"Soul Mates"
This was not an easy chapter to compose. So many characters involved and different scenes set up. I can only hope that I was able to give you a visual and emotional impression of what is happening in this chapter.
The scene is set for the Winter Formal. A storm looms in the not so distance. All the players come together…Emily, Maya, Aria, Spencer, Hannah, Shana, Paige…the question is…what will happen next?
Let's find out what lies ahead at the Winter Formal…
Rate T for Teen.
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Chapter 21: Winter Formal
At the St. Germains…
In the meantime, Maya is getting ready for the Winter Formal as well. Her makeup is perfect, her hair long with slight waves throughout and a dress that would turn anyone's head. As she waits for Shana to pick her up, she looks in her jewelry box for something to accessorize with. She finds the perfect earrings, necklace and bracelet. But a ring, she needs the perfect ring. She looks and looks and looks but isn't satisfied with what she has. She closes the jewelry box and grabs her clutch knocking something that was sitting on the back of her dresser to the floor. She bends down finding a velvet ring box that was hidden from view by a scarf. She stands up looking at this box. She opens it to find a diamond engagement ring, flooding her with memories. She remembers her Grandmother giving it to her. She remembers her Grandmother telling her to give it to the special lady in her life. She remembers her Grandmother knowing who she was even before Maya knew who she was. Maya puts the ring on but deep down inside she knows this ring belongs on someone else's finger…
At Radley…
Paige is waiting to make her move. She sits in her room with ID key card in hand ready to slip out into the night. The orderly unlocks and opens the door to her room looking in to see Paige sitting at her desk with a book.
"Good evening Miss McCullers. Just doing the nightly check ins."
"No problem. I'm just finishing up on some reading."
"Okay then, have a good night."
"Thank you I'm sure that I will."
Satisfied with what he sees, he closes the door and locks it, continuing on to check the other rooms. Paige takes her cue. She reaches for the packed duffle bag under her bed, quickly changing into the orderly uniform that Mona was able to abscond with for her. She slides the ID card against the magnetic strip unlocking the door, quietly and inconspicuously leaving the facility with duffle in hand. She walks quickly to a nearby diner making her way to the ladies room to change into her tux. She exits the restroom checking around to make sure no one is watching. She then strolls nonchalantly out the rear exit into an alleyway leading to the main road. Paige sees the taxi that Mona arranged for her. She sits in the back seat instructing the driver to take her to the Rosewood Country Club. She leans back into the seat, eyes straight ahead as the cab drives away from the curb and a sinister yet satisfied smile forms across her face…
At the Rosewood Country Club…
Vehicles begin to arrive at the Winter Formal dropping off couples and friends to enjoy this glamorous fun filled evening. The country club's valets park the cars leaving the guests to enter the club protected from the impending snow fall. Aria, Hannah, Spencer and Emily await the arrival of Maya and Shana with the hope that Emily will be able to convince Maya to leave with her. The girls go over their plan to keep Shana occupied so that Emily can slip away into the night with Maya...
"So Emily, how do you feel about tonight," Spencer asks with some concern.
"Well, naturally I'm nervous but I think I'm way more excited. I guess I'm feeling nervous excitement."
"Yeah, I would be feeling the same way," agrees Aria.
"Don't worry Emily, I have a feeling that everything will be as it should," states Hannah confidently.
"I sure hope you're psychic abilities are still working, Hannah."
"This plan, it's gonna work, like I said, I can feel it," she winks at Emily.
But just when they are about to go over the plan one last time, everyone freezes as their eyes lock onto the amazing beauty entering the ballroom. There she stands, a mint green long flowy dress hitched at her waist, a plunging yet appropriate neckline, hair cascading down her back and shoulders looking the part of a Hollywood starlet. Emily's eyes sparkle full of love and desire for the one she hopes will become her soul mate once again. But unfortunately, her view of Maya is blurred when Shana catches up to her with her arm waiting to escort Maya onto the ballroom dance floor. They begin to talk and laugh as they make their way to the center of the crowd moving to the beat of the music…
"God she's gorgeous Emily," Hannah blurts out snapping Emily out of her gaze.
Emily smiles shyly, "Yeah, she is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life. She needs to be mine again. I couldn't bear it if she turned me away."
