One After Another

Part 1

When Grey Patrick Harmon was just ten years old, his wishes came true. On April 7th, 2003, not only did he get the birthday of his dreams - a trip to disney land - but he got the most amazing news from his parents. He was having a little sister! Finally! He has waited for this moment his whole life. Well, ten years, but that was his whole life!

After that night, Mayven Safia Harmon became his whole life.

October 3rd, 2019

"MAYVEN!!.." Grey yelled upstairs as he struggled around with his bright green tie. "..You're gonna be late if you don't get out of bed now!"

THUMP. THUMP.

What is going on up there? Grey thought to himself. As he finally gets his tie to cooperate, he runs up the stairs and swings open the door to Mayven's bedroom.

"Honestly," Mayven sighs, using less emotions as she speaks. "..privacy is underrated."

Grabbing her bag, she breezes past him in a hurry. "Slow down, Tiger. I'll give you a ride" he says as he walks up to the front door.

"Fine, but drop me off a block away." She says, rolling her eyes and walking up to the car, using her head as a gesture for him to unlock it.

"Why?". Grey says, unlocking the car and opening her door. He seems to be worried, but Mayven reassures him that there's nothing to worry about.

"I just don't wanna be seen in my big brothers shitty car." Mayven grins. "Now can we leave? Shit."

They share a laugh as they drive off.

Here we are, eight awkward minutes later. Clarence High School. Mayven gets out the car before Grey can even stop it. She starts walking slowly up the empty block, casually - but not obviously at all - waiting for her brother to drive away. The sound of a repetitive car horn tells her head to rise and spin around, eventually seeing her brother disappear into the blinding sunlight.

Too much happiness, it seems... I should keep my eyes open.

As soon as Grey is out of sight, a bright orange 2017 Lincoln whips around the corner, honking like someone died on the steering wheel. Mayven turns around to see three blonde heads, troublemakers. But we all have that group of friends, don't you?

"Get in, bitch. We have five minutes before the bell rings and you look like a hairless rat threw up on you!"

"Haha, soo funny. Now, shut up n dress me!!" Mayven squeals back. The girls laugh and start to drive to the school. Meanwhile, in the back seat, Mayven is changing her clothes.

They arrive at school, two minutes left until the bell rings. They step out of the car and the whole school goes silent. Mayven's outfit has them shook. The light from the chains on her jeans are blinding them, the holo on her crop top hoodie mesmerizes them, and this phenomenal feeling gets crushed as the bell rings and takes all the attention off her.

School may be very annoying, but one thing that distracts Mayven from the negativities of it is her best friend, Erika. They've been best friends since they were born. Their moms grew up together and so did they. And one thing they alwas promised each other, is that they will always have each others back. They spend all their time together. When they don't, something's wrong..

After a long long day at school, Mayven comes home to something so unexpecting; Mom's home. First thought to arrive in her head...Why?

She runs to her mother and hugs her tight. Who knows when I'll get to hug her like this again... Mayven thought to herself.

"I miss you."

"I miss you more, love.." Maura takes Mayven's face in her hands. "I know you and your brother don't get to see me often, but in a few months, I'll get switched to a infermary facility closer to home, and I'll be here more." Mayven's eyes lit up and the biggest smile formed on her face, only growing bigger. She hugged her mother once more, and ran upstairs in the most joyful mood she has ever been in. So joyful, she'd probably do her homework! .. Okay, maybe not that joyful.

Maura's eyes follow Mayven up the stairs. A tear falls. She wipes it away and turns to Grey, who's face is showing a strong wave of disapppointment.

"Now, Ma, you know this is wrong." He says as he turns away. "I can't even look you in the face right now."

"Awe, baby please"

"No." he raises his voice. He grabs his bag as he stands to leave and says, "I'll help you out, but not for you. For her." he firmly states, as he points upstairs, referring to Mayven. Sliding his arms through his jacket, he walks towards the door.

"Where are you going?" his mom calls out.

"I need a drink, Ma."

Her head falls to her hands, shaking side to side.

"Ma?".

Maura looks up at Grey, tears refusing to stream, staring straight into his eyes, as he looked at her, with no emotion, as if he has lost all feeling tonight.

"I'll help you..but it's up to you to make sure she doesn't find out what's going on. She can't, momma. She can't."

The door closes behind him. As soon as it does, Maura falls to the floor, her heart aching, and all she can do is scream so silently, only she can hear the sound of her voice, echoing through her ears. Standing at the top of the stairs, was Mayven.. watching it all..

To Be Continued...