Heyyyy so I finally updated. Just a quick heads up! Since I usually type on my phone which I should probably change... I had to figure out how to display flashbacks, thoughts and present time Just so you guys aren't confused. In case it wasn't easy to catch on to. Past (bold w/ italics)
Enjoy! Ciao!
Maya couldn't sleep. She rolled around in her bed covers, trying to find a comfortable spot. She fluffed her pillow a few times. She flipped it to the colder side. She squeezed her eyes tight but after a few minutes, she gave up. No matter what she tried, she couldn't sleep. Checking the time she found that it was 3:30 in the morning on a Sunday. She groaned in annoyance. Why can't I sleep? But she knew why. It was because of a certain nagging brunette that deemed she can save everything and help eveyone. Her one and only best friend who she loves to death but surely can be quite the pain in the ass. That stupid question she had asked yesterday.
"Whats the real reason you didn't tell me you were being abused, Maya?"
Honestly, the question threw her off. She didn't actually have a reason, she couldn't think of one. She just knew that she couldn't tell her. Maya took a moment to breathe as the memories came back to her. She was so shaken up in the car, Zay held her in his arms the whole way there as a way to show her that he's here and nobody was going to hurt her. Letting her know that she's safe now. From the look in his eyes she felt like she could believe him and actually trust him. Don't get her wrong she did trust Zay but other than being Lucas' best friend, they never really hung out much by themselves. But his presence itself made her feel more calm even though she was still shaking and shivering through her skin. It wasn't because she was bare naked during the car ride with a blanket as her only article of clothing. She was legitimately frightened.
She rested her head in the palms of her hands. Thinking about it made her heart sink. She wasn't going to go back to sleep so she decided to text Riley.
Peaches: I can't sleep and part of that is because of the question u asked and I think I'm ready to talk to u about it.
She wasn't expecting Riley to be up really. The girl was a heavy sleeper, could sleep through anything if she wanted to.
Honey: I can't sleep either. I couldnt sleep with this whole thing on my mind.
Peaches: Talk later at May's Bakery?
Honey: why wait till then. We can just meet up right now.
Peaches: riles r u crazy? Its 3:34 AM.
Honey: so? Dont act like u havent snuck into my room at crazy hours in the morning
Peaches: yea cus im Maya I get away with it. Its still dark out and its not safe for u
Honey: safe my ass, im going there right now.
Peaches: riley...
Honey: im walking out through the window...
Peaches: how do u expect to get inside the bakery. Its closed
Honey: as if u dont have a key.
Peaches: ok ur right but still
Honey: im already long ways from my house peaches. Im walkin in the snow for this so you better be there.
Peaches: not my fault. I didnt tell u to actually leave ya know
Honey: byyeee see you in 15 minutes!
Maya then laid back on her bed. Guess I really have to get up now. She sighed. Getting up from her bed she headed towards the bathroom to make herself look a bit more presentable. She put her hair up in a messy bun, washed her face and brushed her teeth before going back out to her room and putting on Zays basketball hoodie and some leggings.
Zay had given it to her to wear before they reached the hospital. As for pants, Mrs Friar had some laundry in the back of the car, cleaned of course and she had given her a pair of socks and some sweatpants. Sure it was weird because she had no undergarments but who's really worried about that when you've nearly just been raped.
As she made her way down the stairs she was surprised to see Aunt May in the corner, Coffee in her right hand and book in the other, reading quietly by the counter with the lamp on. A small little couch she was sitting on. She claims that spot to be her little library when she's either on break or just during the day when it's not chaotic at work.
"What are you doing up, sweetie?" She asked as she turned a page in her book.
"I should be asking you the same thing." Maya smiled as she made her way over to the coffee maker on the counter.
"Some nights when I'm not tired. I sit in my library and read." She replied eyes still glued to the book.
"I couldn't sleep so I decided to text Riles, now she's coming over." Maya fixed up a cup of hot chocolate for Riley, something she knows she'll want after walking in the cold, and made some coffee for herself. She doesn't really like coffee all that much and if she wanted to get some sleep later she probably shouldn't be drinking it but she'll need the energy if she's gonna tell Riley everything.
"She's coming over at this hour?" May asked incredulously but monotone.
"Yep. I decided that I'm going to tell her everything that happened. With Lucas' dad and even my mom. She didn't want to wait to talk about it so she's on her way." Maya said walking over with the drinks in her hand to the counter.
