Page 54 of Soaring in Flames (Reborn 2)
“Maya, we aren’t leaving until you explain what’s going on,” Marco turned in the passenger seat.
I looked at him and shook my head feeling really tired all of the sudden. “Can we just go home?”
“Maya,” Marco took a deep breath.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I stated softly, “or is that something else I’m not allowed to decide for myself.”
“They deserve whatever Jordan plans to do,” Henry ground out.
I clenched my fists trying to figure out a way to be more clear. “Seriously? I said right to both of you that I didn’t want anyone to handle it. Or does my opinion in this not matter? I mean it wasmynose, Henry. Not yours, nor Jordan's.”
“We can’t just let someone beat you up and get away with it,” Sai growled, realizing what was going on.
“You can’t fight all my battles for me!” I bit out. I closed my eyes as I tried to relax, putting my forehead down on my knees. I was just done with this day. I was exhausted. Not feeling one hundred percent. And now my nose was broken.
“We most definitely can and will.” Marco stated softly, his voice having a dangerous undertone.
“I think we should let this go for now,” Croy offered quietly, “it’s been a really long weekend—”
“So what?” I looked up at Marco feeling my temper spike, something that I wasn’t used to and was a bit overwhelming. “I’m supposed to sit around and let you handle everything for me? Better yet, Jordan is handling this! My best friend. I don’t need everyone handling stuff for me. I am perfectly capable of figuring it out, even if it takes a bit more time.”
“Someone beat you up,” Marco blinked, “there is absolutely nothing to figure out.”
“Marco...” Anani sounded like he was attempting to diffuse the situation.
“Oh, okay,” I nodded looking up, feeling a bit of sarcasm edge out with frustration, “I’ll make sure to let you think for me from now on, Marco. I mean, why should I learn to handle anything if you can, right?”
“Yes, actually,” he stated with a stubborn edge. Atlas made a soft, concerned noise that I would normally find comforting but instead ignored.
I felt my temper spike as we pulled up to the house. I slid out of the car and moved towards the door feeling annoyed and frustrated. Marco’s hand caught mine as I tugged away, walking into the house and up the stairs. Along with the rest of our luggage, a personal concierge had brought Bella back, her meow reaching me as I entered my bedroom.
“Maya,” Henry called as I closed my bedroom door, hitting the lock as I sunk to the floor. I needed a minute. Just a minute to myself. Was that normal to need a bit of space from your mates? There were just a lot of them and sometimes I felt like I needed some alone time. Was that okay? Even if it wasn’t. That’s what I needed today.
I was just so terribly tired, my eyes already shutting.
“Honey,” Marco’s voice was concerned and softer than in the car, almost regretful, as he twisted the door knob, “can I come in?”
“I need a few minutes, Marco.”
“Maya...”
“Please?” I looked at the closed door as he swore under his breath and walked away.
Walking forward I picked up Bella and pulled her to my chest, my eyes closing tightly. When I woke I would figure out what to say to the boys, hopefully I’d feel more calm by then.
