I stood in my spot dumbfounded, I couldn't believe Mitchell just walked away without as much as an explanation of who that woman was. I accepted that I played a role in our ugly fight but Mitchell made things worse by leaving.
The lump in my throat grew and my vision blurred with tears. I didn't think I was entirely out of line by asking for an explanation and not once did I accuse him of infidelity yet he acted out that way. Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks as I stood immobile and stared at the front door. I didn't know why I was surprised that he walked away during a fight because he'd done that many times before but it was the first time since... since he called me his Milo.
A small part of me wanted to run after him to make him talk this out like mature adults but I also refused to move because this time he was more wrong than me. We weren't perfect but, despite how I felt when I saw the text, I did my best to stay calm and address the situation maturely. Mitchell heard Leo lived in the same building as me and lost his cool immediately.
I understood that I should've told him about Leo but if I had the chance to, I would've. Mitchell had been so busy lately that there were times I felt like a burden to him just for talking over the phone. If I thought about it, there was a slight shift in our relationship and it was mainly because of distance and lack of communication.
My mind played out our argument and I understood why it might've come off that I didn't trust him. But he completely disregarded how I told him that I trusted him just before our fight and straight away got defensive. I wasn't an expert on human behavior but knew enough to understand that when someone got overly defensive, they were guilty of something.
Mitchell refused to explain his relationship with Kelsey Campbell, instead, he pointed fingers and turned our argument into something else entirely. This was unlike the Mitchell I spent the last two months with, I thought he made progress in terms of his temper and relationship ethic. In Orlando, he was so understanding and completely honest without any questions so I had no idea what happened to him today.
Could this new person who goes by the name of Kelsey Campbell have brought about this change? Is there something more there that he doesn't want to tell me out of guilt? Is that why he rushed here to relieve some of his guilt? Is that why before we could even talk, he pounced me like a gorilla on heat? Was that a way to make himself feel better for what might've possibly happened in Miami?
My mind was my number one enemy at that moment. I shook away baseless thoughts and figured there was no point in torturing myself over questions that I was never going to get answered. With a shaky breath, I glanced once more at the door with a slight hope that Mitchell would've walked back in but after a minute too long, I knew it was futile.
"He ended it..." More tears rolled down my cheeks as I dragged my feet to the couch. "He ended us," I choked out as I sat down, pulled my knees to my chest, and buried my face in my palms.
I hated how pathetic and upset I felt over this, not only did it hurt that he walked out without explaining his actions, he let me down... again. The way I felt reminded me that Mitchell wasn't perfect and was very much capable of inflicting pain as he was loving me. It took me back to the time he left after my accident; I knew Dad had a huge role to play in that but Mitchell wasn't innocent either.
My chest felt heavy and I tried my best not to break down, although the tears still fell. I couldn't stop playing back our fight, I couldn't believe Mitchell called me toxic and compared me to Liza. I tried my best to understand the situation but he blew it out of proportion and typically walked away. Only this time, it might've been for good.
My thoughts were put to a halt when I heard my phone ring, a small ray of hope filled my heart and I quickly sat straight and searched for my phone. As I rummaged my fingers over the soft fabric of the sofa in search of the ringing device, my heart raced in hopes that Mitchell's name flashed on the screen.
I found my phone in-between the cushions and my heart sank when Dad's name flashed on the screen. I sniffed, wiped away my tears, and cleared my throat before I answered. "Hi, Dad."
"Hi, sweetheart, where are..." Dad trailed off and continued after a long moment, "Millie, are you alright? You sound upset."
He knows me well.
"I'm fine," I forced a smile even though he couldn't see me. "I just woke up from a nap."
"Are you sure that's it?" Das sounded skeptical.
"Of course," I smoothly lied. "I've been catching up on some sleep."
"Alright," Dad didn't sound convinced but he thankfully let it go. "I hope I didn't disturb you?"
"Not at all," I wasn't entirely dishonest – I needed a break from my racing thoughts.
"Mandy and I were just saying how much we miss you and thought if you didn't have any other plans, you should join us for dinner."
A small smile grew over my lips, I missed them too and perhaps needed to distract my mind and surround myself with family. But a part of me also wanted to just be alone even though it probably wasn't the best thing at that moment.
"Um, sure," I agreed. "I miss you guys too. I'll freshen up and come over."
