Guest Thank you.
Viva33 Aww, don't cry. And yeah, I think that the last chapter includes a bit of closure, on how things are going to go for them.
Author's Note:
I never expected, when I started writing this story that it would develop the way that it had, but here it is, over a year and 51 chapters later.
I'm sad to be bringing this story to a close, but I also feel like it's the right time.
It's been such a pleasure, and an honor, writing for all of you. Your reviews, messages, and insights make my day when I read them, and have inspired me, many times over. You've been an amazing audience, and even more than that, an amazing part of my life for the past year and a bit. Thank you, for reading, for entrusting me with these characters that we all hold so dear, for coming along for the ride. You guys are awesome
XO
Chapter 51
Emily caught sight of her father's imposing frame cutting a swath through the crowd in the peripheral of her vision a split second before she was swept up in a hug. His strong arms lifting her off her feet and swinging her around in a tight circle with ease.
"You were amazing out there today, Emmy." His voice was a low burr in her ear as he settled her back on solid ground. "Like poetry in motion."
"Thanks, Daddy." She turned in his arms to return the embrace, pressing her face into his broad chest for a brief moment, soaking in the scratchy roughness of his shirt beneath her cheek, the steady thump of his heart, and the familiar musk of is aftershave. Of all the things worth celebrating today, the fact that he was here to take part was at the top of the list. It was a novelty that she knew would never quite wear off, no matter how long he stayed, or how often she saw him.
He dropped a kiss to the top of her head, and shifted her to the side, tucking her under one arm.
"And you." He drew Paige into his other side with an arm around her shoulders. "I'm so proud of both you girls."
Paige wrapped an arm around Wayne's waist and leaned into his side, a proud smile, and a blush gracing her features at the compliment.
"We all are," Pam chimed in, as she, followed by Paige's parents caught up to them.
Emily peeled herself away from her father's side to accept her mother's hug, as Paige stepped out from his embrace to accept her parent's congratulations as well. Theirs were much more subdued than Wayne and Pam's had been, but Emily was pleased to watch them embrace warmly, if not a little stiffly.
"Wayne's right," Maureen said, reaching out and giving Emily's arm a squeeze. "You girls both performed wonderfully. And, I have to admit, I was on the edge of my seat a few times. Who knew that swimming could be so nerve wracking?"
"I know, right?" she and Pam exchanged glances, and Emily chuckled.
"See, I knew it. You are bored sometimes when you come to my meets." She pointed an accusing finger at her mother, who adopted an expression of innocence.
"Clearly, I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Yeah, Emmy. Whenever you're in the pool, we're riveted."
"It's when I'm out of the pool that I'm talking about."
"You know we support you, and your team."
"Uh-huh."
Paige elbowed her, and pulled a face. "It means a lot that you came," she said, directing the comment to first her parents, and then Pam and Wayne.
"Of course, sweetie," Maureen said, giving her a warm smile, as the others nodded their ascent.
Emily noticed that Nick hadn't really said anything, but he stood with his arm around Paige's shoulder, and when their eyes met, he offered her a small, but warm smile.
"Are you staying for the medal ceremony?" Again, she directed the question to the group at large, and again, all four adults nodded.
"Wouldn't miss it," Wayne said, as Pam pulled her camera from her jacket pocket.
Emily rolled her eyes, but they all knew it was just for form. She was pleased that they could all be here for it.
"And we thought, after, if you girls aren't too tired, we'd go out for dinner before heading back."
"What, like, all of us?" Emily asked, with a quick glance over at Paige, who looked equally as taken aback by the suggestion. She didn't know why she was surprised though, really. Their parents seemed to get along well.
"No, honey. The four of us. You and Paige are on your own," Pam said, rolling her eyes. "Of course, all of us."
Emily ducked her head, letting her hair fall in a curtain around her face, hiding her blush, as their parents laughed. Even Paige chuckled lightly, as she reached out and rubbed a soothing hand up and down Emily's arm, before lacing their fingers together.
"Dinner sounds good," she said, raising her head and flashing a sheepish smile. Paige squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back. The group all dissolved into laughter once again as Emily's growling stomach emphasized her words. Still blushing, Emily laughed lightly as well.
