A/N: You guys continuously shock and awe me with the amount of support and love that you show. Hope you guys don't mind the length of the chapters. It seems like with each new chapter, the characters have more to say. So I don't stop writing until they tell me to. Sorry about the grammatical errors last chapter. It was super late when I posted and I was beyond tired. I've noticed my spacing is kind of wonky when I posted my chapters as well. I'm trying to work on it. Anywho,hope you guys enjoy this one. On to the tale...
One month later
College life has been so much better and way more stressful than I expected at the same time. Paige and I have settled into a nice routine. We usually run together in the mornings. We haven't wanted to get out of shape before the swim season started. Besides we like starting the day off together. Its one of the few things that helps us to not feel so overwhelmed. Depending on what day it is, we try to have lunch or dinner together. Paige, Hanna and myself meet at Paige's place twice a week to study. Paige's roommate, Spencer, seems to be sort of an ice queen. Paige says she hasn't gotten the opportunity to really get to know her better yet, but said that Spencer doesn't mind that Hanna and I are around as much as we are. Hanna and I have been spending a lot of time together. We've been having a blast, but I'm getting the opportunity to see a side of Hanna that most people aren't privy to. To the outside observer, Hanna seems like a party girl who's only ambition is to have as much fun in the next four years as possible. Being around her like I have has proven that couldn't be farther from the truth. She's smart, focused and determined. Don't get me wrong, she is a party girl, but she very much knows her own mind and where she wants to go in life. She and Paige are becoming quite close as well. They laugh and joke and tease each other incessantly. I think Hanna might have a girl crush on her. I love that they get along the way that they do. It does my heart good to see Paige take to someone who isn't Ben or myself. She's never been one for making friends. Ben is the only person I haven't seen much of lately. I knew that he would be busy with football, but it's starting to get a little ridiculous. I hardly ever see him. He's gone a lot due to away games. When he is here, there's always some excuse as to why we can't spend time together. Whether it's practice or having to watch game film or cramming for a class because he's so behind. Even when we text, he doesn't respond with more than a few words. While I'm waiting in one of the dining halls for Paige to arrive for dinner, I keep replaying the conversation I had with Naya in the diner the night of the Freshman meet and greet in regards to Ben.
"Is this seat taken." I look up and it's the woman in question.
"I'm waiting for Paige actually," I answer.
"Surely she won't mind if I keep you company," Naya says.
"Ok sure," I say.
"So," I start,"Where are you from Naya?"
"A little town in Ohio. I'm sure you've never heard of it," she answers.
"What brought you to Penn?" I follow up with.
"I wanted to get as far away from my little Podunk town as quick as possible. Penn offered me a scholarship to cheer. An opportunity presented itself so I took it. I was packing my bags faster than you could say 'Go, Fight, Win'," she says. I laugh at her last statement.
"So Emily, tell me about yourself," she says.
I give her an abbreviated version of my life story.
"How long have you and Ben been dating?"
"Almost two years. We're high school sweethearts," I say.
"Hmm," is Naya's response.
"What?" I ask her.
"Nothing. I'm just trying to figure out how a guy like that managed to get a girl like you. I don't know if you've noticed doll, but you have this inner glow about you that is captivating. You're light shines so bright. I know I'll get burned if I get too close, but I'll be damned if I don't mind risking it."
I look down and blush. I've never had someone describe me that way before. She puts her hand on my chin to raise my eyes to hers. I feel a little current of electricity were her fingers touch my skin. Nothing like what I feel when Paige and I have touched lately, but there's a spark there all the same.
"Thanks," I reply shyly.
"I mean it Emily. You're very special and something tells me that he doesn't appreciate you nearly as much as he should. You shouldn't have to settle."
My heart is doing this little jumping thing and I can't stop smiling at her.
"Hey Em, sorry to keep you waiting," Paige says as she makes her entrance.
Naya and I jump apart.
"Looks like your guard dog is here, so I'll be making my leave," Naya says. "Don't worry Rover. I played nice while you weren't here," she says to Paige.
"Don't you have a virgin to sacrifice or something?" Paige comments.
Naya ignores her comment and looks at me. "It was nice getting to know you Emily. We should do it again some time."
"What was that all about?" Paige asks.
