Guilt, Regret, and Trust

Chapter 8

Mia's POV

I've checked my reflection near a million times now and I'm still not satisfied. I take In every flaw, the dark circles under my eyes and the faint bruises around my neck. I had my mop of red hair tied back in a braid that ran down my back. I'm wearing a pale pink sweater, stone washed jeans and cute flats.

I'm meeting up with Cassie and Bailey after school. My whole schedule for today has been changed. I take a deep breathe and turned off the annoying music that was blaring from my iPad.

I put on a fake smile and walk out the door to make breakfast for everyone. I'm a early riser which has it's perks.

As I flip the eggs I feel a hand on my back. I quickly swing around in surprise.

It was Alex. "Damn you scared me" I say as he stands there looking at me as though I was an alien from some planet in space.

"You look like crap." He says as I return to flip the eggs. No dip I wanted to say but I ignore him and pretended he wasn't there. I heard a sigh and I was sure he had left.

I set the silverware and put the eggs and bacon on the plates and go to watch TV with my King sized meal.

It was a while before anyone else got up. I saw few people I knew. I don't often pay attention to the people around me. Adam Lambert came up to me and took my plate and I gratefully nodded. I felt a dip in the couch and didn't bother to look to see who it was.

It wasn't until that person spoke up that I identified them. "So are you excited for later today?" Cassie says, trying to make small talk. I slowly nod my head and go walk to my convertible. I'm not a big car fan but I definitely love my baby. She was a baby blue and had smooth seats and always had the best smells... okay I might obsess over cars a little.

I drive around the endless driveway and slowly make my way to school. I didn't feel like being alive today...

I snapped myself awake as the bell rang making the hallways clear by the second, soon just leaving me and a few other unfortunate people pulling useless things out of their lockers. I finally ran to class as the second bell rang. Mrs. Cole lazily watched me as I took my place beside Alex. She was our Language class which I aced so I stared off to nothing.

The day lazily dragged by as the bell rang for sixth period.

"What do you want Kyle." I stated more than asked. I knew very well what he wants and I simply don't have time for his crap.

"About yesterday I'm sorry for pushing you to answer me." He sounded so sincere as he continued. "I would like to prove that you can trust me and I would like you to know I'm always here for you."

By now the cafeteria was empty and the staff were washing off the tables. "Look I forgive you. Can we please drop it. Nothing is wrong." I lie openly, turning and rushing to class. The bell rings and I glare angrily at Kyle as I grab my math book. I hate school, It was a bad idea in the first place. It's also much easier for... no don't think like that Mia. I scold myself and walk in the classroom.

No one bothers to look up at me as I plop down behind Alex and soon-to-be Kyle. The kids were called to the board and I spaced out, listening to everyone's conversations and not creating one of my own.

Soon, ten minutes into class, Lacey opens the door giving everyone an apologetic smile and walks with heels clonking with every step she took, to the only open seat, next to me. Everyone's glaze was still on her, smiling and others curious.

"May I sit here?" she asks and I realize she is talking to me. With everyone's eyes fixed on her, I'm surprised at how relaxed and normal she acted as though it was a every day thing to have people watch your every move.

I gulp and shake my head as she slides down in the seat next to me in perfect elegance. She must have spent hours practicing that, I think watching her smile at the remaining people who still watch her.

I take In this time to take in her features. She wore white jeans and a loose black blouse that hung dangerously low on the neck line. She had her bag slung over her shoulder as if it were a habit of hers. Her light blonde hair hangs in layers loosely in the back and it has it's own way of reflecting sunlight as she moves. Her face is perfectly made-up as her eyes carelessly sweep the classroom. She was absolutely gorgeous.

"Did I miss much?" She asks knocking me out of my world of thoughts. "Same as always, just barely made it here myself." I say as I smell the cloud of expensive perfume that hung around us.

She laughs and says "We have something in common, I'm also not good with mornings.

I smile and say "That is true. I barely made it outta lunch, Kyle has been bugging me nonstop."

"Nice!" She says looking at me intently. I look at her confused as I caught on the what she was referring to. "Kyle and I don't have any special feelings towards one another." I say lowly because he was positioned to the table behind us.

She only nods and I see her look down at my outfit, taking all of me in before continuing, "I love what you did with your hair!" She whispered - yelled at me.

"It's natural" I say in a false excited tone.

We continue talking to one another about anything and everything. She says her words so casually and entertaining that it captures your attention, no matter what the topic.

I imagine myself becoming popular and free and living a reckless year with my new best friend, Lacey. I realize I'm smiling madly. That thought makes me feel happy. Popularity. Than I thought back to the last conversation with Sean. That sent ripples through my body as I thought about the consequences if I don't do what he demands.

My mind drifts off towards Lacey again. She is everything I want. I want to be able to silence a class just by stepping into the room. I
want her confidence and personality. I want to be part of her life and forget about everything else. She is everything I have ever dreamed of being. She makes me want to stand out and prove myself. Suddenly she grins and places her hand on my shoulder, "Let's go?" She asks as she looks me in the eyes, her hazelnut eyes searching for any sign of hesitation. I look up and see the room deserted. "Of course." I say as we hook our arms together and head down the hall.