How Lost Souls Love

Six words

Maisie POV

I was tossing and turning in bed. A nightmare woke me up around 1:30 in the morning and I was too afraid to go and walk around the house. 

I sat there for a long while just staring into the darkness. Then my eyes adjusted and I could make out everything in the room even with no light. Wait a second…

“ughhh..”

I flipped over onto my stomach and flipped on a night light.  It was pitch black no wonder I was having nightmares. I flip back down on the bed with my arms and legs flailing out and my hair in a wave around me. Then I had a thought. 

I reach over to my phone and click on the messages. When I see his name I wonder.. if he really is like me, maybe he can’t sleep either. 

Maisie: you awake?

Dax: you can’t sleep either? 

His answer is almost immediate and I scoff out loud. 

Maisie: I guess we really are alike. 

Dax: lol I guess so. 

Dax: So… pick up where we left off?

What? What does he mean? I sit up in bed and lean against the headboard. 

Maisie: What did you have in mind? 

I wait a few seconds and see three little dots appear. Then disappear. Then reappear. And watch the cycle go for a minute or two before my phone vibrates in my hand. 

Dax: I’m still not sure I’m ready for a million questions. But.. like I said earlier there’s no denying we are alike. 

Maisie: no kidding. Lol no other sane person would be awake at almost 2am. 

Dax: Haha. You're probably right about that one. 

Maisie: So what exactly did you have in mind? I ask. 

Dax: five word explanations? Maybe it will help us get to understand each other a little bit better. 

I think about it. I was ready to tell Dax a form of the truth earlier. But with the weight of blatant  honesty that a 2am conversation brought, I suddenly didn’t know if it was still a good idea. 

Maisie: I don’t know if you're ready for that. 

Dax: How would you know what I’m ready for? You barely know me. Just because you saw one episode doesn’t mean you know what I can and can't handle…

Crap. I tried to think of a better way to say it.. I didn’t mean it the way it came out. And I didn’t mean to offend him. This is why it’s not a good idea to have conversations this late at night. 

Maisie: No you misunderstand.. I don’t mean you. I mean.. I don’t know if you're ready to know about me… even if it is five words. 

Dax: oh sorry. Want me to go first? After I tell you.. maybe you’ll trust me a little more to at least let me know 5 words. What do you think? 

I think about it. I start to type no. But then I delete it. It’s really hard to trust in general. I’m always scared of telling the wrong person the truth. I didn’t tell Noah because I didn’t want him to try and fix it.. or get angry and lose himself.. I wasn't even sure I wanted my dad to know. He didn’t react the best either.. 

But I also know that the pain of someone rejecting to know your story.. when you're willing to share it with them… that hurts even more. That’s a hurt I already knew too well. 

Maisie: okay

I waited a few minutes before Dax actually responded. I knew why though. Finding the right five words to describe what happened without actually giving too much information was hard. I was trying to think of my own five words and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it. But then my phone vibrated again. I took a few deep breaths before I looked down at his message. 

Dax: you get six words because I couldn’t figure out how to say it in five…

I watched someone I love die. 

Reading his last words sent a chill through me. Poor Dax.. I knew I wouldn’t be able to putty him or try to fix him when I saw him. I knew how much it bothered me. But knowing the pain Dax must have gone through. It brought up so many more questions that needed answers. But I knew I couldn’t ask. I needed to be grateful that Dax felt safe enough with me to share what he did. 

Huh… Dax felt safe enough to share with me… 

Alright. 

Maisie:  I was attacked, and almost died. 

I didn’t hear back from Dax for almost 10 minutes. After five minutes I thought he had fallen asleep. Maybe he’d see my message in the morning. I instantly regretted my honesty. What if when the super honesty of an early morning conversation wore off Dax realized he didn’t really care to know. What if that’s what he’s doing now? My mind began to race and my body filled with anxiety. 

Dax: I’m glad you're here maisie. 