"What? She's actually really nice and kind of sweet if you must know."
"We can't possible be talking about the same person. Vampire lady who practically sucked the blood from you the first time we ever met her," Paige says incredulously.
"She was not that bad."
"No, she was worst. Promise me you'll be careful around her."
"Paige," I scold.
"Please Em. I know you like to see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt, but I get a bad vibe from her."
"Ok Paige, I promise." We sit for a second, both lost in our respective thoughts.
"Are you ready for our first official practice as lady nittany lions?" she asks me.
"Excited doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling. I'm so ready but at the same time I'm a ball of nerves. This is a whole different ball game. As good as we were in high school, is doesn't mean anything now. This is the big leagues," I say anxiously.
"You hardly have anything to worry about. They pursued and wooed you. You're definitely ready for the big time."
"So are you," I tell her.
"Yeah, but I have a little bit more to prove than you do," she replies wistfully.
"Remember we're in this together. The dynamic duo." I smile.
"Yeah but I'm Batman. You're Robin."
"Ok Dark Crusader. Let's finish this up. We have an early start tomorrow and I still have some studying to do," I say.
"Sure thing Boy Wonder."...
Paige and I meet up to make our way to swim practice together. Our journey is made in relative silence. I can tell she's trying to contain her first day nerves as much as I am. We enter into The Natatorium and I realize nothing in my young life has prepared me for this moment. Sure, I had the opportunity to view the facilities while I was being recruited, but knowing that I'm about to possibly leave my own legacy here carries a different kind of weight to it. I glance over at Paige and see she's sporting a similar look.
"I've never seen such a beautiful pool in my entire life," she whispers.
"Why are you whispering," I whisper back.
"I feel like we're on hollowed ground," is her reply.
We make our way to the locker room and most of the team is already there milling about and chatting. We get to the wall of lockers and search for the ones that are ours.
Emily Fields.
I smile when I see my name engraved on the locker's nameplate. Paige is next to me grinning like a fool.
"We're in this thing," she says.
I giggle and push her shoulder for being such a goofball. We change into our suits and wait for coach to make her arrival.
"Good morning ladies and welcome to your first day of the season," Coach Murphy says. "I won't make much of a speech this morning because we have a lot of work to get done. I will say, each and everyone of you is here because you're the best of the best. Each of you ladies has something special to offer this team and together, I believe we can do great things. With that being said, you'll have to earn your spot and prove that you deserve to be in the water. Let's get out there and start the beginning of a great year."
We're all pretty amped from coach's talk and that intensity translates into the water. The sheer amount of talent is staggering and I know I'm going to have my work cut out for me in terms of proving my worth. After practice, we all shower and change. Paige and I are sitting side by side discussing the rest of our day.
"Your Fields, right?"
A beautiful girl is standing behind us. She's statuesque with shoulder length hair. Smooth brown skin and a mouth that looks like it would be pretty when she smiles. But she isn't smiling right now. She's scowling.
"Yeah, I'm Emily. Pleased to meet you." I reach to shake her hand.
"You can cut that shit out. I'm not here to be your friend," she says.
Paige stands up and says, "excuse me?!"
I put my hand on her chest to slow her down.
"No, no Paige. I got this." I turn to the girl and ask, "excuse me?"
"I'm here to put you on alert. I know coach moved heaven and earth to get you here, but that doesn't mean a damn thing to me. I've been the best swimmer on this team for the last two years and I don't intend to be replaced by some freshman. You better bring it everyday or I will eat you alive."
I'm stunned by her little rant. Paige, on the other hand, is never short on words. "Could you at least tell us who you are before you start making idle threats?"
"I'm Shana. You're Paige I presume. Might I add I have been looking forward to meeting you."
Paige looks like she's about to come back with a witty remark. "Wait, what?" Paige asks. "How do you know who I am?
"I like to follow all the new recruits if I can. I won't have anyone who can't hack it on my team. I honestly think you're the better swimmer out of the two of you," Shana says.
"Emily is the best swimmer I've ever seen," Paige responds adamantly.
"It's easy to be a big fish when you're in a little pond. This is a whole different animal. Anyway, I'd be more than willing to give you some one on one help if you're ever interested. I can help you in any area you feel necessary," Shana offered.
