Maia:

“Hey…Tony,” she said, it had been a few years since she last talked to her cousin. “I…I’m sorry,” They had gotten into a petty fight over their career choices—Maia wanted to use people as her canvas and Anthony wanted to use actual canvas. Needless to say, it ended with both taking low blows at the other and ending their friendship. “I live a few towns over…well, I-I asked Uncle where you lived so…I’m coming to visit.” Maia said, placing her hand on her swollen belly. She had asked her Uncle to keep it a secret that she was pregnant. Maia wanted to tell Tony in person. “Ah…I—we’re actually just a few minutes away from your place.” 

Of course she was nervous. Maia hadn’t seen Tony in several years and didn’t know how he’d react to her condition…or her boyfriend. Tony had always been so protective over her. The blonde woman said goodbye to her cousin and pocket her phone before looking out of the window. George, her boyfriend, grabbed her hand gently as they drove. “I’m sure it’ll be alright.” He said, sometimes Maia thought he was too good to be true.

Anthony:

“Maia?” His voice was surprised; he’d dropped the coffee mug, his favorite that he had been holding. It’d been years since they talked to each other and he was honestly surprised. Maia sounded older, more mature and it was frightening while at the same time it was amazing. He’d always remember the quiet way she had talked. Tony was silent as she said she was sorry. There didn’t need to be an explanation for that. “I’m sorry too…”he said softly, not knowing if she had heard him or not. His eyes bugged out of his head when she announced that she was only several—wait she said ‘we’re’ just who or what was with Maia? After saying goodbye and hanging his phone up Anthony quickly got to work cleaning up the remnants of the blue colored mug; today was his day off, thank god, so he could spend some time with Maia and catch up or whatever. Going into the bathroom after the mess was cleaned up he brushed his hands through his thick dark hair before setting the toilet seat down and trying to clean up nervously. His small apartment, three blocks from his work, was a nice two bedroom. The spare room was used for his art supplies, as a makeshift studio. 

If Anthony would have known Maia was coming to visit then he would have cleaned up his studio and used it as a bedroom for once. The usually calm man tripped over the corner of his couch as he tried to get to the door. She was here already?!

Opening the door Anthony stood wide-eyed as he looked at his cousin and the black haired man behind her. She was vastly different than he remembered; tattoos everywhere, darker makeup—wait she was wearing makeup? And that bump…it could only mean one thing. “You’re pregnant?”

“I was expecting a hello,” she teased as she opened her arms and brought him into a hug. Anthony was in shock as he put his arms around her numbly and glanced at the man. “Anthony,” she said, “This is my boyfriend George. We’re going to have a baby.” Anthony nodded before inviting them both in and closing the door behind them. He was trying to think of his words “but you’re only twenty-three.” He blurted out, flinching at the tone he had used. 
“Ah…sorry, how far along are you?” he asked.

“Five months as of yesterday.” Maia beamed as she sat down on the black leather couch. “How’s life treating you?” she asked as Anthony sat in the arm chair across the living room. 

He shrugged, “I’m working at a grocery store a little ways from here. I do my art on the weekends or my days off.” 

His eyes flew to the table where there were several fliers advertising that a model was needed. Anthony’s ears and cheeks burned in embarrassment as his cousin read the flier. Her boyfriend, whom Anthony would call quiet, nodded as she whispered something to him.

“We can help you distribute these if you want.” Maia offered.

Anthony nodded, still embarrassed and surprised.