"The New Girl"
I know, you've been clamoring for this one but it takes time to update all these stories. I've been writing longer chapters so there's definitely a slight delay with getting them to you. But I'm doing my best!
There will be a few bumps in the road but nothing that will keep Emily and Maya from celebrating her birthday together!
We just have to get there! ;)
Rated T for Teen.
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"Look, Emily, you're not the only lesbian here and I'm not the only straight girl here. But maybe you should make it clear to whoever shows interest that you're taken and your girlfriend is everything to you."
"I will. And she is."
But then I start to think…
Maybe Dani and Malena really could give me some pointers…
Chapter 28: What Emily Doesn't Know…
Emily POV
Monterrey, CA
Two weeks later…
On the last weekend of the month the school sponsors a bonfire on the beach. It's chaperoned by the teacher's aides which really means it's not chaperoned at all. Alison says they're a blast so that's what we're doing this last weekend in October. Though the last bonfire I went to didn't end so well for me. I barely remember it except for the part when Maya held my hair. How embarrassing! And then she started a bath for me. And then she was, well, amazing! On second thought, I guess I do remember more than I thought I did and it wasn't all bad!
We're both wearing shorts and hooded sweatshirts with sneakers cuz Alison said parts of the beach are rocky. We meet up with the rest of the group and head over. When we arrive the bonfire is already ablaze with students sitting around it and standing and talking. But I'm looking for two students in particular, Dani and Malena. I want to observe them without feeling like I'm being a creeper. I just need to know what we would look like, me and Maya. But more importantly I want to know what they do with each other out in public. Cuz if there's a rule book I never got my copy…
Rosewood, PA
Narrator POV
"Natalie, this has been going on for a while now. And nothing's changed. Even with Emily in California nothing's changed."
"But did you want it too?"
"I want Emily to be Emily. I don't want her sexual orientation being dictated by some girl who swooped in from the west coast."
"Pam, do you really think Maya made Emily gay?"
"Yes. No. I don't know," she puts her hands over her face trying to block out everyone and everything.
"Pam," Natalie coaxes her hands down so she can look at her.
"I guess I'm being selfish. I want grandkids. Ya know?"
"Really Pam? Is that what this is about? You?"
"I know that sounds horrible of me."
"Look, she can still have kids if she wants to but that's so far off, Pam, let the girl find herself though I think she already has."
"She has, hasn't she?"
"You need to say it out loud."
"I don't know if I can."
"You have to. You have to hear yourself say it. And if you want to have a good cry afterwards so be it. But you need to say it out loud."
She turns her head to look at Natalie, "My daughter, Emily Fields, is g—g—gay."
"Take a deep breath and say it again."
She inhales and exhales slowly, "My daughter, Emily Fields is gay."
"Yes, she is! And you did great!"
They hug.
"Emily is gay and I'm okay with it."
"I think you will be," she pauses, "But you blame yourself don't you?"
They hold one another's gaze, "I do. I keep racking my brain trying to figure out what I could've done differently to raise her."
"You know as well as I do what the answer to that question is."
"Nothing."
"Exactly."
"She's my daughter and I love her and I think I've known for a while now."
"So why send her away?"
"Because of this," she gestures with her hand pointing to Natalie and then to herself, "You and me."
"Pam. I'm divorcing my husband. We've already talked about it. And you're divorcing Wayne."
"I know. I couldn't bear to look at her until Wayne and I made a final decision. And now it's done. We're getting a divorce. This will impact her greatly because she loves her father so much. I love him too or at least I did love him."
"We both did what society expected, not what we truly wanted in our hearts. But in hindsight I got two great kids, Noel and Nate, out of my marriage and you got one great kid, Emily."
"You're right. It all worked out in a way. I know Wayne will always be there for her and he'll provide for whatever we need but we'll be sharing her. And I'm not sure how that's going to work with him moving to Texas for good."
"You'll figure it out. Emily won't be back for six more weeks. You have time. Just make sure you and Wayne come to an amicable agreement. Ned will be retiring from the military and he'll be doing some consulting in the city. He'll be just a train ride away so the boys can see him whenever they want to. And ya know what, when we told the boys last weekend they weren't surprised. Noel even asked if I was seeing someone."
"What did you tell him?"
"That we were separated for a while before anyone else came into the picture. Noel is pretty upset about it. And I'm not sure how he'll take it when he finds out about us. But Ned and I worked it out and I know you will too."