"Shall I pick you up?"
"No, I'll take a cab."
"I'll send Patrik." Dad's tone left no room for arguments.
I didn't have the will to argue so I easily agreed and hung up. I glanced at the phone screen and noticed all the missed calls from Mitchell. Just a few hours ago, he was desperate to hear my voice, to hold me, feel me and be with me so how was it so easy for him to walk away?
I glanced at our picture on my home screen and wondered how things unraveled. We were so happy and content in Europe but ever since we got back, we somehow picked up some bump or the other along the way. I was fairly new to the kind of relationship I had with Mitchell but also never thought we'd have so many issues that early on.
Stop. Mitchell walked out and I refuse to mope about him for another minute. If anyone needs to fix this right now, he needs to take initiative. I've wasted way too many tears on him already.
After I freshened up, I grabbed my phone and keys and left – the sooner I was out, the better. I wasn't sure if avoiding my feelings was a good idea but I needed to occupy myself for a while or I would've drowned in a pool of heartbreak and self-pity. I practiced a convincing smile as I locked up and mentally prepared myself to be my normal, cheery self so no one at home, especially Dad, would catch on that something was wrong.
Even though on the outside, I came off as poker-faced, I still felt anxious. My heart beat a little faster and every time my phone vibrated, I had a small hope it was Mitchell.
I came to an abrupt stop in the building foyer when I almost bumped into Leo.
"We have got to stop meeting like this," Leo mused as he gripped my shoulders to stop a collision.
My mind was so preoccupied that I didn't see where I walked and almost slammed into him. However, I was relieved to see my best friend. "Leo," I breathed and resisted the urge to hug him.
"Mila," Leo drawled and his brown eyes shadowed by his furrowed dark brows read my features. "Why do you look as if you're seeing me for the first time?"
I gulped and tried to act as normal as possible, although a part of me wanted to confide in him as I used to in the past. "I barely see you these days so it feels that way."
"We saw each other this morning."
"Yeah, but you know what I mean," I felt a lump grow in my throat again as I was reminded that when I saw Leo earlier, Mitchell was still here and things were somewhat okay.
"Do you want to grab coffee or lunch?" The part of me that wanted to confide in him blurted. "It would be nice to talk."
"Umm," Leo let go of me and scratched the corner of his mouth. "Do you have anything important or urgent to talk about?"
How does it matter? I thought we were best friends and I never needed a reason to talk to you. Besides that, weren't you able to read me better than anyone else?
I took a moment to read his body language and I was no expert but Leo really didn't want to spend another minute around me. It hurt to see him drift away but I plastered on a smile and playfully punched his arm. "Nah, I'm bored and wanted to mess with you about those tampons."
"In that case, I'm very busy," Leo teased back.
The lump in my throat grew, it appeared I was on the verge of losing two of the most important people in my life. "Well, I'm off to spend time with my family, I'll see you around."
"Have fun," Leo half waved and without waiting for me to respond, he walked off.
I turned and watched him walk towards the elevator without a second glance my way. I had no idea what was wrong with Leo but he grew further and further away from me every time I saw him and it damn well hurt.
"We missed you!" Mandy engulfed me in a bone-crushing hug as soon as I entered the house.
"I saw you guys two weeks ago," I grinned when she pulled away.
"That was way too long," Mandy held my shoulders and warmly smiled. "Damien keeps looking for excuses to bring you home that today he I told him just to call and invite you over."
"Speaking of Dad, where is he?"
"Out back with Winston," Mandy replied. "Go say hi while I finish up in the kitchen."
"Winston?" I muttered under my breath. "Is that your new name for one of the twins?"
Mandy was about to reply but her phone rang. "Speak of the devil, Dave is calling."
Mandy walked off to attend her call, it seemed Dave was no longer grounded as he was allowed to go out again. I was told that Eric was out for the weekend with friends too so it was just Mandy, Dad, and me for dinner.
I admired the beauty of the backyard and appreciated the way the warm sun kissed my skin as I walked out towards where I spotted Dad. His back was to me and by his posture, I assumed he was busy with something on his phone.
"Hola," I greeted as cheerily as I could when I was within hearing distance.
"Millie!" A wide smile brightened Dad's features.
