Unwritten Secrets

C H A P T E R - N I N E

Mia

TWO DAYS LATER

I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on my nightstand. Groaning, I picked up my phone. It was a reminder from Chloe and Alex about Lily's birthday.

Chloe: Morning, don't forget, we have to make today special for Lily!

Alex: We're meeting at Golden Vine Café @ 11.

I sighed, still trying to process everything from yesterday. It's a new day. It's Lily's birthday today. As I got out of bed, I tried to push the tangled mess of emotions from last night to the back of my mind. Today was about celebrating Lily.

I replied: Morning, of course, I'll be there!

I headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower. As the water warmed up, I glimpsed myself in the mirror—tired eyes, a furrowed brow. I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me. Maybe the steam would clear my head.

Ugh, why does everything always have to be so complicated? I leaned my forehead against the cool tile. Seeing Noah again... seriously, why does he have this effect on me? I thought I was over him, (I wasn't intending to be with him in the first place!) But nope, just one look and I'm back to square one. Crushing over a guy I've only talked to once.

I lathered the shampoo in my hair, trying to focus on the simple task. But my mind wouldn't cooperate. Should I talk to him at the party? What if he brings someone?

What if he brings Ashley?

Ugh.

I can't think like that. Today is about Lily, not my drama.

I rinsed the shampoo out of my hair, closing my eyes against the sting. Come on, Mia. You have faced worse. Remember the time you spilled coffee all over yourself in front of the entire school assembly? If you survived that, you could survive this. I mean, I literally almost cried in front of the entire school, so yes, I can survive.

Conditioner next. My fingers worked through the tangles in my hair, a soothing, repetitive motion. I need to be strong. For Lily. For myself. Why can't I just forget?

The water cooled, signaling it was time to get out. I turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping myself in a towel. The foggy mirror reflected a slightly clearer version of me, but the questions remained inside my mind.

As I dried off, I took a deep breath. Today is about Lily. Today is about making her happy. I can deal with Noah later. I will deal with Noah later. For now, I have to be the best friend I can be.

I dressed and headed downstairs. I skipped coffee, but honestly; I don't know why I did. My head hurts and coffee is really the only thing that usually helps. I grabbed my keys and headed toward the living room.

"Mia?" I could see Jack coming down the wooden stairs fast.

"Hey."

"Where are you off to so early?"

"Off to Golden Vine Café with the girls." I replied. "Be sure to be ready at 4."

"Got it." He gave me a thumbs up and went back upstairs. I grabbed my small white purse and headed out the door. Maybe I should ask Noah if he's going to Lily's party. That way I can prepare what to say if we run into him.

As I got in the car, I headed to Golden Vine Café, just down the road from my house. Normal people usually go to Starbucks, but not us. We go to by far the best café in town.