"Texas is a little further away than Philly so I'm not sure what she'll do. She's going to college next fall so she'll only be home during the summer. Does she go to Texas for May, June and stay in Rosewood for July, August?"
"Like I said Pam, you'll figure it out. But don't wait until the last minute. She needs to know as soon as she gets back."
"Actually I think I'll wait until after her birthday. Wayne will be home for the holidays, home meaning the guest bedroom. We can tell her together."
"That's going to be some Christmas."
"I know. I just wish you could be a part of it."
"We'll have plenty of Christmases together," Natalie leans in for a kiss.
Pam responds openly and willingly as she rolls on top of her, Natalie's black hair splaying against the pillows and her sun kissed complexion blending perfectly with Pam's caramel skin tone, making love with the one she belongs with, the one who made her realize who she really is…
Spencer's House…
Maya POV
I'm spending the night at Spencer's house. Alex is off training for his next tennis tournament and since Emily is in California we've been hanging out a lot more. We're in her bed talking. And all I can think about is—what is Emily doing right now?
"So, do you miss her?"
"You know I do."
"You're being so cool about it. I mean, you were just getting so close and then bam, she's gone."
"Yeah, thanks for the play by play Spence."
"Sorry, but you know what I mean."
"I know," I roll on my side so we can look at each other while we're talking. "It's just a lot of time apart. It's not like I don't see her. We've had some pretty great skyping sessions and phone conversations and stuff but it's not the same."
"I get that. Alex and I talk all the time too. It just makes me want him here all the more."
"Yeah and I'm very frustrated if you know what I mean."
"No, Maya, I don't think I do. Frustrated?" She looks at me in a sarcastic way like she has no idea what I'm talking about.
"Ha ha, Spencer. We'll see who's spooning who in the morning."
"Ah ha! You're on! No, but seriously, you get used to something then it gets taken away, it's hard."
"I haven't been given the opportunity to get used to something so my hand's been working overtime!"
"Maya!"
"Oh come on, like yours hasn't either."
She laughs, "I know and I shouldn't be embarrassed about it but it has that stigma."
"Stigma—like I'm horny and I need to have an orgasm soooo very badly—like that?"
"Oh my god Maya you just get right to the point don't you?"
"Would you have it any other way?"
"No. And ya know something else?"
"No, what?"
"I'm kinda glad Alex and Emily are away for a little while because you and I need to get our friendship back on track. We did everything together."
"Well, you're not borrowing my hand if that's what you mean."
"Maya!"
"I'm just teasing."
I can't stop laughing!
"Maya?"
"Yeah," I calm my laughter.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too Spence. Now good night," I smile.
She smiles too, "Good night Maya."
Monterrey, CA
Emily POV
Ali and I grab a red solo cup and add some rum to our coke. Of course, Ali came prepared. She knows how to get away with stuff unlike me. But this time around, I sip instead of gulp all the while looking for Dani and Malena…
"Em, who are you looking for? You act as if Maya's gonna jump out from behind those rocks or something."
I roll my eyes, "I'm not looking for anyone I'm just observing. Can't I observe?"
"If that's what you're really doing. But, come on, Emily, I wasn't away that long. I know you. You're up to something," she raises her blondish eyebrow at me.
I take a sip and a breath, "Fine, you caught me. I'm looking for Dani and Malena."
"Why?" she looks confused.
"Because. Because I want to see how they are in public. I haven't had any chance at all to be out with Maya and I don't want to be obvious or feel like 'look at us we're gay!' ya know?"
"Em—i—ly, you are reading way too much into this. You be how you always were. If you make it weird it will be weird."
"I know. Ugghhh! But can't I just look for a little bit," I ask like I need her permission.
"Ya know what, get it over with. I think I saw them headed down the beach a bit. Do you want me to come with?"
"Will you?"
She hooks arms with me, "What are friends for?" and as we walk, she bounces and so does her blonde hair, effortlessly against her shoulders. It must be a blonde thing!
"Hey guys, what's going on?" Dani asks.
"Oh nothing. We saw you and thought what could be so interesting over here," Ali scans around seeing other couples making out, "Oh."
They laugh.
"It's fine, Malena and I were just talking anyway."
"Are you sure?" I ask feeling sort of stupid for barging in on them.
"No, we're good, come, you can sit with us," Malena offers part of their blanket to us.
"Thanks," I politely accept.
