First off, I want to thank everyone who favorite/follow or who wrote a review for this story. It really means a lot. I smiled every time I received an email that someone new is following it, especially since this is my first fanfiction.

Bee/Guest/Sheirome/ Ness/paramore97: Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad you guys liked the first chapter. I will definitely be continuing this story (hopefully you guys don't mind). I have a few chapters lined up already, however I will only post one a week.

Second, please note I did as much research as possible on the facts in this chapter. If there is any misinterpretation of anything on my end, know it was done unintentionally.

Now…onto the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters

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Swarms of people gathered in groups cheering on the Midwood Hornets as game time approached. With mere minutes left to the start of the game, Paige took in a deep breath as she gazed among the crowds of people; proud to know this was her accomplishment. With 19 goals and 7 assists, it was easy to say Paige was the foremost reason to why the Hornets participated in the National Championship Tournament at the beginning of the year. In that moment, Paige wasn't conceited. She wasn't arrogant. She was simply humble to be part of such an extraordinary piece of her school's history. It was something she built. Something she could call her own. Her father or no other part of her family had any participation in how she came to be. Paige didn't need to worry about how the world saw her, it was about her love for the game; something she couldn't articulate of how much she truly appreciated and respected her team.

Gathering her team in a circle for the latest game plan, Paige began. "Today is our last first game against Stuy this year. We're against those Peglegs and this time we need to show them why we're #1. This one is for Tonya. Quoting her favorite player, 'look up, get up and don't ever give up'. Look out there. This is ours. Now let's show them what it's all about." Paige screamed as her team began knocking their lacrosse sticks together making the stadium stand up in a roar of excitement.

Grabbing her helmet from the bench, Paige quickly realized Bess was nowhere in sight. Walking over to a few of the girls, Paige asked. "Hey, have you guys seen Bess?"

"I think she's with her lucky charm right now." Kayla, the goalie of the team smugly responded.

Paige clenched her jaw knowing full well what Kayla meant. Looking up at the countdown, Paige let out a deep breath as she jogged back into the locker room giving coach a quick nod enforcing she'll be right back.

XXXXXXX

"God I love game days." Bess whispered hoarsely as she moved her right hand from Emily's waist and cradled the girl's cheek, letting her thumb graze the girl's smooth skin.

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" Emily breathlessly asked, seemingly puzzled.

"You just become so much more…dominating." Bess whispered as she began placing wet kisses along Emily's neck. Allowing her hands to return to the girl's slim waist, Bess leaned her back against the hood of her car pulling Emily to stand between her legs as they continued their make-out session. With everyone already taking their seats in the stadium, Emily and Bess knew the parking lot was always the best place to be alone before the game.

"Mmmm…dominating huh?" Emily asked as a devilish smile crawled across her lips. "I didn't know you liked to be dominated."

"It's a secret fetish of mine every so once in a while." Bess admitted as she gently rested her forehead against Emily's, meeting her eyes.

"Good to know." Emily whispered as she leaned, kissing her more forcefully.

"Oh yeah, the parking lot is way more hygienic than the bleachers." The familiar voice stated surprising the unsuspecting couple. "And more open…it adds a certain amount of thrill doesn't it?"

Closing her eyes, Emily didn't have to turn around knowing the culprit who was interrupting their heated session. "It's even more thrilling when it's not interrupted."

"That can be debatable." Paige quickly retorted as she watched Emily turn to face her.

"Don't you have a girlfriend you can go bother?" Emily asked with annoyance.

"I do, and trust me…I would love to be watching her than you two." Paige firmly stated as she raised an eyebrow. "But I can't afford any distractions. We have a game. So you two need to put the fetish discussion aside so we can go win. Bess can't have any distractions."

"I'm not a distraction if anything you should thank me. I've helped her tackling technique." Emily challenged, as she glared at Paige.

"Bess." Paige pleaded as she shifted her gaze behind the brunette.

Knowing she missed another fiery argument between the two, Bess didn't want to have another one starting right now. Getting to her feet she finally responded, "Alright, alright. I'm coming, just give me a minute."

"We don't have a minute." Paige insisted.

"Paige, please." Bess pleaded as she placed her arms around Emily, pulling her into her as they stood facing the irritated captain.

Paige knew the longer she stood in front of the happy couple, the longer it would take Bess to come back on the field. In low husky voice, Paige responded, "Hurry up."

