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My fists clench, the paperweight on the table suddenly becoming the object of my frustration.
“Fuck!” With a growl, I throw it across the room. It slams against the wall, shattering into a thousand pieces.
I pick up my phone and dial out to my receptionist. “Cancel all my meetings for tomorrow!” I yell, with no chance for her to respond. "And go home for the day." It's a command.
The office, once a place of order and discipline, now mirrors the chaos inside of me.
I sweep my arm across the desk, my anger unleashing on the innocent stationary items, flinging pens, notepads, and files onto the floor.
Without another word, I storm out of the office, the door slamming shut behind me. I've hit my breaking point and there's no turning back.
24
MAYA
Well done, Maya, you've officially shattered the Richter scale of the mother freak-out meter.
I walk down the busy city streets toward the youth club as I prepare myself for my mom’s reaction when I finally tell her that I am pregnant with my boss's baby.
She gets into town later today and I'm dreading the moment I have to face her. I'll need a defibrillator to get through that conversation.
And the cherry on top of this complicated sundae?
I haven't even talked to Hunter yet. Not really, at least.
Every time his name lights up my screen, I have an automatic reaction to silence it.
I'm not ready.
You'll never be.
"Shut up." I assault my thoughts.
I round the corner and push open the door of the youth club, the sound of laughter and the smell of fresh paint hits me.
"Maya!"
I look over and see Steve walking toward me. I can't help but smile.
"Hey, Steve!"
His presence has always been comforting to me. I've been volunteering here for years now and he has become more than a supervisor to me. He's a friend.
"How's it going, kid?"
"Well, you know, I'm... coping," I answer, shying away from looking him in the eyes.
There's understanding in his expression. "What's going on?" He pulls up a chair and motions for me to sit with him. I take a deep breath, pulling together my thoughts.
"I... I quit my job, Steve.... Hunter... We... we got involved. More than we should have. And now, everything's messed up."
He stays silent for a long moment, taking in my confession. "Oh, Maya." He sighs, rubbing his temples. My heart squeezes at the concern in his voice. He knows this is messy.
"Yeah, it's complicated." I manage a weak smile, my fingers twisting the hem of my shirt. "I need a change, Steve. A new scenery, a fresh start." I glance up at him.
He nods. "You've always been strong, Maya." He gives me a half-smile, squeezing my hand. "You're going to get through this. And you know, we are always here to help."
"I know. Thanks, Steve. " I try to keep my voice steady. "That means a lot to me. That's why I thought this job potion here might be the perfect fit for me. I need something new, you know? A fresh start..."
