Friends Can Have Benefits Too

Ten: Just Like Old Times

Chapter 10:

It was one of those moments where everything freezes and its only you and the other person. I stood at the staircase, in the back, but she heard me. She stopped her speech and stared at me bewildered. In an instant, people began to notice. However, I walked outside before the rest of the audience caught on to what was happening.

I found a bench and sat down trying to breathe. I haven't seen her in years. Why now? I thought before I saw her tonight, that I would never want to see her or want her to be in my life ever again. But something about her right now is wishing the opposite.

"Hey."

I was startled. But relieved once I realized it was only Oliver.

"Ollie," I breathed out. He gazed over me and grew concerned. But saying nothing he sat down next to me.

"Don't you have a date with Rachel tonight?" I asked staring at the cafe across the street. It was small, but had so much life; similar to the bookstore and the town.

"Well. I do. I was actually heading out. But, I know something isn't okay. Who was that back there? Your mom?"

"I wish it wasn't." Suddenly everything that made me hate her was reappearing.

"Why? Wouldn't you be happy? you haven't seen her in so long. And I know you haven't seen her, because last years Christmas you spent it at Rachel's."

"You're right. I haven't seen her in years actually. But, I refuse to talk to her or my family for that matter. Look, it's kind of personal. Something I want to forget. So if you don't mind me saying this; drop it."

He stared at me with that look. The one that says you're wrong, but I wont say anything. He shook his head and bit his lip.

"Alright. Hey, but I should get going on this date," he pouts sadly, "I'll see you around Minnie. And remember I'm always one call away."

I smiled. "Be nice to Rachel!"

I think it was about time I leave too. However, I had to tell Georgia, so I went in through the back of the building to steer clear of any more surprises.

I made it inside. And it was like nothing had happened, everything was normal. People conversing and Parker attending to anyone's needs. I watched the crowd, smiling. This amount of people is good for the store; for Georgia.

"Hi there darling," Georgia found me.

I sighed with relief. I didn't want to leave my post.

"Georgia. Hey, I'm not feeling too good. I think I'm going to leave now; head home and make myself some soup." There was an awkward silence. I couldn't hold it, I've been caught. I laughed at my lie. And she did too.

"It's fine. You never take any days off, you know? You're one of the bests there is," she smiled widely and held my hands.

"Thank you. Have a good night." She released and I headed for the door.

Before I could make it, someone grabbed my arm.

"Mia? Is that you?"

I didn't have to turn around to know who it was. I yanked my arm back quickly. Showing her no compassion. However I stayed. With my back to her she continued;

"Mia. Please. Talk to me. I-I haven't seen you in so long," her voice wavered, pleading.

I shut my eyes, forbidding any tears to escape. "Don't Mom."

"You don't understand. I was angry with you, but I don't care now. Look at you. You've grown into a fair woman."

I snapped letting her see my face. "You were angry at me?! You? What? you were going to have me ask for your forgiveness?"

She was in shock , frozen from my blast.

"No, mom. Enough. It was your choice when you let Melody and Peter do it behind my back! When you supported her more than me! I thought I was very clear when I said, I want you, Melody, and Peter out of my life!"

"Jesus, Mia. You're acting like a child. They're in love! Why can't you just accept that?"

I scoffed. "In love!? Right. That's what Peter and I were in too. Remember? I was in love with him! I was his best friend since elementary school. It was always us."

She shook her head disappointed. "I'm truly sorry. I told you that. But, things have changed. And you would know if you were back home."

I didn't care what she had to say. I was through. "You know what mom. Please leave. Don't come back. You guys all deserve a future together. Or maybe not; Maybe Peter will finally realize he's made a huge mistake and leaves her ass for a prostitute. At least then, he would be truly satisfied since apparently, I wasn't enough."

I turn my back one last time. And just like my eighteenth birthday, I leave her again. What I hope would be forever.

~~~

That night was one of my worst. But it turned into something slightly better. I was hurting. Just like Parker. So of course I called him.

"Parker. I need you. Now."

"I'm on my way."