I DO NOT OWN PRETTY LITTLE LIARS OR THE CHARACTERS
Guess who? Chapter four is up. i apologise in advance for any mistakes it is 3am where i am and i am past the point of exhaustion (had to finish this chapter for you guys!) this is a total Paige scene next up Emily. Please review and tell me what you think good or bad. It means so much that you're enjoying what i am writing. Also introducing a new character.. tell me what you think!
Thank you and LOVE as always
RB
Paige
Squinting at the clock from behind the locker room window, Paige could only pray she would be able to sneak through the door unnoticed. She gulped hearing the inaudible laughing coming from inside. Finally mustering up the courage,mentally preparing herself for the roasting she was bound to receive from Coach Matthews, she reached for the door knob but was stopped in her tracks. A small yelp escaped her lips as the door flung open, a strong hand pulled her inside and dragged her to the back of the room.
"Dude!" A slender darker skinned girl whispered harshly. "Where the hell have you been? I've been covering your ass all morning. I had to tell Coach 'mother nature' called and you had to run to the drug store!"
Paige jaw dropped at the revelation.
"Let me get this straight.." pausing briefly as the swimmers teammate tried to cover up a chuckle hearing the innuendo, causing a sideways glare from Paige.
"Remember all those times i covered for you while you were either too hungover or too busy engaging in non PG activities with Gus?" The other girl nodded although not quite understanding why Paige sounded so pissed.
"The one and only time i'm late,the excuse you opt for was to tell our middle aged male coach i had to bail for tampon related emergencies"
The girl let out a hearty laugh before realising Paige's face remained less than amused. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.
"Look i never said i was any good at lying for other people!" she replied trying to disguise the mischievous grin with a pout that was clearly asking for forgiveness.
Paige tried her hardest to remain stern, but it was of no use, the bitten back smile had finally taken over her lips, coming to the conclusion that the girl opposite her could get away with murder with the flutter of her eyelashes.
She was 5ft10, had deep green eyes that were extremely rare giving the girls ethnicity. Rio had all the makings of a top model. She actually reminded the swimmer a lot of Hanna. She liked to party, loved the constant attention from the boys but remained fiercely loyal to her friends.
A year older than Paige, she was the first to befriend her as the other girls put her through gruelling exercises trying to suss out whether the girl was capable of anchoring. Paige was openly out at College. Other than a few looks from some of the typical shit head jocks, Paige never received a negative reaction regarding her sexuality, especially from her teammates. The girls all continued to change in communal areas without a second thought and they even went as far as trying to set her up with every girl they saw wearing flannel or biker boots that day. The thing for Paige that separated Rio from the others though was not once did she come up to girl, giving her the whole "you're so brave" or "how did your parents react? have you always known?" speech.
In fact Rio's reaction to the swimmers revelation was so surprisingly blasé it left Paige second guessing as to wether the girl actually heard her correctly. She had just shrugged linked arms with her and told her she was buying her Fro-Yo.
The girl clapped her hands with excitement as Paige finally gave in wrapping her in a one armed hug. She could never be too mad at her best friend.
"So you still haven't told me what happened this morning" The girl questioned as Paige turned to place her duffle bag on the bench.
"Wouldn't you like to know" the girl quipped back knowing her teammate would bound figure out what she was doing that morning. She had a sixth sense for those things.
As Paige predicted the other girls puzzled eyes slowly grew wider upon realisation as an open mouth grin took over her face.
"You dirty dog! Well it looks like i wasn't the only one getting wet this morning, slightly disappointed that my part was down to training for this rather important meet and yours was getting a long awaited fu.."
The girl was brought to silence as Paige's hand covered her loud mouth. Only to quickly release it as she felt the girls tongue lick her palm.
"Ergh, you're so gross!" Paige quickly retracted her hand before wiping it over her jeans.
"Please, when have you been so opposed to a little tongue action" The girl waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"You're disgusting ,do you know that?… Besides it was just coffee." The girl shrugged acting like it was no big deal, continuing to change into her swim suit.
"We both know that this is a very big deal doofus! You haven't even entertained the idea of dating since leaving 'Bitch Pocahontas'"
Paige winced at the nickname the girl used every time two discussed her past relationship with Emily, she gave Rio the same look she always did, telling her that she had gone too far. Her thoughts briefly thinking back to the talk with Talia.
