Maya stopped a few feet away from Emily. She had a gentle smile on her lips and her eyes searched Emily's. "Hey…," she whispered.
Emily looked deeply into her eyes and smiled affectionately; her heart racing. "Hey…," she whispered back.
Maya took another step closer, mentally trying to find the words to say in that moment. She had rehearsed what she would say but now couldn't find the words. Her own heart was now racing and she could feel the nervousness coursing through her. Say something, Maya. Say something, anything. She looked down at the floor momentarily before raising her eyes slowly back up to Emily's. Nearly blinded by a sudden flash, she shifted her eyes in the direction of the source to see that Emily's hand was resting on a knife.
Maya looked back at Emily a little surprised but understood the situation. "Sorry. I should have put something in the texts to let you know it was me. I didn't mean to frighten you," she apologized feeling a little reckless that she hadn't thought to do that in the first place, especially with everything that was happening. Note to self; don't do that again. Next time find a way to identify yourself. Wait; will there be a next time? Maya wasn't sure that there would be.
Taken back by her comment, it took a brief second for Emily to register what she just heard. She had been so nervous about what Maya would say to her that when she did speak, Emily froze. She followed Maya's gaze and realized that she was looking at the knife under her hand. She quickly pushed the knife away and turned back to Maya. "No; it's ok," she reassured her. She didn't want Maya distracted by that.
It suddenly hit Emily that she needed to send Aria a text before the police were called. The last thing she needed was for them to show up at her house, especially tonight. "I'm sorry, I just need to send Aria a text and let her know that I'm okay," she said, realizing that it sounded more like she was asking Maya's permission than informing her. Maya nodded and Emily quickly sent the text to Aria. When she finished she put both hands back on the counter and shifted her focus back to Maya.
Maya lowered her eyes to the floor again while Emily anxiously waited for her next words. She raised her eyes again and softly cleared her throat. "Can we…go up to your room?" She asked barely managing not to stutter.
Emily's lips parted with one eyebrow rising slightly. Maya noticed the reaction and quickly tried to clarify what she intended by the question. "It's just that there's less windows up there," she added, almost shyly.
Emily exhaled before answering. "Sure," she motioned with her head for Maya to follow her. Every nerve in her body was on edge as Maya stepped even closer to her. She wanted so desperately to reach out to her and wrap her in her arms. The only thing that stopped her was the fear of scaring her away.
Emily wasn't sure where Maya's mind was or how she would react. She still remembered the day in the woods when Maya, for the first time since they met, rejected her. Emily knew she wouldn't survive another rejection like that, not from Maya. She slowly pushed herself away from the counter and found herself now only inches away from her.
Oh, Maya… Emily gazed into her eyes, falling deeper into the beautiful sparkling brown eyes that stared up into her own. She could feel herself losing the battle. Any moment now, she could see herself reaching for her if she didn't move away quickly. It was as if Maya could hear her thoughts and took pity on her. She lowered her eyes to the floor, breaking the eye contact.
Reluctantly but a little relieved, Emily turned and headed out of the kitchen toward the stairs.
Maya followed but kept her head down and eyes fixed on the floor as they walked. She also maintained as much distance between them as possible. Even still, she could smell the scent of Emily's skin circling around her. When they finally reached Emily's room, she felt even more nervous than before. The need to be close to Emily was becoming overwhelming with each passing moment. It's one thing to fight your desires when others are around but it's an entirely different matter when you are alone with the one you desire most in the world. Maya seriously overestimated her resolve but couldn't turn back now.
Emily placed her hand on the door handle, pausing briefly. She took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping aside and allowing Maya to enter first. Her hesitation didn't go unnoticed. Maya slowly walked pass her, focusing on the other side of the room and not daring to look at her. Once inside, she walked as far to the other side of the room as possible, putting distance between her and Emily. Her head was still down when she turned to face her.
Emily stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She turned towards Maya with her eyes locked on her. She didn't move but stood perfectly still. She hoped that Maya would say something soon because the intense uncertainty of the moment was becoming more than she could bare. Her knees were starting to become weak and she knew that it was only a matter of time before they buckled beneath her.
