Chapter 4

Ki and I stood there in silence as Mia was in the ladies. All he can do is glare at me, but why?

"Will you quit staring at me me like that, Freddy!" Kian shouted

"Sorry Egan, theres no need to shout!"

"Im not shouting!"

"Sounds that way to me! So what are you glaring at me like that for?" Then I changed topics. "And isnt she a babe?"

"Shes pretty, yes. But Mark shes coming. Be nice, okay?" Kian whispered as Mia approached to the table.

"Hey guys, miss me?" Mia said as she sat down on the chair between us.

"Are you okay, Mia? You were in the loo for sometime." I asked her since I can still see some mascara on her cheek and shes wiping off.

"Yeah, yeah. Im fine. Just a bit tired."

"Must be jetlagged, I bet."

"Yeah. I barely slept. So what did you guys talked about while I was gone?"

Okay, give her a good excuse. "Nothing really." Mia just rolled her eyes. "So hows the nightlife in New York?"

"Its alright. Just wish I was 21 already to go in. But theres a couple I know and they can get a bit wild."

"Sound cool. We should come over and see ya sometime." Cool, a night partying in the city that never sleeps with a gorgous babe. Couldnt get any better.

"Wow, I never really realized how much I really lost my accent."

"Yeh, Mia. But you never forget yer roots." I smiled at her. I really think that American accent is so cute.

"Don't worry, Mark. I never did." All of a sudden, she began to blush. She really look so beautiful when she blushes. I wonder.....what shed be like in bed. No. I got Gemma. Bet that Mia cant give me better head than her. Then I noticed Kian spaced out. Ever since talking about New York nightclubs, hes been in his own little world.

"Egan. Earth to Egan!" I waved my hand afront of his face. "Egan, wake up old man. Youre miles away over there." I kicked his shin under the table, hoping he can get out of it.

"Hey, dont do that!" Mia shouted, but laughed. But it was too late.

"OW! Wot was THAT for?!" Mia and I just laughed. "Freddy you are so annoying!"

"Mark, dont hurt Kian." Mia suggested.

"Haha, Ki gotta have a woman to protect ya now eh mate? Well, its all downhill from ere!" I just love winding Kian up. Hey, if he winds me up all time, then tonight is his turn. "But you love me anyway."

"Alrighty, stop acting childish you two!" Mia was trying to break the peace.

"Aye, aye mam! Sorry." I gave her a wink.

"Were mature adults, remember?"

"You and I might be, Mia. As for Egan, over there," I pointed at him, "nae chance mate!"

"I am! Dunno about him." He then snorted. We just continued to laugh. "Oh fuck off!"

"Snorting in front of a lady now, are ya? You Egans never cared much for manners!" I look at Mia for her approval. Just noticing her cute laugh...wow she look so beautiful when she does that nose thingy.

"Oh shut it, Feehily! Im not even gonna stoop to your level."

"Alrighty! Alrighty!" Mia pushed us away, still laughing. "Really, thats enough! Im dying here with this!" She just laughed and laughed.

"Ok, ok sorry Mia. Ill try to refrain from commenting on his complete lack of manners."

"Its okay, Mark. Its okay." She stared into my blue eyes as I look into her brown ones. Im feeling the same way I felt a while ago while she and Kian were in the bar. I couldnt take me eyes away from hers. Oh I want her....I really want her. Finally she spoke again, very softly. "So..."

"So..." I finally spoke, in that same tone of voice. I look down and see that my little friend down there is peaking. Oh if only it wasnt for Gemma, Id be having her right now in the toilets. Ooh, I would give her the best fuck of her life. "Erm....Mia, Kian, Ill be right back. Headin to the loo."

"She will but I wont." Kian replied as he took his jacket. "Ill see ya later." At that, he left.

"Go ahead. Ill get a desert for myself."

"Alright. Ill be back in a few."

Chapter 5

I finally headed back from the loo. What is happening between us? Its been almost 5 years since we seen each other and Im lusting over her. Why does she look so beautful? I went to the chair and sat next to her. I never really noticed how beautiful her brown eyes really are. Its brown with a speck of gold. But she almost looks like shes on the verge of tears.

"So hows your band doing?" Mia asked.

I was more than happy about talking about it. I went on and on about the band and its members. I showed her a picture of the band. She thought everyone looked cute.

"Wow, Shane changed since the last time I saw him. And the other 2 blondes, well they look like Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys." Mia giggled.

"Well, soon well be nicking all their fans."

Then she slapped my arm. "Hey, dont tease my Backies. I like them."

The moment she slapped me, I felt so electricfied by her touch. "Still violent as always, arent ye?"

