Matters of the Heart

Chapter 27: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?

Chapter 27:

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?

Emily never wanted her night with Alison to end. She felt warm and secure in her girlfriend's arms. That night they just held one another. No pretenses. No heightened emotions. No lies. No anger. Just pure unadulterated love. She cherished every second of it. Part of her just wanted to stay in bed with her for the rest of their lives.

She woke up the next morning when she felt Alison's fingers brushing her hair behind her ear. She opened her eyes and saw Alison lying on her side facing her, cheek pressed against her pillow. She was staring at Emily with a shy smile on her face, looking at her like she was the most captivating thing she'd ever seen. Alison's eyes were scanning her face like she was trying to memorize every single one of Emily's features.

"Mmm, hey." Emily smiled.

"Hey yourself." Alison's hand slid down Emily's jaw, her fingers grazing a sensitive spot on Emily's ear.

Emily nuzzled her cheek against Alison's hand, pushing into her embrace. She loved having Alison right next to her. She shifted her shoulder and readjusted her position so she could move closer to her. She tilted her head forward and their noses brushed against one another. Emily let out a content sigh and looked at Alison, her brown eyes twinkling with delight and affection. Alison looked back at her in curiosity, wondering what it was that Emily saw in her.

"What?" Alison asked, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

"You're so beautiful in the morning," Emily said quietly as she lightly traced her fingers across Alison's temple, her palm cupping her chin.

"Emily Fields, you sentimental dork." Alison rolled her eyes, her smile still wide on her face.

Emily curled her fingers into Alison's hair, her fingertips tickling Alison behind her ear. They leaned in and pushed their lips together. Emily couldn't help herself as she moaned into Alison's mouth. Alison's lips were soft and moist and tasted like heaven. When Emily pulled back she saw that Alison's cheeks were pink and flushed.

Alison glanced away, a bashful look on her face...a stark contrast to the girl who had pinned Emily against the door yesterday and taken complete control. Emily loved how dynamic she was. She was powerful and strong when she needed to be, but deep down she was still a shy and insecure soul with a heart open to all possibilities. She was layered in a way that most people would never understand. Emily loved all versions of Alison DiLaurentis.

"What time is it?" Emily yawned, feeling a tightness in her neck when her jaw stretched. She had assumed she'd be sore from the fall yesterday, so she wasn't surprised.

"Quarter til nine." Ali glanced over her shoulder. "I was thinking about making us some breakfast. You hungry?"

"Not really." She cleared her throat and then sat up, rubbing her neck to try and get the kink out.

Ali's lips twisted into a grimace. It wasn't like Emily to turn down food. Ali had once seen the girl order a supreme pizza a few hours after she'd had her tonsils removed. She sat up next to Emily, looking for any small indication that she didn't feel well. Ali had heard her coughing in the night, but otherwise Emily had seemed perfectly fine. In fact, she'd slept soundly for the first time since she'd gotten home from the hospital.

Emily noticed Ali staring at her and gave her a half-smile in an attempt to let her know her neck wasn't hurting that bad. But it wasn't Emily's neck that Ali was focused on. There was something strange in her eyes, and it bothered Ali.