The Red Thread of Fate

Chapter Ten: Denial

“What do you mean by that?” The questions replayed in his mind for several times as he himself tried to find an answer. He was aware of all the eyes that looked at him right now and he needed to make up an excuse quick before they start misunderstanding. “Nothing really, I just thought he really wasn’t the right kind of guy for you.” He murmured.

                Mia scowled at him, “Then pray tell, what is the right kind of guy for me?”

                “How should I know?” He flatly replied. Mia gritted her teeth together and kicked on his foot from under the table. “Ow! What the hell was that for?!” He cried out.

                “For being an idiot!” She yelled then stood up and stormed away. Sarah grabbed her purse and went after Mia, and Joey followed after the duo.

                “Wow, you’ve really gone and did it this time Nathan.” Lee said in a smirk.

                Melody rolled her eyes heavenward, “I for one thinks that she just had too high expectations.” She voiced her opinion.

                Lee groaned, “Well can you blame her? This guy’s sending off mixed signals.” He murmured referring to Nathan.

 Joey gave Mia a can of soda and sat beside her in the bench. He tapped his foot in the ground and took glances at the woman sitting beside him. She stared into space blankly. Sarah left a few minutes ago because her brother, Jay, got admitted in the hospital because he started a fight with a bunch of other guys.  “Mia.” Joey uttered.

                Mia turned to look at him, “Hmm?”

                “Are you okay?”

                She nodded. “Yeah, thanks. I’m just confused on why I was so angry…” She murmured more to herself than to Joey.

                Joey smiled at her, “Isn’t it obvious why though?”

                She frowned, “If it was obvious, I would’ve known the reason why right now.” She stated. Joey then decided not to say anything.

                “Hey Mia, would you give me a chance?” He straight-forwardly asked. “Until the summer ends… if I can’t make you fall for me then, I’ll give up. Just please, give me this chance. I’m sorry for all the things I did before but I didn’t know any other way to make you notice me.”

                “But Joey…” Mia tried to say but he interjected, “Please. I only have until summer break ends to be here, I need to go back to Bright Hills by then. So please… I regretted not being able to come and see you in time before you left six years ago. And now that I know you and Nathan aren’t dating, I couldn’t possibly pass up such a chance. Please, we won’t be officially going out, we’d be just dating.”

                Mia furrowed her brows, “Joey I can’t… I don’t feel the same way.”

                Joey cupped her face with both of his hands and looked at her directly in the eyes, “I will make you feel the same way. Just give me a chance to do it.”

                Mia bit her lower lip. Joey was always so persistent. Well, she gave Ivan a chance, so what’s the harm in giving Joey a chance as well? She slowly nodded, “Okay. But we’re not going out.”

                Joey jerked up in joy, “Yes!” He yelped. He then took hold of Mia’s hands and kissed them, “Thank you! I’ll make sure you fall for me just you wait!” He exclaimed.