Still

01.

Chapter One

"Not again, Maia," twenty seven year old, Maia Brix mumbled to herself as she planted both of her hands firmly on the kitchen countertop and eyed the clock that hung on her wall. Time was something that she just couldn't get right. No matter how many times you told her to be on time, she'd always somehow find a way to be late.

No matter how many times her best friend, Lauryn, would give her the wrong times, Mai would still find a way to show up late. While it wasn't something that she sought out to do, she did like giving herself grace outside of professional settings.

Today was no different. Their group of friends were to meet at one of their favorite brunch spots, but the designated time was already ten minutes ago. For the first time in two years, the crew would be in the same room. After college, everyone went on their respective journeys. Two years ago, things seemed to catapult, making it difficult to get all five of them in the same room. With Lauryn being their responsible friend, she was privy to everyone's schedules and found a slot where they were all free.

"Just a few more minutes," Maia pepped herself as she ran her fingers through her long black hair whilst looking at her reflection in the mirror of her living room mirror. Her hair and makeup had been completed, but her wardrobe was her current dilemma.

Multiple dings sounded from Maia's phone, alerting her that she was receiving text messages. By the sound of it, she knew that it was none other than the group chat. Lazily, she picked up the phone from the couch to ensure she was correct, and her suspicions were confirmed.

From Lauryn: Where are you, Mai??

From Elijah: Knowing Mai, she's probably still at the house.

A slight chuckle escaped Maia's mouth, because Elijah knew her all too well. Today's issue was that the dress that she'd planned on wearing hadn't finished drying. She thought it was a situation she had already taken care of, but doing laundry had slipped her mind. Finding another outfit would only mean they would have to wait just a little bit longer.

To 2LiveCrew: Ha ha. I'm actually up the street.

From Malik: She is definitely lying!

From Lauryn: Right! Girl hurry up!

Deciding to accept the fate that her friends knew her all too well, Mai decided to just quickly finish up and rush out of the door. Her short, snow-colored midi dress faired well with the excruciating Texas heat. Maia's drive from her apartment only took approximately ten minutes with her beating the gps by three minutes.

The Brunch was a clique favorite. They had some of the best brunch food in Texas and were constantly adding new things to their menu. The crew found the restaurant when it was just opening many years ago and were now hooked. It was one of those places that they treated as a delicacy. Maia entered the restaurant and took in the people and the smell of the food. The hostess greeted her and helped her find her awaiting friends.

Lauryn and Malik immediately noticed her, plastering a smile on her face. Lauryn had, thankfully, saved a seat next to her.

"Finally, girl," Lauryn expressed, patting the seat next to her, "I thought we were never going to get a chance to eat."

The rule was simple — no one ate until everyone arrived. Unfortunately for them, that usually meant waiting on Maia.

"Sorry," Maia apologized to them all. "My dress wasn't ready."