"Em, that's not going to happen, she'll come around, you'll see," Aria reassures her.
The girls also make their way to the dance floor smiling and dancing with Emily unable to keep from glancing at the girl of her dreams…
While the fun continues inside, the snow begins to fall at a steady pace leaving a white blanket over the grounds. The valets are kept busy as a yellow cab pulls up to the entrance. The door is opened as a tuxedoed Paige exits the vehicle. She enters the venue without being given a second thought. Paige takes in a breath letting it out slowly as she walks into the country club ballroom ready to take what is rightfully hers…
After having danced for quite a bit Aria, Spencer and Emily retreat to their table chatting, while Spencer excuses herself so she can talk to Maya who stands without Shana for seemingly the first moment of the night.
"Hey Maya. You look beautiful."
"Thank you so do you."
"Are you having fun? It looks like you are."
"Yeah. I feel like there's nothing to think about. Nothing to stress about. It's just about having a good time," she smiles as she takes a sip of her drink.
"I think you're right. And the last thing I want to do is bring you any stress but…"
"Spencer…"
"Well, I was hoping that you thought about what I said."
"About what you said?"
"Yeah, about saving a dance for Emily."
"Ohhh, that."
"Can't you do this without stressing about it?"
"I don't know Spencer."
"It's just a dance Maya."
"Yeah but I don't want to give her false hope."
"You won't. Just make it about two people dancing. Maya, please, just this one time and I won't mention it again."
"Okay, okay you've convinced me."
"Yay!"
"Spencer?"
"Yes Maya."
"You're gonna make quite the attorney some day with your gift of persuasiveness," she says with a smile.
Spencer smiles back as Maya makes her way over to Emily wondering in the back of her mind where Shana went…
"Hannah! I can't believe you spilled your drink on me! And it had to be red didn't it!"
"Shana, I'm so sorry. Please let me help you clean up."
Shana forces her way into the ladies room with Hannah right behind her wearing a big ass grin on her face!
Meanwhile, Maya approaches the girls sitting at their table, "So Emily…"
"Yes Maya," she says all aglow.
"I umm was wondering if umm you would like to dance with me."
Emily's eyes light up as her smile crosses her face from ear to ear, "Ahh, ah, of course, yes, yes I would love to dance with you."
"Then come on."
"Okay."
"By the way that color looks nice on you," Maya notices.
"Thanks, yours is beautiful too. And so are you."
While Emily and Maya make their way to the dance floor an impatient Paige looks on. Her breathing quickens as her eyes narrow and her fists clench waiting for the perfect moment to get what she came for…
The music slows leaving Emily and Maya looking around not sure what to do until Emily extends her hand to Maya. Maya slowly reaches out to her while Emily can't help noticing a ring on her finger. Not just any ring but Maya's Grandmother's engagement ring. The butterflies take over fluttering throughout her body. "What does this mean? Does it mean anything?" she can't help but ponder. Their fingertips brush lightly against each other. Their fingers gently entwine as they step closer to one another. Maya's hand rises to rest on top of Emily's shoulder while Emily places her hand at Maya's waist, their fingers still entwined at their sides. She wonders if Maya knows that that ring was once on her finger. She doesn't say anything; she just looks deeply into her eyes as they begin to sway back and forth to the slowness of the beat being played in the background. They smile shyly not really knowing what else to do as their breathing quickens but remains steady between them…
In the meantime, Aria and Spencer have the valet bring Emily's dad's truck to the entrance leaving it running and ready for Emily to whisk Maya away to the boat house…
In the meantime, Hannah continues to interfere with Shana's return to the ballroom…
"Shana, just stay still so I can blot this out."
"Hannah! Hurry up! I didn't plan on spending the whole Winter Formal in the ladies room!"
"I know, I know, I didn't either!" Hannah agrees then looks down at the ruined dress with a determined smile knowing that she has to keep Shana away from Maya.
As the music fades, Emily asks Maya if she will join her outside to talk.
"Emily, it's snowing and kind of freezing out there."
"I know, that's why I want to talk outside because no one in their right mind would disturb us," she says hoping to convince Maya to go with her.
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously."
"Fine. Let's just go."
