Writing Camp Secrets

Week 5 Writing Camp How to Design Conflicts/After Party

Layla POV

I quickly got into my car and drove back to the dorm. I twisted my hands around the cold wheel to keep them steady. I could still feel the softness of Vincent’s lips. I parked the car near the building taking deep breaths to relax. I aimlessly walked to my room, not able to get Vincent off my mind.  The feel of his hard body as we danced, the smell of his woodsy cologne, and the sparkle of his light brown eyes when he looked at you. I paced the floor not knowing what to do. “Why did he kiss me? Is he feeling the same way that I am feeling? When did I start having feelings for Vincent? I’m so confused.” I needed to express my feelings to him. “What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” I decided to drive back to the hotel, before I changed my mind. I arrived back at the hotel in record time.  I rushed to the room Vincent reserved for the party that was empty and cleaned. I looked in my purse for my phone. Rummaging through all the pockets with no success. Running my fingers through my hair, I tried to remember where my phone was. Then I remembered after some time it was in the car. Slowly walking I checked with the front desk to see if Vincent was still around. The front desk clerk remembered me from earlier when Vincent introduced me. She told me that he booked a room on the third floor and gave the room number.  I took the elevator in silence rehearsing what I was going to say. I exited the elevator and proceeded down the hallway looking for room 325. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. I stood there, it seemed for eternity. When the door finally opened, Vincent stood only wearing a white towel low around his narrow waist. I could tell he was shocked to see me.

“Baby is that room service.” I heard a female voice say.

I quickly turned half running down the hallway to the elevator.  I frantically pushed the down button.  Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.  The elevator doors opened, and I hopped on. Leaning against the wall the flow of water trailed down my face. The elevator came to a stop. I wiped my face, keeping my head down as I got off heading for the exit. Outside in the open air I exhaled not knowing that I had been holding my breath. I climbed into the car and started the engine. As soon as I drove up to the dorm, my phone rang. I looked at the caller id and did not answer the phone.  I walked into the dorm to my room.  I checked my phone to see that it was almost the next day. The two totes I had by the door I took one at a time to my car. I took one last look at my room before grabbing my last bag. I went to the receptionist desk to turn in my key.  I drove two hours to my new apartment. Feeling liberated I put the key in the lock and opened the door to my new future.

Vincent POV

Dancing with Layla affected me more than I expected. The feel of her body and the smell of her hair was driving my senses crazy.  She was graceful as we salsa. I danced with other females throughout the evening, but I had a ping of jealousy when I saw Layla dancing with another man. I watched her interact with other people. I approached the disc jockey with my song request. Then I felt my feet moving, never taking my eyes off her.  She was talking to Kevin. 

“May I have this dance?” I asked, interrupting Kevin.

I didn’t wait for her answer as I took hold of her hand lifting her up. I led her to an open area and the disc jockey played her favorite song. When I walked Layla to her car, I didn’t plan to kiss her. But what shocked me was her reaction. I stood not able to move as I watched her drive away. I don’t know how long I stood there before going back into the party. The disc jockey played three or four more songs before the party ended.  All the food was gone.  The cleaning crew were standing by watching as individuals slowly made their way out the ballroom. I felt wired and needed to release some tension.  I walked into the foyer to see Maia standing alone.

I asked her if she would like a drink. She followed me into the elevator.

“Did you enjoy the party?” I asked.

“I did.” She said.

“Were you waiting for someone?”

“Yes and No.  I was waiting for the lady at the front desk so I could get a room.”

The elevator stopped on the third floor. We talked as we walked down the hallway. I opened the door and let her walk in first. Maia sat on the sofa as I walked over to the bar. I poured us a drink from the selection.  I went to the bathroom and turned the water to cold. I stood under the spray for a few minutes letting the water run down my back and torso. I shut the water off and toweled off.  I opened the door feeling better. I walked across the room to get my bag. I could feel Maia watching me and to my relief there was a knock on the door.  I rushed to answer it not expecting Layla to be on the other side. Before I could speak, Maia made a remark and Layla took off down the hallway. I wanted to go after her, but I needed to get my clothes on first. I quickly closed the door and got my bag.

“Was that room service at the door?” She asked again.

“No, it was Layla and I need to go after her.” I said quickly gathering my things out of the bag and heading to the bathroom. 

Maia shrugged her shoulders and continued to drink her drink. I picked up my phone and dialed her number. It went to voicemail.  

“I need to go and talk to Layla.”

“I’m waiting for my food.”

“Fine. I’ll be back.”

I opened the door as the server was about to knock. He pushed the cart past me, and I made my way to the elevator. I drove to Layla’s dorm. I walked in and went to check in at the receptionist desk.

“I’m here to see Layla Knight.” I hastily said.

“Layla moved out and turned in her key.” The female said in a monotone.

“What! I have to talk to her.” I said, getting excited.

I pulled out my phone and tried calling her again. “Layla, please call me back. We need to talk.”

I drove back to the hotel. Maia was gone. I stared off into the darkness waiting for Layla to call.