"The Neighbors: A New Emaya Story"
Here we go!
Rated M for Mature Content.
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"I love you. I need you to know that. I love you."
My arms surround her while my hands caress her being sure to slip them over her bottom and back up to her shoulders, "I love you more than anything. I will protect you until my last breath. You are my heart. You are my life."
Tears seep from the corners of her eyes, "And you Emily, are mine."
We kiss sweetly as she settles her body over me. I continue to caress her while she continues to kiss me until our fatigue finally sets in and we fall asleep as one, two and baby makes three…
Chapter 37: Will Maya Be Saved?
Emily POV
Maya has gone to bed early after exhausting herself with packing and I'm guessing worry too. She hasn't said much about leaving tomorrow but I can tell it wasn't an easy decision for her. She looks restful so I quietly close the bedroom door letting her sleep. As I walk downstairs, I think about how last night could have been a contributing factor having used up much of her energy and mine as well. I can't help smiling from the way she makes me feel and the image of her natural beauty. A vision of perfection, a vision that has become a reality for me for the rest of our lives…
I join Ryan in the TV room, sitting next to him on the couch.
"How is she?" Ryan asks and I can tell he really is concerned.
"She's sleeping. I think all the stress and worry on top of being pregnant has finally taken its toll."
"I bet," he says smirking like he knows another reason why she's so tired.
I quickly change the subject, "Ryan, I'm glad you're here," I place my hand over his squeezing it.
He takes my hand surrounding it with his, "I felt I needed to be here. I needed to do this. It's like closure in a way for me, for us."
I look down not able to see whatever it is that his eyes are saying behind his words. I can't bear to see any hurt or disappointment.
All I can say is, "I guess it is."
I sit back against the couch and he puts his arm around me. It feels quite natural for me to lean into him sitting in silence, the last time we will ever feel this closeness…
The following morning, the St. Germains join us for breakfast doing their best to assure us that this is the best for everyone, especially the baby.
"Are you two packed and ready to go?" Maya's dad asks.
"Yes, we took as much and as little as possible. I had a hard time picking and choosing," Maya laughs.
"Well, it's not like you'll be able to fit into anything that you own anyway," her mom reminds her, her waist will soon be expanding.
"Thanks mom!" Maya laughs.
"We have everything we need," I say, but I'm thinking, all we need is each other.
"I'm going to start packing up the car if that's all right with everyone," Ryan excuses himself.
"Do you need any help?" I ask.
"I'll help him, while the rest of you get yourselves ready to go," Mr. St. Germain says in an attempt to keep us on schedule.
"Thank you Frank," Ryan responds in kind.
Mrs. St. Germain cleans up while Maya and I check our houses making sure that all the windows and doors are locked. We have called the necessary companies to maintain our landscaping including shoveling and plowing the snow as well as the maid service to keep our houses clean. We have also set up automatic payment. It will be like we never left until that time we make the decision to sell. I can't believe I'm going to sell my house. I guess, in the end, New York was never meant to be…
Maya and I walk down the path away from my front door, stopping to turn around, taking one last look at our homes. We're actually standing in the exact spot where we first met. She caresses my back just as she did that day she introduced herself to me. It's as if I'm falling for her all over again and I have to admit, I wouldn't change a thing, well mostly…
We arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in our things and say goodbye to Ryan.
I reach up to hug him and he holds me against him for a very long time. My emotions emerge, shedding tears of great sadness because of all the hurt I caused him.
"Goodbye Emily. I will always love you," he kisses the side of my face.
"I will always love you too. Thank you for everything especially your understanding. Goodbye Ryan."
We kiss softly. He hugs the St. Germains kissing Maya tenderly saying his goodbyes. And then, I watch his elongated strides and his strong posture walk away from me for what might be the last I will ever see of him for a very long time.
It's pretty quiet as we get checked in and pass security without a hitch. However once we enter the concourse the quiet disappears. We do our best to avoid those bustling towards us as it feels unusually crowded but maybe that's just me being ultra-protective.
"Hey, Em, I wanna stop and get something to drink before we reach our gate."
"Sure, I could use one too."
"Mom? Dad? We're getting drinks at the store over there do you want anything?"
"Umm, I think I'll take a look around and see if there's anything worth reading for the trip," Mrs. St. Germain decides to join us.
"How 'bout you dad?"
"I'm okay dear I'll just get something on the plane."
While the three of us shop for drinks and magazines, Mr. St. Germain takes a seat on the bench just outside the store...
Narrator POV
"Do you have them in sight?" Josh speaks through his Bluetooth device to the men they have hired to help in their kidnapping plot.
"Yes sir. The pictures you gave us match their descriptions exactly. We're ready to move in."
"Good. Follow them. When you get close to the international concourse, that's when you'll make your move. As luck would have it there are numerous flights arriving for a convention adding many more people to the mix. There will be so much confusion they won't know what's happening until it's already happened."
