MIA

Each step I took down the stairs sent my heart racing, its steady rhythm pounding in my ears. It wasn’t just the anticipation of the evening that weighed on me, but the persistent notifications on my phone that demanded attention. Sydney and Ariel had been bombarding me with messages about the situation.

Especially Ariel.

I desperately wanted to check the messages, to understand what was happening behind the screen, but as I descended, the sound of Maddy’s laughter reached my ears. It was a carefree sound, full of delight and excitement. She was obviously enjoying his arrival, and although I tried to match her enthusiasm, my palms were slick with sweat, and a sense of unease crept over me. Something about Jackson's behavior seemed off, and it gnawed at the edges of my initial excitement.

Peeking discreetly from the hallway, I caught sight of him engrossed in a conversation with Miles. I tuned out Miles’ ramblings, focusing solely on Jackson. It was clear he was either playing along with Miles or genuinely listening to him. The latter seemed to be the case, as his lips curled into a grin, and those familiar dimples appeared on his cheeks, making him even more adorable.

Cute.

“Mia, why are you just standing there?” My mother’s voice startled me, and I nearly lost my footing on the stairs. I managed to steady myself against the wall just in time.

“Uhh...” Turning toward her, I tried to come up with an excuse, but she grabbed my hand and pulled me along before I could.

“Look who I found,” she announced, causing all heads to turn in my direction, including Jackson’s. I noticed his gaze briefly lingering on my dress before shifting back to Miles. Panic surged through me as I realized how hideous I must have looked.

I knew I shouldn’t have worn this!

It was too late to turn back now. Taking a deep breath, I joined Maddy on the sofa, who was discreetly snapping pictures of Jackson. “Don’t tell me you’re already infatuated with him,” I whispered, rolling my eyes.

Maddy scoffed at my comment. “There’s nothing wrong with capturing pics of your future boyfriend,” she retorted playfully, nudging me back.

“I’m not thinking of him like that. I just want to... regain our friendship,” I stumbled over my words, my hesitation betraying me.

“Sure,” Maddy winked at me twice, silently indicating that she knew I was lying.

“I’m serious. He didn’t even acknowledge me when Mom picked them up,” I sighed, leaning back on the sofa, stealing glances at Jackson.

His broad shoulders were accentuated by the sweater he wore, concealing the true shape of his physique. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel certain that he had been working out—his veiny hands were a testament to his dedication.

What did he eat in Korea? He looked so...

“I think he’s hot too,” Maddy whispered, her laughter bubbling up.

“Huh?” I turned to face Maddy, who struggled to contain her amusement.

“Wow, you’ve got it bad. I feel sorry for Ethan; he doesn’t stand a chance against Jackson,” she teased, nodding subtly toward him.

I had met Ethan when I entered middle school, a few weeks after Jackson had left. He was undeniably cute, with his Latino features and scattered freckles. Ariel had always insisted that Ethan had a crush on me, but I had chosen to dismiss her claims. It wasn’t until he turned down another girl on Valentine’s Day and asked me to be his date for the party that I began to suspect there was some truth to Ariel’s words. I wanted to decline his invitation, but the anticipation and longing in his eyes conveyed a message that I understood all too well.

After all, that’s how my eyes had looked whenever I yearned for time with Jackson in the past.

“Well, when he comes heartbroken, I’ll be here,” she declared, causing fits of laughter to escape my lips. Maddy’s words had caught me off guard, and the absurdity of it all made my heart lighter. “Are you crazy? There’s a four-year age gap! I thought you were all about swooning over the hot guys on Instagram.”

Maddy’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she retorted, “Have you seen Ethan? He’s the whole package. To hell with Instagram.” I couldn’t believe my fourteen-year-old sister was talking like this.

“I’m going to puke,” I whispered under my breath, trying to conceal my amusement.

“Mia, could you please get the drinks?” Mom asked, her gaze shifting to me. I nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to escape this conversation.

As I began making my way towards the kitchen, Mrs. Yung’s voice interrupted my steps. “Oh, Jackson, why don’t you lend her a hand?” I turned to face Jackson, waiting for his response. A mischievous smirk played upon Miles’ lips, his eyes dancing with delight.

Jackson hesitated for a moment, his dark brown eyes locked with mine. It felt as if he didn’t want to be around me, and disappointment tugged at my heart.

But then, he spoke, his deep voice resonating through me. “Sure.” I tried my best to conceal the effect his words had on me, summoning every ounce of courage within.

Come on, Mia! Think of something... like a whale fighting a seagull.

I hurriedly entered the kitchen, relieved to find the drinks on the lower shelf, just as Mom had instructed. However, the glasses were placed tantalizingly out of reach, and as fate would have it, I wasn’t blessed with the height of a supermodel.

My gaze landed on a tall stool nearby, and with a surge of determination, I made my way toward it. Climbing up, I balanced precariously on my tiptoes, straining to reach the three glass cups. As I turned, nearly losing my balance, I managed to steady myself just in time. But to my surprise, Jackson had moved closer, his presence enveloping me. And then, for the first time, I saw him smile at me.

“What?” I managed to whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.

“I’m just wondering how you’re planning to get down,” he replied, stepping closer. His words were accompanied by a playful glimmer in his eyes that sent shivers down my spine.

He was right; getting the cups had been one thing, but descending from this height posed a whole new challenge.

“Umm...”

“Hand me the cups first,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of concern and amusement. I quickly handed them to him, our fingers brushing against each other’s, igniting a spark that traveled through my veins. He placed the glasses on the table with utmost care.

“So... are you going to let me help you, or are you going to tease me like a meanie?” I asked.

