Chapter 199: Mia
When that day finally rolled around, I'd rather just bounce and never see anyone from the Pitt family again.
Maybe Daniel got the memo and realized how messed up his actions were, so he didn't push it. Instead, after a real heart-to-heart, he let me go, and let himself off the hook too.
It was like dealing with a kid throwing a fit; the more you caved, the more they pushed. But if you stood your ground and gave them no out, they'd see they were being ridiculous and back off.
It was almost ten when I rolled back to the apartment, and guess what? Mindy was actually there.
She was at the table drying her hair, her pretty eyes scanning my face like she was looking for something.
"Why are you staring at me like that? It's creepy."
She smirked, "What a fool. You got kissed, your lips are all swollen."
I rushed over, all embarrassed and pissed, grabbing her socks to stuff them in her mouth, but she dodged and teased, "You're just mad 'cause you're embarrassed. But with Brad's looks, it's easy to lose control. I get it."
"Shut up, nothing happened."
"Then why are you so worked up? Did you get stung by a bee or something?"
I looked in the mirror and yeah, they were a bit swollen. Probably from me biting them out of nerves earlier, nothing to do with Brad!
Mindy had been totally corrupted by Louis.
I thought the whole Daniel thing was sorted, but I was way too naive.
That night, Brad took me to the airport to pick up Mia.
The lobby was packed. When Mia's frail figure showed up, looking like a strong breeze could knock her over, I raised my right hand high. She saw me and quickly dragged her luggage over. We hugged over the barrier.
"Mia, why are you so thin?" I hugged her tight in front of everyone, her bony shoulders digging into my arm.
How much had Mia gone through to end up like this? My heart ached, and I held back my tears to avoid making her sad.
Love was like a fine wine; some found it sweet and unforgettable, while others found it bitter and full of regret.
For Mia, this wine must've been a mix of both.
Back at Northern Institute of the Arts, we were all tight. Even though we hadn't seen each other in a while, it didn't feel weird.
Brad, being Brad, took us out for dinner.
Mia didn't want to go. She said she was too tired and wanted to crash at a hotel. I wasn't having it and dragged her to the restaurant.
Seeing her frail figure, it was clear she hadn't been eating well for a long time. She needed to eat!
She might really be tired, but what rest could she get alone? She'd just hide and cry.
If Benjamin was worth it, I could cry with her. If he was really that bad, Mia shouldn't shed another tear for him. He didn't deserve it.
The restaurant's service was top-notch, and the food came out fast. Brad kept piling food on my plate, even testing the soup's temperature before letting me have it.
I just sat there like a doofus, waiting for him to feed me.
At first, I didn't think much of it. Brad had always been super attentive whenever he was around.
But I totally forgot about Mia, who was sitting across from us, heartbroken.
It wasn't until Mia's tears started falling into her bowl that I snapped out of it. I quickly pinched Brad under the table and gave him a look to check on Mia.
Brad got the hint and popped the piece of fish he had deboned into his own mouth.
Knowing Mia was already hurting and still making her feel worse was on me.
"Sorry, Mia," I mumbled, feeling like a jerk for being so clueless.
Mia looked up, her small nose red, eyes brimming with tears, but she forced a smile to comfort me. "I know, just eat. The food's good."
"Okay, let's eat. After this, you should come crash at my place, and we can chat."
"No need," Mia waved her hands and shook her head, looking all anxious. "I'll stay at a hotel."
Brad's face darkened instantly when he heard I wanted Mia to stay with me, giving me a warning look.
I was trying to think of a way to send Brad to the dorm when he got a call. I craned my neck to see, it seemed to be Larry.
Brad answered the call respectfully, his frown deepening as he listened.
"Larry, I just started at National Capital University. I don't think I'm cut out for such a big project."
"This is too sudden, I haven't prepped for anything."
"Alright, Larry, I'll go."
"Where are you going, Brad?" I asked, curious.
If it made Brad unhappy, it had to be something big.
Brad put away his phone, pinched his brow, and said helplessly, "There's an academic exchange at the school, and Larry wants me to lead the team. Let Mia stay with you, you two can keep each other company."
"Where's the exchange? Why didn't I know about it?"
Brad tapped my head, annoyed. "I just found out too."
"How long will you be gone? Summer break is coming up." I pouted, feeling bummed.
I had planned to have an awesome summer, but now it was ruined. Why did Larry have to pick Brad out of all the young teachers at the school?
Having an older boyfriend was really inconvenient; we couldn't do things together. It was so frustrating.
I was full of resentment.
"This is an event organized by several well-known domestic universities in Silverbrook City. Larry also has a new project there, and he hasn't decided whether to take it. This trip is also to check out the site. It won't be too long, about two months."
"Two months isn't long? Larry should go himself instead of always making others do it."
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