"Yeah ok sure," Paige says.
"See you around Paige." She then turns to me. "Remember Fields, bring it!"
Paige sits a little dumbfounded for a second. "I think she was hitting on me," Paige comments.
"I think you would be right," I answer sarcastically.
"Why'd you say it like that?" she asks.
"I didn't say it like anything."
"Yes you did. You said it like... Oh my gosh you're jealous!" Paige exclaims.
"Hardly," I say.
"Yes you are. You're jealous that someone likes me more than they like you."
"No, I'm upset that she had the nerve to come at me like that in the locker room," I say irritated.
"Don't pay it much attention Em. Everybody has haters."
"I guess."
"Come on let's hurry up before we're late for class."...
Later that evening, Paige, Hanna and I are sprawled out in Paige's living room studying.
"Oh my gosh I need a break. I've read the same sentence, like five times," Hanna whines.
"Yeah I could do with a break," Paige concurs.
She stands up to stretch. I watch the lines of her body and how her muscles flex while she's stretching. I look over and see Hanna staring at me with a smug look on her face. I look away embarrassed that I was caught leering at Paige.
"You guys we should totally go to a party tonight," Hanna suggests.
"Hanna it's Monday night," Paige says.
"And your point is?" Hanna says.
"Where are we going to find a party on a Monday?" she asks.
"Paige we're in college. There's a party every night. Come on you guys. You're a month into your freshman year and haven't been to one party yet. Is that any way to start your college career?"
"She does have a point, Skittles," I tell Paige.
"All right, all right we can go to a party," Paige surrenders.
"Yeah!" Hanna and I say in unison.
"But we can't stay out too long or drink too much. Em and I have an early start tomorrow."
"Yes mother," Hanna says.
"Maybe I'll text Ben and see if he wants to join us," I suggest.
"Sure. Paige you should asks Spencer if she wants to come too." Hanna says.
"I highly doubt it, but sure I'll ask," she replies.
We all make plans to meet back at Paige's in an hour and a half and set off our dorm room. On the way there I get a text from Ben.
Always down to party. Can't wait to see you. Text me the details.-ben
I smile and send him the information. This day seems like it's turning out alright...
We are headed to some frat party Hanna found out about. A guy that she has been trying to hook up with is supposed to be there. When we enter the house, the party is already in full swing. We head to the make shift bar and pour ourselves some much needed drinks.
"I can't believe how many people are here," Paige remarks.
"Told you, party everyday of the week," Hanna says triumphantly.
We take our cups and make our way around the party to get a feel for it. Across the room I spot Ben talking to a couple of guys.
"Hey you guys I see Ben. I'm going to go let him know that I'm here," I tell the girls.
They both nod their heads and I navigate my way through the crowd. When I get close to him, I wrap my hands around his waist from behind
"Hey baby, how long have you been here?" I ask.
He turns around and swiftly removes my hands from his body.
"Hey Em. I didn't know you were here." His eyes are searching the party while we talk.
"Yeah the girls and I just got here." One of the guys looks me up and down and whistles.
"Coogan you dog where have you been hiding this one?" the guy asks.
"This is my girlfriend Emily," Ben replies. "Em, this is Noel Kahn. He's the starting quarterback."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I say.
"No the pleasure is all mine. If you ever get bored with this jerk, please be sure to keep me in mind," Noel says.
"Hey Ben, Noel! Beer pong is starting down stairs!" some guy shouts from across the way.
"Gotta go. Come find me before you leave okay," Ben says. I nod in the affirmative.
"Bye Emily," Noel says while smiling a smile that takes up half of his face. I make my way back over to the girls.
"Where'd Ben go?" Paige asks.
"Beer pong," I say by way of explanation.
"Enough said," she says.
"Are we going to stand here all night or we going to party?" Hanna asks annoyed.
"Ok come on let's party," Paige says...
We've been at the party for two hours now and we definitely all have a buzz going. Some of us more than others. I hear the intro to one of my favorite songs and can't contain myself.
"Oh my gosh I love this song!" I say.
"Come on Paige I have to dance to this."
"Em you know I'm not much for dancing. Why don't you ask Ben to dance."
