Embracing Mia

he called me what

The next day, I woke up feeling genuinely happy. Yes, you heard that right. Mia Edwards was happy today! I practically skipped down the stairs to join my mother for breakfast.

"Mia, come have breakfast before it gets cold," called out my mother. I quickly freshened up, ran down, and sat to eat. My eagerness earned me a warning look from my mother. "Slow down, Mia," she cautioned, and I nodded, trying to eat at a more reasonable pace.

"Mumma, where is Xavier? Is he not back yet?" I asked, concerned about my younger brother.

"No, baby, he's still at his friend's house. He'll be back home the day after tomorrow," my mother reassured me.

"Oh, okay. I'll leave now, Mum," I said as I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door, leaving my mother with a puzzled but sweet smile.

"Sam! Sam! Hey girl, how are you?" I called out to my friend as I ran towards her.

"OMG, Mia, I've never seen you this happy! And yeah, I'm good. Thank you," Sam replied, laughing at my exuberance.

"Look, Noah!" Sam suddenly exclaimed, pointing behind me.

"Where? Where?" I turned around, searching for Noah until I heard Sam's laughter.

"What's wrong with you, Sam?" I asked, joining in her laughter.

"So, you do like him, huh?" Sam teased me with a mischievous smile.

"No, Sam, I'm happy because I made a new friend after years," I replied with a sad smile, the weight of my past still lingering in my heart.

Sam hugged me tightly, whispering, "Come on now, Mia, don't make me cry."

Sam and I soon reached our class, and we noticed Noah sitting at the same seat, patiently waiting for me.

"Okay, I was hoping to sit with you today. But looking at Noah, I don't think that will be possible," laughed Sam as she walked away, leaving me alone with Noah.

Noah noticed me and waved. "Hey, Mia! I was waiting for you!" he said with a warm smile.

With a shy smile, I walked towards our seat and sat down. I looked at him and asked, "So, how are you doing today, Noah?"

"I'm doing good, baby. How are you?" Noah replied with a smirk, his gaze lingering on me from head to toe.

He called me what !?
I couldn't help but feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, and then I burst out laughing at his unexpected flirtatious remark. Noah's smirk faded, and he sighed, "Guess flirting is not for me."

I stopped laughing and gently caught both of Noah's cheeks in awe, admiring his adorable expression. "You're so cute, Noah," I said with a big smile.

Noah's cheeks turned pink, and he muttered, "Mia, please remove your hand." I quickly withdrew my hands, feeling a pang of embarrassment, thinking I had offended him.

"Mia, chill. Don't look sad now, I was just teasing you," Noah reassured me with a sly smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Noah! How could you do this to me? I thought I offended you," I said, feeling a mixture of relief and annoyance.

"Aww, poor baby," Noah chuckled, amused by my reaction, while I looked at him with a playful glare.

To be continued...