DISCLAIMER: Pretty Little Liars and all its characters is the intellectual property of others. Some characters used in the writing of this fic belong to PLL. Events that transpire, will transpire and have transpired in this story are entirely of my own creation.
Thanks for the reviews. Apologies if I can't update often. Due to health reasons I can't stay up late to edit each chapter for a third time before posting. Yes, I am OC when it comes to writing.
Bobx7, Karla05full, naiel2017, Forbsiee, jhas, pailyshark, thecatfromaliceinwonderland, augustmelon, rockchip96, and CaliGrlFoLife... Thanks for the PMs.
PART THREE: " Non Progredi Est Regredi"
~ To not go forward is to go backward. ~
CHAPTER TWO
"...and then you stood up, got up on the coffee table," Paige recounted while keeping her eyes closed. "Ordered everyone to fall in line and pucker up-"
"No way." Reese interjected, horrified.
"Yes way. And then gave them a kiss in exchange for a dollar." Paige concluded without looking at the girl lounging by the pool next to her.
"You're lying." Reese said, her eyes narrowing into slits. "I didn't do that. Why would I do that?"
"Because. You're brokenhearted and drunk as a skunk." Paige answered matter-of-factly. "But don't worry. You didn't embarrass yourself. I mean, people did line up. Some of them even came back for seconds."
"Okay first, I'm not brokenhearted. Not anymore. And second, how'd that happen?" Reese asked, brows creased. "Oh god did I take off my top again?!"
Paige laughed and opened an eye. "Again?" She repeated, her curiosity piqued. She made a mental note to ask the girl to tell that story to her some other time. "No. You didn't. But I have a feeling that if you did you would've gotten way more than just twelve bucks." Paige assured her friend before closing her eyes again. "You had them fooled when you just stood there looking all pretty and vulnerable so naturally they lined up for a kiss."
"Great. Pity kiss. The best kind. Totally good for my ego." Reese said sarcastically. "Did you line up?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
Paige's eyes snapped open. "You wish!" She shot back. "Although I did stand guard. Made sure they didn't cop a feel and that the kisses are limited to the cheeks only. So you're welcome."
Reese rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You're just jealous because I got some action at your lame party." She commented.
"Hey, take that back! The party was fun!" Paige replied indignantly.
Reese scoffed. "Please. It was so lame I had to get drunk just to make up for its lameness." She retorted. "Come on. Admit it was lame."
"It wasn't." Paige insisted.
"Whatever." Reese said, shaking her head then stifling a groan when the sudden movement made her dizzy. "I need an Advil."
"You're in luck. I think we have some. I'll go check later." Paige offered.
"Could you go check now? Please?" Reese asked, giving the girl a pleading look.
"Later." Paige repeated. "I'm still soaking up the sun." She added before shifting to a more comfortable position in the lounge chair. "That's what you get for getting drunk last night."
"Because that party was lame." Reese shot back, closing her eyes in an effort to stop the spinning sensation. "You're just saying it was fun because your best friend threw it for you."
"Maybe." Paige uttered, shrugging.
Reese opened her eyes and slowly turned to her side to face Paige. "I gotta say. After everything that's happened, your blind loyalty to Jai is remarkable." She said, making the girl open her eyes as well.
"It's called friendship." Paige replied, her gaze fastened on the white clouds above them. "Although it hasn't been easy and we're still working on it but... we're trying."
"So you're okay with how things turned out?" Reese asked, concern written all over her face.
Paige nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I am." She answered. "Before you rudely interrupted us Emily and I had a chance to talk last night. Everything is as it should be."
"What do you mean rudely interrupted?! I just asked if you wanted to play charades!" Reese told the girl defensively. "But you're getting good at lying." She commented, studying her friend. "I can't tell it anymore. Almost."
"I'm moving on." Paige stated firmly.
"Who owns that shiny convertible outside?" Nick innocently asked as he stepped outside of the house, making the two girls look behind them. "It's blocking the driveway."
"Mine! Do you like it?" Reese inquired, waving a hand at Paige's father. "It's brand new." She added proudly.
Nick nodded. "Yes. Too bad I underestimated the distance when I was backing my car and the next thing I know I heard something fall off. When I went to check, I realized it was your bumper." He explained, shaking his head. "I'm sorry."
Reese sat bolt upright but cradled her head when she got dizzy again. "What?! My dad's going to kill me." She lamented, groaning in pain. Her eyes suddenly narrowed and her forehead creased when she heard Nick laughing. "That is mean. That is... you are horrible. You know that?! That was a bad joke!" She exclaimed when she saw the man trying to hide his laughter. "Ugh. This hangover is killing me." Reese complained, rubbing the side of her head. "That wasn't funny, Nick."
"It is if you're not nursing a hangover." Nick pointed out when his amusement wore off. "But you really need to move your car. I have a meeting to go to." He added, tapping his watch.
"Sorry about that. I'll go move it." Reese said before getting up but the movement made her groan in pain and she cradled her head again. "Ow. On second thought..." She trailed off, glancing at the girl lounging next to her with an almost pleading look.
Paige sighed. "Why don't I move it instead?" She offered, throwing her friend a wry look before getting up. "Keys." She asked as she extended a hand toward the girl.
"Thank you." Reese mouthed, reaching for the car keys lying on the table next to her and tossing it to her friend.
"No problem." Paige replied absentmindedly as she stared at the keys in her hand when it landed, the moment triggering a memory.
Thirteen Months Ago...
Paige frowned as she stared at the keys in her hand before looking up at a grinning Kayla. The two of them were standing just outside the Hayes' house on a Saturday afternoon, having just driven around the neighborhood in Paige's car with Kayla behind the wheel. Paige could tell Jai's sister obviously thought her driving was impressive but she had a different opinion about it.
"Thanks for letting me drive your car. As you can see, I'm returning it to you with no dents or scratch marks. I am so gonna get my driver's license!" Kayla declared jubilantly.
Paige pocketed her keys and began to walk around her car. "I'll be the judge of that." She said before inspecting the surface of her SUV carefully. When she was satisfied, Paige stopped in front of Kayla and cracked a smile. "Your driving was okay. You could use a little more practice when it comes to switching gears, though."
Kayla opened her mouth to protest but decided against it at the last second. "Thanks." She uttered instead. "Between conferences, board meetings and treating his patients, my dad's too busy to help me out and I don't want to bother Jai since she's too preoccupied with learning the ropes of running the foundation."
Paige shook her head dismissively. "Not a problem." She reassured the girl. "I had some free time in my hands this weekend anyway." She explained before looking past Kayla when she heard the familiar sound of one of Logan's car engines. Her relaxed stance immediately became rigid as she braced herself, knowing for some reason that it wasn't just Jai inside the vehicle.
Kayla angled her body toward the sound when she noticed the sudden change in Paige's posture and the two of them watched as Jai, then Emily, alighted the SUV. She tore her gaze away from the two girls and caught Paige staring at Emily so she elbowed the girl ever so slightly, making Paige focus on Jai instead.