"Is that so." May placed a bookmark in the page where she ended and closed the book placing it on the coffee table where she sat. She gave Maya her full attention. "Are you sure you're ready to talk about it?"
"She deserves to know. I haven't been fair to her or Farkle."
"And when are you planning on telling Farkle." May raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I don't know. Whenever he comes up and asks me I guess." Maya shrugged sipping her coffee.
"And Lucas?" She pressed. Maya sighed unsure. Before she could answer, the doors jingled as a shivering Riley entered the bakery, teeth chattering, nose pink, her coat covered in little flakes of snow.
"My toes are f-f-f-freezing." Riley shivered taking a seat next to Maya.
"You still didn't have to come you know." Maya handed her the hot chocolate. Riley hummed satisfied.
"Yeah but I wanted to." Riley shook off her coat, taking in the warmth of the bakery. "So. I'm here now. Shoot."
"How bout we go sit at a booth. This is gonna be a long one." Maya suggested as she was already hopping off the counter. Riley following suit. May collected her things and headed up the stairs.
"Not staying for the story May?" Maya asked. She shook her head.
"I have to get some sleep in. Sundays are the only days we're closed." She said as her voice faded up the stairs. Maya nodded understandingly and turned her attention back to Riley.
"Ok. Before I start do you have anything you want to ask me?" Riley sat there contemplating and taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"I think I'm going to wait till you tell me everything. Then I'll see if I have any questions." Maya nodded. She leaned back and sighed.
"Here we go." Maya took a deep breath.
"So it first started when I was at Lucas' house watching basketball."
Maya sat on the end of the couch, eyes glued to the screen and body burning with adrenaline. Her, Lucas and Zay were watching an intense basketball game. Her and Zay's favorite team, the Chicago Bulls vs Lucas' favorite, the New York Knicks. You'd think that being in New York everyone who lives there should favor the Knicks or atleast the Brooklyn Nets, nope. Not everyone does. Aside from that, they had a bet on who would win. Not for money but for a horrible dare. To raise the stakes, nobody knows what their end of the bargain would be if their team lost the game. Which only makes it crazier because it could be a regular day, months after the game even and somebody could spontaneously make them do a dare because of the bet they lost. So, to not sound anymore confusing you just don't want to lose the bet. So Maya and Zay sat next to each other hand in hand squeezing the life out of each other in pure fear, nervousness and anxiousness that they don't lose. Lucas on the other hand sat relaxed in his recliner, pepsi can in hand and watching with ease. He didn't need to worry. The games basically over.
To fill in, it was a tied score end of fourth quarter. 100-100. Brought the game into overtime. Needless to say, Maya and Zay had rejoiced when Derrick Rose banked a three to tie the game before the shot clock went off. Zay could've cried in happiness but the game was far from over. Overtime would be their fate if the team played smart.
So here they are, aside from the big flatscreen tv on, the room was silent. No one speaking save for Zay's squeaking when the team made turnovers and risky moves. It was dead silent. If you wonder why Lucas was so nonchalant. It was cause his team was up by 4 and nothing but easy layups from stealing the ball.
103-107. Everyone in the game was trying so hard not to foul and allow the other team to get free throws but they also didn't want them to have open shots. Maya took a pillow from the couch and squeezed it instead of Zay's hand, pretty capable of tearing it. 3 minutes left in the game, Score is now 108-112. If someone would just bank a three, steal the ball and make a layup the next. They'd win by a point! Did it happen... nope.
In fact Derrick Rose had gotten another knee injury and at that point Zay and Maya knew there fate was up. 50 seconds in the game. The Knicks are still up, Lucas is still drinking his pepsi, Zay is beginning to shed tears and the pillow is suddenly unraveling at the seems. One miracle... one miracle was all they needed. Then Coby White of the Bulls stole the ball and made a fast break down the court to make a layup. Lucas choked on his drink and Zay stopped crying for just a second to witness this sudden change of events. 35 seconds in the game the ball was thrown in, stolen by Daniel Gafford! Up goes another 2! Zay leaps up from his seat hopping up and down and his heart begins to beat faster and Lucas' eyes are now glued to the screen. Maya however still wasn't getting her hopes up. She wanted to wait till the last second.
The score is 116-116, a tied game again. 10 seconds in the ball is thrown into the Knicks. Despite the heavy defense. Julius Randle moves down the court, passing the defenders, barely reaching the halfcourt line
5...
