This chapter took longer than expected and I apologize for that, but it's the longest one so far and I hope you all enjoy it!

P.S. The movie I mention later in the chapter I highly recommend watching if you haven't already seen it :)

The crowd roared as Emily surged effortlessly through the water; as she touched the wall, she was lifted out of the pool by her teammates as they congratulated her for helping the Sharks defeat the Warriors in record time.

"Way to go Emily!" Hanna shouted through the rest of the audience. Clearly, Emily knew she had the most supportive friends she could have ever hoped for, especially Hanna.

Coach Fulton made her way towards the star anchor and gave her a congratulatory side-hug. "I knew you could do it today! It was just all a matter of will power."

"Thanks coach, I appreciate it." Emily returned, with a wide smile. To her, it was just another meet, but to the coach, it was about bragging rights and setting records, whether coach liked to admit it or not.

Emily waited for the team to go back towards the lockers as she eyed Paige, who was waiting behind the rest of the team to individually congratulate Emily on her new record. Emily made her way towards Paige and Paige made her way towards Emily; they met each other with a tight embrace that, frankly, neither one of them wanted to let go of.

"That was amazing. You, were amazing." Paige complimented as she let go of Emily.

"Hey, that was nothing, what about you? Didn't you set a record as well? Also, you gave us such a good lead in the beginning, it pushed everyone else to do their best; so really, it's you who we should be thanking, not me." Emily replied.

"Thanks. I try." Paige said jokingly, even though she knew Emily meant what she had said; she liked to be considered such an important part of the team, regardless of how well the other girls performed.

During the last few days, Paige had gradually become more open to Emily, and a few other people, but mostly just Emily. They exchanged numbers and became fast friends. By Saturday, the fact that Paige suffered from selective mutism, was completely irrelevant because of how comfortable she began to feel around her. Paige liked the fact that she and Emily became so close so quickly, something like that had never happened to her before and she figured she could definitely get used to it.

Both girls headed towards the locker rooms. As they entered, they noticed that most of the other girls had already changed and left. Neither of them were in a hurry, so they both took their time gradually changing back into their street clothes. Emily, like always, sneaked a few peeks at Paige's abs and asked herself how someone could manage to be so in shape. Coach turned the corner to where they were after they had changed and told them that Monday's practice is optional for them because of how well they had performed today. Most likely though, they would both show up anyways considering that they both took swimming very seriously and wanted to get in as much practice as they possibly could.

"Hey, are your parents here or do you need a ride home?" Emily asked, hoping for an excuse to give Paige a ride.

"Actually my parents' business trip got canceled so they were able to come today."

Emily couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but she knew it was better this way because Paige's parents were able to come and support her. "Oh, alright. Are we still on for tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, I already have the homework done but you are more than welcome to come over if you don't understand it. Chemistry can be a bitch sometimes."

"I couldn't agree more." Emily replied, lifting her duffel bag over her shoulder. "What time should I come over?"

"Oh, it doesn't really matter as long as it's not before noon or like super late or anything. Just get there when you get there I guess. My parents know you're coming."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"See ya."

Emily walked outside the locker rooms, where her posse was waiting for her.

"Emily, you were amazing out there!" Hanna exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know. I heard you over everyone else. Thanks by the way, for coming and everything. It means a lot, you know?"

"No problem Em," Spencer added, "and that's not all. How does a small party at your house sound? We brought cake and we can grab some ice cream on the way."

"So wait, you knew I would win, so you bought me cake? You guys really know how to make a girl feel special." Emily thanked.

"Hey, why don't you invite Paige, I believe she would enjoy cake and ice cream as well." Aria added.

"Well, I would, but Paige is with her parents and she really isn't much for social occasions. I'll bring some cake over with me tomorrow though, if there's any left. I'm going over to her house and she's going to teach me chemistry."

"Ah, I see." Hanna teased, "She's going to teach you chemistry, eh?"

"Not like that, Hanna. It's nothing like that actually." Emily lied, well, at least it wasn't true for her.

By that time Emily's mom came into view as she enveloped Emily in an excited hug.

"Oh my gosh, darling, that was amazing! I'm so proud of you and I'm sure if your dad were here he would be just as happy as I am right now." Pam exclaimed.

"Yeah mom, I know." Emily said, returning the hug.

"So, what do you girls have planned for the rest of the day?" Pam asked.