"Hopefully the ceremony won't take too long, otherwise, Emily's stomach is going to drown out the medal presentations."
Emily elbowed Wayne in the side for his comment, though silently, she agreed. Lunch had been a long time ago. She was exhausted and starving, and as proud as she was of her team for winning, she really just wanted to shower, change and sit down on something soft, and not have to move for a while.
"Well, it looks like they're starting," Nick said, gesturing towards the arena, where a small podium had been set up in the middle of the rink, which wasn't iced over currently. "Maybe we should head over?"
A round of nods all around, and they joined the crowd of swimmers, and their families heading into the arena. There were a few other Rosewood parents in attendance, and the adults gravitated towards them, while Emily and Paige slipped through the crowd to join the rest of their team, just as the emcee stepped up to the microphone to get things started.
"Hey, there you are." Vicky sidled up behind them, and looped her arms around Emily's and Paige's necks, drawing them into an awkward, three way hug.
"That was quite the display you put on out there," Brianne said, stepping in beside them, and elbowing Paige lightly in the side. "I thought the pool was going to start boiling, with the heat you two were throwing."
Paige snorted, though her cheeks were flaming red. Any comeback she might have had was cut off by her name being called. She jerked in place, and glanced around wildly, the blush on her cheeks darkening, as she remembered where they were, and extracted herself from Vicky and Emily's grasp to make her way up to the podium to accept her gold metal, for her performance in the breaststroke. The entire team cheered loudly, and Emily heard her father's distinct whistle cut through the din.
Paige's cheeks darkened in color, as she ducked her head to accept her medal, and shake hands with the presenter, before turning and making her way back to where the team had gathered.
Emily watched her approach, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight of her girlfriend, clad in her Rosewood High warm-ups, with her hair still damp from the pool and slicked back, a shiny gold medal hanging around her neck. Paige caught her gaze, a hesitant smile crossing her lips, which Emily returned.
Paige accepted the pats on the back and congratulations from the team with her eyes on Emily as she made her way through the crowd.
"You look hot," Emily said as she wrapped her arms around Paige in a tight hug, and felt Paige shiver in her embrace. She nipped at her ear, and heard Paige's breath hitch audibly.
They pulled apart as cheers rang out for one of the other girls on the team, who had one an individual race as well. Emily and Paige clapped hard for her, though Paige's movements faltered slightly when Brianne, who was on her other side, muttered something about Paige's breaststroke. The joke was lost on Emily, who didn't hear all of what was said, but Paige's eyes went wide, and she spluttered a laugh.
Emily clapped and cheered for all of the medal recipients, even the ones from other teams. Even the one who had beat her in the butterfly. But, her energy was slowly draining, and her hunger was growing. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to stand here.
She was so distracted by fatigue and hunger that she didn't even hear her own name being called, didn't realize people were looking at her expectantly until Paige nudged her gently and nodded towards the podium. Shaking herself off, she stumble stepped her way through the crowd, and made her up to receive her medal. She shuffled up the man presenting and ducked her head, allowing him to place the ribbon around her neck. The cheers from her teammates, and her parents reaching her ears and pulling her out of her stupor. She turned to head back to her place, taking a moment before she did to look out over the sea of faces, catching sight of her parents, alongside the McCullers, clapping enthusiastically. Except for her mother, who was busy taking photos. Her gaze shot to Paige next. Paige's smile was wide, and beaming. And when their eyes met, she mouthed I love you, and Emily's heart soared. Grinning broadly, at Paige's words, at her attention, more than the medal she'd just received, she made her way back to her teammates, who patted her on the back and offered another round of congratulations. She accepted them absently, her focus on getting to Paige. She fell into her arms the moment she was within reach. This whole awards ceremony meant so much more to her, having Paige to share it with.
"I want to make love to you, wearing only that medal," Paige husked in her ear as she hugged her tightly, her hands slipping dangerously slow against her back.
Emily barked a laugh at her words, even as she flushed, mental images flooding her brain. Smacking Paige's shoulder she pulled away, though she didn't reject Paige's suggestion.
The last presentation of the day was the first place trophy, to the team for winning the championship. There was some press there, as well as all the parents in the audience, so they spent a great deal of time posing and mugging for photos. Until, finally, the crowd started to disperse.
