"The New Girl"
Hi. Remember me?
Rated T for Teen
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Emily POV
"Jasmine?" My mom asks as we sit down to dinner.
"She's Maya's best friend from California. She was in school in Japan but didn't like it so she transferred to Rosewood High."
"Rosewood High? That's quite a difference from being in Japan."
"Yeah I know but I guess she wanted to go to school with at least one person she knows."
"That makes sense. And, how about you Emmy? Have you given any thoughts as to which school you'd like to finish up your senior year?"
"I have. I can't stop thinking about it actually."
"And have you come to a decision?" My mom can barely stand the suspense.
"I have."
"And?" My father pushes for an answer.
"Emily, the suspense is killing us. Where are you going next semester?"
"I've decided I want to go to…."
Chapter 36: Trust Issues
EMILY POV
"I've decided I want to go to California."
My mom covers her mouth and nose with both hands as she leaps up trying to keep her emotions under control. She removes her hands from her face to embrace me firmly, "Oh honey, I'm so glad you decided to go back."
"That's great Emmy," my father says from behind me sneaking a kiss on the top of my head.
"I've really grown to love it there. The swim team is great. I love my classes and I love being there with Ali."
I look down feeling a bit guilty about my choice because that means I have to leave Maya again. I'm feeling a little insecure too because of that Jasmine.
My father knows exactly what I'm thinking, "Don't worry Emmy, I'm sure Maya will be just as supportive this time around. She's shown a lot of maturity about this and I don't expect that to change."
"Thanks dad," I snuggle against him.
"Your father's right. Maya has been committed through all of this and she's shown me what an incredible person she truly is. The two of you have my approval in case I hadn't made that clear," she smiles, I think, more so in an attempt to win my approval for Natalie.
I wrap my arms around my mom's neck, "That means a lot."
"So, you probably want to tell her what you decided," she adds.
"Yeah, so would it be all right if I went over there, Spencer and Hanna are there too."
"That's fine. And why don't you stay a little later tonight."
"Wayne!"
"Pam, let her have until midnight. It's the least we can do after everything we've put her through."
My mom dips her head knowing that she has put me through a lot and couldn't possibly say no now, "Okay, midnight."
Narrator POV
Maya and Jasmine sit on the couch while Hanna and Spencer sit in chairs opposite them at Maya's house.
"So, Jasmine, what does your boyfriend think about you leaving Japan?" Hanna asks rather bluntly.
"Who? Jeremy? We broke up ages ago. It was too much for him and I'm pretty okay with it. I mean, we were so far apart and I couldn't really concentrate on anything except my music," she says the whole time looking at Maya.
"Oh, so you'll be super absorbed with your music here too, not much time for fun," Hanna digs for a confirmation of Jasmine's intentions.
"I'm sure I'll have a little fun," she looks from Hanna to Maya giving her the up and down with her eyelashes.
Maya just smiles.
"Well, Maya, what do you think Emily's going to do?" Spencer asks.
"Whatever she chooses, I'll support it. Of course I want her to stay but I know how much she loves her dad and being in California."
"Maya is just too good a girlfriend for Emily."
This makes the hair on the back of both Spencer's and Hanna's necks stand up.
"Yes she is and Emily knows how good a girlfriend she is," Spencer reiterates keeping Hanna from losing it all over Jasmine.
Knock knock.
"That must be Emily, I'll get it!" Maya leaps to her feet rushing over to the door to open it.
"Hi," Emily says shyly.
"Hi. Is everything okay?" Maya asks rubbing the side of her arm as she steps into the house.
"Hey Em!" Hanna calls.
"Hi Emily!" Spencer greets her from the other room.
Jasmine just smiles.
"Hey guys, you don't mind if I borrow Maya for a few, do you?"
"No, not at all," Spencer assures her.
"Take all the time you need in her room. We'll keep Jasmine occupied. We won't let her out of our sights!" Hanna cleverly gives Jasmine her instructions much to her chagrin.
They walk up the stairs to Maya's room and close the door behind them.
"So," Maya says.
"Sooo, I've made a decision."
"I gathered that."
She kneads her hands together trying to calm her nerves, "So, I told my parents where I'd like to finish my senior year."
"Yeah, and..."
"I've decided to go back to California."
She waits for it, anticipating an eruption of sorts from Maya.