"How'd it go?" Jai asked in greeting as she walked over to Kayla and Paige with Emily not far behind.
"Great! I didn't put a dent or any scratch marks on Paige's car. I am so gonna get my driver's license!" Kayla repeated ecstatically before Paige could reply.
Jai laughed at her sister's enthusiasm. "That's good to hear. Thanks for letting her drive your car." She told her friend. "I owe you one."
Paige shook her head again. "I don't mind. Like I told Kayla, I've got some free time today. What are you two up to?" She asked, barely glancing at Emily once the girl was standing next to her friend.
"Nothing much. We just came from the nursing home in Glendale to meet with Neil." Jai replied.
"Wow. Barely two weeks back and already you're off doing charity works again." Paige said wryly. "Some things never change."
"It's not like that." Jai protested. "My dad introduced me to Neil at the party last week. He's one of the owners and he asked if I could come over to teach their residents some simple moves for their dance at the end of the month." She explained. "I couldn't say no with my dad standing there. Good thing Emily here agreed to go with me." Jai added, touching the girl's arm affectionately to Paige's dismay. "We could use an extra pair of feet, though. Want to come?"
"Sorry. I can't." Paige replied, trying to sound disappointed. "I have to train for the upcoming Penn Relays. It's just a few weeks away and my coach is driving us hard. I barely have time to study as it is."
"Oh. Too bad. Of course I understand. I was just really hoping it'd give us a chance to catch up." Jai admitted.
"Some other time. Besides, I have two left feet." Paige reminded her friend. "I'd be of more help if I stayed away from the dance floor."
"What about you, Em?" Kayla suddenly asked when she noticed that the girl seemed to feel out of place around them. "Did you have fun dancing at the home?"
Emily nodded. "I did." She answered, giving Jai's sister a grateful smile. "And I think someone's got a crush on me. He's eighty but he's so smart and a pretty good dancer."
"Surprise, surprise someone has taken a liking to you." Kayla quipped. "And he's younger, too. Mine was like ninety the last time I went there with my dad."
"Well, you do have a tendency to attract old, if not older, people." Jai commented, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Remember Beau?"
"Oh god, Beau." Kayla recalled, grimacing. "That man was overly... friendly." She described for lack of a better word before laughing along with her sister and Emily.
Paige struggled to keep herself from joining the conversation as the three girls exchanged stories and instead chose to stare at the pavement whenever she had the urge to look at Emily. She suddenly blinked when she realized that Jai was waving a hand in front of her and looked up to find three pairs of eyes staring at her.
"Hey. Paige. You okay? You kinda zoned out on us." Jai said, eyeing her friend worriedly.
Paige gave the girl a weak smile. "Yeah. Sorry. You were saying something?" She asked, her attention on Jai but she saw Emily on her periphery for a split second so she focused on, pathetic as it sounds, air. Like it was the most fascinating thing she's ever seen.
"I was telling you about my plans for my birthday." Jai replied. "Dad wants to throw another party but I managed to convince him to let me stay in the cabin for the weekend with you, Em and Kayla instead. I mean, we just had a party last week. I sure could use a break from socializing. What do you think?"
"Oh." Paige uttered as her mind scrambled for an excuse. "Well, I think it's a good idea. But... I might have to pass."
"What? Again? Why?" Jai asked, disappointed.
"I'm not saying no." Paige hurriedly clarified. "It's just that... I don't know my schedule these days so my answer's more of neither a yes nor a no."
"Come on." Jai pleaded. "Say yes. Try to make time. We barely got the chance to catch up ever since I came back."
Even without looking, Paige knew Emily's eyes were on her. She could feel the girl's intense stare burning a hole through her skin and she wanted to move away from its line of sight.
"Okay. I'll see what I can do to free my weekend." Paige replied just to put an end to the conversation.
Jai grinned. "Thank you. So. I know you're probably going to say no again but I just have to ask. Emily and I are about to head inside to watch some movies. Do you and Kayla want to join us?" She asked, looking at her sister.
"Oh I'm in!" Kayla answered enthusiastically. "I don't have plans and I could use a movie marathon. Call it my reward for a job well done."
Paige shook her head when Jai looked at her. "You're right. I'm saying no. I'm going for a run after this. Training." She added, checking the time on her watch.
"Okay. Well I guess we better go. Kayla?" Jai called out as she joined Emily who was already making her way to the house.
"Yeah I'll be there in a sec." Kayla said, letting her sister and Emily go ahead before turning to face Paige with a puzzled look. "What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?" Paige asked in reply as she made her way to the driver's seat of her car.
"Oh come on. Don't pull that one on me. You never acknowledged Emily the entire time she was here." Kayla pointed out.
Paige shrugged. "There's nothing to say." She answered, trying to seem unaffected. "You better go inside."
"Hey." Kayla uttered, grabbing the girl by the arm. "What happened?"
"Nothing." Paige replied while trying to free her arm but Kayla won't let go. "Fine. Emily and I talked the night of the party. She asked for time and space so I'm giving it to her." She reluctantly explained.
Kayla nodded thoughtfully. "Oh-kay. I understand Emily. But I don't understand your aloofness towards her." She said, brows creased.
"Well how else am I going to give her what she's asking for?" Paige retorted.
Kayla sighed. "Paige, you don't have to be around her nor talk to her all the time but you don't have to ignore her either when she's around." She argued.
"Stay out of it." Paige told the girl firmly. "And don't tell your sister anything."
"Oh I don't plan to. That's going to be messy and it's none of my business." Kayla reassured Paige as she let go of the girl's arm.
"Thanks." Paige said, getting inside her car. She waited until Kayla was inside the house before starting the engine and driving away, now in a pensive mood.
"Don't let it get to your head." Reese quipped as she and Paige emerged from Franklin Field on Wednesday night, fresh from an extended track practice. "It's not that big a deal."
"Uh, it kinda is." Paige countered. "Being singled out by coach because I had the most improved time? Pretty big deal." She argued, fixing the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder. "When was the last time he praised one of us?"
Reese creased her brows in concentration and finally shrugged. "You have a point." She said, conceding. "But don't let it get to your head!"
"I'm not!" Paige exclaimed, laughing as she took a step back to avoid the girl's playful punch.
"So now will you consider going to Spain with me for the summer?" Reese suddenly asked, turning serious.
"For the training? You mean there're still spots?" Paige remarked, surprised.
Reese nodded. "Well, a spot." She clarified. "I paid for your spot in the off chance that I could change your mind."
"Wow." Paige uttered, genuinely touched. "I- I don't know what to say."
"Say yes." Reese urged.
Paige sighed. "I don't know." She said, biting her bottom lip anxiously. "Now that Jai's back-"
"Going to Spain is your chance to put some distance between you, Emily, and Jai." Reese interjected. "Come on. Say yes."
Paige ran a hand through her hair warily. "Fine. I'm not promising anything but I'll think about it." She replied, making her friend grin.
