A/N: I'm sorry for the late update guys! I really am. I wanted to update sooner but I had to finish the miniature I'm working on with my groupmates, so I wasn't able to...

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. I know most of you are probably Hannily and Quinntana shippers but I must warn you that this chapter is Aria and Emily centric but that doesn't mean they're endgame though. Well, I really have to write this part down because it would be needed for the storyline. So I hope you continue reading :))

CHAPTER 6

First love: it isn't the first person you kiss, or the first person you date. It's the person that you'll always compare everyone to. The person that you'll never truly get over with, even when you have convinced yourself that you've moved on.

As for my first love; I still like her. I can't deny that. I still love her, the way I used to. But whatever kept me from holding on before, it's gone now. Now it's just me hanging here, and I could let go of a word but I can't. Maybe it's because a part of me needs to still hold on because I'd miss her. I'd miss her running in my mind and all the conversations that we had that never came true.

My feelings are blurred, honestly. Most of me know that we aren't meant to be more than friends. But some part of me won't let go. Ever since. I could end it now, but what would happen then? This empty spot would be there and I wouldn't know what to do. I wouldn't know what might have been. So I'm scared that if I let her go now, I'd never get the chance again.

"So…I can see that you and Hanna are close now, huh?" Aria said with an uncertain tone.

I caressed the back of my neck. "Yeah, kind of."

There was silence between us. Silence, that's new. I remember back then, when I'm with Aria I used to beg for that.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked curiously.

"Nothing." I answered. "Anyways, you have something to say, right?"

"Yeah." She breathed. "I was just checking how you are."

"This late? Seriously?" I asked, not convinced.

"You texted me, remember?" She smirked. Oh. Right. I was not in my right mind earlier, and decided to text her.

"I did my project due tomorrow with my group mates before I went here, so I'm sorry." She was looking at the ground.

"You came. Because I texted you a sad face?" I asked amused.

"I was worried, okay? You'd probably do the same." Aria pouted.

I smiled. "Of course I would. And I would've come the moment I received your text." I said matter-of-factly.

She smiled back. "I know." She whispered. I wish she also knew the reason I know that would mess things up now.

"I just missed you actually." I lied. But it was sincere at the same time.

"Emily Fields misses me." She repeated, seemingly saying it more to herself.

"Oh please. As if I don't tell you that." I whined.

"Well, it's always better to hear it personally. Especially when you sounded like you really mean it." She reasoned.

"I mean it every single time, Aria." I said truthfully and sincerely.

She just smiled. "I really thought something bad happened. I guess Hanna already helped you with it?" she sounded sure yet as if waiting for me to confirm it.

"Yeah." That's all I'm gonna say. I didn't have to say that Hanna was the main problem in the first place. Or at least didn't want to tell her. I used to be honest with her, but something at the back of my mind is telling me that I now is not the right time.

"That's it? Aren't you going to tell me what it's about?" she said pouting her lips. I saw a hint of disappointment in her part.

I just shrugged.

"I guess my efforts are worthless, huh?" she said it like she was telling it to herself, but she really wanted me to hear it.

"Oh come on. Don't be such a drama Queen. You might catch a cold here, let's go inside." I said not wanting the gloomy aura to penetrate.

"Nevermind. You know what? I'm going home." She said, obviously annoyed. She attempted to walk away but of course I wouldn't let her do that.

I hold her wrist. "Come on, Aria. Let's go talk inside." I said almost begging.

She seemed surprise that I practically sounded desperate. She knows I have a thing with my pride. "Are you sure we're going to talk about it?"

"No. We're going to just stare at each other the whole night." I rolled my eyes at her.

She crossed her arms. "I don't get you lately."

"I'd be surprise if you get me, Aria." I said mockingly.

"And here I was thinking that you've changed." Aria said rolling her eyes at me.

I laughed. "I'll always be your Emily." I said absent mindedly. I saw her tense up. That's when I realized what I've just said. For the second time there was silence polluting the air.

There was a staring contest. Until Aria decided to break the silence. "You do realize how sickinengly sweet that sounded right?" she asked bluntly. I would probably feel all kinds of nervous if it wasn't for the sweet smile plastered on her face.

"I'm sweet like that." I shrugged. "Now, can we please go inside?" I asked trying to push aside what I've just uttered.