What Emily didn't know is that Maya was just as anxious. She didn't expect this when she came to the decision to meet with Emily. Finally, she decided to speak and hoped the anxiety wouldn't be heard in her voice.
"I know that you got a lot of answers from Jason but I think you should get some directly from me. Spencer was right; you do deserve that," Maya began. "I'll tell you as much as I can and explain as much as I can…" her voice trailed off. Her eyes were still fixed on the floor.
Emily took a few steps closer to her, wanting her to look at her but not daring to speak and interrupt. She wanted her to go on. Maya took a breath and continued. "First, I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt you. That day in the woods took me by surprise; took us all by surprise. You weren't supposed to know that I was alive yet or maybe ever," her voice involuntarily broke at the last part.
Emily could hear the pain in her voice. Her heart was bursting and her need to hold Maya was growing with such intensity that she couldn't fight it anymore. Before she could stop herself, she crossed the room in a flash and wrapped her arms around her. Emily's arms circled Maya's neck so fast that she didn't even have a chance to look up. Her face was pressed against Emily's chest and her arms instinctively closed themselves around her waist. They both pulled each other tighter, pressing their bodies together.
Maya could feel Emily's heart pounding against the side of her face as her chest heaved. She didn't need to see her face to know that she was weeping. Emily started to whimper, as her arms tightened around Maya's neck. She buried her face into Maya's soft locks and let her tears fall; finally giving into her emotions, her pain, her sorrow, and her deep love for Maya that never really left her no matter how hard she had tried to let her go.
Maya could feel Emily starting to tremble so she gently pulled her toward the bed without breaking their embrace. Once she felt the edge of it against her leg, she turned Emily so that she could sit her down on it. Emily complied but kept her arms tight around Maya.
Maya maneuvered herself so that she could sit next to her without breaking their hold on each other. She delicately stroked Emily's back in an attempt to calm her but the action had a reverse affect. Emily's sobs were now coming harder and faster, her body shaking uncontrollably. Maya held her tighter as tears welled up in her own eyes. Emily's sorrow was killing her but she didn't dare ask her to stop crying. She just held her and let Emily do what she needed to do.
After several minutes, Emily finally turned her head to face Maya. She cupped Maya's face in her hands and let her thumb gently graze her bottom lip. She then pressed her forehead against Maya's as the last wave of sobs ripped through her.
When Emily finally spoke, her voice was strained. "I thought I lost you and it almost killed me," she wept softly.
Maya closed her eyes tight, trying to keep from completely breaking down. She opened them slowly before she spoke. "I am so sorry, Em. I never wanted this, to hurt you like this. I wish I could have found another way…," her voice was now shaking and the tears that she had fought to hold back were now streaming down her cheeks. She took a deep breath and swallowed hard trying to regain some composure.
After a few seconds, Maya was calm enough to make another attempt at speaking. "I understand if you can't forgive me; I can't even forgive myself for what I've done to you. I just ask that you don't hate me; I wouldn't be able to handle that…" Maya was saying before she was cut off.
Emily pulled her head away, looking deep into her eyes. The look on her face was one of disbelief at what she was hearing. "I could never hate you, never. My God, Maya. Do you have any idea how much you mean to me, even now? You're everything to me. When I thought you were gone for good, my whole world crumbled. There were times I couldn't even breathe," Emily was saying until she saw Maya lower her eyes. She knew her words were tearing at her heart but that was not her intention. She wanted Maya to know how much she loved her; something she wished she had done before.
Emily, still cupping Maya's face in her hands, whispered, "Maya, please look at me." Without hesitation, she raised her eyes back to Emily's. Emily gently stroked her cheeks, whipping away a single tear that had fallen from her eye when she looked back up at her.
"I do have a lot of questions but I'm not going to ask them now. Instead I want you to listen. There are so many things I should have said to you a long time ago. When I thought you were gone, I regretted not saying them. I don't want to make that mistake again. So, I need you to listen to me," Emily softly cleared her throat and lowered her hands from Maya's face. She then gently pulled Maya's arms from around her waist and held her hands in her own, placing them on her own lap as she shifted her body toward Maya. She wanted her to grasp the seriousness of what she was about to say.
