“Why did you feel so mad though? I don’t understand.” That’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask since the very beginning.
He took his hands from mine and I suddenly felt the cold. Adrien ran a hand through his soft brown locks and then looked at me once more. He let out a deep sigh.
“I don’t really know. I just snapped” was all the reply he gave me.
“It’s not like you can decide who I go on dates with right? So don’t snap all the time” I say casually but didn’t expect Adrien to grimace and flinch. He curled up his fists to his side, so tight his knuckles turned white.
He looked away from me.
I felt scared. An unknown fear bloomed within me. Afraid that he’d walk away once more made me panic.
I tried to loosen the mood.
“I mean you are not my boyfriend,” I said with a tease and chuckle at the end.
I expected him to tease back. Insult me even. But he just looked at me straight in the eye without a single blink.
He took a step in front and closed the gap between us.
“So I have the right to get mad if I am your boyfriend, Mia?” He asked.
Every word sank deep into my heart. The words echoed.
What?
I held my breath. Afraid my breathing would interrupt this moment. Adrien must have sensed my unease. He stepped back and gave me space.
I let out the breath I had been holding.
Adrien kept looking at me making me want to crawl up somewhere and hide.
“What... What are you trying to say, Adrien?” I manage to ask. He remains quiet just looking at me, drinking up every inch of my face.
“Stop going around in circles” I plead. That’s when he blinks and his usual expression comes back.
He had been a totally different guy this few couple of minutes. He cocked a brow and stared at me indignantly.
“Circles? Mia, I’ve laid out everything on a golden platter. You’re stupid enough to not understand the meaning behind my every action” he groaned.
I’m stupid? How dare he!
My nose flared in annoyance. I’m not stupid! I’m just, ignorant?
Okay, that’s sweetening the word stupid, but still!
“Okay, so I’m stupid. If you get it, then spit it out in your own words.” I say firmly.
I’m not backing out from this whatever fight or argument we’re having.
“It’s because I can’t that I’m leaving signals you stupid girl.” Adrien mumbled to himself, a light pink dusting his flawless handsome face.
I only heard the words “stupid girl”
“Stop calling me stupid!” I whine.
Adrien grabbed my cheeks and squashed them making me look like an octopus.
“Stupid Mia. Folle Mia.” He grumbles and then let’s go.
Ow!
“Don’t you dare do that again jerk-face and what the hell is folle? You insulted me, didn’t you!? I glare at him venomously.
Adrien stared at me and then broke out a chuckle melting my glare.
Get a grip girl!
“Before I forget. Evan invited you out.” He said and I look at him confused.
“So it’s fine if I go on a date with your best friend?” I ask confused.
Adrien looked like he wanted to jump out the window.
“Invited you out, as in together with Esmee and me. You can call your followers as well.” He said sighing.
“Explain it properly then! Always with the circles.” I grumbled “and they’re not my followers. They’re my best friends!”
“Okay okay. Whatever you say. Meet up at the family restaurant you went with your class. Excellent! In about two hours.”
“Oh, you mean the place where the great you requested my help?” I remind him, my face adorning a cocky look.
He flicked my forehead.
“Don’t act so arrogant folle girl.” And with that and his signature smirk, he walked out.
“What the hell is folle!?” I yelled after him and I heard his laugh down the hallway and then silence as his door shuts.
I sit back on my bed and stare out the window.
A grin suddenly broke out and soon the next-door neighbor came banging at the front door cause they heard screams and bangs from the top floor.
Oops!
We stood in front of the restaurant. Amelia and group. I’d soon updated the three on what’s happening and managed to get them together in an hour.
Pierre had been a headache though. We almost broke down his bedroom door. The dufess locked himself up and refused to come with us because he felt intimidated to go out with the Student Body members.
Uh hello? They’re human? And kids close to our age?
We had to dress Pierre up and drag him out into the streets while he whined all the way. We forgot his baseball cap and Ethan, grumbling had to go back to get it.
It wasn’t any easy with Ninnon teasing Pierre the whole time and ticking him off.
And so we barely made it to the restaurant, looking exhausted.
“Is everything alright Amelia Brooke? Were you chased by someone?” Evan who was behind us with Esmee and an amused Adrien asked worriedly.
Pierre, the culprit was behind Ethan now and out of view.
I wanted to facepalm myself, better yet to slap Pierre across the face but managed to support a smile for Evan.
“All good here Evan. Thanks for inviting us” I said and he gave us a million dollar dazzling smile.
Esmee was looking pretty and proper standing next to Evan.
An ideal couple of Harriet high.
Adrien was the sore thumb. His looks rivaled Evan’s of course, better if you ask me. Ahem!
But his sense of style was different from the casual Evan and Esmee. He was called a delinquent, and so he is living up to the name I see.
“Thank heavens all the misunderstanding cleared out.” Evan sighed in relief and Esmee chuckled lightly. “I couldn’t bear the whining and complaints anymore.”
I stared at Adrien who was now feeling embarrassed and wanted to kick Evan.
When he looked at me, I smirked making him boil.
“Trust me it wasn’t any different here” Ninnon spoke up sighing.