Aria's POV:

The thing with me and Emily, is that we were never sweet to each other. Or at least normally she isn't sweet to me. But still, I know she loves me. It's obvious on her simple gestures. It's funny how she acts so tough to us, when it's obvious that she's such a softie.

She can be really sweet sometimes though. Come to think of it, I've heard the sweetest things come from her mouth. She's probably the best friend anyone could have. But I'm not planning on telling her that though; she's the best friend I've ever had but I'm not going to tell her that and help her increase her pride.

I hate her pride sometimes, but at some times it makes her the Emily that I know.

"I don't really get it. Why do we have to stay here anyways?" Emily asked impatiently as usual. I don't know why she acts so impatient when she's with me. All she ever does is complain here and there. My theory is that she does that to burden me. She likes teasing me, and irritating me, unforutnately it's her favorite hobby.

"I asked you if you want to go to the grill, and you said no. So deal with the heat." I reasoned.

"Well, that's because I thought we're going home if we didn't go there." She said rolling her eyes at me.

"You'd probably not even say a word if it's Quinn who asked you to stay here." I mumbled to myself.

Unfortunately, Emily heard it. "That's because she's Quinn, Aria." She said matter-of-factly. Obviously trying to mock me.

"That's the point. Why do you people always give her a special treatment. It's sickeningly unfair." I complained, pouting.

I heard her giggle. A smile stayed on her face while looking at me intently. "I like teasing you. You know that?" she asked happily.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not numb, Emily. Of course I know that. That's practically the most obvious thing in the world." I stated that made her laugh again.

"Let's go." She said grabbing my wrist.

"Where are we going?" I asked irritably.

"The Grill. I can't stand the heat here. You could've at least chose a place where there's shade." She whined.

"It's a park, Emily. What do you expect? An air conditioner? Is it my fault that there's not much trees in there?" I said reasoning with her.

"Whatever. It's still your fault no matter what." She declared.

I just rolled my eyes.

Her grip never left my wrist until we were in front of The Grill.

We just stood there.

"You're not planning to go inside?" I asked her curiously since she didn't show any intention to.

She shook her head. "What for? It's not like I'm going to eat or anything." She said and I stare at her in disbelief. She noticed the way I look at her, "What?"

"So you're telling me that we went here for nothing?" I asked arching my eyebrow.

"Isn't it obvious enough that I don't want crowded places that much?" she answered me with a rhetorical question. "Don't worry, I bet Ezra is going here instead of the lame park."

"If I didn't see him today, I'll hate you forever." I said crossing my arms.

She rolled her eyes at me. "He'd be here." She said knowingly.

I looked at her suspiciously. "And how can you be so sure?"

"My instincts are telling me so." She said proudly.

I looked at her in disbelief.

I went on with my rant and Emily continued her self declared job on pissing me out. After a few minutes, I saw Ezra approaching the Grill.

"Oh my. There he is!" I exclaimed quietly not wanting him to hear me. I was amused to see him but I was more amused at how Emily has guessed.

"See how amazing my instincts are?" she asked proudly.

"It's probably just a coincidence." I scoffed. I didn't want to boost her ego.

She just smiled smugly. "Anyway, I'll be leaving now." She said attempting to walk away. But I stopped her from doing so.

"Wait." I said holding her shoulder. "Don't leave me here. I wouldn't know what to do."

"Give him your present. Greet him a happy birthday then walk away." She said nonchalantly.

I frowned at her. She wasn't even giving an effort on helping me out. She knows I have the biggest crush on Ezra.

She sighed heavily. "Just trust your instincts, okay?" she advised me.

"What? I'm not sure if that's a good idea." I said nervously. He's getting nearer and nearer.

"Look, I know instincts are unexplainable, but there are certain times that you shouldn't just set them aside. I don't know how to elaborate but just do it. He's birthday only comes once a year." She said rapidly. "Go!" she pushed me and I unfortunately bumped into someone.

When I looked up, I saw a handsome creature staring at me. I was struck; like a deer in the headlights.

"Hi! I—I'm sorry for bumping into you." I stuttered.

"It's okay. It wasn't a big deal." He said nicely.

