10 YEARS AGO

"Colin?"

.....

"Colin?"

...

"Colin please, I can't find mommy..."

Colin, Maya's step dad, looks up from his phone; his bloodshot eyes lock on the 8 year old.

"That's cause she's gone sweetheart" He says adjusting himself forward with a smirk. "I made sure she won't interrupt us anymore when we play our little games..." The 40 year old whispers into Maya's ear.

"W-where did she go?..." Maya whimpers, edging backwards.

"Somewhere far... far away" He replies, looking past Maya's shoulder, and maybe even past that.

Colin glances at the child once more before his focus moves back on to the phone.

"Where?"

"To a better place."

"But, when is she coming back...?"

"GOD she's NOT, now shut up." Colin shouts, irritated and clearly trying to end the conversation.

"Nooo! You're lying!" Maya screams, arms flailing at her step dad.

"THE HECK!" Eyes wide, Colin jumps out of his chair and grabs hold of Mayas arms with one hand and squeezes her cheek with the other. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Did you just try to hit me, little girl?"

Maya struggles in his grip and lets out a weak cry of pain as his long fingernails dig into her flesh.

"Owww stoppp!! LET ME GOOOO"

"*Tsk**Tsk**Tsk* Looks like you've been a naughty girl Maya!"

"NOOOOO! LET GOOO"

"And you know what happens to naughty girls..."

"MOMMMYYYYYYY"

Maya thrashed and tore away from him, but it was too late. Her fate was sealed. She was shown no mercy.

PRESENT TIME

*school bell rings*

"COME ON Maya! Everyone's gonna be there, you HAVE to come!" Lucy pleads, cornering Maya next to her locker.

"Look, I-I am sorry I just can't..." Maya says, lowering her eyes to the ground.

"And why not? Do you know how many people would DIE to go to one of Nick Turner's party's? Or are you just too popular to be hanging out with me now?" Lucy questions, raising her voice.

"No, no its not that...It's just..."

"It's just what? Say it."

"...Colin won't let me." Maya chokes out, her chest tightening at the thought of him.

"WOW, really Maya? How many times have you used THAT excuse? Look if you don't like me just say so! You don't have to lie to me, I am not THAT dumb..."

"Its not an excuse..."

"RIGHT..."

Lucy purses her lips together and turns on her heels about to leave.

"WAIT... Lucy... Don't go..."

....

"I'll come."

Lucy hesitates but reluctantly faces back to Maya.

"I'll try to anyway..."

....

"*sigh* Sorry for getting mad at you... It's just... you never hang out with me anymore..."

"I know, I am sorry." Maya gives a weak smile.

She couldn't lose her only friend. She was desperate.

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