AN: This a longer chapter as it will be about mid to late next week before I can update again. A little bit of a playful end to this one, I hope you all like it! Please take a moment and leave me a comment, feedback, or whatever, I love to read all your comments.
Alison stops and picks up something to eat as she hadn't really eaten all day. She gets comfortable on the couch and puts in an old movie that always makes her feel better, Breakfast at Tiffany's. She was enjoying her Chinese food and a small glass of wine when her phone began to ring.
"Baby!" Alison says as a greeting. "How are you?"
"Exhausted!" Camilla says as she yawns, "It was a crazy day, running from one event to the next."
"I'm sorry babe, I'll take care of you when you get home." She says in a flirtatious tone.
"Mmm, promise mi amor?" Camilla purred.
"Promise!" She said with a giggle. "I miss you Cam…"
"I miss you too Ali, so much." The brunette says in a sleepy tone.
"When will you be back?" The blonde asks curiously.
"It's looking like it won't be tomorrow but the day after…" She says with a yawn.
"You sound wiped baby, I know I am after running 3 miles." Alison says as she takes a sip of her wine.
"Wow, that's a new record for you mi amor." Camilla says impressed.
"Well I couldn't let her show me up!" Alison says with a smirk.
"That's my girl, I love you mi amor." She says sweetly.
"You too Cam, night." Alison says a little sad, she would miss cuddling with her.
"Night baby girl." She says before hang up.
Alison finishes her wine and movie before cleaning up her dinner dishes and deciding to take a shower to wash off the day. She climbs in bed and a sick feeling crept into her stomach, Emily is probably fucking that bimbo right now. She shakes the thought from her mind and turns off her lamp and fell into a restless sleep.
By the time Alison makes it to the bistro she is feeling the effects of her mostly sleepiness night. She looks around the small restaurant but sees no signs of the swimmer, so she grabs a table by the window to watch for her familiar motorcycle. As she is waiting she notices a black Land Rover with dark tinted windows pull up and a woman scurry out of the driver's seat. She opens the backdoor and helps someone out of the car. It's Emily, she is wearing dark sunglasses and a white tank top and black leather pants. She also appears to be very drunk as she stumbles away from the woman and pushes her away.
She walks into the bistro and stumbles a little before she notices Alison sitting by the window and makes her way over to her. Alison jumps up as Emily almost falls on her, the blonde steadies her. "I'm f-fucking… fine…" Emily slurs out.
"Oh yeah! I can see that!" Alison says snippily. "You know you can't control yourself when it comes to alcohol!" She says in frustration.
"What are you my mother now?!" Emily spits back venomously.
"No but, I'm sure your mom and dad wouldn't be too happy to see you like this!" Alison retorts.
Emily's face falls and the blonde feels guilty for snapping at her like that. "Em… Emily I'm sorry, that was uncalled for." She catches herself.
"N-No… it's fine." Emily says fighting tears that try to fall.
"No, it's not." Alison says reaching for the swimmer's hand but stopping herself short. "What's wrong?" She asks with genuine concern.
"It's just… my dad passed away almost three years ago…." The brunette said starting at her hands.
The waiter appears and they both quickly order, Alison gets the cheese ravioli while Emily orders the lasagna and they decide to split a basket of bread.
"Emily… I'm so, so sorry." Alison says sincerely.
"How were you supposed to know?" The swimmer asks as she plays with her water glass.
"Did the girls at least come?" The blonde asks kindly.
"I…I didn't call them…" She says looking sad.
"Is that why you were in Rosewood?" Alison asks curiously.
"How'd you know about that?" Emily asks suspiciously.
"I did some research…" Alison says averting her eyes.
"Aw… cyber stalking now are we?" The swimmer says. "Find anything interesting?" She baits the blonde.
She took the bait. "You seem to have a thing for drinking and… one night-stands."
"Well it's better than falling for someone who just breaks your heart and leads you on." She says angrily. "Why do you care any way?"
"Because I love-" She started.
