This is a long chapter but needed. Enjoy!
Maya sat back in her chair, leaning it back on its hind legs so that she could rest her head against the wall. She closed her eyes and tried to drown out the voices around her. She had no idea where she was or how she got there and, at that moment, didn't really care. Lost in her own thoughts, everything happening around her went unnoticed even Noel's arrival.
Noel handed Jason a disposable cell phone and a set of car keys. Jenna paced, wringing her hands while Jason filled him in on what happened that morning. He was speaking to him and someone else on the phone simultaneously. He had been on the phone with a few different people ever since he left the woods. This was a serious problem that could delay their plans, if not crush them completely. They needed to meet to go over what to do next but now was not the time. Jason still had to get Maya out of town immediately and now it was more crucial than before.
"Maya, are you ready?" Jason asked softly.
Maya opened her eyes and looked up into his worried face. She sighed and leaned the chair forward as she stood up. "Yeah," she uttered just above a whisper. She walked over to Jenna and pulled her into a hug. They held each other for a couple of minutes before Maya pulled away leaving Jenna with a lingering kiss on her lips.
"Guys, I'm really sorry but…," Jason began but was silenced by Maya's slightly raised hand.
"I know," Maya spoke, saving him the trouble of having to break the news that no one would be seeing her anytime soon. The three-day agreement and initial one-week agreement were officially out of the question. She turned her attention back to Jenna who was now looking at her sadly.
Jenna opened her mouth to speak but was sweetly silenced by the feel of Maya's lips against hers. "I'll see you soon," Maya whispered against her lips before pulling away.
"See you soon," Jenna responded giving her a loving smile.
Maya smiled back and turned to walk with Jason when suddenly Noel stepped in her path. "What about me?" Noel exclaimed in mock hurt.
Maya rolled her eyes at his usual antics and was quickly wrapped into a tight embrace. Noel leaned his weight on her so much that she wasn't able to lift her arms to hug him back or push him away. He rested his head on her shoulder, closed his eyes and with a smile on his face started swaying to some unheard music. He started humming as he swayed Maya back and forth letting his hand lightly run up and down her back.
"Noel, if you don't get the hell off of me…" Maya let the warning linger in the air. Noel's eyes flew open as he released her.
"Oh, sorry. I got a little carried away for a second," he faked nervousness and embarrassment.
Maya shook her head and laughed at him. Noel was like an overgrown, horny adolescent but virtually harmless. He always found ways to make her laugh. "Goodbye, Noel," she smirked at him before continuing to follow Jason out of the room.
Noel looked over at Jenna who now had her arms crossed looking at him sternly. "What?" He asked innocently.
"First of all, can you stop trying to molest my girlfriend every chance you get?" Jenna asked accusingly.
"Why do you get to have all the fun?" Noel countered with a frown.
"Oh, shut up," she waved her hand at him and started walking out of the room.
Noel followed behind her, still talking. "You know, I really miss her spending the night at my cabin. Those sexy pajamas she wore…," he continued taunting her.
"Shut up, Noel!" Jenna warned in mocked anger.
Five days later...
The days passed by in a blur for Emily. Finding it hard to concentrate on even the smallest things, she was starting to fall behind in her schoolwork and making little mistakes at her job. Everything was so out of balance.
Emily sat at the lunch table with her friends, pushing her fork at her food. Aria, Hanna and Spencer felt so helpless, watching their best friend become more and more isolated day after day. They tried their best to get her mind focused on other things and just when they thought they were making progress, Emily would just become distant again. They were hoping that she was going to loosen up and try to have some fun tonight.
They were all going out together for a night of dinner and dancing. It was Friday night and this outing had been planned for weeks. Emily was actually really excited about it until five days ago.
Emily was pulled from her thoughts at the sound of Jenna's voice across the cafeteria. She looked on in disgust as Jenna strolled around the room playing the "It Girl" like a pro with her boy toy, Noel, following right behind her like a puppy. Emily could barely stand to look at her anymore. The thought of Jenna's hands on Maya made her nauseous and extremely angry. She pulled her eyes away and tried to focus on what her friends were talking about.
