Embracing Mia

Noah

Closing the door behind me, I leaned on it, feeling a mix of happiness and sadness swirling within me. I was happy that Noah liked me, but deep down, I knew that we couldn't be together. And the problem was me. He deserves better. Noah deserves better! I kept reminding myself as I sighed heavily.

Flashback:

I heard students entering the hallway as the bell rang, jolting me back into reality. I pushed Noah back, looking at him with sad eyes. "Mia?" he said, looking hurt. This can't be happening. It's a mistake, Noah deserves better, I said to myself as I ran away. "Mia!? Mia, wait!" yelled Noah as I fled.

Present time:

"Mia? You're home early!?" asked Mom with worry etched on her face. "Yes, Mum. I actually wasn't feeling too well, so I decided to come home early," I said, forcing a smile. Mom nodded, concern still evident, and suggested, "Well, now that you're home early, and I have the day off, why not have a mother-daughter day today? Xavier has got classes, so he will be back home late." "Sounds good, Mum," I replied, not wanting to worry her more. I thought, perhaps going out with her could help take my mind off Noah as well.

After about an hour, Mom and I were all ready to leave for the mall. She was waiting in her car for me, and I stood in front of the mirror, feeling my heartbeat quicken. What is happening to me? I questioned myself, shaking off the strange feeling, I quickly ran out, closing the main door behind me.

"Mia, come on, let's go," said Mom as I got inside her car, and soon we left for the mall. We played songs on the radio, singing our hearts out as we cruised along the streets. As we reached the mall, Mom said, "Let's do some shopping, baby," smiling brightly. I nodded happily, trying to ignore the strange feeling lingering in my heart.

Noah's POV:

Ever since my first day in school, when I saw Mia, I've had this strange feeling that I couldn't quite pinpoint. But now I know what it is. It was love at first sight for me when I saw Mia. She wasn't like the other girls I've dated in the past. She was different. She's Mia. My Mia! I didn't realize I fell for her almost too quickly, but I can't seem to get her off my mind.

When I kissed her and she pushed me away, I couldn't help but feel hurt and rejected. "Mia?" I said, hoping to hear her say something. She looked at me with sad eyes, and in the blink of an eye, she ran away, leaving me hurt and confused. "Mia! Mia, wait!?" I called out for her, but she didn't wait. I didn't chase after her, hoping to give her some time.

When I learned that she cut her wrist, my heart shattered. My Mia was so hurt that she resorted to self-harm. I couldn't bear to hear her speak so low of herself. What did she mean when she said all those things about herself? What does she mean by she hates that she's fat? I love her just the way she is. She's perfect. She didn't have to be skinny like others to look beautiful. My Mia was gorgeous.

"You just wait and watch, Mia. I will make you fall in love with yourself," I made a promise to myself.

The next day,  I sat in our regular seat, anxiously awaiting Mia's arrival. I had a feeling she might want to skip school today, so I requested Sam to go and pick her up. Just before the bell rang, I saw Mia and Sam entering the classroom. Mia glanced at me and quickly looked away, trying to hide herself from me. How cute, I thought to myself, feeling a surge of determination. Sam looked at me and gave me a thumbs up with a big smile, which made me smile even wider.

"Now, where will you hide from me, Mia?" I thought to myself, feeling a newfound sense of hope.

Mia took a seat beside me, her gaze fixed on her lap. She looked adorable, and I couldn't resist teasing her a little. "Black is my favorite color," I said out loud, knowing she could hear me. She glanced at me and then down at her outfit. She was wearing a black jacket over her uniform. She looked back at me with a hint of irritation and retorted, "I didn't wear this for you!" Her cute little display of anger only made me smirk, which seemed to annoy her even more as she started to pout and looked away.

"Aww, baby, did you miss my kiss already? Is that why you're pouting? Come here, let me kiss you," I said, grinning broadly. Mia's cheeks turned crimson, and her eyes widened in shock as she stammered, "Wha-what did you say!? How can you be so shameless, Noah? What if someone listens?" Her reaction only fueled my amusement. It was so much fun teasing my baby.

To be continued...