𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐗𝐄𝐃 [𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐱𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥]

Epilogue

Monica's POV:

I gently caressed and played with Em's hair, occasionally twirling her delicate strands around my fingers. Her head was rested casually on my lap, as she read to me her exclusive copy of 'The Price of Salt'. I'd never read it. Never heard of the name either. But when Em suggested that it was an integral part of classic sapphic literature and that, the phenomenal movie, 'Carol' was an adaptation of this book, I couldn't hold my excitement. And cherry on the cake-Em offered to read it to me.

I, of course, intently listened on, the plot thickening with every passing page, and my mind getting constantly distracted by the recent events of the previous months and definitely by the sight of this gorgeous girl, on my lap-my girlfriend.

It was a lazy, warm afternoon, the last day of summer break, my girlfriend and I, on her bed, reading a classic romance novel, as the setting sun shone through her window by the bedside. Life couldn't be more perfect, I thought.

These months have been really eventful, I reminisced. Taking things from the top, Emily came out, to her parents and to everyone that mattered- to herself. And since then she has been the happiest, after knowing and believing in her true self. We became official in school, and although there were few initial speculations, absurd rumours and nosy glances, I never left her hand in the hallways. That was enough to stop the buzz, which gradually died down.

Em's parents, however had the most surprisingly positive reaction. They were all so supportive. Mr and Mrs. Rhodes were the most amiable people. They had generously invited my family over for New Year's dinner, and as our parents bonded over their love for Ninties music and Bob Marley, Monica and I snuck up into her room, to exchange kisses. Mrs. Rhodes was also so adamant to make me call her by her name, Erin, and I complied. Though, even now, I slip, once or twice.

She always proudly says that had she not met Mr. Rhodes, she would have definitely settled for women. That kind of confirms Meredith's information, though I would never ask Erin about that. It'll be embarrassing on both our ends.

Emily and I had been, well, more than better. We felt content, happy, fulfilled, and so in.... love? I know, it's too early to call something such as this, love. But I cannot help it, can I? We have been inseparable. And she's everything I've wanted. God knows why I'd been holding back for so long- when everything I was searching for, all this while, was right in front of my eyes, within the 'snarkiest' girl in class.

Life worked in funny ways, and I was eager to discover what more the future had held in store for us.

Who would've thought that Emily Rhodes would end up with her arch nemesis?-no one. Not even me from last year.

All I knew was, I really, really, and I emphasize, really cared for the girl on my lap. From the deepest corners of the heart, I knew that even if the world goes against us, I wouldn't hesitate to stand by her and be her armour. I wanted to do better, for us. Everything reminded me of her, books, coffee, and the colour, blue. That's her favourite. And she looks breathtaking in it. I had cleverly gifted her a blue planner this Christmas, which she carries along all the time. Said it kept me closer to her.

She gifted me a yellow coffee mug that read, "Coffee? Maybe. Her? Definitely"
Oh, the way I blushed when I tore open the wrapper to reveal this hot thing, infront of her. Em probably didn't realize the twisted, not-so-appropriate ways my mind works, with such things. She better not.

We've been good. And I've been better. On cloud nine.

In other news, the artificial intelligence competition took pace during winter break. And very shockingly, I had won it. My idea, my model, had emerged victorious, outshining all the other models of our rival schools. I was ecstatic. But Em, even more than me. She cheered the loudest in the audience while I went up on the stage to receive the trophy.

And well, I did the same when she went up on stage to receive her trophy for the best student of this academic year-maybe, a little more, because after her victory speech, I pulled her towards the restroom and rewarded her with the hottest make out. Her red, flushed face said she loved it as much as I did.

"Babe, are you even paying attention?" Emily questioned, looking over the book, at my eyes, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Of course, I am. I'm absolutely loving it." I admitted, confidently.

"Oh is it? Then, what was the last sentence I read?" She asked suspiciously, frowning.

"Uhh.... well... I...think-" I stammered awkwardly. Gosh, I'm caught.

"You thought what? You upset me Monica Williams.", Em deadpanned with a huff. And as she tried to get up from my lap, to leave, I held her down by the shoulders, leaned in, and captured her lips in a convincing kiss, to convey my apology for not being attentive enough. She tried to resist for a while, but ultimately gave in, moving her lips tenderly with mine. She tasted like coffee. Sweet and warm. The only 'sweet' coffee I wanted.

As we got out of air, I pulled away staring deeply into her chocolate brown orbs. And before I could even stop myself, I blurted, "I love you."
Shit.
Realization kicked in almost immediately, as I bit my tongue, and stared back in horror.Lord, stupid me, I wailed internally
Fuck.
Did I really fucking say that? just after a few months of dating?
Bloody hell, Em must think, I'm a creep now. She'll think I'm a fucking weirdo.
Hell.
As I tried to avert my gaze from her irresistible eyes, and tried to come up with a convincing response she reached up and locked me into another kiss.

Oh.

My eyes widened, and before I could react, she pulled away instantly, taking in a shaky breath.
"Fuck I love you more."
And with that, she cupped both the sides of my face, her fingers entangling with my hair and pulled me down into the longest and dreamiest kiss, we had ever shared.

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