Coach Fulton hugged each member of the team and offered her congratulations, then took the trophy and headed back to the bus along with some of the other girls for the trip back to Rosewood. Emily and Paige said their goodbyes, and made their way over to where their parents were hovering, in the periphery.
Emily was immediately swept into her parents arms, for another round of hugs. She was starting to feel a bit like a rag-doll, with all this manhandling. Not that she was complaining. It had been a great day, and she felt good about what she and the team had accomplished. There was a permanent grin on her face, at this point. That only grew wider when Maureen drew her into a hard, tight hug.
She hadn't been expecting the embrace, but it felt nice. It felt like acceptance. And she relaxed into it, wrapping her arms around the other woman's shoulders and returning the squeeze.
She didn't expect Nick to hug her. She didn't really expect anything at all from him. He'd shown up for Paige, and as far as Emily was concerned, that was enough. So she was bowled over when he wrapped his arms around her in a brief, somewhat awkward, but genuine hug. His congratulations were gruff, and lowly muttered, and only made Emily squeeze him that much tighter in response.
Reeling, she pulled back. Her gaze immediately flicked to Paige, who was standing at Maureen's side, eyes wide in surprise.
Before the moment could get awkward, Wayne clapped his hands, drawing all of their attention. "So, dinner?" Without waiting for a response, he wrapped an arm around Pam's shoulders and began guiding her towards the door. The others fell into step with him, and soon conversation was swirling around as they figured out the logistics, deciding to check Emily and Paige out of their hotel and then head over to the restaurant.
"You girls are packed and ready to go, right?" Nick asked as the group traipsed into the hotel lobby. "We can get your bags and then head to dinner?" He was moving towards the elevator as he spoke, turning his head to look back over his shoulder for their answer.
Emily hesitated, then nodded, glancing over at Paige as she did, and noticed that Paige was looking back at her, both of their eyes widening as realization set in. They couldn't let Nick upstairs to see that she and Paige were rooming together. She wasn't sure he was ready for that revelation. He was just starting to come to terms with the fact that she and Paige were dating. Emily had no idea how he'd react to learning that they had moved into far more serious territory.
"Yeah. But, it's fine Dad. We can get our own bags."
."No, you girls should wait down here." Wayne stepped in, and gave each of their shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You've had a long couple days. Give me your keys and I'll go upstairs and collect your bags." He nodded his head towards the plush chairs in the lobby, vacant at the moment, and very inviting to Emily's tired, sore body.
Side-eying him, Emily dug into her pocket and pulled out her room key, handing it over to him slowly. Paige did the same. He took the keys and stepped towards the elevator as it dinged, and the doors slid open.
"I got this," he said to Nick, clapping him on the shoulder, before stepping around him, into the car. The doors closing behind him, before Nick had the chance to put up an argument or follow. He stared at the numbers as they lit up, tracking the elevators progress, before turning to the girls and gesturing them towards the chairs.
"Wayne's right. You girls had a long day. You should sit, rest." With a hand on each of their shoulders, he guided them across the room.
Emily sank gratefully down into cushions, sighing softly in contentment as it molded slightly around her aching muscles. Paige slipped into the chair on her left. Pam and Maureen took the other two vacant seats. She glanced back at Nick, who gave Paige's shoulders a squeeze from behind and dropped a kiss to the top of her head.
"I'm going to pull the car around. Be right back."
Pam nodded, "I should do the same." She stood. "We'll be right outside when your dad comes down," she said to Emily. "Make sure you girls are checked out before you go, okay?"
"I can do that." Maureen started to stand, but Paige shot to her feet and waved her back into her seat.
"I got it, Mom."
She strode away before Maureen could protest, leaving Emily alone with her, for the first time. She glanced over, and offered a weak smile, which Maureen returned.
"So, you and Paige shared a room, huh?"
Emily felt her eyes go wide, and she swallowed hard against a suddenly dry throat.
Maureen chuckled softly. "Don't think I didn't notice the little maneuvering Wayne and Paige did just now, to prevent Nick and myself from figuring it out."
Caught out, she did the only thing she could do, which was nod. "Yes, Ma'am."
