The next morning was really something for Windmere. The air was super cold. It smelled like the ocean you know, salty. It also had that smell that comes after a big storm like the earth is all wet and stuff.
Maya was walking to her studio, and her boots made a noise on the wet ground. She was really tired. Her legs felt super heavy like she was carrying rocks or something. Her brain was all mixed up she was thinking about Adrian. It was hard to think clearly. All Maya wanted to do was sit down somewhere quiet and work on her paintings just fix them and make them look nice again. She needed to focus on her art.
Adrian was already there leaning against the door. He did not have one of his suits on that day. He looked like a normal guy. When Adrian saw her, he held up a silver key. Gave her a look that said he was hiding a big secret, about something.
"I need you to see something," he said.
Maya crossed her arms. She said to Adrian "No, I do not have time for that. I have a lot of work to do. The storm has really messed up my schedule. There are people waiting for my art and I have to get this art done. I just cannot go for a walk now Adrian."
Adrian did not move. He did not look annoyed either.
"Just give me five minutes, Maya. That is it. If you hate it I will bring you back and leave you alone for the rest of the day " Adrian said to Maya.
Maya looked at him. She felt like being angry. Her curiosity was stronger. Her mind was already thinking about what that key could unlock.
"Fine " Maya said slowly. "You have five minutes. I'm going to time you."
She followed him through the streets as the sun started to come out. It was really nice. They passed the harbor where the boats were moving up and down on the water. They kept on going until they did not see any shops anymore.
They continued until they reached a house at the end of the street. Maya knew this place well. The window covers were old, the roof looked worn out, and the garden was full of dead plants.
It was her childhood home.
This house was a mess, for a long time. Now it is different. The house looks happy. It looks like someone took care of the house and made it nice again. The house looks like someone loved it and fixed it up.
She said "I have not been here in a long time" in a very quiet voice.
Her heart was beating fast against her ribs and it felt like someone was playing a drum inside her.
Adrian did not say anything. He just put out his hand and put the heavy cold key in her hand. The key was really heavy and felt cold.
"I wanted to surprise you. I didn't fix this house to show off or get attention; I fixed it for you. I've spent weeks painting and repairing everything because I want us to have a fresh start. I don't want to force you into anything, and I don't want you to feel like you have to run away anymore."
"This is actually why I missed your art fair. I was here working on the house, trying to get it ready. I know it caused a big fight between us, and I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you the truth then.."
Maya's fingers were shaking as she put the key in the lock. She walked through all the rooms and noticed everything. He had not just fixed the house, he had also remembered the things that Maya liked. He used the colors that Maya liked. He even fixed her mother's wooden chair.
"You… remembered everything," she whispered. "Even the smallest details."
"I remembered everything because I finally understood. I care about the things you love. I care about this house. Most of all, I care about you."
Maya's eyes were filled with tears. She loved the house, but it also made her feel a little sad. Seeing the new paint and the fixed corners made her think about all the time they had wasted being apart and all the nights she had spent crying by herself."
She said "It is perfect." Her voice was really soft you could hardly hear her. "But it hurts me. It hurts because it reminds me of what we lost with each other."
Adrian walked over to Maya. Took Maya's hands in his hands. His hands were really warm. They did not shake. He said to her, "I am not able to change what happened before. But I can try to make the future ours."
Maya let herself believe him for a moment. She was searching his eyes for any sign of deceit. She wanted to know if he was the man she had left behind. All she saw was the real him, someone who was willing to risk everything for her.
Her phone made a loud noise that broke the silence. She pulled out her phone to see who it was. It was a message from the same number that had sent her a message during the storm. Her skin felt cold as she read it out aloud:
"I am not done yet. Neither is she...C."
The air in the room suddenly felt really cold. Maya looked at Adrian. The room felt cold because of the tension, between Maya and Adrian.
"Who is it?"
"I don't know," Maya said. Her voice was shaking. "But it's someone from your past. It sounds like they are coming for both of us."
Adrian's face got all tense. He looked ready to fight. "Then let them come" he said. "We are doing this together now. I am not letting anyone hurt you."
He really meant it when he said he was not going to let anyone hurt the people he cared about, especially the person he was talking to, and that is why Adrian said, "I am not letting anyone hurt you."
Maya leaned into him, listening to his heart. It was loud and fast. The house was a beautiful start, but a new storm was brewing outside. And this time, it wasn't just rain and wind, it was a secret that wanted to tear them apart.