The sun was just setting when her car pulled over into her driveway. The gate opened for her to drive through, song blasting in her car -already thinking about Mina and Ellie.
She hit the brakes harder than she could imagine.
Across the quiet street, movers carried in expensive furniture. Men in black suits stood guard by the driveway of the three houses down. And in the middle of it all - calm, sharp, completely out of place - was Aaron.
Naarahs eyes widened. Her stomach dropped.
"No." She muttered under her breath. "No, no...he did not."
As if sensing Aaron looked up. Their gazes locked across the street, and he dared to tilt his head into a greeting, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
Naarah scoffed and drove into her house. She stormed into the living room. Mina was curled up on the sofa with Ellie in her lap, humming quietly to soothe the baby.
She looked up at Naarah's expression and frowned.
"What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"A ghost could have been better." Naarah snapped the painting to the window.
" Tell me why the devil himself is moving into this neighbourhood."
Mina nibbled on her lip. She looked at Ellie who had her tiny fingers in her mouth.
Naarah's eyes widened, and she pointed at Mina.
"You knew?" She asked as her voice quivered.
" You're exaggerating Naarah. I just found out this morning." Mina said.
"No wonder the window is open, you wanted to catch a glimpse of him again."
Mina rolled her eyes and sat on the sofa comfortably.
" The gate is closed. How will I see him if the gate is closed?"
Naarah shrugged.
" I don't know, you tell me. That is the lamest excuse I have heard from you, Mina Angel. The lamest."
Mina sighed, stroking Ellie's hair, but she didn't meet Naarah's gaze.
" I miss him. And I know you do Naarah."
"That's not the point." Naarah's voice cracked. " I'm scared he's going to hurt you again, Mina. You've been through a lot. I wouldn't be able to take it if that stupid cousin of mine hurt you once again."
Mina met her gaze and smiled at her. Her eyes softened for her friend.
"Thank you for looking out for me, Naarah. I promise you I'm not going to make him hurt any of us."
Naarah crossed her arms against her chest.
"Easier said than done. Once he bangs you again. All your senses fly out the window."
Mina's eyes popped out. Her face turned red. She bit back the smile which wanted to show. However, Naarah didn't miss a beat.
" Oh my goodness. Please tell me you weren't thinking about him banging you."
Mina cleared her throat and shrugged her shoulders.
" I mean, he is the only person who has been in me apart from Ellie. So I wouldn't mind" Mina teased
Naarah squeezed her face.
"You disgust me, Mina. You and my cousin disgust me. There is a freaking baby on your lap and you're thinking about being banged by my cousin."
"Watch your words, Naarah. That's Ellie's father and my baby daddy. What's wrong if he bangs me?"
Naarah smirked at her.
"It's good to see you carefree, Mina. I missed you. The real you."
She reached towards her friend and hugged her tightly.
"Me too."
Ellie tugged both the ladies' dresses and babbled.
" You too, Ellie. I miss you." Naarah said laughing.
Ellie let out an adorable laugh.