Just then, Paige sat down next to Emily and flashed a bright smile. "Are we still on for tonight?" She asked hopeful.
"Of course. Be at my house by 7:30," Emily answered sweetly while forcing her best smile. She sighed with relief when she heard the sound of the bell and was the first one on her feet, lunch tray in hand. "I'll see you guys tonight. I want to get to class early," she lied. She just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. Emily waved goodbye, put up her tray and left the cafeteria without looking back even once.
Meanwhile...
Maya laid in bed staring at the ceiling deep in her own thoughts. How did everything get so messed up? And, why can't I get Emily out of my head? She tried to relax but it was useless. She had been racked with anxiety for the past several days and it was becoming increasing frustrating. Maya grabbed the pillow that was lying next to her and covered her face with it, closing her eyes tight. It was as if she was trying to will Emily out of her thoughts. Finally, she sat up and threw the pillow across the room.
This is so stupid! Why am I torturing myself? Maya was dangerously close to making a decision that she had been contemplating since that day in the woods. She pushed herself out of bed and started pacing the floor. If she did what she had in mind, Jason would probably kill her and save everyone else the trouble. As risky as the decision was, she was almost ready to go for it.
Maya was so lost in her thoughts that before she knew it, hours passed her by. She only noticed because her room was now shrouded in darkness. Maya flipped on a light and decided to take a shower to try and clear her mind. When she was done, she made herself something to eat since she hadn't eaten all day.
After cleaning up, she leaned against a wall in the little kitchenette area with her arms crossed. Her eyes roamed the room as her thoughts came flooding back to her. Suddenly, her eyes locked onto a drawer under a cabinet on the other side of the room. She bit her bottom lip and tapped her foot rapidly.
Screw it…decision made. Maya walked quickly over to the drawer and roughly pulled it open. She grabbed the disposable cell phone and set of car keys before slamming it shut. Within minutes, she was zipping up her hoodie and walking out of the door. The car was parked a half of a mile away and was only supposed to be used in case of an emergency getaway. Well, in her opinion, this was a damn emergency.
Maya needed to speak to Emily tonight. I'll start following the rules again tomorrow. She told herself as she headed to the car.
One-hour car ride later...
Maya made her way through the yards quietly but quickly, staying within the shadows and as low to the ground as possible without crawling. She kept to the outer edges of the yards behind the houses that lined the opposite side of the street from Emily's house. She knew that someone else might be watching her house but they would more than likely be closer for a better view through the windows.
It was a good thing that Maya was familiar with this route to Emily's house. She had a pretty good idea of the distance she needed to maintain in order to avoid tripping the sensors that would set off the floodlights in some of the yards. She also knew which houses had dogs and was grateful that they were all on chains that were anchored with lengths that didn't extend past the sensor zones. No one paid much attention to their barking because of all the raccoons and little vermin that frequented this neighborhood.
Maya felt a little sad at the fact that she knew these things. Ever since she went missing, she had been reduced to hiding in the shadows and sneaking through yards just to check on Emily. She would get so worried about her that she would go through this routine just to get a glimpse of her to know that she was okay. Even though she regularly got reports from Jason and the others, sometimes she needed to see for herself.
Meanwhile...
Emily sat on her bed with her hands gripping the edges, just staring at the floor. Everyone was down stairs waiting for her but she couldn't will herself to move. She didn't feel like doing a night out; she just wanted to crawl into bed and be alone. She knew the girls weren't going to let her sit this one out. They had been doting over her all week with that "poor Emily" look on their faces. She hated that but understood that they were just concerned, and now Paige was starting to become suspicious, constantly asking her what was wrong.
