledging the fact that Emily has great legs." She turned to me and said seriously "You're hot, okay I'll admit that but that's as far as it goes for me."

"Thanks, I guess?" I laughed out.

"Great, now go try these on." She pushed me towards the dressing room.

After trying on the last outfit, I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't look too dressed up but I also looked smart. I was wearing some fairly short light denim shorts with a plain t shirt and unbuttoned shirt. I need to go out shopping with Hanna more often, my legs look amazing.

I stepped out of the dressing room and instantly I heard Hanna voice. "Fuck me, you look hot."

She was definitely crazy.

"I have to admit, you do." Spencer surprisingly chimed in.

"Thanks guys." I smiled timidly.

"She won't be able to take her hands off of you. You're totally getting laid toni-"

"Hanna! That is my sister you're talking about." Spencer shouted in disgust before turning to me. "Sorry about her"

I looked at them both and just laughed. I actually felt happy because they were already acting like friends I've known forever and that's all I've ever wanted. I'm so glad I decided to move back to Rosewood or none of this would have happened.

"I'm hungry... can we go get food?" Hanna whined. She was just like a child.

"But you literally ate like an hour ago, how can you be hungry already?" Spencer argued.

"Shopping is tiring." I watched as Hanna shrugged her shoulders and Spencer rolled her eyes.


Spencer and Hanna dropped me back an hour before I had to see her. I walked into my apartment which was still covered in boxes that I haven't had time to unpack yet and dropped my bags on the sofa to answer my phone I hadn't acknowledged was ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hi honey. Just checking up to see if everything's okay." My mom's voice blared through the phone.

"Yeah everything's fine. I really like it here." I smiled whilst thinking about my plans for later.

"That's great. Have you found a job yet? I only have enough money for you saved for 3 months. You're gonna need to start looking soon." She insisted.

"I only got here yesterday so no mom I haven't." I said sarcastically. It's like she doesn't understand the fact that I can look after myself now. I had to rely on her all those years and now I can stand on my own two feet.

"I just worry and you know that. Your father would be so proud of you; I am proud of you." The line went quiet. "Anyway, I better let you go. You've probably got plans. I'll talk to you later. Be safe. Love you honey."

"Wait! Mom, is everything okay? Are you okay? Talk to me." I began to get worried.

"Everything's fine, I promise you. So, do you have plans later?"

I hesitated before I told her everything that's happened so far and about Alison. "So I'm really nervous because she wants us to go out in 43 minutes and I don't know if it's a date or just two friends going out."

"Well, what do you want it to be? Do you like her?" She sounded hopeful.

"A date. Yeah I do like her. How is it possible to fall for someone in one day? Maybe I'm getting my feelings confused with friendship." I sadly mentioned.

"You're not. The way you're talking about her it sounds like you do really like her. I fell for your dad instantly. A year later we were married and had you on the way. Anything is possible and you of all people should now that by now."

"Yeah I guess you're right. Thank you." I smiled through the phone.

"It's what us mom's are here for." I could hear the smile in her voice too. "Now go get ready for your date. Remember your manners and impress this girl." We both laughed.


It was 12:58 and I was nervously standing outside her apartment. I hesitantly knocked. I waited for a moment but I heard nothing. I considered going home, who am I kidding? A girl like that cannot be interested in me.

Just as I could consider that thought again, the door swung open and she was stood there with the biggest smile on her face staring at me.

"You look really good." She whispered just loud enough for me to hear. I turned my head away for a moment to try and cover the blush forming on my cheeks.

"Thanks. You look really...beautiful." I gushed. She was wearing a light cream dress that flowed in all the right places. Her hair was straight and spread out over her shoulders. She looked like an angel.


I hope you all liked this chapter! It took me ages to write, I kept getting writer's block:(