The Murder Show

CHAPTER 28

Maya is sitting on the couch staring at the wall in front of her when jangling of keys in the hallway snaps her out of it, turning to see the apartment door opening and Andrew coming in looking a little flustered. "Maya, what happened?"

Maya shakes her head and sighs. "Honestly I have no clue. I mean one minute we were talking and everything was fine and the next she just, like, shut down. Accused me of not really caring about her, screamed at me to leave... But, um, she had said earlier she was a little on edge about being alone so I refused to leave. That's when she yelled at me to call someone else." She says sadly.

Andrew frowns as he listens to Maya talk. "And you're sure you didn't do anything to upset her?" He asks in a tone that suggests he believes otherwise.

"I mean... No, I don't think so." She frowns thinking back over the conversation trying to think about anything she could have done or said that would have set her off. "No... I didn't, I swear."

"It's just, it's odd, you know. Like earlier she was so adamant when I tried to tell her all the reasons you two weren't a good idea... She was so sure." He shakes his head. "So, I guess if you didn't upset her I just wonder what changed in a few hours?" He asks.

Maya sighs. "I wish I knew. And trust me Andrew, this isn't easy for me either, I want to be with her, I really do. But I know it's not the right time. The cost of us being together is too high... At least right now." She sighs, looking at him. "And honestly if tonight has showed me anything, it's that Carina needs some time to deal with things, to deal with the trauma of things, and a relationship would complicate that, she needs to focus solely on herself right now, not worrying about the impact her feelings or actions will have on someone else." She says.

Andrew nods sadly. "I guess I was wrong. I mean I obviously don't know you, but it's clear you care deeply for her and what's best for her."

"I do. More than anything." Maya tells him genuinely.

Andrew nods his head. "And I get it... I know you are doing this for the right reasons, I just..." He trails off.

"You're worried I will hurt her, now or in the end?" She asks, Andrew nods. "I get that, like you said, you don't know me. And sure, maybe I shouldn't have asked her to wait, or promised something, but I couldn't help it. I have never felt like this about anyone and we aren't even together, and that scares me a little to be honest."

Andrew nods but offers no real comment, prompting Maya to stand. "I guess I should get going now you're here. She's in her bedroom in case you were wondering..." Maya says as she stands, wiping her palms down the front of her trousers - the only sign she is somewhat uncomfortable. She walks towards the door turning to look down the hallway seeing Carina's door still firmly closed. Sighing opens the front door. "Take care of her." Maya says to Andrew.

He nods. "Always." He whispers out as the soft click of the front door signals Maya's departure.

It takes less than 5 minutes until the creak of the bedroom door alerts Andrew to Carina's presence. She pads down the hallway, sighing in relief seeing her brother in the kitchen. "Is she gone?" She asks gruffly.

He looks at her before nodding. "She is." He says pushing a coffee over the island to her. "Wanna tell me what happened?"

Carina shrugs. "Nothing, I just realised you were right, and I didn't want her here. She shouldn't be here, with me... She's not my girlfriend, she's just the detective on my case." She says in a cold and detached voice.

Andrew watches her as she speaks, the second she is done he rolls his eyes, huffing. "Ok, sure if I maybe hadn't known you my whole life maybe I would believe you, but as I have... I'm gonna have to ask you to cut the bullshit."