Ch. 5

It is Saturday. Saturday! A Saturday on which she doesn't volunteer. She was persuaded by her friends and she is full of energy. In the morning she did the laundry when unhealthy heaps were singing on the radio. It's fun to do something for yourself. That's why she drove into town. Autumn is noticeable and despite her large wardrobe and the filling, there is hardly anything to be found for the transition.

Mia feels the need to throw her money out the window. So far, savings have been made and today is the right time to spend it. She enters the first shop with a sore grin. Lingerie. Mia wants sexy underwear. Greatly helps self-esteem. "Good day! Can I help you? ”, A saleswoman her age stands in front of her. "Yes, thank you! I'm looking for a completely new set of lingerie. Bra, panties, negligee and a strapless bra. ”You can literally see the money signs flashing in the woman's eyes. But Mia doesn't care. She wants to feel good in her skin. "Then we'd better start here.", She points to the right to the basics. “We'll find everything together for you first. If something doesn't fit when trying on, I'll get you another one. "

Together you will find a simple black bra without straps and a bra that emphasizes your breasts wonderfully. It's bright red and looks stunning on her without sounding cocky. She doesn't have to try on the right panties, so far it has always worked. They also found a negligee. Here Mia cast eyes on several. A pink babydoll that is extremely cute, but doesn't work on her. Then there was a black one that was cut in two under the bra part between her breasts. Her bare skin flashes with every movement, the rest of the fabric is not exactly opaque. Almost transparent. Mia is thrilled with this one. Finally, a blue dream hangs in her cabin. This part hides your skin and is extremely smooth against your skin. The fabric is cold and delicate to the touch. The bra is hardly there, it is so small. Still, it doesn't look too dirty in her eyes.

With a clear conscience and a gigantic bag, she steps back onto the pedestrian zone. Now for the transition clothes.

Mia buys a thin green sweater that is closed at the top and one in blue. There is also a coarsely knitted sweater that can also be worn on cold summer days. Because she is at it and her old one is already perforated, a pair of sweatpants ends up in the shopping bag.

She has never enjoyed a Saturday so much. For a while, men are no more. It's a shame that this state of affairs can no longer last.

#

He and Summer fought like that. The rags flew right. It all started so harmlessly. Summer wanted to put in a romance movie and Jack would rather see the soccer game. The eternal television discussion between the sexes. In the end he even gave in because the smarter one does that. Unfortunately he said that out loud and set off the next avalanche. Jack was sexist and would not consider her an equal. After what seemed like an hour and at least 100 admissions, Summer has calmed down just enough to sit down next to him again. But a minor character in the film was called Mia ... you can imagine what came up to me. A lot had built up there.

He's jealous of Jonas, he doesn't care that Summer has been eyeing Miriam's friends or that he's always absent. His thoughts are never with her when they are together. In addition, he doesn't answer by himself, she always calls and comes over. It's not like she got his apartment key from him voluntarily, but that doesn't count. After they threatened to throw what I know what at him, he threw Summer out without further ado. You won't believe it, but it took another 35 minutes until the woman finally let go of the door. That is now the state of affairs. Jack knows that he wasn't loving enough and that he probably feels more for Mia after all, but that doesn't change the fact that Summer is a burdock one day and the next they are almost strangers.

And Finn? Finn doesn't give him any backing. How about if he refuses to talk to him?

So he decided to get reparation gifts. Just ... What do you get for free? And does he even want to get along with Summer? Does that still make sense? Shouldn't it be ended, no matter what with Mia? Sighing, he strolls through a multi-story drugstore and waits for a mental glimpse. But he's not coming. Because there is no gift to smooth this situation. He has to apologize and finally make up his mind.

Jack leaves the shop and looks around helplessly. His life is upside down. Why did he want another woman in his life? Suddenly he no longer understands his rush. Women are complicated in thinking, and they get angry and resentful. They want gifts and attention. In short, women are exhausting. So what is his next step? He runs through his hair. First of all, he needs some caffeine. His favorite restaurant is not far from here.

#

Mia enjoys the sun while she is still warm in the sky. In front of her is a large sundae because she has indulged herself. Eyes closed and the ice melting on her tongue, she stretches her face towards the sun.