"Wait, is that the girl who came looking for you in here earlier?"
Paige heart started to beat faster hearing the girls question. She looked for words but only managed to stammer trying to figure out why the girl was looking for her.
Rio smiled at Paige's obvious discomfort. She snapped on her swim goggles and began to walk towards the pool stopping to nod towards Paige's locker.
"I think a certain young lady may have slipped you a little love note" she rounded the corner leaving Paige sat on the bench, eyes focused on the locker behind her.
She waited for Rio to walk out of sight before jumping up and rushing over to her locker, cursing as she hit her shin against the bench on her way. She fumbled nervously with the combination before swinging the door open, a receipt from the coffee shop fell slowly to her feet. Taking a deep inhale she ben't down to pick it up.
I'm sorry about earlier, didn't mean to freak you out. I hope we can still be friends, I'll take whatever i can get.. Good luck out there, Go get em' Cowgirl. J x
Earlier that day:
"English breakfast tea?" Paige asked gently teasing the girl sat opposite her.
"What? I can't deal with all the fruity weird arse tea you guys have over here, why do you have to add sugar to EVERYTHING?" The blue eyed beauty quipped back, slurping at the hot beverage.
"You know you're probably the only person who orders that right?" The swimmer replied through a gentle laugh.
"Well what can i say, my mother always said i was one of a kind" She winked, earning a girly blush from Paige.
"Im just surprised you didn't ask for a fine china cup, hardly fit for tea with the Queen" She put on her best British accent.
Jess choked back a chuckle hearing the girls poor attempt at impersonating her.
"Ok one, i hope you know you just referred yourself as 'the Queen'. She giggled again watching as Paige dramatically flicked her hair comically suggesting she was of regal importance.
"And two don't get me started on the typical American stereotype, i wouldn't want to offend that pretty little face of yours" The soccer star sat back grinning in her seat.
"What you think we all sit on rocking chairs,drinking Bud Light, shooting cans off our porches?"
"Yes, something like that, just a bunch of overly patriotic, burger munching, Cowboys" The girl quickly replied taking a bite out of her cupcake.
"Woah, woah, woah" Paige cut the girl off,raising her finger in the air before continuing.
"All my life I've wanted to be a Cowgirl, don't trash my dreams, Jessie!"
Jess's face suddenly lit up.
"Jessie huh? When did we move on to the nickname stage"
"I thought it needed an American upgrade, just trying be a good friend, help you blend in"
Jess crossed her arms shaking her head at the girls cocky demeanour, a smile still plastered to her face.
"Right well that settles it, from now on, you will be named Cowgirl"
"What, no! You cant let everyone know my childhood fantasy!" Paige quickly protested
"Well its too late" the girl shot back. "I can't even remember your real name now. What was it.. Pipper, Pete?"
Paige laughed deeply. Throwing a balled up napkin at the girl in fits of giggles opposite. Jess's whitt was rather impressive not to mention pretty hot. Paige couldn't remember a time she had smiled so much that it made her cheeks ache.
"I thought you disapproved of us rowdy cowboy types?"
Jess's laughter quickly turned to a half smile as she looked down to focus her eyes on the cup in front of her, fiddling nervously with the the receipt in her hands.
"I do" Her tone turned more serious as her eyes shifted from her hands and back to Paige's deep chestnut eyes.
"I guess it just depends on whose wearing the boots.."
Butterflies invaded the swimmers stomach as she ran her finger over the girls handwriting. Even after running out on the girl she still wanted to make sure Paige knew that she was there for her. In that moment nothing was in the girls thoughts but Jess. Her perfect flowing hair that gently caressed the sides of her cheekbones. The way she spoke softly, but never lacked passion.. and those eyes. Paige often found herself getting lost in the deep blue pools that had a never ending depth.
Smiling to herself as she clutched the note to her chest she was immediately pulled from her thoughts as Coach Matthews military tone shot through the air like a canon.
"Cardinals all in!"
Startled Paige turned her attention to the group of girls huddling in the middle of the room, smiling one last time at the sight of the crinkled receipt before shutting it in her locker.