Emily's eyes followed the exasperating captain as felt Bess's arms around her tighten. "You know she's right." Emily heard Bess say as she turned around to face her.

"I know." Emily responded assuring she understood as she raised her right hand to play with her earlobe.

"So after?" Bess smugly asked.

"Of course." Emily smiled as she gave her high school sweetheart one last peck.

XXXXXXX

Paige watched as Bess jogged over to where the rest of the team were sitting, noticing her glance over at the clock as it counted down to its final seconds. "You good?" Paige asked as Bess approached her.

"Always." Bess responded with a grin.

Paige knew full well who put that grin on her face and couldn't help but feel a pinged of wariness. "Good" was all Paige could reply quietly as she place her helmet on running onto the field with the rest of her team.

XXXXXXX

Emily stood in the stands watching as the players were running, blocking, hitting and jumping over everything in sight. Looking at the clock, Emily was surprised how fast time had flown by. They were already in the fourth and last quarter with 7 minutes left on the clock, tied and Stuyvesant now had the ball once the whistle sounded to start after the timeout.

Paige watched her opponent, but couldn't help notice Emily in the background as she was bellowing out Bess's name. It was the split second her eyes were off her opponent, where she managed to miss the ball being tossed; an easy block she should have made. Paige watched the team captain for the opposing side cradling the ball, she knew she had her sights set on Bess who has been doing an amazing job defensively since 2nd quarter. Within seconds the opposition threw the ball aiming for the net, but at the last moment fake left passing it to another member of the team making the goalie of the Hornets lose her footing as she fell at the opposite end of the net. Bess saw the play occur as though it was happening in slow motion, quickly gathering her footing as she made a jump stretching her stick as far out possible catching the ball at the last moment intersecting the ball. The crowd jumped in cheers as they screamed at the top of their lungs at the insane save Bess just had.

Feeling a swarm of panic and relief hit her, Paige skipped in dread at the realization of her mistake. Watching the ball like a hawk, Paige was liberated her team had the ball. With only one thing on her mind, Paige was going to make up for that. Giving Pru, her defensive man who was currently cradling the ball the signal, Paige finally got hold of the ball cradling it towards the goal keeper of her competition. Throwing it back and forth with her other offensive men, Paige had the perfect position to throw the ball. As she was getting in position, Paige noticed from her peripheral vision one of the defensive man getting ready to tackle her. Using everything she learned in martial arts, Paige swung her left leg towards her right shoulder like a moon kick. Traveling it up as her arms went upward in the same direction. With her leg reaching the highest height, Paige jumped up with her anchor foot, using that same foot for take-off and leaned back. As her hips came up, Paige turned her head in the same direction she kicked outward, bringing her arms in tight towards her body. Getting the rotation through her shoulders to spin her body, Paige's legs came together as she saw the ground for the second time. Spreading her arms out, Paige landed on her non kicking leg, shooting the ball towards the goalie scoring in the final seconds for the Hornets to win the game.

The crowd was screaming as her team came running over in her direction to jump all over her in the insane cheat gainer Paige just performed. Hearing questions being shouted at her from all around, Paige screamed out in excitement. With her team throwing her up in the air, Paige took off her helmet quickly noticing all her friends running toward them, including Emily. Diverting her eyes to the score board, Paige took it in. 4-3, Hornets win.

XXXXXXX

"Down…ready-" Kayla screamed as the shriek sound of a whistle filled the air.

The air was nice and brisk for a fall afternoon in September. The pink haze above the horizon lit up the sky as if it was on fire. With the dull glare splattering shades of reds and purples, it created the perfect amount of light for the Hornets Lacrosse Team to continue practicing.

Paige and Bess crouched down setting their lacrosse sticks parallel to each other getting into ready position. Within seconds they heard the whistle blow once again from the acting referee. Pushing and pulling, the ball soon launched in the air allowing Connie to scoop the ball and pass it to another player before Paige was able to defend it. Being one of the midfielders, Paige ran over to her defensive side ready to intervene. As captains of their Lacrosse Team, Paige had the ability to be ambidextrous giving them the best advantage for her team. She also knew even if they didn't have official practice, she would still force their team to meet up for some extra time on the field.

Taking into consideration autumn days tend to be shorter than any other day, Paige had made practice in John Paul Jones Park. The light from the Verrazano Bridge acted as a back-up generator towards the ending of their practice, allowing them to finish practice.