As much as she wanted to skip this outing, she knew it would only invite more sympathy and more suspicion from Paige. Emily closed her eyes and took a deep breath in preparation for her upcoming performance as "happy Emily." As she was opening her eyes, she heard a light knock at her door. She pushed herself off of the bed, smoothed out her dress, squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin. She put a smile on her face and walked over to the door. With one more deep breath she opened it.
Paige stood on the other side, smiling adoringly at her. "Are you ready?" She asked. With the smile never leaving her face, her eyes roamed Emily's tall, toned, and very well-balanced figure. "Wow…" was all she could say as she took in the beauty of the girl that stood in front of her.
Before she could continue, Emily took her hand. "Thanks," she responded just above a whisper. Emily smiled at her and attempted to walk out into the hallway when Paige gently pushed her back into the room. Closing the door behind her, she pulled Emily close to her by the waist.
Paige's eyes were intense and Emily could see them shifting from adoring to lustful. She suddenly became uncomfortable and a little apprehensive. Why am I feeling this way? It's not like I haven't been intimate with her before. I 'm attracted to Paige so why do I want her to stop looking at me like that? Emily tried to shake her thoughts, hoping that they weren't being made physically obvious.
Paige leaned in and kissed her, soft at first and then with a little more intensity. Emily responded, parting her lips and letting Paige's tongue slide into her mouth and message her own. She closed her eyes and tried to give herself over to the kiss, matching Paige's intensity, but was horrified to find that she wanted the kiss to end.
Damn it! This is Maya's fault. Emily thought frustratingly to herself. Her feelings had been all over the place ever since that day in the woods. She couldn't even think straight anymore because Maya dominated her thoughts and emotions. Damn it! How can everyone expect me to act like nothing's changed when everything has? Maya's alive, and apparently wants nothing to do with me, and I'm supposed to go back to things like every thing's normal? This isn't right. Don't I get a say in any of this? Emily's mental rant came to an end as Paige pulled away to catch her breath.
A shocked look spread across Paige's face as she saw the frustration and anger in Emily's eyes. "Did I do something wrong, Em?" She asked cautiously and a little confused.
Emily, caught off guard by Paige's question, quickly got back into character. Her eyes softened as she wrapped her arms around Paige's neck and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You did nothing wrong. You've been so perfect to me. I just have some things on my mind right now. I'm sorry if I've been acting strange," Emily kissed her lips softly before pulling away and taking her by the hand. "Shall we?" Emily smiled seductively at her.
Paige brightened at Emily's flirtation and followed her out into the hallway. She stopped just before they hit the top of the stairs and bent her arm so that Emily could put her arm through hers. They smiled at each other and Emily giggled at the pride she saw in Paige's eyes. She was so adorable when she played the "perfect gentleman" that Emily couldn't help but laugh.
Paige winked and smiled sheepishly at her before guiding her down the stairs to meet up with the others.
Meanwhile...
Maya finally made it to the house that sat directly across from Emily's. Yes, the house that was too damn close to Jenna's for her liking. She carefully moved around the outer edge until she hit the perimeter of the neighboring house. Moving along its edge toward the side, she darted in between the houses. For some reason, these houses had no sensors between them; just in the backyards. Maya never understood that.
She kept her back pressed tightly against the side of the house, making her way toward the front where she would have a good view of Emily's house. Once there, she peered across the street and almost immediately saw movement along the bushes in front of the house, just below the living room windows. "Hmmm…" she smirked. He is not slick at all. I mean, really? If I can see you so can anyone else who walks by or comes out of their house on this side of the street. She shook her head as she watched the dark hooded figure move along the bushes.
Maya shifted her attention to the windows that led into the living room. She saw people moving around that she easily identified. Caleb sat on the couch talking to Hanna who was sitting on the arm of it. Spencer stood in front of the fireplace with a drink in her hand talking to Aria. They were all dressed as if they were going out. Maya scanned the other windows but saw no sign of Emily.
