Maya...the Goddess

Grey matters...

Hi lovely readers,

Thanks for reading the previous chapters and continuing the journey and all the patience that you had. The story is about to end and so have a go at this and tell me you thoughts.

Thanks

Maya's POV...

I was 18 and on my way to high school. Working on projects and doing stuff for clubs in the school. While practicing for a dance competition I stumbled upon Jeff as my partner.

He was known for his looks and his kindness and I felt really secured when he used to be around me. We practiced almost everyday and during weekends we would end up together exploring the new joints at oshire as I had recently shifted there with my parents.

Being the only child they had pampered me and never raised any issue I was like the son that they never had. When Jeff came in to my life I introduced him to my family and in the process I got to know he only had a brother.

His parents had passed away in an accident when he was 15 years old, leaving his brother then 21. They both took care of each other until Jeff was not a minor anymore.

Since high school Jeff was used to the routine of studies and volunteering at the community shelter. It was then that I started falling for him. I met Neil and Rhea during my fathers gathering. my father was into interior decoration and Neil showed great interest in his work.

Laila was Neil and Rhea's 5 year old daughter. She looked like an angel. Innocent and with green eyes that would capture anyone's attention. Jeff also met her that day and they hit it off like siblings.

Laila used to visit us and then sometimes I was busy helping dad so she Jeff would babysit her.

But after few months of visits she stopped coming to my place and one day when I went to meet her she was frightened to come out.

I was not sire what happened but Rhea told me she has become very secluded and has stopped socialising or even meeting anyone of us.

I took her permission to meet her and when I went upstairs to her room she was weeping hiding under the bed. She must have seen only my sneekers but somehow started babbling...her words Anton they still haunt me.

She was so innocent and she cried for forgiveness from Jeff. She said she would not run or ask for anything only if Jeff let her go. She was weeping and then that's when I bent and asked her if she would share her story with me.

She shared the pain she went through during Tue hours Jeff was with her. She hated me for not being there and kept on saying it was her fault. She shouldn't have eaten cookies or run or played.

Antin she was only 5 and Jeff sexually abused her. I trusted Jeff and he used her. He left a scar that did not heal. It was only becoming a wound. That day when I visited her I called Rhea and she lost her sanity. She called 911 and asked for Jeffs arrest immediately.

Jeff got arrested and convicted for his crime.

But we had lost Laila she could not recover, she got these attacks where her body would shake and she would loose her control over her body.
We consulted many doctors and specialist and they all stated it is severe post traumatic disorder.

She did not survive after her 9th birthday. She one day gave up and did not open her eyes.

Neil and Rhea left any hope and that's when I decided to live with them. My parents knew that I was going away from them but they also knew I was guilty for Laila's death.

Neil and Rhea needed hope an so tried my best to be there with them.

That is why Anton they are protective of me and that is why I don't let anyone get near me. I trusted Jeff and he took away everything from me and most of all from Neil and Rhea.

I only had my art to remove my guilt and anger. And that is why this place has been kept close with all the canvas that was made during those days. This was the place where Jeff met Laila and this is where I never come back hoping to erase the memories and bring happiness.