I was ready to hug him but the little figure that quietly sat at his feet caught my attention. If I had to imagine myself with heart eyes it was probably when I took in the adorable little fella. "You got a puppy!"
With my arms extended towards the little guy, I kneeled and petted him. "Aren't you the cutest thing ever," I cooed.
"Technically Mandy got him," Dad mused. "She saw him and couldn't resist; she mentioned the house was getting quiet without you kids around."
"Can I pick him up?"
"Hi," I lifted the little fawn and white-colored guy with a wrinkly face and chubby belly. "You must be Winston, I'm Mila."
Winston was an English Bulldog and he looked like a real-life plushie, he had to have been the most adorable puppy I'd ever laid eyes on. As I held and petted him, I forgot all about the events of the day and was engrossed in the little guy.
"I see you've taken a liking to animals," Dad kneeled beside me and patted Winston's head.
"I mean," I glanced doe-eyed at Dad and then back at Winston who licked my palm. "Who wouldn't fall in love with him?"
"How old is he and when did you get him?"
"He's ten weeks and we got him last week."
"How did you agree to this?" I couldn't help but ask. Dad never had any pets; in fact, I'd never seen him show affection for any kind of animal in my life.
"I didn't," he replied. "Mandy insisted we keep him for a trial run."
A knowing smile grew on my lips. "You're keeping him, aren't you?"
Dad sighed and lifted the glasses off the bridge of his nose. "As you said, who can resist him?"
"Yay!" I cheered and offered my palm for Winston to put his paw in. "Ay mi amor," I cooed and brought his face closer to mine. "Ven a mi."
"If I knew you were so fond of puppies, I'd have gotten you one long back," Dad mused with a chuckle.
"I had one when I was a kid but he died," I sadly said as I focused all my attention on Winston. "Until right now, no other puppy has ever stolen my heart."
I ran my fingertips over his soft fur and chortled at the many wrinkles over his back. Winston was a chubby little guy who appeared sleepy as I petted him.
I sat crossed-legged on the grass, placed Winston on my lap, and caressed his fur. "¿Tienes sueño, hmm?"
"He probably is," Dad said. "He's been running around the yard all morning."
"Dave and Eric must love him."
"Eric can't get enough of him and Dave seems indifferent."
"Well, Dave lacks taste," I blew an air kiss at Winston as his eyelids slowly closed. "You'll win him over soon, won't you Winnie?"
"Winnie?" Dad asked.
"It's short for Winston and he's as adorable as Winnie the Pooh."
I spent the rest of the afternoon with Winston, Dad, and Mandy. I helped Mandy prepare dinner and filled her in on life as a medical intern while Dad sat at the island and listened. I was glad I decided to accept Dad's invite, their presence occupied my mind and even though most of my smiles were forced, I still felt a lot better than when I was alone.
However, there was still a pang in my chest and every time my phone vibrated, my heart raced. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't get the events of earlier out of my head. After dinner, I made my way out to feed Winston while Dad helped Mandy clear up.
I petted the top of Winston's head while he cutely ate his dinner. I couldn't help but smile when I spent time with him and knew that he already made his way into my heart.
"I see he likes you as much as you like him." I glanced up and noticed Dad standing beside me with his hands in his pockets.
"Don't be surprised if I take him back with me."
"Or you can just stay home tonight," Dad offered. "This house is getting way too big just for the two of us."
The idea appealed to me and sounded a lot better than moping alone in my apartment. I smiled up at Dad, "I think I'll do that."
Once Winston was done with his dinner, he walked over to his bed, curled up into a little fluff ball, and dozed off. I couldn't help but laugh at how adorable he looked. "He enjoys sleeping."
"Way too much," Dad chuckled. "Want to go for a walk? Like old times?"
I happily agreed and with my arm looped through his, Dad and I walked through the vast garden. We exchanged small talk until the sudden urge to talk about Mitchell's family surfaced. I knew Dad never liked Mason and his dislike went deeper than just Carly choosing Mason in the end – Dad despised him from high school. He also always used the phrase that the apple never fell far from the tree and feared Mitchell would only break my heart.
Perhaps he wasn't wrong about that.
"Dad, can I ask you something?" I broke the comfortable silence, stopped walking, pulled my arm out of his, and took a seat on one of the outdoor chairs.