Maya lets out the breath she unknowingly was holding in, "I see."
"Do you?" Emily asks with a mixture of apprehension and relief.
"Look Emily, it's no secret I wanted you to stay but choosing Rosewood just for me would only put a strain on our relationship. Sooo, I'm glad you chose for you," she flips her hair over her shoulder, leaving very little space between them.
"You're not mad?"
"Nah. Just a little sad."
"I know," Emily slumps her shoulders forward as she takes Maya's hands in hers, "we just really got to know each other and here I am taking off again."
Maya squeezes Emily's hands, "Well, at least I have you until New Year's and I'm going to take full advantage of that," she takes a half a step toward her, making their bodies almost touch.
But Emily steps away.
"Baby, what is it?"
"The elephant in the room downstairs."
"You mean Jasmine."
"Yes," she looks at her with lost puppy dog eyes. "She wants you Maya."
"I don't think so," she smiles, "I think she wants to make it look like she does."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Emily does not like that explanation.
"She's a tester Emily. She's testing your worth to me."
"Maya, that's so messed up!"
"Is it?"
Emily steps back, "You're on her side with this?"
"Em, she needs to trust you."
"Trust me?"
"Yeah. We're best friends. She knows I'm giving up a lot to be with you and she wants to make sure what I'm giving up is worth it."
"What are you giving up?"
"Pretty much my senior year."
Emily walks to the other side of Maya's room standing directly in front of her three way mirror which exposes every side of her.
"I'm sorry for that," she says with much sincerity.
"It's okay. That came out wrong. What I meant was I can still do everything everyone else is doing but I'll just be doing it solo."
"Should we break up?" Emily regretfully suggests as soon as the words come out.
"What?" Maya tilts her head to one side.
"Maybe we should break up so you don't have to be solo."
Emily's guilt speaks for her.
"Jesus Emily, we just made love last night. And I'm in no hurry to let you go. I'll be just fine," Maya walks up behind her wrapping her arms around her waist resting her chin on her shoulder.
"Are you sure I'm worth it?"
"Oh baby, listen to me," she tightens her grasp, speaking softly into her ear, "You were lonely for a long time because that's what you were. You looked and still look at your reflection and see insecure because that's what you feel comfortable seeing. But you need to really take the time to feel me, feel my lips on every single inch of you, telling you how perfect you are."
She lays her arms over Maya's, her hands hanging onto her wrists, "I'm nothing special."
To that, Maya turns her around to look at her, to look deeply into her eyes, "You are very special. You're special to me. Don't you know that?" she caresses her face with the back of her hand.
Emily stays connected, "I want to."
She kisses her sweetly on the lips, "Baby, love, to me, is when there are a million things you want to say to someone, but when you look them in the eyes and hold them in your arms, nothing in life matters other than being with that person at that moment."
"Maya..."
"I want to kiss you for as long as it takes man to count the grains of sand on a beach or the drops of water in the ocean. The question is...will you let me?"
Her poetry lifts her spirit and expands the love in her heart.
"Oh god yes, yes, yes!"
For the first time after telling Maya she's leaving her again, Emily smiles a beautiful, excited smile. They kiss openly, honestly until Maya steps back causing Emily to look at her in a bewildered way.
"Take off your clothes. Show me. Show me all of you. I want to see with my own eyes where you end and where I begin. I want to be reminded where I fit, where you leave off being you and where you turn into me."
I melt. I do what she wants for, I, too, want to be reminded of where she fits, where I leave off being me and where I turn into her...
Meanwhile downstairs...
There's a scrape heard above them, like the bed frame moving against the hardwood floors.
Hanna looks up with a big smile on her face, "Well, I guess, Emily made her decision."
"What do you mean?" Jasmine asks.
"They're either celebrating her staying or they're doing it as much as they can before she has to go back to California. Regardless, they're gonna be busy for a while."
"Yeah, and I really don't want to hang around for the sound effects so let's go to my house," Spencer strongly suggests.
"But..." Jasmine tries to come up with a reason to stay but to no avail.
"Jasmine, we're going," Hanna takes her hand pulling her up from the couch.
They put on their outerwear and trudge over to Spencer's.
"Are you sure we should just leave without saying anything?" Jasmine asks knowing full well the answer to her own question.
"We're sure," Spencer affirms.
Back in Maya's room...
