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Chapter 33 birthday girl

Emily's pov

It felt like the girls were taking forever to get here, so I started to unpack some of my Christmas stuff. I began wrapping some red and green tinsel down the stair case when the door bell rang. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I open my front door more then happy to see my favourite blonde standing there. She had her pillow tucked under her arm and her bag hanging loosely off her shoulder. Hey babe hru? I question her even though it has only been two hours since I last saw her. She smiled sweetly, "perfect now that I'm here" she winks and attempts to step passed me, but I stop her grabbing her by the arm. I pulled her into me, and she dropped her bag and pillow on the floor, before wrapping her arms around me. "Em why are we standing right in the door way it's freezing" I rolling my eyes at her with a smirk before pointing to the entrance above us. I had already hung the mistletoe and was not going to allow her to enter without a kiss. Ali's blue eyes sparkled and I felt her shiver moving as close as she could get. Pouting I waited for her to close the distance and when she did I leaned into the kiss capturing her bottom lip in mine. When we pulled apart she beamed at me her dimples showing, before going inside. I followed her in grabbing her stuff and closing the door behind us. When I did Ali was quick to turn around and press my back into the door. "You are such a sap" she says while quirking her eye borrows and I can't help but laugh. Hey, I playfully slap her arm pulling her fully against me by the hem of her shirt. I'd like to think I'm just a hopeless romantic, besides as cheesy as It is I've been wanting to kiss you under the mistletoe all day. Ali blushes before gently pecking my lip. "Mmm, I have know doubt Mermaid and I'm not complaining, Christmas just gives me even more of a reason to kiss you". I can't help the grin that spreads across my face, when our eyes meet. our lips were only centre meters apart when we were interrupted by a loud banging on the door. Ali groans clearly annoyed at being interrupted, but I just place a quick kiss on her forehead Before commenting, That will be Aria and Han.

The two of us moved out of the way opening the door and letting them in. When we were all finally in the lounge room I was excited to be able to continue decorating. The four of us had so much fun laughing and talk, while decorating the entire house. I put together the tree, while Hanna untangled the light, and Ali un packed the decorations. Aria walked in from the kitchen with hot chocolate and cookies that were much appreciated. We were all decorating the tree when I heard Ali laughing. Why are you laughing babe? I question and she shakes her head. "Oh nothing this photo is just so adorable, Hanna you have to see this" when I saw it, I forgot for a second that it was in there. It was a picture of Aria and me when were little dressed up as Elves for a school play. "aww shorty look how small you are, you haven't changed a bit" Hanna teases Aria before placing a kiss to her cheek. "Hey be nice Han" she sends her a look and I stiffen a laugh. I then take the picture and place it in the same spot as I normally do on the mantel peace above the fire. when we get to the last few decorations I smile seeing Aria and Ali both eyeing off the star. When they both reach for it Ali wins and sticks out her Tongue. "fine you can do it, I do it every year" Aria says and Ali smiles at me walks towards the tree. "babe even I'm not tall enough I'm going to need a"... she doesn't finishes her sentence because I don't even give her a chance, as I lift her up in my arms so that she can reach.

"Wow Em, put me down I'll hurt you" I shake my head and she laughs before placing it on top. "Okay I'm done", when I place her back down she smiles. "I take it that's how you normally do it?" she questions Aria and she nods. "yep that's why it's my job imagine me lifting Em". I laugh watching as Hanna finds the plug to turn on the light. When we are all done the four of us settle in for the Christmas themed movie night.

Ali pov

By now it's getting late, we are on our third movie and I keep stealing glances at Em who Is happily wrapped in my arms grinning like a little kid at the movie. I move a strain of hair off her face and kiss her softly. When the movie finishes I notice that Hanna has fallen asleep her head resting in Aria's lap, and I smile as Aria reaches for the remote to turn the TV off, before looking over in our direction. "Let's sleep down here I don't wanna wake Han" I nod In agreement to tired to get up and move. "Works for me Em yawns as she re positions herself so that we can both lie down. its squishy but I don't care because it's cold and with the blankets on top of us and the fire place lit it's prefect cuddle weather. night Em I whisper as i settle myself into her arms. night Beautiful.

