Unrequited Love

The Ride Back

“Dinner at your family is nice. It’s lively.” Mia said as they drove back. “When my grandparents were still alive and we’d go to the old house for dinner. Its always awfully quiet during dinner. My family’s table manners are too suffocating. I’ve never seen so many people eating and chatting and laughing while having dinner. It was truly remarkable .”

Cassy remained quiet observing the other girl. What kind of upbringing did she endure? Isn’t it dinner time where you get to catch up with other family members about your experiences of the day? How do you eat in silence like you’re all in a cold war?

“I remember one night we were eating and I accidentally chew a little loud. The death glare I got from my grandfather like I just punched his face. He shouted at my mother for not raising me right and teaching me properly. I hated going to the old house after that.” Mia said looking thoughtful as she recalled the past.

“Every family has their own way of doing things. Your grandparents were just a little strict but I’m sure they really loved you.” Cassy said trying to comfort her.

“Hmm. I guess you’re right.” The rest of the ride back to campus was quiet.

“You know Amelia, I used to envy you.” Walking back inside their room Cassy said.

“And?” Mia was taken aback but this.

“I just realised you’re a normal girl going through things just like the rest of us. Your life is not as glamorous as people may think.” Cassy said getting water from the fridge.

“I maybe a little more privileged than most but my life has never been easy.” Mia said her tone holding a lot of grievances. She opened her mouth to say something but she decided against it and lowered her head. Cassy pulled her in a tight hug.

“Don’t tell anyone about this princess.” Cassy whispered.

“Afraid it will ruin your little bad girl image?” Mia asked in a mocking tone still nestled in Cassy’s embrace.

“Shut up or I’ll break your pretty little neck!” They both chuckled after pulling away from each other.

“I’ll grab us some snacks you look for a movie we can watch.” With that Mia disappeared into the kitchen. Cassy found a nice K drama and both of them sat down watching TV. It was a wonderful evening for the both of them.

That weekend Mia, Cassy and Rosa spend it in the dorm. Cassy had gone home to pick up some study materials from Jake and Mia had tagged along offering a ride for Cassy. She hadn’t seen Jake in a while and she wanted to catch a glimpse of him. She only saw Jake from afar but that was enough for her. He didn’t even spare her a glance, to him it was like she wasn’t even there. Mia really liked how she felt after seeing him even if he treated her like air. This is her first crush amd she would cherish it.

Classes started on Monday and as expected Mia was getting too much attention even lecturers were sucking up to her. Other students wanted to he friends with her while others were jealous of her. Noticing this Cassy couldn’t help but comment.

“You’re in for a long year princess.” She said her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Been through this before! I can handle it.” Mia replied looking as smug as ever.

“Stuck up b***h to the end!” Cassy tossed back.

“Isn’t that why you love me?” Their banter went on as they each headed to their classes.

“Meet up for lunch later?” Cassy asked.

“Sure thing!” Mia disappeared heading to the business faculty while Cassy went to the Medicine faculty.

When the morning classes were done they went to have lunch.

“Amelia Metcalfe. I’m Zoey Hawke. We take the same classes.” A girl sat between Mia and Cassy.

“Oh I didn’t know.” Mia replied not even paying attention to the new comer.

“Yes. We should partner up-“

“No thanks. Cassandra is my partner in crime.” After that she ignored her completely. “Cass what are we having for dinner tonight? We could order this..”

She leaned closer showing Cassy something on her phone. Zoey left the table fuming with anger. Mia of course was too busy giggling with Cassy to notice. She didn’t need anyone sucking up to her. Classes resumed and Mia still ignored Zoey and any other person who tried getting closer to her.

How ever things were getting interesting… Her locker was filled with confession letters which she didn’t even bother reading. Some were sticking out. She just threw all of them away. As she walked passed the announcement board she noticed the following day there were try-outs for the soccer team which were being held and she made a note of it.

Later that night Mia received a call from Jason:

“Princess how was your first day? No one gave you any trouble?” He asked.

“Hey daddy, no my first day went smoothly I can take care of myself I’m not a kid okay.” Mia replied.

“I’m glad. Listen daddy needs to go on a business trip for a week. You must let Alex know if you need anything. I’ll call you every night to check up on you.” Jason informed her.

“You don’t have to check up on me all the time dad. And bring me something nice from the trip. And please no more bags!”

Jason laughed and promised not to buy her another bag. After they said their goodbyes Mia got ready for bed.