"Wo! I can do this all day." Paige smugly said to Bess as she finished scoring another goal for her side.

They hunched down by the ball once again, getting into position as they listened to referee blow the whistle once again. "Down…ready –"

Scoring yet another goal, Paige studied Bess for a moment realizing she's been off since they started practice. "What's going on Bess? It's like you're not even trying."

"Just play." Bess coldly replied as she refused to meet Paige's eyes, hunching over the ball.

"That's what I'm trying to do." Paige responded as she tried to understand why Bess was acting the way she was.

As Paige hunched down for yet another face-off, she noticed the dark brown knee high boots that was implanted in her mind appeared by an oak tree near the water. Paige didn't need to think twice of who it was. Letting out a deep breath, Paige refocused her eye contact towards the ball but was too late as she watched Bess single handedly score her first goal.

"What's wrong P? Tired?" Bess arrogantly asked.

"Not even close." Paige stated in a more determined voice.

XXXXXXX

"Oh come on Paige, why so quiet?" Bess asked as she patted Paige on the back. "You don't want a rematch or anything? Nothing?"

"I can take you any time anywhere and you know that too. So why don't you leave the cockiness to me?" Paige replied as they walked over to the bench holding the rest of their gear.

The sudden appearance of the wavy hair brunette affected Paige a little more than it should. Since she first set eyes on her as she sat by the tree, something was off about her as well. She didn't even come over to say 'hi' to her own girlfriend. Paige spent majority of the practice, stealing glances towards the oak tree, trying to understand what was going on. The sudden distraction that came her way ultimately led to Paige losing during her own practice, just like it almost did during their actual game last week. Breaking her thought process, Paige heard Bess ask, "come on, the train station is right around where you parked."

Paige agreed with a quick nod of her head as they both walked towards the direction of the street corner. Glancing back toward the oak tree once again, Paige closed her eyes knowing she would regret what she was about to do. "Why don't you go ahead? I'm going to run some extra laps."

"You never stop. I'll catch you at school Monday." Bess replied as she gave Paige a quick handshake along with a pat on her back.

"Talk to you later." Paige simply replied. Licking her bottom lip, Paige made her way to the back of her car as she popped open the back. Grabbing a thick quilt she kept in the back, she was suddenly thankful she washed it before closing the truck.

XXXXXXX

Paige cautiously made her way towards the large oak tree which she knew was hiding the brunette from all else. Dreading what she was about to do, Paige took in a deep breath as she walked further in front of the tree until she was within eyesight of the girl to let Emily know it was her. Gripping the strap of her duffle bag tighter, Paige pulled it closer as she timidly placed her left hand in her hoodie pocket; unsure of how to start the conversation.

"You know you're pretty creepy outside of school." Paige timidly stated as she tried to focus on the lights coming from across the bay. "I figured as a Brooklynite you would have at least had better intuition of where not to go at night." She continued as she finally looked down toward the brunette.

"And as a Brooklynite you should have seen the 'fuck off' sign I'm currently sporting on my forehead." Emily replied coldly as her eyes stayed concentrated on the water before her.

Raising an eyebrow, Paige bit back a smile as she responded. "It's not exactly current since it's basically tattooed on your forehead," using her forefinger and middle for extra emphasis as she pointed towards her forehead.

"What. The fuck. Do you want?" Emily angrily asked as she finally met her gaze. "Your practice ended a half hour ago. Just go away."

"So you notice there was a practice?" Paige asked as she moved closer towards the wavy hair woman.

"Yes. I'm not daft." Emily answered as she brought her knees towards her chest. "You have to be oblivious not to notice 18 lacrosse jockeys running around all over the place."

"So why didn't you come over to say hi to Bess?" Paige bluntly asked.

"Not everything I do I need to tell Bess about. I'm not required to put Bess first just because she's my girlfriend." Emily responded as she projected her voice a bit more forcefully.

"I didn't say you were required to put Bess first, but –" Paige began defensively before she was cut off.

"What. Do. You. Want, Paige?" Emily asked again as she glared at Paige. "At school you can't run away from me fast enough. And now you're standing here on a Saturday night acting like you what? Care?"

The rage in Emily's voice confirmed she was hiding something and Paige could hear sadness as well. Unwilling to leave her alone, Paige replied calmly. "I don't." Swallowing a little harder she continued. "It's Saturday night and you are sitting alone in a dark park where the mafia was known to bury a few bodies. You're Bess's girlfriend. I've never seen someone so proud or so affectionate about a relationship." Diverting her eyes away from the brunette, Paige whispered. "If anything were to happen to you, I don't think I could ever forgive myself knowing I could have stopped it. Did...you cheat on her?"