"That's a significant improvement compared to flat out saying 'no' like the last time." Reese reminded the girl. "So. Are you headed home or what?" She asked when they were standing in front of Paige's car.
"Home." Paige answered while fishing for the car keys in her pocket. "I'm exhausted so I think I'm going to call it a night. You?"
"Harnwell College House." Reese divulged. "It's movie night and they're showing this documentary film I need to see for one of my subjects. I figured I'd ask Liz to let me watch so I don't have to rent the film somewhere else." She explained, referring to one of their teammates who lived in Harnwell. "Want to come?"
"To watch a documentary." Paige stated before making a face. "No thanks. Documentaries aren't really my thing."
"Well then you're going to fail Multinational Corporate Strategies your senior year." Reese declared matter-of-factly. "I'm not watching it for a general subject, newbie. There's no escaping that film if you're taking up Management as your concentration."
"Hey don't underestimate me. I still have two more years. I think I can come up with a way to avoid that subject before then." Paige said wryly. "I don't even know what concentration to declare."
"Well, then, think of this as a trial run." Reese suggested. "Who knows? Maybe after watching the film you'll consider Management as your concentration. Ever think of running a multinational company?"
Paige let out a short laugh. "Uh, no." She answered before looking around the almost empty parking lot then squinting at the girl accusingly. "You just want to hitch a ride." Paige guessed when she didn't see Reese's car anywhere.
"What?! Of course not!" Reese exclaimed defensively. "As your team captain and friend I am coming from a place of concern and selflessness. You really should watch that documentary with me tonight. It's fascinating." She insisted with a straight face.
"Oh I highly doubt that." Paige quipped. "Fine. I'll go with you but you're buying me dinner first." She bargained, finally giving in when her friend just stood there sulking. "I'm starving."
"Deal!" Reese exclaimed, grinning. "Anything you want under two bucks."
"Wow. I can feel your generosity emanating from a mile away." Paige shot back sarcastically. "That's like, a bag of chips!"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Reese assured her friend as she settled on the passenger seat and glanced at the dashboard clock. "Perfect. We still have time. Let's swing by Delancey before heading to Harnwell. There's a street pizzeria there that serves a really good gyro sandwich and a mean fish and chips."
Jai pulled the glass door of Harrison College House and held it open for Emily, letting the girl go out first before following suit. Having spent most of the day at Penn State Gen with her father, Jai figured she'd end her stressful day by having dinner with Emily and she's just glad the girl didn't have any plans tonight. Her invitation was so last minute that she had to wait for Emily at the lobby while the girl freshened up.
"Sorry I didn't ask you to wait for me in my room instead." Emily said as they made their way down the steps. "My room's a mess. Spencer and I haven't really gotten around to cleaning up. We can't seem to have time for it." She explained without meeting Jai's gaze, fearing the girl would figure out she was lying the second their eyes met.
Because the truth was, Emily was about to ask Jai to come up to her room and wait for her there when she got the call but at the last second changed her mind when she saw something. Her gaze landed on the vision board Paige gave her last year and knowing she would have to explain to Jai how it got there, she decided to ask the girl to wait for her in the lobby instead.
"It's fine, Em." Jai told the girl reassuringly. "I didn't mind waiting at the lobby."
"Thanks." Emily replied with a small smile. "So. You must be excited for your birthday celebration this weekend."
Jai nodded. "I am. Considering I didn't get to celebrate last year, I think this weekend is a chance for me to make up for it with you and Kayla... and hopefully Paige." She admitted, glancing at the girl walking next to her. "Em?" Jai uttered when she noticed that Emily seemed to be frozen in place. She followed the girl's line of sight and her face lit up when she saw her best friend walking towards them with a gorgeous girl in tow. "Paige!" She called out, waving at her friend.
"Hey." Paige said in greeting when she was standing in front of Jai and Emily, now regretting giving in to her friend's invitation to watch that documentary film tonight. She should've headed straight home. "Um, this is Reese. Team captain of the track team." Paige added, making the introductions when she noticed Jai looking at the girl standing next to her. "Reese, this is Jai. My best friend."
Reese stared at Jai from head to toe, sizing up the girl she's heard so much about. "The miraculously resurrected friend. Your reputation precedes you." She commented, extending a hand.
"I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing." Jai quipped as she took the girl's hand and shook it. "Sorry if I can't say the same for you. Like you said, I was just miraculously resurrected."
"Hey, Fields. How's it going?" Reese asked, acknowledging the girl standing next to Jai who looked like she was about to pass out any second now. She didn't know if she should pity Emily or laugh at the awkwardness of the situation.
"Okay." Emily managed to reply.
"You two know each other?" Jai remarked, looking at Reese then at Emily.
Reese caught Emily's panicked look and without breaking eye contact with the girl, nodded. "Of course we do. I live in Harrison. Just a few floors above Emily's. She and Spencer are participating in the college house cup and so am I." She explained offhandedly.
"The house cup. Right. How's it going for Harrison? I heard Rodin's the team to beat this year." Jai commented.
"Yeah, well we still have a couple of weeks left. We can catch up." Reese stated confidently. "So. Where are you girls headed?"
"Dinner." Emily replied, starting to relax.
"You guys want to join us? We can make a double date out of it." Jai casually suggested.
Reese felt Paige stiffen next to her and she shook her head. "We're gonna have to pass. We have other plans tonight." She clarified, checking the time on her watch for effect. "As a matter of fact, we're running late so we should probably go."
"Okay. Raincheck then. It was nice meeting you." Jai said as she gave Reese a friendly smile. "Paige, don't forget. The cabin. This weekend. You're coming, right?" She asked, looking at her friend with a hopeful expression.
"Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I'll be there." Paige answered, caught off guard by the girl's question and pressed for time since they really needed to get going or Reese is going to miss the start of the film. "I forgot how to get to the cabin though."
"Not a problem. Just ride with us." Jai offered. "There's plenty of room in my dad's SUV."
"I know. But I'm not sure what time I'll be done with my training." Paige lied. "So I'd rather bring my car if that's okay."
"Of course. Maybe Kayla could ride with you instead." Jai suggested. "She knows the way. I'll talk to her."
"Okay. Thanks." Paige said, stepping to the side to follow Reese. "See you on Saturday." She added before leaving.
Jai watched the two girls as they walked away and shook her head in amusement. "Paige and I really need to catch up. I thought she was seeing that classmate of yours but apparently it's Reese." She commented.
"They're not together." Emily clarified before she could stop herself. "I mean, I'm not sure but last time I checked Reese has a girlfriend." She hurriedly explained when Jai gave her a curious look. "They're just good friends."
"Really? That's too bad. I guess some things never change." Jai lamented. "I really thought there was something going on. They look good together." She stated before turning the other way to resume walking.
