Chapter 76

She sat behind him in the car as he drove, popping up in a familiar environment she had frequently visited, most times passing nights so that she wouldn't go home to deal with Anna's tantrums.

It was in a neat neighborhood, all thanks to Abby's mother, who had left it for her only child before passing away three years earlier.

Maya loved this place; it was because of the memories associated with it since they all involved her favorite person in the whole wide world, Abby.

Now she took in the environment as Sir Derinem rode on the tarred road before he took a turn. He began to talk into the earphone, "Yeah, Luca." He waited, "no, about to. But we're almost there anyway. Did you get it? Both of them? Alright,"

As promised, he pushed everything aside and began working on getting her out of the manor. 

Derinem's final decision was to get her to the US, to which Luca objected, saying that would be the first place Damon would look for her, especially when he finds out it was with Derinem's help.

So they decided it would be the US first until they came up with another idea. But Maya wouldn't go alone; she needed someone, a friend.

And that was where Abby came in.

Now Maya couldn't help but get surprised as he maneuvered his way to Abby's house. How could he have known where her best friend lived?

"You've been here before?" She asked him, holding her blazers so they covered her chest, hiding the flowery-patterned gown she wore inside.

"I've been everywhere before." 

That wasn't an answer, but that would do, except he was missing something, about which she had been wondering if to tell him. "I don't think Abby would be home."

"She is home," he said, sounding so sure of himself.

"Sir Derinem, she goes to work."

"We talked when I gave her a lift last night."

She shook her head sadly, "Poor Abby." She wondered how confused her friend would have been, staring at Don, who couldn't even manage a smile to save his life.

Finally, they stopped in front of Abby's house, and he climbed out of the car. She immediately opened the door.

She looked up to see him holding it open for her, appreciation in her eyes. He waved it off, "Hurry up, Maya; we don't have that time."

She nodded, hurrying to keep pace with him, even though it wasn't needed because his stride was shorter to make it easier for her.

The man stopped at the front door and pushed it open to reveal a shocked George standing in the sitting room with Abby sitting in a corner on the sofa, looking scared, staring at George's gun.

Derinem looked at George, "I told you not to scare her."

"I didn't want to until she attacked me with her heels." 

Evidence showed him holding the back of his head in pain.

"Jesus," Derinem sighed, glaring at Abby, who was still in her pajamas and a big baggy top that spelled "anything for Daddy."

Maya chuckled; she had forgotten to tell them. Abby was an aggressive one. With her hair dyed blue and purple and her lashes drenched in mascara, which she held in her hand.

When Abby saw her, she stood up shakily on her feet, took slow steps toward Maya, then grabbed her in a bear hug, "You bitch! You've got me worried!"

Maya smiled, holding her. Abby could be vulgar when she wanted, like every damn time. Maya muttered, "I'm sorry, forgive me." She laughed

From the side of her eyes, she saw Derinem walk out, followed by George, who closed the door after them. She shut her eyes. She had never felt safer.

****

"Oh my God, Maya, I didn't know you were going through so much all those times," Abby held her hand.

Maya had told her all that had happened. She dumped it raw on her best friend, whose face showed horror.

At one point, Abby wiped a tear from her eyes, especially when Maya came to the part where she had gotten rid of the child.

"You can't go back there, Maya; you must leave now that he's in the hospital."

Maya nodded her head. "I know; George says he'll be there for a week; we have all the time to prepare," she then exhaled deeply, ready to drop the bomb, "I want you to come with me to the US."

Just like she expected, Abby's face froze. Her eyes were on Maya's. "Maya, even if we wanted to escape that far, we don't have the means; there's the flight fee and..."

"It's all sorted out, Abby," Maya's voice was small, "all I need is you; I can't go out there alone."

And to her surprise, Abby smiled and said, "Fuck yeah, we're going to the US."

"Uhm, Abby...."

"The men, the booze." She stood up, taking steps like she was in La La Land. "Oh my God, Maya, we are going to have a split with them."