"Im not going to repeat how important today means to this team. Those Baylor girls out there are tough, however in my 7 years coaching i have never been so proud of the group of young ladies that stand in front of me at this very moment. You've worked so hard for this.."
He momentarily glanced to Paige, the telling look letting the girl know that he was proud of the impressive work she had put in the last few months.
"And now its all about to pay off." All the girls placed their hands in the circle. They all simultaneously began to draw a low build up.
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ,3,2,1 CARDINALS!"
A series of cheers and banging of lockers filled the room as they all began to dispense, heading towards the distant sound of supporters cheering in the bleachers.
"Paige can i see you for one moment" The Coach signalled towards her before looking over his shoulder checking they were far away from listening ears.
"You are my star swimmer Paige, i need you on top form if were going to be able to win nationals this year"
Shifting nervously in his stance he reached to his back pocket, picking out a stack of folded papers before clearing the frog in his throat
"I took the liberty of picking some pamphlets on.. you know lady stuff and how to deal with…er…well….lady stuff whilst competing"
Paige's face turned beet red as she slowly took the paper from the coaches hand, cringing internally as she heard a familiar muffled giggle coming from no one else but her best friend.
"Thanks Coach, i think thats all the information i could ever need" Turning to scowl at Rio standing at her locker pretending to fix her swim cap.
He sighed deeply "Thank god thats over" placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze "You got this, Kid"
"Thanks Coach." As he walked away Paige made her way over to the girl doubled over in fits of laughter. She lightly punched Rio's arm.
"Do you see what you did! I wanted to crawl under a rock and die" She cringed yet again looking down at the pamphlets before tossing them in the trash.
"Hey, that took a lot of effort on his part finding them for you" The girl replied wiping away the tears of laughter the scenes before had caused.
Before Paige could react she was cut off by the introductory announcements. They both quickly made their way to the tunnel.
"And Now please welcome your Varsity Cardinals!"
The natatorium exploded with cheers and chants as the girls all walked out, waving to their family and friends in the crowd.
Taking off her warm ups as the Announcer read through the her teammates names, each earning a cheer, she fought hard to contain her nerves.
"And last but by all no means least. Ladies and Gentleman please welcome…your Anchor… Paige McCuller's" The stadium erupted as Paige's name was mentioned. Noticing the cheers were even louder than normal she looked around for the source of screaming.
There stood, frantically waving foam fingers and holding banners reading "Crush Em' CARDINALS" ,was the entire 22 member soccer squad.
There was a sort of rivalry at the college. Teams from other sports rarely attended other sporting events even though they all represented the same colors. It was incredibly moving moment for Paige, seeing such an amazing amount of support the girls were giving her and it didn't take long for her to lock eyes with the girl who undoubtedly made all that possible.
There she stood wearing a tightly fitted Cardinal hoody which she made look more incredible than anyone else ever could. They stared at each other for what seemed like forever. In Paige's head it was just the two of them in the room, no noise, nothing. Just the two of staring deeply into each other eyes. Jess offered a small wave which mean't more to the girl than the hundreds of people cramped into the bleachers screaming her name.
"She's really beautiful Paige" Looking on from behind the girl Rio had noticed who the swimmer was staring so intently at.
Without turning and without breaking eye contact with Jess, Paige simply replied.
"Yeh..she is."
2 hours later
This was it. The part they had all been leading towards. It was a tie. The only thing separating the two teams was the dreaded relay.
"We got this right?" Rio looked nervously to Paige for reassurance.
"Yeh..we do." Paige gave the girl a supportive pat on the back, trying to swallow the sickening nerves filling her stomach.
She had to be strong, well at least appear that way. She was the leader in the team. The girl who was going to either fail or bring back the trophy. She looked to the crowd, Nick was stroking his chin anxiously giving her the "you know what to do" nod, her mother just giving her a huge smile and a thumbs up.
Paige had won all her races previous to this event, she had a lot to be proud of. But she knew this was the make it or break it moment of the year.
As she lined up behind the her one final glance at Jess. There she stood off to the side of the chanting girls. Her hands clasped together covering her mouth, bouncing ever so slightly on her heels.