"What?" Emily furiously snapped her head as she turned abruptly to face Paige.

Swallowing once again, Paige asked again. "Did you cheat –"

Despite the darkness surrounding them, Paige could see the tiny muscles around Emily's eyes become rigid as she heard her response. "So you think I'm that type of person?"

"You've been sitting here since 3pm staring at the water with this expression I've never seen you have. You're always smiling in school and always seem so passionate about everything. Then today –"

"So naturally you think I cheated on Bess." Emily interrupted once again with more annoyance then rage.

"It was just a question." Paige replied.

"No, I didn't cheat on Bess." Emily confirmed. "So can you please, just leave me alone? I know, every ounce of you loves to push my buttons at everything chance you have. But for one night, can you please forget that you saw me and just leave me alone?" She asked as she let a tear fall from her eye.

Taking in a deep breath, Paige noticed Emily trying to hide the fact that she had been crying. Avoiding all eye contact, Paige lifted the strap of her bag off her shoulder as she began to take a seat next to her. "I can't do that. I'm not…oblivious to how you guys see me. I know I'm this world class jackass who just likes to fuck around all the time –"

"Self-centered jack ass." Emily quickly stated.

"Self-centered jackass." Paige corrected as a smile crept onto her lips. "But I'm not leaving you alone in this park. God only knows who's lurking around here, especially now, waiting to get a few bucks or just to satisfy themselves."

Turning her head to hide another tear fall from her eyes, Emily whispered. "Why do you care?"

"I don't." Paige swiftly ensured. "But how about for one night, I'm not that world class self-centered jackass you know, and I'm just this…acquaintance you know from school that just wants to sit next to you? We don't have to talk. We can just sit."

"Why should I trust you?" Emily asked.

"I know. After everything I've done to you, there is absolutely no reason for you to trust me. But what you do know is my character more than anything. Putting aside that I'm a 'player' and that I'm this jack ass, you know your gut tells you that you can trust me." Paige stated. "Just like my gut is telling me you're hurting right now."

Emily didn't completely understand her gut feeling at the moment. It was telling her she could trust the girl who's made her life a living hell the pass 3 years; but why? They sat for a few minutes in perfect silence. It wasn't uncomfortable to Emily's surprise. Paige sitting next to her was actually comforting. Closing her eyes for a second, Emily didn't know if she would regret what she was about to do, but she needed to talk. "Do you know why I moved to New York?"

"Because your dad received an executive job with Goldman." Paige answered.

"That's what I told everyone." Emily whispered.

Furrowing her eyebrows Paige responded. "You lied?"

"I just didn't tell the whole truth." Emily responded as she nodded her head. "My dad did receive the executive job, but only because….well he knew we were moving to New York. I love the life I managed to create here, but it feels incomplete sometimes. I would have gladly finished high school in Michigan, it just began hurting so much." She confessed as her voice was just above a whisper. "There were four of us. We were basically sisters. But Sarah and I were always the…mature ones. It wasn't because of the way we were brought up or just because that's who we naturally are…it was because of life. I would love to be that carefree girl who would do whatever she wanted, but I can't. Sarah was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy when she was 11. 11! She didn't even have her period yet. She didn't want to tell the other girls. They were always so happy and brought this…aura around us. We needed that. Every day after school, Sarah and I would always go to the doctor at 4pm like clockwork. We celebrated passing math with Ms. Maskaron, we broke down and cried when we found out Aaliyah died, got scared shitless after watching Exorcism. For 3 years we were closer than Sonny and Cher. Every summer my family takes a vacation away from where we live. Just to get away. Away from work and school and people. Just to go somewhere, where it was just us and no one else. No matter where I was, Sarah and I always found a way to contact each other. Email, messenger, mail…anything. That summer we went to Cancun. It was absolutely beautiful. The hotel, the beaches, the sand, the sky…the people. It was the 4th day we were on the trip. It was around 10pm where I was. Sarah was telling me Nicole and Hilary were going to sneak into this club right outside of Lansing. I didn't think anything of it. I thought it would be fun. Sarah could use some fun. And Hilary and Nicole were perfect at it. Good music, good dancing, good company. August 3rd…4:37am. I received the call. All I heard was whimpering on the other line. That's all I needed to hear and I knew. I cried non-stop for weeks. Weeks. Everything reminded me of her. Stores, books, trees, clothes. My dad saw how much I was hurting and had planned it right there to leave. I didn't want to. I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay for Hilary and Nicole. I wanted to stay for Sarah. I wanted to stay and live the life we dreamed about. But I didn't. I came here, and started a new life." Emily concluded as tears were streaming down her face. "Today was her birthday. She would be turning 17. She didn't have a sweet 16. She's not going to have a prom or a first love. Nothing. She is just a memory and I feel like it's slowly drifting away."