Emily observed Paige and Reese for a few more seconds as they rounded a corner, seemingly engrossed in another one of their petty disagreements. A familiar feeling of jealousy began to form in the pit of her stomach but she told herself to get a grip before catching up to Jai. They're just friends. She told herself, barely listening to what the girl was saying. Paige and Reese are just friends and we're... what are we?
Kayla sported a grin as she alighted from the driver's seat of Paige's SUV on Saturday afternoon and walked over to where the girl was standing with a grim expression. "Made it!" She exclaimed proudly.
"Yeah. And I'm nauseated." Paige complained. "I shouldn't have agreed to let you drive my car."
"Still. Thanks for the opportunity to improve my driving skills." Kayla said, choosing to ignore Paige's comment as she handed back the car keys.
Paige rolled her eyes. "It's not like I had a choice. My GPS is shot and I can't remember how to get here." She reminded the girl while pocketing the keys. "You suck at changing gears."
"Oh come on. Don't be so harsh. I'm still trying to get the timing down." Kayla reasoned out. "You know I'm not used to driving a stick. Besides. It's not like I drove the entire time. Just when we got to that fork in the road."
"You really should've just given me the directions. For a second there I thought we were going to get here by midnight with the way you were driving." Paige quipped.
"Funny. But like I kept telling you, I can't give you directions from the passenger seat. I have to be behind the wheel." Kayla argued.
"It's just left and right. How hard can that be?" Paige asked exasperatedly before making her way to the backseat to grab their overnight bags. "At least we got here first. I get to choose my room." She said when she noticed that Logan's car isn't anywhere to be found.
"How are you doing?" Kayla asked, taking her bag from Paige and leading the way to the cabin.
"Fine." Paige replied as she fixed the strap of her bag over her shoulder.
"I'm guessing from your tone you and Em still aren't on speaking terms." Kayla observed, about to say something else but decided against it when she saw the girl's stern expression that told her to stop talking.
"Dibs on the guest room downstairs." Paige declared once they were inside.
"Are you sure? I think the heater's not working there." Kayla warned the girl.
"I don't mind. I brought a comforter anyway. I'm not sleeping in the bedroom next to the master's." Paige stated firmly.
Kayla shrugged. "Suit yourself." She told the girl before making her way up the stairs.
Paige waited until she heard the sound of the door open and close behind Kayla before making her way towards the guest room. It's been years since she last went there with the two girls and while she missed the musky smell of wood, she wished she was there under different circumstances. It's just two days. Paige told herself. So long as she avoided being alone with Emily, she'll be fine. It's one dinner and one breakfast. Paige thought as she pushed the door to the bedroom open, her eyes suddenly widening in surprise. It took her brain a couple of seconds until it finally registered what she was staring at and Paige hurriedly closed the door again.
"Oh god I'm so sorry!" Paige called out, her back to the door. "I should've knocked first. I thought this room wasn't occupied." She explained as she tried to erase the image of Emily in her underwear just now.
Paige considered bolting for the bedroom upstairs and telling Kayla she's willing to sleep on the floor but she was frozen in place. A couple of minutes passed then she heard the door finally open behind her so she steeled herself for the inevitable as she turned around to face the girl.
"It's fine. It's nothing you haven't seen before." Emily said quietly, her pulse racing at the mere closeness of their bodies.
For a while they just stood there in heavy silence, the tension between them so palpable it was unbearable.
"Where's Jai?" Paige finally asked in an effort to break the stillness. "I didn't see Logan's car outside so I thought Kayla and I got here first."
"Well other than a can of mushroom soup there's nothing in the cupboards so she left to buy some things. I asked if I could stay behind to rest. I just came from a swim meet." Emily explained. "But she should be back any minute now. She left, like, an hour ago."
"So you're staying in the guest room?" Paige asked, staring at the door behind the girl to have an excuse to look away.
"Yeah. I thought Jai and Kayla should sleep in the master's instead." Emily answered.
"You mean you're not comfortable sleeping next to Jai." Paige corrected.
Emily shook her head. "That's not true." She argued, refusing to admit the truth. "Right now family is more important to Jai."
"Nah. She'll understand. I'm sure Kayla won't mind if you and Jai sleep in the same room. On the same bed. Like couples do." Paige added, waiting for the girl to say otherwise.
Emily's temper flared. "You know what? On second thought, yeah. You can have the guest room to yourself. The heater's not working and I could use some human warmth instead." She replied, annoyed.
Paige took in the girl's flushed cheeks and slightly messed up hair and the mere mental picture of Emily and Jai sleeping next to each other made her burn with jealousy. "I shouldn't have agreed to this." She lamented before quickly heading for the door that led to the back of the cabin. The smell of rotting wood and damp leaves hit her nostrils as she blindly made a dash for it, eager to put some distance between them.
"Paige! Wait!" Emily called out before breaking into a run to catch up to the girl. When she was close enough, Emily extended her arm to reach for Paige's hand and held it tight. "We can figure this out."
Paige withdrew her hand from Emily's so fast like the girl's touch burned her. "No. We can't." She said, her voice hoarse.
"Why not?" Emily asked as she took a step closer to the girl. "Please. I don't want things to be awkward."
Paige scoffed. "Too late for that." She replied, meeting Emily's gaze.
"Jai's going to know something's up if we keep acting like this. Please." Emily implored.
"You're worried she's going to find out? That's why you want to figure out things between us?" Paige asked, hurt.
"I didn't mean it like that." Emily hurriedly said to pacify the girl.
"Then what did you mean? Because it sounds like you want me to keep my mouth shut about what happened between us after we thought she died." Paige surmised.
"I just don't want her to find out right now." Emily admitted.
"But you're going to tell her eventually, right?" Paige asked, a hint of hope in her voice.
"I- I need more time." Emily pleaded.
"You said that the night of the party and I told you I'm willing to give you that. But how much time do you need exactly?" Paige pressed. "Do you even plan on telling Jai the truth anytime soon?" She continued when the girl didn't say anything.
"Paige... you have to understand. I just got her back. I don't know exactly what she's been through the entire time we thought she was dead." Emily replied helplessly. "Please don't say anything. She's been through enough."
"Right. Now that she's back it's all about Jai again." Paige said bitterly. "Some things never change."
"How could you be so insensitive?! She's your best friend!" Emily reminded the girl.
Paige stared at Emily incredulously. "What? You think I don't feel guilty? That every time she utters your name my ears strain just to hear what she's saying about you? That I can't think about anything else because my thoughts are so consumed by you? That I am so terrified that she will see how in love I am with you that the only way I can look at you is to steal glances when she's not looking? You think I don't hate myself for loving her girlfriend? For wanting what's hers?" She confessed, distraught.
"Stop it." Emily uttered firmly.
"How could you pretend nothing happened between us?! Why won't you admit you feel something for me too?!" Paige asked, dismayed.
"You want to know what I feel? It's anger." Emily revealed. "I'm angry at you." She confessed, looking the girl straight in the eye.
"Me? Why?" Paige asked, confused.
"You made me a cheater!" Emily said accusingly.
