Fixing You

41. Small Town

Mia was sitting in her office when she received a text from Carter. He sent her a photo to let her know that he was done building their new bed. It took up a huge space of her childhood bedroom but it looked nice and comfortable than compared to her single bed which they almost broke after a few weeks that Carter moved in with them.

Carter got a job at the thrift shop he had his eyes on before, and Dan was hired as a permanent staff at the town hall. Mia felt like Carter's presence usually means good luck. Everything felt like it's falling into place and finally coming together after he came around.

Although he did insist he did nothing much and Mia was just witnessing the fruits of her own effort. It was just that things became better with him around because when she lost her mind, he will be there to get her grounded. He was there to support her brother, too.

A knock on the door brought Mia back to reality. She put her phone aside and stood up as her colleague, Alex, walked in with a bouquet in his hand. "Are you busy?"

"No, I was taking a break," Mia said with a smile, "Wow, what are these flowers?"

"They're for you," Alex said, "Congratulations on getting promoted!"

"Oh, gosh! Thank you, but you didn't have to," Mia gasped, "Tulips, they're my favorite."

"I noticed," Alex shrugged as he pointed at the little tulips she got as her graduation bouquet, placed nicely in a vase on her desk. She took them around with her because they were given by Carter.

It wasn't her favorite until her man gifted them. Mia is a sucker for Carter Wilde - end of story.

"Do you have any plans this weekend?" Alex asked, "We're planning to celebrate your achievement at the club down town."

"Oh..." Mia pondered, "I'm sorry, but I have other plans. I also don't drink anymore so I didn't want to be a party pooper. You guys should enjoy."

Alex scoffed, "You - the Damian Faye, don't drink? What happened?"

"What do you mean?" Mia frowned.

"What?"

"You know me?"

"Of course," Alex frowned, "We went to the same school. I mean, there's no other schools in town... none that I know or ever heard of before."

Mia inhaled sharply. She forgot that Alex literally grew up in that town. "Right, of course. But I didn't know you until we met here. Are we the same age?"

"Wait, you don't know me?" Alex gasped, "Like, for real?"

Mia gaped at him and tried to dig into her memories but she couldn't recall ever meeting him. She shook her head in denial.

"Oh, my God!" Alex laughed, "Mia, I literally went to all the parties you attended. You really don't know me?"

"No," Mia chuckled nervously. "I don't really get along with anyone else but Pete and his friends."

"Look at me," Alex pointed at his face. "Maybe I look different but you'll remember if you think harder."

"I can't remember if you don't give me a hint, Alex. Help me remember."

Alex scoffed, "Okay, I used to live across the street and your mother would invite us over for dinner every now and then. Alex Dawson, Mia. Come on. Sophomore year? I was like this short guy and you were taller than me?"

Mia gaped at him. Sophomore year? She barely had recollection of school, let alone to recognize the people she hung out with. "I must've hit my head so badly at some point, but I don't remember. I'm so sorry. No wonder you were friendly to me."