*BANG*
The sound of the pistol bought Paige's attention back to the task in hand. She watched as Rio flew into the water earning an early lead. Her ears were ringing from the noise as the next swimmer took over. She breathed heavily fixing her goggles on top of her head.
The chants continued, her head felt like it was swelling from the unforgiving noise as Cesca, the slowest of the 4 girls took her position. Paige's heart dropped seeing the other girls dive. She had only managed to dive 5ft before hitting water, not far enough to keep up with the competition.
"It's now or never Kid!" Her coach yelled from the opposite side of the pool. Paige took her position. Glancing sideways sizing up the Baylor anchor. She snapped her goggles over her eyes.
The Baylor girl was half way through the dive when Cesca finally managed to reach the wall. The crowd went silent as Paige threw herself off the board. A full 8ft before breaking water. Her best start all season. She sliced through the water, pushing hard as a burn ripped through her muscles. She had a lot to make up for. With every stroke she could see the girl getting closer in her peripheral vision. Her turn was tight. Textbook perfect, reminding everyone in the crowd as to why she was considered the best of the best.
The wall slowly coming to sight, Paige gave it her everything. She could no longer see the girl she was racing but she knew she had to focus. This was her time to be the star.
As her hand touched the wall every thing seemed like it was running in slow motion. She heard nothing. Opening her eyes she looked up towards her timer. Before he could react the Crowd erupted 10 times louder than before. Paige had not only beaten her opponent by a full 2.8 seconds, she had set College record, smashing her personal best.
She shook the other girls hand, looking to her mom in the bleachers waving her arms like a woman possessed. The girls were ecstatic chanting Paige's name as they all reached to pull the swimmer out of the pool. She began to reach for the sea of outstretched arms before hesitating and turning her gaze towards the soccer girls, noticing Jess throwing her fists in the air,cheering as she hugged her teammates. Looking back once again at the confused girls at the edge of the pool she was drawn to Rio. The girl simply smiled and nodded gesturing her head towards the soccer star.
Paige didn't need to be told twice. She pushed back off the wall swimming towards the centre of the pool before cutting under each lane, stopping at the edge right next to Jess. Barely having enough energy to climb the steps let alone pull herself out the pool she leaned over the side as Jess pushed her way through the crowd and made her way towards the swimmer. The crowd went quiet,100 odd puzzled face stared a the two girls in confusion.
"Paige you were incredible" The girl finally spoke up, barely controlling her excitement.
"No Jess, you are.. I don't know how you convinced 2 dozen girls to come down here and support us but you did. Thank you."
Jess simply brushed off the comment.
"Well as captain of the team i kind of get to tell them what to do… obviously nothing to do with the fact i may have promised to buy 22 pots of frozen yoghurt"
Paige smiled hearing the girls revelation. "Wow thats an expensive move"
Jess chuckled before shrugging nervously
"Well its worth it"
A brief silence overcame the two before Paige finally spoke up.
"Earlier…i was an idiot. You're gorgeous…and your funny and smart and to be honest you scare the crap outta me"
Jess's eyebrows dropped in confusion but she didn't dare interrupt.
"You scare me because i haven't felt how i'm feeling right now in such a long time. Jess…I would love nothing more than to take you to dinner"
A gasped filled the natatorium as Jess's jaw dropped to the floor. A side from a few wolf whistles it was completely silent as Jess struggled to find the words to respond to the gesture.
"Say Yes!, Say Yes!, Say Yes!"
Paige looked over to her teammates, Rio was leading the chants, engaging the whole crowd to participate.
Before they knew it they were looking back into each other eyes. The pairs cheeks slightly flustered as the whole stadium, Baylor students included, urged the girl to accept the offer.
Before Paige could say another word Jess crouched down in front over her, not caring that the sloshing water was soaking her knees. She gently caressed Paige's face with both hands before leaning in to leave a gentle longing kiss on the swimmers cheek. She pulled back, still continuing to rub her thumb over the girls wet face before finally answering.
"You're on, Cowgirl"
With that the crowd was ignited yet again, the whole swim team jumped into the pool and swarmed Paige with hugs and high fives…but nothing could tear the girls eyes off Jess.
She was the girl who sat in the stands and watched Paige win.