Maia

27

Word Count: 1072

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MAIA'S POV

I slowly unravel my hair, feeling it cascade down my back and over my shoulders. With a gentle tug, I adjust my shirt, carefully ensuring it covers as much bare skin as possible, shielding myself from the truth. As I wipe away my tears with the back of my hand, I take a deep breath and turn to face the shore. There, my brothers stand, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.

I hurriedly made my way back to the shore, my feet sinking into the warm sand with each step. I headed toward the beach umbrellas, my eyes scanning for my towel among the vibrant fabrics. Once I found it, I quickly wrapped it around myself, the soft fabric providing a comforting shield against the cool breeze.

I sank into the warm, golden sand, feeling its heat seep into my skin as I took a moment to catch my breath. Whispers echoed around me as I glanced up, noticing the boys slowly gathering nearby, their concerned faces seeming to close in around me. An overwhelming wave of anxiety washed over me, making it hard to think clearly. I lowered my gaze, fixating on the tiny grains of sand slipping through my fingers, their delicate texture contrasting with the chaos of my thoughts. Each grain glimmered in the sunlight, grounding me amid the confusion of the scene around me.

"Maia, what happened?" Wiremu asked softly, his voice laced with concern. I felt a warm hand gently rest on my shoulder, and a tight knot formed in my stomach - I couldn't help but flinch away from his touch. I feel too vulnerable. "Nothing," I whispered awkwardly, My gaze was fixed on the water dripping from my hair onto the sand as my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I hoped he wouldn't push further, but I could sense his worry lingering in the air between us.

I tightened my grip on the sides of the towel, feeling its rough texture press against my palms. Alessandro sat quietly beside me. "Maia, we can't help you if you don't open up to us," he urged softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

I shook my head, refusing to meet his gaze. "It's nothing; can we just drop it, please?" I pleaded, my voice barely audible. As I spoke, I caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye. It was as if the air around us thickened with tension, and I could sense the silent discussion unfolding among my brothers, their worried glances darting between each other. The weight of their unspoken words pressed down on me, making it even harder to breathe. Alessandro remained at my side as the others gradually drifted away from the circle they had formed, leaving me to my thoughts.

I wake up at 4 in the morning to the jarring sound of the front door being slammed shut. The noise reverberates through the quiet house, pulling me from the depths of sleep. I can hear the clinking of glass bottles as they tumble onto the hardwood floor, creating an erratic symphony of clinks and clatters that echo in the stillness. The sound of heavy footsteps follows, stumbling unevenly through the entryway.

Jacob bursts through the doorway, his dishevelled figure framed by the dim light spilling in from the hallway. He leans heavily against the wall for support, his expression a mix of confusion and anger. Slurred curses tumble from his lips as he tries to steady himself, the scent of stale alcohol hanging thick in the air around him. The chaotic scene leaves me alert and uneasy.

I slowly sit up in bed, doing my best to remain quiet and still, hoping he won't come to my room or call out to me. All I desire is just one night of peace, free from the usual chaos. "Maia," he slurs his words from down the hallway, making it clear that I spoke too soon. My heart sinks as I quickly leap out of bed, feeling a chill wash over me as the night's cool air cuts against my skin. The quiet of the house is shattered by his disjointed voice, and I know I can't leave him waiting. With a ragged breath, I make my way toward him, my legs unsteading. Every ounce of me is willing to go in the opposite direction.

As soon as he spots me, a smirk spreads across his face, sending a tingling chill racing down my spine. He stands there, watching intently, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. I force myself to take small, timid steps toward him, each movement feeling uncertain and heavy. With every inch I close, his sadistic smile only deepens, revealing a sense of pleasure in my hesitation. It's as if he feeds off my apprehension, making it all the more difficult to approach him.

As soon as I reached him, he grabbed ahold of my top, gripping it firmly as he pulled me closer. I could see a faint line of white power under his nose and the smell of alcohol was strong, overpowering my senses unpleasantly. I held my breath in fear, with his free hand he stroked the side of my waist slowly, in an up-and-down motion. "Such a shame your face is so unpleasing, maybe a paper bag will help, hmm?" he said to himself. I stood there frozen, knowing I couldn't stop what was about to happen.

I watched as his hand dropped from my waist as he staggered, his grip on my shirt loosened as he leaned against the wall for support. His eyes closed momentarily, he looked like he was about to pass out at any second. "You're lucky I'm tired Maia," he said with a smirk as he stumbled off into his room. I closed my eyes as tears started falling down my cheek, and a small breath of relief left my lips.

"Maia," Alessandro said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that cut through the fog in my mind. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder as if trying to anchor me in the moment and pull me out of the chaotic thoughts swirling around in my head. "You're shaking. What's wrong?" His concern was evident, and I could see the worry etched across his face. I swallowed hard, battling the wave of panic that threatened to overwhelm me. Everything, Al, everything is wrong.

A/N - Who knew having a puppy was so tiring? Waking up at 5 am now...tsk tsk tsk...