I look at the phone and I try to wonder what the response means. Is he just trying to keep from being sorry for me? 

Maisie: I’m glad I’m here too. 

Dax: is this the same side of the story that Noah knows? 

Maisie: pretty much. 

Dax: thanks for trusting me enough to tell me your six words.

DAX POV

That weekend I was bored out of my mind but I knew Noah had his first date with the girl he told me about. So I decided to take a chance and text Maisie instead. After all we were friends now.. asking her this was alright. Right? 

DAX: Feel like the movies? My treat. I’m bored out of my mind and wanna get out of the house. 

I waited not two minutes before she replied. 

MAISIE: I’m down. I’m bored without Noah to bug me. Let me know what time to be ready. 

DAX: Now? We can get food first? I text back realizing I should probably eat too. 

MAISIE: Sure. Want me to come get you in the Jeep then you can drive? I heard Noah mention your car was in the shop. 

I don’t mention that I have several cars. All of them have something wrong with them that would be a little embarrassing to bring maisie to dinner in. One didn’t have a working AC. Another had no backseat in it. And the last one was in the shop cuz the brake pads were worn. 

I didn’t even think about it when I texted her. I was so used to Noah just picking me up.  

DAX: Sounds good. I said and then texted her the address. I put the phone down and looked at my room. s**t. 

Quickly I threw all my dirty clothes into the hamper and then made the bed. I ripped off my dingy shirt that I had woken up and spent all day in and put on a button down blue shirt instead. I glance in the mirror and do a once over of my hair and decide it’s fine. I don’t gotta be perfect. It’s not like it’s a date or anything. It’s just Maisie. Beautiful, amazing and out of my league Maisie. 

Walking out of my room I glanced at the living room area that was also my dining area. Food wrappers and cans of soda and beer were all on the tables. I grabbed the kitchen trash can and started throwing things away. When the table was relatively clear I took the worn out blanket and threw it over the back of the couch. 

Looking around I could tell it was a total bachelor pad but I didn’t care. At least there would be no question of if I ever had other females around. 

Maisie: I’m here. Wanna meet me in the car? 

I glance down at the message and sigh. I’m an i***t. Of Course she’d want to meet me at the car. Looking around I’m a bit annoyed that I cleaned up for nothing. Oh well, at least I’ll have room to make a mess again. 

Dax: sounds good. Be right there.  

I throw on my shoes and grab my wallet off the kitchen counter before walking out to the car. I can see her sitting in the drivers seat and I curse how far away the driveways are from my actual apartments. It makes the walk to the car long and embarrassing. 

Maisie looks up from her phone and climbs from the drivers side to the passengers side without getting out of the car. She’s wearing bleach stained shorts that go down just above her knees and a purple T-shirt with a pink tank top peeking out of the bottom. Her hair is up in a ponytail and she’s got no makeup on. 

If I had to describe Maisie in one word it would probably be flawless. The girl didn’t need an ounce of makeup to make those blue eyes do things to me. No cheap tricks or thrills. She was just her. And I couldn’t have appreciated it more. 

I pull the handle and jump in before pulling it closed behind me. I look over to Maisie and smile. 

“So, any ideas on what you wanna eat?” 

“I’m not sure. Nowhere to expensive tho. I’m a little broke. I bought a tv for my room yesterday.” She smiles. 

“Dope. Now we don’t have to watch your crappy soap operas in the living room anymore.” I tease. She lets out a ‘pshh’ before I continue. “Anyways don’t worry it’s on me. I invited you out remember.” 

“Well then you choose. I’m down for anything. Just not Chinese.” She says making a face. 

“Why not Chinese?” I ask as I back out and pull away from the parking lot and down towards the beach. 

“Super bad food poisoning last year. Haven’t been able to get over it.”

“That bad ?” 

She slapped her hands down on her lap and looked at me head on. It startled me for a second and I glanced at her as I tried to keep my eyes on the road. 

“What….” I asked. 

