Chapter 20 - (The Drinking)

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The day Maia returned to town was a welcome relief from the swirling uncertainty that had consumed me since our last conversation. 

As I stood on the porch of the mansion, eagerly awaiting her arrival, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with a hint of apprehension. I needed her familiar presence, her unwavering support, to help make sense of the strange occurrences at the mansion.

Finally, Maia's car pulled up the gravel driveway with a flourish. She stepped out, her energy infectious as always, and swept me into a tight hug.

"Girl, sorry about that! Traffic was a nightmare, and don't even get me started on the detour through that one-horse town," she exclaimed dramatically, gesturing wildly with her hands.

I laughed, relieved to see her vibrant spirit back in full force. "It's so good to have you back, Maia," I said sincerely, pulling back to look at her. "How was your trip?"

"Girl, it was a hot mess," Maia replied with a dramatic sigh, placing a hand on her heart. "First, the baby had blue eyes, but both parents had black eyes! It was downright weird."

Only Maia could turn a mundane trip into a soap opera.

"That does sound odd," I agreed, my mind already racing with thoughts of the eerie incidents I had experienced in the mansion. "Speaking of weird, you won't believe what's been happening at the Manor."

Maia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Weird how?"

Where do I even start?

I hesitated, unsure where to start. "It's hard to explain," I began slowly, choosing my words carefully. "Strange noises, unexplained events... and then there's Damien."

"Damien?" Maia echoed, her interest instantly piqued. "What about him?"

"He's been... elusive," I admitted, recounting my conversation with him and the unanswered questions that lingered between us. "I tried to ask him about the mansion, about his past, but he just shuts down."

Why won't he just open up?

What is he hiding?

Maia frowned thoughtfully. "That's strange. I thought you two were getting along."

"We were," I said with a sigh. "But now... I don't know what to think. It's like there's a whole other side to him that I don't understand."

It's like he's a puzzle with missing pieces.

"Well, you know what they say about mysterious guys," Maia teased lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "They usually have a good reason for keeping their secrets. Maybe he's just protecting you from something."

"Maybe," I mused, though doubt gnawed at me. "But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to it."

What if he's not protecting me, but hiding something from me?

Maia nodded sympathetically. "Listen, Y/N, you know I've got your back no matter what. If something doesn't feel right, you need to trust your instincts."

I smiled gratefully, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders at her unwavering support. "Thanks, Maia. I knew I could count on you."

"Always," she replied with a reassuring smile. "Now, enough about mysterious gardeners and haunted mansions. Let's catch up properly. I brought wine and snacks!"

Wine and snacks.

Just what I need to take my mind off things.

As we retreated into the warmth of the mansion, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grand foyer, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that Maia was by my side once more.

With Maia here, maybe I can finally get some clarity.

Maybe we can figure this out together.

We settled into the cozy living room, the familiar comfort of Maia's presence easing the tension that had been building inside me. As we poured ourselves glasses of wine and dug into the snacks, the conversation flowed easily, a welcome distraction from the mysteries that had been consuming my thoughts.

"So, tell me more about Damien," Maia prompted, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "What's he like?"

Where do I even begin?

"He's... complicated," I said, searching for the right words. "He's kind and helpful, but there's this wall he puts up. It's like he's hiding something, and I can't figure out what it is."

Why can't I just let it go?

Why do I need to know so badly?

Maia nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe he's been hurt before. People build walls for a reason, you know."

"Yeah, maybe," I agreed, though the doubt still lingered. "But I can't help feeling like there's more to it. Like there's something he's not telling me."

What if it's something that could hurt me?

Or worse, what if it's something that could hurt him?

"Well, whatever it is, I'm here for you," Maia said firmly. "We'll figure it out together."

Thank you, Maia.

I really needed to hear that.

As the evening wore on, the wine flowed, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. For a few blissful hours, I was able to forget about the mansion's mysteries and just enjoy the moment with my best friend.

This is what I needed.

A break from the madness.

But as the night deepened and the shadows lengthened, the questions and doubts began to creep back into my mind. The mansion, with its secrets and whispers, was never far from my thoughts.

I can't escape it.

Not even with Maia here.

As we said our goodnights and I retreated to my room, the weight of unanswered questions settled around me once more. I knew that until Damien was ready to confront the shadows of his past, there would be no peace in the mansion—only the unsettling whispers of uncertainty and the ever-present ache of unanswered questions.


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(892 Words)

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