Unexpected Love

*Mia's POV* I still couldn't believe it! I kept looking down at my hand, twisting the ring around my finger - I was engaged to my boyfriend of 5 years. Wow! But somehow, I didn't feel like I was flying, or that I was on top of the world kind of mood. I was happy, of course, I was happy, but was this it? Was this really it? I sighed and shook my head at myself.  Love was supposed to make us giddy, make us crazy, make me believe that if the world ended today, I would be happy that my life was with this one person who meant more than anything to me. But somehow, with Ned, I felt a calmness, like a light breeze, and I think I was looking for a storm.  Ned and I were friends ever since I could remember, mainly because our dads were best friends and business partners. So it was natural for me to feel a special bond with him considering he knew me better than anyone else. As teenagers, we didn't date much as we were too busy attending both our dad's business parties and learning how to carry on their business. Once we turned 18, it didn't come as too much of a shock when his dad proposed that Ned and I try to date to see where we would go, they wanted it to work out for us.  I hadn't met anyone that made me believe in love yet, so I said yes. I mean you never knew right, best friends could probably end being the love of your life. And Ned, well he was the perfect gentlemen, kind and caring and smart. But boyfriend material? Definitely not for me. My dad loved him, of course. And so one thing led to another and we ended up here, engaged. To be honest, I was more scared than happy. But it had to be done, apparently, Ned's dad wanted to merge a few of his and my dad's business and our engagement would guarantee this.  "Shall we get some coffee and cake to celebrate before the big announcement hits the press?" Kelsie asked. I turned and looked at her walking into my bedroom. She threw my jacket at me and grabbed my hand. "Let's go, before you start brooding about not meeting the perfect guy yet," she said. I sighed, I never could really hide things from her. Plus, she was right. I was engaged. I couldn't think about meeting any guy now, especially considering both our families reputations.  "So, how do you feel?" Kelsie asked me as we pulled up near a cafe. "Ugh, I don't know. I am not exactly thrilled. I'm just 23 you know, I don't even know what I want in life and here I am getting married to someone whom I have known all my life, someone I like, but not really love you know? But, let's be honest, it's like one in a million chances that you would ever meet someone who would take your breath away. I mean so many people settle for much less you know? I am glad I at least have a friend in Ned. We may never have had the spark, but at least I know I will be happy and nothing can go wrong."  "You don't have to pretend with me you know. I can hear your mind whirring its thoughts out. You never even had s*x with Ned, and I mean how long have you both dated again?" she asked. "5. Five years," I replied.  "Can't you tell them you won't go through with it? You are way too young to consider a marriage anyways and you haven't really even dated anyone else." "Maybe so, but you know that Ned's dad has been having some difficulties so its the best decision for both our families" I replied. "And you know exactly what they both will say anyway, family comes first." "Ahh well, the best decision for the family? Maybe. Best financial decision? Again - maybe as it's for the family. But what about your heart, chica? You need some love too. After all that you have been through. And plus, its always been this way, Ned's dad has always had some problem or the other, when do you think it will ever stop?" Kelsie looks at me.  I sigh. She is right. But would anyone want to love me? I was tainted. No one knew the burdens I carried in my heart, not even Ned. I am not sure how he would react if he ever knew my secrets. Only Kels knew the hell I have been through.  "Well it doesn't matter know Kels, I said yes. So, I can't go back now."  Kelsie squeezes my hand and steps out the car. "OK, you just stay here while I grab the coffee and desserts yeah?" I nod and shift back in my seat and close my eyes.  ---