"Actually, they were hoping to come over and celebrate with cake and ice cream." Emily asserted.

"Ah, well alright then. You girls are welcome to come over. Do any of you need a ride?"

"No, we all came with Spencer." Hanna answered.

"Well, in that case, I'll see you girls at the house." Pam stated, walking towards the front doors. "Bye."

"Alright," Spencer proposed, "since you're the big winner, you get to pick your choice of ice cream for the party. Personally, I prefer cookie dough, but it's whatever."

"I'm good with cookie dough. How about you guys?" Emily asked, to which they all agreed upon.

"Alright, let's boogie." Hanna said, strutting towards the front doors. The three others followed, chuckling at Hanna's comment.

After the party, the four girls settled into the living room to watch a movie. Ultimately they decided on a Disney classic, Mulan. That is, after they said they would watch anything as long as it wasn't Rudy, again. The nostalgia filling the room made the time pass quickly; before they knew it, they had watched Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Cinderella. It was around 9 o'clock when everyone left; they said their goodbyes and Emily headed up to her room to get ready for bed. But before she laid down, Emily decided to try and tackle the homework assignment for chemistry, but she failed to understand it. Thank goodness Paige is willing to help me tomorrow; if it weren't for her I'd be failing this class, she thought.

Emily covered up and turned her radio on the lowest volume at around 10 o'clock that night, thankful that tomorrow she would see Paige again. Her thoughts were still on Paige as she drifted off into a deep slumber.

Emily awoke the next morning around 9:30 from a text from Hanna.

Hey, Em, the girls and I are going to lunch today around 11:30 at the Brew, care to join? -H

Emily was surprised to see how late she had slept in; normally she sleeps a regular eight to nine hours and her body wakes her up. It was probably because of the swim match that had left her feeling extra tired, she thought. Throwing the covers off and exposing her tan skin to the cool air, she grabbed her phone and replied back.

Hey, I'd be glad to join you guys. I'll meet you there in a couple hours :) -E

Emily was glad she could spend time with her friends that day in order to help the time pass by quicker; the sooner she got there, the sooner she could see Paige.

Emily took her morning shower and put on a decent pair of jeans and a shirt with a flannel jacket to put over it. She wasn't sure if she should just leave early and wait for her friends, or if she should find something else to do in order to occupy her for the next hour. With that, Emily hiked down the stairs into the living room and headed towards the kitchen to see if her mom had any chores for her to do.

"Hey, mom, is there anything you need me to do before I leave today?"

"Um, no not really. If you want to finish the dishes that would be great, but other than that I can't think of anything else. Just enjoy the day I guess; don't get into any trouble and be home by dinner."

"Alright, thanks mom." Emily was glad her mother let her have so much freedom; most teenagers aren't as lucky as she is. After finishing the dishes, Emily hiked back up the stairs, grabbed her bookbag, flung it over her shoulder, grabbed her jacket and headed out the door. She tossed her bookbag in the passenger seat, started the car, and drove off to the Brew.

Upon arriving, Emily noticed she was about twenty minutes early. She waited in her warm car for about ten minutes, listening to the radio; then she noticed Spencer's car pulling up and Emily turned her car off to go meet up with them.

"Hey, you're here early." Spencer said, climbing out of the drivers seat.

"Well yeah, so are you. But that doesn't matter, all I know is I'm starved; I didn't have any breakfast this morning."

"Well that's unusual," Aria added, "the great Emily Fields skipping out on breakfast?"

"Yeah, yeah, I was going to eat this morning but I figured if I did then I wouldn't be hungry now. Anyways, who's buying?" Emily joked. The four girls laughed as they entered the Brew, all but Emily sat down at their usual spots; Emily ordered their usual meals and brought it back to them.

The time passed quickly as the four girls shared many different stories, jokes, and memories. Before they knew it, they had finished eating and it was already going on 2 o'clock.

"Hey, I think I'm going to take off," Emily stated, "it's been fun, I'm glad you guys invited me."

"Oh, no problem Em," Hanna replied, "here, take some of the leftover pie, it's the last thing I need lingering in my fridge."

"Thanks," Emily said as she took the pie from Hanna, "I'll see you guys later."

Arriving at Paige's house, Emily stepped out of her car, pie in hand and bookbag over shoulder, as she prodded through the Pennsylvania snow. Emily knocked on Paige's door; a few seconds passed as she was then greeted by the warm smile of Mrs. McCullers.