Emily's pov

The next morning the morning of my dreaded birthday, I woke up smiling. I could smell the bacon and eggs from a mile away and it was making me hungry. looking around the room I realised that Hanna was still asleep but Aria was up, and knowing that my mum was not home I new it was her in the kitchen. Looking down I smiled at my beautiful girlfriend who was sleeping peacefully. I managed to crawl off the couch and head into the kitchen. Hey Aria you really don't have to do this, I say and she smiles. "Hey your up Em good morning, happy birthday" she whispers the last part and I'm grateful. Thanks but I'm serious you didn't have to. "don't be ridiculous Emily I always cook you breakfast on your birthday just like you do on mine, besides since your making me keep my mouth shut, which by the way if Ali found out she would kill me, it's the lest I can do". Okay fine you win it smells amazing. "I know it does, so how does it feel to be 18?" Mmm, old but then again not that different to 17 Really. I hear foot steps coming and the two of us stop talking, I pretend to be helping by grabbing 4 plates out but when Ali enters I can tell we were busted. "EMILY CATHERINE FILEDS" she says in her serious tone of voices and I try to hide my smirk. "how could you not tell me it is your birthday today?" i look at Aria for help but she just backs away with her hands up In defence. I...I...didn't I stutter trying to think of what to say. "babe don't even try and lie I heard you guys talking" I blush, ok I didn't say anything because I hate it when people make a fuss. Aria only knows because of my parent and I made her promise not to tell. Ali rolls her eyes before walking Towards me. I try to escape but my back hits the fridge and I realise I'm trapped. When our eyes meet and she doesn't say anything it kills me. please don't be mad babe I whisper and a small smile creaks onto her face. "I'm not mad I'm just shocked if you really don't want a fuss Then we won't talk about it" I nod and Ali smiles before crashing our lips together in a heated kiss which is only stopped when Aria clears her throat and Ali realises she's still in the room. Ali reaches up on her tippy toes to whispers in my ear "happy birthday" before turning and head back to the lounge.

Aria continues to make breakfast telling me to wake Hanna and bring them into the dining room. When the four of us are eating breakfast it is silent until Hanna speaks. "Aria you haven't even cooked me breakfast before what's the special occasion?" Aria laughs, "it's Emily's birthday I wasn't meant to say anything but Ali heard us talking so I guess you should know too". I sent her a look and Ali just laughed. "come on Em it's not that bad it's just your birthday be happy" Hanna gets up off her seat and tackles me in a hug. "yeh Emily come on we have to celebrate what do you want to do today? you can pick". I sigh ok fine how about ice skating? The three girls nod with excitement and I just laugh. After breakfast the four of us get ready and take two cars to the ice skating rink giving me and Ali a chance to talk. She instead on driving so I reached for her hand. Babe are you sure your not mad at me for not telling you? "Em relax I could never stay mad at you, I just wish I new. I have nothing planed for today, I don't have a present... And I just want you to have a great day because you deserve it". I will babe none of that stuff matters to me all that matters is that I get to spend it with you and my two other crazy best friends. "Are you sure"? Yes now let's go I can't wait to skate with you. When we arrived Ali payed for the both of us, and it was the lest I could let her do. The four of us had so much fun skating together, and I held Ali's hand the whole time laughing when Hanna fell over more then once. Ali was surprisingly really good at it. Hey, how come you never told me you were so good at Ice skating? "I'm not" she smiles and I'm glad to see her having fun. when we finishes I told them that I had to head home as I said I would have lunch with my mum just the two of us. The three of them begged me to meet them for dinner at the grill later and I reluctantly said yes telling them all No presents.

Ali's pov

Em dropped me off at the Hastings and I gave her a kiss goodbye, telling her to have fun. I had about 5 hours till I would see her next and I had to come up with something to give her. I know she said no presents but, if I make it special I'm sure she won't mind. I sat down on my bed pulled out a note pad and pen, and began to right down Idea's. Aria said she had something that we could give her from the three of us but I still want to give her something that's just from me. I was thinking for a while. I already have her Christmas present but I could just give it to her for her birthday instead. She still blushes every time I tell her I love her which is pretty much ever moment Of the day, but it's not often I tell her why and that's when the idea hit me. I spent my next two hours organising my gift for Em, even talking to spencer when she got home to see if she could help me. when she said she would I hugged her telling her that I would text her, before leaving and heading out to grab a few things. I sent Emily a text making sure she was okay to stay the night after the grill, and smiled when I didn't even have to convince her. Spencer's parents Veronica and Peter are away for the weekend, and when she said she would be spending the night at Toby's I new that only left me at home, something that never happened.

