Conrad
Maya’s grip on my hand tightens as we reach the restaurant. I stop us and turn her around to face me.
“Relax, sweetheart. It will be fine. Take a few deep breaths.” I say softly, stroking her face.
She nods, closes her eyes and takes some deep breaths. She opens them to look at me again, “I can do this.”
I kiss her softly, “Yes, you can.”
I truly believe my mom will be nice to her. She realises what Maya means to me and how much I love her. All that matters to my mom is for her kids to be happy. I don’t know if my father will ever accept her, but if he doesn’t, that is his problem. It isn’t going to change my feelings or my relationship with Maya.
I retake her hand in mine and lead us inside. Mom will already be here. She is always on time; no, she is always early. It has been that way since I can remember. I squeeze her hand as I glance around for my mom. A part of me is nervous in case she isn’t alone. I sigh in relief when I spot her, and she has no one else with her.
I lead Maya over to the table. The closer we got, the tighter her grip became and the warmer her hand.
“Hello, mom,” I say as we arrive.
She looks up, smiling brightly, “Hello, my boy. Hello, Maya.” She says softly.
“Hello, Mrs Ackley.” Maya whispers, the nervousness evident in her voice.
“Please, both of you sit.” Mom encourages.
I pull Maya’s chair out first, letting her sit.
“Thank you, my love.” She smiles, sitting down.
I take the seat next to her. I take her hand in mine again under the table.
“Have you been here long?” I ask.
“No, about ten minutes. You know me, always early.” She laughs.
I chuckle, “Yes, you are. Should we order coffee until we decide what to have for breakfast?” I suggest, glancing between them—both nod in agreement.
I grab a waiter’s attention, placing our order because I know what everyone drinks.
“Maya, how is the job search going?” Mom asks.
“Not so good. I am applying for anything available, but up until now, I have had no luck, sadly.” She answers softly.
Her voice is still a little shaky. I hope she relaxes with the longer we are together.
“I am sure you will find something soon.” Mom smiles.
“I hope so.”
I keep the conversation flowing, catching up with my mom on what has been happening recently. I don’t want Maya to feel too much pressure trying to decide what to say. It doesn’t take long for our coffees to arrive.
“I am going to ask a couple of questions, but if I am overstepping, please tell me, and I drop it,” Mom says, looking between us.
“What is on your mind?” I ask.
“Has he been caught yet? If not, have there been any other issues?”
Maya sighs, “No, he has not been caught. He has been around, though. He got into my apartment and destroyed it. He knew I planned on moving out to live with Conrad.” She whimpers.
“I am sorry he is making life so difficult for both. Maya, I want to apologise for everything that happened at the hospital. For everything my husband and Bridget have done since. They have no right.” Mom says gently.
“You don’t need to apologise. I don’t blame you all for hating me after what happened because of my ex.”
Mom reaches over the table and places her hand over Maya’s. “Maya, what your ex does is not something you should be blamed for. People will never understand about an abusive, controlling relationship and what it can do to a person unless they have been through it.”
Maya looks at her, “Y-y-you went through?”
Mom draws in a breath, “Yes. I was only a teenager. He was my first boyfriend. He was cruel, controlling and abusive. I was too young to realise what was happening and how wrong it was.”
I had no idea my mother had gone through it.
“I am sorry you went through such horrible things at such a young age, Mrs Ackley. How did you get out?”
I wanted to say something to my mom, but I will wait. I will let Maya and her talk.
“My friend at the time. She made me realise what was happening was wrong and that he didn’t love me. She gave me the courage to leave. You?” She replies.
“It took me a while. What he was doing to me seemed normal. It was the kind of thing I were used to because of my family previously. But one day, something changed in me, and it made me realise that things will only get worse if I don’t get out. I packed my things and ran. I didn’t expect him to find me again.”
I can hear Maya trying to fight back her tears as they talk.
“I am glad you found the courage to run. I am sorry he can’t leave you alone, but he will get caught and get everything coming to him that he deserves.” Mom says and squeezes her hand.
Maya manages a soft smile, “I hope so.”
“Mom, how did I not know you went through that?” I ask.
“It isn’t something I like to talk about it. I prefer to leave it in the past. The only person who knows is your father.” She replies.
“I am so sorry. I had no idea. I am glad you managed to get away.”
“Yes, I will be forever grateful to my best friend who helped me.” Mom smiles.
She turns back to Maya, “Just know if you need to talk, I am here, okay? I know talking about what happened isn’t easy, but I will listen without judgment.”
“Thank you, Mrs Ackley. That means a lot.”
It will be good for Maya to have someone to talk to who understands. Yes, I am here, but I am sure there are some things she doesn’t want to discuss with me, things she doesn’t feel comfortable telling me.
“You are welcome, sweetie. Now, should we order some food?” she asks.
Maya smiles, “Yes. I am so hungry.” She laughs.
Maya seems relaxed now, which is good. I believe they will get along well, not only because they have been through similar things but in general. We all take a look at the menu and order breakfast.
“Did you say you have moved in together now?” Mom asks.
“Yes. It happened a few weeks ago, but officially last week.” I say brightly.
“You didn’t tell your mother?” Maya laughs, looking at me.
“No. I was going.”
“Shocking, not telling your own mother about such a big thing.” Mom adds in, laughing.
Great, now I am going to have the two of them picking on me.
I laugh loudly and hold my hands, “I apologise.”
“I will forgive you this time, son.”
Mom and Maya laugh, shaking their heads. I am happy things seem lighter between everyone now. I have always been closer to my mom than my father, so it means a lot to me that she is accepting Maya and will take the time to get to know her.