Paige took a step back, surprised by the girl's sudden outburst. "Emily, we thought Jai died. We weren't doing anything wrong." She insisted.
Emily shook her head. "No. You thought Jai died! Remember? I kept telling you she isn't but you persuaded me to believe what you believe and now you made a mess out of everything! You made me give up! This is your fault!" She exclaimed.
"What?! How can you say that? I was trying to help you move on with your life." Paige told the girl defensively.
"I didn't want to move on. You made me let her go and I hate you for it." Emily said, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Don't say that." Paige pleaded.
"I hate you!" Emily shouted before wiping her eyes and running back the way she came.
"Em!" Paige called out, telling herself to run after the girl but Emily's last words held her back.
Later that night, Jai emerged from the kitchen with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and cautiously made her way toward a small bonfire. She walked slowly so as not to spill the drinks until she finally reached a piece of log and sat next to Emily before handing one mug to her.
"Here you go. Careful. It's hot." Jai warned as the girl reached for the beverage.
Emily cupped the steaming mug with her hands, her fingers grazing Jai's when the girl slowly withdrew her fingers around the mug's handle. The brief contact made her inhale sharply but Emily dismissed it, telling herself it was just because of the warmth of the liquid inside. "Thanks." She uttered before looking away. The soft smile on the girl's lips wasn't lost on her. Emily knew Jai was aware of what just happened but she was trying not to dwell on it.
"You're welcome." Jai answered, her gaze lingering on Emily while the girl stared at the blazing fire. The flames danced across Emily's exquisite features and Jai was so taken that she started when the girl suddenly spoke up.
"I still can't believe you managed to start a fire." Emily commented. She was still fixated on the bonfire in front of them but it was obvious from her tone that she was impressed. "And with just a fire board and spindle at that."
Jai took a sip of her drink and swallowed the warm liquid before speaking. "Thanks. But it wasn't easy. I think my palms are raw from trying several times." She confessed, staring at her left hand. "Paige and Kayla passed on the s'mores by the way. They said they were too full from that dinner."
"Yeah. I'd have to pass as well if that's okay." Emily told the girl apologetically.
"But you barely touched your food during dinner." Jai recalled. "Which was surprising since I thought you worked up an appetite after your swim meet."
"I did. But I'm more tired than hungry. I didn't get much sleep earlier because the heater was broken." Emily lied. "If you still want to make s'mores though, I can help you." She offered, reaching for the bag of marshmallows next to her.
Jai shook her head. "Nah. I'm okay with just nursing this hot chocolate so long as I'm sitting next to you." She said before taking another sip of her drink.
For a moment they just sat there staring at the fire, the chirping of crickets or the occasional rustling of leaves when a soft wind blew around them the only sounds that can be heard. Emily shifted from her position when Jai's arm accidentally brushed against hers. "So. How do you feel?" She asked, glancing at the girl. "I mean now. At this very moment."
Jai took a deep breath. "Happy. Thankful that I'm back." She replied. "I really missed going to this place. So thank you. For tonight. For agreeing to spend the weekend with me." Jai continued, smiling at the girl sincerely. "And... I'm sorry I interrupted your life."
Emily's brows creased. "What?" She asked, puzzled.
Jai gazed at the fire as she contemplated whether or not to ask the question that has been nagging at her. She took another deep breath and finally decided to risk it. "Em... was there someone else? When you thought I died. Was there someone else?" She repeated hoarsely.
"Why do you ask?" Emily said in reply, barely hearing herself speak over the sound of her heart beating fast.
"Because. Ever since I got back I just... feel like we're drifting apart. And I'll get it. If you met someone else." Jai continued even as her palms began to sweat. "I mean, you're you. It's not that hard for some other girl to fall in love with you the way I did. I'll understand."
Oh I highly doubt that. Emily thought, trying to figure out how to best answer the question. Where do I even start? What would she say when she finds out? "No. There's no one else." She heard herself say when she saw the fear in Jai's eyes. The girl wasn't ready. And to be honest, neither was she.
Jai released the breath she was holding in and let out a relieved laugh. "Oh thank god! You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that." She confessed before setting her mug on the ground next to her and getting up. "Okay. Enough of this serious conversation. What do you say we dance before calling it a night?" Jai suggested, extending a hand toward the girl.
Emily looked up at Jai curiously before setting her mug on the ground as well. "Uh... how? There's no music." She pointed out.
"Come on. One dance for my birthday. We'll hum." Jai said, smiling at the girl. "Please? Just like old times."
Emily took Jai's hand as she stood up and let the girl lead her a few steps away from the bonfire. Once they were standing face to face, she felt Jai's hand on the small of her back and she instinctively took a step closer before resting her head on the girl's shoulder. Emily was hit with a wave of nostalgia as they began to sway in time to the music that was audible to just the two of them. Other than the times she hugged Jai to comfort her, they haven't stood this close to each other ever since the girl returned. Emily took a deep breath and inhaled Jai's scent. Everything was so familiar between them. The way they moved, the way the girl held her, the way their bodies fit.
"Just like old times." Emily whispered softly, closing her eyes at the painful realization that it's not going to be easy.
I still love her.
"Paige, did you even hear any of the things I said?" Kayla asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice. "Paige?" She called out but the girl didn't bother glancing her way.
Kayla sighed. Paige's silence was glaring the entire dinner and while her sister thought it was just because the girl and Emily were still not getting along, she could tell something happened recently between the two to make Paige this aloof. She knew deep down that she should stay out of it because both girls are important to her. But it's hard seeing Paige this upset.
"What's so interesting down there?" Kayla innocently asked before getting up from her bed and walking over to the balcony.
Without waiting for Paige to answer her question (not that she was expecting the girl to say anything, really), Kayla looked down and saw her sister and Emily slow dancing near a bonfire and the sight was bittersweet. At least to her. It was like watching the two girls dance underneath the stars in their backyard the night Jai introduced Emily to their family. Only back then Paige wasn't standing next to her bearing witness to it.
"You know, if it hurts too much you can always close your eyes." Kayla gently told the girl.
"That didn't work. Emily's face kept popping in my mind." Paige replied, her gaze still on the couple dancing below.
"Have you tried looking away?" Kayla suggested.
Paige shook her head. "Everywhere I look I see her. It's useless." She uttered dejectedly.
"I'm sorry it hurts." Kayla said, squeezing the girl's arm consolingly.
"We talked earlier today." Paige finally confessed. "If you can consider fighting as talking."
"I figured as much. You hardly said anything at dinner and you barely touched your food." Kayla pointed out.
"Sorry. It wasn't your cooking. Everything was great." Paige reassured the girl. "I just-"
"Wasn't that hungry." Kayla finished. "I know. And I completely understand."
Paige nodded before returning her gaze below. "Emily said she hates me for making her let go." She spilled after a moment of heavy silence passed.
"I'm sure she didn't mean it. Emily's just overwhelmed with everything that's happening." Kayla rationalized.
