MAIA

CHAPTER 8

"Kaela" I hugged her small frame tightly. I moved her back so I could see her face properly and I was teary again.

"Why are you crying mama" her small fingers wiped the tears from my eyes.

"Mama is so happy to see you" I said smiling and I wiped the tears from my eyes.

Her small hands grabbed mine as she pulled me.

"I want to show you something" I shot Dawn a small smile and she nodded as I followed Kaela into her room.

Her pink Princess room was filled with stuffed toys and a small comfy bed sat in the middle. She had a small reading table at the corner of the room with a pink lamp.

Her hand drawn pictures were framed and hung on the wall of her room. She was really good at drawing just like her mother.

"See what I drew" she showed me a picture of a little girl I assumed was her and she was holding the hands of two women.

"This is me and this is you and this is aunty dawn" she pointed at everybody in the picture.

She showed me some other artworks. We had a small tea party and Dawn joined us. Kaela was tired from all the activities and she had a nap.

I closed the door gently and joined Dawn at the living room.

"She misses you" I nodded.

"I know that. But we can't be together just yet. I have to make them pay"

"You don't have to do anything Maia. Take Kaela and leave town before something goes wrong"

"Nothing will go wrong"

"You know what they are like. If you hurt anyone of them, they'll hurt you. Hell they might kill you"

"Then let them kill me"

"And then what happens to Kaela?" She shouted. I sighed and looked away.

"I know you want to avenge your sister. I know they hurt you...."

"Then why are you asking me to let go. To let them live happily and go unpunished after what they did"

"It's been four years Maia. Nothing will bring Genesis back. Let karma handle them. Don't throw away your life because of revenge. Live happily with Karla while you can"

I stayed silent and she held my hands in her own. "You are my friend and I love you. I've watched you become the opposite of what you used to be. I've watched you put your life on hold while you sought revenge thinking I was helping you. But now, I can't watch you do this to yourself anymore. Those people are dangerous and I don't want anything to happen to you"

"I understand. I've come this far and I'm closer to achieving my goal. I can only live normally once I've done this"

"Please be careful. Think about Kaela and don't get hurt" I nodded.

I had a short nap on the couch. Giggles woke me up and I stretched on the couch. I followed the sound of the voices into the kitchen and I saw Dawn and Kaela cooking.

"Mama" she ran to me and I lifted her up.

"Aunty Dawn let me help her in the kitchen"

"That is nice"

I sat her on the counter and smoothened her hair.

"What's wrong mama? You look sad"

"I have to go" her smile fell.

"But you just got back today. Can't you stay an extra day?"

"I can't baby. It's only for a while now. I'll quit the job and we will move away to any country of your choice"

"Really?" Her smile returned.

"Yes my love"

"Okay then" I kissed her forehead and brought her down from the counter. I signalled Dawn to follow me out.

I retrieved my bag and pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to her.

"Maia. I have told you before. I don't need this"

"Please Dawn. It makes me feel better. You've been a lot of help to me. Just keep it in case of an emergency" she nodded and collected the money from me.

"You are not staying for dinner?"

"I have to visit Genesis before I go back" she nodded.

I placed the cap on my head and hung my bag. Kaela entered the living room and I gave her a hug and kisses before I moved to open the door.

"Maia stay safe" Dawn called out. I nodded and confirmed my cap was in place before I stepped out. I scanned the area for any suspicious person or car.

I walked down the street with my head down. I hailed a taxi when I was far away from the apartment building.

It stopped me a distance away from the cemetery. I paid my fare and climbed out. I walked to the cemetery and greeted the gate keeper.

I purchased a bouquet of the freshest lilies and made my way to her grave. It was clean as usual. I paid for it every three months. I placed the fresh lilies on her grave and knelt beside it.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here for a long time. A lot has been happening. I saw Kaela today. She is growing well and is happy. I hope you are resting well" I paused.

"I'm a step closer to fulfilling my promise to you. I will make all those who brought you here pay for all they did"

I sat at her grave side longer before I headed to the mansion. The taxi stopped me a distance a way and I trekked the remaining distance. A car drove from behind and blocked my way.

The glass wind down and I saw the face of the person sitting inside. It was Don Adrik.

"Come in. We will drop you at the house" he said in his deep voice, his accent thick.

I wanted to refuse but I nodded. A man in black stepped out and opened the door. I stepped in and sat down.

The car was silent as we drove through the gates and into the mansion. The engine was cut off and I rushed to open the door but it didn't budge. It was locked.

The two men at the front got down and closed their doors. When they made no move to open our doors, I turned to the Don.

He was already staring at me with an unreadable face.