"So, Emily, your mom sent you away and you left your girlfriend—Maya," she looks at Malena when she says her name as if they have a secret about her but they don't even know her, "behind. Are you sure she's staying faithful to you?"
That's an odd question.
"I don't doubt it for a second."
"Why?" Ali asks.
"No reason," Dani snickers.
Malena smacks Dani's arm, "She just knows that if she was Maya she might not be as strong as she is. Isn't that right Dani?"
"Yeah, that's it."
But somehow I don't believe them.
"You guys are freaking me out."
"Sorry, Em, we're just a little high. Dani got some great stuff. Do you want some?"
"No thanks."
Now I just want to leave.
"I will."
"Ali? Seriously?"
"It's not going to hurt anyone."
"Go ahead then."
"Are you sure you don't want to join?" Ali asks.
"Yep."
And as they smoke they get mellow but as they smoke I get anxious. That comment came out of left field. I don't like it. So once they've finished their joint I bait them…
"So how long have you known Maya?"
"Maya?" Dani asks with bloodshot eyes.
"Yeah, Maya St. Germain. You were telling me about something she did but you never finished."
Ali looks at me like 'what the fuck are you doing?' even though her eyelids are weighing heavy.
"Maya's a playa. She had a lot of girlfriends," Malena slips.
This time Dani smacks her arm.
"Malena's stoned. She doesn't know what she's saying."
I get on my knees ready to leave, "Oh, I think she does. You two know her. You know Maya!"
"It's no big deal Emily. Maya just has this swagger. Gay, straight, bi, she could get anyone. It was a game to her," Dani gives more details then I would like.
"I'm no game."
"No one's saying you are. Just be careful," Dani says this time sounding more like a friend.
"How do you know her?"
"We worked together over the summer at her Aunt's restaurant. We lived in the same town. Everyone there knows Maya St. Germain."
"And how well do you two know her?"
"Dani knows her better than I do."
"Malena, geez, any more secrets you want to tell everyone?"
"Dani has this birthmark—"
"Malena! Shut it! Oh my god!"
And then they both start laughing but I'm not.
"Maybe we should go Emily."
"You stay. I'll go," I get up.
"Wait Emily. Just because Maya was a flirt back then doesn't mean she's hooking up with the whole town of Rosewood. If you say you're solid then that's all that matters," Dani attempts to apologize I think.
"I agree with Dani. Em, don't paint this picture in your head of what Maya might be doing with you gone," Alison pleads seemingly sobering up.
I start to leave but then I kneel back down.
"Look. I want to give Maya everything. But I'm not sure how to after finding out she's that experienced."
"Oh, so you two never…"
"No, Dani, not that it's any of your business but my Maya isn't like that anymore."
"If she waited this long then that girl really is a Saint Germain!"
They giggle.
"Guys, stop. This is a serious thing for Emily. Please don't make light of it," Alison says protectively.
"Emily, are you afraid of taking that next step with her?" Malena asks.
"Maybe, yes," I drop my head embarrassed by my fear.
"Look Em, the first time with a girl is amazing. It's going to be amazing," Dani tries to reassure me.
"Are you speaking from general experience or experience with Maya?" I look directly at Dani.
"Maya and I never hooked up. She made it a rule of hers to not hook up with people she worked with. She said if one felt more than the other it would be awkward to work with them and it could affect her Aunt's business."
Alison puts her hand on my back caressing it gently trying to get me to relax but this is not relaxing me.
"Hey, if there's anything Dani and I can do to ease your mind, just ask. It's the least we can do."
"Yeah, that was some bomb you dropped," Alison slips in.
"Shit. I'm not going to be home for six weeks. Can Maya hold out that long?" Now I feel doubt creeping in.
"Maya's the only one who can answer that," Alison says.
"I'm sure she's being the perfect girlfriend," Malena says but I can tell by the way she just looked at Dani that she's not so sure.
"Hey, I'm gonna take a walk," Ali starts to get up, "alone." She sits back down and I kick the sand on my way towards the ocean with my hands in my hoodie pockets. I'm not feeling so great and there's only one thing I can do to change that.
I need to talk to Maya…
Alison POV
"Nice going guys."
"What? It's not like it was a secret we felt we had to keep," Dani defends their actions.
"Yeah but Emily came over here to be around a lesbian couple so she could know what to expect. Now I fear that you pushed her right back into that revolving closet door."
"Oh. Oh Alison, we didn't—"
"I know. What's done is done. Now it's up to Emily to trust what she and Maya have. I just hope it doesn't take over her whole time here."