Emily cut her off, "Don't… you… dare say you loved me. You are incapable of love plus you like guys… you made that abundantly clear…" Emily says dangerously low, her eyes flashing with anger and hurt.
Before Alison could say anything the waiter brought their food out and set the bread between the two, who ate in silence.
Emily began to feel guilty for snapping at Alison like that and decided to change the subject. "I decided to stay in Rosewood to help my mom after my dad died, we both were a mess but we helped each other get through it. I took some classes at Hollis and worked weekends to help so my mom could heal before returning to work."
"You have always had such a kind heart…" Alison says with a small smile.
"Yeah…" Emily says not looking at Alison's probing cerulean eyes. If only Alison knew all the girls she had slept with, without a second thought. "What else did you find in your research?"
"I noticed you have a thing for blondes…" Alison says slightly annoyed.
"Are you jealous?" The swimmer says with a quirked eyebrow.
"You wish…" Alison says coolly as she takes a sip of her water. "Did you have fun with your little groupie last night?"
"You know, I never kiss and tell…" She says a little more flirtatious than she meant to.
The waiter appears and asks if they would like anything else, when they both decline he left the check. They both try to reach for it but Alison grabs it first, "I've got it, the magazine can write it off as an expense for the piece."
"Well next time we should go to a five star restaurant then!" The brunette said with a grin.
"Win all your events and I think we could swing it." Alison said with her trademark smirk making her dimples pop.
"You're on!" Emily says her dimple popping above her left eyebrow. It was easy to fall back into old habits and flirt with the gorgeous blonde sitting across from her. It felt as natural as breathing, they had always bantered back and forth when they were younger. But, they weren't teenagers any longer and Alison wasn't gay, Emily felt the need to protect herself. "I... I should go…" She says as she stands up and grabs her phone.
Alison looks at her confused, "I still have a few more questions for the first part of the article…"
"How about tomorrow… meet me the USC pool around 10 am? I should be done with my laps by then." She says as she fidgets with her phone.
"O…Okay…" Alison calls to Emily as she makes her way out of the bistro and into the waiting Land Rover.
Alison decides to walk around the park for a few hours before she goes back to the apartment. As she is walking she sees a few families here and there playing soccer or other games making her think about having a family of her own one day. She tries to picture the little family that she and Camilla could have but she had made it clear that she would prefer not to have children.
It was their third date and things had been going well between Alison and Camilla, they were really starting to click. They walked along the pier enjoying watching the people milling about, some were shopping with their significant others and there were quite a few families playing the carnival games and riding the different rides. As a few kids ran by they smiled at the two and Alison waved at them. "Do you want kids one day?" Alison asks curiously.
"Not really…" Camilla says a bit nervous that it might be a deal breaker with the blonde.
"Me neither really, I would hate to pass down any of my families issues." She says putting it mildly.
Camilla smiles at the blonde as they had touched a little on Alison's upbringing. "I think I would much rather focus on my career and travel the world whenever I want."
"That sounds like a plan to me." Alison said with a sweet smile.
She had meant it when she had said it, but now… seeing all these children running and playing with their parents and all the adorable babies made her heart ache a little. She would love to have a little family, a boy and a girl, would be absolutely perfect, playing at the park on Saturdays, and staying in for lazy Sundays, sounds absolutely wonderful. She recalls Emily always wanting a family as well when they were in school.
Emily and Alison were sitting together in the library after health class one day and talking about the events of the class. They had just finished the assignment of caring for an egg like it was an actual baby.
"So Em, do you want kids?" Alison asks with a playful smile.
"Yeah, I would actually love to." Emily says with a bright smile.
"Really? How many?" Alison asks curious at the way the beautiful brunette lit up.
"I think one of each would be nice, growing up as an only child was kind of lonely sometimes."She says a little sad.
"Having siblings isn't always what it's cracked up to be… at least not in my family." The blonde says hurt in her eyes.
"Do you want children?" Emily asks shyly.
"If it was with you, then yes." She murmurs so quietly that Emily almost didn't catch it.
"You would have beautiful children." Emily said blushing profusely.