If it had been embarrassing having her parents find out, it was mortifying having Paige's mother know. She wasn't ashamed of what she and Paige had done, but she didn't exactly relish the thought of their parents knowing, and weighing in, on something that was supposed to be private, and special, between herself and Paige.
"I see."
Maureen sounded a lot like Pam when she said that. And Emily bit her tongue against the instinct to rationalize or explain
She knew that Paige's parents might disagree, but Emily didn't believe they had done anything wrong. They loved each other. And they hadn't taken any steps they hadn't talked about, and made sure they were ready for. Their relationship wasn't anyone's business but their own.
"I don't think Nick has any idea," Maureen said. "If you were worried."
Emily nodded, giving her a small smile. She had been, so it was a relief to hear.
"I feel like I should be giving you a lecture on responsibility or something."
Emily bristled, but held her tongue.
"But, somehow, I don't think I need to." Maureen's gaze was searching, but also kind.
"No, Ma'am."
"You know, all a parent ever wants is for their child to be happy. And, I know that Paige hasn't been. Not for a while. She hid it well, but a mother knows."
Emily nodded. She had been on the receiving end of that same motherly instinct many times.
"Lately, though she's been a little closer to being my Paige again. She's been…lighter. And, now I know why. I will admit, when I first figured out what was going on with her, I wasn't pleased. I tried to warn her away from you. I don't know if Paige told you anything about that."
"Not in detail," Emily admitted. "Though, she did mention it." Paige hadn't been forthcoming, about exactly what her mother had said, and Emily hadn't pressed.
"For that, I'm sorry. There's no excuse for my actions, except to say that I simply didn't understand. I didn't want to understand."
"It's okay."
"It's not. But, thank you for saying that." Maureen gave her knee a squeeze. "Being with you, it makes her happy."
Emily couldn't contain the grin that tugged at her lips. She knew it was true. And, the reverse was also true. Being with Paige made her happy as well.
"Is this the part of the conversation where you tell me not to hurt her?"
Maureen chuckled softly. "Traditionally, I think it might be. But, I don't think I need to. Not with you."
"No, Ma'am." Emily would hurt herself before she ever hurt Paige.
"I think in this case it would be more prudent to say, don't hurt each other."
Maureen's words were not at all what Emily was expecting.
"The two of you have a rough road ahead of you. And, not just because you're two girls in a relationship. Though, I suspect that will bring about its own set of challenges. But, relationships, in general, are tough. Especially when you find each other at such a young age. In a couple of years you're both going to be out in the world, forging your own paths. It can be easy to lose sight of what you have, when you're busy trying to figure out what you want."
"I've never been afraid of a little hard work, to get something that I want," she said softly, hoping that, if Maureen had any doubts, her words would assuage them. "And, you know what they say, anything worth having is worth fighting for."
"That is a very good attitude to have," Maureen said, smiling warmly at her, and it felt very much like approval to Emily. Not that she needed it, but it was a good thing to have. "But it's going to take a lot more than attitude to get by. Especially the next few years. Have you given any thought to the college situation?"
"We've talked about it some. Paige is concerned about the distance. She suggested that we apply to the same colleges. And, only accept offers from ones that are no more than a few hours apart."
While Emily fully believed they could make it work, no matter the distance, she certainly saw Paige's point. Why make it harder on themselves than it had to be?
Whether they went to the same college, or separate ones, they were still going to have to deal with the workloads, as well as training, assuming they were both competing, and making new friends and soaking up as much of the college experience as they could. She knew that they could do it though. They could get through all that, and come out stronger for it. But, it would be much more enjoyable if they were doing it together, rather than opposite sides of the country.
"She made up this whole list, of colleges, and athletics programs and scholarships and…"She shook her head, and gave a little laugh, remembering how blown away she had been at seeing it. They still hadn't discussed it, in detail. But, Emily knew that information was going to come in handy, when the time came.
"That's Paige. Never a contingency she can't account for. She's like her father that way," Maureen added, with a wry smile, and a fond look across the lobby, where Nick and Pam had entered, and made their way over to where Paige was leaning against the counter. Emily followed her gaze, watching as Nick put his hand on Paige's shoulder as he bent down to whisper something in her ear. She felt a smile grace her own lips as Paige's head tipped back in laughter.