Just then, Paige entered the room with Emily on her arm. Maya gasped at the sight of her. Her long beautiful silky black hair flowed down her back and over her right shoulder. Her skin was radiant against the nearly sheer black dress she wore with a hem that stopped at mid-thigh. Only one strap, that hung over her left shoulder, held the dress up while her curves held the rest of it in place. My God… Maya's mouth fell open as she watched Emily flash her gorgeous white smile while walking over to join her friends at the fireplace.
Maybe this was a bad idea. Maya thought to herself while trying to pull her eyes away from Emily. She looks like she's going out anyway. Maybe I can catch her another time, preferably when she's not looking like that. Who am I kidding? She's distracting in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Augh, no! I have to talk to her tonight. Maya, put your damn hormones in check; you're not here for that! She scolded herself.
Maya watched as Emily excused herself and made her way out of the room, stopping briefly next to Paige to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I'm just going to grab my purse and phone. I'll be right back," Emily told her as she ran her hand gently down her arm. Paige smiled at her and turned to watch her figure disappear up the stairs.
Okay, here goes. Maya pulled her disposable cell phone out of her pocket, praying that Emily had her phone on her and that it wasn't laying somewhere that someone else may see it. She nervously sent the first text: Delete after you read each text & do not reply.
Emily just reached her bedroom when she heard her cell phone chime. She picked it up off of the dresser and read the text. She froze after reading it but her mind raced. She raised her eyes from the phone screen with a frown on her face. What the hell? She had no idea why she was doing this but she clicked on the edit button, checked the text and paused. Her thumb hovered over the Delete button briefly. Finally, she inhaled and hit the button. She held the phone with both hands and waited, not really sure what she was waiting for.
Just then her phone chimed again. Emily held her breath and read the second text: Can we talk? If yes, wait 5 seconds, then walk over to your window and close the shades. Don't look out of it.
Emily's heart started racing. This has to be Maya! But what if it isn't? But what if it is? She had to know. She quickly looked at her watch. Five seconds had passed so she moved toward the window and closed the shades just like she was told. She then deleted the text.
Maya watched as Emily pulled her shades closed. All that could be seen was light escaping through the blinds. She smiled to herself as she began typing the third text: Can you stay home tonight? I really want to talk face to face. If yes, turn off your light, wait 10 seconds then turn on the light in your mother's room. Wait 3 seconds then turn it off.
Without hesitation, Emily grabbed her purse and flicked off the light. She headed into the hallway and walked quickly toward her mom's room while deleting the text, only to be cut off by Paige. "Em, I just want to make sure that you're okay. Y ou said you have things on your mind. Do you want to talk real quick before we go?" She asked concerned. Emily had a panicked look in her eyes as she held her cell phone tight in her hand, prompting Paige to continue. "Is that a text from A? Come on, Emily. Talk to me," she pleaded.
I don't have time for this! Emily knew that 10 seconds were passing by rapidly and Paige was blocking her path. She had to get around her without raising any more suspicion. "No, there's no text. I'm fine, I just have to get something out of my mom's room," she said, trying her best to sound convincing.
Paige looked at her suspiciously. As much as Emily tried to hide it, she heard the hint of irritation in her tone. Paige hesitated as Emily tried to walk pass her. They stood in the hallway staring at each other until Emily flashed her a warm smile. "I'll be down in a minute," she spoke softly and kissed Paige on the lips. Paige softened and kissed her back. She then moved out of Emily's way and disappeared down the stairs. Emily exhaled and practically ran the rest of the way to her mother's room.
Ten seconds had passed and there was no light coming from Emily's mom's room. Maya felt her heart drop a little. Maybe she doesn't want to see me? I did treat her pretty bad the other day but I need to tell her why. Maya's mind examined all the possibilities. Maybe she doesn't know who is sending the texts? I didn't put my name on them. So, why did she respond to the second one? Augh, what difference does it make anyway? I shouldn't even be here. This was a stupid idea! She cursed herself for her naivety.
