She giggles, and it’s the cutest sound I’ve ever heard. “Me neither. I wasn’t exactly sure of the protocol.”
I snort at her words and press a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Well, Maya, will you do me the honour of being my girlfriend?”
“Yes,” she says before kissing me, knocking the air out of my lungs.
My arms wrap around her back, and I hold her close as her fingers stretch over the nape of my neck. Her lips are warm and wash me with comfort.
The woman who allowed me to be myself without judgement.
The woman who was confident enough to seek me out.
The woman who makes me forget.
Maya pulls back an inch and grins so bright, it’s almost a replica of the sun. The sight makes my insides turn all gooey, and I’m certain this is what love feels like. Never in my life have I been giddy until now. It’s almost sickening, but for her? It’s everything.
“Sorry it’s not very romantic,” I huff as my lips slant to the side.
“What are you talking about? We’re surrounded by cherry blossoms, and it’s just us, and I couldn’t be happier.”
My chest relaxes at her statement. “You could find romance in anything.”
“Probably,” she chuckles. “But that’s because small things can be romantic, not just the obvious stuff.”
“You still deserve better. I should have asked. I just thought we were already together. We’ve been spending every breathing second together.” I wouldn’t want it any other way. “But still, I should have asked and made an effort.”
Maya presses up onto her toes. “I don’t care. We’re still figuring this out. I don’t care how you ask me, I just wanted us to be on the same page.”
“We’re on the same page, sunshine,” I promise as I peck her lips.
“Good. Come on, let’s go get coffee.”
CHAPTER 11
MAYA BROOKE
PRESENT - 18TH OCTOBER 2025
“Come on.” Jade claps her hands as she walks through my front door. “We’re going out.”
I frown as Alice follows behind her. “Where?”
“Somewhere,” she shrugs. “It should be a regular thing getting out of the house.”
“I don’t feel like going out,” I sigh as I shut the door behind me.
Alice narrows her eyes. “Maya, you’ve been cooped up in here for two months. I think some regular fresh air will do you some good.”
I huff out a sigh. “We went out a few days ago.”
“You do know it’s normal for people to leave the house more than once a week?”
My eyes roll. “Fine.”
Jade claps before going to Skye as Alice sets up the pram. I make myself somewhat presentable, but I don’t care anymore, nothing will sort out the mess that I am.
We fit Skye’s car seat into Jade’s car, and we drive off. I glance out at the blue sky, littered with marshmallow-like clouds. It’s then that I realise we’re heading towards campus.
“Whoa,” I say as I sit up in my seat. “Why are we going to campus?”