Paige felt her heart drop as she heard Emily's declaration. She watched as Emily held herself crying next to her, wanting to just hold her until she was okay. "She lives in your memory. Change is inevitable. I doubt your best friend would have wanted you to sit around remembering the good old days for 4 years. She would have wanted you to become great. She would want you to be happy and live your life and not hers." Paige stated wholeheartedly. Taking out a napkin she had in her jacket pocket, Paige handed it as she continued. "She would be proud of you and everything you accomplished. You're editor and chief of Midwood's paper. Captain of their swim team. You're popular, but you don't let that get over your head. You're smart, you're humble and you are one of the most sincere people I know. I can guarantee you. If someone like me is impressed, she would be too." Paige confessed as she tried to avoid the sudden glance Emily threw her way.

"Thank you." Emily said sincerely.

Clearing her throat, Paige looked up at the night sky as she changed the subject. "It's getting chilly and I think it's about to rain."

"If you want to leave, you honestly can. I won't hold it against you. You've been…helpful." Emily quietly responded as she began holding herself.

Turning to her left, Paige grabbed the blanket she placed on top her bag and began to unfold it. As she placed it around Emily, they finally made eye contact as she simply replied "I'm not going anywhere."

The sudden smell of a citrus aromatic scent danced around Emily as she felt an instant warmth surround her. Unexpectedly feeling flustered, Emily diverted her eyes towards the water as she lightheartedly asked, "you always carry around a blanket?"

"Are you complaining?" Paige asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. "I normally leave one in the car. I went back for it before heading to you." Paige admitted as she watched Emily snuggle between the warmness of the blanket and the heat her own body was giving off. Feeling her right arm pressed against Emily's left arm, Paige swallowed as the smell of lavender and vanilla filled the air making her take in a deep breath; she was sure Emily could feel the increase in her heart tempo. Becoming increasingly nervous, Paige turned once again to her left as she began rummaging through the side pocket of her duffle bag.

"Seriously? You're not going to leave but you are going to look for your phone?" Emily hurriedly responded as part of her became annoyed from Paige sudden behavior.

Pulling out a small gold and green square, Paige handed Emily the item she was looking for. "You like Ghirardelli Dark & Mint chocolate right? I noticed you eating it basically every Wednesday during math class…and Thursdays during History class."

"So naturally you buy a pack and leave it in your bag?" Emily stated as she took the chocolate from Paige's hand. "And I'm the creeper?"

"Just observant. I was curious to why you like the taste." Paige confessed quietly.

"You could have easily just bought just one at the corner store. Dark chocolate calms me. Math isn't my best subject and well Mr. Halpern is just nerve wracking." Emily stated as she opened the package. "Thank you…for everything." Emily genuinely acknowledged as she met Paige's gaze.

"You're very welcome." Paige responded as she held her gaze.

Clearing her throat, Emily's eyes drifted downward toward Paige's neckline. Realizing she was staring longer than she should, Emily focused her eyes towards the water once again as she asked, "your necklace, what is it?"

"It's a Mezuzah." Paige answered as she looked downward to her pendant.

"The Gold Lion of Judah Mezuzah?" Emily asked in surprise.

"You know it? Please share." Paige asked as a small smile crept across her lips.

"I don't know too much-" Emily began.

"Well that's surprising" Paige smugly interrupted.

"It represents Judah from the book of Genesis. Judah is the lion, Benjamin is the wolf, and Daniel is the snake. I believe it represents brotherhood. But I'm not too sure of the whole story since I thought Judah was the one that sold his brother Ben into slavery." Emily shared.