"No, you would." Alison said with a wink.
Alison's phones buzzing pulls her out of her memories and she opens the message,
C: Hey mi amor! What are you up too?
Alison smiles and sends a message back.
A: Walking in the park for a bit before heading home.
C: I miss you baby.
A: Miss you too Cam.
C: Call me when you get home?
A: Of course babe.
It was starting to get a bit dark and it had been a long day since she hadn't gotten sleep the previous night. She makes her way to her car and slides into the driver's seat before heading home.
As she pulls up to the apartment she pulls in her normal spot and sets the car alarm before walking up the steps and sliding her key in the lock. As she opens the door the delicious smell of tequila lime-chicken tacos, one of Camilla's specialties, hits her causing a small smile to bloom.
"Cam?" Alison calls as she sets her keys on the table by the front door.
"In here mi amor!" She calls from the kitchen.
The blonde makes her way into the kitchen and smiles at her girlfriend. "I thought you weren't getting home till tomorrow?"
"We finished early and I wanted to surprise you!" She says as she hugs Alison and kisses her gently. "Plus I made your favorite and got a couple movies picked out on Netflix."
"It smells wonderful! What movies did you pick?" She asks as she pulls away from Cam to make up a plate.
"Finish making your plate up and come out in the living room and see." The brunette says with a cute smile as she picks up her plate and heads to the living room swaying her hips.
After enjoying dinner and watching two movies Alison had never seen before the blonde was snuggled up on Camilla's chest as they talked.
"I can't believe you have never watched Lost and Delirious!? It is one of the quintessential angsty lesbian films!" The photographer says in shock.
"You forget babe, I came out much later than you. Plus I am bi…" She says with a small smile.
"Ah… true, but I still love you any way... You dirty lil bisexual." Cam says as she playful rolls her eyes.
Alison plays like she is hurt by the playful jab. "Ouch, dirty bisexual huh?!" She says as she straddles the brunette. "How's this for dirty…" She says as she kisses her and gently pulls the brunette's lip between her teeth.
"Hmmm… I like it…" She says as she deepens the kiss.
Camilla pulls the blonde closer as her hands roam under her shirt playing with her lacy bras clasp. Alison moans as she knots her fingers in the brunette's soft tresses, as things are starting to heat up the blonde's mind keeps wondering to another brunette. As Camilla breaks the kiss she notices the faraway look in the blondes stormy blue eyes.
"Mi amor…" She says breaking Alison from her thoughts, "where'd you go?"
Alison shakes her head clearing her thoughts. "Nowhere, I'm here with you." She says with a weak smile. "Just tired after a long day, that's all."
"Can you take tomorrow off so you can get some rest? I'll take care of you…" She says with a glint in her eyes.
"I wish I could babe but I have to have the first part of the article in by the end of the week." Alison explains as she sits up. "We are meeting tomorrow to finish the preliminary questions."
"Which reminds me, when do you want me to take some shots for the opening article?" Cam asks curiously.
"How about the beginning of the next week?" Alison asks as she gets up to get her phone to look at her schedule.
Camilla takes out her phone. "I have a few hours Wednesday afternoon…" She says scrolling through her calendar.
"I have a meeting that day…" Alison says as she looks for another day that would work.
"When does Miranda need the photos in by?" She asks looking through her schedule as well.
"She wants them in by Wednesday so they can get to the printer on time." The blonde says as she thinks.
"Well unfortunately it will have to Wednesday; I'm booked pretty much all week." The brunette says setting her phone down.
"I… I don't know if that is such a good idea…" Alison says as a million scenarios run through her head plus she hasn't really told Camilla how much she and a certain swimmer look sort of similar.
"Come now mi amor, we are both adults. I don't think it will be a problem." She says with a smile.
"Al-right…" She says with a big yawn. She'll just have to talk to her about Emily before Wednesday that gives her a few days to think.
"Come on mi amor, let's go to bed." The brunette says standing up and offering her hand to the blonde.