"Mia?", She looks up surprised and discovers Jack. "Jack? What are you doing here? ”He smiles. “To treat myself to something for lunch”, an embarrassing silence arises in which no one looks at the other. He looks good when you forget the dark circles. His hair is silky and shiny, his lips are still so attractive. She quickly looks to the side again. "Can I sit down with you?" "WHAT?", Her head turns in shock. What is he up to? “Can I sit down with you?” “Why?” Are the questions. Why does he just want to talk to her? “Because we should talk! Besides, I miss our conversations. ”“ What about Summer? ”, He rolls his eyes at her name. "Isn't it going so well?", Jack sits down opposite her. "I dont know. We argued and it wasn't the first time. I have the feeling that it just doesn't fit. ", Mia nods understandingly. She suspected it, but it was his decision.

Jack orders a coffee. “I don't know how to proceed. I just wanted to find someone who shared my interests. But enough of that. How is the girl from the zoo? What about Sarah? “, The man seems to be seriously interested. “Lara has moved out. She now lives in a shared apartment with friends who all support her. We talk on the phone regularly and I visit the little one more often. After all, I'm her godmother. The baptism is still pending. Lara has already told me the date, but I don't have it in my head right now. I'm really looking forward to it. ", She puts a spoonful of the cold ice cream into her mouth. “Sarah is Sarah. We called in psychological help and her condition is noticeably improving. But it will be a while before she can live alone and independently. Boring everything with the child. “, Jack burns his tongue on his coffee and Mia can't help but laugh. She tries to suppress it, actually she shouldn't laugh with him. The corners of her mouth twitch while Jack sticks out his tongue and panted. "Hey!", She throws her head back and laughs out loud. That feels good. Some heads turn in their direction but she doesn't care. Jack looks like he wants to laugh along, but his tongue prevents him. Then he squints at her ice cream and Mia suspects what he's up to. Her hand is reacting too slowly. Jack has already eaten the biggest bite of ice cream the world has ever seen. "Hey!", She hits him on the arm. "That was half of my mug." "Then let's order another one."

And from one moment to the next everything is as it was before. They talk about series, the news, the latest unnecessary inventions and other odds and ends. They joke and laugh. There are no reservations.

If you were to ask strangers on the street about these two people, they would give you the answer that the two are probably already a well-rehearsed couple. They gesticulate wildly, finish each other's sentences and keep an eye on each other. There isn't a second in which they don't touch, even if it's just the tips of your shoes. You were told that these two people found each other and will fight their lives together until the end. However, passers-by do not know the story behind these two. A closer look reveals that the woman wants to hide a certain pain. She twitches imperceptibly here and there. The man, however, cannot get close enough to her. He often leans forward, gives her one dazzling smile after another, and often clasps her hand. A person's gestures say a lot about you. Back to the couple at the table.

“Hey, I haven't even congratulated you yet. Congratulations on your first solved case. Too bad that more about you than the case was reported. Are you already working on the next case? ”“ You were following that? ”Jack's eyebrows shoot up. "Clear! Hard to miss, right? You even got a mention on the news, you little celebrity. ”She grins. Completely relaxed, she pats his leg. "What's now? Do you have a new case, don't you? ”Her counterpart seems to be somehow distracted as he needs a few seconds to answer. "Uh ... yes. This time it's about a woman who stalk her ex. An injunction has already been obtained against them. Thereupon she got on the girlfriend of her ex and messed up. I have to represent the woman. “, Mia falls down her face. "That is hard. I couldn't even imagine representing someone whose guilt is already clear in advance. ”“ That is part of it. I better learn it sooner than later. ”“ I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. ”They digress again on more trivial topics. Until ... "What's that with Jonas now?" Mia literally feels like a question mark appears on her face. "Jonas?" "Yes!", What does he want to know? “We're friends, Jack. What's your problem? ”, The tense, almost sour facial features smooth out. "I'm sorry."

