Maya’s Pov :

I stared at her suspiciously, what’s this little imp up-to now? I looked away comically when her warning gaze met mine and it was quite obvious the Spencer’s has this intimidating gene in their blood. 

“How do I help queen sassy? ” I tactfully pointed out her rude attitude but she ignored me and waltzed right in as if she owns the place. 

I snorted and locked my door knowing the only way to settle this was a little square off with a bit of quibble in between which would eventually lead to a down to earth discussion.

It was unusual for Isabelle to be here unless she caused trouble already or about to cause one , with the hope of using me as her instrument.

“Incase you haven’t noticed, I’m still waiting for an explanation young lady. ” I asked sternly “Why are you here? ”

She shot me a ridiculous look before dragging her butt to my refrigerator, rummaging through my stuffs without a care. 

“Your fridge’s a total disaster, don’t you ever cook?”

Brazen-faced ! Bullies !

I cried out aggrieved , how could they both be shameless? like father like daughter! They both only knows how to bully the weak ! This is my house! My house! 

I rubbed my chest trying to get some air into my lungs before I explode from anger. I stormed over and snatched all the food stuffs from her grip , put them back in their place and slammed the refrigerator door close. She tried to open it once again but I caught her arm before she could make a move. 

“You!”I roared , my eyes fierce and glaring at the little disturbance of a being “Speak now, what do you want?! ”

She stared back with same blazing intensity, holding my gaze until her next action stunned me. 

I saw her lips quiver violently before tears touched her eyes and next began to pour like rain. Being stunned was an understatement , I was dumbstruck. 

This is the first time I’ve seen Isabelle emotional and I had no clue how to placate her.

I’ve always seen Isabelle as a calm, strong, collected and able kid with a lot of hidden pains and struggles even though she could be impulsive at times. 

Maybe because I was used to her arrogant and strong attitude, I’ve totally forgotten she’s a kid that knows tears as well. 

So now she’s wailing her heart out, I stood frozen and like a moron didn’t know what to do. In such a short span of time, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions until I got the shock of my life. 

Isabelle suddenly stood up straight and with one fluid motion, wiped all tears away from her face and gave me a don’t -be -so – stupid unwavering gaze that sent goosebumps all over my body. 

“Y-you “I choked “You weren’t crying? ” I asked, disbelief clearly written on my face

She sneered, her face scrunched up in disgust “Crying are for babies ”

Here comes again her mocking reply as my mind recollected the time I was crying in the prison. Was she trying to say I’m a baby? 

She stared at me and waved her head in disapproval “Tsk tsk, my father was right. You might be intelligent but definitely not smart. How could you be so stupid as to fall into Eden’s trap, everyone knows how corny he is …..” She trailed off as if thinking hard of something before she continued 

“Well except his daughter, though my dear niece Annabelle possesses a brain but she doesn’t count cause her thinking contributes nothing to this earth”

I stood helplessly receiving the lashing of her sarcastic mouth. I seriously need to work on her attitude.

I rubbed my temple thinking hard, with this merciless and malicious tongue of hers , which girl her age would like to be her friend without leaving right away upon receiving a share of her heartbreaking jibe. 

This girl’s totally going to be alone for life 

“How did you know? ” I asked curiously intently watching her every movement as she stood in tiptoes and grabbed a packet of corn chips from my kitchen cabinet. 

Her actions suddenly made me conscious of my place, it wasn’t as spaceful and graceful as their mansion and I thanked God she didn’t point that out. 

Suddenly, she pouted her lips and said “Your place’s small, tidy and cozy ”

I froze then raised a brow , should I take that as a compliment? 

But obviously Isabella wasn’t done with me yet

“Which is exactly the opposite of what I like” She finalized with disdain as my face fell.

You really had to jinx your luck. 

“I know, you love havoc ” I sighed slumping on my sofa exasperated.

“Yeah, there’s beauty in that ” She grinned sheepishly but when I cleared my eyes to make sure I saw clearly, it was replaced with a scowl .

Apparently, the emotion she guarded so much had betrayed her and she could only regain her composure after sighting the shock on my face. 

Her change in attitude wasn’t exactly surprising to me since the closest thing to a smile I’ve ever seen on her face is a mischevious smirk or a scheming smile that normally spooks me. 

“You still haven’t answered my question ” I reminded her as she leisurely munched on her chips. 

“It wasn’t hard to figure out especially if you were as smart as me ” She replied and I frowned, her insolent exaltation were starting to irk me. 

“Well Mr Nik came home looking like shit , so I put two and two together and  knew the only person capable of putting him in such mood was you . So I investigated further but the detail’s sketchy, so enlighten me, what happened in the interrogation room? ” She questioned boldly lounging on my couch and crossing her leg over the other. 

I stared wondering what soul possess this girl? Was it really a high IQ or a transmigrated soul hiding in there? I let my imagination run high until a childish pitch brought me back. 

“Earth to Maya ” she said snapping her fingers at my face “You still haven’t answered my question? ”

I snapped out of my thoughts and gazed at the girl before remembering her question. I felt a new wave of anger as I recollected the scene until it got to the mushy part and my cheeks became a hot shade of red. 

” Though I studied psychology but your face already betrayed everything and please I’m still an innocent ten year old. Do not corrupt the young mind ” She declared as a matter of fact.  

I almost spat blood.

I scoffed audibly, when it comes to causing trouble she becomes an adult but when it comes to the mushy romantic part,  she becomes a.. what did she call it?… an innocent mind. 

I gave her an accusing stare but she looked away chewing her chips innocently. I sighed, fine, I’ll pardon the innocent mind.

“So the help you wanted to get was to gossip about your father? ” I inquired but she nodded her head negatively , muttering

” You’re so narrow-minded ”

“Then what? ”

“I want to sleepover ”

My mouth hanged open, did I hear clearly?

But when I tried to probe further, my doorbell rang and I groaned, who’s it this time? 

I dragged my lazy butt to the door and opened it right away.I still had to interrogate Isabelle now she’s being pleasant to talk to before it’s too late. 

But I froze right away upon sighting those before me.

Is today by chance, World’s Visiting Day?

“Emily? Annabelle? ”

“Hi Maya!”

They both said in unison as if it was staged. 

“What are you both doing here? ” I asked overwhelmed by their presence. 

Emily smiled bashfully before raising two handful of packaged Jumbo-sized popcorn saying, more like asking ,

“Sleepover? ”

Oh God.