I saw Emily roll her eyes. I would've rolled my eyes at her too, but a gorgeous man is in front of me at the moment.

I kept the conversation going, trusting my instincts. It went well so far. I look at Emily every now and then, who seemed to be waiting impatiently. I already gave Ezra my gift for him. And confessed my liking on him. That would just make it more reasonable on giving him a gift, right?

After a few chats, I managed to ask for his number. I just hoped he gave me the right one. I'm not usually forward, but I observed that Ezra is a shy boy, and I don't know if we'd get anywhere if I didn't do anything and wait for him.

"Uhm. Aria, It's really nice meeting you but unfortunately, I have to go. My parents are kind of waiting for me inside." He said politely.

I smiled sheepishly. "Of course. Sorry for taking too much of your time." I apologized sincerely.

"No. Its okay, I really enjoyed our chat too." He said sweetly.

I smiled at him once again and bid goodbye.

After he went inside the Grill I turned too Emily. "You're extra impatient today, Em" I said frankly. "What's wrong?"

"Try to wait for your friend who's busy flirting with a gay guy." She answered sarcastically.

I was taken aback by her comment. It's not like I'm not used at her insults or teases. It's just the she sounded serious and I'm not really used at her insulting other people than me. That's not really her thing.

I crossed my arms. Worry took over me. I know I should be annoyed and all that but this is not the usual Emily. And she did wait for me and help me with Ezra. "Is something wrong?" I asked concerned.

"No." she sighed. "Let's just go home."

"What's with the sudden change of mood? Do you have another headache?" I didn't want to pry but it was so sudden.

She looked at me intently for a while. Her expression was unreadable, and I can't deny that it scared me a bit. It always scares me when I couldn't read Emily. "Don't worry, Aria. I'm not mad at you or anything. You know how headaches get the best of me." She said, smiling.

Somehow I felt relief but that didn't stop me from wondering if she's being honest with me. I sighed out of frustration. This is one of the reasons why I have a weird feeling whenever Emily isn't teasing me.

Emily's POV:

People always say that things are easier said than done. But really, there is one thing for me that is easier done than said; it's loving truly. From the moment Aria and I started talking, I knew I wanted her to be around. I'm not going to lie; I still love her. It's just that it feels so natural for me to love her. It's like I wouldn't be me if I don't. Still, that doesn't change the fact that I'm scared of losing her because of how I feel. I know confessing to Hanna was a step, but I don't know what is really keeping me from saying to Aria what I feel about her.

I don't really know if I still need to tell it to her since I chose Hanna. No, scratch that. I didn't choose Hanna. I just felt that Hanna was the right one for me. But her being here, it messes up my mind in different kinds of ways.

I entered my room with a tray of snacks and drinks in my hand. I found Aria sitting on top of my bed where I left her. She was fidgeting with her hands.

"Hey." I said softly, I didn't want to startle her. She turned her attention to me. She seemed troubled. "Is everything okay?" I asked concernedly.

She nodded her head. "So, are you ready to tell me what was your problem earlier?"

I bit my lip. Am I? I didn't know, but it's not like I have a choice. I don't want to lie to her anymore. I placed the tray on my study table and sat beside her. "Well…" I started. "As you know, Hanna and I became really close." I said emphasizing the word 'really'.

"Uhuh." She responded, nodding.

"And, well, I guess I was possessive at the time. And I wanted her full attention." I guess I wasn't ready. At least I wasn't lying. I was just…telling half the truth. "But then Caleb got in the way. And I might have lost it." I looked at her and she doesn't seemed convince.

"O—kay. That's it?" she asked. Her expression was unreadable, I guess I would've been relieved if she looked suspicious about it, but no. Her face was blank, and it scared me a bit. I hate it when I couldn't read her.

"Look. It was nothing, just a misunderstanding. But you…you doesn't seem yourself." I said shrugging the current topic.

She smiled smugly. "The usual, Em. Trying to project it to me, huh?"

I raised both hands. "Guilty." I admitted. "But seriously, is something wrong?" I asked seriously. I stood up and sat at my swivel chair instead so I could face her.

Her expression turned from blank to nervous to scared to blank again within just a second. It was a very fast transition. She opened her mouth but closed it again. It made me nervous.

"Aria?"

