Unrequited Love

Rookie Competition

The following morning when Mia got to her first class the lecturer had an announcement.

“There’s a competition the business class holds every year. Students needs to come up with a killer business proposal. Be on the lookout on the class group chat for more details on how to enter. The grand price is of course is a scholarship no one would want to miss.”

The students were bustling with excitement after the announcement. Mia decided she’d definitely enter the competition. She wanted to join the business world to impress Jason and of course so she can be able to take over his businesses some day. She had to show Jason she is capable of handling things even if he’s no longer around someday.

As she walked into the cafeteria Mia saw Zoey cozying up with a guy and her heart nearly stopped when she realised it was Jake. Jake seemed like the cold and aloof type but here he was with Zoey. She remembered Cassy and Rosa talking about his playboy ways ... Was Zoey Hawke his latest fling? Was she the type of girl he liked? Mia got her food and went to sit with Cassy and Rosa feeling her spirits dampening.

“Your brother has a new girlfriend again?” Rosa asked Cassy.

“You know he never lacks girls around him. He’ll probably dump her in a week or two.” Cassy replied clearly not in the mood to discuss Jake.

“What about you Mia? Are you seeing anyone?” Rosa asked.

“I don’t think anyone is good enough for our princess. I’ll bet you a hundred dollars she’s single!” Cassy smirked.

“Are you dating Cassy?” Mia asked glaring at her.

“I’m not dating at the moment but I was ..”

“I may not be dating right now but I like someone.” Mia said while her cheeks turned slightly pink even though her heart was feeling a bit sad.

“OMG! Who is it Mia come on spill!” Cassy urged her.

“No I’m not telling!” Mia quickly said. “And can you keep your voice down? Do you want the whole campus to know?”

“Its Damon isn’t it? He’s the only person you chat with beside me and Rosa.” Cassy looked at her with scheming eyes.

“Lets drop it Cassy. But it’s not Damon don’t give him any ideas.” Mia warned sternly giving her a warning glare.

“You know I can help you get him if you want. Guys like-“

A guy with blinding blonde hair stood in front of Mia with a bouquet of red roses. The cafeteria had gone eerie quiet in a matter of seconds.

“Read the t shirt dude! She’s taken! She’s actually already engaged!” Cassy said loudly before the guy could even speak.

“Amelia Metcalfe is engaged! Wow!”

“Its probably a business arrangement by her father. I wonder who’s the unlucky guy?”

“No wonder she keeps turning down all these confessions. She even wore that t shirt!”

The cafeteria was discussing Mia’s engagement some feeling sorry for her future husband while others were thinking he’s lucky. Some believed Mia is a catch she’s both good looking and rich but others thought otherwise.

“Uhmm .. thanks Cassy. Now I’m engaged!” Mia said her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Well at least no one will bother you anymore.” Cassy said as she took a loud sip from her soda making Mia roll her eyes.

“What about the guy she likes? If he also thinks she’s engaged..” Rosa interjected.

“O-k-a-y I didn’t think that far. Maybe if we knew who it is we can-“ Cassy muttered with a dumb look on her face.

“No ways I’m not telling you! Forget it! He doesn’t even like me anyway so maybe it’s better this way.” Mia said staring at the rest of her food as she suddenly lost her appetite. “I’ll just like him quietly ..”

“Cheer up Mia, only an alien wouldn’t like you. If that guy doesn’t like you then you’re better off without him. He’s clearly stupid.” Cassy said.

“You have your moments.” Mia complimented her mockingly patting her hair like she would a pet.

Mia attended her last class for the day. There was a guy who came up and sat next to her with a smirk on his face.

“Amelia Metcalfe.” The guy called out.

“Jeremy. Jeremy Brooks? What are you-“

“Mia .. Long time no see.” He snaked his arms around her shoulders. “Did you miss me?”

“When did you come back? You’re a student here?” Mia asked.

“Yeah kind of. Or maybe I just wanted to be close to you again.” Jeremy said leaning closer to Mia.

“Hey back off you little trouble maker! Where’s uncle Duncan and aunt Yara?” Mia asked but was interrupted by the lecturer.

After the lecture Jeremy stuck to Mia like gum refusing to leave her. Many students followed them because Jeremy was an international idol. Him suddenly appearing attracted the attention of many and the gossip started.

