Unrequited Love

The Kidnapping

The dinner went well and Mia had gotten over the disqualification humiliation and her mood had lifted significantly. Before heading back with Jason she saw Jake coming to pick up Zoey and her mood dampen once more. She quickly masked it before Jason noticed anything unusual and he drove her home. She asked him to drop her at the school gate making an excuse about wanting to take a walk towards the dorms. He didn’t refuse and told her to be safe and he drove away.

Mia walked slowly the evening breeze brushing gently against her face as she walked towards her dorm. It was dark and the path towards the girls dorms was deserted. She heard a rustling behind the sycamore trees as she neared the dorms and someone grabbed her from behind. A damp cloth covered her mouth before she could scream and all went dark instantly.

When she woke up she expected to be seated on a chair ropes biting on her wrists and ankles but to her surprise she was laying in bed. She sat up abruptly checking herself to see if she wasn’t violated then the door suddenly opened.

“Princess you’re awake? I was worried sick about you. That young man told me everything that happened..” Jason spoke fast his toned laced with deep concern.

“What happened and what young man?” Mia asked looking confused. She realised she was in a hospital bed.

“You don’t remember?” Jason asked pouring her a glass of water.

“I only remember someone grabbing me and covering my mouth with something I don’t know what else happened..”

“Fortunately that Milton young man was dropping someone off and happened to see everything. He rescued you and called the police but the kidnapper fled. He said he’s your friend’s brother.” Jason was looking more relieved.

“Jake saved me?” Mia asked finding it hard to believe it then she remembered him picking up Zoey..

“Yes he saved your life your princess we have to thank him properly. What do you suggest?” Jason asked.

“I don’t know. What do you think young man his age want?” Mia asked looking at Jason.

“Probably girls but maybe we should ask him.” Jason said laughing mischievously. Mia shook her head at her father. Only he could joke around at a time like this.

“He already has a girlfriend he was probably dropping her off. I could asked Cassy what he likes.” Mia said wondering where that rascal was. Meanwhile Jake was standing outside the hospital room and accidentally heard them and he walked away immediately. Compensation?

“Mia we heard what happened! Are you okay?” Cassy and Rosa burst into the room and were stunned to see Jason there. “Ermm .. hi Mr Metcalfe..” Cassy stammered looking shy.

“Hi girls ..” He looked at Mia and winked. “I’ll make a few calls outside.” Then he quickly stepped out.

“Is it just me or did he look kinda suspicious just now?” Rosa asked looking at cassy who quickly nodded.

“Your brother saved me, dad wants to know what he likes so we can thank him properly.” Mia said looking at Cassy with a hopeful gaze.

“Jake saved you? Jake my brother? The nag-bag?” the three of them exchanged looks.

“Apparently he was dropping off Zoey when he saw the guy attacking me ..”

“You were so fortunate he was nearby Mia, but who would want to hurt you?” Rosa asked and the atmosphere became tense and awkward.

“I don’t know maybe someone who wanted to extort money from my dad.” Mia replied feeling dejected.

“Does that mean you’ll walk around with a bodyguard from now on? The two outside right now look mean and terrifying.” Cassy said making the other two chuckle. “At least I made you smile.”

They chatted a while till Jason came back and the two excused themselves.

“I saw the young man-“

“Jake, daddy. His name is Jake.” Mia corrected him sternly stunning Jason who slightly raised his eyebrows.

“Uhmm right Jake. I saw him outside. I had a little chat with him.” Jason informed Mia. “But he rushed off before I could ask him what he would like as compensation. He received a phone call and rushed off.”

“Must be his girlfriend.” Mia shrugging. “Maybe we can talk to his family, I’m sure they like to-“ a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Mr Metcalfe..”

“Jake is it? Come on in, Amelia would like to thank you herself. I’ll be outside if you need me princess.” Jason lightly pecked her head and headed out.

“So how are you feeling princess?” Jake asked in a teasing tone making Mia glare at him even though her burning cheeks betrayed her.

“Why are you laughing?” Mia asked seeing the corners of his mouth lift gently. She’d never seen him smile before and she was slightly mesmerized.

“Flushed cheeks is a look I never thought I’d ever see on Miss Metcalfe’s face.” He replied surprising her.

“Why?” She asked.

“Probably because of the look you always have on your face. It kind of puts others in their place without you saying anything.” Jake replied in a casual tone.

“Is that why you don’t like me?” Mia asked before she could stop herself and he didn’t reply. “Anyways thank you for saving me. Jason wants to compensate you–“

“There’s no need. Anyone would have done what I did had they been in my shoes. Just make sure you don’t walk around alone at night again.” Jake said in his usual cold voice. Mia felt a bit dejected.

“Thank you again I-I’ll be more careful in the future.” She avoided his eyes afraid he might notice the disappointment in her eyes.

“I should get going then.” He got up ready to leave.

“You know owing Jason Metcalfe a favour is quite rare. I’d use this opportunity to strike some deal with him if I were you.” Mia said her tone serious.

“That’s not why I saved you ..”

“I know and trust me he knows that too but since things turned out this way it would be foolish not to seize an opportunity when it’s presented to you right? If not for yourself think about your family .. Your dad seems to respect Jason, maybe you can get the two of them acquainted.” Mia tossed the idea to Jake then pretended to be busy with her phone while in the corner of her she watched him. Seeing his thoughtful look she felt happy.