“I pulled noodles out of my nose while puking. I’d say it was pretty bad..” she says, trying not to laugh. 

“Eewww” I cringe just picturing it. “Seriously ok. No Chinese. Ever.” I laugh heartily. 

After a few minutes of giggling and trying not to picture it I spot our destination. 

“Sami Atua?” She asks looking at the sign. 

“It means Sea Goddess. A friend of mine owns the place. Him and his wife make the best fish tacos!” I say mouth watering as I jump out and go around to open Maisies door. 

She’s already climbing out but the time I get around, so I just push her forward and close the door behind her. 

“Sounds good.” She says swinging her bag over her shoulder and pulling her ponytail free. I watch as she strides in with a smile on her face. 

“Hello welcome!” I hear someone say as we walk through the old shack restaurant. 

There are no walls here. Just open space, and a perfect view of the ocean and the waves crashing gently into the sand. A few surfers paddling out and taking advantage of the last waves of the day.  The layout of the restaurant was a big donut, with the kitchen and the bar in the middle with easy access on all sides. 

“Hello.” Maisie says politely. 

“Hey Dax! Babe! Dax is here!” 

I turn to see my friend Max coming to greet me from behind the makeshift tiki bar. His large frame and jolly attitude made him the perfect host. His long black hair braided behind his back he came over and gave me a sharp pat on the back. 

“How’s it?” He asks, smiling looking from me from me to Maisie. 

“It’s good man. Maisie this is Max. Max, this is Maisie, she’s a friend of mine. And Noah’s sister.” I smile hoping he will be completely out of character and understand that I’m begging him not to comment about it. 

“Look at you.” He laughs again. I cover my face to hide my embarrassment. I tried. “Does Noah know?” He says trying to whisper. But by the way Maisie laughs and grabs at her elbows self consciously I can tell she heard him. 

“Leave the boy alone!” We hear a woman scold just before Max gets a swift wack to the back of the head. I chuckle and move to the side to hug his wife. She also had her long black hair in a braid and she was in a nice green dress, and strides to me with a very pregnant belly. The sight of her made me smile and I held on to her for a second thinking of how much she reminded me of my mom. 

“Hello!” She says cheerfully, reaching around and holding out her hand to Maisie. Maisie smiles and shakes her hand. “My name is Harbor. Go ahead and sit wherever you like. Dax knows his way around.” She says smiling sweetly. 

She looks at me and gives me another hug “the usual honey?” She asks. 

“Yes. Make it 8.” I said excitedly. Their fish tacos and secret sauce was to die for. I selfishly loved that their restaurant was so small and remote. Because I never had to wait for a table and I always got priority seating. 

She laughs and pats my cheek. “Ok. Go ahead and grab glasses from the bar and get yourself some sodas. I’ll bring it over when they’re ready.” 

“Thanks doll” I say as I put my hand on Maisies back and guide her through the restraint stopping on the way to get us a couple cokes. 

“They seem nice.” She smiles as she sits and sips in her soda. 

“Yeah. They’re great. Max can be a bit… well Max.” I try to laugh off. “But Harbor is great.”

“Do you think he will be mad?” Maisie asks a hint of worry in her voice. 

“What?” I ask confused all of a sudden 

“Noah. Do you think he’ll have a problem with us hanging out?” 

“I don’t think so. I mean.. Noah knows that we understand each other. To be honest I think he kinda hopes that we can help each other. But I don’t think he’ll be any type of way. So don’t worry about that.” I say “besides. I think he’s more than occupied.” I say chuckling. 

“It’s so weird to think of Noah Dating!” She laughs. 

“Here you go honey.” Harbor says sitting down two delicious plates of fish tacos and a basket of seasoned chips for the both of us. “I hope you like it Maisie.” She says with a wink before patting my hand and walking away. 

Harbor always knows how to make me feel at home. 

