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"Paige?" Emily said quietly, her hand resting gently on the girl's stomach.
Paige's eyelids began to flutter, slowly opening. "Hmm?"
"I have to go to the bathroom. Do you think we can get back into the house somehow?"
Paige nodded, placing a hand on Emily's and using the other to wipe the sleep out of her eyes.
"Just wait here. I'll come back when I get in."
Emily nodded, sitting up and wrapping herself tightly inside of Paige's jacket. She shivered slightly and smiled. Paige rubbed her warm hands against Emily's arms.
"I'll be back before you know it. Promise." Paige smiled, placing a long soft kiss on Emily's forehead.
The way that Paige looked at Emily was unlike anyone else ever had. Any of the boys she had ever dated seemed to look at her like she was their prey, a challenge to be conquered. And when Alison had looked at her, she always felt a sense of expectation - like she owed her something. When Paige looked at her, she felt warmth inside. Paige's eyes were soft and genuine and she knew that even if they were only apart for a few moments that the girl would be genuinely happy to see her again when they reunited. Paige made her feel comfortable, at home.
Emily rested her chin on her knees, smiling as she took in the sweet smell of Paige's perfume on her jacket.
Finally Paige returned, clothed and with a warm pair of pajamas for Emily to wear.
"Thanks," Emily said, dressing quickly and following Paige out of the pool house. "How did you get in?"
"Remember when I asked you if you could pick locks?"
Emily nodded, tilting her head curiously.
"Turns out I'm kind of an expert. We'll just have to be quiet. My dad is asleep on the couch."
Emily chuckled softly, tiptoeing behind Paige into the house and up the stairs.
"Turn off the hallway light on your way to my room," Paige said, squeezing Emily's hand as she left her standing outside of the bathroom door.
A few moments later, Emily sauntered into Paige's room, her long hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. "Will you get in trouble for having me over? I mean, I can just go home if it-" Emily began but Paige grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room, closing the door behind her.
"It's fine. I'll just tell my dad it got late and you didn't want to take the bus home in the dark."
Paige led Emily over to her bed and the two sat down, their fingers intertwined.
"Paige. Can I ask you a question? Sort of a personal question."
Paige swallowed hard but nodded.
"Will you ever tell your parents that you're gay? I mean, if you have a girlfriend you can't hide it from them forever. Eventually they'll have to know."
Paige bit her lip nervously and squeezed Emily's hands.
"I just don't even know how I would tell them."
Emily nodded. She knew that feeling.
"Will you help me? I mean, like help me to write them a letter or something. I know I have to tell them. Especially because I think I've found someone I could really fall for..."
Emily blushed, looking down at the floral patterned blanket on Paige's bed.
"Sure, I'll help. I can even be there when you tell them if that would make it easier."
Paige nodded. She was terrified about the idea of telling her parents that she was gay. But more than that, she was terrified of losing this chance to be with Emily.
"Em?" Paige said, reaching a hand out to touch Emily's cheek.
Emily nodded.
"I think I'm falling for you."
Emily smiled, blushing, and kissed Paige softly on the lips.
"Me too."