He didn’t know how many times she had needed to say his name, but he was subconsciously glad that she continued because those iced blue eyes regained their clarity as the haze cleared and he focused upon her voice and the familiar ticking of his father’s watch. Okay. He was okay. Drawing another trembling breath, he asked. “What is today’s date?”
“Uhh--date, right. Umm...” Maya crinkled her nose as she tried to remember. “May... fourteenth, if I’m not mistaken.” She answered with a sheepish smile. “Are you... are you alright? I mean, you looked a bit... umm... distracted?” She said, unsure if she used the right word.
Anson stood near the entrance to the park. She fiddled with the strap of her book bag. She preferred to write by hand then using a laptop, though both had their merits. She looked around, rubbing her arms as she waited for Maya to show up. The weather was pretty nice, not too hot and not...
As she walked down the street, Maya brought out her phone from her pocket and checked the time. She was going to be a bit late for her meet-up with Anson. Hey, I'm on my way, sorry if I'm a bit late :), she typed. But right after hitting the 'send' button, she was notified that she was out of credits. Despite this, Maya pocketed her phone and started walking faster. Upon arriving at the park, she looked around and noticed someone waving at her.
"Hey!" Maya greeted, but she was too far and her voice, despite being louder than usual, was still too soft for the other to hear. A relieved smile made its way onto her lips as she walked over to where Anson was.
"Hey, Anson." She smiled. "Yeah, I think the park's a really good place to write." Maya placed her book bag down, next to Anson's things, and sat herself down. "The weather seems nice today."
"Of course. Anyone who is interested in my work is a friend to me. Therefore they get to see my work, so long as they don’t seem sketch," she shrugged. Knowing that there were, or at least could be, rebel camps in the school she was a lot more selective of who got to come into her lab.
"Yes, well, I've never been a 'science' person but I've always thought it was interesting. Oh, I'm glad you don't find me... umm... suspicious, in a way. I won't break your trust, promise." Maya said before raising her right hand in a pledging manner.
"I---wow, I didn't think I could do that." She chuckled as she felt her knees wobble. "Okay, that's it. I can't carry you any longer." And at that, Maya dropped him before leaning on a nearby wall. "I've always known you were a big guy, but..." She paused to catch her breath. "...I didn't expect you to be that heavy." Maya added playfully.
"Thanks." Maya smiled at her as she sat next to the girl, but not too close. She didn't want to make Addie feel uncomfortable. "I haven't really... umm... who's Kala again?"
Maya looked up nervously at the interrogator. “Maya de la Para. Nineteen years old.”
• Tell us your height, weight, and any other distinguishing features that we may use for easier recognition of your person.
“I’m.. umm… 5’1, I think? Yeah… weight… about a hundred pounds, probably. I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure. Umm... distinguishing--uhh--I don't really have any. Maybe my Mexican accent. It's not too strong, but, that's all that comes to mind.”
• State for the record the places that you frequent most often.
“Hmm…” Maya hummed as she looked up and thought. “The Children’s Home, the beach, the library, and Grace's apartment are the only ones I can think of. Oh, and the Institute and my house, of course."
• Tell us about your upbringing.
"Well, I grew up an only child, my parents took really good care of me, and they basically spoiled me with love and affection. Umm, our family wasn't--isn't--rich, but we manage. And that's pretty much all I could say about it."
• Tell us how you arrived at The Nightingale Haven and for what reason.
"I... was born here."
• What is your influence within The Nightingale Institute?
"I don't think I have any sort of influence, on anyone."
• In your opinion, who is the cement of The Institute — the one who manages to keep everyone together?
"The Council. I think it would be impossible for a single person to do that--not that I'm doubting anyone's abilities--I just think that they all work better as a team."
• What is your understanding of The Rebel War meant to destroy mankind?
"I... umm..." Maya's fingers started to shake at the mention of the Rebels, and she tried concealing this by placing her hands in her jean pockets. "As far as I know, they want to overrule mankind because they think Elites are superior." She answered nervously. "Is that it? Or did I... did I get it wrong?"
• Are you aware of any Rebel base camps within The Nightingale Haven?
"No, not at all."
• Are there any students or groups of students who you could see as a threat to the safety of The Havens?
"I... I don't think so."
• Do you have any skills that may benefit or harm The Council?
"No, I don't think so. My abilities--additional limbs--they're useful to me but I don't think it could affect the Council in any... umm... drastic way. I mean, if you need someone to organize papers then I guess I can help out with that."
• Would you be willing to work undercover on behalf of The Council against The Rebels?
"I... I don't think I'd be the right choice, honestly."
Anson smiled widely before digging her phone out of her pocket. “Um, here’s my number. We should meet up one day.” Anson felt comfortable with Maya and she wanted to hang out more with her.
Maya smiled back at her and pulled out her own phone. "Great." She exclaimed after noting down Anson's number. "Here's mine." The brunette tapped on her phone and showed it to the other. "We definitely should. Hmm... what about the day after tomorrow? We could give each other book recommendations or something." She suggested with a delighted smile.
He hadn’t a clue where he was, only that he was suddenly awakened from his trance by a voice. Clutching a charcoal pencil in his left hand, and paper in his right, he attempted to catch his breath as his fingers crumpled the page within them.
"Nikolai... Nikolai..." Maya repeatedly called out to him in a soft voice. "Nik--" She stopped upon seeing him slowly regaining his focus. "Hey, what's wrong?" The brunette asked, looking at the boy with concern and placing a gentle hand on his left shoulder.
Delicate fingers strummed the strings of the guitar as a soft mumble echoed through the music room. “Don’t know what to sing but I’m gonna continue playing anyways…” Beth muttered to the tune, slowing down once she heard someone enter the room. “Hey there, stranger.”
"Yes, that much." Maya repeated in a playful tone. "Great! Shall we?" Not eve waiting for a response, Maya grabbed Victoria's wrist and started walking.
"I may have a flair for the dramatics…but I really can’t, it’s impossible." Grace giggled, fully aware of her devotion to anything chocolate. She observed Maya as she heated the milk, embracing the other girl with a big squeeze when they hugged. "Lots and lots!" She smiled, plopping down into a chair at the table in the kitchen. "So what’s new in your life? Tell me everything. I feel like I haven’t seen you in a long time."
"True. That's why I make sure to always have some chocolates in stock here, I'm afraid you might stop coming over if I run out." She stated playfully after letting go of the blonde, then turning her focus back to the milk, and poured it into two mugs. "You know, same old same old." After mixing the milk with cocoa, she handed one of the drinks to Grace. "Nothing interesting, really. What about you? You've always got something cool to tell me."