"Don't mess with a New Yorker!"

"Oooh, Im not sure I wanna find out whats next then." I pretended to be scared, but all she can do is turn away. "Awww, luv. I dont mean it like that." I tugged her top to make her turn back around.

"I wouldnt grab that if I were you." Mia warned me as she continues to act stubborn.

"Grab what?" I laughed naughtigly. Hope she understand naughty Irish humor, not that I don't mind grabbing a few things on her. Ok, Mark. Stop thinking about how she can be in bed. Think something innocent to talk about. "So.....you recognise good ol Sligo?"

"You mean sleepy Sligo? To be honest, I forgot most of the city." She sounded more relaxed and in ease. "Except for one major place....my favorite place..."

"Which is?"

"You know...." She turned around very slowly and smiled at me.

"Hazelwoods?" I look at her in awe. I cant help it of leaning closer to her. Then I whispered in her ear. "Am I right?"

"Does this face tell you something?" Mia whispered back. "Its just that Sligo seems so foregin to me.

"Yeh, a lot of things have changed I supposed." I pulled back and look at her.

"I know. I mean, Ive changed."

"But some things never does though. Do you fancy a walk in Hazelwoods sometime while youre here? We could perhaps....I dont know.....go for a picnic or something?" I just asked her out? What will I tell Gemma? 

Mia began to blush when I asked her that. "I would love that, Mark."

"As friends I mean." I quickly added and she agreed. She said yes! She said yes! "Thats a done deal then, luv. So anyway, sorry to interupt you you were saying youd changed? Tell me then how have you changed, cept for the obvious that youve grown 5 years older and a lot taller than I remember."

Mia began tell me about her life in New York. She didnt really have loads of friends because shes always studying. That studying did payed off because this fall, shes going to Princeton, majoring in psychology. Im glad that she did very well in school. When we were in school together, she wasnt all fond of studying. She always play footie and play with the video games. But I knew she was always smart....and damn hot. Then I began to talk about my plans after graduation. When I told her that Ronan Keating was going to be our comanager, she freaked out. I knew she was a Boyzone fan, but never thought she was that crazy. I do admit, her skin is very soft when I was trying to calm her down. All I can do is smile at her.

"Its about time you looked at me like that." Mia whispered out loud.

"Pardon?"

"Oooh nothing. Nothing at all. Just said that you still have my old hat." I didnt believe her. I thought she said that it was about time that I looked at her that way. But she couldnt have...nope, I must be kidding myself.

"I still have that hat. Gave that hat to Colin."

"Im thankful that I left here because if I didnt, I wouldve never experienced the world." Mia said, very fondly. "Theres so many cultures living there and it made me open my eyes a bit. I know when you become famous, youll feel the same."

"I might get a bit homesick, but thats something Im looking forward to." I held her hand once again and looked at her.

"You know, I never really told you this. But I always dreamed one day...and please dont tell anyone about this."

"I promise. My lips are sealed." I promised her that, wishing they could be sealed with a kiss from her.

"Ive always dreamed of settling down in County Clare, right by the Cliffs. I always thought that place was so romantic." She said that, dreamly. I do agree with her on that. Going there does give you a great calm. "Just too bad Ive never really met that special someone."

"But you will. Mia, youre 18. Youre still young, theres still time."

"I know. Its just that I havent really dated anyone and just thought that the reason why they never went anything more is because Im ugly." Mia turned away, embarrassed.

Ugly? Gosh, American guys must be either blind or stupid or even both to let this one slip through their fingers. How can any man deny those brown eyes? Those silky long brown tresses? That perfect body that any man would dreamed their women to have? I should just tell her how good she looked. But wait, theres Gemma. Guess I have to say more in a friendly way.

"Erm....Mia. Youre not ugly. As a matter of fact, youre quite.....nice." I began to blush.

"Thank you, Mark." She said, softly.

"Youre welcome." I flashed her a nice smile and she did the same.

"Mark?"

"Yeh Mia?" More and more, Im becoming more breathless by looking at her. Something about me just wants her.

"Lets get out of here. This place is getting a bit quiet. How about a walk?"

"Yeh sure we can ... if you want we can walk down to The Belfry for a pint ?" I suggested.

"Thanks, but can we just laid off the alochol for tonight?"

"Gee Mia, you've definitely forgotten your Irish roots." How can I survive a night without a pint? But lets see, a pint or spending time with Mia? Forget the Guinness.

"No its not like that. Its just I don't want ya to do something you might regret later on."