Maya shifted her gaze from the bedroom window back to the bushes in front of the house. Where are you, Toby? She thought as she scanned the yard. She caught movement out of the corner of her eye and saw him crouching low right below the hallway window that led to the front door. Spencer and Paige were standing there talking, no doubt about Emily. Maya started to back away, getting ready to turn and head back behind the houses when she saw a light flash on from the upstairs window. It was Pam's bedroom light! She stopped and checked her watch. Exactly three seconds later, the light went out.
Maya closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. She smiled as she began typing the fourth text: Once everyone leaves, turn off all the lights, shut the blinds and wait in the kitchen.
Emily stood at the top of the stairs as she read the text. She again deleted it and started searching for an excuse to stay home. This wasn't going to be easy but it had to happen. If the texts were from Maya, there is no way that she was going to miss a chance to finally talk to her, alone. On the other hand, if they weren't from her, she had to let someone know what was happening just in case. But, who could she tell? Her mind explored her options and the only logical conclusion she could think of was Aria.
"Aria! Can you come here for a minute?" Emily yelled down the stairs.
Aria was talking to Hanna when she heard Emily's call. "Yeah," she answered, making her way up the stairs. "What's up, Em?" She asked once she reached the top.
"Come with me," Emily whispered hurriedly and grabbed her hand, dragging her to her bedroom. She pushed her inside and closed the door. Aria turned to reach for the light switch but had her hand swatted away. "No, no lights. Just listen," Emily whispered.
"Em, you're scaring me. What is going on?" Aria asked a little frightened.
"I can't go out tonight. I got a text from...I'm pretty sure it's Maya. Anyway, in case it isn't, I wanted you to know why I'm really staying home. I'm going to tell the others that I'm sick and need you to play along," Emily tried to plead her case as she waited for Aria's response.
"Wait, so you're going to stay home alone waiting for someone that you think is Maya all because of a text? Have you lost your mind?" Aria whispered frantically.
"Shhhh…yes. I have to know if it's her. Look, I'll send you a text if it is. If you don't get anything within the hour, call the police," Emily tried to make a deal with her.
"I don't know about this. It's too dangerous. What if you're being set up?" Aria asked, rationally.
"There are a lot of 'what ifs' Aria but I'm never going to get any answers if I don't take a chance. I have to know and I need your help," Emily countered with finality in her voice.
Aria knew that Emily was determined. She sighed, "Fine but if I don't hear from you in ONE hour, I'm calling the police, Maya or no Maya. Agreed?" She offered her deal with total seriousness.
"Agreed and thank you. Remember, you can't mention this to anyone," Emily felt the need to reemphasize that point.
"I know. Okay, so you're sick. Did I see you throw up or something?" Aria asked, trying to ensure that she knew the story.
Emily thought for a moment. "Ummm, I guess that could work," she answered uncertain. Emily wasn't good at coming up with on the spot lies.
Aria rolled her eyes and sighed. "Okay, let's go. You lead," she waved her hand towards the door.
Emily nodded and opened the door. She headed down the stairs with Aria right behind her. As she approached the bottom step, Paige walked over to her with Spencer behind her. "Are we ready?" She asked, looking back and forth between Emily and Aria.
Emily swallowed and placed a weak smile on her face. "I'm not feeling well. I think I should sit this one out," she answered, squirming slightly.
Paige looked at Aria and then over at Spencer. Aria gently stroked Emily's back with a concerned look on her face. "Poor thing; she just threw up. She should really get some rest. " She looked at Emily. "I'll call you in the morning. Make sure you rest and call if you need anything," she gave Emily one last look before walking past her and heading into the living room.
Spencer knew something was up but didn't let on. "Rest up Em," she said simply and followed Aria. Paige didn't move. She looked at Emily inquisitively. "What happened? I just saw you a few minutes ago and you were fine," she questioned.
Emily tried to think fast, "I don't know. Honestly, I haven't been feeling like myself lately, a little fatigued. I guess it just caught up with me," she answered, trying to sound as nauseous as possible.