"Before I met you, I was so lost. I didn't know who I was or why I felt the way I did for Ali. I desperately tried to hide myself from everyone, even my closest friends. I even went to the extreme of dating Ben and letting my friends think that I slept with him just so they would think that I was really into boys. Ali knew the truth but taunted me with it. I was so scared and confused."
"And then, I met you and you changed everything. You made me understand that what I was feeling was completely normal and something I shouldn't be ashamed of but instead embrace. You told me it wasn't something I did or chose to do, but it was who I am. Even when I was still scared to come out, you never judged me. You were patient and kind. I needed space and you gave it. I needed a friend and you were there. When I finally decided to be honest with myself, I needed your forgiveness and you gave it freely. Maya, I know it couldn't have been easy for you but yet you stuck by me and supported me, and even called me on my BS when I was trying to hide. You changed my life and gave me the strength to be who I am," Emily took a breath before continuing.
"You are not just my first girlfriend, Maya. You are the first person who taught me how to live, I mean truly live and not just survive. The person that makes my heart leap at the sound of your voice; who can stir a swarm of butterflies in my stomach with just one look; who taught me that love isn't just a feeling or a word, it's actions. You were the love of my life. I mean, are the love of my life. The other half of me that makes me complete; my soul mate," Emily trailed off while moving closer to her. "I love you so much, Maya," Emily uttered the words just above a whisper.
Maya lowered her eyes again. She felt herself crumbling under the weight of Emily's words. She was so brave to say the things she said, so bold. She had always admired Emily's courage, even more so now. Maya loved her so deeply but couldn't tell her. They can't be together and Maya knew that. Still, she had to say something. She raised her eyes again and opened her mouth to speak when she felt Emily's finger pressing delicately against her lips.
"I didn't tell you all of that for response. I just needed you to know what you mean to me. I couldn't let the chance pass me by again," Emily smiled sweetly at her.
Maya returned the smile even though her eyes were still glistening with tears. "So now what?" Maya asked innocently.
Emily looked down at their intertwined fingers. Without looking back up she asked rather shyly, "Will you hold me for a little while?"
Maya chuckled softly as she watched that all too familiar blush creep over Emily's face. My girl. She thought fondly as she let go of Emily's hands to take off her hoodie. She then removed her boots and laid on the bed, patting the spot beside her, signaling Emily to join her.
Emily didn't hesitate. She kicked off her heels and crawled up the bed toward Maya. She had an overwhelming urge to climb on top of her and kiss her passionately but resisted it. Instead, she laid down next to her and put her head on Maya's arm with her back to her.
Maya took her free arm and wrapped it around Emily's waist. She pulled her closer to her and nestled her face against the side of her neck and shoulder. They were both thoroughly exhausted from the emotional torrent of the evening and soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Meanwhile…
Aria, Ezra, Hanna, Caleb, Spencer, Toby and Paige were all sitting around the dinner table, finishing up their meals and getting ready to divvy up the bill. "No, no. This is on me," Ezra announced.
Aria looked at him and was ready to protest when she was cut off by a gently kiss on the cheek. "I got it," Ezra whispered against her cheek before pulling away. "This is the first time that I got to hang out with all of you at once so it would be my honor," he pointed out.
At that point, no one protested but happily accepted his generosity with multiple "thank you" and smiles. As the waiter was taking Ezra's credit card, Paige got his attention.
"I'd like to place an order to go," she informed the waiter who began writing down the things that she pointed out on the menu. The waiter nodded and went off to place the order and take care of the bill.
"Hmmm. That wouldn't be for Emily, would it," Spencer asked with a knowing smile.
"As a matter of fact, it would be," Paige answered with a smile of her own.
"Why!" Aria asked with wide eyes, startling everyone with her sudden outburst. "I mean, why bother her? She's probably asleep right now. She was feeling pretty exhausted and sick. Shouldn't we just let her rest?"