"Of course," Dad took a seat next to me.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want to but I can't help but wonder why you never liked Mason Clarke. What exactly was it about him that created such animosity?"
Dad didn't expect such a question, he tensed up slightly and he looked more like businessman Damien Brinson than my dad. He took in a breath, removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and put them back on. "You're taking me down memory lane."
"You don't have to answer if it brings up unwanted memories," I assured him.
"It doesn't," Dad stated. "Thinking back to high school seems like decades ago."
"It was."
Dad shot me a look and I apologized with a sheepish grin in response. "Ah Mason Clarke," Dad sighed. "He was the most obnoxious, cocky asshole I'd ever met."
Safe to say I perceived Mitchell the same way once upon a time.
"That can't be a reason to hate someone."
"Hate is a strong word although I think there was a time, I did hate him," Dad replied.
I wanted to ask if it was because of Carly but didn't want to go there. "And now?"
Dad shrugged. "I feel indifferent. Until I found out you were staying with the Clarke's, I never even thought about them."
"And now you hate Mitchell."
"I don't hate him," Dad honestly said. "He's just a kid but I can't say I particularly like him either." Dad paused and looked at me for a moment. "What I mean is, I don't want him to hurt you in any way."
"Why do you always assume he'd hurt me?" I asked. "Is it because he's a Clarke?"
"I used to believe that but it would be very unfair to judge someone based on their last name," Dad earnestly said. "Although, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a slight fear that he might be a lot like his father was back in the day."
"And just what was Mason like?" I finally got to ask what I'd been dying to know. If I knew what Mason was like, perhaps I could've understood what possible traits Mitchell had. I couldn't conclude that Mitchell was a replica of who his father once was but it would've given me some sort of idea.
"Honestly? He treated girls like crap in high school and I heard even after that," Dad replied. "Carly and Mason had many fights and major mishaps because of how much he messed up. They went days, weeks, and even months without speaking at times."
"Their biggest fallout was when Mason got close to Carly under the pretext of a bet. The terms were so despicable that Carly decided to walk away from him for good but life had other plans and she thought Mason had changed."
"He used women?" I couldn't help but ask. "Or just treated his girlfriends badly?"
"He never believed in relationships, he only ever wanted one thing and then left without even bothering to remember a name."
I didn't like what I heard nor could I believe it. The Mason I knew was nothing like what I just heard, he was a gentleman who loved Carly and his family with all his heart.
"Carly and Mason grew close after Mason's grandfather died, she fell for him and just as she was ready to open up about it, news broke he got a girl pregnant."
My eyebrows shot up; I vaguely knew the story of how there was a misunderstanding that Mason's goddaughter was once thought to be his daughter. "Macy."
"Yeah, I think that was her name," Dad mused. "Turned out she was Mason's best friend's daughter but by the time it was revealed, a heartbroken Carly already left the country."
"And that's when you met her."
Dad nodded. "Yeah, but we don't need to get into all that, you know how it turned out and I wouldn't change that for the world."
"Imagine if things worked out differently," I mused. "I wouldn't have even been here today."
"Which is why I say I wouldn't change a thing about the past. You, your brothers, and Mandy mean the world to me."
I smiled warmly at Dad and admired the growth we had in our relationship. He used to be so cold and closed off that it was enlightening to see him openly express his feelings.
I pursed my lips and thought about how to word my next sentence so Dad wouldn't suspect anything. "And you think Mitchell is like Mason?"
A frown grew over Dad's forehead. "Did something happen between you?"
I shook my head and lied, "no, I'm just trying to understand your... negative feelings towards Mitch and his family."
Dad took in a breath turned in his seat to face me. "My biggest concern is you; I want you to always be happy. From what I can tell thus far, the boy isn't much like how Mason once was, he cares deeply for you and has good morals."
"Mason wasn't a good person back in the day, he was entitled, selfish, and arrogant if I'm honest but he was also just a kid. I can tell that he's grown and his family means a lot to him now, people change and I've learned that you can't conclude what type of person someone is based on their family background."
Unknowingly, Dad gave some great advice and made me see that Mitchell was nothing like how Dad described Mason. I felt foolish to even doubt that Mitchell was a person who slept around for the heck of it. I trusted that he didn't cheat on me but it also bugged me that he refused to disclose who Kelsey Campbell was.
