Iridescent

Just Stuck, Hollow and Alone

(A/N- Here is the second chapter in this story.  Again, it is a work of fiction and nothing about this is real.  Just some fun to do in my (limited) free time.  Thanks!)

Days later, Mila sat her house finishing notes from her sessions that day. She couldn't deny that she felt somewhat bad for how she reacted but at that same time proud that she stuck up for herself and her feelings. Mike had sent her multiple text messages apologizing and asking to talk, all of which went unanswered. A part of her wasn't ready to talk about it while another was fine with leaving it as it was. He chose to leave her, so why should she care?

However, as she got ready later that night to meet up with Rob and Brad, she knew there was a chance he would show up. Not wanting to let her emotions get the best of her, she mentally prepared herself for it and constantly reminded herself that she was a therapist who was good at hiding their emotions during sessions so this shouldn't be much different...right?

"Camila, cómo estás? Luces radiante," Brad greeted her with a smile and a hug as she walked up to where he and Rob were waiting for her outside their favorite restaurant.

Mila smiled enjoying the energy he radiated. "Estoy bien. Te ves bien, Bradford. I'm also glad to see you've been keeping up with your Spanish in my absence."

Brad smiled. "It's important to me to keep learning. Besides, you know we're never going to forget you and leave you behind."

She smiled enjoying hearing that he still at least treasured their friendship. She turned to Rob hugging him bringing her hand to their hair on his chin when they pulled apart. "I'm digging this, Rob. It's a good look for you."

"Thanks, Mila. Not sure if I'm going to keep it or not," He replied placing his hand there when she removed hers.

"I think you should. It fits you," Mila smiled looking between the guys. "Should we head in?"

"Oh, we're waiting for Mike," Brad said as she turned to him resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "We told him we were getting dinner with you and he wanted to join."

Mila placed a well rehearsed fake smile to her lips as she responded. "Oh awesome! It's like old times."

Within minutes, Mike came walking up to the group of friends. Mila noticed that even with days passing he didn't look any more rested than he had the night of the gathering. He wore a cap on his head, jeans and a hoodie which was very much like him. She found herself finding him attractive in that moment and began to internally beat herself up about it. Mila knew though that even though she found herself attracted to him, which was a constant thing for her since high school, she had to keep up the tough exterior.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I was helping my mom out with something," He said hugging the guys smiling turning to Mila unsure of what her reaction would be. She had been ignoring everything he had been sending to her and knew it was because she wasn't happy with him which honestly hurt him, but it was his own damn fault. "Hey Cams."

"Hey Mike, long time no see," She said smiling and he could tell it was forced. Not only was it forced, but she was acting like she hadn't seen him days before. "How have you been?"

"Been better," He sighed seeing the confused looks from Rob and Brad. "Jet lag sucks."

Mila nodded. "So I've been told. Should we go in now?"

The group entered the restaurant being given a booth at the back of the dining room away from many watchful eyes that may come. Mila didn't miss the flirtatious gaze the hostess sent to the guys and for the second time that night, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Taking their seats, she couldn't help but notice she was seated next to the one person she didn't want to be.