Chapter Five: Torn Affections
1080 Words
Mia's POV
While probably everyone is out making new friends on the first day of college, I'm on my couch, wrapped in a blanket, munching on chips and chocolate ice cream, watching another heartbreaking K-drama series. For someone with ADHD, this is me living my best life.
As I watched the male character stare into her eyes, I knew they were about to kiss. My heart tingled as he held her face. Just as they were about to connect their lips, my doorbell rang.
"Arrrghhh!" I screamed, throwing a pillow in anger.
I quickly paused the series.
"Who is it?!!!" I screamed.
There's no way I'm standing up from here. I don't think I can even get myself to stand up.
"Come in!!!"
The person didn't hear me and kept ringing the doorbell.
Suddenly, they stopped. I heard the door open and close, followed by footsteps. Anaya entered my living room.
I didn't realize how much I needed her until I saw her. Tears welled up in my eyes, and she rushed to hug me.
"No, Mia, don't cry," she cooed. I shook my head, tears pouring out.
"I almost confessed my feelings to him today, Naya," I wept. She stared at me, shocked.
"You what?" she asked.
"I know, I'm a selfish b***h who almost ruined her own family. And you know the worst part? He didn't even flinch. He looked at me like I'm crazy," I cried. She tried to wipe my tears with her palms.
"I mean, he laughs with everybody. You saw the way he laughed with Alexa. She looks like the carbon copy of Ariel, who he usually dates. But what about Miley? She looks nothing like those girls. In fact, she's the opposite. You saw the way he looked at her; his eyes were warm," I complained.
"Calm down, Mia, please," Anaya begged.
"No, you don't understand, Naya. I'll do anything to get Austin to look at me like that. I could sell my heart if it'll get him to notice me, laugh with me, and... love me. Why doesn't he love me, Naya? Why can't I stop loving him? Why does my brother drive me crazy?" I cried.
Anaya petted me until I couldn't cry anymore.
"You look a complete mess, Mia," Anaya said. I smiled weakly.
"You know what? We're going to glam up and go to that party," Anaya encouraged.
"No, Anaya, I don't want to go," I whined.
"Mia, he's your brother; you'll end up seeing him anyway. Do you want to stay here sulking or go out, party, and forget your worries?" Anaya asked.
"Fine, Anaya, let's go party."
"Yessssss!" she screamed excitedly. I laughed.
Two hours later, Anaya and I came downstairs in our sexiest outfits. Anaya, a fashion designer, styled me perfectly. She chose a black dress with a sexy slit for herself, while I wore a latex red mini dress with a tiny slit and bare back. It was tight, like a second skin. Anaya insisted it was too sexy, but that's what I wanted.
"We still have an hour left before the party," Anaya informed me.
I walked to my fridge, stocked with food and drinks courtesy of my mom.
Suddenly, Anaya got a text.
"It's Miley; she wants me to pick a dress for her. She asked if we're ready," Anaya said.
"Anaya, can we not..." I started.
"Don't worry, Mia; I told her we'd meet at the party," Anaya reassured.
"But Mia, you can't keep pushing Miley away. She's our friend," Anaya said.
"I understand, but what if..."
"No what-ifs, Mia. Everyone knows your brother has a specific type, and he doesn't date. Miley doesn't fit his type. If she and Austin happen, it might be hard, but it could help you move on," Anaya explained.
The thought of moving on from Austin hurts, but she's right.
"Fine, Anaya, I'll try," I said.
"Thanks, bestie."
"We should finish the remaining episode of the K-drama before the party," I suggested.
Just then, my brothers arrived.
Jeremy whistled at our outfits. Mike looked displeased, and Austin looked disgusted.
"Are you guys going to the party?" I asked.
"Mike and I are going; Austin's not," Jeremy replied.
Austin removed his hoodie and handed it to me.
"Put it on," he said.
"What? No, I'm not," I replied.
"Either wear the hoodie or go back upstairs," Austin said, his voice firm.
"Why do you even care what I wear?" I asked, tears welling up.
“Yeah Mia, you are right, I don’t care. But who do you think mum and Dad are going to blame once they find out that you dressed like a w***e to some stupid party?!!! Me!!! I get blamed. So you better take the hoodie and wear it or you can sit your ass at home!!!” He screamed with so much anger and I gasped from how ruthless his words were.
I know the dress is too revealing but a part of me was hoping that after he sees me in this, he would find me attractive but I was wrong.
Mike intervened, "Mia, maybe you should wear the hoodie."
Jeremy agreed, "Yeah, it's better safe than sorry."
But my eyes remained fixed on Austin.
"Why do you always have to hurt me?" I shouted, snatching the hoodie and racing to my room.
Tears streamed down my face as I slammed the door.
How could he call me a w***e? Did he really think so little of me?
I threw the hoodie on my bed and collapsed beside it, sobbing uncontrollably.
Anaya entered my room, concern etched on her face.
"Mia, I'm so sorry. I didn't think he'd react like that."
"It's not your fault," I said between sobs.
"We don't have to go to the party," Anaya offered.
"No, let's go. I need to prove to him that I'm not what he thinks," I said, determination rising.
Anaya nodded, helping me wipe away tears.
"Let's show him what he's missing," she said with a smile.
We headed back downstairs, hoodie-less.
Austin's eyes narrowed, but I ignored him.
"Ready?" Anaya asked.
"Ready," I replied.
We left for the party, leaving Austin's disapproval behind.
Jeremy called out, "Mia, be careful!"
Mike added, "And don't do anything stupid."
Austin's parting words were, "You're going to regret this."
I chose to ignore him.
As we walked to the party, Anaya asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," I replied.
But deep down, Austin's words stung.
- Writer