"They're beginning to move."
"Just remember when you bump her to inject her with that syringe. She will immediately become weakened and confused. That's when you'll take her through the Security door. You have the pass keys so it should be no problem. We'll be waiting for you on the tarmac."
"Yes sir. They're moving again. We know exactly when to approach."
"Then I'll leave you to it."
"Is everything alright Joshua?" Joseph asks with a tone that suggests he wishes it wasn't.
"They're about to make their move. It's a go. No turning back now."
"Well, that's that. Maya St. Germain will be our little captive until your baby is born. That harlot will be left with nothing and no one to save her," Miriam states rather cold and dismissively.
"We need to get ready for takeoff. Put on your seatbelts so we can liftoff as soon as they step foot on this plane."
"You too, son."
They all sit, belting themselves into their luxury accommodations waiting for Maya to be delivered to them. Their confidence in their plan has them acting as though they've already poured the Champagne!
Emily POV
Maya and I trail her parents as we trudge through the masses towards our gate. With our drinks in one hand and our carry-ons in the other, we weave through the sea of people at times being separated by the bodies coming towards us. However, I'm still able to keep my eye on her at all times. She even turns her head in my direction smiling reassuringly. And I, of course, smile back that smile only she can make me smile...
As we approach the main artery of the airport, several concourse entrances appear. People are coming from every which way. We're being bumped and scattered but still my eyes have her in my sights. Until…
There's a commotion to the left of us which causes me to naturally take my eyes off of Maya to see. It's an automatic reaction. But when I turn back everything is so loud and confusing! The crowd is forcing us back but we need to move forward to get to safety! I can feel myself begin to panic! I see her!
"Maya!" I call to her!
"Emily!" She shouts!
We try moving through the mobs of people! I'm looking into her eyes! She reaches for me! I reach for her!
Narrator POV
Josh receives a message through his Bluetooth, "You've got her!"
Miriam and Joseph look at each other with victorious smiles.
"We're boarding the plane now!"
"Get her seatbelt on and get ready for takeoff!"
Once the door to the aircraft is locked, it taxies down the runway. Clearance has been given and into the bright blue sky they fly!
"It's done! I can't believe it! We actually did this!" Josh feels an adrenaline rush.
The pilot makes his announcement, "Please remain seated until we have reached cruising altitude. You will be notified when it is safe to remove your seatbelts and move about the aircraft."
The plane ascends through the atmosphere for destination unknown…
As soon as cruising altitude is achieved, Josh unbuckles his belt getting up from his chair to celebrate their accomplishment. He uncorks the Champagne bottle with a resounding pop releasing the cascading liquid into three Champagne flutes while his parents undo their belts making themselves more comfortable. Josh offers a glass to each of his parents clicking and sipping to the Grayson family name!
While the celebration continues, Joseph excuses himself. He battles his internal struggle as his heart seems to be gaining momentum over his brain. He wishes he had stopped this sooner but maybe just maybe there's still hope for an amicable resolution.
"Is everything alright?" Josh asks his father.
"Yes. It's all a bit overwhelming."
"Really? I thought you would be more, I don't know, thrilled by our plan working out as well as it did."
"I am son. I just hope that concoction your mother was able to get her hands on is safe."
"It is. No harm will come to the baby or Maya. She's just going to sleep for a while."
"Should someone check on her?"
"Like I said she's sleeping. We'll check in just before we land."
The confusion in the airport begins to subside as the crowd disperses.
"Where is she?" Frank St. Germain demands!
"I don't know!"
"She couldn't have just disappeared!" Eva St. Germain worries.
"She was there then she wasn't! We have to find her!"
"What if she just got taken by the crowd through another concourse?" Maya's mom suggests hoping that's what happened.
"The Graysons didn't know we were leaving today, did they?!" her husband shouts!
"No!"
"Or maybe they did!" he seethes. "I'm going to find her if I have to tear this whole place apart!"
Hours go by as the Graysons plane gets closer and closer to its destination.
"There it is our own private getaway!"
"I need to get off this god forsaken bucket of bolts. The turbulence on this flight has been just dreadful."
"Now, now Miriam, we'll be there shortly."
"Shall we welcome our guest to our beautiful island?" Josh asks rather arrogantly.
"I believe now is as appropriate a time as any," Miriam aristocratically responds.
Josh gets up to intercom the two hires asking them to bring her to him. They heed his command escorting her to their quarters. She still needs assistance walking as the drug they gave her is still in the wearing off stage. She walks in with her arms hooked to her assailants; head drooped forward, with her dark tresses falling over her face, trying to steady herself.
Josh turns around so all the Graysons are facing her directly. She takes one step towards them barely able to lift her head from its grogginess.
Fury and disdain wash over Josh as his jaw tightens, his eyes darken and his fists clench, "Emily?!"
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To Be Continued…