When Worlds Collide

Chapter 19

"Mom....did you know?" Maya asked sternly over the phone.

"Know what?" Kathie asked.

"About Mason." Maya responded. Maya could hear her mom take a deep breath through the phone.

"I heard last month. He showed up at my house one day. He looked good, really good. He made it Maya." Kathie said as he voice cracked from happy tears.

"How did this all happen?" Maya asked.

"Another artist was walking the streets one day when he saw Mason painting on a side of an old building. He went up to Mason and said he loved his work. So, he took him under his wing and got him on his feet, and eventually got noticed. Now he's a big shot out there in the artistry world." Kathie responded. "I wanted to tell you, I did. But I didn't think it was an over the phone type of conversation and I know you are so busy. How did you find out sweetie?"

Maya couldn't believe what she was hearing. She was so happy for her brother, this is all she ever wanted for him, but she was upset he never came to her for help.

"Carina actually. She bought one of his paintings and I recognized the name and signature. I just can't believe this." Maya said softly.

"I know, it's a lot to take in. But this is good Maya, it's amazing."

"I know mom, I know." Maya interrupted with a smile.

"How about we have dinner at my place in a few days. Carina can come and I will invite Mason. We can all catch up, what do you say?" Kathie asked.

"Umm..." Maya looked over at Carina who was sitting next to her. Carina nodded, trying to support Maya. "Yeah, yeah that sounds good."

"Great! I will see you then honey, there's lots to talk about and share. Love you." Kathie said excitingly.

"I love you too, bye mom." Maya said and hung up the phone. She took a deep breath.

"Well that went well, don't you think?" Carina asked as she put her hand on top of Maya's.

"Yeah, it did actually. You are coming with me right? I can't go there alone." Maya pleaded.

"Of course I'm coming bambina." Carina kissed Maya's cheek and got up to make breakfast.

Maya's thoughts were everywhere. She knows that those news weren't something to be told over the phone, but she wished her mom would have told her sooner. All this time she was worrying about her brother. Where was he? Is he even alive? Is he happy? Of course she's happy, but it's still shocking.

Maya got out of her trance when Carina put a plate of French toast in front of her.

"You okay bambina?" Carina asked.

"Um yeah, just a lot going on in my head is all." Maya said as she started eating. They finished eating and Carina could tell Maya wasn't getting out of her head anytime soon.

"Maya, come with me." Carina said as she pulled Maya up with her hands, and went to the front door to grab her keys and put her shoes on. Luckily it was the weekend, so they didn't have to work.

"Where are we going?" Maya asked.

"Just come, you will see." Carina responded.

They got into Carina's car and she started driving away. Maya looked out the window the whole time, in silence, but in her thoughts. Carina has never seen Maya this quiet before, but she knew exactly what to do for Maya.

Carina parked the car which brought Maya out of her trance, and she now realizes where they are. The basketball courts. Her favorite place on earth, besides anywhere Carina is. Maya looked at Carina wide eyed, and Carina gave her a soft smile.