“I can do both, can’t I?” He retorted, feeling a surge of exhilaration. Finally, we were interacting, and a warmth spread through me, banishing any traces of awkwardness. Thoughts raced through my mind as I watched him approach me, my breath caught in my throat as he drew near, but fortunately, I was perched high enough for him not to notice my panic.

“What are you doing?”

“Put your hands on my shoulders,” he simply instructed.

“Why?”

“Just do it, Mia.”

He finally said my name! I shouldn’t be this elated, but I felt an overwhelming joy bubbling inside me. I tried to steady my trembling hands as I placed them on his broad shoulders, feeling the strength beneath my touch. I kept my composure and patiently waited for what would happen next.

Time seemed to stand still as his hands gently encircled my waist, lifting me effortlessly. Instinctively, out of fear mingled with a strange exhilaration, I found myself wrapping my arms around him, clinging to him for dear life as he carefully lowered me to the ground.

Sparks. Electric sparks was all I could feel as his touch made me scorching hot.

“Mia Smith, you’re still scared of heights,” he whispered into my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. The world spun around me, a dizzying mix of sensations and closeness we were in.

“No, I’m not,” I replied, quickly pulling away, pretending to be unaffected. I scoffed lightly as I took the glass cups from the table, trying to regain my composure. Making my way towards the exit of the kitchen, I heard Jackson call out my name.

“What? Are you going to make fun of me again?” I playfully teased, my heart pounding in my chest, unsure of what his response would be. But instead of a teasing remark, he fell silent, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes spoke volumes, words I couldn’t decipher entirely. But there was one emotion I could discern.

Happiness.

“I missed you, Mia,” he whispered, his eyes softening, their depths filled with warmth. My soul seemed to float away, leaving my body behind. His words echoed in my ears, resonating deep within me. Why did he have to say it like that?!

“Umm...” I stumbled over my words, my mind racing to catch up with my racing heart.

“Let’s go,” he said abruptly, taking charge as he picked up the drinks and walked past me. I followed him, my heart pounding in my chest. What had just happened? I still wanted to ask him why he was behaving weirdly at the airport, but I guess we were starting on good terms now.

As we walked towards his mom and mine, the room fell silent as Maddy’s innocent question hung in the air like a heavy cloud.

"Where's Mr. Yung?" The words echoed, causing a subtle tension to creep into the atmosphere. Mrs. Yung's eyes flickered with a mix of sadness and apprehension, and I could sense that something had changed.

Jackson froze mid-step, his face contorting with a sudden pang of unease. It was as if the room had swallowed up his happiness, leaving behind a lingering emptiness.

"Oh, dear. We are no longer together," Mrs. Yung confessed, her voice tinged with sorrow.

The weight of her words fell over us, casting a somber veil over what had been a joyful gathering. Maddy's face fell, and I could see the guilt in her eyes, realizing the unintended consequences of her innocent question.

Jackson retreated to a nearby chair, his shoulders slumping as the spark that had danced in his eyes just moments ago dimmed, leaving behind a shadow of its former glow. The lively atmosphere drained away, replaced by a heavy silence that was almost suffocating.

A few hours later, it was time for Jackson and his mother to leave. "Oh, it was nice having you all here," Mum said, her warm embrace encircling Mrs. Yung. But the heaviness remained, lingering like an unwelcome guest that refused to leave.

I couldn't stand seeing Jackson drowning in his own thoughts, so I approached him cautiously, careful not to draw attention from Miles or Maddy. "Are you okay?" I whispered, my voice barely audible, laced with genuine concern.

He didn’t respond immediately, his head bowed, his emotions hidden beneath a mask of indifference. I wracked my brain, desperate to think of something—anything—that might lift his spirits. And then it came to me—an old memory that had once made him smile.

"You know, I remember a boy who once accused a bird of peeing in the school swimming po—"

"It was the bird!" he interrupted, his head snapping up, his voice tinged with both surprise and amusement. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the room. For a brief moment, the vibrant, carefree Jackson I remembered resurfaced.

We laughed together, the tension in the room momentarily forgotten. His laughter was music to my ears, a melody that made my heart skip a beat. But as the laughter faded, he grew quiet again, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

"This is why I need you," he said, his voice soft and sincere, accompanied by a gentle smile that tugged at my heart.

Thump, thump. My heart seemed to skip a beat, and for a moment, my mind went blank. I couldn't help but wonder which romance novel he had stolen that line from. But amidst the confusion, a flutter of excitement swept through me, and I found myself yearning to know more about this enigmatic boy standing before me.

"Jackson, honey, let's go," his mother's voice interrupted, breaking the spell that had wrapped around us. I turned to see Miles and Maddy, their mischievous expressions a clear indication that they would be teasing me about this moment later. Oh, how I wished I could painfully wax their eyebrows as punishment for intruding on what felt like a private, sacred moment.

"I have to go," Jackson said softly, and I nodded, stepping aside to let him pass. A mixture of sadness and anticipation welled up inside me. I longed to ask for his number, to find some way to prolong our connection beyond this fleeting encounter.

"See you in school!" he called out, his voice carrying a hint of excitement as he ran toward his mother.

Did he just say school?

"Mia, Mum just told me the news!" Maddy exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. She wore a wide smile that threatened to split her face in two.

"What news?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by her sudden enthusiasm.

"Jackson will be taking us to school, Mia! He's coming to Breston! Isn't that great? I'm positive he'll be in your class. It feels like we're living in a K-drama!" Maddy gushed, her words tumbling out in a torrent of excitement. She darted toward the door, leaving me standing there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

He's coming?

Holy shit!

......