"Oh, hi Mrs. McCullers, is Paige here?"

"Oh, yeah, she's here but she's out in the barn. You can put your stuff down here though and go get her if you'd like. I'll put the pie in the fridge too if you want."

"Alright, thanks." Emily uttered, setting her bookbag inside by the front door and handing the leftover pie to Mrs. McCullers. "I'll be back in a bit."

Emily traversed towards the barn; upon reaching it, she noticed Paige next to her horse, Joey. It seemed as though she was carrying on a conversation with him. As she approached further, she could just make out what she was saying.

"No, buddy, that's not how you talk to strangers... Yeah, I know, but it's really impolite and you should know better, you're going on seven years old now... Hey, don't give me that tone, I might just have to beat it out of you..."

Emily couldn't help but stand there in awe as she heard Paige actually carry on a conversation with Joey. It seemed almost surreal for some reason, and she couldn't get enough of it.

"Joey, for the last time, I will not do that. I understand how badly you want me to and that you're just thinking of me but it would do more harm than good and we both know what could happen. I'm not losing the most important person in my life right now, so just drop it."

Emily couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was she talking about her? What was it that "Joey" wanted her to do? And how bad could the reaction be that Paige was thinking about? Just then, Emily felt a nudge on her shoulder; apparently Twister, whom she hadn't even noticed until now, wanted some attention. He whinnied and that caught Paige's attention as she was now looking over in Emily's direction.

"Oh, hey. W-when did you get here?" Paige asked nervously.

"Oh, just like a minute ago. I was listening to you and Joey and I was just thinking that I had no idea that you were some sort of Dr. Doolittle." Emily joked, hoping to relieve some of Paige's embarrassment, which seemed to work, a little.

"Oh, well, anyways, I was just about to head back up to the house. Care to join me?"

"Sure. By the way, I just got done having lunch with the girls and I brought back some banana cream pie."

"Oh good, that's my favorite kind." Paige said, smiling. Emily was thankful she was able to change the subject; she couldn't bear making Paige upset and not speak to her like she did the last time she was over. They continued up the path and entered the large house; Emily grabbed her bookbag, kicked off her shoes, and followed Paige up to her room. She, of course, couldn't help but stare at her ass the whole way up; it was just too perfectly shaped not to though, she thought.

As they entered Paige's room, Emily tossed her bag by the bed as she sat down next to Paige, who was grabbing her bookbag as well. Paige lifted her bag to where it was sitting in front of her as she emptied all the contents out of it; which included her chemistry book, calculus book, notebook, and sketchbook. Emily grabbed her chemistry book along with her notebook as she opened to the page that was assigned. Paige did the same.

"Okay, so I'm stuck on question seven, polyatomic ionic compounds make no sense to me at all."

"Okay, first of all, what's the charge of NH4? Also known as ammonium."

"See, that's what I don't understand, how do you know that?"

"There's a list of them on page 316, didn't you listen when he told us that on Friday?"

"Well..." Emily knew why she hadn't noticed a single thing that the teacher was saying on Friday, she was too busy staring at Paige the whole damn time. "I might have been in my own little world for most of the class period."

"I understand, but now that you know where to find them does it all make sense? Because as long as you know the charges you know how many goes with which one because it's just simple math from here on out. The names may be a little tricky but you'll be able to get it in no time as long as you practice them." Paige had literally solved her entire problem right then and there but she knew she didn't want to leave sooner than she had to.

"Yeah, I think I understand it now. But just for good measure is it alright if I just do this here and if I have any more questions I'll just ask?"

"Yeah, that's fine. Hey, I'm going downstairs to grab a drink, want anything?"

"No thanks, but you can bring up the leftover pie. Your mom said she would put it in the fridge for me when I got here."

"Alright, will do." Paige then walked out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen. When she got back, she was carrying a water bottle, the leftover pie, and two forks. Emily was making pretty fast progress on the homework now that Paige had cleared up that one little detail. Emily took a small break and finished the leftover pie with Paige, who had already eaten most of it on the way back up.

"Couldn't wait, could you?" Emily teased.

"Hey, you're the one that left me alone with it, so you have no one to blame but yourself." Paige joked.

"Well I wasn't that hungry anyways, lunch with the girls pretty much filled me all the way up."

