In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 23

Mia walked into her apartment, the door closing softly behind her. Each step toward her room felt heavy, her thoughts circling back to Mason. She reached her bed and fell onto it, staring at the ceiling. His words kept echoing in her mind: "Don't tell Detective Jonathan. I don't need more people in trouble."

Her chest tightened, and she turned on her side, curling up as if trying to hide from the truth. She had always hoped that wherever Mason was, he was happy. But seeing him now, realizing that despite his new life, something was wrong—it crushed her. He smiled, sure, but there was something in his eyes, a silent plea.

"Does he need help? Was it my fault for bringing the past back to him?" she thought, tears stinging her eyes. Mason had changed, and his words felt like a barrier. He didn't want her to get involved, but how could she just walk away?

Mia pressed her face into the pillow, fighting the overwhelming urge to cry. She couldn't shake the heartbreak, the shock. It was like losing him all over again.

~~~~~
Next week...
Mia walked through the door, feeling the chill of December still lingering on her skin. The apartment was filled with warm light, and cheerful music blared from the living room, setting an upbeat holiday tone. As she stepped in, her eyes landed on Daisy and Tanya laughing by the Christmas tree, tangled in string lights and ornaments. The festive spirit hit her immediately—it was impossible not to feel the joy in the air.

"Hey, you're just in time!" Tanya waved, balancing on her tiptoes to hang a glittery ornament on the highest branch. The tree was already half-covered in decorations, a mix of colorful baubles and personal trinkets, giving it a lively, cluttered look.

Daisy, grinning, moved to the kitchen counter, where she placed huge mugs on the table. She reached for the milk to make hot chocolate. "Perfect timing, Mia! I'm making the world's best hot chocolate," she said, shaking the milk carton for emphasis.

Mia set her bag down and smiled. "Looks like I walked in at the right time," she said, eyeing the nearly finished tree.

Daisy, suddenly glancing over at her with a mischievous glint in her eye, raised an eyebrow. "You never told me you like Lucas," she teased, pouring the milk into a pot and stirring it slowly. Tanya let out a soft laugh from the tree.

Mia blinked, caught off guard. "What?" she stammered, her cheeks warming despite the cold outside. "Who said I like Lucas?"

"Well," Daisy smiled, stirring the hot chocolate, "he told me you two hit it off on my birthday and asked me to give you his number. I didn't know you'd actually like him."

Mia froze, her thoughts scrambling. Wait what?

She blinked, trying to remember. She had talked to Lucas at Daisy's birthday party, but liking him? That wasn't how she remembered it. Did I miss something?

She looked at Daisy, her confusion growing. "Hold on, Lucas asked you to give me his number?"

Daisy laughed softly, setting down the spoon. "Yeah, didn't I tell you? He thought you were really cool. You didn't seem interested, though, so I didn't push it." She paused, eyeing Mia with a grin. "But now I'm thinking there's more to the story."

Mia shook her head, still confused. "I mean, he was nice, but I didn't realize he thought... I don't even know what to say."

Tanya burst out laughing from the tree. "Mia, you're adorable. You seriously didn't catch on?"

Mia stared at Daisy, trying to process everything. Was it a sign that Lucas wanted to stay in contact with her? She thought she had left that interaction behind, but clearly, Lucas had other plans.

"Well," she started hesitantly, glancing at Daisy, "we did have a good time, but I don't know if it's really... feelings." She shrugged, trying to keep it casual.

"Oh, because he told me you kissed him," Daisy said with a casual shrug, as if it was no big deal.

Mia froze, her face turning bright red. This jerk really decided to go that far just to get my number?! She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Um, ahem... He told me he wouldn't tell anyone about it," she lied, feeling the embarrassment creep in as she realized Lucas had come up with that lie. Seriously, Lucas?

Daisy raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Damn... don't tell me you're actually thinking about going for someone like that."

Mia sighed, her mind racing. "He's actually not so bad," she said, trying to cover for him. "I think we did get along."

Inside, though, she was fuming. What the heck is wrong with Lucas? she thought, frustration bubbling up. Making up a lie like that? But outwardly, she forced a smile. "Fine, whatever. Let's be real. I guess he's got feelings. Send me his number."

Daisy, still shocked, nodded slowly, pulling out her phone. "Alright, but I'm keeping an eye on this. He better not pull more stunts like that."

Mia smiled back, but in her head, she couldn't shake the irritation. Lucas, what were you thinking when you told her that, you jerk?