CHAPTER 38- THE VISIT +25 BONUS MAYA I was caught up in the book I was reading , enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking little sips out of my wine . This is exactly the kind of life I wished for . Something peaceful and not the one that had me in constant headaches all the time . This was the only time I had to experience peace and not have to be stressed all the time . A subtle knock on the door draws me out of my thoughts . I reluctantly got up from the lounge chair and went yo.open it , surprised to see that it was a maid . I thought it was Marvin with his multiple issues . " Um .... is splitting wrong ? " I asked . " There's someone here to awe you , " she replied . " Her name's Brandy and she states that it's really urgent . " At that moment , my heart raced . There's no way in the hell I would've expected that Brandy would show up in my house . But what could she want ? I dispersed the thoughts . " You can let her in . Take her to the living room , I would be down I'm a second , " I ordered . " Yes ma'am . " She walked away , while I made my way to my room , deciding to change into something less casual . I don't know why I cared so much about what I wore , but at the same time , I didn't want Brandy seeing me that vulnerable . I changed into a simple trouser and crop hoodie , tying my hair into a slick ponytail and even went as far as applying a little make up on my face . It's ridiculous , but I couldn't help it . I stared at myself in the mirror one last time , before making my way downstairs and saw her on the couch , seated in a calm manner . I mustered a smile and announced my presence . " What a pleasant surprise , Brandy . I had to double check with the maid to confirm if it was really you . " She smiled . " Well , I was in the neighborhood and decided to pay you a visit . These cookies are for you by the way , " she handed me a basket filled with cookies . " Thank you , " I smiled . " Take this to the kitchen , " I told the maid by my right . She collected the cookies from her and took them to the kitchen , leaving just the both of us . It was kind of awkward , and it felt like we had a lot to say to each other- Yet nothing . She broke the silence . That hoodie is cool by the way , is it from a big brand or something ? " She asked . I shook my head . " No , it's from a **** n prime . " Her smile faltered a bit . " Oh , no wonder . " Brandy's eyes moved around the room again like she was checking every corner . " It's really quiet here , " she said slowly . " Peaceful . Not many people come in or out . " I gave a small nod . " That's how I like it . " She smirked a little , tapping her nails on the couch arm . " Hmm ... quiet is nice . But quiet can be ... dangerous too . You forget 1/3 THE VISIT +25 BONUS the world is still out there . You forget that some people don't stop coming after you I blinked at her . " What's that supposed to mean ? " She gave a tiny shrug . " Oh, nothing . I'm just saying ... Larry ? He hasn't forgotten about your family . Not even a little bit . " I sat up straighter , feeling my chest tighten . " Larry can think whatever he wants . I don't care . " Her lips curled in a small smile that didn't feel nice at all . " Oh , Maya . You should care . He's not the type to let things go . He holds on . And when he's ready ... he'll come knocking . " I shifted in my seat , keeping my hands under the table so she wouldn't see them shake . I pressed them into my knees to make them stay still . She leaned forward slightly . " But hey , maybe you'll be fine . Maybe he'll skip you and go for someone else instead . Who knows ? " I clenched my jaw . " Why are you really here , Brandy ? " She gave another fake - sweet smile . " I told you . I was in the neighborhood . " Her eyes dropped , and I noticed the way her shirt stretched slightly around her stomach . My eyes narrowed . I leaned in just enough for my words to be low . " Be careful ... not every baby gets to be born . " Her head jerked up , her eyes flashing for a second before she caught herself . For a moment , she just stared at me , like she couldn't decide if I was threatening her or just being cruel . " What did you say ? " she asked , her voice sharper now . I smiled , tilting my head , " Just ... talking . You know how I am . " We stared at each other for a long second . I could hear the ticking clock in the corner , and it made the silence feel even heavier . She finally sat back , crossing her arms . " You haven't changed , Maya . " Before I could respond , I heard the front door open . " Maya ? " Marvin's voice called . His footsteps were quick . He stepped into the living room , stopping short when he saw Brandy . " Marvin ! " Brandy's tone flipped instantly , turning sugary sweet . She stood up , smoothing her hair . " It's been so long . I was just visiting your sister . We were having such a nice little chat . " Marvin didn't smile . His eyes stayed on her , sharp and cold . " What are you doing here ? " " Oh , nothing , " she said lightly . " Just being friendly . I brought cookies . You should try one . " She picked up her bag and looked back at me . " Thanks for the company , Maya . We should do this again sometime . " " Sure , " I said flatly . She walked past Marvin , giving him a little wave like she didn't notice his glare . The door closed behind her , and the air in the room seemed to change . Marvin turned to me immediately . " Why was she here ? " sighed , leaning back into the couch . " She just showed up . Said it was urgent . What was I supposed to do ? Slam the door in her face ? " " Yes , " Marvin snapped . " That's exactly what you should've done . She's dangerous . " 2/3 THE VISIT not just folding yours hands and keeping quiet " I know , " I said quietly . " But she's gone now . " " +25 BONUS He rubbed the back of his neck , still pacing . " Don't trust her , Maya . She's playing games . And she's not doing it for fun . She wants something . " I didn't answer . I just looked toward the kitchen where the basket of cookies sat on the counter , untouched . 3/3