"Well it hurt." Paige admitted. "But maybe I deserve it. Punishment for wanting."
"Paige, loving Emily isn't a sin." Kayla told the girl firmly.
"Then how come it feels like it is?" Paige asked, looking at Jai's sister helplessly. "It's not right that I love her this much when she isn't even mine."
Kayla sighed. "Don't get me wrong. I love my sister. And I'm happy she's alive. But a lot has happened since we thought she perished." She reminded the girl. "We all mourned her death and then little by little we resumed our lives again. Maybe it hasn't crossed their minds just yet. But those two are in denial." Kayla stated. "As much as they want to go back to the way things used to be, they can't. Because they've both changed."
"We all have, Kayla. Jai's death affected all of us, not just them." Paige argued.
"I know." Kayla uttered in agreement. "But her return hit my sister and Emily the hardest. It put their relationship in limbo. They weren't broken up when Jai died. But Emily had to move on some time and we both know my sister's smart. Somewhere at the back of her mind she knows that." She reminded the girl. "Now that she's back, they're clinging to the version of themselves before Jai died because without that, they're at a loss as to where they stand. Emily may not be yours but even from up here I can see that she's not Jai's either. At least not anymore."
"Wha- um, that's- I mean... what are you trying to say?" Paige asked, heart in her mouth as she dared to hope.
"She said you made her let go." Kayla recalled. "Don't you get it? Emily doesn't know what she wants anymore and I think she's mad at herself more than at you."
"So... what am I supposed to do now?" Paige asked, the girl's words giving her encouragement.
"I can't tell you. That's for you to decide." Kayla told the girl apologetically. "The situation's complicated enough as it is so I really shouldn't meddle. I just know that I want my sister to be happy. But I want you to be happy, too. If only there's a way for that to happen without anyone getting hurt." She lamented.
"Yeah. You and me both." Paige acquiesced.
Kayla took a deep breath and gave the girl a small smile. "Well I'm beat so I'm gonna call it a night." She said, knowing Paige wanted to be alone. "I hope you're in a better mood tomorrow. I'm making buttermilk pancakes for breakfast." Kayla whispered conspiratorially. Goodnight." She bade, planting a soft kiss on the girl's cheek as she hugged her.
"Goodnight." Paige repeated, returning Kayla's hug. "And thank you." She whispered before letting the girl leave.
When Jai's sister was back inside, Paige returned her attention to the couple dancing below and caught Emily looking at her. She didn't know how long the girl had been staring, or what to make of it. She just stood her ground and held Emily's gaze, daring the girl to be brave. But Emily looked away.
The following day, Paige emerged running from the woods surrounding the cabin with a determined expression on her face. Her breathing was ragged and a thin layer of sweat covered her entire body which made her skin glisten against the rays of the early morning sun. Paige gradually slowed down her pace as she headed for a tree stump and went a few steps past the marker before coming to a full stop. She was trying to catch her breath when she heard footsteps behind her and turned around to see Jai jogging towards her.
"You got faster." Paige commented after she checked her watch.
"Nah. You just got slower." Jai quipped as she walked over to the tree stump and reached for her water bottle.
"Not possible. Coach said my time improved so you got faster." Paige insisted, walking back to her best friend.
Jai bent down to grab the girl's water bottle and handed it to Paige. "What did Reese say?" She asked while watching the girl's reaction.
Paige shrugged. "Don't let it get to my head." She answered before taking a drink. "Of course she was just kidding when she said that." Paige reassured Jai when the girl frowned. "It's kinda our thing. Making comments like that."
"I see. So you two have a thing." Jai teased. "Tell me. How long have you been seeing your team captain?"
Paige almost choked on the water she was drinking and stared at her friend incredulously. "What?! Who told you that? There's nothing going on. Reese and I are just friends." She told the girl emphatically before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
"No one. It was just a hunch. So how did you two meet?" Jai asked, her curiosity piqued. "Blind date?"
Paige rolled her eyes. "No. I met her last semester before I even knew she was the captain of the track team. I was out for an early morning run when she almost ran me over with her bike at Shoemaker Green." She recounted. "I was annoyed at first when we met again because she refused to apologize. Turns out she's pretty cool and we hit it off really well. In a strictly platonic sense." Paige added as she raised her forefinger warningly.
"Too bad. I think you two look good together. But Emily did say Reese has a girlfriend after we ran into you two outside Harrison." Jai admitted, oblivious to the glimmer of hope in Paige's eyes brought about by that revelation. "So... does Reese know? Did you tell her?"
It took Paige a couple of seconds to understand what Jai was asking then shook her head. "No." She replied. "I don't think I can tell anyone else about it." Paige admitted, the words she just said making her realize something. "I really missed you, Jai." She confessed and her gaze shifted to the tree stump where they carved their initials years ago.
"I missed you, too." Jai answered, elbowing her friend gently. "Don't worry. I promise I'm not going anywhere this time. How have you been?"
Paige took a deep breath and shrugged. "I'm not gonna lie, there are good days and bad days." She admitted.
"But otherwise you're fine?" Jai asked worriedly.
"Yeah. God, Jai. It's like nothing's changed." Paige commented with an amused smile and shook her head wryly. "Still worrying about everyone else when you're the one who came back from the dead."
"Oh come on. You don't mean that. I must've changed a bit." Jai insisted.
"Well... you got skinnier. And darker. Does that count?" Paige asked after she studied her friend.
Jai sighed. "I'll take what I can get." She answered, seemingly disappointed.
"Don't look so glum." Paige told the girl teasingly. "It's a good thing. You're like... Old Reliable or something."
Jai's eyes widened. "What?! No. No, I'm not. I refuse to be referred to as that girl you can always call when you're in the mood for sex. Take that back!" She exclaimed indignantly.
"I'm kidding." Paige said, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But seriously. You know what I mean, Jazz. You've got a lot of people counting on you. Including me. So it's good to have you back."
"Really? Because I don't know..." Jai expressed when the girl nodded. "I just... ever since I showed up I had this feeling like you weren't glad I'm back or something. I actually even thought you were avoiding me." She admitted.
"I'm not." Paige answered, feeling guilty for lying. "I'm glad you're alive, Jai. Really. I guess I was just overwhelmed. It's not everyday your best friend who's supposed to be dead shows up breathing. I mean, you did die. To us you were dead for a year." She reminded the girl.
"Yeah. I know. I'm kinda weirded out about the entire thing as well." Jai confessed.
"Listen. I know you probably don't want to talk about it but I just have to ask. What happened to you out there?" Paige gently prodded.
Jai took a deep breath as she tried to figure out where to begin. "Of course I don't mind telling you. You're my best friend." She told the girl. "But I don't know everything. I still don't remember what happened to me after the crash. Like I told Em, when I woke up I was in a hospital." Jai recalled while toying with the cap of her water bottle. "One of the doctors said that an old couple found me when I drifted ashore in the waters near West Quoddy Head in Maine and then brought me to a hospital in Lubec. I was in a coma and they nursed me back to health until one day, I woke up. When I was strong enough I called my dad to take me home and... well you know the rest."