Oohhhh, shes thinking about my safety. Thats just sweet. Gemma ususally let me do what ever I want, but I know that Mia worries about things. Besides, I dont think she wants me to be all drunk on her first day back. "Yeh sure we can ... it was just a suggestion ... don't worry about it ... we'll just take a stroll down to O'Connell St then yeh?"

"Alrighty."

"Erm ok thanks luv." I got up and walked aroung to hold out her chair.

"Whoa, a perfect gentleman." She smiled as she got up. I helped her put on her black cardigan coat and smiled at her.

"Hey it might be June, but you never know with Irish weather ... as we say the Irish are one big happy family in the shower together."

"Its not going to rain, Mark. So dont worry." We headed to the exit and we said our goodbye to Shanes mum. As we approached the door, I gently held her hand and smiled.

Chapter 6

For the next hour, we walked around and just talked. It was great that we talked. Its like she never left here....or me. We just hold hands like we were like a couple....and that scares me. I have a girlfriend and shouldnt do that. Then I saw it through the mirror. Us, hand and hand like a couple. I finally let go, hoping no one saw us together. What if someone tells Gemma that Im with another girl? Well Mia isnt just any girl, but my good friend that I havent seen in 5 long years.

"Sorry Mia but my hands were getting cold." I apologized.

"Its alright. It is cold out there. Just thought it would be warmer." Mia, just like me, put her hands on her pocket. "Youre probably thinking about Gemma."

"Erm....yeh I was actually." Cant believe Im lying to her because Im really thinking about her. But I continued to lie to her. "Just wondering what shes doing." Her face was back to it was earlier, very depressed. "Come on, dont tell me theres not a special someone on your mind tonight." I stopped and look at her inquiringly. We looked at each other for a moment and I noticed the tears in her eyes. Suddenly, she began to run away. "Mia! Oi, Mia! Wait up!" I ran after her, hoping to catch up with her. Why is she running away from me? And how did I made her cry? "Mia! Wait up for a moment!" I finally caught her with her sleeve.

"Dont touch me!" Mia cried. "Dont touch me!" She continued to cry.

"Oh Mia....love...." I turned her around and hug her tightly. "Dont cry please. Please luv, dont cry. If you dont want to tell me, its ok. Im sorry I asked." I just continued to hold her as her sobs calmed down. Then I pulled back a bit to able to look at her face. I can see the hurt in her eyes, but why is she feeling this way. "Whats the matter? Tell uncle Mark."

"Uncle Mark?" She scoffs and continues to cry softly.

"Just a figure of speech." I chuckled a bit before wiping the tears off her eyes. "Just please tell me whats the matter? We can solve this. Ill help you."

"I don't think you cant, Mark." She whispered.

"Then try me."

"I just can't. It's impossible for you to understand."

"How can you know when you dont give me a chance." Then I figured it out. "Look Mia, weve been apart so long. Im no longer the Marcus you used to know, just like youre not the same Mia I used to know."

"In a way, yeah youre right." I feel better that we can now solve this. "Its been 5 years since weve seen each other and I really missed you. I know were different and tonight I feel a little overwhlemed. But Mark, thats not it."

"Then what is it?"

Mia began to step 2 steps back and looked away from me. Then I heard something that stunned me. "Mark, I love you." She then ran away again. I ran again, trying to catch up with her. Oh my gawd! So thats why she feels odd this evening.

"Mia! Mia, wait!" I shouted before I tripped and fell over the kerb. "Shit! Mia!" She looked back and ran back to me.

"Mark, are you ok?" She called out as she ran back and as I tried to get up. I brushed my clothes and noticed that my leg is alright. "Are you ok?"

I look up at her, concerned yet scared. "I heard what you said." I whispered. She was ready to run away again but I grabbed her wrists and sway her dangerously.

"Mark, let me go! Stop!" She shouted.

"Then promise me you wont run again. I cant run after you this time. And even if this is Sligo, County Sligo, Northwest Ireland, it's not a place for a lass to be out on her own after midnight.

"Mark Feehily, what do you want from me?!" Mia shouted to me.

"Mia Caffrey, I dont know." I took a deep breath, knowing shes still hurting. But I think its time to tell her how I feel. "I came into that cafe tonight, thinking it'd be a fun night out with an old friend. But when I saw you, I don't know something just ... clicked." I reached down and caress her cheek and look straight into her brown eyes. "Youre so....so beautiful....and I wish......right now I wish....I wish there was no Gemma in my life. No strings." Mia began to cry once again. "Mia, I might seem straightforward to you, but Im telling you if there was no Gemma, Id be kissing you just about now." I lean closer to her, hoping I can finally kiss her, but she stopped me.

