Who to trust

Chapter 15 Birthday

Mia's POV

I took a sip of my coffee as I rest my back on my chair. It's already 9:43 pm, but I'm still here in the office. I've been working overtime for the last two weeks, first of all, because there are a lot of things to do, and second, I wanted a good distraction.

I heard my phone ring. I grabbed it from my table and took a look at the caller. It was Maven. I sighed, putting down the phone and continuing my work.

I haven't spoken much to my family, I really wanted some time alone, so I drown myself with work. I didn't want to stress over the past anymore. If they won't tell me, then so be it. I'm tired of playing all those sick games. I've had enough heartaches.

When it was 11:00 pm, I decided to call it a day. I gathered my things and put on my coat. I was just going to walk my way home since it's going to be hard to find a ride at this hour. It's not that far anyway. As I was walking, I heard my phone ring, it was Maven again.

I contemplated whether to answer it.

I heaved a sigh, answering the call. "Hey."

"Finally, you answered my call! I've been so worried about you." He complained. "What happened to you?!"

"I've been busy with work. It's been hectic lately. I just got off, actually," I tried to reason out.

"This late?"

"Yeah, well some of us don't even go home. We're that busy at the office."

"Oh. That's why you couldn't come to any of my games." Maven sounded so down, I felt guilty. He's been asking me to watch him play but I haven't gone to any of it.

"I'm... I'm sorry. I'm just really occupied these days." I stopped walking, leaning my back on a wall. 

"Mia... You don't.. hate me right?" His question broke my heart. Do I? Everyone's been keeping secrets from me and I don't know what to think anymore. I just want to shut myself from everyone.

"I just need some time for myself, Maven. I'm still trying to heal." I said truthfully.

I heard him heave a sigh. "Okay, I understand. But at least come to my birthday this Saturday. I miss you, and mom's worried about you. She hasn't heard from you."

I looked up at the sky trying to see the beauty in it. "Mom hardly ever talks to me," I stated. Ever since I woke up, I could count the times we had an actual conversation. Our only decent one is when I was still in the hospital.

"She cares for you. Always remember that." Maven defended.

"I know. I'll see you on Saturday"

"Yeah, see you. Take care." And we hung up.

I looked sideways, noticing a familiar car not too far away from me. Alex has been looking out for me whenever he has time. But he never really approached me, he just stayed inside his car and followed me.

With brows furrowed, I stared at him for a few seconds and started walking again. But he caught up easily considering he's on wheels and I'm on foot. The car stopped beside me and Alex got out.

Stopping, I crossed my arms and stared at him with a blank expression. He finally had the guts to get out of his car and face me.

Once he was in front of me, he looked down, contemplating what to say maybe. When he finally figured it out he sighed then spoke, "Just let me drive you home this one time."

I didn't answer him. Instead, I exhaustingly walked to the passenger side, opened the door and glided in. He immediately followed.

***