4...
3...
2...
Julius Randle chucks for a half court shot.
1!
HE MAKES THE BUZZER! NEW YORK KNICKS WIN THE GAME! Lucas jumps up completely forgetting about his drink, spilling it all around the carpet. He'll clean it for his mama later. Zay crumbles to the ground in tears, laying in a fetus postition. Maya gets up throwing the pillow on the couch and walks off to the kitchen to get herself a Taco. Oh yeah, it's Taco Tuesday at Lucas' by the way. She comes back to see Lucas happy dancing in front of Zay and gloating.
"I can't believe they lost. I have to do Lucas' dare now. God help us all!" Zay laid on the floor defeated.
"Do your worst Huckleberry I can take it." Maya said returning back to where she sat.
"Oh don't worry, I got something planned for y'all." Lucas smirked evilly. Maya's stomach dropped a little. She usually isn't worried about what he'd do but the thought now kinda made her nervous.
"Wait wait wait wait." Riley interrupted the story with a frown. "Why wasn't I invited. You know I love the Knicks."
"Sorry Riles, taco Tuesday and Basketball is kind of our thing, besides you wanted to study for a test that night, Now don't interrupt me again." Riley apologized and Maya continued telling her story.
Lucas smirked at the two. Just the thought of the things he could make them do for a dare made him so ecstatic. Zay's blood began to run cold as he thought about what Lucas would dare him to do.
Just then the door opened, entering Lucas' father. In a plaid shirt with his sleeves rolled up, rocking some blue jeans and pointy boots came the man of the house. John Friar.
"Whats going on here, Lukey." He said seeing the three in the living room. Lucas' good mood suddenly went dark and the change didn't go unnoticed to Maya and Zay.
"We're just watching a game of basketball, sir." He said tightly trying to sound unbothered. If it wasn't already clear, Lucas doesn't like his father for various reasons.
"Watching the game, huh." His father tsked shaking his head.
"Yes. Is that a problem?" He pressed with an arched eyebrow.
"No son. Not at all." He shook it off walking into the living room and brought his attention to Maya.
"Who might you be Darlin'?" He smiled softly. Maya immediately greeted him not wanting to seem disrespectful. She brought her hand out for him to shake.
"I'm Maya Hart sir. I go to school with Lucas and Zay." She said a bit tense. She felt the mood in the room was a bit off. Uneasy even. John took Maya's hand and kissed it before shaking it.
Maya has been over Lucas' house plenty of times for Taco Tuesdays, Chili nights, homework assignments. Not once had she ever seen Lucas' dad. Never. But she didn't ask why because she knew it was a touchy subject and quite frankly, none of her business to want to ask anyway.
"You are quite the sight, blondie." He smiled cheshire like. Maya suddenly felt her stomach churn. She didn't like the vibe she was getting from him.
"Uhm thank you. I get it from my mom." She laughed awkwardly, taking her hand from him. His gaze lingered on her. She averted her gaze from him to Lucas and Zay.
"I had a lot of fun guys but I gotta catch the train back home." She said taking out her phone and looking at the time. She gathered her things and went into the kitchen for another taco.
"Don't leave me with him!" Zay cried still on the floor.
"You'll be ok." She laughed at him walking back into the living room. He frowned still worried. Lucas then pulled Maya in for a hug.
"Alright Maya. I'll see you tomorrow." He released her with a soft smile.
"Now hold on. You said you had to catch the train?" John cut in.
"Uh yeah-"
"Nonsense. Let me drive you." He suggested. Maya shook her head.
"Oh no there's no need-"
"Let me take you." He insisted gazing into her eyes intensely. She gulped nervously.
"I-I guess..." Maya agreed reluctantly. "Is that ok with you, Lucas?" She asked him with pleading eyes to say no.
"Actually-" he started.
"Not your choice son. I'm gonna take your lady friend home and you're gonna clean up this carpet" he said stepping and squishing in the carpet for emphasis. "When I get back it better be cleaned, am I clear." He rose an eyebrow watching him for an answer.
"Yes. Sir" Lucas said tightly, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
"Wow. Lucas' dad sounds intense." Riley commented. Maya nodded in agreement.
"He is. He's the type that won't take no for an answer." Maya shivered thinking about him.