Impressed, Paige nodded her head before acknowledging her knowledge. "You basically have the idea of it. Judah had become a role model for responsibility among Jews. Joseph was another brother, had planted silver in Ben's bag as though he stole it. Ben's punishment was to be sold into slavery. Judah, who had promised his father to watch over Ben came forward and begged Joseph to free Ben and offers himself in his place. The Tzedakah represents the responsibility that each Jew has to be their brother's keeper. The lion of Judah is a powerful symbol of generosity and selflessness."

"I never took you for a symbolic kind of girl." Emily admitted.

"Well it's not like we had an actual conversation." Paige stated with truth.

"It's fascinating what someone could learn in high school if they just ask around, especially about the popular girl." Emily responded with a shrug.

Smiling yet again, Paige's eyebrow rose as she asked, "so you've asked about me?"

"Wanting to know why you are such an asshole." Emily quickly responded.

Nodding her head slowly, Paige took in a deep breath as she answered back in a more serious tone. "Sometimes a moment in time defines your entire life."

"What defined your life?" Emily asked now curious. Realizing Paige was becoming fidgety, Emily quickly regretted asking. "You don't have to answer."

"When I was younger, my parents had to make a choice of sending Kyle and I to a Yeshiva or public school. They wanted us to have as much of an American life as possible, so they decided to send us to both; public school during the day and Yeshiva after. We use to take the yellow bus to school which use to pick up a bunch of kids from different areas. The group Kyle and I use to hang out with was very diverse. There was a bunch from our local Yeshiva that also rode the bus. One day one of them said the most sexist and racist comments in Hebrew, pointing at one of our friends. Not realizing Kyle and I spoke it as well, he didn't see me coming. I was so angry. I just began throwing punches left and right. A few of my friends followed. Kyle came after to break it up. I was angry at him for not defending our friends, but I realized he never heard the comment. Everyone found out at school. They said I was fighting them to show who was 'boss'. No one ever asked why. I became known as the impulsive McCullers who never thought about anything or anyone but herself within the community. Kyle was always the encouraging brother who was always reliable. I hate having something to define me, but I began keeping to myself. That also ended up badly. People began seeing me as someone that was stuck up. Fortunately, that title of mine managed to dissolve gradually within the passing years within my community…mainly because of my brother. But, for some reason it still managed to stick with me in school…even now. No matter what you do, you always have something to define you." It was the first time Paige ever told that story.

"It's the risk you took for being a good friend." Emily stated as she looked over at Paige. "What I don't get however is why you never corrected them at school? I mean, just look at your community…you're the golden child now."

"Well for starters, no one ever believed me. It's surprising how what people hear ultimately molds that person in their eyes." Paige whispered.

"But if anything you just encourage it." Emily asked truthfully.

"I did try. I just became tired of trying. No one believed me, not even my parents. Everyone just wants to put a title to everything. Who they think someone is without getting to know them. It doesn't matter now anyway. All I care about is how my family sees me." Paige whispered.

Suddenly hearing the rustling of leaves, Emily found herself unconsciously shifting closer to Paige. "What was that?"

"I'm not sure." Paige responded as her arm involuntarily found its way around Emily, bring her closer to her. Widening her eyes, Paige began looking around them as the figure appeared before them.

"Do you have a dollar?" The ragged old man asked as he stumbled where he stood. Paige didn't take her arm way from Emily, but she knew the man wouldn't leave them alone.

Reaching into her pocket with her free hand, Paige took out a dollar and handed it over. "Yeah. Here you go." Paige cautiously watched the man as he walked away, making sure they were both in the clear. Returning her glance over to Emily, Paige could feel how scared she was. With her left gripping on to the inside her right knee, it seem like she was scared to let go. "You okay?"

Safe. That was one way Emily felt as she sat in Paige's arms. She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when she grabbed Paige's leg, but she did know the instant her arm went around her she was going to protect her. The girl who always screamed obnoxious cruel jokes her way. The girl who objectified women, using them for her mere pleasure. The girl who only ever considered her own well-being than the people around her. Yet Emily couldn't deny or stop the increase in her heart beat or the pulsing in her ears. She couldn't stop the heavy breathing that suddenly came out of her. It had to be because of what today was, Sarah. Her vulnerability and being cut off guard by a bum. It couldn't be anything else. Her body couldn't react this way when her mind knew the opposite. "Yeah." Emily managed to stutter out. Trying to hide the fear she had, Emily tried to change the subject. "I just…didn't realize how many stars there were in New York."

"You just need to know where to look." Paige responded casually. She knew Emily was a little shaken up, but didn't want to press the matter. Looking up to the night sky, she pointed toward their right. "Like right over there…you can see Spica, the brightest star that will lead you to see the Virgo constellation."

