Chapter 21: Harsh Climate: Maggie and OA

The case wrapped up late at night and by the time they got out of 26Fed parking, snow covered the streets. On a rare occurrence, Maggie allowed OA to drive since she's still sore from her takedown of their suspect earlier. Strong winds now accompanied the snow covering everything. She turned the radio to a news station, hoping to get a weather update.

However, OA already looked worried. "Mags, I don't think we could make it all the way to your place at this rate." The car radio crackled, indicating a weakening signal but they were able to hear 'snowstorm' and 'everyone is strongly advised to stay home'. Firm in his resolve, OA decided, "Let's stay in my place since it's closer. We'll wait for the storm to pass and then I'll drive you home." Maggie just smiled, knowing that there's no use arguing when he made up his mind.

When they entered his apartment, OA rubbed his hands, "It's so cold I think even my fingers froze." He turned on the heater and hanged his coat at the closet near his front door. He turned to do the same with Maggie's coat when he noticed she was rubbing her arms. In an effort to warm her up, OA hugged her.

"Hmm, this is nice," Maggie said looking up to OA.

"Yeah," he said still holding her while looking into each other's eyes. Just as he was starting to hope the moment could last, a loud knock ruined the mood.

"Omar, are you in there? Open up!" Recognizing the voice, he reluctantly let go of Maggie to open the door.

"Amira, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be out of town?" OA asked his sister.

Amira rolled her eyes. "Do you think they'd let anyone fly out in this snowstorm?" She then turned to see Maggie and whispered to her brother, "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting something."

OA flushed, "Shut it, Amira." His sister cackled then approached to greet Maggie.

They were in the couch, catching up when suddenly, the light went out. "How wonderful," Maggie said, dripping with sarcasm.

Amira pulled her cellphone out and turned it on. "Good thing I always have this with me."

"That would be one advantage of the kids who are glued to their phones all the time" OA remarked, "and even in the dark, I know you're sticking your tongue at me." Maggie laughed at that.

OA smiled, at least he made Maggie laugh. But then he felt something unexpected by his legs. No, could it be...

OA screamed, "A spider! There's a spider!" He leapt from the couch and started shaking his legs. Amira guffawed.

"Guess we know who did it," Maggie said, trying not to laugh but failing.

After some time, they all fell asleep in the living room. The power was back in the morning and as Amira opened her eyes, she saw her brother's right arm around Maggie and her head on his shoulders. Amira, who's seated across the two, took out her phone to take a photo of them before falling back to sleep.

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