Politico

Leap

Emily's POV

"Okay Emily. Today's the day we see if your mother can change the tides of this campaign and increase our momentum" my father says to me as he wraps me up in a warm embrace. Ever since Peter's death, I've maintained a decent relationship with my father. My relationship with my mother on the other hand is best described as well... frigid. So in moments like these where I'm happily supported in his comforting arms, I transform back into a happy go lucky teenager.

"I know daddy. I hope she does" I reply honestly.

Softly kissing my forehead, he replies, "It's time for a pep talk for your mother".

After bidding me farewell, my dad proudly struts his way towards his wife's dressing room.

I stand backstage all by myself as dozens of men and women buzz about like busy little worker bees. Deep inside me, all I can think about is getting this night over with. Furthermore, I sincerely hope my mother does well because that will mean that she'll call off her dogs and let me breathe a little. But I know tonight won't be easy. Chief Dilaurentis is no pushover and appears to be a genuinely good man. The public can see that. Frankly I see it and wouldn't hesitate to vote for him if the circumstances were different.

"Hey baby" a gruff voice says in my ear, causing me to snap out of my train of thought and jump in fright.

Large hands turn me around at the waist and the voice continues, "Hey there scaredy cat. It's just me".

"I know. I was just deep in thought" I reply as I give Jacob a quick peck on the lips.

"Oh no. Nice try there. I'm not letting you get away with just a peck. I want a real kiss" Jacob replies smirking down at me.

"You are so needy" I tease before leaning in and kissing him again.

"Excuse me" a familiar, soft voice interrupts after a few seconds into our lip lock.

Tearing away from Jacob, I turn my attention to the source of the interruption only to see Alison standing across the room with Hanna and Caleb right behind her.

"Hate to disturb y'all" she continues plainly, "But we were wondering if you'd prefer viewing room A or B? They are directly across the hall from one another and are identically supplied and furnished".

"Then why are you even asking us? Pick whatever you want" Jacob spits back angrily.

"Hey" I interject forcefully while slapping his arm roughly, "No need to be rude. They were just being polite".

"But" Jacob replies before I cut him off by raising my hand to silence him. "I don't want to hear it" I reply with a heavy level of frustration in my voice.

Turning to Alison now, I continue,  "We will take room A. Thank you".

"Alrighty. Come on guys, let's get set up" Alison says while gesturing Hanna and Caleb to follow her. Passing right in front of us, Alison flashes me a virtually undetectable smirk as if to say thank you. In return, I nod my head slightly to show her that I caught her coded message for me.

Alison's POV

"Well that was completely shocking" Hanna announces the moment she closes the door behind us in viewing room B.

"I agree 100%" Caleb replies to Hanna's statement.

"What do you mean" I ask honestly.

"She stood up for you.... to her boyfriend nonetheless" Hanna says almost speechless.

"I told you she's not a total monster " I reply chuckling as I plop myself down on the couch in front of the TV.

"Whatever you say" Hanna replies rolling her eyes at me.