Emison: Home

Chapter 25: Can I stay the night?

*Emily's POV*

As Spencer and Aria walk away, the small brunette being dragged more than anything, everyone goes back to random chatter. I hope those two work out whatever is happening. I know better than anyone how hard it can be to fall for your best friend and not understand anything.

I look over to the blond beauty sat beside me. I'd spent the last couple of days trying to act like nothing had happened in the loft and made sure to still just act as her friend. But it was so difficult. All I want to do is hold her close to me. Feel her breath hitch as I get too close to her. Feel the warmth and security as I embrace her in my arms. I just can't stop thinking of her.

I notice her shiver and put my blanket on her

"Oh Em... That's fine you don't have to" she says, her teeth chattering, as she tries to hand me back the blanket

" Uh huh sure... Just take it Ali... There'd be no point wasting the other half of the holiday here with you ill with a cold. Come on." I insist

"Fine." she wraps it around herself and looks at me with a smile "Thanks Killer"

"Always"

She looks at me wide-eyed and it hits me. It had been so long. It had been my line. Forever and always. I cough to cover up the awkward silent "So Hanna, how is this going to fit in with your work? Any way we can help? Make things easier for you?" I ask

Hanna looks at me weirdly and blinks before saying " Um... I - Sure - Sorry I wasn't expecting that from you..."

"Hanna!" Caleb exasperates

"Sorry. I just didn't. Like I would expect it from high school Emily but I was taken aback that's all."

"That's ok. I get it, I guess. But I swear I'm going back to being my charming helpful self." I nod at her "I know me saying it isn't helpful. That I need to prove it. So that's what I'm doing. I'm getting my life back on track. Enough messing around. I wasn't going to say anything till later. But I've taken up a part-time course at Hollis in Sports. I'm earning enough money teaching to pay for it. And Zack has said I can stay at the loft for free as long as I work part-time at the Brew"

"That's great, Em! Well done!'" my friends chorus

"Thanks guys. Hopefully it works out!" I smile "But Hanna and Caleb go on lay out the plan for us now!" I encourage them looking happily at the couple.

Hanna starts to launch into a monologue about their plans when I feel hand in mine. I look over to my side and see Alison staring at me, a beautiful smile dressing her lips. "I'm proud of you, Emily." she whispers and leans in giving me a quick peck on the cheek. Speechless, all I offer back is a grin and deep blush.

God, this girl just makes me melt.

A couple of hours later, I'm in bed on the phone to Quinn

"Wow, sounds like you've had an intense week buddy"

"Yeah" I sigh "But at the same time I'm glad you know. It just all feels so right, like things are falling into place."

"I'm glad you're happy and smiling again, Em. I miss you out here though"

"I miss you too, Q, but I need to be in Rosewood right now. It's where my heart is"

"I know. Look I was thinking I'd come down for Christmas if that's cool. Spend the week with you?"

"Hell yeah!"

"You don't think your friends will mind?"

"Don't care. They need to get over it." There's a sudden knock on the door "One second, Quinn. Come in" I look over to see Alison standing in the doorway in her pyjamas "Ali-Hi-Hey... Um what you doing here?"

"I just felt like hanging out with you but I see you're busy" she points out my phone

"No, don't worry, I can call Quinn back - Hey Quinn um Ali is here so I'll catch you later"

"Ooo some sneaky cheeky s-" I hang up before she can finish

"Quinn huh?" Ali questions walking over and sitting on my bed

"Yup. I hadn't spoken to her since break started so I thought I'd call her up."

"She seems really cool." Alison nods awkwardly

"Uh yeah, she is" I frown. For a couple of minutes we just sit in silence. Neither of us knowing what to say. I look anywhere but at her. My eyes fleetingly searching the room for a topic of conversation.

"So" we both say at the same time. I chuckle a little "Go ahead, Ali" I gesture to her

"Hanna dropped quite the bomb huh?"

"Yeah. Caleb and her deserve it though. Plus, out of everyone, they were bound to be the first ones"

"True" Ali agrees as she got on to the bed properly and sat beside me "I'm happy for them. After everything, they've been through, everything we've all been through, they deserve this more than anyone" she leans her head against my shoulder and I feel chills go down my spine and butterflies in my stomach. I gulp slightly.

"Ali..."

"yeah?"

"Why are you here?"

"I told you I want to hang out with you. I'm really liking this new Emily and I want to get to know her more and enjoy her company." I didn't feel like pressing further. It was late and the answer in itself was good enough for me because it said everything for now. "Can I stay here with you tonight?" she looks up to me with those baby blue eyes that always pulled at my heart strings.

I nod "Of course, Princess"

I kiss her forehead. I stare deep into her eyes as I pull away and I can feel them drawing me in. I know she wants to be with me just as much as I want to be with her right now. I feel her hand rise to my cheek as the tension rises. It feels warm against my skin and I lean into it slightly. I nervously lick my lips as I glance down at hers. Slowly, she leans in until there's barely a whisper between us. I close my eyes and take the leap. I press my lips against hers gently, my hand cupping her chin and let her take control of the rest. I feel her kiss me back tentatively and ease into it gradually. We kiss softly for a few seconds until she pulls away. I scan her eyes for any signs but this time I see no fear or embarrassment. She struggles to contain a smile from her lips as she breaks away. She looks down and shakes her head but not before I see a small blush creep to her cheeks.

We lie down in the bed and I hold her close to me like when we were teenagers. I stroke her hair and just lie there slowly feeling her fall asleep as her hand lies on my stomach.

"Goodnight, Mermaid" she whispers as she gives in to sleep

"Goodnight Alison" I reply as I let the love I feel for this one girl wash over me and soothe me.

God, I haven't felt so much at home in a long time.

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have a nice weekend x