When I got back from the brief trip to the shops, I unpacked the things I had brought and starting setting up the house. When I was satisfied with how it looked I headed upstairs to my room and began getting ready. When I was ready I called Emily asking her if she wanted me to pick her up, but she said she had to drop her mum off to a work meeting and would just meet me there. Before leaving I gave the house one more check and walked into Spencer's room to say goodbye. "Bye Ali have fun tonight", bye spence I'll text you, "and I'll reply" she winks as she motions for me to leave. Pulling up at the restaurant I parked my car, before walking the small distance to join Hanna and Aria. Hey guys I smiled before walking inside with them and asking for our table. It was a small four seater booth down the back of the building, and I took my spot opposite Aria and Hanna placing the flowers I had brought Emily on the table. "These are beautiful Ali" Aria picks them up to smell them and she smiles "Em will love them" I nod crossing my finger and join in on the light conversation waiting for Em to Arrive. When she did I stood up wrapping her in a hug and kissing her cheek.

These are for you babe, I say as I hand her the red flowers. I watched as she blushes. "Ali I said no presents" I rolled my eyes before letting her sit down and sliding in next to her. This doesn't count babe. Em placed them next to her and reached for my hand bringing it up to her lips to kiss it. "Well thank you I love them" I grin back at her your welcome. Hanna joined in on the conversation, "we all know you said you didn't want presents but we wanted to give you this". She reached into her bag and pulled out the rectangular shaped present and slipped it across the table. Emily slowly un wrapped it and smiled when she saw what it was. Aria had gotten Emily's dad to take a photo of the four of us after her swim meet, before prom and Emily has her gold medal around her neck.

"It's perfect guys thank you". Your welcome Em Aria grins as she places her hand on Emily wrist. The four of us order our meals, talking about all the things we want to do while on Christmas break and how our lives will soon become very different when we head off to college. I was glad to see Emily enjoy herself laughing, at Hanna's stupid jokes and smiling when ever Aria said something cute. The four of us enjoyed our night before separating and heading home. I walked Emily to her car and told her that I would meet her at mine. The door should be unlocked and to just come in. When I hoped in my car I text spencer, and told her to set the rest of my surprise up and took off in the direction of her house. I had to beat Emily there, which meant i was counting on her not knowing the back ways that spencer had shown me, which seem to cut the time in half. Arriving home I ran inside closing the door and was just In time to see spencer leaving. When I heard Emily's car pulling up spencer looked at me. "I'll go out the back so she doesn't see me" she smiled before wishing me good luck and I new that it was time to head up stair.

Emily's pov

Arriving at Spencer's, the door was unlocked just like Ali had said excepted i noticed a note taped to the door. I instantly new who's handwriting it was and felt myself smiling when I read it.

Dear Emmy, I know you said not to make a fuss about your birthday but I can't help it, I have one last surprise. Since you didn't tell me it was your birthday until today I wanted to do something special. I know we constantly tell each other I love you but I don't often tell you the reasons why, so I thought we could play a little game. inside you will find 26 sticky notes each with a different reason of why I love you, starting with each letter of the Alphabet. when your done follow the trail and come and find me - xo Ali

I felt myself shaking my head already at how cute my girlfriend is. I entered the house, Scanning the lounge room And saw different coloured sticky notes taped to the walls, when I looked at the ground I smiled noticing a trail of rose petals that I could tell lead up stairs. I place my stuff on the ground before heading over to the first note and reading it

A Em your attention to detail, you always remember the little things about me

B I love that when we cuddle at night your always the big spoon

C your cuteness I love how cute you are and the fact that you don't even know it

D you are my biggest distraction Em constantly on my mind

E Your Eyes god Em they are perfect I love the way my heart melts every time I look into them

F the way you make me feel when I am around you

G I love you because you are gorgeous and I know you don't think so but I do

I stopped to control my breath, I could fell my heart beat increasing and the corners of my eyes were becoming wet. This girl could be the death Of me. Continuing on I arrived at the bottom of the stairs and let out a small laugh when I read her next note

Ok so if I know you as well as I think I do then stop crying babe there's still more

H your hair I love the feeling of running my fingers though it and the faint smell of chlorine

I i will forever love all your imperfections event though you are perfect to me

J I love the joy that you have brought to my life just by being in it

K your kindness not just to me but everyone around you

L your lips god when we kiss it's like I'm on cloud 9

M you will always be my mermaid Emmy nothing can change that

N I love the way you say my name I will never get tired of hearing you say it

O you are always openminded

P your protective instincts I love the way you make me feel safe

Q how whenever I'm quiet you know that I just want to sit and be held

R I love that you show me respect

Ignoring Ali's earlier note I let a few tears roll down my check as I continued up the stairs quickening my paise.

