Rilaya: The Beauty and the Broken

Chapter 18

*Maya's POV*

It was dark when I woke up. Riley was sleeping next to me, curled up in a ball, fast asleep. I checked my phone for the time but was instantly blinded by the brightness, thankfully it didn't wake Riley up, 3:27 it read. I threw my phone back on the floor and instantly tried to get back to sleep, but no matter how hard I tried, I was now too wide awake to fall asleep. I slowly climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. For a while, I was sat on the toilet seat just thinking about everything. Was my mom back yet? Does she miss me? Is she worried about where I am? Of course she isn't what am I saying. She's probably too busy getting drunk and knocked up to worry.

Despite my thoughts, curiosity overcame me as I left the bathroom, grabbed my shoes, wrote a note for Riley and quietly climbed out of the bay window. Luckily I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday so I didn't look like a right idiot walking around the street in my pyjamas, not that anyone would be out at this time anyway. I made my way through the freezing streets of New York City, jumping at any sound made nearby. Although I trust myself to be out late, I don't particularly trust the city, especially when I can barely see it. Most noises were the taps of rats feet as they scurried through the bins, others I couldn't quite make out, causing me to speed up a lot. 

About 20 minutes later I arrived at my damaged doorstep, the wooden plank holding up the door had been snapped, possibly by my mom, mostly likely by the paramedics. Just remembering that day sent shivers down my spine. The supposedly empty house still reeked of alcohol, a smell I was way too used to. I tiptoed through the house not wanting any possible inhabitants to hear me before I hear them. The living room was all clear, next I checked my bedroom. It was freezing in here, can't say I miss it too much honestly. I made my way to the bathroom, where the door was slightly askew. I lifted and opened it to prevent squeaking. The scene in front of me sent shivers down my spine, gave me goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye. I still had the scars to remind me of the day, but this was memories on a whole new level. There were dry blood stains, dry bloody rags, and tissues all over the floor. At the moment that happened, I had no idea that that day would be the start of something new (aye), something incredible, something I'll never forget. I decided to move on and advance down the hallway towards my mom's room, there was a huge pile of old cigarette butts that I had to sweep aside with my feet. I was terrified as to what I could find in there, more scared to find something than nothing. The door was very wide open, which would give me the opportunity to peek in and run. All I could hear was my heartbeat, and I'm sure if anyone else was here they'd be able to hear it too. I very slowly shortened the distance between myself and the door, the only light sources were the occasional headlights of a car and the glow of the moon. I felt extremely panicky, deep breaths were preventing an anxiety attack, but I didn't want to breathe too loudly. I peered around the edge of the door and...

*Riley's POV*

I woke up to my alarm set for 9, it was a Saturday thank god, no school today. "Morning Maya," I spoke, not getting a reply, I rolled over to find she wasn't there. It wasn't like Maya to wake up early, maybe she was just hungry and wanted breakfast. I climbed out of bed, about to go downstairs when I saw a note on my desk labelled To Riley. I unfolded the note, it was from Maya, I recognised her handwriting instantly. It read:

To Riley,

I've gone for a walk, there's no need to worry about me I'll be back soon. There's just some things I wanted to check out downtown. Love ya!

-Maya.

Well that was weird? If she's not back in a couple of hours I'll go and look for her. I threw the note back on my desk and went to grab some breakfast. Mom made pancakes again, they were the best, I could eat them all day every day. Sherlock was showing re-runs on TV today, so I spent the next 4 and a half hours watching season 2 all over again. Season 4 is so far away, I'm starting to get a little impatient. 

Maya's been gone for a while, I should really go looking for her. I threw on my jacket and boots, left my apartment, and headed downtown to wherever Maya could be. It was nearly 2 o'clock, the streets were crowded, the roads were full of cars honking at each other. I'm not going to lie, I hate the city at this time of day, it's all so loud and busy, it's kinda stressful too. How on earth am I supposed to find Maya in this? As I ventured on, I started to get a little lost. There were so many turns down these alleyways, I tried to go back but I couldn't find my way out. "MAYA! MAYYAAA?" I was calling her name at the top of my lungs. I sent her a text asking her where she was but she didn't reply. There were rats everywhere, all the bins had been knocked over, the alleys absolutely stank, I had to find my way out of here. I started running. Whilst running I continuously yelled out Maya's name, there was no answer.

I turned the corner and instantly bumped into someone, they covered my mouth and wrapped their arms around me. I started to kick and scream until I heard "Shut up and just run!"

*Author's Note*

I'M SO SORRY I HAVEN'T UPDATED. HERE YOU GO!