"You've grown too, Dad," I smiled. "I'm proud of you."
By the way Dad smiled, I could tell my compliment meant a lot to him. "I guess you're never too old to learn and grow, eh?"
"Nope."
"Come on, are you up for some ice cream?" Dad stood. "I know a place that has the best gelato."
I was more than eager to go for a drive with Dad and get ice cream. There was a time we could barely hold a conversation and now it felt like second nature to be around him.
***
"Still no word from him?"
With a sad sigh, I shook my head as I locked my phone and dropped it on the table. Wang, who sat across me with an iced Americano in front of him wore a pitiful look on his face. "I'm not mourning, don't look at me like that."
"You look miserable."
It had been three days since Mitchell stormed out of my apartment. I wanted to reach out to him but something held me back. Perhaps it was my ego that spoke but I believed that since Mitchell abruptly left, it was his job to reach out first. I found my finger lingering over his contact multiple times but couldn't bring myself to press call or drop a text.
His silence was torturous, he didn't text nor did he reach out in any way. I knew he was back safe and sound in LA because Faith called and subtly mentioned that Owen bumped into Mitchell. Owen wasn't aware of how things were between Mitchell and me because Faith didn't say anything and I didn't inform her either. Truthfully, I didn't know what exactly was going on with us, all I knew was the situation triggered my anxiety.
"I'll be fine," I brushed off Wang's statement and sipped on coffee.
"Mils," Wang pulled his chair closer and placed his hand over mine. "Call him."
"Why should I break the ice?" I snapped. "He walked out instead of answering my question, I didn't accuse him of shit but he got overly defensive. Why would someone do that if they weren't guilty of anything?"
"Stop jumping to conclusions," Wang calmly said. "I don't know the full situation but what I do know is that distance and lack of communication built many emotions and it took one misunderstanding to trigger you both. Hence the blown out of proportion fight, things kept piling on, emotions of longing and jealousy grew. Your fight wasn't based on one thing but many."
"He walked out, Jimmy," I swallowed a lump in my throat. "He said he can't do this anymore, walked away, and till now hasn't bothered to reach out."
With my heart, I sunk on my chair. "I think it's over."
"I don't think so," Wang softly said. "I think he's more miserable than you and doesn't know how to face you again."
"He could start by clarifying who Kelsey Campbell is."
"Do you honestly believe he cheated on you?"
I huffed and immediately shook my head. "No."
Wang's watch buzzed, he glanced at it and then at me apologetically. "I've got to go but I hate leaving you like this."
"No, I'm fine. I've got a presentation after this anyway," I assured him with a smile.
"I'm just a call away, let me know if you need me," Wang squeezed my hand and got up.
I was grateful to be able to share my feelings with Wang, he never passed any judgment and listened. Wang offered good advice but never imposed at the same time. I knew he had a point in what he said but couldn't think about my relationship at that moment.
Later that night, I sat on my bed crossed-legged after a shower. My day was so busy that I didn't have time to think about anything else. I had another bad encounter with Dr. Nowak who accused me of not being diligent with one of my patients. Of course, he overreacted but I took it with a grain of salt and apologized.
I hadn't seen Leo since I bumped into him in the foyer over the weekend, I had the urge to call or go over but felt unwelcome. It was pretty lonely and my thoughts were my biggest enemy, I fiddled with the charms on the bracelet Mitchell got me and reminisced about what each meant.
I hate you but I also miss you, Bitchell.
My thumb danced over the keypad of my phone and I was very tempted to send him a strongly worded text but didn't have the guts to do it. The last message he sent was asking me to answer my phone, in a matter of hours, everything went downhill.
I tossed my phone aside, ran a hand through my hair, and deeply sighed. "What do I do?"
My stomach grumbled and after my coffee break with Wang earlier, I hadn't eaten a thing. It was already almost nine PM so I decided to head into the kitchen to grab a quick bite. Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang.
I contemplated if food or a phone call was more important but given my job, I thought I'd check who called. I dived on my bed and extended my arm to grab the phone, I sat up straight and a deep frown coated my features as Carly's name flashed on the screen.
I grew a little worried because it was odd for Carly to call, I could've counted the times she called me on one hand. I slid my finger across the screen and brought the phone to my ears, "Hi, Carly."
"Mila, it's Mitchell..."