"Do you never think about anyone but yourself? It's all about you! Never about how I feel, how it's breaking me." Her voice broke, and Naomi gulped down the bile that had risen in her throat due to the vulnerability of her girlfriend's voice. The rain poured around and Naomi couldn't help but feel a little cliché, but now was not the time. The wet droplets were pounding down onto the pavement, splashing around her plimsolls, soaking through both of their clothes. There gazes locked once again, the sight of Emily's tears mixed with rainwater making Naomi's legs weak and she had lost ability to move. It was all of her doing, all of the lying; everything that had happened between them was because of her.

"I…I'm sorry…" It was faint, but Emily heard it, stepping closer a tiny bit so her warm breath was felt on Naomi's face.

"Funny…" She said, the anger evident in her voice, the sly look in her eyes making Naomi feel very uncomfortable. "How do I know you're not lying?" She turned away from her, walking away from her girlfriend and disappearing in the curtain of rain.

--

DAY TWO

--

It wasn't long until Naomi saw Emily Fitch again. Katie had returned from her little 'sleepover' party, and Emily had become invisible once again. After their evening at the lake, her Emily had become friends, who talked about their problems, and looked out for each other. Especially Naomi, as she knew how hard it was for Emily to cope when the other members of her family were around. The next time she saw Emily Fitch was the next day, crying, at her front door. Due to the fact that Katie had taken over the Fitches house with her boyfriend and Katie had actually physically pushed her out of the house, saying that it was her day and that Emily should 'Fuck off and die.' Naomi had pulled her into a hug on the doorstep, pushing her head against her chest to make sure she felt safe. Naomi hadn't known Emily all that long but she knew when she needed to feel like someone cared, to feel wanted, and that's just what Naomi would do for her.

"Thank you…" Emily thanked, being led into the Campbell's front room and sat down on the sofa.

"It's no problem… Like I said, I'm always here." Emily nodded, shrinking back into the comforting feeling of the settee cushions. She leant her head back, making sure her tears stay exactly where they were supposed to stay. She pulled the sleeves of her cardigan down over her hands, wrapping her fingers around the end to stop them from slipping back up. Naomi, in the kitchen was fetching them a drink, and a couple of slices of toast each.

"Are you cold?" Emily sharply turned her head towards Naomi's voice and smiled as she saw Naomi with a tray of food and drinks for both of them. "I can get you an extra sweater, or put the heating on or somethi-"

"Naomi, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Why do you care so much?"

"Because…wait what? How can I not care Emily? I know what your family put you through. I wont let you expect any less." Emily nodded and watched Naomi walk around to the front of the sofa and place the tray down on the coffee table in front of them. "Now come on, eat up, we've got a busy day." Naomi smiled at Emily's bewildered expression, but then at her face when she turned to her toast. Easy way to please, Naomi thought. She sat down next to the redhead and grabbed the remote, putting the TV onto some music channel. They both tucked into their food, occasionally gazing up at the TV, or each other.

Finally after finishing everything on her plate, Emily turned and lay her head down in Naomi's lap. It shocked Naomi a little bit, but she couldn't help but smile as she looked up at Naomi with a cheeky grin on her face. She reached down slowly, threading her fingers through the thick strands of red hair, watching Emily's eyes drift closed slightly. She turned back to the television to catch whatever was on. Her hand still absentmindedly making its way through its tresses, feeling Emily turn over so she could see the television.

"What are we doing today?"

"It's a surprise."

"Are you driving?"

"Yep."

"Then it's quite far away…"

"Emily! Don't try and guess, because I'm not going to tell you." Naomi felt the body shake with laughter beneath her and looked down, catching Emily's eyes once more and then looking back up to the TV with a satisfied smirk on her face.

"Well can you at least tell me what I'll need to bring?"

"I've got everything you need." A huff was the reply and Naomi laughed before shuffling under the weight of Emily's head.

"When are we going?"

