Maya POV As expected Eric called me at Four Am sharp, requesting a video call. Luckily he gave me time to get my coffee first. I guess he could tell I needed it from the sound of my voice or maybe cause I didn't answer his call the first two times, who knows? Last night, more like few hours ago, I took all my work-related stuff to the living room. I didn't want to risk waking up Eliane this early. After getting my coffee along with some snacks and fruits, I sat down on the floor leaning back on the sofa. I put on my headset and called Eric back."Morning sunshine" His voice was too loud making me flinch"Morning idiot" I adjusted the volume while taking

Maya POVOnce I was within the privacy of my room I started doing a victory dance. I didn't need any music to keep my silly act. I felt as if a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. Eliane's decision to stay behind was what made me feel this happy. Now that I don't have to worry about her I can finally submerge myself completely in work.I took a long shower, washing meticulously my hair, and scrubbing every inch in my body predicting that the next ones would be short and hurried. With the ridiculous amount of work waiting for me I would barely have a few hours of sleep at max, so no more long showers.I send a text to Eric asking him to call when he's free before going inside my closet. I put on a baggy green tracksuit and was about to exit my room when Eliane walk

Eliane POVI don't know how I slept through the rest of the night, but I did. When I woke up, Maya was still next to me. She was awake, looking at the bright sky through the window. Her hand was still patting my head. The guilt was slowly creeping in, I knew how tired she was and I made her watch over me the entire night."Happy birthday gorgeous!!" she said hugging me tightly and kissing the top of my head. When she released me I saw her warm smile and teary eyes. "I can't believe you're all grown up now!! Can't you stop growing? for me, please!!". I smiled back forgetting about everything else. Only she can create this little bubble and keep me away from the world."Sorry I can't I've been waiting for this day for so long." Maya laughed at my serious refusal before g

Maya POVI slid down against the closed door feeling drained. I hugged my knees and let the tears flow freely. I was beyond exhausted, physically, and mentally. I barely slept the past couple of days and when I did it was full of unsettling dreams.I'm reaching my limit, I can feel it. I'm tired and in need of a break soon. A day off, no more like a week off spent crying and sleeping until all the stress is out of my system. But I still need to keep myself together for Eliane, for Eric and Eliza. It's the worst time ever to burn out.I cried for a little more before dragging my heavy body to the kitchen, made the strongest coffee, and drank it with two strong painkillers pills. I was fighting off a strong migraine since morning and I needed to get over it before my fli

Eliane POVI walked inside the house looking for the bathroom. The party was still in full blast and there was no sign for it to end any time soon. After using the bathroom on the second floor I sat down in the empty hallway. It was fun meeting new people and all but it became overwhelming after a while. I kicked my shoes off and took out my phone. Maya's plane took off an hour ago and I intend to stalk it until it reaches its destination.I smiled looking at the selfie she sent. She was in a business class seat smiling wildly. She looked healthier than the last few days. I hope she doesn't overwork herself later. Thankfully, uncle, Eric could keep an eye on her. I took a selfie and sent it to her. She'll probably laugh realizing that I was hiding from the crowd and she'll use it later to tease me but I didn't care. I m