They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 31 - MAYA

Next Day
2:01 PM

Tossing my duffle over my shoulder, I walked up the driveway to the Airbnb admiring the pretty home.

Luckily we were uptown and weren't really in the city. The Airbnb was about an hour out from where I grew up which was Williamsburg.

The house my mom picked out was pretty large and had a guest house in the back, which is where most of the crew were staying.

"Okay so here's the deal. There are three rooms upstairs, a room downstairs, and a room in the basement but two in the guest house with a pull out couch." My mom said as we all came into the living room.

"Me and Adri can take a room in the guest house." Dakota stated.

Ms. Sasha gave him a side eye and nodded. "Alright you two. Who's taking the other room?"

"We could," Nia replied as she wrapped her arms around Ryan.

"Okay so Maya, Jamila, that leaves you two."

Mila shrugged, "I'll take the room down here. You three can party upstairs without me." She laughed.

My mom shook her head, "That's fair. Maya?"

"I'll take the basement. No big deal."

"Alright it's settled. We're running to get a few groceries for dinner in a few minutes so make sure y'all unpack while we're gone."

Ms. Sasha grabbed her purse and laid some keys on the coffee table. "We'll leave the other rental car here so if anyone needs to go anywhere you won't have to call an Uber."

Everyone grabbed their stuff and we each headed into our respective directions. I walked down to the basement and was shocked at how spacious the area was.

I placed my duffle on the couch, taking a quick glance at the scenery around me.

A fully furnished living room, personal bathroom, bedroom down the hall, and I even had a fridge and island. What kind of basement was this?

"I thought you might've chosen this room."

I smiled and turned around, watching my mother walk down the stairs into the basement.

"It's like my own little apartment."

"Apparently this was where the oldest son of the owner lived. He had everything he needed down here."

"How'd you know I'd pick it?"

"Because I know how you like your quiet spaces. At least down here Nia won't harass you for your snacks." We laughed.

"Nah that's never stopped her before. You know how she is."

"Yeah," she sighed. "Look I know you were probably a bit hesitant to come back and I was too, but this is good for the both of us."

"How's that?" I asked, plopping down on the couch. "All of my memories here are terrible. Well, besides getting you out. I don't cherish this place like I used to."

"You should. Be proud of where you came from Maya."

"I get that ma, I do. But this place gives me nightmares. It's like I'm not welcomed anymore."

My mom sat down beside me, playing with the ends of my braids. "Maybe you just need to go see the better sides of the city then."

"Mom I'm not trying to go on a stroll around the block. This might be uptown but this is still New York."

"I'm not saying take a stroll. Just.....take a drive. Go check out something new. Stop by your favorite deli over in the Heights. Do something that'll help remind you of the good times."