"Good, now get that homework done so we can find something else to do. That is..." Paige paused, "if you still want to be here when you're done."

"Sure, I'd like that. I'm almost done, just give me about ten more minutes."

Emily finished her homework while Paige caught up with her book for English; they both weren't sure what to do now but neither one wanted Emily to leave.

"So, what would you like to do? I have movies, an xbox, a playstation, and a laptop."

"Hmm... You pick."

"How does a movie sound? I've got plenty on the bookshelf over there. Most of them are older but some are pretty good. I've got Racing Stripes, Spirit, Black Stallion, an array of old Disney movies, Finding Nemo, Sister Act, Rudy..."

"Did you just say you have Rudy?" Emily interrupted.

"Um, yeah, it's right over there. I take it you like that movie, huh? Here, I'll put it in." Paige said, walking towards the bookshelf. She fumbled through the array of disks as she finally found the one that said "Rudy" and grabbed it. She took the movie out and placed it in the dvd player.

"I grew up on this movie. It's one of my favorites." Emily stated, leaning back on Paige's bed. Paige climbed in beside her holding the remote.

"Yeah, same here. It's not too bad. But I like Sister Act better."

"I've never seen Sister Act, what's it about?"

"It's about this lounge singer in Reno who's ex-boyfriend tries to kill her and she has to go undercover in witness protection as a nun. It's really funny, it's got Whoopi Goldberg in it. It's older but still amazing."

"Sounds interesting, can we watch it later? Like after Rudy?"

"Sure, no problem."

Both girls laid silently on the bed watching Emily's favorite movie. When it was over, Paige placed it back in it's case and grabbed Sister Act from the shelf.

"Hey, I'm going to put this in and then I'm going to use the restroom real quick, be back in a sec."

"Alright, I'll be here then, waiting." Emily said, smiling, which made Paige blush slightly. Emily was glad to be able to just hang out and watch movies with Paige, but she still wasn't sure how Paige really felt about her; she was receiving so many mixed signals from this girl it was ridiculous. Emily then noticed Paige's sketchbook still sitting on the bed, and, as always, her curiosity had gotten the better of her as she leaned forward and opened it to her most recent project. What she found was beyond anything she was prepared for; it was an intricate drawing, much like the others, of chemistry class. But what was weird was everything was in black and white, including every single other one of Paige's drawings, but this particular drawing was of herself, and not just that, but the background was still in black and white, but she was drawn in color. This definitely threw Emily for a loop as she tried to understand just why Paige decided to do something like that. Were her original thoughts true? Did Paige like her just as she liked Paige? This has to mean something, it's not just a coincidence.

Emily was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't hear Paige entering the room, only to find her searching through her drawings.

"W-what are you doing?" Paige asked, sternly. This definitely caught Emily's attention as she looked in the opposite direction, finding a shocked, and somewhat angry looking Paige. "Why are you going through my stuff?"

"I-I... was just looking. I kn...know how good you are at drawing and I was just curious..." Emily trailed off, only to be interrupted by Paige.

"Well, you shouldn't be doing that! That shit's personal." Paige flustered, grabbing the book from Emily.

"I'm.. I'm sorry Paige, I..."

"No, you're not. Otherwise you wouldn't have done it! Now, just leave. And take your stuff with you."

"Bu.. but I'm sor.."

"Just. Go." Paige stated, harshly. Emily couldn't believe just how fast this night went from perfect, to a complete disaster. She was beginning to realize just how curiosity really killed the cat; it left the cat with no friends and he died sad and lonely, which is exactly how she felt as this very moment.

Emily stood there, dumbfounded as Paige removed the movie from the dvd player and placed it back in it's case.

"Aren't you leaving?" Paige questioned.

"Y-yeah..." Emily responded quietly, "s..sorry." Although it was barely audible, Paige heard her loud and clear as she grabbed her things and headed out the door.

On the brink of tears, Emily hurriedly shuffled downstairs cautiously as to not bump into Mrs. or Mr. McCullers; she couldn't bear to face them after what had just happened. She slipped her sneakers on and pulled her jacket over her other jacket as she opened the door and left.

On the way home she couldn't help but let the tears fall freely across her face. Man, I really blew it this time, she thought. When she arrived home, she avoided seeing her mother as she rushed upstairs and locked her door, with tear stains across her face. Emily didn't bother to change or even take her shoes off as she crawled into bed and cried herself to sleep.