Ninnon!
She so ratted me out!
Adrien broke out laughing and I fumed. I kicked him on the shin and he yelped.
“Mia!” He yelled and I just stuck my tongue out.
Hmph!
“The out view is wonderful of course, but perhaps we could go inside the restaurant and talk while seated?” Ethan said boredly while trying to push Pierre into view.
And so we all scattered in and took a seat at a table Evan had reserved beforehand. Each of us ordered a drink and dessert and then idly spoke about random stuff.
It wasn’t awkward like I had thought. Somehow it worked well between the two groups, excepting Pierre of course.
“Seriously Pierre, would you stop squirming like you’ve got worms in your freaking pants!” I snap. Pierre doesn’t stop acting weird though.
I glance at Ethan and Ninnon for help. She’s busy enjoying Pierre’s discomfort while Ethan looks away not wanting to have anything to do with it.
Sighing I look back at my uncomfortable friend who’s ready to bolt anytime.
“Dude, what the hell you scared for? It’s just the student body members.”
“It’s THE Student Body members Amelia” he whispers aloud to me.
I start to get ticked off at his childish behavior. I mean the fuck? He’s acting as if he’s committed some crime.
“Alright look here baseball head. They’re just regular kids like you and me alright?” I say trying to be calm as possible but he still looks unsure “they’re just too pretty okay?” I snap
To the latter Adrien, Evan and, Esmee stare at me.
I point at Esmee “she’s just a girl who’s too cute and perfect.”
I then point at Evan an accusing finger. “He’s just Barbie boy!�
��
Esmee guffaws and almost spills her drink while Evan looks baffled and embarrassed.
Esmee quickly covers her mouth embarrassed at the way she reacted.
“No no... Esmee please, continue laughing like that...” she stared at me weirdly. “If you do so we’ll be able to accept the fact that you guys are humans and not some alien Invaders who’ve been programmed to be perfect humans” I finished.
Esmee chuckled. Evan went back to sipping his drink. Adrien, on the other hand, covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing at my antics.
Great. I’m a laughing stock now.
It’s all cause of him!
I glare at the accused guy but now he’s settled and grinning.
The nerve!
Adrien gently kicks my leg from underneath the table. I look at him and he winks making me fume more.
He grins at my annoyance.
“And he just has to be the most adorable out of the three. Fucking heart is going to have a heart attack with all the speed racing cause of his smiles. And he’s so oblivious and continues to smile at me so handsomely. Darn it, Adrien!”
I grab my glass and twirl the straw for a couple of seconds before taking a huge gulp. I notice the silence around the table and lookup.
Everyone’s staring at me apart from Pierre who’s wolfing down his strawberry shortcake. Ninnon I believe was trying to hold back a teasing wink.
“What?” I snap.
“Uh, Amelia... You just mind spoke” Esmee said with a playful smile.
I what now?
“She means you said out something which you were supposed to have kept secretly in your mind.”
Fuck!
I look at Adrien. He’s not even trying in the least to cover his darn face which was dusted pink all over.
“Are we missing something here? Something perhaps you forgot to mention to us, Adrien? Any good news?” Esmee asked Adrien softly and he turned even redder which was an utter shock to me and my friends.
Is this really Adrien?
“Esmee shut up!” He growled. She wasn’t intimidated. She just chuckled and Evan joined her.
Ninnon nudged me and winked. I gave her the finger earning another wink.
“So what’s the news? What’s going on?” Out of nowhere Pierre butted in and asked innocently. He was finished with his cake and was ready to join the conversation. The awkward atmosphere is replaced with amusement as we all stare at him.
“W-what?” He asks stammering, feeling self-conscious.
“You truly are the angel boy of the school aren’t you Pierre Thomlinson.” Esmee remarked with a giggle.
We all broke out laughing while Pierre just looked at us as we’ve gone mad.
Amid all the laughing, a hand gently crawled up to mine resting on the tabletop. The warm fingers entwined with mine, squeezed gently and slowly removed the hand before being noticed by anyone, leaving behind a tingling and fuzzy red-faced me.
CHAPTER TWENTY- SEVEN
Time sure takes it slowly when you’ve literally nothing to do but laze all day. Well, it’s technically not nothing to do since exams are right around the corner.
But since I’m not that bad with studies. Might as well just sleep around.
Who barely passed the French test?
My lovely conscience reminded me ever so sweetly.
Oh just back away!
And I pushed that thought away even more sweetly.
Exams. Huh
The final exam Adrien and Co. would be sitting for before they finally graduate from high school and walk into the world.
Adrien had been so busy with cram schools and tutoring, that he was never home.There’s always some assignment to do or a subject he needed more help from the teacher. And thus I’ve rarely seen him, ever since we hung out at the restaurant.
Which must I remind was about a week and a half before. Not that I’m missing him.
Pfft...
What a joke.
Like I’d ever miss him.
Sighing I grabbed the cushion and fell down to my side on the couch, hugging it tightly.
I miss Adrien.
“Now now. What’s that ugly sigh for?” A voice interrupted me. The cushion was pulled away from my face and before me stood Aunt Felicity.
