The English Teacher ➳ Emison

Chapter 7 | Behind Closed Doors

a/n: disclaimer - explicit mature content

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Emily sat in the cozy yet bustling Rosewood restaurant, The Grille, surrounded by her three best friends. They were on a much-needed dinner break from their study session, cramming for an upcoming History test that loomed over them like a dark cloud.

She was finishing off the last of her french fries when Spencer announced that she was going to the bathroom. Aria was quick to join her. It was a running gag among the four of them-whenever someone even mentioned the word 'bathroom', Aria instantly had to go.

Usually, Emily would laugh along with them, but this time, a heavy weight settled in her chest, and she remained silent, staring blankly at her plate. Hanna, sitting across from her, immediately noticed the shift, a frown crossing her usually cheerful face.

When Emily and Hanna were left by themselves, the bubbly blonde turned to her, bluntly asking, "Okay, what gives?"

"What?" Emily replied, confusion dancing in her eyes as she absentmindedly dipped her fry in ketchup.

"You're all mopey and sad," Hanna said with her typical lack of subtlety. It would be alarming to anyone who wasn't used to it like Emily was. "Not just today. You've been this way for weeks, Em."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Han. I'm very happy. See?" she gave a forced smile, causing Hanna to roll her eyes.

"Okay, one, you're a terrible liar," Hanna commented disapprovingly, "and two, will you please just tell me what's wrong?"

"Seriously, Hanna, I don't know what you want me to say," Emily shrugged helplessly, playing dumb.

"How about the truth?" Hanna demanded. "Is it Paige? Is she giving you a hard time? Because my offer to kick her ass still stands."

Despite the heaviness in her chest, Emily couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's fierce loyalty. Hanna had a way of caring that was uniquely her own.

"No, she's been fine, actually," Emily relented. "It's nothing serious. Just some stress about next year. Usual stuff."

"Yeah, I know what you're talking about," Hanna sighed sympathetically, seemingly buying her made-up answer.

Emily hated outright lying to Hanna, but the truth felt too perilous to share right now. If she were to reveal her involvement with Alison to her best friend in the middle of a crowded restaurant, she was pretty sure the woman would never speak to her again.

"Your dad officially agreed to pay for your tuition, right?" Emily asked worriedly.

"Yeah, but a promise from him is like taking a gamble," Hanna replied miserably, her voice tinged with resignation. "I'm afraid he won't pull through."

"If he doesn't, then I will personally kick his ass," Emily said lightly, nudging Hanna's shoulder.

Hanna smirked mischievously, "Maybe we'll kidnap my icky step-sis and demand ransom."

They burst into laughter together, both hating Hanna's step-sister, Kate. Emily shook her head, her breath slowly returning to normal, the warmth of Hanna's presence wrapping around her like a safety net.

"It'll be okay," she said in a meaningful voice, leaning her head on Hanna's shoulder.

"Yeah," Hanna agreed softly, leaning her own head on Emily's, "it'll be okay for you too, Em. More than okay. You're going to rock next year, I know it."

"Thanks, Han," Emily smiled tenderly. "You too."

The touching moment between them was somewhat pushed Emily to gain some perspective on her own life, something she'd been desperately lacking lately. Other people had struggles too; she needed to focus her energy on her friends, not just her dramas with Alison.