Meeting the world

Chapter 39

Cory's pov

~

I looked at her, and sighed. I saw all the pain in her eyes, the pain from all those years of loneliness and torture. I had caused some of that pain. It was my fault Maya ended up in the hospital in the first place.

"Maya I'm so sorry. I should never have assumed it was you who brought Riley to the party."

She shook her head.

"No Mr.Matthews. You were right to believe that. I would've believed it too if I were you."

"Maya-"

"It's fine. I'm okay."

She needed to stop saying that. She didn't look okay. She was still pale, and she looked like she could break into pieces at any given moment.

"No. You didn't deserve any of that." I said. "You are so kind hearted and loyal Maya. You have so many amazing qualities about you...and you don't deserve to be in the hospital twice in 5 months or to have shitty parents who don't treat you right. You deserve so much more. And i kicked you out when you didn't have a home...that's unforgivable. I will never forgive myself for what I did. And I don't expect you to either."

There was a moment of silence, as Maya took that all in. She looked shocked.

"Mr Matthews it's really okay." She said.

We both looked at each other.

I shook me head.

"No it's not."

I grabbed her hand.

"Come with me."

"What about Riley-"

"It's okay. Don't worry."

I led her out of the hospital and I got into my car.

"Where are we-"

I shushed her.

"You'll see."

We drove for about 5 minutes, then I parked the car. We both got out. When Maya looked up, I saw her eyes widen.

"Mr Matthews-"

She was in complete shock. In front of her was a huge bare wall, there were a bunch of art supplies scattered across the floor. There was paint all over the floor, but none on the wall.

"This is an artist's wall. Artists come over here and paint. This one is new. I thought of you when I passed by it a few weeks ago."

"I know what it is. I...I always wanted a chance to paint on one." She looked at me and smiled.

Maya had a amazing talent in art. She drew and painted like a pro. And she was only 14.

"Thank you for showing me this Mr Matthews."

I tapped her on the shoulder.

"Call me Cory." I said. "I've only known you for yor whole life."

She laughed.

"Okay...Cory."

I pretended to be serious.

"But in class, I'm Mr Matthews to you."

She nodded in agreement.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."