"Because I haven't seen Ben in the last hour. Who knows where he's at."
I hear Hanna mumble something I can't decipher in response. Whatever it was, Paige is highly annoyed by it because she shoots Hanna a look.
"Oh Paige why don't you indulge the girl. What's a little platonic girl on girl dancing between friends," Hanna smirks.
"Hey Paige, I didn't know you'd be here," someone says from over her shoulder. It's Shana. Paige smiles and does this cute little head dip thing she does whenever she's feeling bashful.
"Hey Shana good to see you," she says.
"And it is always a pleasure to see you," Shana flirts back.
They're standing staring at each other and I think I'm going to be sick.
"Paige I'm going to go grab a drink." I might as well be talking to myself because neither one of them acknowledges me. I walk off in the direction of the kitchen. While pouring myself another cocktail, I try to process why, for the second time, that an interaction between Paige and Shana has me feeling some type of way. I'm trying to put a name to what I'm feeling, but can't figure out what it is.
"Hey Fields?" It's Naya.
"Naya," I say.
She notices the look of displeasure painted across my face.
"What's gotten into you?" she asks.
"Nothing," I say.
I glance back in the direction of Paige and Shana. Naya flows my line of sight and smiles smugly.
"Wanky," she says. "Looks like your suffering from a case of the green eyed monster."
After a beat she says, "Do you know what they say the cure for that is?"
I raise my brows in question.
"The best way to get over one girl is to get under another," she answers.
I scoff, "I'm hardly interested in any girl if you must know."
"Really? Well you could have fooled me."
I hear that my favorite song is almost over and say, "Come on lets dance before my song goes off."
I grab her hand and lead her to the dance floor. I glance over her shoulder to make sure that Paige can see us from her vantage point. Naya pulls my body flush against hers and I feel a flutter in my stomach. That's something else that's happened for the second time today that I don't have an explanation for.
"Am I wearing down your resolve Emily?" she asks.
"It's just a dance Naya," I say.
"Sure doll. Keep telling yourself that. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"Can we just shut up and dance."
She's silent for all of a second before she says, "I've been trying to figure you out and you know what I think," she says.
"I thought we were shutting up and dancing," I reply.
"I think you're a spaghetti girl."
I scrunch my face and say, "spaghetti girl?"
"Yeah, straight until wet."
My jaw drops in silence. I can't believe she just said that. I'm about to give her a piece of my mind when Paige appears.
"Is everything over here ok?" Paige asks.
"Emily and I were just dancing Kujoe. No need to get worked up," Naya answers.
"Beat it Cruela," Paige spits back.
"Ouch! You cut me so deep. And just when I thought we were getting along," Naya feigns hurt.
"Catch you later beautiful. Looks like you accomplished your mission,"she shoots me a wink and strolls off.
"Paige why'd you have to be so mean. We were only dancing," I say.
"She looked like she was getting kind of handsie that's all," Paige explains.
"Well you didn't have to talk to her like that."
"I'm just looking out for you Em. I don't trust her farther than I can see her. I trust her even less when it comes to you," Paige says. I can tell she's getting irritated.
"I could say the same thing about Shana."
"That is hardly the same thing," she says intensely.
"How would you know?" I yell.
"Look Em I didn't come over here to fight with you. I was just coming to get you because Hanna and I are ready to go."
"Ok. Can we find Ben first? I told him I'd let him know when I was leaving."
Paige grabs my hand as we go in search of Ben. We head downstairs where they were playing beer pong.
"Any of you guys seen Ben?" Paige asks.
"He was headed upstairs about an hour ago," Noel answers. He and some of the guys hi five each after he says this.
Paige brings me back to Hanna and says," I'll go find him and let him know we're leaving. It'll be easier if the both of us don't go." I agree and wait with Hanna. A few minutes later Paige returns and she looks pissed off.
"Come on let's go," she says roughly. She pushes pass people and is moving so fast Hanna and I can hardly keep up.
"Hey slow down Usain Bollt," Hanna says.
"What's gotten into you?" I ask.
"Ben's an ass and I just want to get out of here!" She says coarsely. I jump at her response, but keep silent. Something has been going on between the two of them since before we left Rosewood and I plan to get to the bottom of it.