The following morning Mia showed up wearing a t shirt that read : Already Taken. Those will scare the boys away right? She thought as she stepped out of her room.

“The boys bothering you princess?” Cassy teased.

“You have no idea!” Mia was infuriated.

“You can ask Damon to pretend to be your boyfriend. You two seem ..”

“No I wouldn’t want to put him through all that trouble!” Mia refused quickly. In fact she didn’t want Jake to misunderstand. If only she could ask HIM to pretend to be her boyfriend…

“Hey we’re almost here what are you daydreaming about?” Cassy nudged her seeing Mia walking with a weird smile on her face.

“Ermm nothing. See you later.” She quickly left Cassy as if the other girl would read her thoughts.

The following day Mia went to try out for the soccer team. Cassy was of course there for moral support.

“Are you sure about this princess?” Cassy mocked her when she saw her dressed in a soccer kit. Mia had asked her to come support her.

“Never been more sure!” Mia replied her voice carrying a lot of conviction. “I used to play soccer back when .. Anyways I can do this.”

“Don’t break a nail!” Cassy teased making Mia glare fiercely.

When they arrived at the soccer field many students were gathered around. Cassy who was just there to support Mia, didn’t play so she sat at the benches carrying a board with Mia’s name on it.

“I’ll cheer you on from the benches princess. You’ve got this! Hwaiting!!!” She said showing her a firm first. Mia glared at her.

“Stop calling me that! And what’s with the card? Isn’t it too much?”

“Oh the little princess thinks she can play soccer! Cheerleading is more your style barbie doll!” Zoey Hawke mocked. “Is your daddy buying your spot in the soccer team as well? I heard he bought your way into this university.”

“Careful with the baseless accusations! Jason Metcalfe isn’t someone to be trifled with.” One girl warned Zoey who just sneered and feigned ignorance.

“Facts are facts! While us normal people have to fight hard to get what we deserve some people just buy their way through everything. It’s really not fair you know!”

“I agree with Zoey. Just because someone has money that doesn’t mean they can go around snatching opportunities from people who really deserve them.” Someone else put in.

“Yes these spoilt rich kids always act like they own the campus just because they come from rich families! They can’t even perform well academically!”

“And this Amelia is so stuck up! She’s worse than all of them combined. So what if her father donates money to the university?”

Mia stood there not bothered by the chants of the students. She was going to try out for the soccer and no one was going to stop her. It’s not her fault she has a rich Father! But her achievements were solely won through her own efforts not because Jason bribed anyone. She took a bottle of her imported mineral water and leisurely took a sip unfazed by all the drama around her. The smug look on her face infuriated the other girls even more.

“When you’re all done gossiping can we get started! I don’t freaking have all day!” a man wearing the university soccer team track suit shouted. “Form two lines .. Hey hey you over there what are you wearing? This is a soccer team not a fashion show! You’re blinding our eyes take that off! Now everybody listen to me. This is what we’re going to do ..”

The coach together with his assistant sorted the girls out while a few guys were seated watching. The girls were divided into two teams and they played against each other.

“Not bad! Not bad ladies! You in the red …” the coach shouted clapping his hands with his notepad tucked under his armpit. He called the team over read the names of the people who had made it to the official team.

“I knew the rich kid would be picked. Life is really unfair.”

Someone complained making the coach raise his eyebrows.

“If anyone has something to say about my coaching skills please speak up. If there’s anything I hate it’s mumbling!” He shouted and the whole field fell quiet. “Good! Now all those who made it the team I’ll add your names to a w******p group. Be on the lookout for any updates okay?”

After a few chants the group dispersed and Cassy walked up to Amelia.

“Princess you made it to the team? Wow I’m so proud of you dinner is on me!” She said her arms snaking around Mia’s neck pulling her roughly.

“None of that greasy stuff Cassandra! Where are you taking me?” Mia asked trying to break free from her grip.

“It’s a surprise!” Cassy said pulling her away. “Isn’t that my annoying brother? What does he want?”

Jake walked you to them with Damon trailing behind him like a little puppy.

“What do you want?” Cassy asked before he could even reach them.

“Don’t be rude!” Jake snapped at her. “We were watching the game ..”

“If you want to congratulate Mia go ahead. We don’t have all day we’re going to celebrate.” Cassy said pulling her close.

“Where are you going? Can I come too?” Damon spoke up first. “I also want to celebrate with Mia.”

“I .. uhmm .. I’ll come too. To keep an eye on you two.” Jake said looking awkward making Cassy roll her eyes.