2. Pressure

1 year later

♤Amaya♤

My family and I haven't always been close as much as a regular, loving family should be. To be honest i don't even know what a regular family looks like. My dad is more focused on showing off to his fake friends at the golf club, his latest achievement at work or the newest car he just acquired.

While my mum on the other hand just acts like the pretty, prefect trophy wife for the media and friends that come to visit.

So when I got a call from my father himself. Yes him directly, not his secretary or even my mum, asking if i can come over a family dinner tonight?

My mind scatters trying to find reasons as to why my father, who hasn't for once called me since i moved away from the family house months ago, inviting me to a family dinner himself.

Either the world is coming to an end or he's dying. One of the two.

And with how stubborn my father is, i refuse to believe he'd call me himself, even on his death bed.

The drive to the house is longer than expected. Probably because I'm nervous as hell too or because part of me is mad at myself for going to see them after how they treated Bailey and I.

I smile as the thought of her enters my head. My gorgeous beautiful baby, My world.

The security at the gate recognize and i make the long agonizing drive to where I'm gonna park my car. Reluctant to get out, i contemplate just driving back home and staying in while Bailey and I watch alot of movies.

I exhale loudly "Okay Maya, you can do this. It's just one simple family dinner" I chant lowly to myself

After I determined that I've gotten enough motivation i step out and make my way inside. The doors are opened up for me before i can even do it. A smile graces my face as i notice Anna and her arms open up, inviting me into her loving embrace. Maria is like a mother to me, she's been with us since i was a child. When my mum was pregnant with my brother and also working. If we're being honest this woman raised me.

I release a loud sigh of relief when i feel her arms around me "Hello Mija, I've missed you so much my darling Maya" The sad tone her voice carries makes me regret my decision of shortening my visit to the manor.

i pull away after the hug and look at her "I'm so sorry i don't come to visit any more Maria. You know how they are. And with everything they did i just don't know if a time will come where I'll be fully accepted in this house."

Maria sighs tiredly "I know Mi cielito. And I understand, but i miss you and Bailey so much, you know"

Her words tug at my heart strings and I almost cry "I know Maria and I'm sorry. I don't wanna see them doesn't mean i can't come see you. It's your house too. Por favor perdoname?" I sniff trying to hold back tears as i try to bribe her by speaking Spanish.

She laughs at my trial and I can't help but laugh along with her "You always know how to get me, mija."

I smile "I try my best"

"You've improved. Your Spanish is alot more better than i remember" She holds my hand and leads me to the kitchen silently. And if i know Maria well enough it's probably a treat she made for I and Bailey for later.

"Well it's all thanks to you" I give her a small smile before she heads over to the oven with her back to me "You're the only reason i know how to speak or why i even learnt further.... You're also the reason I'm teaching Bailey too." I can't help the tear that rolls down my cheek as i watch her pause and turn to face me slowly.

She gasps "Mi Amor. Oh Maya" she sniffs as she walks slowly towards me wrapping her hands around me tightly.

Our hug is broken when we hear footsteps entering the kitchen and i turn to face my mum.

"Oh Maya... darling i thought i heard you enter" she walks and there's small awkward pause before she kisses my cheek

"Hello Mother" i reply with the fakest voice i could mutter. "Now that I'm here I'd like to know why I was summoned?" I asked carelessly

"Maya!" Maria scolds and sigh

"Im Sorry"

My mum lets out a chuckle "It's okay Maria. And for your question Maria, come to the dinner table first. Can we go?" she asks as she steps aside making way to the door

"Go ahead I'll join you. Gotta finish talking with Maria" I utter before walking to where Maria is stood packing my snacks. She starts to protest but i give no room for it

I turn to see my mum still standing there she gives me a half smile and walks out "Mija! you should have gone with your Mother" Maria scolded

"I will. And By the way, we both know you did more of a job at being my mother than my actual mother did" I replied not having a care in the world if i was being harsh.

Her hand meets the back of my head gently. Enough to remind me that whatever age I am she can still bring me down to earth "Don't be rude to your mother. Even in her absence, she did wrong but she's still your mother. Now go have dinner with your family, I'll soon be done packing up this snacks for You and that sweet angel of yours" Maria smiles at me before turning back to finish her packing.

"Do you by any chance have any idea why they wanna meet me?"

Maria still has her back to me making it obvious to me that she has an idea. What am i even saying? Of course she has an idea she lives here "No mija, i don't" Maria utters weakly

She's lying "Mari-" Is start but she cuts me off

"If i could i would tell you, sweet child. But you have to trust me on this. And also promise me you'd make the right decision"

"What do you mean?How can i promise you when I don't have any idea what-"

"Just promise me, Mija. I know whatever you do you'll make the right decision." Her eyes hold my gaze, unwavering

I push the pressure and nerve wracking anxiety I'm feeling aside "yeah sure, i promise" i tell her, with no idea what I'm promising her.

"I'll see you after dinner" Mara utters before giving me a kiss and leaving the kitchen

I'm left alone to my thoughts and for a minute i start thinking about leaving and coming back. "Snap out of it Maya, it's just one dinner"

I breathe out slowly as i muster the courage to walk into the dining.

Where I'm met with the sight of my father, mother my brother and three other unfamiliar faces.

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!