Her Sweet Revenge

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Maia was sitting quietly across from me pondering away. I had the urge to ask her what was wrong but I already knew the answer to that.

We were sitting at our favourite coffee shop sipping tea. Well I was anyway since I’d never been very fond of coffee unless it had chocolate in it and for some reason I had to spoil the mood by telling her that I was planning to pick them off one at a time. Her twin sister was the first to go and it was on her birthday. In a week’s time. I mentally face palmed myself for being so stupid. Though surprisingly, she took it extremely well.

“That has got to be the best birthday present ever!” She cried after a long pause. I looked at her in shock. I guess she really didn’t like Zarah even they were supposed to be tight being twins, she might harbour some feelings but I guess not. “So do you need any of my help?” Maia eagerly asked.

I laughed, “No but if you want, you can always come live at my place. Bethany really misses you.” I could see her eyes light up before she jumped out of chair and embraced me in a tight bone crushing bear hug.

“So when can I move in?” she asked jumping around like a bunny high on chocolate and I laughed even more.

“You can move now since I really don’t have much to do in the next week.” I had James in charge of all that. Déjà vu really since it’s going to be my birthday all over again except this time, it’s my turn to enjoy the chaos. Maia was already at my car while I paid for the drinks.

“So do you know how to get to my place?” she asked as I walked out the door. Maia still lived with them so there was no way I could have forgotten. I just nodded and hopped in, cruising along the highway. They weren’t nearly rich enough for them to be able to afford a house this close to the beach so it took a while to get there. Thankfully, privacy were all the rage these few year within the elites.

Driving through the bush brought back many unpleasant memories but for Maia’s sake, I put her needs before mine. Besides, this would give the deceitful old women the present she deserves. Though I think she’d enjoy this more than what I have planned for her later that’s for sure.

Soon enough, I pulled up to a rickety gate. I guess they never fixed the poor broken gate. The air felt unusually heavy and foreboding. The manor which laid within the unkempt walls was in no better condition. The deterioration of this place was incredible. In the short months of my ‘death’ so much as changed. Not a single soul was in sight. There used to be quiet but it was nothing like this.

“It’s changed hasn’t it?” Maia asked as she saw me inspecting my surroundings. “It could do with a new lick of paint don’t you think?” I could only nod. Thank god I’m getting her out of this god awful place today. No wonder she seemed so excited.  “I’ll just get my stuff. It’s almost all packed up anyway since I was anticipating this day.” Ahh Maia, what would happen if there were no me?

“Okay but please be quick. I don’t like the feel of this place,” I urged, shivering involuntarily. I admit that I’ve lived in this wretched place for most of my life but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed it.

“I agree but just so you know, they’re home too,” she warned before heading up. I had to pretend that I’ve never been here before and started to look around, not straying very far from the stairs just in case something goes wrong.

I could clearly see that this used to be a very beautiful place but neglect has cost it dearly. The walls were tiled, some chipped or missing, the wooden floorboard could be repolished, the crystal chandelier hung majestically from the roof demanding attention. The banister had been broken in some placed though I have no idea how that’s possible. It really was a sorry place. I would’ve thought it was abandoned if Maia hadn’t told me earlier.