Maxine's Pov:
I gulped nervously as I watched him lean against the wall, staring at me like he'd been waiting for me to come out of the bathroom.

I lowered my gaze, shut the door behind me, and after that, I became confused about what to do next.

"Is...is there a problem?" I forced myself to ask so I could reduce my anxiety.

He sighed and inserted his hands into his trouser pockets. 

"There isn't a problem", he stated coldly and walked towards me.
For a while, I heard a crazy voice in my head, telling me to run.

But luckily, I didn't.

I swallowed hard and stood my ground as he came to stand in front of me.

"I just wanted to apologise for what happened in the car. I'm sorry, Maxine. I never...wanted it to happen. I mean...I wasn't thinking straight. You know..."
He paused and touched his eyes.

'In a nutshell, I'm sorry. Okay?" He added, and I managed a nervous smile.

'Um... It's fine. You don't need to worry about it. I perfectly understand," I replied, hoping my words were soothing enough.

We didn't say anything else to each other. Then, he smiled and kissed me.

"Goodnight", he hushed and turned around and finally left the room.
*
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*
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I woke up the next morning, feeling a whole lot better and ecstatic. 

Perhaps it was because I'd be dancing at the Star Dance competition today, and thankfully, it was about coming to an end.

I just couldn't wait for the final stage.

And...maybe, it was because I'd be going to visit the murderers I once called family at the station today. 

Well, yes. Noah and I had agreed to make it today, and I so couldn't wait to see the humiliation on their faces.

I smiled as I stood up and went into the bathroom to freshen up.

I brushed my teeth and washed my face, and when I was done and returned to the room, I noticed someone knocking on the door.

"Who's it?" I asked

"It's the maid, ma'am. Your attention is needed outside, please," she replied, and I heard her leave.

Huh? What could it possibly be?

I dried my face with a napkin and left the room afterwards, curious to know why my attention was needed. 

Could it be Noah? What does he have for me?

I got into the sitting room but couldn't find anyone. Then, I decided to check outside, and there I found Noah standing with...

Hold on;

Huh??

Tammy and Ruby?

I scoffed as I paused and looked at them.

What're they doing here again?

I shut the door behind me and went further to meet them.

"Noah?" I called, and he looked at me.

"You...sent for me?"

"Yes. Actually, I'm just getting to know Tammy and Ruby had slept in here last night," he replied, and I wore a crumpled look.
What's he talking about?

"Slept in here? How?" I demanded.

"According to them, they'd come in last night but hadn't met us at home, and unfortunately, it started raining. So, they had to sleep under the shade," he explained, and I scoffed and folded my hands.

"And you - what right do you think you have to sleep in here without our permission?" I asked angrily, and unexpectedly, they went on their knees.

"Maxine..." Ruby called ruefully.

"We're sorry...please. We know we've wronged you, and we need your forgiveness. Please Maxine.  

"We...we're ready to work as your maids. Yes - accept us as your maids, and we'll do all the chores. Please, all we seek is shelter"
For a moment, I was stunned.
I mean...it seemed more like a miracle to me. Tammy and Ruby - the same ladies who used me as rags - kneeling in front of me?

Hm.

I smiled and shook my head.

"Seriously...you must be dreaming to think I'd ever let you share the roof with me. Even if I'd wanted to help, I simply can't stand the sight of your faces because all I see are the faces of the people that murdered my family!!

"So, I'm sorry too. But I simply can't do what you're asking".

And immediately, I turned around and rushed into the house, ignoring their dramatic calls.

Oh, God! I couldn't do it. 

I just couldn't do it.
*
*
Audrey's Pov:
I zipped up the luggage properly and rolled it out of the room to the sitting room.

"Ella! Ella!" I called out, and she came scuttling from her room.

"Yes, Mom?" She answered.

"What're you doing? Are you done packing up your toys?"

"Yes. They're all in the box now"

"Okay, good. Go get them down cause we're about to leave".

"Okay, Mum".
And I watched her scurry off.

I smiled wistfully, wishing I could ever have a complete family. 

I took in a deep breath and turned around to take the steps when a knock came upon the door.

Huh? Who's it?

"Who's there?" I asked but got no reply, and I left to check it out.

I opened the door and my eyes beamed at the person I had seen before me.

"Rex??" I called in surprise, and he smiled.