"If there's anything we can do, just ask."
I'm thinking, I'm thinking…
"As a matter of fact, there is…"
Emily POV
It's got to be close to two o'clock in the morning in Rosewood but I have to talk to her right now. Her cell rings and rings and finally a raspy voice answers…
"Hello?"
"Maya? It's me Emily."
"Emily, damn it's late, hold on this is Spencer."
"Spencer?" I always wondered about those two.
I can hear her nudging Maya to wake up.
"Hey it's your phone. It's Emily."
"Hmm, Emily, what?"
"Here, talk to your girlfriend."
"Emily? Baby, what is it? Are you okay?"
And just the sound of her voice relaxes me. The concern that she feels for me is really real! I know she'll wait for me I just know it!
"I'm missing you so much."
"Me too. How's California?"
"Well, we're at a bonfire right now."
"Oh, you better drink water," she chuckles.
"I'm fine. I just, I just had this interesting conversation with these girls I met here though."
"Oh yeah, are they into you? Cuz that's one thing I was worried about, my hot gorgeous girlfriend swimming with the sharks."
"Nah, I'm yours and everyone here knows it."
"You told them about me?" I can tell she's smiling.
"I mentioned your name and funny thing is, at least two girls here knew it."
"Maya? There has to be more than just one Maya in California."
"Oh there is but only one Maya St. Germain."
I can hear her shuffling around.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going downstairs to talk. What do you mean by that?"
"Do the names Dani and Malena sound familiar?"
"Dani and Malena?"
"Yes."
"I worked with a Dani at my Aunt's restaurant. But I don't recall a Malena, I would remember that name. It's unique. I like it."
"Well, I guess, Dani told Malena some things about you?"
"Like what kinds of things?"
"Like the fact that you were a serial dater and maybe you still are."
"Serial dater, hmm. I was a single gal who liked hanging out with different people. But now I'm spoken for."
I'm blushing!
"I want to believe that but you're kind of single right now."
"I am?"
"Well, you're alone aren't you?"
"Emily," she sighs deeply, "If it's one thing I am—it's true to my word. I said I would wait and I will. Or is that not good enough for you?"
Silence.
"I see. Well, if that's it Emily then I guess that's it."
"What? No. That's not why I paused."
"Then what Emily? What is it?"
"I don't want to be holding you back."
"Oh my god Em! If I was over there right now I'd take you by your shoulders and shake you! I want you and only you! I love you and only you!"
I start to cry I'm such a mess!
"Emily, stop, it's going to be okay. Six more weeks and we'll be together. Six more weeks and I'll show you why I waited."
"I love you so so much," I whimper.
"Baby girl, I know you do. And I'm not going to stomp on that love. I wouldn't do that to you. Forget about Dani and Malena. They don't matter. Only you and I do. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Are we good?"
"Yeah, we're good."
Silence.
"Maya?"
"Yeah baby."
"I'm watching the moonlight reflect against the ocean and I wish you were here to watch it with me."
"I wish I was there to hold you and kiss you in the moonlight."
"That sounds heavenly."
"Well how about this—my arms sneak around you from behind and your head falls against my shoulder and I give she soft butterfly kisses against your slender neck. And those kisses flutter up to your lips. I look into your eyes and I say, 'I love you just the way you are.'"
I'm crying.
"Was that too corny?" she laughs.
"No it wasn't corny at all. It was perfect."
"Emily, baby, I'll wait to love you."
"Okay. I love you and good night Maya."
"And I love you, good night Emily."
I wrap my arms around myself looking up at the night sky. We are in perfect alignment, me and Maya, and I can't let her past become my future…
I just hope her future includes me…
Rosewood, PA
Maya POV
Spencer joins me on the couch downstairs.
"What's going on?"
"That's a good question."
She looks at me with a head tilt.
"Emily made some new friends."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"One of them knows me from working at my Aunt's restaurant."
"Again, is that a bad thing?"
"I had a reputation for being nonexclusive."
"Oh."
"Exactly—oh."
"You don't think she'll cause trouble do you?"
"Hopefully not intentionally."
"But you're not so sure."
"Honestly, I have no idea."
Oh Emily, you need to trust me. I'm not like that since I've moved to Rosewood.
Please, Emily, believe in us…
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To Be Continued…
That was a long chapter so how 'bout you get me well over 700 reviews! ;)