A year to remember

10. Sam

I watched Mila closely during Algebra. I was secretly jealous of her life. Her father was a successful African-American lawyer who lived in the city. I had heard her telling Alyssa how he made eleven million last year alone on mergers and acquisitions for corporate finance companies. Her mother was a retired German model who still looked better than almost anyone I had ever met. Her parents lived apart, her mother falling for the charm of our town and refusing to move elsewhere, but from what I had heard, they remained in a loving and devoted relationship. I liked to think I would be like Mila's mother one day; beautiful, carefree and independent. She jetted off for a weekend away whenever she wanted to see her partner, but she refused to conform to society and marry the man or follow him around. She was content to live life her way.

Mila had dated a guy called Charlie during most of Sophomore year. He was a model, so naturally, was drawn to the stunning Mila. They had been the schools golden couple and I had often wondered what it must be like, to walk in those Jimmy Choo's. I wished I had a  boy like Charlie to hold my hand as I walked down the halls and to carry my books between classes. Hell, I would be happy if anyone wanted to hold my hand or carry my book. I was still secretly holding out for Jared though. 

Charlie's family eventually left for the city, where he had modelling gigs lined up. I thought I was more devastated over Charlie's departure than Mila had been. It seemed nothing ever bothered her. I prayed for that kind of resilience. If I had been Mila, I would have just followed Charlie when he left, but with a mother like hers, it made perfect sense why she didn't.

The new student, Jake, was assigned to our Algebra class. After class, I could see people hanging awkwardly around her, waiting for an invitation to her party on the weekend. Mila casually strolled past them all and struck up conversation with Jake. 

"Hey, Jake." She said with a stunning white smile.

"Hey Mila. What's up?" His lip was looking better this week, the split all but healed and his lips no longer bruised and swollen. I couldn't help but notice how kissable they were. Oh my, don't cheat on Jared with your thoughts, Sam! 

"Just wondering if you had any plans this weekend?" She asked sweetly, clearly under his spell just like everyone else at the school.

"Ahhhh," he sighed, "you're wondering if I'm coming to your party?"

Interesting. I liked a man who didn't fool around and cut straight to the chase. 

"Uh-huh," she confirmed with a beautiful smile. Again, I felt envious of Mila. We couldn't all have her looks and her grace.

"Look, I want to. But I'm just not sure if I can."

Very interesting. Not only had he made the prestigious invite list, but he was all but declining it. I glanced around at the other people in the room. I could see cheerleaders faces falling. Looks like they had some fresh meat to focus on. This was good, their interest in Jake meant that Jared would have less cheerleader distractions.

"I totally understand. Just come if you can."

I watched them walk out of the room together and head in opposite directions. I followed Mila until she reached Alyssa at the locker. 

"I'm still not sure if Jake will come to my party. He's still being weird about it."

Alyssa looked upset. "Do whatever you can to get him there, Mila."

"I'm working on it," Mila said and continued onto class.