Purest

2. Oblivious

Mia Jane Rochette
Present Day

"Don't forget to take this, MJ." Her mom handed her a glass of orange juice and two tablets; her everyday supplements. Though they had a distinctive taste, she took them without any complaint.

"Thanks, mom. See you later." She said in a hollow voice, gathered her books and backpack, exited their showcased kitchen, striding confidently to their foyer. A butler opened the door for her with a flourish and bowed. She mentally winced. Two cars were parked in the driveway, one hers, a Bentley Continental, the second one an SUV for her security detail, her driver and childhood friend opened the door at the backseat for her with a smile, closed it with a soft thud then occupied the driver's seat before looking over his shoulder, waiting for instructions. "Starbucks then Uni, please."

This was her second year at UCLA but nothing much had changed. At twenty, she was yearning for the independence her legal age should have given her but her parents were still treating her like she was in pre-school. 

They were loaded, she lived an extravagant lifestyle, her dad gave her anything she asked for.....except her freedom. She was not a brat. Far from it. Despite the privileges wealth had provided her, she had tried to live a simple life.

Dating was out of the question. Let alone frat parties and clubs. She was forbidden to go out without at least three bodyguards plus her driver. It was so constricting for her soul and she felt like throwing a tantrum every time it happened.

-How I wish I could be anywhere I want. Be with anyone I want.-

She dreaded the day her father would announce she was to be married to a stranger and spent the rest of her life miserable. There were hints thrown in here and there that she had tried to ignore since her 18th birthday.

She had always been a good girl. Though not timid, she always chose her battles and know when she could win an argument. Her mom had always said she would be a great ambassadress someday with her people skills, kind nature, and soothing personality. This was the main reason she was taking International studies. Maybe someday with her degree she could travel and explore the world.

Later though, she had one battle she had yet to win. She planned to approach her mother once more. She could count on her to be on her side.

"We are here, miss." Her driver's deep voice jolted her out of her reverie. She was so busy contemplating how to tell her parents about her predicament she didn't realize they arrived at her favorite café.

"I will be quick. No need to accompany me." Not waiting for assistance, she exited the vehicle quickly.

The door chimed softly when she pushed it open, a pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled her senses, almost energizing her. Almost.

"Hey, MJ. The usual?" A familiar cute barista asked her. She has had a girl crush on him since forever. Tall, blond, blue eyes. The typical boy next door.

Blushing, she nodded. "Venti, this time, and extra cream. I'll also have five fresh chocolate croissants."

"Hectic week, eh?" Cutie asked with a smirk.

"Yeah. Pre-finals and all."

"You could use a break." A subtle hint.

-Don't I know it, buddy.- 

"Who knows," she shrugged. -Please hang out with me. We could be great friends.-

He nodded. His eyes kept returning to her while he prepared her order. "Here, you go. That's $17.00." She handed him a fifty. "Oh. Um...this Saturday..."