Fleeting Moments by Rania Battany

Author:Rania Battany
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aquiver Publishing
Published: 2019-07-10T16:00:00+00:00

Maya inserts her front door key into the keyhole. She hears her phone ringing from inside. She’d left it on the coffee table before leaving for the cemetery. Shutting the door behind her, she strolls into the lounge room, reaches for her mobile and sees four missed calls from Sophie.

Maya calls her back. ‘What’s up?’

‘We brought the kids to the lake for a splash in the water and a late family lunch. It’s just fish and chips. Will you come down? The kids are dying to see you. I told them that if they’re good, we’ll drop into your place afterwards … if that’s okay with you?’

‘You want me to join your family lunch?’

‘Of course! Please come down. And come quickly, before the chips turn to clag.’

‘Okay. See you soon.’

Maya hangs up and walks down the hill to the lake. A shimmering sliver of light reflects off the water, blinding her as she approaches the beach. She blinks and spots Sophie sitting on a large, square picnic rug, legs tucked under her body, looking organically beautiful in a floral dress. She’s smiling and gazing across the sand to where Stephen—who looks tall and lanky in his board shorts—splashes with Ava and Oscar on the shore.

Maya cuts across the grass, then kicks off her sandals and carries them as she strolls along the sand.

Sophie’s smile widens when she sees Maya approaching. ‘The fish and chips are still warm if you’re hungry.’

Maya sits beside her. ‘Thanks, but I’m right.’

She peers over at Ava and Oscar. Water splashes in every direction as they kick their feet and swing their arms wildly, trying to saturate their father in a combined attack. Stephen feigns defeat, diving dramatically into the water, and they squeal in victory.

‘Where were you earlier?’ Sophie says. ‘I was calling for ages. I thought maybe you were avoiding my calls.’

‘Why would I avoid your calls?’

Sophie shrugs.

‘I was just out,’ Maya answers.

Sophie studies her, her brows furrowing, and she twists her lips into a curious smile. ‘You look different today. Good, different.’ Her smile suddenly drops. ‘Are you back with Michael?’

‘No!’

Even the suggestion of them getting back together has Maya grinding her teeth. There’s no way she’d take him back. Not if he came crawling on his hands and knees, begging and crying and promising her the world.

‘I just thought … you look good, that’s all,’ Sophie says.

Maya can feel Sophie scrutinising her expression, obviously searching for answers.

‘Well, it’s not because of Michael that’s for sure,’ Maya says, attempting to appease her.

Sophie squeals. ‘Are you dating someone else?’

Is she dating someone? Maya has no idea what she’s doing with Sam. It could be the start of a relationship, but it could just as easily be the start of nothing at all.

‘I don’t know. I don’t think so. But maybe one day.’

Sophie’s eyes bulge in unrestrained excitement. ‘Who? Give me details!’

‘Sam. He’s a personal trainer. It’s nothing yet, so don’t get too excited.’

‘The same personal trainer that went to your birthday?’

Maya is distracted from responding when Ava calls out from somewhere in the bustle of the teeming beach.

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