His Little Flame

Chapter 12: Mafia

☽ MAEVE ☾

"Maeve, business is pretty slow today and it's already pretty late, why don't you go ahead and leave early?" Julie sets down a tray of empty plates.

I glance at the few people in the diner, "it's alright, I'm only here for another" - I flick my eyes to the clock on the wall -"45 minutes."

"Maeve, sweetheart, please just listen to my wife, " Jack says, picking up the stack of plates, "or I'll deduct your pay, " he adds on the verge of laughter.

Julie smacks his chest and rolls her eyes, "don't listen to him, he won't do that. He's just a buffoon!"

"Your buffoon." Jack kisses Julie's cheek. "Now, please go home, do things kids your age do! Go party, get a boyfriend, party with your boyfriend!" Jack smirks at the mention of 'partying' with a boyfriend.

"But not right now, it's late, go home!" Julie adds.

"Thank you, guys." Julie pulls me into a goodbye hug and Jack kisses my forehead.

Just like my parents would do.

The door chimes ring as I leave the building into the bright city streets, which is surprisingly scarce of people.

I continue to make my way down the empty sidewalk. It seems like the closer I get to my apartment complex, the street gets darker and darker.

I hear a 'whoosh' and I whip my head in all directions. Nothing. I clutch onto myself tighter and speed up my pace. I feel like I'm being watched.

Down the block, across the street.

I don't want to turn around. It's doesn't feel right.

Down the block, across the street.

I hear another sound come from behind me so I halt and turn around.

Nothing. Again.

I turn back in the direction of my apartment-

"BOO!"

"Max, you scared me!" I yell with my hand over my heart, feeling it thump against my chest. Max laughs at me so I kick his shin.

"Ow!" I kick him again, "ow!" One more time wouldn't hurt... me at least, "ow, I'm sorry, please stop kicking me!" Max whines, squatting down to rub his leg.

"Why?" I ask, holding back tears. I was already afraid enough, this ass didn't have to scare me like that.

"Sorry." Max stands up, straightens his sweatshirt, and pats down his jeans. "I was going home from Aiden's, then I saw you and I just had to," Max says, guilt coating his words. "Going home?" I nod, "I already bothered you, let me walk you."

"No, it's fine, I don't want to burden you," I say.

Please take me home.

"Oh come on Maeve, you were my senior in high school, and you're the sole reason I graduated," Max refutes, "you're like a big-little sister to me, you could never be a burden."