My Words Are Law

Not for my own interest (1)

Mia shuffled through the aisle of a convenience store, hurriedly grabbing an item that she didn't bother to look at. It wasn't important as long as she has an alibi to make it look like everything was just a coincidence. Her eyes remained trained to the back of a woman who was currently going to the counter where a young, lanky man stood fidgeting to ring the customers' items.

Finally...

She slowed her steps down and casually went beside the fellow customer, dropping her items on the counter while smiling amiably at the cashier.

"Good morning. How much for mine?" She inquired, unaware of the blush on the timid man's face before accidentally dropping her purse. "Oh! How clumsy of me." She chuckled as she bent down and picked it up, taking the chance to turn her body to the right as soon as she stood up.

A surprised look registered on her face at the sight of the person beside her. "Oh my! If it isn't Miss Bouvier..!"

She wasn't really surprised, no. After all, everything was all planned by Mia.

Samantha Bouvier looked down at the short woman a little distastefully. "I didn't know we're on speaking terms."

Mia laughed, leaning on the counter coolly as she gave her bill to the cashier. "Well- I treat people who treat my friends kindly as friends."

It wasn't easy finding an opening to talk to such a popular person, but she persevered and finally chanced upon this opportunity. She won't let Samantha's words get to her. This is a hard chance to come by. 

"How naïve..." Samantha muttered.

"What was that? Good natured? Haha! Thank you very much! You too- well..." Mia paused before resuming. "If you get rid of the scowl, that is,"

She paused again, "And your scathing remarks..." Mia quickly added after a second.

"Oh, and you should also try smiling... You know? Not like the professional smile, but a real, I'm smiling 'cause I meant it smil-"

"Keep the change." Samantha interrupted her as she grabbed the bottle of water before strutting away gracefully, ignoring Mia's apalled face.

"Huh? You paid already? When? W-wait for me!" Mia's loud voice drowned the cashier's timid farewell. Taking her purchase, she ran after her target.

"So... A bottle of water, huh? That's very healthy of you-"

Samantha's brows twitched. "Do you need something?"

"Me? I just want to be friends!" Mia walked ahead of her, before turning around to face Samantha.

The latter continued to walk without saying anything.

"Wait! I really am serious! At first I'm not but- Aggh!" Mia stumbled, almost falling after knocking into something but someone had quickly caught her by the waist. "Wha-"

"Mind explaining this?"

Samantha's figure faded as her eyes focused on a small paper bag held before her face by the person behind her.

She frowned as she craned her neck to face the guy. "Tobias Weiss!"

As always, his timing is deplorable!

She attempted to escape from his hold, but he didn't allow it. "Let me go! I'm busy! Ughh!-" She frantically flailed around, seeing Samantha disappear in the crowd. "Sam-! Wait! Come back-!"

Sam? Tobias turned her around forcefully. "Who is Sam? Did he tell you to buy this?"

And she's gone... Mia pointed an irritated gaze at her friend. She snatched the familiar paper bag from his hand with a huff. "You ruined my chance! I almost- We almost-" She sighed noisily before resuming. "How did you get this anyway?" She asked, referring to her purchase from the convenience store.

"It fell from your bag pocket. I happened to pick it up." Tobias succinctly replied. He had a pensive expression on his face while staring at the item she was holding. He then moved on to stare at her face that was looking into the distance. "Was the warning not enough..?" Should he have made an example..? No... He can't possibly break his promise to her but...

"Did you say something?" Mia asked, glancing at him suspiciously. She thought she heard a 'warn'?

"Yes. From now on I'll be picking you up after school whenever I can. And..." He snatched the paper bag from her hand.

"Wha-? Excuse me?" Mia's face was scrunched up in confusion.

"...I'll be confiscating this."

Mia raised a brow dubiously. "What do you even need that for?" What was it that she bought again?

"Anyway, it's mine now." Tobias quickly put it away.

"...Okay?" Mia relented reluctantly. She watched him closely as he glanced at his watch. She tried to read his thoughts but failed in the end.

"I need to go now. See you later." He then turned away to go, but paused soon after to add. "Don't try to run away from me later." And then he went away.

She stared at his retreating back looking even more dubious. Did he drink his medicine today? Shaking her head, she reckon she should also rush to class.

It was regrettable that she wasn't able to question Samantha, however, there will certainly be another opportunity in the future.

***

A/N: Anyone guess what's in the paper bag? Lol.

Be-lated Merry Christmas!! I hope you had fun. ❤❤❤