THE DREADED DAY (4)

Mimi had been avoiding Lander for a long time, ever since he confessed his feelings for her. She didn’t know how to deal with his confession because she had a boyfriend she loved very much. But she also felt something for Lander that she couldn’t ignore or deny. She was a complicated girl who didn’t know what she wanted. She hoped that by staying away from Lander, she could forget about him and focus on her relationship.

But that didn’t work. She thought about him increasingly, wondering what it would be like to be with him. She felt guilty for betraying her boyfriend but was also curious about Lander. He was different from her boyfriend. He was adventurous, charming, and unpredictable. He made her feel things that she had never felt before. He made her feel alive.

‘Fei, I’m going to do it; give me some encouragement. ‘Mimi said nervously to her best friend Fei, who knew everything about her dilemma.

‘Do what? ‘Fei asked innocently, pretending not to know what Mimi was saying. She enjoyed teasing her friend and making her squirm. She also wanted to ensure that Mimi was ready to decide.

‘Don’t play dumb with me, Fei. You know very well what I mean. And stop making me more anxious than I already am. ‘Mimi said impatiently.

‘Fine, fine. Just go to him and tell him how you feel. He’s been waiting for your answer for too long. He deserves to know. Good luck. ‘Fei said vaguely, not wanting to influence Mimi’s choice. She knew that Mimi had to follow her heart, whatever that meant. Mimi rolled her eyes and walked away to find Lander, who was on the field for P.E. As she walked, she had conflicting thoughts: Why are you doing this, Mimi? Turn back now, Mimi. No, no, go for it, Mimi.

‘Hey Mimi, I didn’t expect to see you here for P.E. You’ve been busy lately, haven’t you? Even though we’re in the same class, I hardly see you around. ‘Lander said, surprising Mimi out of her thoughts. He smiled when he saw her, his eyes sparkling with excitement and affection. He had missed her so much.’ Ummm yeah, sorry about that. I had a lot going on, that’s why. And sorry for seeming like I was hiding from you. ‘Mimi said, fidgeting with her wristwatch. She felt nervous and awkward around him. She didn’t know how to act or what to say.

‘It’s okay, I understand. But I’m glad you’re here. It makes me happy. And I hope you have an answer for me now. ‘Lander said with hope in his eyes. He had been waiting for her response since he told her how he felt about her. He loved her more than anything and wanted to be with her.

‘Yeah, and it’s a yes. I’ll be your girlfriend, and you’ll be my boyfriend. ‘Mimi finally said it without overthinking about her words’ consequences or implications.

‘Really? Seriously? Will you be my girlfriend? ‘Lander said with joy in his voice. He couldn’t believe his ears. He thought she would reject him, tell him she needed more time or love someone else.

‘Yes, I’m your girlfriend now. You can show me off to everyone as much as you want.’ Mimi said with a hint of flirtation in her voice. She felt a rush of adrenaline and excitement as she said those words. She felt like she was taking a risk, a leap of faith. She felt like she was choosing happiness over security. She felt like she was choosing Lander over her boyfriend. Lander was stunned by her answer. He didn’t expect her to accept him so easily. He thought he would have to convince her, prove himself, or fight for her. But he was happy too. He was overjoyed. He hugged her tightly and kissed her passionately before letting her go. Mimi was speechless, and everyone cheered for them. Mimi walked away with a blush and butterflies in her stomach. She thought to herself: I think this semester will be more interesting than I thought.

(Word count: 726)