"Mark?" Mia turned away and looked down the ground.

"Yeh Mia?" I leaned yet closer and put my hand up to try and turn her face back. I noticed she was shivering. But I dont know if it from my touch or the cool June evening. "Mia, please tell me. Whats on your mind? Why are you holding back? I just told you .... how I .... how I .... feel."

"Because...because...I know you'll never feel the same way I feel."

"How do you feel, Mia? Maybe I'd want to feel the same but won't let myself because I have ... well ... obligations."

"Mark," Mia started, "Mark....Ive....been in love with you since I could remember. And I know that you'll hate me cuz I've told you how I feel. So if you don't ever wanna speak to me ever again, it's ok." She turned away and cried. I just froze at the moment. And I thought these things happen in American soaps. Shes been in love with me for a long time? But I thought she liked Kian or Shane, not me. I humped around to face her.

"Mia, I.....I....I don't know errr I don't know what to say...I can't ... I mean I have ... I mean Gemma ... and you're ... in the US and I'm ... here .... and my career we're just starting out ... and ... oh god I want to kiss you."

"But you dont want me because of her." She look down at the floor, embarrassed. "I knew it! You dont really want me. You have no idea how long I kept this from you. Ive been loving you since the moment we met and it hasnt changed. Now I think this was such a mistake. Youve only seen me as your sidekick, your friend. Nothing else." She just couldnt hold it anymore and cried.

"Mia....Mee look at me." I plead to her. "Please love." At that, she finally looked up. "Look ... this is all very difficult for me. You come back, looking like you do all grown up and hot and everything ... and I think wow what a babe she's grown into, but Mia, I don't know you. I don't know what you're really about. And you don't know me ... don't know what I'm about ... what things are on my mind. It's not about not wanting you ... it's about whether or not we have time to .... well to get to know each other well enough."

"But Mark, you have 13 years to know me before I left."

"I know. I could kiss you right here and ask you to come home with me ... and trust me I'd love that ... every minute of it ... but it wouldn't be right ... not for you. We were just kids then ... it's all changed, everything changes ... we're not little kids anymore."

"You know what Mark, I wished I've never known you!" Oh gawd I really did it big time. How can I act such a prick?

"Oh Mia, dont say that." I called onto her, but she began to walk away once again. "Mia, wait up. Mia!" I tried to hump after her, but it wasnt working. "Mia, come back do you even know where you're going."

"Away!" She shouted. "Away from you."

"But we can solve this, Mia. Dont be daft, come back here. MIA!" I saw her about to cross the street, but a car was coming. Thank goodness the car didnt hit her.

"MARK, I CAME ALL THE WAY HERE ONLY FOR YOU! And you don't called that fair!" She shouted with anger. "Im giving up my summer vacation, hoping that there might be a chance for us."

"But what do you expect me to do ?? Just up and leave my friends? Just break up with my girlfriend of 3 months to have 2 weeks with you?" I asked as I finally came face to face with her.

"No." She said softly. "No. I just want you to be honest with me about your feelings. Please tell me, and dont just say that you like because of my looks." She looked up and waited. All of a sudden, all those feelings I had a few years ago came back to me again. I remembered how much I cared about her.

"Mia, I liked you. I've always liked you." I gently held her in my arms. "Always thought there was a special glow to you. But you took my love and tore it apart ... moved to the US ... left me here." She continues to look at me, stunned. "I know it was your parents moving and you had no choice but oh Mia, if only you'd have stayed things could've been so different." I leaned down, trying to kiss her but she moved her cheek and kiss me on my cheek. "I wish things could be different. I wish I could tell you what you want to hear."

"Mark, don't tell me what you want me to hear. Tell me what's in your heart."

"I just need to .... well we need to .... we need to get to know each other better .... to..." My head just shook in despair. I couldnt believe Im telling her this. "to catch up ... give it time ... see where we go where it takes us."

"Is this what you really feel?" Mia asked.

"I don't know what I feel. Maybe we should ... maybe we should go home and sleep on it and I could give you a ring tomorrow ... and errr I don't know." I put my pointer finger under her chin and force her to look at me. "I'm sorry love but this isn't easy for me ... just as it's not easy for you ... I'm sorry I hurt you ... come let me take you back and it'll all look different in the morning I'm sure."

"Yeh, I agree. You know where my grandmother live?"

"How can I forget? 14 Dromahair Rd isn't it ?"

"You remembered. Lets go."

"Alright. Come on let's go then." We walked to my car. I opened the door for her to go in, then I got in. The car started without trouble and we drove off to her place. Why I feel like a prick?