Hidden Motives

Mess

I walked down the stairs into the kitchen and was surprised to see that Max wasn't there. "That's weird" I whispered.

"What's weird?" a voice said behind me.

I quickly turned around to see Max behind me. "Max! You scared me!" I yelled with a smile

He pulled me into a hug and covered my eyes. "I told you I have a surprise!"

"Ok let's see it" I laughed.

Max then led me to another room with his hands still covering my eyes. "3...2...1!" he said. He then moved his hands and had led me to this beautiful balcony. In the center was a table filled with food. There were two seats right across from each other. Mountains were visible and the orange sky looked illuminated.

"It's beautiful!" I gasped."

He smiled at me and said "Don't expect this again I was just in a good mood."

I rolled my eyes at him before sitting down and we both laughed. "I won't, I won't" I said.

After eating I felt quite full. "Thank you. That was really good. I didn't know you were a good cook!" I said happily.

"No one really knows anything about me." he responded.

I was amazed by him at this moment. He was opening up. He also wasn't as cold which surprised me. "What was this for?" I asked.

"Like I said, I woke up earlier than you so I made us breakfast. Nothing crazy" Max responded beginning to get annoyed.

"Oh ok" I said. I didn't want to mess things up. "Umm maybe we should go out this evening?" I asked.

"I can't. I'm busy" Max responded coldly.

"Dang it! I messed things up" I thought to myself.

"Oh ok....um maybe tomorrow then?" I pushed. I really wanted to spend more time with him.

"Zara I don't know what you think is going on. But it's not what you think. We are just friends ok? You've made that clear and I thought having a normal breakfast with you would make that clear from my end!"

That one hurt. Just like a blade to the heart. Not pleasant. At all.

"You have got to be..fucking...kidding me!" Suddenly my accent dropped. "Listen here asshole! You are insane! What the fuck! What the fuck! What is wrong with you! Are you bipolar or something?! First you don't talk to me. Then you save me. Then you have a girlfriend. Then you kiss me. Then you let me stay the night at your house and you're being nice. And then you pull this! Pick a struggle, please! There's a loose screw in your brain! You are not a good person despite what you say at this point! You're fucked up and annoying! Never speak with me again! Despite what you think, I am NOT coming back!" I rushed out of the room and ran down the stairs. Max didn't follow.

I yelled "Fuck you Payne!" when I got downstairs. He definitely heard. Then I slammed the door loudly before running out. Pure anger. Pure hate. It all consumed me.

I ran and ran. That was until I ran so far my legs could no longer support me. I saw a bench and plopped myself onto it. Trying to catch my breath.

A man approached me and said "Are you ok? It doesn't look like you were just going for a run. What wrong? I can call for help if you need it."

"I am..am..fine" I said panting.

I looked up at the man. He looked familiar. He had dark skin and dark features. He was very tall and was standing before me with concern. "Rene?" I asked.

The man laughed and said "You know my brother! I'm James. I actually came to visit Rene for the week. You must be a bit shaken up because I am much taller than Rene. We also don't look all that much alike" he laughed.

"Oh. Hi..James" I said. "I'm Zara"

"Zara. That's a nice name. I've heard about you. Rene told me over the phone yesterday that his girlfriend is your friend. Kailyn? I believe that's her name." said James.

"They're a couple now? That was fast. Well, I'm happy for them! At least one relationship is going right" I sighed.

"Let me guess you fell for Max Payne? I've seen it happen. Whenever I come to visit Rene, Max has always got someone new by his side. That was until Adyline. Rene told me about what happened with them. You also must be the Zara that is Adyline's sister. Your family has got some nice genes. Both of you are beautiful, but both of you deserve better than Max. Ever since I met him his vibes have been off you know? I tried telling Rene, but I guess Max has got him contained. I heard that when Adyline and Max broke up, it was because of that bitch Scarlett and Adyline's sister. I never liked Scarlett, but I like you. That's why I'm warning you." James explained.

"Well thanks, I guess. I was getting in too deep with Max. I actually just cut things off. He's charming and intriguing, but toxic. Way too toxic. I'm happy that it's over. I think" I mumbled.

"Well, that's good. Umm I'm actually heading over to a restaurant Rene and Kailyn will be there. You should come! Maybe it'll help you get your mind off of things with Payne." he asked.

I was hesitant at first, but James was right. It would be a good distraction. "Sure, let's go!" I smiled.

Now you may think I am crazy for this, but Max drove me insane. It was to the point where going out with friends and randomly crossing paths with one of my friend's brothers seemed perfectly normal for me. Or at least for Zara. I needed to get him off my mind. Especially his emotionless expressions when I yelled at him. He was cold. Colder than ever before. If I stayed a second longer I'm sure he would've melted into pure hate and anger. Into a monster mess of toxicity. He had secrets. I knew that for sure, but avoiding him would be in my best interest. At least for now.