“She reminds you of them doesn’t she.” Maisie says catching me off guard. I tense a bit as I stare into her eyes. They are soft and I can tell she’s not trying to pry. She’s just.. stating what she sees. I nod slowly. Not sure of what to say. 

Not trusting my voice not to c***k trying to answer her question out loud. 

“I’m glad.” Maisie smiles at me. A genuine ‘I’m happy for you’ smile. It makes me relax.  as she takes a bite of her food I do the same. Then Maisie lets out a loud and inappropriate moan that makes me choke on my own bite of food and laugh. 

“Maisie! Jesus!” I laugh, pounding on my chest to get through the food I choked on. Then I glance around to the few other people seated around us and try to apologize with my eyes. I look back at her and laugh. “What the hell?” I chuckle. 

“I’m not even sorry.” Maisie says seriously as she takes another bite. 

Seriously. She’s flawless. 

We spend the next two hours talking about everything. What was it like growing up with Noah all the time vs seeing him once or twice a year. New York City versus Samoa city life. I was careful not to ask about any of her home life and she did the same for me. 

After awhile we didn’t even realize it had gotten so late. There was no way we were gonna make a movie now. After paying and giving our thanks to Max and Harbor we kicked off our shoes and walked on the beach. The sun had given way to the moon and we didn’t mind a bit. 

I learned a lot about her. She didn’t really have a favorite color, but she had a favorite animal. Sloths. She was completely convinced that they only acted slow but were secretly ninjas when you turned your back. 

She loved music and could apparently play the piano. She tried convincing me she wasn’t very good but I had a hunch she was just being modest. She hates thunder and lightning. The combination of the two just paralyzed her. She also told me that if there was anything I had to know about her for us to be friends was that she was unashamed to say she loved food saying “I didn’t get these thighs eating salads.” She laughed. 

After a while it was getting cold I could see Maisie trying to hide it by biting her lip or forcing her teeth together but it was there. 

“Hey why don’t we head back. If you want I can drive to your place and just pick you and Noah up for work tomorrow so you get the Jeep back?” 

“That’s stupid. Just stay the night at my place.” She says hugging her chest. I look at her and she blushes. “You stay over all the time. Just crash with Noah.” 

I laugh and reach around to rub the back of my neck nervously. 

“What’s the big deal? You do it all the time?” 

“Yeah umm.. I don’t think Noah will… uh.. be alone tonight..” I say, trying to say it as gently as possible. It takes a few seconds but then it clicks in Maisies head and she makes a gagging noise. I just laugh. 

“Come on, let's just go.” I laugh reaching out my hand to her. She takes it and we hold hands as we walk back to the car. When we get there I open her car door and close it behind her as she gets in. 

The whole way back we listen to the radio and I listen to Maisie as she sings in  whispers beside me. I haven’t been this content and able to just exist in a long while. Even with all the progress I’ve made I don’t think I’ve been this openly happy since before everything happened. 

I pull over on the curb just in front of their house and put the car in park. I turn to look at Maisie and she lets her head fall against the back of the seat and sighs. Then she rolls her head in my direction and fixes me with those ocean blue eyes. 

“Thanks for this. Today was perfect. I don’t think I’ve been this relaxed and just… happy.. since before..” she says trailing off. 

“I was just thinking the same thing.” I said smiling over at her. 

“Good. I’m glad it was as good of a day for you as it was for me.” She smiles. “So picking us up for work at 8?” She asks as she opens the door to hop out. 

“I’ll be here. Steal me a muffin will you? I know Noah made some yesterday.” I say as I hand her her bag. 

“No promises. If they’re delicious then they might be gone. However, if Noah messed it up and they resemble sandpaper they’re all yours.” She says dropping out. I laugh and shake my head. 

“Goodnight Dax.” She smiles as she closes the door and looks straight at me. 

“Goodnight Maisie.” I say as I stare back. 

For a few seconds we stare. Knowing that sometimes silence is all we want or need. Then she waves and walks into the house. 

Smiling like an i***t I drive off, like I said. 

Flawless.