Paige thought about that for a moment. Maybe Aria is right.
"I think it's a thoughtful gesture and I'm sure Emily will appreciate it," Spencer smiled again at Paige.
Aria was grateful that Spencer was sitting right next to her so no one could see her foot land on Spencer's. Spencer winced but didn't look at Aria.
Toby noticed the sudden flash of pain across Spencer's face but no one else did as they finished their food. "Are you okay?" he asked a little concerned.
"Just peachy," she smiled at him before turning to glare at Aria. Aria's eyes were wide and her lips were pressed tightly together.
Ezra noticed the look on Aria's face but didn't comment. He knew her well enough to know that something was going. He also knew that she would tell him later because it wasn't for anyone else's ears.
Aria suddenly stood up. "I'm going to the ladies. I'll be right back," with that she turned and headed to the bathroom.
Next it was Spencer's turn. "Good idea, me too," Spencer announced. "Hanna?" she asked interrupting her conversation with Caleb.
"What?" Hanna asked taken off guard because she hadn't been paying attention.
"The ladies room before we get on the road?" Spencer asked with a fake smile and intense eyes.
Hanna knew that look. "Yeah, yeah. Good idea," she said as she rose from her chair and followed Spencer into the bathroom.
The guys all looked at each other and chuckled. "Aren't you going too, Paige? I thought all you ladies use the group bathroom excuse to go talk behind our backs," Ezra laughed.
"I don't have a man to talk about behind his back, so no," she teased.
Everyone at the table erupted in laughter because of her witty response.
Meanwhile…
"What is up with you and why did you stomp on my foot," Spencer asked point blank.
"Wait, she stepped on your foot?" Hanna started laughing.
"Guys, this is not funny! Paige is going to Emily's house but we got to stop her," Aria whispered frantically.
"Wait a minute; what? Why?" Spencer asked suspiciously.
Aria swallowed hard before she began. "I wasn't supposed to say anything but I guess now I have no choice. Emily's not alone right now," she broke off while looking back and forth between Hanna and Spencer.
It took several seconds before realization hit Spencer. She looked at Aria with wide eyes and her hand covering her mouth. She pulled it away briefly. "You mean…" she didn't need to finish.
Aria nodded her head slowly. "Yep," was all she said.
Hanna was looking at both of them, trying to figure what the hell was going on. "Okay guys. You can clue me in anytime now. Who is Emily with?" She was starting to get frustrated and feeling a little left out.
Spencer turned to Hanna mouthed, Maya.
"Maya? What would she be doing there?" Hanna asked confused.
Aria and Spencer glared at her with frowns on their faces. "Really Hanna? Why don't you just announce it to the entire restaurant?" Spencer scolded.
Hanna ignored her, still trying to grasp the situation. Her eyes widened with sudden understanding. "Holy crap! We have to warn Emily," she practically yelled.
"Shhhh! I'll call her now. You two go out there and stall her," Aria instructed them. With that Hanna and Spencer quickly left the bathroom while Aria punched in Emily's number. To her dismay, the phone went right to voice mail. She left a quick message, "Emily, it's me. Paige is on her way to your house right now," she spoke hurriedly into the phone. She ended the call and frantically typed a text to her: Paige is on her way to your house right now!
As Aria was exiting the bathroom, she ran into Spencer and Hanna who had worried looks on their faces. "Did you get a hold of her?" Spencer asked hopeful.
"No, it went right to voice mail so I left her a message and sent a text. Is Paige still here?" Now Aria had the same worried look on her face as her friends did.
"She was gone by the time we came out of the bathroom," Hanna started biting her thumbnail.
"This is bad, this is really bad. Okay, wait. Maybe we are getting worked up over nothing. Emily may not even answer the door. Right?" Aria asked trying to convince herself that every thing will be fine.
"Let's hope not," Spencer answered while turning and heading back to the table with Hanna right behind her.
"Come on Emily, please read the text," Aria prayed under her breath as she followed behind them.