Paige bought it. Emily had been acting strange. Maybe with a cold coming on, she just felt out of sorts. Paige smiled at her sympathetically. "Do you want me to stay with you? I could make you some soup and keep you company for a while," she offered.
"No, but thanks. I just want to sleep. I'm so tired. I know you've been looking forward to this. We've been planning this for weeks. Go, have fun; for me too," Emily smiled gently at her.
"It's no problem, Em. I'd rather stay with you. Let me take care of you," she tried to reason with her.
"You're so sweet but I really just want to rest. I'll feel better knowing that you're having fun. Please Paige; go," Emily managed to sound really sincere.
Paige paused for a moment to contemplate what she should do. She finally decided to respect Emily's wishes. "Okay, but call me if you need anything. Okay?" She compromised.
"I will; I promise," Emily answered. She leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Good night and call me tomorrow," she instructed.
"Okay, good night," Paige answered before kissing Emily on the lips and turning to walk into the living room.
Aria informed everyone that Emily would be staying home tonight and that they should probably get going since Ezra and Toby were supposed to meet them in 30 minutes. Everyone agreed and said their goodbyes and "I hope you feel better" wishes to Emily.
Emily stood at the front door as they loaded into their cars. Paige looked at her waved with a warm smile. Emily waved back and turned to go back into the house but paused briefly to quickly scan the yard and street. She didn't hesitate too long because she didn't want anyone to notice.
Emily walked into the house and closed the door. She waited until she heard the last car drive away before she started closing the blinds and turning off lights. Once she was done, she went into the kitchen, cell phone in hand, and waited.
Maya watched as everyone left; everyone except the figure stalking outside of the house. She hoped he would leave soon. Come on Toby. The way Spencer is all dolled up, I'm sure you two have plans to meet. She thought to herself as she looked at her watch. She rested against the side of the house and waited.
At least 20 minutes passed before Maya saw Toby finally jog down the road and disappear in between two houses less than a quarter of a block away. She decided to wait a little longer before moving, just to be safe.
Emily paced in the kitchen with her nerves on edge. What am I doing? What if it wasn't Maya? She nervously looked at the clock. It's been over 20 minutes since they left and no text; no more instructions. Her cell phone was clutched tight in her hands and she periodically checked it to make sure that she didn't miss a text.
Maya let 15 more minutes pass. When she was sure that it was clear, she sent the last text: Keep the lights out and unlock the back door.
Emily jumped and nearly dropped her phone when it chimed, pulling her away from her thoughts unexpectedly. She quickly read the text as her heart once again began to race. Oh, God. Here we go. She thought while moving quickly to the back door and unlocking it. She then went back to the kitchen counter and leaned her back against it. Suddenly, the thought occurred to her again that this could be a setup. She looked around the kitchen frantically for a weapon in case she needed one. She grabbed a butcher knife from the knife block on the counter and locked her fingers around it, holding it tight in her hand pressing it against the counter.
In her other hand, Emily gripped her cell phone. Within minutes, which to her seemed like an eternity, she heard the door handle turn on the back door. Emily starting breathing fast as adrenalin pumped through her body. The hinges on the door screeched, and the sound of a footstep boomed in her ears. Her heart rate sped up as she saw a dark figure come into sight. The figure closed the door and locked it, turning slowly toward her.
Maya took a step forward before reaching up and pulling her hood down.
Emily released her grasp on the knife when she saw the wavy dark locks fall down around Maya's shoulders. Her apprehensiveness suddenly replaced by nervous butterflies as she gazed at her. Maya moved toward her slowly, cautiously. The moonlight caught her eyes and Emily inhaled sharply as they sparkled. She remembered how amazing Maya's eyes looked when light played off of them. She honestly wasn't sure if it was the light or just Maya herself.
Maya stopped a few feet away from Emily. She had a gentle smile on her lips and her eyes searched hers. "Hey…," she whispered.
Emily looked deeply into her eyes and smiled affectionately; her heart still racing. "Hey…," she whispered back.
Please review. Can Maya maintain control of this situation? We'll see…