Emily lies on her back with Maya draped over her propped up on her elbow after having made love for the second time.
"Don't be scared to show your feelings."
"I'm not," she answers Maya firmly.
"Aren't you?"
"Am I?"
"You were tentative and I do understand. But you have to know I don't make a promise I can't keep."
Emily takes a deep breath, "You mean about being faithful?"
"I will not only be your girlfriend but I'm also going to be a real good friend."
"Best friends?" she asks hopefully.
"We both need a best friend that isn't you or me. Do you get that?"
They lace fingers.
Emily looks at Maya, "Yeah, I guess I do, real good friend," she smirks.
They giggle.
"Maya, tell me I'm the one you're dreaming of."
"Always."
Kiss.
"I want to be the only one to love you. I want to be the only one to care for you. I need to be the only one who lights your flame. Please, Maya, will you let me be the only one?"
Kiss.
"Baby, even though we're spending all our time together now, even though we can't stand to sleep alone, when you say you have to leave, I'll miss you before you're even gone."
Emily rolls onto her side as tears streak her cheeks.
Maya wipes them away, "All along we thought how insane this is, to be apart after just getting together, but every moment we spend goes by way too fast, and I want to take this chance with you. I want you to take this chance with me. And know this," she lays her head on the pillow eye level with Emily, "you are the only one."
At Spencer's...
"What could be keeping them so long?" Jasmine says out loud even though she already knows.
Hanna grabs Spencer thrusting her from behind.
"Stop it!" She shoves Hanna away trying not to laugh. "That's not how two girls do it anyway."
"Oh right," Hanna takes Spencer by the waist about to place her hand between her legs.
"Hanna! We get it!" she pushes her away. "You're such a freak!" she laughs.
Jasmine crosses her arms in front of her chest rolling her eyes.
"Aww, what's the matter Jasmine, feeling left out?" Hanna jumps on the couch pretending to feel her up.
"Hanna! Seriously, Spencer's right, you are a freak!" she tries to conceal her smile.
"I saw that! You do have a sense of humor!" Hanna settles on the couch next to her laughing.
"Look you guys, I'm just worried about Maya."
"How so?" Spencer asks, leaning in, anxious to hear her explanation.
"If Emily goes back to California, I just don't want Maya missing out on senior year because she doesn't want to be tempted away from Emily."
"You think she would be?" Hanna asks.
"I've known Maya a lot longer than the both of you. She has difficulty with intimacy."
"I don't think intimacy is a problem for Maya," Spencer leans back, not giving too much heed to Jasmine's words.
"I mean—faithfulness," she looks at something across the room trying to avoid eye contact.
"I wondered about that too but she was a saint these past few months. I can't imagine her doing anything to fuck up their relationship on purpose or not," Spencer backs Maya.
"Well, that's why I've been trying to push Maya since I've been here."
"You mean, flirt like you're into her," Hanna nudges her.
"Yeah. I love Maya but not in that way. We'll always be best friends and I just want to make sure Emily is worth it."
Hanna sits up straight, "Oh, she's worth it and it's up to us to make sure she stays that way."
"I agree with Hanna. Maya exudes confidence. It's hard not to be attracted to that."
"Spencer! Really!" Hanna gets a sparkle in her eye.
"That doesn't make me a lesbian, Hanna. It just means I can understand where Jasmine is coming from."
"Look, the only threat Maya has to worry about is Paige," Hanna says quite frankly.
"Paige. I've heard that name."
"She's trouble. She might try to make it look like Maya is cheating so she needs to be watched," Hanna says with some worry.
"You'll have to point her out to me so I know who I'm dealing with."
"Dealing with?" Spencer asks.
"Yeah. I had my reasons for making sure Emily was good girlfriend material. But, Paige is no one and she's going to stay that way," she says with a little attitude in her neck.
"Ohh, I think I'm really gonna like hanging out with you," Hanna smiles a devious smile.
"Hey, just be careful. We all know what Paige is capable of and you need to not take her for granted," Spencer reminds Hanna making strong eye contact with Jasmine.
"Don't worry Spence, nothing is gonna mess up Emily and Maya," Hanna assures though her mind whirls with ways to keep Paige at bay.
"I think I'm gonna like it here," Jasmine smiles.
"We think we're gonna like having you here," Hanna winks while Spencer nods.