Alison pulls up in front of USC gymnasium and finds a spot in the visitor's parking lot. As she walks up to the building she sees Emily motorcycle by the entrance. She walks through the double doors when she is hit with the familiar scent of chlorine and she can't help the smile that spreads across her face.
As she enters the building it takes her eyes a few minutes to adjust as she looks around. She expects to find the brunette sitting in the lounge area but doesn't see her anywhere. She makes her way through the couches and chairs to the desk with a college student intently studying from a huge textbook.
"Excuse me…" Alison looks at the girls name badge, "Erica."
The girl looks up a little caught off guard. "Sorry, how can I help you?"
Alison smiles at her kindly. "I am looking for my friend… Emily Fields? Have you seen her?"
A deep blush colors the blonde girls cheeks as her blue eyes light up at the mention of the swimmer. "Yes… she is inside still swimming laps."
"Does she come swim here a lot?" The blonde asks curiously at the younger blonde's response to hearing Emily's name.
"Yeah, for a long time she came every morning and swam for a few hours at least." She says as her smile falters a little, "but lately she only comes once or twice a week."
"Is it alright if I go in?" Alison asks a bit apprehensive.
"Are you her girlfriend or something?" She asks looking at her skeptically.
"No..." She says with a bit of a blush creeping into her cheeks. "I'm interviewing her for a piece about the Olympics."
"Well feel free to go on in, if you like." She says with a sweet smile.
"Thanks." The blonde says as she heads for the double doors.
She takes a deep breath and looks in through the small window in the doors. As she looks in she sees that the pool area is almost completely empty, so she steals her nerves and opens the door. She walks in and her breath catches as she watches the brunette cut through the water like she was born to swim and it is mesmerizing. The blonde sits down on the bleachers and gets so lost in though that she doesn't notice Emily swim up to the edge of the pool.
"Like what you see?!" The brunette asks in a teasing tone.
"Huh?!" Alison squeaks out knowing she has been caught. "Sorry just have a lot on my mind."
"Anything... interesting?" She asks in a slightly flirty tone.
"You wish." She says with a snarky smile.
"Do I?" The swimmer asks innocently.
"Anyway..." Alison says as she digs through her purse for a small notepad and a pen. "I came to find out about your training."
"Is that all?" Emily asks as she pulls herself out of the pool. Alison can't help but watch a bead of water make its way down Emily's long neck and disappear between her ample breast.
The blonde shakes her head to clear it as Emily grabs a towel and wraps it around her body. Keep it together DiLaurentis! She scolds herself as she takes a deep breath clearing her mind.
"So what would you like.." She says in a teasing tone as she runs her hands through her hair after taking of her swim cap, "to know about my training?" She asks innocently.
Alison tries to compose herself as she looks at her notes and clears her throat. "How much time do you typically spend at the pool a week getting ready for an event?"
"Well I try to get a few hours in every morning but sometimes my activities the night before prohibit me from making it." She says with a self-satisfied smirk.
"And what is your normal routine in the pool then?" Alison asks not taking the bait.
"I can show you..." The swimmer tells the blonde with a quirked brow and a sly smile.
"I... I don't have a suit or anything..." She says suddenly feeling anxious.
"Have a few extra suits in my bag... if you want..." She says stepping closer to the sitting blonde. "I even have a bikini..."
Alison feels her cheeks burn as she clears her throat and looks away. "No, I think I'm good thanks."
"Oh come on Ali! When is the last time you were in a pool?" She asks giving her a big smile her dimple popping out on her left cheek.
"It's been... awhile..." She says thinking when the last time was.
"Please?" The brunette says with pleading chocolate eyes.
"Alright..." The blonde says giving in, "but no bikini!" She says as she gets up to follow Emily to the locker room.
"You're no fun." She says in a teasing tone.
Alison paces around in the small changing room as she looks at herself from different angles. Everyone just assumed that she always thought she looked hot but truth be told she has terrible self esteem about her body. Emily gave her a beautiful cerulean blue halter top one piece with cut-outs on the sides. It was a gift from a company who desperately wanted to sign her as their spokesperson.