“Jeremy Brooks and Amelia Metcalfe! Could he be the fiancé?”

“I hate to admit it but they look perfect together. Like a match made in heaven!”

“I’m so sad! How can Jeremy be engaged? Nooo I don’t accept this.”

The news of Mia and Jeremy Brooks spread around the campus like a wild fire. It was even posted on the campus forum and many students were commenting.

“Jeremy you better stay away from me! See all the commotion you’ve caused! Your fans want to kill me!” Mia said as soon as they stepped out.

“What fans? I’m quitting the entertainment industry and I’ll be helping my dad run the family business. I’ll have more time to spend with you Mia.” Jeremy said in a flirty tone.

“Is uncle Duncan forcing you to quit?” Mia asked.

“Yes and no. I really missed you Mia and now we can finally be together. I’m sorry it took me so long to come back to you.” Jeremy said.

As they were chatting a mysterious figure was watching them from the shadows. From a far it looked like they were a real couple reuniting after being apart for a few years. A heart was silently breaking somewhere …

“Listen I don’t care why you came back just stay away from me! I don’t want to be seen with you again I don’t need this drama in my life.” Mia said as she shoved him and left him standing there.

She rushed to her car and drove back to her dorm room desperate for some time alone. She was still sad since she found Jake had a girlfriend and it was that annoying Zoey. Now Jeremy was also back to irritate her. Amelia knew something about Jeremy he had been hiding all his life, she was more disgusted by his flirting. When she got to her dorm Cassy and Rosa were already home waiting for her.

“Mia how can you not tell me you know Jeremy Brooks! He’s my idol. Can you introduce me to him please please please!!!” Rosa attacked her as soon as she came in.

“You like that brat? Do you know how annoying he is?” Mia asked her brows knitting together as she stared at Rosa.

“He’s so handsome and sings like an angel. Did you see how hot he looked on his latest movie! Mia you got to introduce me to him please I beg you.” Rosa went on ranting.

“Can we talk about Jeremy Brooks later I’m a bit tired right now.” Mia sighed deeply hating the position she was in.

“You go rest Mia, I’ll put a leash on this little love sick puppy okay?” Cassy said winking at Mia while pulling Rosa to sit down next to her.

Mia went to her room feeling exhausted from the day. She showered and was applying a face mask when she got a video call from Jason.

“Princess when were you planning on sharing the good news with daddy? Why didnt you tell me Jeremy is back? Engaged?" Jason asked chuckling.

“Don’t start with me okay? I’ve had a long day already.” Mia said in a dejected voice.

“Princess ..”

“If you’re about to lecture me about dating save it dad. I’d rather you go fool around than have this conversation with you.” Mia’s tone turned serious.

“Mia I promised you I’ll wait till the mourning period is over besides there’s only three months left. But on a serious note if I were to meet someone how would you feel about it?” Jason asked looking a bit nervous.

“There is someone already right? You’re just waiting to make it official?” Mia asked with an expression Jason couldn’t read on her face.

“No princess not yet. I-I”

“Jason you’re my dad. You’re the person I love the most in the world and I want you to be happy. If you meet someone you like I want to meet them too. I want you to be happy and if that woman makes you happy you have my blessing. I just wanted you to honour mom's memory thats all." Mia said smiling at her screen.

“You’ve really matured over the years.” Jason said and paused for a moment. “If I meet someone I’ll definitely introduce you.”

“Jason Metcalfe why do I feel like you’re hiding something from me? Is it just a fling? You can’t play with women’s feeling like that!”

“Have you always been this nagging? Why haven't I noticed before??” Jason laughed. “Princess?”

“Yes daddy?” Mia’s anticipation was written all over her eyes.

“I’ll date someone the day you get yourself a boyfriend. How about that?” Jason teased her.

“What if I never date?” Mia shot back.

“You’re a teenager princess. I’ll bet you already have your eyes on someone.” Jason said laughing. He actually hit a nerve with Mia who’s expression faltered a little. “Oooh I guessed right didn’t I? Which young man got my princess’ attention?”

“No one. Dad I need to go chat later.”

The screen suddenly went blank leaving Jason smiling to himself like an i***t. His little princess really had grown up. He couldn’t wait to meet to young man. He’d be better as outstanding as Jason himself otherwise how could he allow his princess to go out with a loser. He put his phone away feeling happy. Sending her off to university alone was a great idea after all!