"When he dropped me home he walked me to the door and that day my mom was home early. I told her that Lucas' dad had given me a ride and she came out to give him thanks. That was the start of him coming by once a day weekly." Maya shook her cup around stirring the coffee, letting out a heavy sigh.
"He started visiting weekly?!" Riley gasped incredulously. "B-but why?"
"He claimed it a way to get to know Lucas' friends better. So he stopped by to say hi. Next thing you know him and my mom are out getting breakfast together every monday morning." Maya explained tightly.
"Wow." Was all Riley could say as she leaned back into the cushion of the booth.
"But once a week started turning into 3 times and then he was just there everyday. I didn't say anything to Lucas because I thought he knew. Even though it bothered me, I acted like I didn't care. Like it didn't bother me." Suddenly Maya voice cracked and her eyes burned as she felt the tears beginning to form. Riley leaned forward and rested her hand on Maya's, watching her carefully with concerned eyes.
"One day I came home." Maya sniffed, a tear stung and she closed her eyes allowing it slip free. "One day I came home, Riley. And he was on top of her." Maya shuttered as she couldn't continue and broke down into tears. Riley got up from across the table to sit next to her engulfing her in a hug, taking Maya's head and resting it on her shoulder. She rubbed her back telling her to "let it out. It's alright. You don't need to hold it in."
"Mom, I'm home. I see Mr. Friar's car outside... again." She rolled her eyes. "did you guys go out to eat today?" Maya walked into the apartment kicking off her shoes and tossing her keys on the small table near the coat rack. She headed towards the kitchen to get a snack. That's when she saw it.
"OH MY GOSH!" Maya gasped, stopping dead in her tracks in the living room. Katy was under John, her arms held above her head held by his hand. The other unbuttoning her blouse. His head dipped down leaving sharp bites around her neck. She couldn't move. Not with him on top and holding her in place. He was strong as a horse, as they say.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET OFF HER!" Maya shrieked moving quickly to put herself in front of them. She tried to grab him by his shirt but he didn't move. Katy's faced was stained with dry tears.
"Maya" her voice cracked. Maya continued to pull and yank him off. John ceased her effortlessly and took her hand in his own where it used to be on Katy's blouse. He slowly got up from on top her, turning his attention to Maya now. Katy sat up quickly shamefully buttoning back up her blouse.
"Is there a problem Little Lady." He arched an eyebrow. His voice deep and dark. Maya's small hands held by his big one like she was handcuffed.
"Yes there is. What do you think you're doing with my mom!" She spat, eyebrows furrowed with fury.
"Oh. We were just having a little fun. Right Katy?" He glanced at her from the side but still had his gaze on Maya. Her mother didn't say a word. Staring at her feet, saddened.
"Let go of me." Maya yanked her hand out of his hold. "Get out of my house! I don't want you back in here ever again!" Maya spat as she pointed towards the door.
"C'mon Lil Lady, me and your mama was just messin' around. No need to get all upset." He said softly. A little too soft actually. Maya felt even more creeped out.
"Please just leave Mr. Friar or so help me GOD!" Maya closed her eyes to control herself, hand still pointing at the door. Katy now stood up.
"I think you should go too, John." She finally spoke, she wrung her hands still feeling a little embarrassed.
John watched the mother and daughter. Keeping his eyes mostly on Katy, watching her carefully. He then sighed shaking his head before chuckling.
"I'll see you around, Katy." He said finally before grabbing his keys off the table and walking out the door.
"Like HELL you will!" Maya shouted before the door shut. She turned her attention to her mom. worry in her eyes.
"Are you alright mom? Did he hurt you?" She inspected Katy for any remnants of the filth that was just all over her mother.
"I'm fine sweetheart." The older blonde responded softly. Maya stopped checking her.
"Mom we have to do something about him. We can't let him back here ever again." Maya said firmly, Anger and hurt in her eyes. She knows that she's definitely going to text Lucas as soon as possible.
"Baby girl, relax. T-there's no need for all that." Katy said looking off to the side, playing with her blouse buttons.
"What do you mean relax?!" Maya responded incredulously. "You're kidding me right?." She arched an eyebrow. She watched as her moms face remained the same.
"Mom! He sex-"
"I wanted it Maya!" Katy blurted out cutting her off. Her eyes squeezed shut as she did not want to look at her daughter and felt a tear wanting to slip through. Maya's mouth opened and closed, not believing the words that just left her mother's mouth.