"As soon as you're ready to go…" She felt Emily snuggle into her lap a little more.

"Ok, ten more minutes then…"

--

"So where are we actually going?" The two girls were now in Naomi's mini, on their way to the surprise location that Naomi had sworn to secrecy. Naomi turned to look at Emily with an amused expression.

"I told you, it's a surprise."

"Not even a clue?"

"Nope!" A groan was all she heard after that, and then someone fiddling around with the radio trying to get a better station.

"You got any CDs? The radio is being shitty." Naomi nodded and pointed to the glove box, which was pretty much overloaded with CD's. Emily smiled and started to sort through the different cases to find anything that she liked. As she spotted a well-known CD, she pulled it out, pushing it into the CD player and watching the number move and the music start. As the melody kicked in, Emily couldn't help but bob along to the song, singing the words she knew.

Don't let the silence get you down, though you've been sittin' here for hours, hoping a voice could soon be found, that speaks much louder that this music. If you're a little off colour and, out for the count, don't let it get you down. Don't let the talking keep you up, if they're your friends they share your vision, and as the phone ring breaks the silence they figure out that you don't want to answer.

"I didn't know you liked him."

"Ah see, you don't really know me."

"I think I know you more than your parents do…" The playful manner of their conversation dropping immediately, as the words came out of Naomi's mouth.

"For fuck sake… I always do that…" Naomi turned her eyes back to road, and after feeling a hand rest slightly on her thigh, she quickly turned to Emily again, noticing the sly smile gracing her face. So she decided against saying anything about it. Taking it as a comforting gesture she turned back to the road once again, smiling to herself a little.

--

"Wait, was that… Naomi…" Emily pondered as they passed a sign coming off at a junction. Naomi nodded, amusement lacing her features. Emily's mood had picked up by a considerable amount as they had driven into the town. She gazed around, a bewildered state taking over her as she spotted little shops, and ice cream stands and boats moored up by the side of the cobbled streets.

"Have you ever been to the beach Em?" Emily shook her head sadly.

"Katie's been, obviously. My whole family have been. I just haven't had the chance."

"Well then, today's your lucky day." Naomi smiled thoughtfully at Emily as they pulled into a small sandy car park. Turning off the ignition, she turned to Emily. "So what do you want to do first? It is your day after all."

"It's your day too."

"But it's more for you." Naomi opened her door and stepped out into the warm air, smiling as the smell of sea air hit her. Emily climbed out after her, closing the door behind her and turning around with a sigh. Seagulls flew in circles above their heads, the sound of the sea washing against sandy beaches and the faint smell of ice cream filling their nostrils. Naomi opened her boot, pulled out a holdall and motioned for Emily to follow her. They didn't walk for long, as they slowly ambled along the cobbled street, people walked past with bare feet, sand covered toes, ice-lollies in hand. Children skipped along in the sunshine, people shook out their sandy towels, dried their hair, and emptied their pockets just so their children could go on an arcade game. Emily gazed over the little stonewall as the sea came into view, the blue sky and sea contrasting in the calmest way.

"So what's first?" Emily didn't answer so Naomi knew what she wanted to do straight away. "Beach it is then, come on…" She led her down the little steps next to the warm sand and sat down, removed her shoes, watching Emily follow suit and walk across the sand with her. It sauntered through her toes, like sieves, the warm granules feeling soft and soothing. As they found and empty spot, Naomi pulled a blanket out of the bag she was holding, and laid it down on the sand, straightening it out and sitting on it. Emily hadn't said much due to the fact that she was just taking in everything that was so lovely about the beach.

Naomi pulled her sunglasses out of her bag and placed them on her head, getting herself comfortable and lying down in the sun, her eyes closing as her sunglasses slipped over her eyes. Emily smiled widely and pulled her iPod out of her pocket, and placing one in her left ear. Lying down next to Naomi she handed the other to Naomi and she put it in her right ear. Their faces basked in the sunlight and the soft music played in their ears, mixing with the soft sound of the sea.