"Latin for virgin." Emily mumbled as she rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Latin for virgin, but also Virgo is closely related to Persephone." Paige replied. She knew Emily was thinking she was about to become her typical self, but Paige knew tonight was about her.

"Persephone?" Emily asked in curiosity.

"The daughter of Demeter. She is the goddess of Harvest and wife of Hades." Paige stated.

"Hades? Zeus' older brother? God of the underworld?" Emily asked.

Bringing a smile to her lips, Paige laughed a little as she agreed. "That's right."

With curiosity getting the best of her, Emily had to ask how she knew so much about mythology. Paige never seemed like the type who would care. "How do you know so much about constellations and mythology?"

"What? Figured I was all about sports and girls?" Paige responded as she slightly glanced at Emily as she felt her hair brush her cheeks. "I love the night sky. I always found it, soothing."

They both sat there in perfect silence, watching the night sky as they absorbed each other's body heat; neither of them wanting to confess the hesitant emotion they both began feeling. The grasp of Paige's hand on Emily's waist began making her feel more and more insecure of her own body. Thinking to herself about how unattractive she must be to her, Emily reprimanded herself for being so dense. Fidgeting in her seat, Emily finally asked. "Uh, what time is it?"

"10:20pm. Are you okay?" Paige asked, her eyebrows creasing in concern.

"Yeah…I uh…I realized it's getting late." Emily managed to stutter out.

"Okay." Paige nodded in an understanding. "How are you getting home? Did you drive?" She asked as she stood up brushing off her pants.

"Train." Emily answered as she gathered her items.

"Train? It's 10:30 at night. You're not taking the train." Paige stated as she glared at Emily.

Brushing off the blanket, Emily began folding it as she responded. "We live in NYC, I won't be there alone."

"I'll give you a ride." Paige said as she took the blanket.

Confused of Paige's reaction, Emily slow began to walk away as she answered back, "I don't think so."

"What? Why not?" Paige asked with more force.

"Look, thank you for sitting with me and listening to me. But it's late and I want to go home…alone." Emily answered back as she turned and stared into Paige's concerned large brown eyes.

"Fine, you're taking a cab." Paige responded as she understood Emily's hesitance.

"I don't have enough money to take a cab." Emily stated as she turned back around.

Slinging his duffle bag over her shoulder, Paige caught up to Emily as she firmly said, "I do."

Beginning to feel frustrated, Emily couldn't keep in her annoyance. "I'm not allowing you to do that. The train is right around the corner."

"And again, I rather know you get home safe." Paige stated as she stood in front of Emily.

"I'll be home safe with the train." Emily said as she walked passed Paige.

"I've seen shit go down on the train. You have two options, cab or me driving you." Paige insisted.

"Or the third…the train." Emily sternly responded.

"Fine. I'm going with you." Paige concluded walking next to her.

"What? No. What the hell?" Emily exclaimed, grabbing Paige's arm to turn her around. "Yes, I told you something I never told anyone. Yes, I cried in front of you. Yes, you opened up to me. That does not make you my girlfriend."

"I don't want to be your girlfriend." Paige replied.

"Well you sure as hell are acting like an overprotective one." Emily pointed out.

Brushing her hair back with her right hand, Paige began realizing how she sounded. "I just want to make sure you get home safe."

"And I will." Emily affirmed. "Just like I have been for the past 17 years."

"Fine. I'll leave." Paige reluctantly agreed. She took in Emily's outfit, letting her gaze linger longer than it should. She was wearing a simply burgundy tank top with dark blue skinny jeans. Even though the outfit clung to the girl's curves allowing Paige's imagination to run wild, it was the last thing she should be wearing tonight. "At least take my hoodie, please. Be safe."

Emily watched as Paige's eyes traveled down the length of her body knowing full well she was taking in every inch of her. As the pounding of her heart increased, Emily took the jacket and began putting it on. The simple smell of the girl's perfume gave her a comfort that was completely different from anything she ever felt. "Thank you, you too." Watching Paige retrieve towards where she parked, Emily swallowed hard and shouted out to her. "And Paige-" the brunette stated as she waited for the girl to turn around. "Thank you".

"Sure." Paige simply responded knowing her 'thank you' meant more than just words. Turning back around, Paige continued walking to her car with only one thing on her mind. What did I just do?