The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

You're staring

On Monday morning, the nursery buzzed with its usual activity. Mia was preoccupied with her work, but her attention kept drifting to Charlotte, who was wearing a new sundress. The dress, with its vibrant pattern, accentuated Charlotte's features in a way that caught Mia's eye. She found herself unable to look away, her gaze lingering as Charlotte moved about the room.

Autumn, the nursery deputy and long-time friend of Mia noticed Mia's unusual distraction. Autumn, who generally kept her emotions in check, found Mia's behaviour surprising. Her curiosity piqued, and Autumn decided to address it before it became too obvious.

Seeing Mia's fixed gaze on Charlotte, Autumn approached with a casual demeanour but an inquisitive glint in her eye. "Mia," she said, her tone even but edged with curiosity, "I've noticed you seem unusually focused on Charlotte today. Is there something up?"

Mia, startled from her reverie, turned to Autumn with a slight flush on her cheeks. "Oh, Autumn. Didn't realize I was being so obvious."

Autumn's gaze was steady, her eyebrows slightly raised. "It's not just the sundress, is it? You're paying an awful lot of attention to her today."

Mia tried to maintain her composure, giving a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, I guess she does look good in that dress. It's brightened up the room, don't you think?"

Autumn's eyes narrowed slightly, her curiosity clearly piqued. "It's not just about the dress, is it? You seem more... interested than usual."

Mia hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. She respected Autumn's perceptiveness but wasn't ready to fully disclose her personal life. "Well, Charlotte and I have been spending more time together outside of work."

Autumn's expression, typically composed, showed a flicker of surprise. "Oh? That's new. Are things getting serious between you two?"

Mia felt a mixture of apprehension and relief. "We've been getting closer. She's been through a lot, and I'm trying to be there for her."

Autumn, rarely one to show much emotion, allowed a small, thoughtful smile to appear. "Charlotte's a great person. She deserves support, and it sounds like you're giving it to her."

Mia nodded, appreciative of Autumn's unexpectedly warm response. "Thanks. I'm just trying to be there for her as best I can."

Autumn's demeanour remained controlled, but her advice carried a hint of genuine concern. "Just make sure you're clear with your intentions. Communication's important, especially with someone who's been through a lot."

Mia appreciated Autumn's insight. "I'll keep that in mind."

As Autumn walked away, her surprise at Mia's behaviour was evident. Despite her usual stoic exterior, she seemed to have recognized the depth of Mia's feelings. Meanwhile, Mia's focus returned to Charlotte, her determination to support her growing stronger with each passing moment.

During lunch at the nursery, the usual hum of activity was momentarily interrupted by the arrival of a delivery. Charlotte engrossed in her sandwich, looked up as a delivery person approached with a bouquet of black roses. The sight of the bouquet immediately brought a smile to her face.

She knew without a doubt who the flowers were from. Mia had always had a way of making even the simplest gestures feel special. As the delivery person handed the bouquet to her, Charlotte's heart skipped a beat. The black roses, striking and unique, perfectly mirrored the understated charm and thoughtfulness Mia had shown her.

Charlotte took the bouquet with a grateful smile, feeling a warm flutter of emotion as she read the card nestled among the flowers. The card, written in Mia's neat handwriting, simply read: "Thinking of you."