You are not your job, and you are not the clothes you wear, you are the words that leave your mouth so speak up, speak up loud, for none of us want to sit, in evaluations taking notes for hours, we're all sick and tired of waiting, lets set sail. Why do we look to the tide when, we find that our minds are getting stale, why does it bag me this place on the waves, and are we looking for meaning, from demeaning, the soul destroying task, we do all the time on the shore.

"You really do like him don't you?" Emily nodded.

"He's my favourite, his songs are all so beautiful."

"I know what you mean…."

"It's all so beautiful…" Emily finally said, her voice soft and soothing. Naomi turned to Emily, seeing her squinting in the sun. She took off her sunglasses and carefully placed them over her eyes. She turned to face Naomi and smiled a big 'Emily' smile, thanking her with her eyes. They both moved back onto their backs, Emily scooting closer and carefully linking her hand with Naomi's, their fingers barely grazing, but holding on.

--

"Come on, let's go get something to eat." Naomi said finally, after at least an hour laying in the sun her hand linked with the young redhead, she had started to get hungry, and they had packed up their blanket. Walking back over the warm sand, Naomi noticed Emily crinkling up her nose and then uncrinkling it again. She laughed a little at her and watched as she turned to her and her flushing.

"What are you doing?"

"Is it right for your face to go all stiff?"

"Certainly is. It's the salt in the sea, mixed with the wind. Come on, where do you want to eat? How about some fish and chips." Emily nodded with a sincere smile. All of a sudden her phone rang causing her to break out of her trance and take the phone out of her pocket. She groaned at the name that was flashing up on the screen. Katie.

"What Katie?"

"Where the fuck are you bitch? Mum's going crazy!"

"I'm at the beach."

"Why the fuck are you at the beach? It's shit. How did you get there?"

"Naomi…" She turned and smiled at her.

"Who the fuck…who's Naomi?"

"The new neighbour, you know, the one you missed out on last night."

"Oh well, who cares anyway, she's probably a twat. Anywa-"

"Katie!"

"What?!"

"You don't even know her!"

"Well she's with you, there must be something wrong with her. Anyway have to go." The phone cut off and Emily's head dropped, her happy mood demolished by Katie's dismissive attitude. Naomi's worried expression just made her shake her head and walk into the fish and chip shop in front of them. Naomi followed, the door ringing as she entered.

"Two cod and chips please…"

"Certainly, take a seat and we'll bring it over." Emily nodded and motioned with her head for Naomi to follow her to a booth in the far corner.

"What was all that about?"

"Katie, I can't expect any less to be honest."

"What did she say?"

"She that because you're with me, there must be something wrong with you." She lowered her head more, her eyes filling with tears.

"Hey…hey now. If I didn't like you, would I take you to the beach? Would I, myself drive you all the way to Weston to spend more time with you? She's just jealous Em, that's all. Because you're with someone that isn't her. No more crying over Katie ok?" Naomi reached over, pulled her face up by her chin and wiped away the tear that had fallen down her cheek. She then brushed a stray piece of hair back behind her ear. Emily nodded and gave Naomi and thankful smile, reaching forward to take a hold of her hand in a way to say sorry.

"Two cod and chips…" The waitress interrupted their moment, slamming the plates down onto the table and handing them each a set of knife and fork, wrapped in a napkin. Their hands broke apart, reluctantly as they tucked into their meals.

--

Their drive back was silent, not awkwardly silent, comfortable, both knackered from their day. The soft sounds from the CD played through the car again, and the sun gradually disappeared behind the horizon. Emily's foot tapped along to the beat, humming slightly as she gazed ahead, out on to the open road. They arrived back at Naomi's house, parked up and climbed out, collecting their things from the boot. Naomi unlocked her front door and motioned Emily inside.

"Is it ok?"

