Chapter 43: The box of our memories (unusual meeting) 3

Haven Street.

Mr and Mrs. Mathias stood outside waiting for Maria and Tiana. Kobby pulled over and Tiana got down first and ran towards the old couple. Age had caught up with them but they still looked healthy.

''Grandpa, grandma''. Tiana ran into their arms while Maria watched on after getting down from the car.

''Tiana, look at you all grown up and beautiful''. Mrs. Mathias said and hugged Tiana.

''Maria, child come and give uncle a hug. I missed you''. Maria chuckled and walked to him and they hugged. Maria turned and hugged Mrs. Mathias afterwards.

''Let's go inside. Is cold, why are you girls wearing so little?'' Mrs. Mathias nagged.

''Grandma, this is fashion. Not even cold could prevent us from looking beautiful. Right, Aunt?'' Tiana looked at Maria as they walked inside.

''Yes, my love''. Maria went inside and a thought came to her mind.

At the airport, Tiana called her mom. Could Ad-Din Denarius have walked away because he misunderstood her relationship with Tiana? She shook her head dismissing the thought. This wasn't the first time Tiana had called her mom before. That little girl would often refer to her as mom whenever they met any man who seemed to show interest in Maria.

''It couldn't have been, right?'' Maria subconsciously said it out.

''It couldn't have been what? Portia, are you alright?'' Kobby Brian asked worriedly. She had been zoning out quite often since he picked them from the airport.

''Oh, is nothing. Let's go in''. Maria said and took the lead.

''Here, sit down''. Mrs. Mathias pulled Maria's hand and they went to sit on the couch while Kobby Brian sat with Mr. Mathias.

''How was your flight?'' Mrs. Mathias asked ''I hope Tiana didn't give you any troubles?''

''No, grandma. I didn't give aunt any trouble. Right, aunt?'' Tiana said and winked at Maria. Everyone saw it and laughed. She was just 8 years yet so mischievous.

''She didn't give me trouble at all''. Maria said.

It had been a long time since they gathered together like this. Everyone was happy and they spent a lot of time chatting and eating good food till later in the night before Kobby sent Maria and Tiana to their new home.

Maria's aunt no longer lived in the city hence it was decided by the Mathias that Kobby, Maria and Tiana should continue to live together so that they could better take care of each other as they have been doing while at California.

Maria Lee and Kobby Brian didn't find any problem with that since they have developed a close friendship over the years. Kobby Brian has taken care of Maria like a sister and she also saw him as a brother. Their relationship was purely based on mutual affection between that of siblings. They came to know each other through Lexis and have decided to stay together as friends even without Lexis.

Throughout the years, it was Kobby Brian who helped Maria to heal even though he himself was hurting. Together they have taken care of Tiana till now and would probably continue to do that in the future.

Their new apartment which Kobby Brian bought after his court marriage with Lexis was a three-bedroom apartment. Lexis had always wanted to live with Maria from the beginning and had specifically chosen that apartment with three bedrooms so that Maria could move in with them after she gave birth. It was rather unfortunate she couldn't witness that day but Maria was grateful to her best friend for always having her best interest at heart.

The next day, Kobby Brian, Maria and Tiana went to the graveyard to visit Lexis.

They each held a bunch of flowers. Maria held a bundle of baby's breath, Kobby Brian held white roses while Tiana held a pink rose flower. They stood in front of Lexis grave. They all wore black. It was the same day that year the accident happened and this was the first time Maria and Tiana attended Lexis' death anniversary in 8 years.

It was only Kobby Brian who came back during this time of the year in the past. It was a difficult time for Maria and they didn't want to risk her having a relapse so they had postponed her coming till a few months ago, Maria decided to take a job that was in Cosmos and informed Kobby about it. She was ready to move on from the past and the first thing she needed to do was to be able to face Lexis without breaking down.

Maria knew Lexis would want her to move on hence she wanted to be strong for herself and for Tiana whom she loved so much.

They looked like a family of three as they walked out of the cemetery after visiting Lexis. Tiana was in the middle and held unto their hands tightly as they walked out to their car.

Kobby Brian drove them back to the apartment and went in to get ready to go to work. He had an early appointment at the hospital. It was his first time as a professor at the hospital and his patient list was already full.

''Daddy, are you going to work?'' Tiana said as she leaned on the couch sucking a lollipop.

''Yes, baby. I have a lot of patients today. I might even come home late tonight''. Kobby said and kissed Tiana's cheek before asking ''where is aunt?''

''I am here''. Maria walked out of her room dressed in an official attire.

''Right, your interview was today, right?'' Kobby Brian asked turning to look at her.

''Oh. I want to send Tiana to her grandma before I go. I am so nervous, Kobby''. Maria said walking up to him. She straightened his neck tie and walked away to kiss Tiana on her cheek.

''You will do great'' Kobby Brian said. ''Then, let me give you girls a ride? It's on the way anyways''.

''Sure. Tiana, go get your bag and let's go. We can't let your daddy to miss his first appointment with his patients''.

''Sure, aunt''. Tiana ran into her room to pick her bag.

''Stop being nervous. You will do great, Portia''. Kobby Brian said and hugged her.

''You think so? Is been so long since I worked. I don't even know what kind of questions they will ask. Kobby, should I just stop going and continue to freeload on you? You don't mind that, right? I promise to eat just a little everyday" Maria said pleadingly.

''Off course, I don't mind that but, you need to get out to the world and live your life again''. Kobby said and Maria frowned.

''I don't think I'm ready yet. Just continue to let me freeload. I don't even eat that much?'' Maria sat on the couch after saying that.

"I can't support that idea as your physician. Remember the reason why we needed to come back and settle here first?"

"Because, I need to face my trouble head on, that's like the nth time you and uncle said that already. I think I could almost recite it now" Maria said and rolled her eyes.

"If you know that, then get up and let's start moving already"

"Tsk, you are such a kill joy. Can't you even coax me a little?"

''Are you Tiana? Get up and let's go already'' Kobby Brian said and Tiana ran out and took Maria's hand pulling her up.