The Next Day at Emily's
Emily POV
"Jasmine's great Emily. You really don't need to worry about a thing," Hanna oozes with approval.
"She's right Em, I wanted to not like her but she's just being a good best friend. She's watching out for Maya. And we were able to set her straight about you too," Spencer adds.
"What do you mean?"
"She's now convinced that you're the one who makes Maya happy and that neither of you will do anything to hurt the other. She's actually thrilled for the two of you!" Hanna tries convincing me.
"If you say so," I don't sound so convinced.
"Don't let Jasmine get in your head," Spencer warns.
"I can't help it. Her testing me put her in my head. Now how am I supposed to get rid of that?"
"Trust Maya," Spencer urges.
"I trust her," Hanna tries putting my thoughts on track.
Yeah. Trust her. After everything she said to me it should be a no brainer. But I still have this feeling inside of me. So I repeat over and over, "Trust her. Trust her. Trust her."
New Year's Eve
The hotel the DiLaurentis' are staying at in Philly has this huge New Year's Eve party every year for the guests so Ali invites us to attend. Me, Maya, Spencer, Hanna, Jasmine, Alex and Caleb plan on arriving for dinner and then the New Year's festivities. I'm especially excited since it will be mine and Maya's first New Years together just as it was our first Christmas. It's a dress up kind of event so we're all looking rather wedding-like in our evening dresses and dark suits.
Everything seems to be going smoothly until Maya lingers under some mistletoe hanging from a doorway at a side entrance to the ballroom. A smile crosses my lips as I decide to take advantage of the forgotten decoration. But someone else has the same idea. What the fuck! Jasmine swoops in kissing her square on the lips! It's a tender kiss, one that would make a girlfriend worry about leaving town or in this case the state! I'm ready to tear them apart when they finally break off each other's lips and start laughing. Okay. Laughing is good. But that kiss doesn't sit well with me. It's too much for a best friend kiss. And there they are, my trust issues, flooding my brain...
Hanna sneaks up behind me, "Boo!"
I scream a girlie girl scream!
"Jesus Hanna! What the fuck was that!"
"It was me distracting you from doing something you'd most certainly regret."
"What're you talking about?" I play innocent.
"Emily, I know you saw Maya and Jasmine but what you don't know is that I dared her to kiss the next person who stood under the mistletoe."
I relax a little but I'm still not convinced that kiss was just a dare.
But then Hanna forces me to pivot so I can see the man who they thought was going to get to the mistletoe before Maya.
"See. I thought she would end up kissing that guy with the bad hair piece a la Donald Trump."
"Ewww," we both laugh out loud.
"Em, you have nothing to worry about. Jasmine's cool. And you know how protective me and Spencer are over you two."
I relax my upper body in an attempt to understand and accept but it still bothers me. And all I can hope for is that it won't get in the way of my relationship with Maya...
Everyone gathers on the dance floor with their significant other. Ali distracts Jasmine away from me and Maya so we can have this moment together.
And the countdown begins...
Everyone in the room chants, "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, happy New Year!"
I smile with widened eyes and a parted mouth taking a deep breath as she smiles, a perfect white teeth smile, and our lips seal, kissing sweetly at first but then our mouths open a bit more as we really give in to the moment.
With confetti swimming in our hair and balloons bouncing around us, we hug and kiss and cheer, at which time the others join us in bringing in the New Year!
It was an almost perfect night if not for the flecks of green spattered over my heart where Jasmine is concerned...
Maya's house, the evening of New Year's Day
Emily POV
"You're getting really good at this," Maya smiles.
"I have a great teacher," Emily smiles back.
"Ya think."
"I know," I kiss her sweetly.
"Soo, can you stay, the night?"
"My parents barely let me stay in Philly. The only reason they agreed was because Ali's parents promised they would keep an eye on us."
"Mmm, I'm so glad they chose to keep an eye on their Champagne glasses instead!"
"I know right! I had so much fun."
"So did I, baby."
"But unfortunately you and I both know sleepovers are out of the question now."
I get up and head to the bathroom, cupping my hands, catching the water as it flows from the faucet, splashing it on my face.
I can hear her saying something to me but it's not in English. I wipe my face with a fluffy white hand towel and walk back into her bedroom stopping at the edge of the bed.