"Of course it is… it's only my mum around at this time of night, and she's hardly threatening." Emily nodded and followed Naomi in, moving out the way as she shut the door behind her. Naomi slung the bag to the floor; hearing small traces of sand hit the laminate flooring. She led Emily through the hallway, letting her walk through in front of her, placing one hand on her waist, leading her through. Emily could do nothing but gulp as she felt Naomi's hand mold to the shape.

"Oh, hello love!" Gina smiled big as she led the girls into the front room, letting them sit down on the sofa in front of her while she took a seat in the chair. Emily gulped; this felt like some kind of meeting the parent's thing, and it wasn't making her feel comfortable at all. She had met Gina before, once before, but never on her own, when her daughter had invited her in after a day alone with her. It felt like interrogation or something, and she hadn't said a word yet. It was the look in her eyes maybe, or just the fact that she was sitting opposite the too, leaning forwards, hands linked together and elbows resting on her knees.

"So what you do today?"

"Just to the beach, you know Weston, it was a nice day."

"Did you enjoy it Emily?" Her gaze was terrifying; it was almost like Emily had committed a crime by going to the beach with Naomi.

"Umm, yeah… I did, thank you Mrs Campbell."

"It's Gina dear." Her façade disappeared for a little bit, and then returned again as she focused her eyes on Naomi. Their eyes bored deep into each other's, and Naomi herself could see the small amount of mirth in her eyes. Naomi narrowed her eyes, ready to fight whatever battle was going to start.

"So what did you do?"

"Went to the beach…"

"What did you do at the beach?"

"What do you think? There are only so many things you can do at a beach Mum."

"How was it for you then Emily? 'The beach' Exciting place, hmmm?" The amusement was pretty clear in her voice now, and Emily couldn't help but chill a little bit as she gradually settled in to the company of Gina. Emily's face cracked into a bit of a grin and Naomi turned to Emily with a relieved look on her face, but also an expression that said 'Sorry about her' – Not that it bothered Emily, it was nice having that kind of parental figure around.

"So, really, what did you get up too?"

"Well, Emily had never been to the beach so-"

"Wait, never been to the beach?" Emily shook her head sadly.

"That's terrible, anyway carry on love."

"So we did everything that was typically seaside things to do, you know, ate fish and chips, laid on the beach, played on the arcades, Emily sucked at Time Crisis…"

"I did not! You just wouldn't let me shoot anyone! You hogged them all!"

Gina smiled happily at her daughter and Emily and loved that Naomi already had someone she could call a friend. It didn't happen a lot, because Naomi was an only child, she found it difficult to communicate with other people. Her confidence was low and she kept herself to herself. She would go to school, get through her lessons, come home and then do her homework, and that was it. No out of school life like the normal kids did, no social life really and that made Gina grateful that they had moved next door to the Fitch's, well Emily especially, who had been in the same situation, who just needed someone to be there.

"…But we spent most of the day lying on the beach, the sun was out all day, so it was nice to just lay and not worry about anything…well other than the tide coming in, which happened quite quickly actually." She laughed and watched as Emily's face contorted uncomfortably at the memory. After their time in the arcade's they went back to lie on the beach, the music back in their ears, and their hands linked again, only this time, Naomi's finger was softly tracing patterns on Emily's palm. That was, until the tide came in quicker than they though and Emily ended up with a soaking wet feet. She wasn't best pleased.

"Well it sounds like you had a lovely day, have you eaten dinner?"

"No, we had lunch quite late actually."

"Well why don't you two pop upstairs to your room for a bit and I'll whip something up."

"Are you sure?"

"Certainly, go on, I'll bring it up."

"Thanks Mum." Naomi said, giving her Mum a quick kiss on the cheek before leading Emily upstairs to her room. As they walked inside, Emily gasped. It was huge. Naomi chuckled a little, she had been doing that an awful lot since she had met Emily, and to be quite honest she loved it. It made her feel liberated or something, she had found something that had made her happy.

"Wow! It's so big! And a double bed! You're so lucky!"