Emily was starting to wonder if Alison was every coming out as she sat on one of the benches. "Are you alright in there?" She asks slightly worried.
"Y-Yeah..." She squeaks out anxiously.
"What's wrong?" Emily asks in concern.
"Its nothing... just promise you want laugh..." She says her voice quivering a bit.
"I won't, promise..." Emily says confused by the blondes odd request. Alison was always the Queen Bee, perfect in every sense of the word.
"Alright... I'm coming out..." Alison says as she opens the door.
Emily is rendered completely speechless as her eyes roam over the blondes gorgeous body. The blonde mistakes the silence for a bad thing and tries to cover herself with her arms. Emily shakes her head, "You look stunning." She says in awe.
Alison tries to hide her face as a blush creeps up her neck and onto her cheeks yet again. Emily takes the hint and smiles, "How about we get in the pool?"
Alison nods in agreement as she follows the swimmer back out to the pool area. Emily dives in like a natural as she swims effortlessly under the water before surfacing a minute later. "Is it cold?" Alison asks trying to dip her toe into the water.
"Don't do that," Emily says as she swims over to the blonde, "just jump in... it's easier to get use to the water that way."
"No way!" She shrieks thinking about the icy water.
"Here," Emily extends her hand out to the blonde, "I will help you."
She looks at her pensively. "You aren't going to pull me in, are you?" She asks accusingly.
"I won't, scouts honor." She says. "Take my hand and I'll help you sit on the side.
Alison grabs her hand and Emily giggles evilly. "Emily Catherine Fields don't you fucking dare!" She squeals as the brunette pulls her into the pool.
Alison resurfaces sputtering and Emily can't help but laugh at the pissed off blonde.
"You swore..." She says as she stares daggers at the brunette who has a self satisfied look on her face.
She holds up her fingers that are crossed. "I didn't..."
She is cut off as Alison jumps on her dunking her under the water. She resurfaces with another evil look as she swims toward the retreating blonde. "Em... Em..." She says beseechingly.
Emily stops a few feet away looking at her expectantly.
"Truce?" Alison says with her hands in the air.
"Truce... under on condition." The swimmer says with another little smirk.
"Ok... what?" The blonde asks curiously but a bit hesitant.
"You have to race me..." She says with a grin.
"Hey, that's not fair... I haven't swam laps since high school!" She says pouting a bit.
"Ok... then I will doggy paddle only." She says still grinning like an idiot.
"Alright... but loser buys the winner lunch!" Ali says with a smirk.
"Deal!" Emily says as they get set on the wall. "Ready,"she says taking her place and waiting for Ali, "Set...Go!" She yells pushing of hard and paddling like mad.
She starts to pull away a bit as they are half way across the pool and she has to fight her competitive side not to make the gap bigger. As Alison puts all she's got into it the gap starts to close. Emily starts to let up a bit and as they near the wall and she slips a bit behind Alison and lets the blonde win by a fraction of a second.
"Ha! Eat that Fields!" She says doing a victory dance as she pants out of breath. Emily is not even winded in the slightest and just smiles graciously at the blonde.
"Nice job." She says shaking her head.
Alison holds onto the side of the pool catching her breath as Emily swims around a little before flipping on her back and floating. She is just relaxing and enjoying the feeling of weightlessness when she feels something swim under her. She raise her head slightly to look around and the blonde pops up next to her scaring the brunette who splashes her. That starts an exchange of splashing each other as they scream and giggle at one another.
"Ok... Ok, I give..." Alison says holding her hands up in surrender.
"So I win this one?" The swimmer asks with a glint in her eyes.
"Only because I'm hungry and you owe me lunch!" She says as she pulls herself out of the pool and Emily can't help but stare. "Are you coming?" She asks over her shoulder.
"Not yet..." Emily says in frustration under her breath.
"What was that?" Alison asks not quite catching what the swimmer had said.
"Yeah, give me a sec." She says as she slips underwater and swims back down to the other side of pool.
Alison couldn't help the smile on her face watching her mermaid move so effortlessly through the clear water.