Undercover

36. MAYA + JAMILA + DAKOTA

Maya's P.O.V.

"You nervous?"

I shrugged, fixing the bracelet on my wrist. "Yeah, a little. I know Nia and Adri are going to flip."

"Don't worry honey, everything will be just fine." My mom said, eating some chips and queso.

My aunt thought it'd be a great idea to surprise everyone with me and my mom's return by throwing a dinner party. It wasn't a big thing, just a nice family dinner like old times.

She reserved a party table at a local Mexican bar and grill near the house. We were close to the back so it was a bit secluded and meant only for reserved parties.

"Adri just texted and said they were coming through the lobby."

I stood up and took a deep breath, walking to the front of the table. I watched the waiter appear around the corner with Adri, Nia, and Ryan followed closely behind.

They weren't looking at where we were but I could feel my heart racing as they got closer to the table. The waiter showed them to the table and that's when the emotions broke free.

Adri's jaw dropped and her eyes began to swell up with tears as walked towards me. I met her halfway and embraced her with a big hug.

She cried on my shoulder as I patted her back, trying to soothe her. I rubbed her arm as we released each other and laughed.

"Wow. You look, the same." I laughed.

"Thanks. You look worn out."

"Cause of you Maya. I've been, well, we've been trying to find you for a while and it's been pretty difficult. I haven't been able to cope with you disappearing but I guess I don't have to now."

I smiled as Ryan ran up and gave me a hug. "It's great to have you back."

"It feels good to be back."

They stood to the side as Nia was wiping the fallen tears from her face.

"You left me Maya."

My head fell as she stepped closer to me. "I know."

"You left all of us. We've been worried sick and you haven't given us a call or a text. You could've at least told us where you were going."

"I know and I'm sorry. I had a good reason."

"What?"

I stepped to the side and revealed my mother who was now standing with tears in her eyes.

"Nia." My mom whispered.

Nia's face softened as she trudged over to my mom. She fell on her knees and hugged my mother's waist as she cried harder than before.

Nia was always attached to my mom, being with us was her safe haven. After mom went away, we were both depressed and alone. She needs mom in her life just as much as I do.

"Come on baby." She helped Nia stand up as she grabbed my hand and held Nia close. "You two have always stuck together. Maya left you all to come and see me. Free me. Don't be too hard on her."

Everyone nodded and took a seat at the table. Nia sat next to mom with her head on her shoulder, smiling widely. I sat on the other side of mama with Aunt Lina across from me with Adri on her left and Ryan on her right.

Although this was more of a family event, Dinah came and was sitting on my left. I couldn't just leave her at the house, she's a guest.

"Everyone this is Dinah, Dinah this is my best friend Nia, Adriana, and Ryan."