CHAPTER 36

Juliana's pov

I can not believe that it is Saturday and there is still no word from Maggie. It has been three days since I went to my apartment and talked to Maggie, three days since she betrayed me and told my mom about my staying with Marcus. I have been calling her but she hasn't answered any of my calls. 

I feel hurt and angry at her for breaking my trust like that. I thought she was my friend, someone I could confide in and rely on. But now, I feel like I can't trust anyone. Friends are supposed to have each other's back, not betray each other. What happened to my best friend? She was never like this before. Lately, it feels like she is like this new person that I do joy.

I miss my Maggie, the one with whom I used to share everything. I don't know who this new version of  Maggie Is. I need some time to figure things out and decide what to do next. Maybe I will try talking to her again and see if she will explain why she did what she did. At least I know she is okay, Marcus told me that his guys are watching the apartment and that she seems fine. Then what could be the reason behind her new behavior?

"What are you thinking about?" Marcus asks as he wraps his arms around my waist.

"Nothing," I tell him as I flip the bacon on the stove. I have decided to make brunch for us.

"Are you sure my love? You seem lost in thought," he replies, concern evident in his voice. I don't want Marcus to worry about me more than he already is.

I sigh and turn to face him. "It is just Maggie. I do not understand why she would tell my mom about us staying together. It feels like she stabbed me in the back. I know it happened days ago but I can't help but feel betrayed every time."

Marcus pulls me into a comforting hug. "I am sorry, baby girl. I know how much your friendship with Maggie means to you. Maybe she had her reasons, you know? Maybe she thought she was doing the right thing." 

I pull away from him and look up into his eyes. "But that is just it, Marcus. I thought maybe she thought she was doing the right thing but that is not the case, because if she was she would have picked up my calls. I trusted her with everything, and she betrayed me. How can I ever trust her again?"

He gives me a sad smile. "I don't have the answers, sweetheart. All I know is that you deserve to have people in your life who support you and have your back. If Maggie can not  be that person right now, maybe it is time to reevaluate your friendship."

I nod, feeling a mixture of emotions swirling inside me. I know that Marcus is right, but it is still hard to accept. I take a deep breath and focus on finishing up brunch. Maybe talking to Maggie will give me some clarity, or maybe it will just confirm that our friendship is over. Either way, I know that I need to confront her and figure out where we stand.

"So, Madam Chef, what's for brunch today?" He asks me as I start cutting onions.

I smile at him, thankful for his presence and support. "Just some bacon and eggs, nothing fancy. But I promise it will taste delicious," I reply as I focus on cooking. 

As the bacon sizzles in the pan and the eggs start to scramble, I can't help but think about Maggie again. I know I have to confront her, but I also know it won't be easy. But I need to do it for myself, to find closure and move forward.

After we finish brunch, I clean up the kitchen and then take a deep breath. "I think I am going to call Maggie now," I tell Marcus.

He nods in understanding, giving me a reassuring smile. "I will be here if you need me, okay?"

I nod back, grateful for his support. I grab my phone and dial Maggie's number, hoping she will finally pick up this time. And if she does, I know I need to have a tough conversation and try to understand why she did what she did. And maybe, just maybe, we can work through this and salvage our friendship. She finally picks up my call on the third ring.

"What do you want?" She asks, I am taken aback by her question.

 "No good morning or how have you been?" I ask her.

"I am sure you are fine so why should I waste my time asking you." She replies the coldness in her voice gives me chills. Maggie has never talked to me like this, she has always been kind and sweet.

"I have been trying to call you for days now, why were you not picking up my calls?"

"It is  my phone and I didn't feel like picking it up at the time."

"I needed to talk to you, Maggie" 

"Well, we are talking now."

"Why did you tell my mom about me staying at Marcus's place?" 

"Meet me at  Nattie's at six this evening." She says and cuts the call.

I stare at my phone not believing what just happened.

"Are you okay?" Marcus asks, noticing my surprised expression.

"Yeah, I am good. I am going to meet Maggie at Nattie's at six." I tell him. He looks like he wants to tell me something but he stops himself.

"Do you want me to drive you there?" He finally asks.

"No, I will drive myself. Eric brought my car yesterday. Don't worry I will be fine." I can see worry written all over his face but I know that his presence is going to make matters worse between me and Maggie.