She lies on her back giving me the come here motion with her finger as she says in a delicious French accent, "Venez ici."
I smile, "Someone's been studying."
I bite my lower lip, crawling to her as she sits up to kiss me. I grab the back of her neck keeping her against my mouth, falling with her onto the mattress. Our naked bodies give in to our desire for one another smooshing and rubbing and kissing until we've loved as much as we can love...
Our bodies do belong to each other no matter the distance, or do they? I grab her passionately, wrapping my legs around her, affixing her to me. Looking at her, but I can't stop wondering if I really can trust her...
"What Emily?" An eyebrow raises, "Oh my god!"
"What?"
"You're second guessing me! It's Jasmine isn't it! You still think I'm going to replace you with her? Aren't you?" Maya is getting fed up with Emily's trust issues.
Silence.
"Your silence says it all. You think I'm going to invite her into my bed and lick her in ways I haven't with you?"
I'm in shock pushing her away, "Are you being serious right now?" I'm so pissed, "Go fuck yourself!"
She sits up scanning me up and down, "Ya know what you are? Someone who finally knows what she wants. And do you know what happens when I'm near someone who knows what she wants? My pussy gets wet. So I think I will go fuck myself!" she falls back onto the pillows reaching between her legs with an eager hand.
I grab a robe and slam the door behind me as I stomp down the stairs but then I'm like why am I walking out and how the fuck did we go from sweet, amazing love for the past few weeks to this! So I march back up the stairs, open the door, ready to give her a piece of my mind but I freeze. There she lays just the way I left her with her legs open stroking her pussy.
"What took ya so long?" she smiles devilishly, doing a complete 180.
I'm thrown! I want to scream at her! But instead I drop my robe and dive face first into her wet, throbbing pussy! Her head tosses back and she moans brilliantly as I do everything I've learned so far from her. But this time, I'm a bit more aggressive and she responds with a thrust to my face and moans with immense gratitude. I smile against her taking my time to make her body shake and her walls cave. For she won't ever forget and neither will I. I can go back to California without needing to spend every waking hour wondering if she still remembers me, us. I know she will...
"Shit, Maya, it's late I need to go!"
"Baby, are you sure?"
"Yes!" I grab my stuff hopping on one foot then the other in an attempt to get my jeans on.
"So what was that anyway?"
"That? You mean our little spat?"
"Yeah that. And I think it was more than a little spat."
I pull on my shirt over my head, "That was me being mad at you for letting me go so easily and then for throwing Jasmine in my face."
She leans up on her extended arms, "Let you go so easily? Oh Em, there's nothing easy about it. I thought you knew that."
"I do. But I thought if I left mad then it would be easier to be away from you."
"Ughh, what are we doing to each other!" she laughs.
"Hey, we'll be doing a hell of a lot more whenever we're able to be together," I smile mischievously.
She tosses a pillow at me, "Don't ever start a fight with me for the sake of starting a fight with me."
"You don't have to worry about that," I run my fingers through my hair.
"Hey, I do love you ya know," she says.
I stand up straight with my back to her, "I know." Then I turn to her placing one knee on the bed so I can lean over her and kiss her one last kiss for the night.
"I love you too," I look so deeply into her eyes, I swear our souls connect.
"You just remember what I told you."
"What's that?"
"Every kiss is a message from me telling you how perfect you are."
I'm blushing. I can't help it.
"Message received, loud and clear."
"And Em, you have nothing to worry about with Jasmine or anyone else."
"Yeah. I think I finally get that."
"Good. But, ah, if we ever have a fight like that again, you need to promise me we'll have incredible make up sex too."
I flip my hair to one side, "I hope we don't have to fight to have incredible sex like that." I put my hands on my hips, "But maybe, play fighting would be fun," I wink rushing out of her room and then skip down the stairs, put on my coat and boots and head back home.
I'm smiling all the way to my driveway. I love making love and I love having sex—explosive, hot sex! But then my mind begins to wander, how can I be away from her for so long? I'm going to go crazy thinking about her touching me, her lips sending me a message with each kiss.
I slam the steering wheel with both hands wondering if I'm the one who needs to be watched, if I'm the one who can't be trusted...
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To Be Continued...
I realized everyone was becoming a lesbian in this story so I decided to change why Jasmine was showing interest in Maya.
I'm happy with the change and I hope you are too!