"what?" Was all she whispered.
"Things just happened and I didn't stop him."
"No. I don't believe that." Maya shook her head stubbornly.
"Maya-"
"I DON'T! I DON'T BELIEVE YOU MOM." She turned to look at her mother, face pained greatly by her response.
"I-i mean you were crying. You expect me to believe you?" Maya sputtered. There was no way she's telling the truth. Katy then heavily sighed.
"Maya let's just drop lt." Katy said heading towards the bedroom. Maya watched her as she went up the stairs and heard the door shut. She then slumped down on the couch feeling confused, dejected and angry all at once. She can not, will not allow this to continue happening.
"AGH!" She yelled, throwing a pillow from the couch and at the wall in frustration.
"Oh my gosh..." Riley's hands covered her mouth in shock. Maya nodded silently.
"B-but what about my Uncle Shawn? What happened to him and Katy? Where was he?" Riley asked. Maya only shrugged. She stared blankly at the empty booth across from her, thinking of how things turned out to be the way they are presently. The tears fell harder, her nose turned pink and eyes red.
"I don't know what happened with my mom and Shawn. It's not like they ended on bad terms." Maya sniffed.
"But what I should've done, Riles." She turned to her best friend, "I should've told someone." Maya watched as her faced turned from worried to confused.
"But I thought you were gonna text Lucas. After the situation."
"I was going to. I-it was definitely on my mind. But another part of me thought that this was over for good. That I caught them once and there won't be another time." Maya chuckled to herself in regret. She was obviously so stupid to think that.
"But one time turned into more..." Maya spoke tense.
"Well you guys didn't just let him into your house everytime did you?!" Riley asked.
"Oh believe me, Riles! We didn't, we tried to keep him out. But he made himself a key!"
"He what? How did he-" Riley replied incredulously.
"He stole my moms key and copied it..." Maya seethed quietly.
"Sometimes I'd get home and he's already on the couch watching football, making himself comfortable." Riley's eyes widened
"You know how my mom works at the diner, sometimes we'd be home alone together. I used to lock myself in my room. It was the most uncomfortable thing to even think about so I would go out the window and go for a walk or spend time at your place."
"Is that why you would stay till 1 in the morning? I just thought it was because your mom was coming home late." Riley stated understandingly. Things were started to make sense.
"It partially was. I just couldn't stand the idea of being alone in the house with him." Maya shivered in disgust.
"And I don't know why you didn't just spend the night. You know how I feel about you walking around the city when it's late peaches..." Riley sighed.
"If I slept over then he would be in the house with my mom alone. He likes overstay his welcome." Maya scoffed.
"W-wait. He would even be there till night?" Riley questioned shockingly, Maya nodded.
"Sometimes till 4. I never slept till I knew he was gone."
"Oh Maya-"
"The reason I'd be in the library is because it was quieter there and it gave me a chance to catch some sleep. If it wasn't the library then it would be the art room in the little room that Mrs. Violet gave me."
After these confessions things were starting to make sense to Riley. Maya always seemed tired throughout the day and she did ask what was going on, what type of best friend would she be if she didn't. She just wishes she wasn't so oblivious back then.
"M-Maya... I don't know what to say." Riley spoke softly in honesty.
"Don't say anything. Just listen."
"There was a day when I was getting ready to leave out through the window." Maya continued. "My bedroom door was already locked and I was just about to put on my shoes when he knocked on my door. I didn't know if whether or not I should answer it. I wasn't sure what he would do if I opened the door so I didn't do anything."
"When I was sure he left, I put my shoes on about ready to leave when my door opened." Maya's anger was beginning to show.
"The asshole picked my lock with a knife from the kitchen." Riley gasped but didn't say anything.
"Leaving so soon, Sweetheart?" He smiled devillishly. Maya froze by the window like a deer in headlights. Her heart sunk so deep she felt that she would drown. She couldn't say a word.
"A few days ago I came up to see why you would always lock yourself in your room. Back at the house I made sure Lukey's door was always open. No. Matter. What." With emphasis on the last three words he took 3 large steps into the room.
"It's rude you know. Why don't you come downstairs and spend some time with me." He got so close to the point where he was breathing down her neck.
"Why the fuck would I want to do that?" Maya scoffed. His hand snatched Maya's as he forcefully turned her around.
