"Soul Mates"

Rated T.

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Chapter 1: Senior Year and the West Coast

It has been sixth months since Maya died and I need to move on. I had to move on. I missed Maya so much but that isn't going to bring her back to me. Nothing is going to bring her back to me. My friends are here for me but it isn't the same. I want Maya so, so badly. And then there is Paige McCullers. Yeah she fills a void I so desperately need, a warm body. She listens to every word I say like I'm some kind of royalty. She is there for me and she loves me. I'm not sure I could ever love anyone the way I love, loved Maya but I'm trying. We're on the swim team together, we go out to eat together, we study together and we fall asleep together. It's different than it was with Maya it's not bad different, it's just different. I mean, I care about her, I think I love her but I'm not in love with her.

I am sitting in the courtyard of Rosewood High when Paige finds me and says, "Hey Em, I was wondering if you were gonna stay at my house this weekend. You know since my parents are away at my dad's conference."

"Oh I totally forgot about that. I'm actually not gonna be around. I'm flying to the west coast to visit one of the colleges I applied to. They offered me a full swim scholarship so I'm checking it out to see if we're a good fit," I explain.

"Wait, you're looking at colleges on the west coast? When did this happen? I thought you had your heart set on Danby," questions Paige.

"I do, I did, but this is a really great University and it's a full scholarship. I thought it might be a nice change of pace," I continue.

"But...what about us? If you go away to college on the west coast, we'll never see each other. How is that supposed to work?" demands Paige.

"Look, I don't even know if I'm going there. And if we were meant to be then we were meant to be. Me being on the west coast isn't going to change that," I shot back.

"Sorry, I guess I'm just surprised. I kinda thought we had figured this all out already. You know, being near each other so we can still be together," Paige sadly replies.

"Regardless of where I go, I kinda thought it wouldn't be an issue. I'm not sure what you're afraid of, but I honestly thought distance wouldn't matter," I offer.

"You're right, I'm sorry, you haven't even decided yet and here I am reading into things. I think we can make this work. And I hope the west coast is everything you dreamed it would be," melts Paige.

"Thanks, I'm glad you understand. It's about the swimming while I'm away from you and that's all," I smile.

I stand up to get ready to go to my next class at which time Paige hugs me and then kisses me chastely on the lips. It feels kind of strange. It feels like I am saying goodbye…

The West Coast…

So I'm off to the west coast to visit one of the colleges that offered me a full swim scholarship. I'm really excited but I'm not sure if I'm west coast material. And more importantly, I most likely won't be able to go back home to Rosewood until Christmas; will I be okay with that?

Since the semester is currently in session, the possible incoming freshman, like me, can't stay at the dorms on campus. So, we are shipped off campus to what I figure would be like a Comfort Inn but to my surprise...

"Wow, you have got to be kidding me!" I exclaim.

I am looking at the Hilton Suites Hotel. I gather my belongings and head to the concierge to find out my room number. I enter the elevator and press the tenth floor. When the doors open, I walk down the hallway to room 2017. I swipe my key card and open the door. The room is spectacular, even more spectacular than you could possibly imagine! There are two double beds with crisp white sheets and a beautiful woven bed spread. Next to one of the dressers, I notice two suitcases. These must be my roommate's things. I wonder what she's like. As I start to unpack, I notice the luggage tags and decide to take a peek. Catherine Janes. Catherine Janes, I wonder if she's as pretty as her name. Whoa wait a minute Em, what are you thinking, you have a girlfriend at home!

I meet up with my senior advisor, Elizabeth for my orientation. We finish our tour of the campus at the infamous natatorium. It is absolutely beautiful.

"This is where the swim team practices and hosts its meets. And as you can see some of the new recruits are already getting their feet wet," mentions Elizabeth.

As she was telling me some of the history of this amazing facility, my attention is averted. One of the recruits rises out of the pool, glistening, as the water just beads off of her body. Her long dark hair falls out of her swim cap as she flips her head from side to side. I'm not the only one who notices her. Everyone at the pool stops to stare, you couldn't help it! She is just so intoxicating, even though I could only see her backside. But what a backside! Oh my gosh Emily, get a hold of yourself!

Elizabeth catches where my eyes are transfixed and says, "Oh, I see you too are mesmerized by the beautiful new recruit, Catherine Janes."

"What did you say?" as I snap out of my thoughts.

"Everyone is captivated by Catherine. You don't have to be gay to want that piece of ass!" exclaims Elizabeth.

"Oh my god, I can't believe you just said that!" I retort.

But oh my, she is so right! And oh my god, she is my roommate! I turn to look at Elizabeth as she mentions that we should go to the cafeteria for lunch but all I want to do is see the rest of Catherine Janes. But when I look up to spy more of this beautiful creature, she is gone. Oh well, I guess I will meet the rest of her later today, in our hotel room. Suddenly, I'm feeling kind of nervous yet really excited. Snap out of it Fields, she's a possible new teammate of yours and you have a girlfriend!

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To Be Continued…