"But why can't you remember? What did the doctors say?" Paige asked, worried.
"That it was most likely a case of retrograde amnesia. That I must've blocked out something horrible but not to worry because eventually my memories will come back. Although to be honest, I'd rather I don't remember." Jai confessed. "Some things I think I'm better off not knowing. I'm just glad I survived. You know?"
"Yeah." Paige answered, lost in thought. She can't imagine going through what the girl did and she felt conflicted. Maybe now isn't the right time for her and Emily to come clean to her friend about them.
"I have a question of my own." Jai said, surprising the girl. "Relax. It's just about Emily." She told her friend with a wry smile. "When did you stop calling her Sniffles?"
"Uh... I don't remember." Paige lied. "I guess I just woke up one day and decided I was done making fun of her." She explained, hoping her voice didn't betray her anxiety.
"Well I'm glad you had a change of heart. Even if you two still barely talk to each other at least there's no more bickering." Jai commented, the relief evident in her voice. "And in case I forgot to tell you, thanks."
"Huh? For what?" Paige asked, confused.
"For looking after Emily when I was gone. I still owe you for that." Jai reminded her friend.
"Oh. That. Well you did guilt me into it." Paige replied, hoping her voice didn't falter.
"Still. You kept your promise and I'm grateful for that." Jai said sincerely. "I hope one day I can make it up to you."
You can pay me back right now. Give me Emily. Paige thought and immediately felt guilty for what crossed her mind just now. "I wouldn't worry about it too much." She told the girl instead. "I mean, that's just what friends do. Right?"
"Right. So. On a scale of no to busy, how swamped are you with school stuff?" Jai asked, changing the subject. "Because we could still use your help in the nursing home." She admitted.
Paige sighed. "Really busy. I can't help you out on that one because the Penn Relays is next week." She answered, relieved that she didn't have to lie to her friend this time.
"But... you can spare ten dollars, right? Buy a couple of tickets from me?" Jai asked optimistically. "The dance isn't until the end of the month. You could bring Reese as your date."
Paige shot her friend a death glare. "Fine. I'll buy one ticket. One." She emphasized. "Don't tell me to ask Reese or I'm not buying."
Jai laughed. "Deal. It was just a suggestion anyway." She quipped, patting the girl on the back as she walked past her friend. "Come on. Let's head inside. I'm starving and I can smell Kayla's cooking from this distance. If there's one thing that I missed more than my family, you, and Em, it's that."
Spencer pushed open the glass door of Harrison's main entrance and stepped outside the building on a Monday afternoon, the heat of the sun greeting her. She frowned as she shielded her eyes against the brightness and put on her sunglasses before walking any further but her expression changed when she saw a familiar figure walking up the steps toward her.
"Jai!" Spencer called out, waving at the girl. "Hey."
"Spencer. Hi." Jai said in greeting as she smiled at Emily's friend. "What's up?"
"Nothing much. Just headed to a class." Spencer answered, showing the girl a textbook she was carrying in her arm. "You on your way to meet Em at the café?"
Jai nodded. "We're going to grab a late lunch after her shift before I have to go to the hospital to sell these tickets." She explained as she waved a booklet she was carrying.
Spencer inclined her head to the left. "Tickets for what?" She asked, trying to read the small print.
"There's this dance at a nursing home in Glendale at the end of the month. They're trying to raise enough money so they could expand the home. Accommodate more people." Jai explained. "Hey. You want to help out? It's just five bucks each."
Spencer shrugged. "Sure. Put me down for one. Consider it my belated birthday gift to you." She said, getting her wallet and handing the girl a five dollar bill.
"Thanks." Jai replied, pocketing the cash before giving Emily's friend a ticket stub.
"So. How did the weekend at the cabin go?" Spencer asked as she slipped the ticket inside her book.
"Really good. It gave me a chance to figure out where I stand with Em." Jai admitted. "It's just that... ever since I came back, I felt like she's been distant. She behaves like she's seeing someone but when I asked her, she said no."
"Huh." Spencer uttered, managing to hide her surprise. "Well I guess you have nothing to worry about, then." She commented lightly. "At least you're not stressed out now that Em and Paige are friends. You must've been relieved that they weren't at each other's throat this weekend."
Jai frowned. "I wouldn't call them friends exactly." She said, giving the girl a wry look. "There's a significant lack of bickering between them, yes. But those two never said a word to each other the entire time we were there. What made you say they are?"
"I don't know. I guess because a few months after you left for London they started getting along." Spencer revealed. "But I could be wrong. Maybe now that you're back they just decided to start fighting over you again. For old times' sake." She quipped.
Jai laughed. "God, I hope not. That's definitely one of the things I didn't miss around here." She admitted.
"Well I should go." Spencer said when she checked the time on her watch. "But we should definitely catch up some other time. Have dinner or something."
"Yeah, I'd like that. Maybe we could make it a double date." Jai suggested. "Me and Em and you and Connor, is it?" She asked just to make sure she didn't get the name of Spencer's boyfriend wrong. "Maybe next week. And hey, thanks again for the belated birthday gift." Jai added, waving at the girl before heading to Café Prima.
Emily turned another page of the book she was reading and jotted something in her notebook before looking up when she heard the front door open and close. She waited until Spencer was settled on her bed before talking to the girl.
"How'd your meeting go?" Emily asked when she noticed her friend's annoyed expression.
"Exhausting." Spencer replied as she took off her shoes. "We had a heated discussion for almost an hour. An hour. About something as trivial as a membership fee. Can you believe that?!" She ranted before taking a deep breath to calm herself. "What are you doing?"
"Note-taking." Emily answered, taking the hint that her friend didn't want to talk about the meeting anymore. "I wasn't able to do it earlier since I decided to help Jai sell tickets for a few hours after my classes ended."
Spencer studied the girl who was back to reading her book, debating whether or not to ask Emily something. "About that. I, uh, ran into Jai earlier today." She began.
"Yeah. She told me about that. Thanks for buying a ticket." Emily said, looking at her friend again.
Spencer shrugged. "No problem. I think old people are sweet." She explained. "So... what else did Jai tell you?"
"Um... other than the double date with you and Connor, nothing. Why?" Emily asked, confused.
"Why did you lie about the girl you've been seeing?" Spencer inquired.
"Why are you bringing that up?" Emily asked, trying to avoid the question.
"Because I asked Jai how the weekend at the cabin went and she confided in me." Spencer revealed. "She said you've been distant ever since she came back and while she's confused about your behavior, I'm not." She reminded her friend.
"So what did you tell her?" Emily pressed, her mouth going dry.
"Obviously nothing or Jai would've brought it up when you two met for lunch." Spencer pointed out. "Why did you lie?" She repeated.
"I panicked." Emily confessed. "Our situation is complicated so I couldn't tell her outright. And I saw the fear in her eyes. She wasn't ready."