Meanwhile…
Emily stirred, slowly opening her eyes. She would have been convinced that tonight had been just a dream if not for the feel of Maya's body pressed against her, the smell of her hair and skin, and her arm wrapped around her waist. She could hear her breathing softly and knew she was still asleep. She didn't want to move. She felt so safe and warm in her arms, like nothing in the world could touch them. She always felt that way with Maya.
Emily lay there contemplating what to do about the growing desire to turn to Maya. She wasn't sure it was a good idea but she wanted to look at her and hold her back. She finally mustered up the courage to turn herself in Maya's arms. She moved slowly and carefully so that she wouldn't wake her up.
When Emily was resting comfortably against her, face to face, she gazed up at her. Her eyes roamed Maya's face, starting from the top of her brow to the delicate curve of her neck. After a few moments, she needed more. She wanted to feel Maya's soft skin beneath her fingertips. She slowly lifted her hand and began delicately tracing the contours of her face.
Maya tightened her arm around Emily's waist and snuggled closer to her. Emily knew that she was still asleep and that it was just one of her quirks. Maya loved to cuddle, even in her sleep and Emily loved that. She smiled at the sleeping girl and placed a kiss on her forehead.
The feel of Maya's skin against her lips was all it took for Emily to lose her senses. Her desire for Maya was burning deep inside of her and she couldn't contain it any more. She let her lips graze lightly and slowly across her skin, trailing them down the bridge of her nose where she left a gentle kiss on the tip of it. She moved her lips further down until they hovered just above Maya's.
With her eyes lingering on Maya's beautifully soft lips, Emily traced her jaw line with the tip of her finger. She remembered how wonderful her mouth tasted, like fresh peaches or sometimes, ripe pears. She missed that so much. Unable to hold back any longer, she pressed her lips against Maya's in a sweet and longing kiss.
Maya's eyes fluttered open. Her heart rate quicken as she realized what was happening and Emily noticed. Without looking up into her eyes, Emily continued to trail her lips from Maya's lips, down to her chin and along her jaw line, leaving delicate kisses as they moved. Emily moved her hand down Maya's shoulder and along her side until finally resting it on her hip.
With one smooth and seamless movement, Emily pushed forward while tightening her grasp on Maya's hip and rolled her onto her back. Emily was now half way on top of her. She moved her leg slowly up Maya's legs until her knee rested on her pelvis. All the while, her lips continued to explore downward along the curve of Maya's neck. No longer satisfied with just feeling Maya's skin, Emily wanted to taste her. She let her tongue glide across the delicious surface, leaving a hot wet trail down the curve of her neck to the top of her collarbone.
Emily smiled when she heard a soft moan escape Maya's lips. Maya couldn't take much more of this. She was teetering on the edge and knew that she would go tumbling over at any minute. She tried to ignore the fiercely passionate aching spreading throughout her entire body. "Emily, I think I should go…" she barely managed to breathe out as she placed her hand on Emily's shoulder and gently tried to push her away.
Emily slowly made her way back up Maya's neck until her lips once again hovered over hers. She tightened her grip on Maya's hip and pulled her body tighter against her. She let her warm breath coast over Maya's now trembling lips. "I think you should stay…," she whispered less than an inch away from her lips.
Maya shuddered and Emily could feel her tremble slightly. "Em, we can't…" She wasn't even able to finish her sentence.
"Shhhh…" Emily whispered again but this time with her lips sweeping lightly along Maya's.
Maya couldn't take it anymore. All her inhibitions came crashing down around her as she surged forward and captured Emily's lips with her own. Emily moaned into the kiss while letting her tongue sweep along Maya's lips, desperately needing to taste her.
Maya parted her lips inviting in the delicious tongue that taunted her. Without hesitation, Emily accepted the invitation and slid her tongue past Maya's supple lips into her mouth, finding her tongue instantly. Their tongues reacquainted themselves with each other as they rolled, massaged, tasted, and caressed and stroked one another.