"Yeah, I guess…"

"I've always shared with Katie, obviously being twins everything is bunched together so we have to share a room, and now coz of all those shitty laws about boys and girls sharing bedrooms, James gets his own, little twat." Her rant had made Naomi smile the widest she had, ever. Angry Emily was just so cute.

"Oh, and I only get a single bed, because we've got such a small room, and even when it's small she manages to fuck it up even more and now we have no space at all. You know before you came yesterday…" Naomi nodded, an amused smile filling up her face. "I had to tidy her side of the room because she was off fucking her boyfriend, because I wanted it to look nice for you, and then my Dad comes in and says that I should follow Katie's example and tidy my side better."

"Well if its any consolation, it looked lovely." Naomi nodded. And Emily smiled. She gazed around the room, noticing a wall filled with photographs, so full in fact, she couldn't see any of the blue wallpaper behind it. She walked over to it, running her finger of one of the photos.

"You take photos?" She turned to Naomi, the thoughtful look on her face made Naomi's knees weaken a little and she had no clue why.

"Yeah, they kinda document my life you know… It's only landscape, townscape stuff, but I think they have character." Emily turned back to the wall, moving over a little bit.

"I think they are amazing. Have you ever done portrait? I think they'd be lovely."

"I've never had a model, no ones really known about it apart from my Mum, and now you I guess." Emily nodded, spotting one photo that she really recognized.

"That's the lake…"

"Certainly is. My favourite place, couldn't not take a photo really."

A knock on the door broke Emily from her reverie and they both turned to the door, watching as Gina carried in a tray, which held two plates both with scrambled egg on toast steaming from them, and two glasses of orange juice.

"I just guessed you liked eggs Emily, so if you don't just tell me and I'll go and fix you up something different."

"No, no Gina, eggs are fine. Thank you so much." She smiled and took tray off her and placed it on Naomi's bed carefully. Gina winked at her and walked back out of the door, shutting it behind her. Naomi walked over, taking her plate from the tray and walking over to sit down on her computer chair, Emily did the same, but sat down on the edge of Naomi's bed.

"So how long have you been taking photos?"

"As long as Mum has known Keiran. It started then, because I wanted to get out of the house, for obvious reasons. I found an old camera in the loft of my house in London, and decided to use it. Got me some fresh air, I found places, not because I was looking for them, but because I found them. I'd explore. Especially when I couldn't drive and used a bike, I felt adventurous." Naomi laughed and Emily laughed along also, taking a forkful of egg and piling it into her mouth.

"Here, you've got a bit of…" Naomi leaned forward, brushing a small bit of egg from the side of her face. Her hand still, Emily's eyes following her hand, watching as it convulsed on her skin, almost as if she couldn't remove it for some reason. Emily's eyes locked with Naomi's a sly, almost shy smile look over her face, and all Naomi could do was clear her throat to regain herself, and pull her hand back, not looking Emily in the eye as she continued to eat. Emily did the same, trying her hardest not to let a huge smile creep on to her face, at the thought of Naomi's defences breaking.

"Thanks…" Emily replied, finishing off her food and placing the plate on the bed beside her. She felt a vibrating in her pocket and groaned as she noticed the word Mum flash across the screen.

"Emily?"

"Mum?"

"Where are you? You should've been back from the seaside ages ago."

"I'm next door Mum, Gina made me some dinner."

"Made you dinner? Are you being greedy?"

"Greedy? I was hungry!"

"Still, you shouldn't be taking Mrs Campbell's food."

"She said I could! She made it for me Mum!"

"Well, obviously had no choice… Anyway, when will you be coming home? We need you here tomorrow morning because me & your Dad are going out early and we need someone to look after James."

"Why can't Kati-"

"She's out for the night."

"What?! So it's ok for her to go out, again, and I have come home because of some stupid thing you and Dad have to go too?"

"Yes Emily, and you will do what I say. I mean it, if you're not back in less that 15 minutes, you will not see that Naomi girl again, you hear."