"Or maybe you're the one who's not ready to be honest." Spencer reckoned. "Does the other girl know about Jai's return?"
Emily nodded. "Yeah. And she understands that I need time to figure out things." She explained despite trying to convince herself to believe what she said.
The truth was, seeing Paige and Kayla that night at the balcony bothered her. Especially when she witnessed Jai's sister kiss Paige before hugging the girl. At that time, she told herself that it shouldn't matter. That she isn't jealous because Paige told her lots of times that Kayla isn't her type. Emily convinced herself that it shouldn't matter because she was slow dancing with Jai at that moment. Underneath the stars. It should've been romantic. But after seeing the two girls at the balcony, the moment was gone. And she felt horrible for continuing to dance with Jai when her mind was still on Paige.
"You're not being fair." Spencer said, bringing her friend back to reality. "Jai has a right to know as well."
"I agree. But like I said, it's complicated. I need time." Emily insisted.
"Well you better figure out things soon because Jai isn't stupid." Spencer reminded her friend before getting up and heading to the bathroom. She was about to close the door behind her but then she remembered something. "By the way. Are you and Paige back to fighting again?"
"Why do you ask?" Emily inquired.
"Because I felt like an idiot earlier when I told Jai you two were getting along. She wouldn't believe me because ever since she came back, she said she hasn't seen you and Paige talk." Spencer disclosed.
Emily shrugged. "Yeah. Everything's fine." She answered nonchalantly.
Spencer frowned. It's obvious her friend was lying to her but she couldn't figure out why. "Look. I'm not exactly Paige's biggest fan so I don't care about whatever's happening between you two." She reassured the girl. "I just wanted you to know that Jai didn't miss the animosity between you and her best friend. So if you still care about her and you and Paige aren't fighting, it wouldn't hurt to show her that." Spencer advised before closing the bathroom door and leaving Emily to ponder.
"Hmm. How about Chelsea?" Jai suggested, looking at the girl seated behind the wheel. "That's a pretty cool name."
Paige shook her head firmly. "No. I dated a girl named Chelsea once. No way I'm naming my car after her." She declared as they stopped at a red light.
"Well how about a guy's name instead? That way you know for sure you haven't gone out with any of them." Jai quipped.
"Funny." Paige deadpanned. "I'm not naming my car after a guy. It's going to be a girl's name. I just haven't decided on a name."
The two friends are currently on their way to Chestnut Street, having just gone from Penn State Gen. Paige had her usual appointment and Jai decided to wait for her friend so she could finally see Paige's apartment before having dinner at Kayla's and spending the night there as well. After the conversation they had last weekend, Paige didn't want to blow off her best friend again and she had to show Jai her apartment some time anyway so she decided to say yes to the girl's invitation.
"Just make sure it's not generic. This car of yours is a beauty." Jai commented while admiring the interiors of her friend's car. "It's cool of Nick to buy you a car."
Paige shrugged. "I guess. I did tell you that this car is his way of convincing me to attend UPenn and live outside of campus." She reminded the girl.
"What made you decide to apply to UPenn anyway?" Jai asked as she shifted in the passenger seat.
Paige glanced at her friend before changing gears when the light turned green. "My dad." She answered. And Emily. Paige thought as she kept her eyes on the road. "He found out I had a chance of getting accepted so he asked me to apply."
"But what about USC? That was your dream school." Jai reminded the girl.
"It still is." Paige affirmed. "I also got accepted but my dad didn't allow me to go after your death. Losing you was a struggle and for a while there I regressed. You could imagine how scared he was when that happened."
"I'm so sorry I left you." Jai told her friend sincerely. "But I'm glad you're here. You seem to be adjusting well."
"I'm still struggling with my classes but the track team has a great study group." Paige disclosed. "Although we haven't done much studying lately because of the Penn Relays."
"You must be excited." Jai commented, studying the girl.
Paige nodded. "I am. Because the more times I compete, the more chances I get to improve." She reminded her friend.
"For the WTS. I know." Jai replied. "When is it?"
"June of next year. But I don't know if I'll be able to qualify." Paige confessed. "I'm going to be up against better and more trained triathletes."
"Well you still have more than a year to train for it. Don't give up just yet." Jai told her friend encouragingly.
Paige contemplated whether or not to tell Jai about the training program and finally decided to do so when they stopped at another red light. "Actually... there's this thing in Spain." She began, looking at her friend. "This summer. Sort of a training camp for triathletes vying for a spot at the WTS. Slots are limited. And very expensive." Paige added. "Reese is going and she saved me a spot but I don't know if I should go. I still haven't made up my mind."
"Why? Do you have more important plans for the summer?" Jai asked, brows creased.
You mean other than figuring out where I stand with Emily? "No. Not really." Paige admitted.
"Okay. So what's holding you back, then?" Jai prodded. "It's a great opportunity, Paige. Don't let Reese's trouble of getting you that spot be for nothing. Go to Spain." She urged.
Paige blankly stared at the windshield, trying to rack her brain for an excuse not to go but all she could think about is her situation with Emily.
"We need to talk about this. What this means for us now that Jai's back."
"Us? There's no us. There never was."
"I just don't want her to find out right now."
"But you're going to tell her eventually, right?"
"I need more time."
"Emily, we thought Jai died. We weren't doing anything wrong."
"You thought Jai died! Remember? I kept telling you she isn't but you persuaded me to believe what you believe and now you made a mess out of everything! You made me give up! You made me let her go and I hate you for it."
"Don't say that."
"I hate you!"
"Hello? Earth to Paige." Jai said, waving a hand in front of her friend's face. "You okay? You just zoned out again."
Paige nodded. "Yeah. Sorry. I was just thinking." She answered vaguely. Maybe Reese has a point.
"About what?" Jai asked, studying the girl curiously.
"I think-" Paige began but she was suddenly cut off by the sound of a car horn blowing behind them, making her look at the rearview mirror.
Present Day...
Paige started when she heard her dad honk the horn of his car and she recovered from her surprise just in time to honk Reese's car horn to signal her father goodbye. She then eased her friend's convertible back into the driveway and turned off the engine before getting out and heading back the way she came.
"Your dad gone?" Reese asked when she felt Paige stand directly above her, effectively blocking the sun.
"Yeah." Paige answered, handing the keys back to the girl. "Come on. We should head inside. Sun's starting to get hot. Wouldn't want you to burn into a crisp now, do we?"
"You're hilarious." Reese shot back before extending an arm toward Paige and getting up with the girl's help. "Whoa." She muttered when she felt the ground spin. "Can I sleep a little? I think I need to sleep a little."
"You can crash on my bed until it's time to leave." Paige offered. "And I'll go get you that Advil now."
"Thank you." Reese said, wrapping one arm around the girl's shoulder for support as they began walking slowly. "So. Mind telling me again how you managed to be first in line for my dollar kiss?"
"Oh you mean the one that never happened?" Paige quipped as she led the way inside her house.