Their kiss intensified as they pressed their bodies together, an agonizing need threatening to consume them. Emily reluctantly broke the kiss, pulling back slightly. She smiled when she heard Maya groan at the loss of contact. Emily brought her hand back up to Maya's face and traced the outline of her lips with her thumb. "I've missed you…," she whispered.
The action was so sensual that Maya lost it. She slipped her hand behind Emily's neck and pulled her forward, kissing her hard. She pushed her body forward, rolling Emily onto her back and maneuvering herself so that she came to rest between Emily's legs.
Maya broke the kiss so that she could look into Emily eyes. Emily breathed in sharply at what she saw in the brown eyes looking down at her. There was no mistaking it. Her intensely passionate love for Emily burned in her eyes like a consuming fire. "You are so beautiful, Emily," she whispered with such seduction that Emily lifted her head forward, taking her lips with her own.
After a few seconds, Maya pulled away and moved her lips over Emily's chin and down her neck, nipping, licking and sucking the wonderfully sweet golden skin. Her tentative tongue moved even further down, tracing the collarbone and making its way to the supple skin just above the fabric of Emily's dress.
Maya trailed her fingertips down Emily's neck to her shoulder, until it reached the strap of her dress. She slowly slid the strap down her arm while her tongue continued to swirl patterns across her chest, followed by gentle nipping and soft kisses. Emily arched her back allowing Maya to effortlessly pull the top of her dress down.
"Oh, Emily…" Maya was breathless as she slowly pulled her dress down, gliding over golden skin and perfectly rounded breast that were barely hidden by a black-laced strapless bra. She lowered her lips to the supple skin just above the top seam.
Emily tangled her hands into the soft locks in front of her and moaned when she felt Maya's exploring tongue twirling beneath the top seam of her bra. Emily arched her back again so that Maya could remove her bra, desperately needing to feel her warm mouth on her.
Before Emily realized what was happening, Maya was off the bed and standing in the middle of the room with her eyes focused on the bedroom door. Without warning, she lunged forward, locking it then backed away slowly.
"Maya, what…" Emily began but quickly fell silent as Maya raised her hand slightly, signaling her to stay quiet. Emily strained to listen. She didn't hear anything. Suddenly light streamed into the room from underneath the door. Emily jumped off the bed and stood next to Maya.
"Your mom?" Maya asked in a low voice.
"No, she's in Texas until Monday," Emily whispered unable to hide the fear in her voice.
Maya took hold of Emily's hand as her eyes scanned the room for some type of weapon. She could feel Emily stiffened as the sound of footsteps got louder and closer to her door. Emily nearly screamed when the turn handle began to jiggle. Maya moved Emily behind her, ready to face who ever it was. They would have to get through her to get to Emily. At the very least, she would slow them down enough to give her time to get away.
"Emily? Are you awake?" Paige's voice came through the door followed by several soft knocks.
Emily exhaled with relief but only for a moment. What is she doing here? She thought to herself, feeling very annoyed by the interruption.
Maya let out a breath and turned to Emily. She quickly helped Emily pull her dress back up before grabbing her boots and hoodie. She stopped in front of a now frowning Emily. "Em, nothing can change. You can't act differently with her," she warned her gently.
"But, Maya…" Emily began saying, a little confused now.
"No buts, Emily. Nothing can change. Treat her like you always have, before you knew about me. Okay? Promise me, Em." Even though she was whispering, Emily knew that Maya was absolutely serious about what she was saying.
"Okay, I promise," Emily sighed.
"Thank you." Maya quickly placed a kiss on her lips. "I'll just be in there, waiting," she smiled playfully at Emily while motioning toward the closet.
Emily shook her head and smiled back. Her smile fell when she heard the knocking again and Paige speaking through the door. She looked over at the closet and saw that Maya had disappeared into it and closed the door. She turned back toward the bedroom door with a sigh. This is so wrong. Maya shouldn't have to hide. I hate this! Emily shook herself out of her thoughts because she could feel the anger rising in her at the whole situation.
Emily smoothed out her dress and ran her fingers through her hair. She took a deep breath and crossed the room to the bedroom door and opened it. Before she could say a word, Paige walked right pass her. Emily turned on her heels and flicked on the light. She then crossed her arms and looked at Paige questioningly.