"But Mu-"

"No, 15 minutes Emily." The line went dead.

"For fucks sake!" Emily shouted, causing Naomi to look over at her with concern.

"My mum wants me home. Katie's out again, and I have to be there in the morning to look after James." Naomi nodded solemnly and placed her empty plate back on the tray with Emily's. Emily made her way out of the door, and down the stairs, watching Naomi walk through to the kitchen and place both plates in the sink, then walk back into the hall where she was pulling her shoes back on.

"Mum! Emily's going!" Naomi called, and received a 'Bye Emily!' back from her, making Emily giggle a little and turn to Naomi with a smile on her face.

"Thank you for today, I had a really great time. The seaside is amazing."

"Glad you enjoyed it." Naomi shuffled her feet, she wanted to do something about what she was feeling, but they had only known each other so much as a day, and that would freak Emily out surely. Emily leant forward, shocking Naomi by placing a small kiss on her cheek. This caused butterflies to erupt in Naomi's stomach and they grew even more so, when Emily pulled her into a hug. Naomi wrapped her arms around Emily's waist and leant into the embrace. It lasted longer than it should of but neither of the girls cared.

"Oh wait, I've got something for you…" Naomi said quickly unwrapping herself from Emily and running up the stairs. AS she came bounding back down she handed a photograph to Emily, a photograph of the lake. It was taken at night and the moon had been reflected on the still waters. Emily turned to Naomi with a sincere smile.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, I've got tonnes of them. Something to put on your side of the room, yeah, something that's all yours."

"Thank you Nae." Naomi did a double take at the nickname and nodded with a smile, running her hand in a nervous way across the back of her neck.

"Well I guess I better go, I bet my Mum is waiting at the door with a stopwatch or something." Both girls laughed and Naomi opened the door for her. She stepped out and began to walk all the way next door, with one more wave, Naomi shut the door, and couldn't help but turn around and sigh, it wasn't something that happened to Naomi at all, and now it was happening, it was really hitting her. All of a sudden there was a quick knock on the door. As Naomi gathered herself once again, but as soon as she opened the door, all of her reserves were gone as a small pair of lips were places softly on hers. She didn't have much time to react, but she certainly knew whom they belonged too. As they broke apart and Naomi opened her eyes, all she spotted was Emily's retreating back. She closed the door again, this time leaning against it as she registered just what had happened.

"I'm going to bed Mum!" Naomi called through to the front room, her mind still running through the events of the last 5 seconds.

"Ok, Good Night honey!"

"Certainly was…" Naomi sighed and slowly ambled up the stairs to her bed, still in this kind of trance that she could not for the life of her pull out of. She walked into her bedroom, shutting the door softly behind her, as she sat down on her bed and started to take off her clothes, she noticed a glass sitting on her side table, along the rim, sat the light pink gloss of a one Miss Emily Fitch. Oh yes, she was falling, and to be quite honest, she didn't want anything to stop her.

--

"Yea-heh! Go for it!" Cook shouted, clapping his hand in such an entertained way as he watched the two girls kissing like their life depended on it. Their tongues practically intertwined, their bodies pushed against each other in the most sensual way, and the music behind them playing like a soundtrack to their life.

"Leave them alone Cook, for fuck sake." Effy said in her slightly charming way, a satisfied smile filling up her face as she watched the two girls blend in with the crowd, their hands intertwined like their lips had been before, only this time, their lips were not ferocious, it was soft and loving, and Effy could see the look in both girls eyes as they gazed at each other, the other things in the world not mattering to them at all, the people around them, the music, anyone's thoughts against what they had. They forgot it, they didn't even think about it, and by doing that, had found common ground. They were whoever they wanted to be, and nothing was going to stop them.

"But they're fucking…its two fucking girls Eff! How can I not?! Wahey!" He shouted above the music, dancing off in the two girls direction, looking at Effy with a cheeky smile on his face.