"Until you came along." Maureen's comment drew her attention back to the conversation at hand. "I think you threw them both for a loop. And, if it's one thing my daughter and my husband can't stand, it's feeling uncertain."
Emily had seen evidence of that. She hadn't known it at the time, but Paige's behaviour, her mistreatment of Emily, had stemmed from her confusion and uncertainty about her feelings. But, they were well past that now.
"But, you've been good for Paige. For both of them, I think. I know that Nick can be difficult at times, but he's coming around. Don't worry too much about him."
Emily shook her head. "I'm not worried about him," she said, glancing back up to watch Paige and her Nick interact. Paige was talking animatedly, hands flailing, eyes alight, a smile playing on her lips. Nick, and Pam, were listening intently, nodding occasionally, and laughing often.
"No?" Maureen sounded surprised. "Oh. Well Okay then."
Emily nodded. "It's going to be tough, I know," she said, getting back on track, hoping that her words would offer reassurance to Maureen, assuage any doubts she might have about her, and Paige. "But, I know that we can make it."
Maureen nodded as well, smiling softly at her. "I have no doubt about that."
"Really?" Emily was both surprised, and pleased to hear that. She knew that she and Paige were meant to be, and whatever the future threw at them, they would handle it, together. She felt like her parents were coming around to the same idea, but she hadn't expected to find the same conviction from Paige's parents.
"Is that really so surprising?" Maureen asked, shooting her a questioning look, very much resembling Paige as she did so.
"I don't know. A little?" Emily sheepishly admitted. Luckily, Maureen didn't get mad, just chuckled and patted her knee.
"I know real love when I see it. And, what you and my daughter share, that's the real deal."
Emily certainly thought so. But, it was nice to have confirmation from someone older and wiser.
"My parents were high school sweethearts. My sister and my best friend both married their boyfriends from high school. They are all still happily married, so I've seen it work. And, that's what marriage is, sometimes. It's work."
Emily felt like she had a better perspective on that than some, having grown up watching her parents put forth the effort to make their marriage work, even though certainly it would have been easier to throw in the towel. They never had. And, Emily had never once gotten the impression that they had even considered it.
They took their vows seriously. And, Emily would as well, when the time came. Together forever. For better or worse. Until death do them part.
"Thank you," she said, simply. Maureen having faith in them meant a lot.
She squeezed Emily's hand lightly, but, before she could say anything, the elevator doors slid open behind them, and Wayne strode out, carrying Emily and Paige's luggage, a bag in each hand.
They rose when he reached them, while Pam, Nick and Paige made their way over from the other side of the lobby.
"Good to go?"
"All set," Paige said, making a move for her bag, only to have him swing it out of the way.
They narrowed their eyes at each other for a moment. Wayne broke first, ending the stand-off by simply stepping around her and heading for the doors.
Paige's hand slipped into hers, lacing their fingers together as they fell into step behind him. As if going to dinner with her girlfriend and their parents was the most natural thing in the world. And, while it wasn't something she would have been able to fathom a year ago, or even a month ago, it was. Glancing over at Paige, she caught her looking back, and the two of them exchanged a smile.
"Hey, lovebirds. In the car." The moment was broken a moment later by Wayne, who was standing by the back passenger side door, gesturing them in with a broad, sweeping motion of his arm. The impatience written all over his face belied by the humor sparkling in his eyes, and the smile threatening to break out across his face.
"Honestly, Wayne." Pam shoved him gently out of the way, rolling her eyes. "But, seriously, girls. Get in the car."
It was Emily's turn to roll her eyes.
"Are you ready for this?" Paige whispered.
Emily took it all in, her father holding the passenger door open for her mother, who gave him a peck on the cheek before slipping in. Nick shutting the door behind Maureen before circling around the front of the vehicle to climb into the driver's side, stopping before he did to exchange a few words with Wayne, before laughing lightly, clapping him on the shoulder, and then slipping into his seat. And, finally, over at Paige, holding the door open for her, waiting for her to get in so they could join their parents in heading to dinner.
Was she ready for this?
"I can't wait."
The end.
It's been a ride, you guys. Thank you for taking it with me.
XO