22 - Awkward Situations and Overdue Explanations

Emily pov

It was a lot harder than I originally thought, keeping Alison hidden. I had to make excuses, and spend most of my time at Hanna's. Staying at home was awkward, as I could tell it was difficult for Ali. She was really trying to play by the rules, and she had explained everything to me.

We were sat around the fireplace, a mug of hot chocolate in our hands, watching the flames rise and fall. Here, like this, it was like old times.

"Em, should we tell the girls?" She asked, breaking us out of the comfortable silence. In this light, from the fire, she looked like she used to. Just a beautiful girl who was hanging with her friends and was happy. But instead, she had changed. She had matured, gotten older. But she was still the same Ali underneath. My first real kiss, my first real love. My Ali.

"I think we should. You could explain everything to them. And you can still live with me, okay? You're welcome here anytime." I said, making sure she understood. I guess I was scared she would leave again. I couldn't let that happen.

"Of course I'll stay here." She scooted closer to me, until our thighs were touching. "I wouldn't leave you here alone." She rested her head against my shoulder, and I rested my head on top of hers. Just like old times.

"Ali, were you the A that helped me with Hanna?" It had occured to me, since she told me she was the only A now.

"Yes. I wanted you to be happy, no matter who it was with. I didn't want you hiding, like you did with me. I wanted to see you smile, even if I wasn't the reason anymore." I felt myself melt at the words. There was definitely a part of me that still loved Ali. Even if I was with Hanna now.

"Ali, I love you. And I don't think I ever stopped." I admitted, and she turned to look me in the eye.

"I never stopped either, Em." She whispered, before caressing my cheek with her hand. "But you're with Hanna. It would be wrong and unforgivable." I knew she was right, and so I kissed her cheek.

"Should we go to sleep?" I realised it was past 11:30pm. Ali nodded, and we went upstairs to my room.

Ali got into the bed, and pulled the duvet corner down. I was about to sort out a place to sleep on the floor, when she stopped me.

"Em, just come get in with me. I promise nothing will happen." She sounded sincere as she pulled the duvet back. But a part of me was still hesitant.

"We shared a bed as kids loads of times. Why is now any different?" She pouted, looking dangerously close to tears.

Because I have a girlfriend, and I might be tempted to do something if I'm that close to you.

But then I thought 'what the hell' and hopped in beside her. She wrapped her arms around me, and I went stiff.

"Em, it's fine. We used to sleep like this as kids." She tried to assure me. I settled down. But I wasn't so sure the 10 year old us would sleep so close. Or Ali would have her head on my chest. Or she would be tracing patterns on my stomach, listening to my heart beat.

But being there, so close to Ali, it was like nothing had happened. Like she had just been away for a while, tanning on the beach or with some other friends. And for the first time in a long time, I had good dreams.

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Hanna pov

I knocked on Emily's door. Today was saturday, and that meant we were having lunch at the Grille. Em always took me out on saturdays, to a lunch and then to dinner and a film.

She answered the door looking perfect, as usual. I stepped forward and she was the one to kiss me. I smiled, as she held my face in her hands.

"I missed you." She said adorably, before pressing her nose against mine.

"You saw me yesterday, babe." Me and Em had gone out jogging, only because she wanted to see me in yoga pants. There was a reason she jogged behind for almost all of the jog.

"But I haven't seen you today. Anyway, there's something I want to show you. But you have to be open minded, and listen to the explanation." She took my hand, intertwining our fingers before leading me inside. She closed the door, and then led me into the living room. She took a seat on the sofa and I sat on her lap. I wrapped my arms around her neck, waiting for her explanation.

"Come on in." She called, and I was confused for a minute. Until somebody walked into the room.

And that somebody was Alison DiLaurentis!

"Ali? What the fuck are you doing here? You're dead!" I yelled, and Emily wrapped her arms around my waist securely.

"I can explain." She said, looking at Em for help. So I settled back into Em, and Ali sat down across from us.

"Go ahead. An explanation is long overdue."