Maya shook her head, laughing in relief.

"Except," Abby said, "you're thinking of getting involved with the bigger guy."

"What bigger guy?" Maya frowned, watching her best friend wink mischievously.

"The one with the brown eyes—oh, my God, he's such a daddy," she snapped her fingers.

Maya looked at her with horror. "Shut up, Abby; he might hear you!"

She didn't look like she cared. She smacked her tongue on her lips, earning a head shake from Maya. "Come on, Maya, and I see how he looks at you."

Blushing, Maya asked, "How?"

And just immediately, Derinem knocked, pushing open the door. He looked at Maya, up at Abby, then back down at Maya.

"You're done?"

Though she wanted to spend more time with her best friend, Maya nodded; moreover, wouldn't they be together after their escape went successfully?

"She'll be here at seven tomorrow; you'll leave with her the following morning; Luca will pick you up; make sure you're both ready."

Abby nodded, her silky bob shaking, "Fine by me. Thanks for taking care of her."

In the car, as they returned to the manor, Derinem said, "Your friend, she's wild."

And she only had to laugh in agreement, for nobody was wilder than Abby.

***

Her new clothes were in a heap on Lina's bed when she came back with Derinem, who immediately excused himself and went into his bedroom to see Luca.

Now she was with Lina, folding the clothes with some excitement that she was trying to cover up with cheerful replies and awkward remarks.

The clothes were primarily jeans and light shirts that would fit in easily with whatever luggage she chose. As Maya folded the last pair of jeans, she felt relief. Soon she'd be out of this hell.

She was distracted by Lina, who was pushing aggressively against the box and zipping it. Maya had to ask 

"Lina, are you ok? You don't seem to be happy.

"It's nothing," the girl waved her off. "I'll be fine, madam."

Maya shrugged, standing up and dusting her gown as she walked towards the door, opening it and calling to Lina, "I'll be in the kitchen."

"Ok, madame"

She walked down the hallway towards the stairs. Looking at the manor and inwardly muttering her final goodbyes. Finally, she would be leaving, gone forever. Never to be seen in Sicily again.

Which meant a new life, and she couldn't wait to embrace it. And what more with her favorite person? Abby.

She flew down the stairs, resisting the urge to find her way into Sir Derinem's room and focusing more on the kitchen. 

Her stomach rumbled.

Now down the stairs, she was about to turn for the kitchen when the manor's door opened, welcoming him in.

She froze as his eyes met hers. She was forcing herself not to stagger back, clenching her hands on the sides of her gown.

Damon's eyes were stuck on her body, taking her in. He took two steps forward, still not saying a word.

His arms were hung on a sling, and his shirt was opened, showing a bandage rounding his chest and running through his armpits to his back.

He was in pain, but he didn't flinch, watching her shake before him.

When the silence became too loud, he took further steps until she was close enough for his satisfaction, but he still didn't stop making eye contact.

"Aren't you glad I'm back?"

***********

Derinem inspected the passport and visas, oblivious to the stern scowls Luca was sending his way,

Satisfied, he dropped it on the bed, looking at Luca, "Complete. Aren't you proud that you completed your assignments?"

"Would it be funny if you didn't look like somebody died, so she's leaving tomorrow?"

"Obviously"

"Lina is not happy, but she understands."

"She should."

They were distracted by George pushing the door open, a slight urgency in his posture: "Uh, boss, Don is back from the hospital."

Frustrated, Luca exhaled, banging his head softly against the wall.

Derinem dragged his plans down his face, then looked at George, "It's not up to a week yet."

They all stayed silent, each with their thoughts, hearing only their breaths. Damon was back. The fucker just had to come back now!

"What happens now?" Luca asked.

Derinem stood up, arranging the papers. "She's still leaving, even if it means I go extreme."

Luca raised a brow and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

He said nothing, walking past Luca and George towards the stairs.