Maya’s cabin has her name written all over it. She told me plenty of times growing up how she wanted something exactly like this. Wooden exterior with beautiful seating areas scattered all around. Rose bushes and planters surround the fences. There are no other homes overlooking it, making it peaceful and quiet, just like she dreamt of.
Before I get a chance to knock, Maya is already pulling the door open with a shy smile on her face.
“You don’t need to knock, I heard your car coming a mile away,” She says in jest.
“I thought since we’re driving out of town, we may as well have a bit of fun driving to our destination,” I wink.
“Where are we going?” She goes to pick up a pair of small heels to match her dress and tights.
“It’s a surprise, I would recommend flat shoes and a warm coat though,” I hope she isn’t disappointed when she realises it isn’t a restaurant.
“Ooo, this is intriguing. I guess I’ll find out when we get there?” she finishes lacing up her Doc Martens. This woman looks bloody appealing in anything she wears.
“Yep. Now come on, I’m starved.” I say as I grab hold of her and pull her along to the passenger door, helping her in, then rounding back to my side.
“Tommy, this car is like a spaceship. What the hell do you need all of these buttons for?” The look of exasperation on her face is adorable.
“For entertainment. Strap in, we’re going to have some fun.”
She still hasn’t clicked on to where we’re heading. After a quick fifteen-minute drive, we’re pulling up at a random patch of grass hidden off-road, and her eyes widen.
“Tommy, I haven’t been here since the last time you brought me,” she says with a gasp. I have to look at her to make sure it’s not horror written all over her expression. Thankfully, it isn’t. “Are we going to our meadow?”
Fuck, I love how she calls it that.
“Yes, baby, I thought you might like it. Don’t worry, though, I’ve brought you food too.” I remember well how angry she can get when she’s hungry. I get out of the car, rounding to the boot, putting on a backpack and taking the picnic basket. By the time I’m sorted, she’s met me at the back of the car. “You ready, Maymay?” I ask, holding my free hand out to her.
“Oh my god, yes,” She’s practically bouncing on the spot with excitement.
Thank fuck for that.
It only takes us five minutes to enter the clearing, then another five to find our perfect spot. The one we always used to frequent. Setting the basket on the grass, I start laying out the supplies from the backpack. A blanket, a bottle of wine and two bottles of water.
“This is perfect,” She hums, leaning back on the blanket. I watch her for a moment, the serene look on her face. So beautiful.
“I didn’t cook, so don’t be too worried over what’s in here,” I glance at her sideways. “I heard you say your favourite Italian is near my work building, so I ordered us some takeout.” It tooka lot of convincing to get them to agree, saying they don’t have the time. They soon changed their tune when I offered a grand for it. The dearest fucking carbonara I have ever bought.
“Oh Tommy, this is amazing,” She beams.
That look on her face just made it all worth it.
We tuck into our food in silence, listening to the slow trickling from the stream. The animals prancing around that only come to life at night. That’s why this was our escape place.
Once we’re both finished, we tidy all the mess away, and I pour us both a glass of wine.
“So…”
“So.”
“I don’t know where to begin,” She says, her face looks so sad, and it kills me, I can't stand seeing her in pain.
“Start at the beginning.”
“Okay. Well… I don’t know if you know that I had a crush on you when I was younger. I never wanted to act on it, because you were more than that to me, you were my best friend too.”
Hmm, that can’t be the only reason, though. It doesn’t explain why she ghosted me for years, too.
“It got to the point where I couldn’t keep it from you. It was eating me alive. I was just so scared that you wouldn’t feel the same way,” she turns from me then, shying away.