"Okay then," Emily responds excitedly as Hannah's plan begins to unfold.
They gather their coats from the coat check as Paige looks on. This is not how it was supposed to happen but she begins to wonder if this really is the perfect set up. She reenters the ballroom scanning the area for a valet ticket, any valet ticket. She spots one sitting on a table with a group of people; she grabs a drink and heads over. The drink slips from her hand onto the table causing everyone to jump up to avoid the spillage. While they are distracted, Paige pretends to stumble slipping the ticket into her pocket while keeping her face blocked apologizing for her clumsiness. She then tells everyone at the table that she's getting something to absorb the spill but instead she heads for the valet area…
"Maya, we really need to talk."
"Then talk Emily."
"Not here."
"What? Why not?"
"Because I don't want to take the chance that we will be interrupted."
"Emily…"
"Maya, please, something or someone always seems to come between us lately. I need to talk to you. My dad's truck is right over there. Please come with me for a little bit. I'll bring you right back I promise."
"Emily, it's snowing like crazy out here! How are you going to get me back to the Formal?"
"I told you, I have my dad's truck, it can drive through anything. Please Maya, come with me."
Maya sees the desperation in her eyes as her curiosity gets the better of her so she agrees to leave the venue forgetting all about Shana…
They get in the truck making their way to the boat house while Paige waits for the valet to bring her a car to follow them in. A jeep appears much to Paige's delight as now she has the perfect ride to keep up with Emily's truck…
Back at the ladies room…
"Hannah, I'm done! Just get out of my way!"
"Shana wait!"
"For what! I need to get back to Maya!"
Shana pushes past Hannah who goes after her not sure if Emily was able to convince Maya to leave with her. They enter the ballroom but no Maya and no Emily. Hannah runs over to Aria and Spencer.
"So? Did she get her out or here?"
"Yes! They are on their way to the boat house as we speak!" Aria shouts with excitement.
"And who could've predicted such a beautiful snowfall to go with this special moment," Spencer adds with a romantic hint to her tone.
Shana can't find Maya anywhere but she does see Hannah with Aria and Spencer sharing a laugh.
Shana charges over to them, "Where is she!"
"Who?" asks Hannah playing the dumb blonde card.
"You know who! Where did Emily take her!"
"Shana, calm down…" Spencer tries to quiet them both.
"Don't tell me to calm down! Tell me where she is!"
Now the whole ballroom has its attention focused on the four of them as the evening's chaperones attempt to settle whatever it is that is going on between them.
"That's enough you four."
"Four? Only one of us is shouting," Hannah happily points out.
"Shana, either you calm down or we'll have to have you escorted from the premises."
"Calm down! They know where Emily took Maya!"
"Took?"
"Maya went willingly. No one took anyone," Spencer informs the chaperones.
"How do you know?" Shana asks angrily.
"Did you see or hear anyone kicking and screaming?" Hannah asks.
Shana takes a breath about to respond but the chaperones have had enough.
"Don't Shana. There have been no disturbances reported. It would appear that if Maya did indeed leave, she left of her own volition. Now, can you remain calm or do we need to ask you to leave."
"I'm fine."
"Good. Girls, enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Thanks we will," Aria replies.
"Looks like Emily gets the girl after all," Hannah makes sure that Shana hears her.
"We'll see about that," Shana storms off towards her swim teammates.
"Oh my god! She's so pissed!" Aria observes.
"Whatever. Maya never would have gone with Emily if Shana was the one who has her heart," Hannah surmises.
"I hope your plan works Hannah, I really do," Spencer says.
"So do I, it has to."
In Mr. Fields' truck…
"Soo, where are you taking me Em?"
"Somewhere that you've been before. Somewhere that you went to on your own but didn't realize why you ended up there."
"Are you taking me to the boat house?"
"Yes. I think that's the best place for you to be right now."
"Why?"
"Because it's the best chance I have of jogging your memories about me."
They sit in a peaceful silence the rest of the trip up to the boat house as it continues to snow accumulating as quickly as it falls…
But little do they know closing in behind them is a steadfast Paige. She is determined to make sure that Emily and Maya will never be…
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To Be Continued….
I know, I know, a cliffhanger!
Coming Up:
What will happen at the boat house?