She looked at me intently. "Do you happen to-to like—to like Hanna?" she stuttered. My eyes widened. I expected anything but that.

"Wha—what made you think that?" I asked as if it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

She pursed her lips together. "You know you can always tell me everything, right? We're like best friends." She assured me. She sure is acting weird right now. It's the first time she ever said that out loud; that we're best friends. And lying would be an understatement if I told myself that that didn't made my heart leap.

I nodded while a goofy smile crept on my face. "We're not like best friends, Aria. We are best friends." And I was glad she was just as happy.

She cleared her throat. "So…would you answer my question now? And just to be clear, I wasn't referring to the platonic kind of like." She said hesitantly.

I breathed deeply. Would I answer her now? I'm scared. I don't even know why we arrived at this situation. It's pretty messed up. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I hated myself for being such a coward.

She sighed deeply. She holds both my hands. "You didn't have to answer. I think we both know the answer to that." She stated knowingly. "Over thinking ruins you, do you know that?" she asked while smiling.

I just smiled. Relief washed over my body. At least now I know she accepts me for what I feel. I nodded. "Unfortunately, I do."

There was an exchange of silence. I couldn't look at her for long so I avoided an eye contact. But on my peripheral view, I can see that Aria was looking at me intently.

"Do you remember the time when you told me to trust my instincts?" she said breaking the silence that fills the air.

I thought it was just an icebreaker or something but she proved me wrong when I nodded. I felt soft lips pressed on mine. Saying that I was shock was an understatement. It was my first full kiss. I wasn't able to react immediately but after I gained my consciousness I kissed back.

I'm having my first kiss with my first love. My mind was a blur. But my heart on the other hand surely loves this moment. I mean who wouldn't? Her hands left mine and cupped my face. I didn't know how to describe it, I mean, I never had one to compare it to, but it was nevertheless passionate yet sweet. This kiss was definitely the highlight of my day; heck, even a year.

It was just like the kiss on those sappy romantic movies. But this one felt more real. I couldn't think of anything else at the moment. Or even anyone, anyone but…Hanna. As soon as she crossed my mind I broke the kiss. The feeling of Aria's lips on mine lingered, but there was a pit in my heart feeling all kinds of guilt.

I didn't imagine that this would be the effect of my first kiss. I felt really confused and guilty, yet a part of me was contented and happy, but mostly confused. While the kiss was happening, it felt so right. But now, I don't know; it didn't feel so right anymore because there's this girl in my mind and she's blonde and has this perfect smile, which I promised to love unconditionally.

I saw a disappointed Aria in front of me. She probably noticed that I wasn't that happy. "I guess my instincts were stupid after all, huh?" she chuckled in a forced kind of way.

I felt guilt. I was happy about the kiss. I really was. And I don't want to see her sad because of me, but the timing was just…if it happened a month ago, I would've even been able to fly out of happiness. But I have Hanna now. I mean, maybe not really, but it's kind of like that, I guess.

"I'm sorry." Aria said apologetically. "I'm not sorry for kissing you, though. I'm sorry for making you sad and confused"

I looked at her eyes directly. "I thought, you had a thing with Ezra, your 'prince charming'?" it was a lame question, yet it was an important topic too. I couldn't bear it if she was just caught up with her problems. That would definitely break my heart.

She chuckled lightly. "Turns out, I don't need charming." Her face seemed serious. "I need someone who knows what unconditional love is. Someone who knows how to be honest, true and faithful." She holds my hand tightly. "And it turns out, I wasn't looking for a prince."

"I love you." I blurted out. I wanted to shove it back at my mouth but I know I couldn't. I finally said it. And I didn't have to force it out. It came out naturally that I couldn't believe what I said myself.

She just squeezed my hand. "And I love you too." Then once again I felt her lips into mine, but this time it was a quick one. She straightened herself then spoke again. "I should probably get going."

I shook my head. "I won't let you go anywhere. It's dangerous outside. I'd be a bad best friend if I'd let you walk your way home alone. Stay for the night. I'm sure my parents would say the same."

She smiled at me adoringly, "I was kind of hoping you'd ask that."

And all I was able to do was give her the same kind of smile.

I'm really hoping to update soon...

Please still keep the reviews coming! Alerts would be very much appreciated as well...

Thank you for your time dears