Falling For Jackson Again ✓

9| MIXED FEELINGS

MIA

"Wait, you had a date with Jackson and you didn't tell us!" Ariel's voice boomed through the video group chat, causing me to wince.

"Relax, Ariel," Sydney chimed in, her tone hinting at a sly smile. "Can't blame Mia, though. Being around Jackson can make anyone's brain go fuzzy."

Well, she wasn't entirely wrong.

Clearing my throat, I sat up on the bed. "I...uh...didn't exactly plan on it," I admitted, feeling their eyes roll in unison. "Okay, maybe just a little."

"So, do you like him?" Ariel asked eagerly, her excitement practically tangible.

"Oh, no, it's not like that," I replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, it was kind of awkward at first because...well, I accidentally saw him shirtless–"

"What?!" My body jolted in surprise, almost causing me to lose my balance.

"Okay, hold on," Sydney interrupted, her giggles barely contained. "Start from the beginning. You saw him shirtless? What were you guys doing?"

"You and Miles seriously need help," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "I was searching for him, and when I couldn't find him in his room, I decided to look around. Then, out of nowhere, he came out of the bathroom..."

"Dripping wet?" Ariel raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Yeah," I replied, my cheeks flushing at the vivid memory of his appearance. I couldn't help but recall how he looked, his skin radiating, the way his pink lips parted in a mixture of surprise and awe upon seeing me, and above all, the sight of his abs. I gulped.

I couldn't forget them if I tried.

"Okay, spill it," Ariel demanded, bringing me back to reality. "How many was it?"

"Huh? Oh, um..." I stammered, momentarily lost in thought. " I... couldn't tell because I ran away but let's just say... It was something,"

"I'm dying to know right now!" Ariel flopped back onto her bed, her excitement palpable even through the screen.

"Well, it's getting late, and don't forget Mia has another date tomorrow," Sydney reminded, causing Ariel to sit back up abruptly. "Oh, right! He's picking you up, isn't he?" Ariel frowned, her gaze fixed on me.

"Yes, I don't know what to do. I can't understand why they don't like each other. I mean, guys form bromances faster than girls," I remarked, standing up to switch off the lights in my room. I couldn't help but notice how late it was. My mom had always been strict about conserving electricity, allowing only the light in my younger brother Max's room to remain on.

"Who knows," Sydney murmured, stifling a yawn. "Mia, I'm getting sleepy. Why don't we continue this conversation tomorrow?"

"Let's meet up at her place. It'll be fun. We'll help you prepare for your first date, so get some rest and sleep early!" Ariel enthusiastically instructed. Sydney and I nodded in agreement. They bid their goodbyes, and I settled back into bed.

"Will he still call?" I whispered into the darkness as it enveloped my room, with only the soft glow of the full moon casting ethereal shadows. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I hadn't given him my number, and I hadn't mustered the courage to ask for his. "Ughhh, what's wrong with you, Mia?! Why couldn't you ask for his number?" I groaned in frustration, hitting my hands and legs against the mattress. Just then, my phone began to ring.

Without bothering to glance at the caller ID, I answered, assuming it was Ariel. "Ariel, I thought we said–" A deep, melodic laugh silenced me. I raised my head immediately, staring at the unknown number displayed on the screen.