Running from the life that was.

Chapter Eight

Three weeks had passed since Mia had started at her new school, and she was thriving. The transition had been seamless, and she felt genuinely happy for the first time in a long while. The teachers were supportive, the students friendly, and Mia was quickly finding her place. She was even starting to make friends, which was a huge relief for Maya and Carina.

Mia had let her concern about a confrontation with Lane subside and she was hopeful that he had given up on trying to get her back. She was finally happy and enjoying her life. Whether she was being naive by doing so, she didn't know, but at this stage she just wanted to embrace the feeling of being happy.

After school, Mia had developed a routine that involved catching the school bus to either the fire station with Maya or the hospital with Carina. On days when she went to the hospital, she would happily wait in Carina's office, doing homework or listening to music, until her shift finished. She loved hearing about all the crazy hospital stories from Carina and many of her colleagues.

At the fire station, Mia had quickly bonded with the crew, especially Jack, Andy, and Vic. They welcomed her with open arms, treating her like a little sister. The playful nicknames they gave her—'Baby Bishop' and 'Mini Maya'—made her smile every time she heard them. The crew had instantly taken her under their wing and it didn't take long for Mia to feel like she was loved and wanted whenever she was visiting.

One afternoon, Maya walked into the Beanery, expecting to grab a quick coffee before busying herself in admin work. Instead, she was greeted by a joyful sight: Mia was in the kitchen, laughing and helping Andy cook. The smell of simmering ingredients wafted through the air, and the sound of music blasted from the stereo.

Maya's heart leapt with joy as she watched Mia and Andy dance around the kitchen whilst deep in preparing a meal. They were belting out lyrics to their favourite songs. Andy was stirring a pot of food, while Mia enthusiastically peeled vegetables, her face lit up with excitement. Maya couldn't help but smile at the sight of her sister looking so carefree.

"Mia!" Maya called out, stepping further into the kitchen. "What's happening in here?" Maya asked with a smile.

Mia turned to Maya. "Maya! Andy said I could help with her famous chili! It's going to be so yum!." Although not 'next' shift like Andy had originally said she had finally decided to make the meal that everyone was waiting for.

"Looks like you're doing a great job," Maya replied, not being able to help the huge grin on her face. She felt so thankful for the way Andy and the crew had embraced Mia.

"Come join us!" Andy chimed in, grinning broadly. "We're just getting to the good part! You can be our taste tester!"

Maya laughed, stepping closer to the counter. "Oh the best job, looks like I came at the right time"

With the music still blasting, Maya found herself joining in to the cooking experience. They sang and danced together as the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of the chili.

After the chili was finished and everyone gathered around the beanery to enjoy their meal, Maya couldn't help but feel nervous but how good everything was going for them, too good. She is surprised that she hasn't heard from Lane and although she should be happy she can't help but feel uneasy about the radio silence. Maya decides that she will talk to Carina as soon as possible about getting custody of Mia, she can't keep going like this, always on edge and wondering if Lane is going to turn up out of the blue.

She turned her attention to Mia who was happily sharing stories with the crew about her new school, her laughter mingling with theirs, and for this moment she decided to push her feelings aside.

"Maya, are you going to finish that?" Mia asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Oh no, I'm finished. It's all yours!" Maya replied, forcing a smile and she pushed her bowl towards Mia.