“Is someone missing a certain someone now?” She teased.
I sat up hugging my knees close and pretended to be in deep thought.
“Hmm... I wonder who that is now. Oh! Do you miss Uncle Tim? I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Cheer up.” I pat her gently and earned a chuckle.
“No silly. I meant you. You don’t see me sighing now? It’s you who’s sleeping all over the house and sighing, wondering when will Adrien ever be home.” She finished and she just had to wink at me.
Aren’t mom’s, I don’t know, supposed to keep their sons safe and locked away from girls?
Well, that’s not how it is here.
“He can come and go whenever he feels like. Not that I’m bothered about it. I know for a fact he’s not just playing around.” I say with a shrug. But a slight shadow takes over my mind.
I force myself to stop sighing.
Aunt Fel sat next to me giving back the cushion to me which I gratefully accept.
“The college he’s trying to get in accepts only the best. He could get in with Camille’s help. He is after all the nephew of the principal of a prestigious high school.”
“But no, Adrien just had to say he needed to enter the college with his own capabilities.” I finished what Aunt Fel had started.
She nods approvingly. I’m pretty sure no one could miss the pride in her eyes.
Who would have thought delinquent Adrien could be so hardworking?
He’s super smart and all but he kept trying to get better to slim the chances of him having to fail to enter the college of his choice.
I totally understand his motives. He’s got a driving passion to get into his dream college. He’s been trying hard for that and we’re all supporting him.
Just that I wish, well, I had a bit of his time. I really do want to see him.
I accept I yearn to hear his voice, even for a split second calling out to me.
Just like how unexpectedly the kisses, hugs, and a storm of emotions took over the two of us, it all just blew off unexpectedly.
And somehow I’m not sure why but I feel kind of... Sad.
But why?
I’m not really sure.
Aunt Fel was looking ate, studying my expressions.
She remained quiet which gave me more space to ponder over my thoughts.
And then she broke the silence.
“By the way, what are you doing seated here? Aren’t you supposed to hit the books as well?” She asked curiously.
“I had the same thought in my mind, Mom”
I’d recognize this voice anywhere.
The gentle yet teasing voice which always had a touch of sarcasm. I whipped my head around and so did Aunt Fel.
“Adrien! Goodness, you gave me a scare.” Aunt Fel got to her feet with a smile. He let out a chuckle making my insides swoon.
Stop it, Amelia! You sound like a jellyfish.
His gaze wanders from his mom to me. Those beautiful emerald green eyes could seep through one’s soul-making them feel self-conscious. Bright and soft all at once.
It’s those eyes that always make my knees lifeless.
“Mia”
It’s just a three letter word, yet the emotions which twirled around me were even more vast than a pool.
Just what have you done to me, Adrien Valentin?
“Hello! Mia?” He waved from where he was standing. He knew very well he had gotten me in a trance. A smirk played on his lips and he smiled my way. Aunt Fel chuckled as she made her way out of the living room.
“What? It’s not like I’m speechless just looking at you.” I snap.
“Well, I certainly never said such a thing.” His smile grew to a grin.
&nbs
p; Fuck!
I’m running my mouth because I’m fucking nervous.
“Whatever. So why are you home? A book to grab or dinner to gobble down before rushing to yet another study session?” I ask trying to sound as ordinary as ever.
“Don’t tell me... Are you missing me, Mia?” He asked his brow lifting as he stared at me. A child could see the amusement and happiness in those green eyes.
I’m a mess right now. My brain wasn’t even processing what it was saying.
I groan and he lets out a chuckle.
“No rush. I’m actually free tonight because one of the professors in cram school had to leave to the next state.” Adrien explained as he walked into the room and took a seat on the couch which I had been sitting on a few seconds ago.
Yeah, I’d somehow got to my feel unknowingly.
Adrien pat’s the spot next to him.
Can this guy get any more adorable? Or is it just me thinking that?
I sit down. Not close to him so that our legs touch each other. I kept a teeny tiny distance.
Somehow I’ve grown to be conscious of him.
“How’s everything going on? With studying and all? Think you can pass the upcoming exam and enter your dream college?” I ask Adrien who kept looking at me with adoration.
He shook his head like he’s clearing his thoughts or something.
“Yeah. I think everything is going pretty smoothly. I’m kind of confident I can pull through.” Adrien said with a smile.
He was genuinely happy that he could get into the college of his choice. I smile back at him. His smile drops as he stares at me with a serious expression.
“Mia....” His voice trailed off as he played with a strand of my hair and then lets it drop.
I’m barely breathing. My breath stuck in my throat not wanting to come out.
He held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Unlike last time at the restaurant where it was only he who held my hand, this time I returned the squeeze.
A soft smile adorned his beautiful face.
“I’m so happy to see you. I was actually here for quite a while. I just didn’t know how to walk up to you and talk. Thank heavens mom was here or it would have been super awkward.” He said sighing relieved.
“My oh my... The great Adrien Valentin. The Vice Student body President who’s feared to talk to by others actually feared to talk to an ordinary person such as myself?” I ask in a teasing tone.
Where I Belong Page 22
