If loving you is wrong

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Liam

I sat through the meeting lost in my thoughts. I was still shaken up about what happened this morning. I don't know what came over me. The moment I saw him catch up to her, slap her and grab her by the hair, I lost it. I have never been so upset nor have I ever gotten this physically violent with anyone.

The drive towards her school was awkward at best. She was so small and lost sitting next to me, I had no clue how to engage in a conversation with her.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

She nodded. I glanced over at her. Her face was downcast staring at her fingers.

"How old are you?" I asked. She looked up at me. her nose was red and eyes sad. "I'm 16."

It was barely a whisper. She looked way younger than that. Or could it have been that she was just malnourished? She was frighteningly thin and pale. My jaw tightened at the thought.

With the type of mother she had, I wasn't surprised if she ever had a proper meal.

"Are you hungry?"

She hesitated but then slowly nods her head. I quickly cut into the closest food joint I could find. The small diner was barely full this early in the morning as we made our way to a small booth. Sitting before her gave me the vantage view of her.

It saddened me deeply to see her so closed off and shy. Her face was small with big brown eyes, a small buttoned nose, and pouty pink lips that she worried with her teeth. I observed her as her gaze concentrated on the menu.

"You can order whatever you like," I said.

The waitress came around shortly after pouring me some coffee. "What'll you have darling?" She smiled at Mia.

Nervously she looked at her then at me for assurance.

"P...Pancakes Deluxe breakfast....Please." she said.

Her voice shook. It was raspy and soft. I didn't know what from but I didn't want to imagine why.

"And you sir?" she turned to me.

"I will just have the coffee, thank you." I lifted the mug to my lips and took another sip.

She turned away leaving us alone once more.

Suddenly the eerie silence fell around us except for the low buzz of the outside traffic beyond the large window, it was quiet.

I sat back and continued to observe her.

"So Mia what grade are you in?" I leaned forward gathering up the confidence to break the ice.

Huge brown eyes lifted up to focus on me. "11th grade," she said softly.

"11th grade?"

"I was skipped a grade." she fidgeted. "I take advanced classes."

I was impressed. Shortly after, the waitress brought out her plate. I sat back and sipped my coffee and tried my best not to stare at her for too long as she ate. She nibbled slowly and scarcely ate a thing. But just enough that I was satisfied when the waitress came around and took away the plate. So from there we went back on our way towards her school.

I pulled up just in time to watch the myriad of young faces of our youth littered all over. She sat watching her peers happily chat and goof off. A complete contrast to who sat beside me not wanting to step out of the car. I pulled out my business card and I turned to face her.

"Here." I said. She turned to look at it and slowly reached for it. "If you need anything don't hesitate to call me okay.?"

She smiled shyly. It was the first smile I have seen since I have met her.

"Okay," she whispered. Slowly she got out of the car. I sat and watched as she took slow steps towards the entrance doors. My chest tightened for the oddest reason. I developed this sense of protection; I had no explanation of.

Still a little ticked off, I drove off.

Now sitting here I realize the meeting was coming to a close and I heard absolutely nothing. I walked out of the boardroom and made my way to my office.