⌗ 45
third person ✎ᝰ
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Mara's Chevrolet Silverado pulls into a long driveway surrounded by pearly white gates and perfectly trimmed hedges. There's a sense of familiarity that runs through Mason's veins as she takes in her surroundings. "I can't believe it."

Mara puts her car in brake and smiles warmly, "We can go inside if you want. Unless you'd rather stay in the car? I just have to grab something from my room." She explained.

It's been too long since Mason had last found herself at the Kim residence. "I'll come with you." She unbuckles her seat belt and opens the door with a hint of excitement forming on her face. "Do you still have that photo of us on your vanity mirror?" Mason wondered. "Please say yes."

Mara follows suit and locks her car. "It's still there. You'll see." She smiled. The camp out had gotten Mason's mind off of Riley for quite some time. Riley's behaviour had left a sour taste in her mouth. She wasn't sure if she'd tell Mason about the call that happened while she was tucked away in Mara's tent. Riley seemed so sure that she'd prove the promise she kept—that she won't break Mason's heart. Mara was curious to see how things would unfold. "Are you hungry?"

Mason shoves her hands into the pockets of her denim jeans and shrugs her shoulders. "Not that much." She chuckled. "I'm just happy to be here."

The double doors open before their very eyes. "Ma'am, welcome home." Mara is warmly greeted by one of her family helpers. "I didn't know you were coming home, Ma'am. Should I fix you something to eat? J—" The older girl wraps her arms around Aunt Pat and pulls her in for a tight embrace. "Aunt Pat, don't worry about it." She smiled. "I'm just here to get something. I forgot to bring it last night before I left." She added.

Aunt Pat pulls away slowly and finds Mason standing silently behind Mara. "You're here too, Mason." She smiled warmly. The lady wraps her arms around Mason and rubs the small of her back. "I'm glad that you're ok." She added.

Mason has known Mara almost their whole lives. The same goes for Aunt Pat. When her parents used to travel abroad for their business trips, she'd find herself in the hands of Aunt Pat. It's the main reason why Mason and Mara are closer than the rest of the group. They were always together. That hasn't changed at all.

Mason heads over to the staircase that leads to the second level. She could navigate this place with her eyes closed. "Mara I'm gonna—"

She halts in her place when her surroundings are filled with the sound of that broad Australian accent that she knows all too well.

"What are you doing here?"

Mason turns around slowly. Her heart feels heavier again. "I came here to see her." Riley uttered. She sounded out of breath—like she ran.

"Riley?" Her name slipped past her lips before her brain could fully process what was unfolding before her. "What are you doing here?..." Her voice fades as Riley looks up at her with those eyes that could fix her all so well.

"I came here for you, Maisie." Her words were shaky, but it still left Mason in awe of her. One look and she felt herself falling all over again—like the first time, like it's always meant to happen. "I need to fix things." She explained.

Mason took several steps downward. "I don't even know how you knew we were here but—"

Mara's gaze falters away from her best friend. "She asked us where we were and I told her..."

"I couldn't reach you, Maisie. I tried. I really did. Mavis told me that you'd be with Mara."

The eldest swallows the emptiness in her throat. "You shouldn't have come here unannounced. It's also a crime to trespass on private property."

Her words cut deep within Riley. "Look, that's not my intention. I just need to talk to her. You know that. I wouldn't be here if..." Her voice fades when she catches Mara's hand around Mason's waist as she pulls her to her side.

"You were saying?" Mason wondered. Mason stood still with high hopes. She truly wished that Riley had a good enough reason as to why she kept those secrets away from her. Mason wished so desperately that they could end this frustration and finally go back to the way they were. "You do have something to say right?"

A hint of jealousy sparks in the pit of Riley's stomach. "I can't let anyone else have you."

Mara and Mason look at her with creased brows. "What are you even saying?" Mason wondered.

"I can't let anyone else have you." Riley reiterated. "I love you too much to let that happen. I want to fix things between us..."

Mason tilts her head and sighs deeply. "I know. I want to fix things between us too. But I don't get what you mean...no one can take me from you?"

Riley bites the inside of her cheek as she watches Mara whisper something into Mason's ear. "I'm gonna go get my things upstairs. Will you be okay down here?" She asked. "I'll be two seconds."

Mason nods as a smile forms on her lips. "Take your time. I'll be fine down here, don't worry."

Mara smiles back and gives her a tight squeeze before turning away to head upstairs. "I'll be really quick. I'll go get you my hoodie to wear."

Riley stands quietly for several moments before parting her lips to speak. "What was that?" She asked firmly. Her tight lipped smile sent a shiver down Mason's spine as they held eye contact.

"Huh?"

"I asked what was that?" Riley frowned.

"I have no idea what you're on about."

Riley throws her hands up in frustration. "I don't like her." She confessed. "Can't you see it?"

Mason blinked rapidly at the question. "I'm not blind, Riley. But you're acting really strange. I don't know what's happening with you..."

"Mara." Riley hissed.

"What about her?" Mason breathed.

"She clearly doesn't want us together." Riley chuckled half heartedly. "She's brain washing you. She's—" Mason raises her hands to motion the latter to stop talking.

"What?"

"Maisie...you have to believe me."

"Are you seriously trying to drag MY best friend into this mess? Riley, you broke my heart. All she did was be there for me when I needed someone. That should be you. But you kept secrets and now we're arguing in her own home..."

"Maisie..."

"Are you jealous?" Mason cocked her head.

Riley turned pale at the question. "No.."

"Ok." Mason nodded. "So tell me. Look me in the eye and tell me why you are here when I specifically asked for space? Give me an answer."