They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 16 - MAYA

September
Friday Night
7:10 PM

"I hope everyone's enjoying the steak. I hope it's seasoned well for y'all."

"Seasoned well? This is great Ms. Sasha. You put your heart in this meal," Adri said with a fork full of mashed potatoes.

"Yes, thank you so much for the dinner Sasha. This is magnifica." Aunt Linda added, giving Jamila's mom a half hug as she sat down with her plate at the end of the table.

Ms. Smith decided to host a big family dinner to celebrate the new month and our new endeavors. I finally got my job at the parlor and I was pretty excited to work with Nia.

Life was going so great, nothing seemed to ruin the moment.

Jamila's mom stood up, grabbing her wine glass and clearing her throat. We all turned our attention to her as her smile seemed to light up the room.

"Listen, I know we often have dinner here and I'm thankful for every face I see. Even the ones who aren't here." I looked at the empty chairs that sat across from me.

Ryan and Nia. I hadn't talked to either of them in a minute. Seeing their chairs empty really made my heart sink a little. I wonder what was going on.

"I'm proud of each and every one of you. Y'all have made Linda, Valentina, and I so proud. We've watched you do great things and I thought that it'd be a good idea to celebrate everyone."

I looked around, slightly confused as to what was going on or what Ms. Smith was about to announce.

"Since I've made partner at my firm, I've made a few connections with a certain corporation and they've offered me quite the deal on a trip for everyone."

Dakota groaned. "Alright ma don't keep us in suspense, where are we going?"

"Boy hush. Let me have my moment." She laughed, waving him off. "I've got seven tickets for a five day cruise to Jamaica!"

Cheers erupted across the table as we all were shocked that we got to go on such a nice trip.

"Mom you for real? You got it like that?"

"I don't have it like nothing. We have it like that. I told you, we're a family and I intend on keeping it this way. This is partially an early Christmas gift but I'll let Valentina and Linda explain the rest down the line."

"Thank you Ms. Smith," I smiled, "when's the trip?"

"It'll be the last week of this month. Hopefully everyone can take off work, I know it's a bit last minute. Jamila be sure to relate the message to Ryan end Nia."

As everyone continued to have small talk about the trip, I sat back in my seat. The end of the month? I can't even leave Georgia no less go to Jamaica.

"You okay?" Jamila whispered to me.

"Huh? Yeah, yeah I'm good. Just thinking."

"About?"

".....Nothing. I'm fine, just daydreaming."

"Hey just know, if you ever need to talk I'm here."

"Thanks," I said, trying to force a smile. "I'm about to head out, I've got something I need to handle."

"Okay, I'll walk you out."

After I said my good nights, we both stood up and headed to the door as the others continued to talk. My mind was all over the place.

This was a nice opportunity to finally get a break and go on a real vacation. Now it's gone to shit.

"Maya."