"You'll do it cause I said so." He growled. Maya looked him in the eye nervously.
"Let go of me." She demanded. "You're not my dad, I don't have to listen to a damn thing you say!" The blonde seethed.
"Maya..."
"Shut up! Shouldn't you be in Texas?" She yelled.
YOU TALK TO ME WITH RESPECT YOUNG LADY!" He spat. His hand raised high in the air before he smacked her. Hard. Maya held her face in shock, shaking in alarm
"You... you..."
"Listen to me when I tell you to do something." He spoke harshly. With no other thought, Maya mustered up as much saliva as she could and spit right in his face.
"Get the FUCK out of my house. Right now. You have no right to be here at all and I swear I will call the cops on-" A hand grasped around her neck, cutting the air off, Maya's hands quickly flew to his arm and she'd tried to pull it off.
"Do that and kissing your mother like I did that day won't be the only thing you'll see. Spit on my again and we're going to have some problems. Now git your ass downstairs, I won't say it again." He growled.
"No." She stated, as best as she could with his hand around her throat. He then squeezed tighter and she gasped trying to find air.
"Say that again? I couldn't understand you." He smirked evilly, she couldn't speak and tapped his arm telling him to let go.
"You're gonna come downstairs?" She shook her head frantically telling him yes.
"Good." He let her go and quietly left the room.
"HE CHOKED YOU?!" Riley yelled incredulously, Maya only nodded.
"I can't believe this, Maya. I- I- I don't know how much more of this I can hear." The brunette rested her head in her hands sad in disbelief.
"There's more..."
"Peaches..."
"After that situation, I stopped locking my door, I stopped leaving the house whenever he let himself in. Him and my mom never did anything for those few weeks. I started to let myself believe that he actually was going to stop harassing us like this. Needless to say I was wrong." She chuckled. "So so wrong."
"He's locked me in the closet a few times." The blonde said it so casually, it nearly went over Riley's head.
"W-wait-"
"I thought he was done doing whatever the hell he does with my mother but, He forces me into a closet, locks me in there to go and do God KNOWS what to her!" Maya's hand balled into a fist and slammed against the table. Riley flinched at the sound.
He held a strong grip on Maya. She was getting bruises around her biceps and was starting to lose feeling in her arms.
"Stay here, don't worry about your mother. She'll be alright." He shoved her in the closet and locked her in there.
Maya wasn't going to panic. She was used to it. It's terrible that she was used to this horrendous torcher. She shouldn't be, but she is.
"PLEASE!" She heard her mom say. "STOP! I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE! IT HURTS" Her mom would cry.
Maya would shout after her. "MOM! MOM! YOU HAVE TO FIGHT HIM" she would try to kick the closet door open. No luck. Something heavy was blocking it from opening.
Kicking and screaming and crying
Kicking and screaming and crying
Kicking and screaming and crying
Kicking
Screaming
Crying...
She was tired and out of breath. Her leg started to hurt. She decided to give up trying and just... wait.
"I would be stuck in there listening to her screaming at him. See I'd like to think that she was resisting because us Hart's are strong, y'know." Maya said confidently. "We never go down without a fight."
"Sometimes I heard loud smacks other times it was dreadfully quiet. By the time I was let out the closet she was no longer there but off at work instead. I barely got to see what she looked like, what he made her look like. He would leave too and then it would just be me at home in silence, but the constant sound of her shouting and crying never left my mind. This went on for about a week or two until it was a few days since my mom left work and hadn't come home. I know she works double shifts sometimes but Riley, she always comes home. Always. I started to get worried. I called her phone ever second, every minute, every hour. No answer."
"I was in the middle of calling her phone again when I was knocked out by him. I didn't even know he was in my house. Everything went black and the next time I opened my eyes I was naked-"
"STOP!" Riley shouted, covering her ears not wanting to hear anymore. Tears streamed down her face while she was listening to Maya talk but she just didn't want to hear this next part. She then engulfed Maya in a big hug.
"Riley, please. I want you to know."
"Let's take a break. This is a lot for me to take in right now and I just really want to hug you." She expressed by squeezing her tighter.
"...Okay" Maya said softly. The two stayed like that for a while, in each others arms and snow began to fall.
Maya finally said something. I know everyone was waiting for this, I'm Sorry it took so long. I had to go back and read to make sure everything made sense haha. This was sitting in my drafts for a while but it's here now :3
Until next time :3