8

Chapter 8

The following days were very eventful. Mia stayed close by Sophie during classes and they spent a lot of time together. At night they would go out for dinner or walk around town and catch up. Mia learned a few things about Sophie. Sophie loved to sing, which amazed Mia since she knew nothing about music. She knew that Sophie was an excellent cook and liked reading novels and movies. She also loved going to concerts, art shows and museums. Sophia seemed pretty shy and reserved but Mia saw beneath that tough exterior and decided that Sophia deserved happiness after everything she had been through.

A couple of evenings later they were walking along a quiet street, watching children play and enjoying the evening. Mia kept looking back and forth from side to side searching for someone. Suddenly, a boy came around the corner carrying a soccer ball under his arm. He was tall and muscular and wore a white t-shirt and blue jeans. His jet black hair framed his handsome face and sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. Seeing Mia staring at him, the boy suddenly lifted his head and locked eyes with hers. Mia noticed how beautiful his hazel eyes were and how bright they shone against his fair complexion.

She froze as she stared at him.

After a long awkward silence he finally managed to stutter out, 'Um, h-hello." His voice sounded rough and dry. She noticed that his eyes were red from being constantly wiping his tears.

Realizing that no answer was going to be given he awkwardly continued, "My name is Alex."

"Hi, Alex," she responded, still staring. She wondered why he had asked her to wait for him there, it wasn't as though either of them lived near each other. Why did he care?

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked her, confused and trying hard to mask the disappointment he felt. She couldn't believe how happy she made him upset.

"I live down there," she replied, pointing down the street. He nodded and turned away. "Alex, please talk to me. I don't know what has happened to upset you like this but if you tell me, I can help you."

"You don't know anything," he snapped angrily and ran off down the sidewalk.

"Please, Alex!" she shouted after him. She waited several minutes before turning back to look down the street where she had seen Alex disappear. As she turned her head she was surprised to see Victor standing there with his arms crossed. A look of annoyance appeared on his face.

"That's enough, Mia." His voice was sharp.

Shocked and confused at his abrupt tone of voice, she asked, "What's wrong with him?" She gestured toward the spot where Alex disappeared a moment ago.

Victor sighed loudly and began walking in the direction Alex had gone. "Let's go."

As they approached the end of the street Mia saw Alex sitting on the steps of one of the houses nearby. He was staring blankly ahead with a sad expression on his face. She hurried over to him and sat beside him. When she reached out to place a hand on his shoulder he flinched slightly, causing her to pull her hand back quickly. She was afraid that she may have scared him somehow.

He finally turned to face her and his expression softened when he looked at her. For some reason she found herself drawn to those beautiful hazel eyes of his. Something about Alex made her feel safe and secure and for whatever reason she didn't trust anyone else with that part of her life.

"Hey there. Sorry I didn't get here sooner. It's really important that we talk," she said softly.

He nodded slowly, "I figured that's what you wanted to do when you called me.