Unrequited Love

Absurd Proposal

Mia knew she had to keep her little crush on Jake strictly to herself or Cassy would make fun of her. It was the first time she had a crush on someone and seeing it was a one sided love she believed it was best to keep it to herself. She would spot Jake talking or walking with Zoey and honestly she felt stings in her heart but she couldn’t let it show.

Late in the evenings she worked on the business proposal for the competition. It was both exciting and a distraction for her. She sat in front of her laptop working every evening till she was satisfied with her proposal. She finally submitted her work hoping to gain recognition. Jason would be so proud of her if she did well on this. After she was done she focused on her classes and soccer practice now and then till the weekend finally arrived.

Jason was coming back that Saturday and they were having dinner with the Brooks later that day. Mia wasn’t excited about going. She and Jeremy had grown apart during the years. They were no longer inseparable like they used to be when they were growing up. She only saw him as an old childhood friend who she hardly spoke with anymore. She was only going to this dinner because the Brooks were her parent's old friends.

“You look dashing Mia where are you going?” Cassy asked while she was taking a break from studying and munching on some snacks.

“Dinner with the Brooks. Dad’s picking me up.” Mia replied checking herself out in the mirror with a scowl on her face.

“You don’t look too keen princess ??” Cassy said winking at her.

“That’s because I’m not.” Mia sighed heavily.

“Why not? Aren’t you and pretty boy childhood sweethearts?” Cassy asked.

“Don’t start.” Mia hissed through gritted teeth. “I have a feeling there’s more to this dinner. I just can’t figure it out yet.” Shelooked thoughtful.

After saying goodbye to Cassy, Mia walked outside to find Jason’s car already waiting for her.

“Princess .. Hey you don’t look excited ..” Jason said as soon as Mia sat beside him.

“I’m getting weird vibes about this. Hey what’s that?” She noticed an exquisitely packaged box next to Jason.

“A little something I got for you abroad.” Jason said smiling glad he brought a little distraction. She hugged it thinking she'll unbox it later.

“We’re here sir.” His driver announced shortly. Jason and Mia both stepped out of the car and met the Brooks who were already waiting for them.

“Jason, Amelia! It’s been so long. We’re happy you could join us.” Yara was 5he first to welcome their guests.

“Yeah it has been too long. When did you guys come back?” Jason asked as they walked in. Jeremy walked over and greeted Jason and dragged an unwilling Mia along with him.

“Hey why don’t we go play games in my room so long. We’ll come join them when dinner is ready.” He said as they walked away.

“So you never told me why you guys suddenly decided to come back .. “ Mia asked looking at Jeremy with a suspicious look.

“My parents just wanted to come back I guess.” He replied looking nervous.

“And you? What about your career? And your life abroad?” Mia pressed on making him even more nervous almost like he was hiding something.

“Jeremy! Amelia! Come downstairs dinners ready!” his mom called out making him sigh in relief quietly.

Dinner went on but Mia could tell there was an awkwardness between the adults. They must have discussed something they couldn’t agree on Mia thought. She was sure they would ..

“Princess ..” Jason started sounding awkward. “Aunt Yara and uncle Duncan have a proposition but of course I would never decide for you.”

Mia looked at Jeremy and raised an eyebrow expecting him to explain what was going in.

“Ahem .. Mia my parents thought since we grew up together and always got along well. I mean everybody always thought we’d end getting mar-“

“No!” Mia said her voice louder than she had intended. She took a quick breath before she continued. “I like someone else.”

The table was quiet and the atmosphere was a little tense before Jason broke the silence.

“Maybe they need sometime to reconnect. It’s been-“

“There’s nothing to reconnect. Jeremy and I have always been just friends. We’ve even out grown that friendship. Touve been gone for years not staying in touch with anyone and suddenly propose marriage ..?” Mia felt a bit agitated while she asked.

“Since you and Jeremy have always been so close everybody naturally thought you were meant to be together. It only feels natural that you two get married when you grow up.” Yara said asnif it was a casual thing to say.

“I don’t know who’s everybody but they were wrong. I’ve never had feelings for Jeremy and I know he feels the same!" Mia said looking at him.

“Mom, Mia is right. We did get along when we were kids but ..” His mother’s sharp glare silenced Jeremy.

“Princess no one is forcing you to marry Jeremy. Yara and Duncan assumed..” Jason started.

“I’m sorry aunt Yara but like I already said I like someone else. I’m sure Jeremy also has-“

“No he doesn’t!” Yara replied faster cutting Mia off. “Jeremy has always kept his image clean. We just thought .."

“Daddy I don’t feel well.” Mia’s eyes turned red and her face slightly pale made Jason anxious.

Jason didn’t waste time and quickly whisked Mia out of the Brooks home. He knew how stubborn his daughter is and Yara didn’t seem yielding as well. The situation was spiralling quickly even Duncan seemed dumbfounded.

“I’m sorry princess I had no idea they would propose such a thing.” Jason said as they drove away.

“They are hiding something and they think this ‘marriage’ will bury what ever secret they have.” Mia said looking serious. “Daddy you need to find out what the Brooks are up to.”

“You’re quite sharp princess. I actually thought so as well. It’s strange that after all these years they’d show up like this with such a ridiculous proposal. I’ve already asked my assistant to investigate them.” Jason assured Mia. “Now back to more serious matters. When am I meeting this young man?”

“What young man?” Mia asked feigning confusion while fidgeting with her dress awkwardly.

“The young man that has stolen my baby’s heart.” Jason said chuckling with a doting look in his eyes. The driver stole a glance at this boss. He was only ever this indulgent with Miss Amelia. The apple of his eye.

“As if I’d tell you.” Mia said her cheeks turning beet red! “Stop asking daddy. He doesn’t even like me.”

Jason’s eyes narrowed hearing her sad voice. In his eyes Mia was the most beautiful young lady he’s ever seen. Which young man wouldn’t like her? Maybe he ..

“Could he be intimidated princess? You’re very beautiful and come from a good family. You’re probably out of his league.” Jason said making Mia think for a while.

“Could be ..” Mia replied absent mindedly.

“Don’t worry about it princess daddy will-“

“Don’t even think about it!” She glared at him making him shrug.

After Jason dropped her off she went to her shared room with Cassy still thinking about her dad had said. Could it be that Jake didn’t like her because he thought she was out of his league? Or maybe just like everybody else he thought she was stuck up? Maybe if she found out his likes she could ‘change’ and be the person he likes. She needed a plan.

When she got to the room Cassy wasn’t there giving Mia some privacy so she could stalk Jake’s social media. She could find his likes and dislikes from his social media and maybe see his ex girlfriends. This seemed like a great idea. The more she learned about him the more she could try to impress him. And so she spent most of the night stalking a guy for the first time in her life …