Belle Stone

Part 37

Mark searches around for Maya. Her blond hair was undetectable in the sea of children. His eyes rapidly move, jumping from one face to another. No wide smile. The one that stretched all across her face. The one that made her eyes twinkle. The one that was designed only for him. She was nowhere near but he wasn't willing to give up on his search. Maya is one of his dearest friends. He likes to hang out with her but he has more important stuff to think of. This stuff with Belle's father is far too interesting and far too essential for him to know. He will forget what he wanted to tell her.

Mark makes his way through the crowd. Once he reaches a certain wooden door he stops. A strange noise comes from inside of it. He brings himself closer. There are little sobs and sniffs mixed with hysterical breathing ricocheting against the bathroom tile. 
"Maya!! Is that you?"
No answer. Maya gasps in a desperate attempt to silence herself. She covers her mouth up with her hands but quickly runs out of breath. The crying made her lungs too weak.
"Maya! I know you are in there."
Mark bangs the door lightly. Just enough to make a sound.
"What is wrong? Are you crying?"
His voice is soft like silk. It travels lightly through the wooden barricade.
There is no escape. She has been found. The only thing she can do is lie.
"No, no... Everything is fine. Just go away."
There are long pauses between her words. Sobs that she tried to silent. Sniffs that she tries to disguise.
"I won't leave until I see you. Please."
Mark's palm flattens against the hard surface. It is smooth and cold against his skin. His voice is almost in a whisper. Careful. Caring.

Maya opens up the door. She forces a smile. The corners of her lips barely rise. They felt extremely heavy. No shine in her eyes. At least not the one he is used to. They were all puffy and red around the edges. Her bright blues were washed out. The color is indescribable. Pale. Faint. Barely there. There were still some tears forming in the pale pool.
"Come here."
Mark grabbed her by the arm yanking her inside his arms.
"What happened?"
He engulfed her in a warm hug. His soothing scent and the warmth of his body calmed her down. Her tears spilled out onto his shirt. She closed her eyes and held his body tightly.
"I... I... I don't... It doesn't matter. Please just hug me. Don't ask anything."
"Okay... Princess."

It was his instinct. The feeling of Deja vu. He has done this before. Different places and people blended into one. He didn't even notice the word slipping out but Maya did. She was out of this planet, out of this world. She couldn't even remember why she was crying anymore. Her ears were blessed and her wish was granted. Even if it wasn't true, even if she imagined it she didn't want to say anything. She just stayed there. Her smile appeared, her real smile, as she glanced up at him. His eyes were closed and he was murmuring some words. His big hands were combing her hair. She was in heaven. This was everything she ever wanted. Instead of backing up and telling him, she is fine she digs herself even more in his clothes, tightening her grip around him.
"Umm... Maya..."

Maya's muscles tense. The grip loosens immediately. She turned into a stone statue.
"Yes, Mark. Is my grip too tight? I am sorry. I will loosen it."
"No, no. It is just right."
A small pause filled with euphoria.
"I... I just wanted to tell you... I mean ask you. Can you do tomorrow?"
She backs away from him. On her face was a smile he recognized. Slight confusion in her eyes. Her eyebrows knitted together.
"What?"
"That dinner you asked me about. Can we do it tomorrow night? I asked Belle she is free then."
Sting. A tingling ache pierced her heart. The name Belle cut through her joy. She patches the wounds and ignores the pain. Nothing is going to ruin this moment. She isn't going to let that happen.
"Of course she is. It is Friday, you silly."
Her slender hand pushes his chest away, playfully.
"Is it?"
Maya nods her head.
"Wow... Time really does fly. So is that a yes?"
"And what do you think? It was my idea anyway."
"Can you just answer the question? There is no need for being all sassy."
"I am sorry but there is always a need to be sassy."
"There she is. There is my Maya."