The next note read - Your getting closer babe keep going

S the way you make me feel special like I'm the only one that matters

T I was drawn to you because I felt like I could trust you

U the unconditional love that you show me every day

V your values I love the way you value the time we spend together

W your warmth your inviting and caring nature and the warmth of your hugs

X how you always sign your texts with a xo at the end even just the little ones

Y Your body ;) if you only new what it does to me just by thinking about it

When I reached the top of the stairs I sighed with relief

Ok last one Emmy, when your done follow the rose petals

Z zein your calming and spiritual nature You are Amazing Em I love you for all of these reasons and more.

Picking up the last note, I folded it and placed it in my pocket. I had completely lost it by now and was crying as I followed the trail of rose petals on the floor. When I reached the door to the bathroom I opened it and my eyes widen. I walked into the the bathroom which smelt amazing and noticed that the room was lit with heaps of candles. when my eyes locked on Ali's I didn't even let her speak before running to her and wrapping myself in her arms. I crashed our lips into a kiss pouring everything I was feeling into it. When I had no choice but to come up for air I smiled at the perfect blonde in my arms, letting her be the first to speak, "did... You...did you like it or was it to much"? I shook my head. ALISON LAUREN DILARENTIS that was the sweetest thing you have ever done, I loved it. Ali let out a sigh of relief and I smiled. God I love you so much right now Ali, this has been the best birthday ever. "I love you too Em, I like seeing you so happy". Well I can tell you that whenever I am with you I am defiantly going To be more then happy, thank you!

I pull away taking a minute to look around the room. Babe did you do all this? You only beat me here by like 2 minutes. Ali shook her head before grabbing my hand. "I may of had some help, I set it all up before I left but seeing as how it would have been a fire hazard to light all 18 candles before I left, I got spencer to before she left to see Toby on my way home". I dragged Ali closer to me and pecked her softly on the lips. Stepping back, I felt her tugging at the hem of my shirt, and I smirked removing my clothes, and watching as she did the same. I climbed into the bath feeling the hot water touch my skin and held out my hand for Ali to take it. Instead of her siting in front of me like I thought she would, I felt her sit behind me allowing me to relax into her. When I felt her arms wrapping around me I closed my eyes enjoy the moment. The two of sat in a comfortable silence only talking when needed. Ali began to massage my shoulders before offering to wash my hair, and I allowed her to do what she wanted. We spent a good half hour in the bath kissing, listening to music and Talking.

The only reason we got out, was when the water started to go cold. Drying ourselves off I followed her into her room to see she was dressed in my sharks hoodie and under the covers. I smiled climbing in my side of the bed, and then she held out her arms motioning for me to lie down. "Em before we go to sleep I want to give you something, I was going to give it to you for Christmas but I want to give it to you now". I tried to protest telling her that she had done more then enough, but she insisted and with her cute dimples showing I eventually gave in. Ali sat up reaching under her pill and pulling out a small box. "Do you remember When we went to see my mum and grandmother for thanks giving"? She question me and I nodded. "Well my grandmother gave me something, she said if I find the right person to give them this. It was once hers and I want you to have it". She handed me the box and I opened it with shaky hands, Inside was a ring.

"Don't freak out or anything I'm not proposing, we are way to young for that. Think of it as more like a promise ring, it's a promise that if you let me, I will continue to show you every day just how much I love you. A promise that even when we go to college you will always have me, and that yes one day if we are still together and you want to, we can think about marriage. until then I want you to have this so that you know just how crazy I am about you. You have done so much for me Em, more then you will ever understand and its only been 6 months". I Let Ali take the ring out and slip it on my finger giving myself a chance to take it all In. God you have made me cry twice in one day babe, I say as I wipe a tear that has fallen. I love it and I love you, I'm so glad that you wanted to give me this. I lean forward and at the same time so does Ali. We meet in the middle and I kiss her, before gently pulling her down with me. She rolls over And I drape my arm across her stomach, rest my chin on her shoulder and thinking to myself that this girl is truly something special.