Family dinners were something that Maia always looked forward to, especially when everyone was together. That's not to say that they don't get to see each other all that much, it's the opposite. Living in the same city does not leave a lot of room for missing dinners and such. Maia just enjoys the energy that comes out when everyone is together; it's a warm, fuzzy sort of feeling. It's almost like old times, you might say. Old times, she thought to herself as she looked at herself in the mirror. She finally had a chance to use the bathroom after running about with Jackson. Maia can only wish that she had her kind of energy. And of course, her mom commented with a little chuckle "Serves you right, Maia. I was doing the same thing when you were his age." She could only smile in response, since her mom did have a good point there. She took a breath, before moving to rinse off her hands. There had been a moment when she looked at her left hand, then she remembered why the ring finger was naked once more.
A shaky exhale slipped from her lips.
Since coming back home, Derek wasn't the only person being protective over her. Their mother has been engaging her Momma Bear mode off and on. No one saw it coming and to be honest, Maia felt a little ashamed. She should've seen his true colors sooner, but alas, she didn't. Jackson was perhaps the only good thing that came from that relationship and of course, no one holds it against him. Who could condemn that adorable little face, that smile? Maia cracked a little smile, thinking of her son. Then, as if right on cue, Maia could faintly hear Jackson's squealing of delight. Someone must've arrived. Once her hands were dried, Maia made her way down to the front door. Her brother Derek was standing there, looking about as if he was trying to spot her. Jackson spotted her first, before she could say a word. "There she is!" her son exclaimed, pointing a little finger her way. Maia's smile grew bigger. "Hey, Derek." she said in greeting, moving closer.
Once she was in range, Maia gave him a hug. Although he may annoy her like he did when they were kids, she still loved her brother. A moment came and went, as she felt a little arm wrap tightly around her leg. Maia glanced down to see Jackson joining in on their hug. A chuckle slipped from her lips, as she reached to pat the top of Jackson's head. "Mom..you'll mess up my spray..." he said, shaking his little head as if he could shake Mommy's hand off. She chuckled once more. "Ok, I'm sorry..Mom couldn't help it, that's all.." she replied, removing her hand from Jackson's head. They broke the hug shortly after. Jackson seemed to be satisfied with the answer, because his smile grew and he moved to tug on Derek's hand. "Come on, Uncle Derek..I want to show you something..." Jackson said, as he was trying his very best to pull Derek forward. Maia couldn't stop smiling at the sight. What can she say? Jackson loved her uncle a lot..
As Derek seemed to be occupied, due to Jackson's insistence, Maia took the liberty of grabbing the bags Derek had brought in. It took a little maneuvering, but she managed to bring it all into the kitchen. She was pulling things out and getting it all set, when there was a knock at the door. Her father was the first round of the welcoming committee, she could hear him greet Emery and Wade at the door. A moment or two passed by, before Maia left the kitchen briefly to check on Jackson. He was fine, of course..showing off what he helped Grandma with this week to Derek. He looked so proud of himself. When she returned to the kitchen, Emery and Wade were there - along with her parents. Mom was, of course, making the suggestion for Wade to go take it easy with Dad.
His recent stay at the hospital didn't just affect Emery, but everyone else as well. Maia had been worried, but patient enough to give them a little space. She didn't want to get in the way, if Emery had it under control. Emery, of course, wanted to help. She and their mother seemed to be on the same wavelength, because at the same time, they had said "As long as it's not actual cooking." Maia joined in, as Emery laughed.
"Well now, it looks like the kitchen team's back together again. Huh, Emery?" she said once Dad and Wade left, as a bit of a greeting, before moving to embrace her sister.
Since the accident, Maia's been very patient with things. It is a bit heartbreaking that her sister doesn't remember the wedding or Jackson's birth, but to be honest...Maia would rather have this than have Emery broken in multiple pieces or buried six feet under somewhere.