"Paige, what are you doing here and how did you get in," Emily asked, uncrossing her arms.
"The door was unlocked which is very dangerous, Em. With everything going on, you can't afford to be absent minded like that," Paige gently scolded her.
"I didn't… Never mind. What are you doing here?" Emily asked again.
"I figured you probably haven't eaten so I brought you some food. Plus, I really didn't want to go dancing after dinner. I was already feeling awkward being the only one without a date. So, here I am," she exclaimed, smiling brightly.
Emily walked toward her, stopping a few feet away. "Look, I appreciate it, really I do. I just want to be alone tonight, get some rest. That's all. Can I see you tomorrow?" Emily didn't have to force the tiredness in her voice because it was genuine. She was tired of this whole situation and wanted to get back to Maya.
"You know what, Emily? I'm not leaving until you give me some honest answers. Less than a week ago, you wanted to spend every possible minute with me. You know my dad hardly ever lets me out of the house ever since what happened. And now, I'm here and you want to see me tomorrow? What am I missing?" Paige was starting to become upset.
"Nothing. Can we just talk about this downstairs, please?" Emily did not want Maya hearing this conversation.
"Downstairs? Now you don't even want to be alone with me in your bedroom? It never seemed to bother you before. In fact, last time I checked, you were more than happy to have me here. Well, more to the point, in your bed. So what's changed?" Paige asked.
"I already told you that nothing has changed but I really don't like the way you're talking right now so please stop it," Emily said with a hint of anger in her voice.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just so confused right now. Last weekend, we were sitting on a blanket after a long run in the woods and you were so happy. You told me that it was because of me that you felt so peaceful. You poured your heart out to me, telling me how lucky you felt to have me and how much I meant to you…" Paige was saying before Emily cut her off.
"I know what I said! Why can't we talk about this later? I'm too exhausted right now. I don't have the energy to reassure you the way you want me too," Emily snapped at her. She wanted Paige to stop talking because she didn't want Maya to hear this.
Paige was taken back by Emily's reaction but suddenly felt bad for pushing her. "Okay, Em. Okay. I didn't mean to push. We'll talk about it another time. Okay? Will you at least let me stay with you while you eat what I brought you? I promise I will leave you to rest right after. I just want to make sure you eat something. Deal?" Paige offered softly.
Emily knew that it really wasn't a choice. If she said no, Paige would start talking again and there's no telling what she would say. If she agreed, at least she would get Paige out of the room and into the kitchen. She really didn't want to leave Maya but there was no other way to get Paige to leave. Emily decided to take Paige's offer and eat as fast as possible so she could get back to Maya. "Deal," Emily sighed.
Paige walked toward her with a smile. She pulled Emily into her arms kissed her. Emily hoped that it would be a quick peck and that's it. She was wrong. Paige held her tighter and slid her tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss. Emily knew she had no choice but to respond or risk another argument. Maya, please don't be watching, please don't be watching, please, please, please. Emily was mentally panicking as Paige's hands began to roam her back. She was getting more and more into the moment, and Emily knew she had to stop it now. She refused to go any farther.
Emily pulled back and looked into Paige's eyes. "I am starting to get my appetite back. Can we eat now?" She asked sweetly.
"Are you sure it's for food?" Paige teased.
"Yes," Emily replied while raising her eyebrow and smirking.
"Fine, let's eat then," Paige answered a little disappointedly but none the less happy that Emily had agreed to let her stay a little while longer.
Emily took her by the hand and led her out of the room and down the stairs.
Maya leaned against the closet wall with her head back and eyes closed. What the hell am I doing? This isn't fair to Emily. She's jumping through hoops to lie and that's not her. Emily was never very good at lying so eventually, Paige is going to figure something out. She's already way too suspicious. There's too much at stake. Not to mention, I'm making Emily cheat and she's not a cheater. And what about Jenna? She doesn't deserve that either. Damn it! I can't do this! Maya knew what she had to do next. As much as she didn't want to, she had to.
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