The star that has to choose

Maia sat in the corner of the dusty attic she called home. Some floorboards were missing, leaving dark holes. There was only one very simple square window in the back that overlooked the street below. It had been tinted so you could see out but no one could see in. She hugged her legs and a thin blanket closer, hoping to feel even slightly warmer. Even the rats, who usually scurried around the room and kept her company were nowhere to be seen.She wore a gray dress that hung just above her knees. It once reflected the light every time she moved and highlighted her green eyes. Now it was dull and full of holes, highlighting nothing more but her neglect and abuse.It is winter now. The winter months were the worst, she felt. It was always so cold and reminded her of how alone she was. She had no one to rely on. No one to go to for help and support. No one to talk to.Maia held her breath as she heard footsteps coming toward the attic. That was never a good sign. It never ended well for

Maia sat in a chair, picking at her fingernails. Her hands were still slightly bruised in some areas but the doctor said she was healing nicely. Physically, anyway.“Are you sure you want me to cut this? Your hair is just beautiful, Maia.” Mrs. Belvour asked, holding a pair of hair-cutting scissors and a comb.“Yes ma’am,” Maia answered. She loved her long hair now that it was detangled and washed. But she needed it cut. She needed to be someone new. Start fresh.“Okay, dear. If you’re sure..” she started slowly combing through Maia’s long hair that went past her elbows and slowly started snipping it up to her shoulders, being careful to make it even. After about an hour of Maia anticipating her new look, and Mrs. Belvour adding layers and trying to style it, it was done. The first step to her recovery was finished.“All done, honey bun.” Mrs. Belvour smiled, satisfied with her work. With a sigh, Maia stood up from the chair and made her way to the bathroom mirror. She looked complete

That night, Maia lay in bed, thinking, when there was a light knock on the door.“Yes?” Maia called out, and Mr. Sween walked in.“I just wanted to wish you a goodnight.” He smiled.“You too. I do have a question.” Maia sat up.“Yes?”“What’s a boyfriend?”“Why do you ask?” He smiled, already knowing the answer, and sat down on the foot of the bed.“My father said I’d never have one. But Oliver says he wants to be my boyfriend. I said yes but... I’m not sure what that means.”“Well, typically, a boy asks a girl out like that if he thinks she’s pretty. Which you are, very much so. You will have many boys chasing after you, you just have to choose the right one.”“How do I know which is the right one?” Maia wondered.“It will be the one you love.” Mr. Sween put a hand on her leg.“What’s love?” Maia asked, never hearing that word before, causing Mr. Sween’s heart to ache.“Love is a very special thing, my dear. Love means something different to everyone, but usually, it means you’d do a

Dear Oliver,I know we barely know each other. And please, forgive me for any issues with words. But I have things I want you to know. I’m just afraid to tell you in person. I do not want your sympathy, just your understanding, and knowledge. I know I act differently than the others. And I hope you are not with me because you feel sorry for me. You have no reason to feel sorry for me.But let me get started. I want to tell you why I am not as advanced as most people my age. It’s a story I haven’t told many, and I want to keep it that way. I gave you this letter when I knew I could trust you.I don't know how long this will end up being, so I apologize if it ends up being too long.But, it all started when I was born. There were complications and my mother died giving birth, leaving me alone with my father. After my mom died, he raised me until I was around four years old, then it all started getting bad.He started drinking more. More of the hard stuff. More often. He always reeked of

Maia was awoken by the sound of knocking on her door. She was afraid she had overslept for her lessons, so she jumped up and quickly opened the door."I'm sorry, I'll be ready in a" she stopped as she became face to face with Oliver. "Oh, hey, Oliver.""Hey there. Are you free today?" she had to check her schedule. Today was Wednesday, so she had classes at 9."Sorry, I have classes at 9 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday." she went to close the door, feeling anxious about the whole thing, but Oliver stopped her."Well, it's only 7 now. Would you like to grab breakfast before class?""I don't usually eat breakfast but... I guess I could do this once." she didn't see a way out of it and she did like Oliver and want to spend time with him. But the words that Asher told her the day before still rang in her head.Who was Oliver? Is it all just a front he's putting up to take advantage of her? In the end, what's he getting out of it? Thoughts and questions twisted and turned in Maia's hea