Raphael and Mia have been Best friends since childhood. They attended the same primary school and now the same university. Mia harbours a secret. She has been in love with Raphael for the longest time. But Raphael has no idea. Will he get to know in time before it's too late or is Mia up for a devastating heartbreak.
Mia sat in her mother's car looking outside the window wistfully. She had not slept a wink the previous night because she was so nervous and sad at the same time.
She turned her head and looked at her mother. She wanted to tell her how much she did not want to attend the new school. But instead she shook her head and went back to staring outside the window as the car moved swiftly towards the new school Mia will be attending.
Lost in though she did not realise that they had arrived. "Mia honey, we are here," her mom tapped her on the shoulder. Mia turned around and before she could utter a word, tears started streaming down her face. She could no longer hold it in.
"what's wrong honey?" her mother asked as she stroked Mia's hair.
"I don't want to go to this school. I don't want a new school. I miss my friends and my old school. I don't think I will fit in here."
Mia's mother smiled. She knew exactly how Mia felt, but circumstances had forced them to move to a new town. They just needed some time to adjust." listen baby, I know it's not going to be easy, especially the first few months. But I'm hundred percent sure you'll catch up soon. You'll make new friends, find new hobbies and who knows what other good thing may follow. You are an intelligent friendly girl and they will all be clamouring to be your friend," she paused and looked at her daughter with a sad smile on her face." you will be fine, you'll see, " she continued.
Mia did not feel at all reassured, but she smiled just to encourage her mom. At 12 years old, Mia was so intelligent and mature. " Thanks mom, I know I'll be fine. Okay let me rush in before I get late on my first day of school. I love you." Before her mom could say anything else, Mia hurriedly got out of the car and without glancing back headed for the unknown, atleast that's what her mind was telling her.
Meanwhile behind Mia's car, another car screeched to a halt. " Raphael maybe you need to wake up a little bit earlier. That way I won't have to dangerously rush you to school. Anyway hope you have everything cause you tend to forget most of your important school stuff."
"You worry too much mom. I have everything. So will you be picking me up today or will dad do that?"
"Dad will. I have a meeting that will run late today. I love you, take care". Raphael got out of the car and his mom hurriedly drove away. He sighed, turned and ran up the school's entrance.
As soon as he walked into his classroom, he saw her. She was looking around the noisy room, trying to look as small as possible so that no one would notice her, but Raphael did. She had the most gorgeous eyes. And her hair cascaded down her back and face like a goddess. He started walking towards her but before he could get to her, Mr Sanjal walked into the room for the Mathematics lesson.
"Raphael are you going to sit down or do you plan on standing my whole lesson," Mr Sanjal asked.
"sorry sir," Raphael sheepishly answered before hurrying to his seat. He turned his head to look at the new mysterious girl and their eyes met. His cheeks turned to red and he quickly looked forward. Raphael felt more enthusiastic about school. Atleast now he will have much to look forward to everyday, because this girl was either going to be his friend or girlfriend. And at the age of 13, Raphael knew exactly what a relationship was or so he thought.
Later on during lunch break Raphael approached the new girl in class. She was sitting all alone looking sad and out place. "A penny for your thoughts," Raphael spoke out without hesitation. He had mastered enough courage to speak to her. Being a popular kid in school, especially among the girls, his uncertainty and hesitation was new, even to him.
Mia looked up and smiled. It was the cute boy from class who had kept on staring at her during the whole Maths lesson. "I think my thoughts are worth more than a penny," Mia winked.
Raphael was flabbergasted. Not only was she pretty but her smile sealed the deal. He suddenly felt at ease and comfortable in her presence. "You are right. I say your thoughts are priceless. You are priceless." Rhapael said as he joined her at the lunch table.
"Very charming I see. My name is Mia. Mia Sanders." Mia stretched out her hand. But instead of shaking it, Raphael kissed it instead. "My name is Raphael Atkinson. Nice meeting you. I must say you are very beautiful Mia."
Mia did not expect that. He truly was charming. She blushed, tucked her hair behind her ear and looked into his eyes. They were a beautiful blue. Like the clearest cleanest ocean blue. In the light his eyes sparkled and changed to a fiery orange grey. Mia was mesmerised. She looked into his eyes and felt like she was drowning in them.
"I'm new, today is my first day here."
"I thought as much. Haven't seen you around here before. I don't think I would have forgotten such a beauty even if I wanted to. I could show you around if you are up for it. " Raphael offered.
"Cool why not. I could use a friend around here. It's always so hard making friends in new places." Mia sighed. Being an introvert sometimes came with its cons. It had taken her over a year to make one friend in her old school. She was thrilled that Raphael had offered willingly.
They ate their lunch while talking about Mia's other school. About her life and Raphael spoke about his parents, siblings, life as a popular kid in school. Mia learned that he was from a wealthy family but it surprised her because he was so down to earth, simple and cool.
In her eyes Raphael was the most interesting, cute, handsome and coolest boy she'd ever seen or met. As he talked, Mia kept staring at his lips and then at his eyes. She was a goner and she knew it.
After school while waiting to be picked up by their parents, Raphael and Mia exchanged contact details and promised to chat as soon as they got home. As she go into her mom's car, she smiled and felt like new beginnings were not bad at all. There was finally a light in her dark tunnel. Atleast she wasn't sad anymore.
"How was school honey," her mom asked noticing the smile on her daughter's face. She couldn't help but smile as well.
"Good, very good." Mia's smile widened. She couldn't wait anymore, squealing with joy she literally shouted "I have made a new friend today! His name is Raphael Atkinson. Mom you should see him, he is the coolest!"
Her mom laughed and as they drove away, Mia told her all about her day. When she could, she would steal a glance at her daughter and was glad she was happy. She deserved it. After losing her dad, Mia had withdrawn into herself, she had become the shadow of herself. But this new Mia was refreshing to see. She felt like a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. And she sighed, a long happy sigh, and listened on as Mia when on and on about Raphael.
Did she sense a teenage young love blooming? Love at first sight maybe?
Chapter 1 First meeting
07/08/2022