Why did he have to start? They had so much conversation and fun. Why does he have to ruin this? "Change of subject! Did you know that Finn still makes you offended? I seem to have injured a few when I decided on Summer. ”, An ironic smile fought for the place on her lips. "You call that change of subject? Jack you didn't want me, I was down and now I'm patching myself up again. I've finished with this. I take the next step, the others should do the same. "

#

His jaw almost opened. She continues? Is over him? Jack has enjoyed the last few hours with her so much that he almost forgot that they are NOT a couple. He feels something surge in himself. Something that he suppressed and ignored. Pain spreads in his chest. Is that called L ...? He almost thought the L-word. He has not yet come across it in connection with Summer. An invisible hand reaches into his chest and squeezes firmly. Panic suddenly spreads through him. He can't breathe anymore. Not a word comes out of his constricted throat.

Mia is beautiful. The long hair curls seductively. Her innocent green eyes are light and her skin is a little rosy from the fresh wind. Did he mention her lips yet? If he wasn't frozen he would bend over and taste them. There is also her social commitment, the loving treatment of people and the almost unshakable optimism. Your laugh sounds like a bell on a warm morning. Mia is open to new ideas and cannot be stopped when she likes something. Still, she lets go when she realizes that it no longer makes sense. Your goal is to make everyone happy at the same time.

Mia is beautiful, inside and out. She is not a person but an angel. His angel! His love!

Now he thought so. His body will be warm as his thoughts float. It's finally out and he admits it. Jack loves Mia. His mind stands still and is finally staying out of matters of the heart.

"Everything OK with you? I don't know what you think of it, but let's stay friends. ”That is the sentence that can cause a lot of confusion. 'Let's stay friends' is the secret general metaphor for 'This is a rebuff, I have no more feelings for you.' What should he do? Inwardly he struggles with himself outwardly, he looks completely left out. In a few seconds he will make a decision.

“Okay, let's stay friends. I've missed me. ", He leans over and hugs her. At some point, maybe she can give him another chance, but as long as it lasts, Jack doesn't want to spend this time without her. "It's nice that we settled that." Mia's facial features become softer, more relaxed. "What brought you into town?" I've annoyed him once too often. I have to apologize somehow. ”“ And you wanted to buy him something? That's typical of a man again, thinks money will solve the problem. ", She shakes her head, aghast. “I thought you were tougher. Jack, invite Finn to a man's night out. Just the two of you, soccer and beer. Otherwise you are not so uptight. ”He can't help but laugh. “You accuse me of being typical and then you put me in a box with stereotypes? I thought you were tougher. ", He remarks with a smile. "I probably deserve that."

In the meantime he has ordered a piece of cake. A huge piece of Black Forest cherry cow. Mia has finished her ice cream and stares longingly at his plate. She has at least found her healthy appetite again. A point that speaks for her being over him.

"What attracted you to the city?" "My day off and the fact that I had money that screamed to be spent." Her eyes puckered when she laughed. “Going shopping alone can sometimes be very good.” “Where did the money go?” She turns red.

#

The question was predictable. "I'm not telling you that!" "And if you get a fork full of my cake for it?" "That is unfair.", She has not indulged in so many calories for a long time and her body craves for them. This treacherous bastard seductively sticks a piece of heaven in his mouth. “You're really missing out. They make the best cake here. ", It takes a few moments until:" Okay. Okay, I'll take the deal. ”, She can't take it anymore. “Go ahead” “Clothes. I was looking for clothes that I can wear between summer and winter. ”“ Are you serious? I have to give you something for that? “, Almost protectively he pulls the plate towards him. Jack is really cute in rare moments. 'Mia you are friends now. You can't allow more. You wouldn't stand being rejected like this again. Stop languishing him. You can't lose your heart to him again. '

"That was the deal and I want my bite." She lowers her eyes and looks at him from below through her eyelashes. "Please!" Jack groans in frustration. “You can't do that. You have perfected the dog eye. Here! ”He cuts off a piece of cake and lifts the fork towards her. "You don't get more for that lousy answer.", Jack feeds her.

She closes her eyes with pleasure. “That was worth more than just a partial truth. I also bought underwear. “, Jack doesn't reply. She opens one eye anxiously. His mouth is open. "What? You also wear underwear that you bought at some point. ”He breathes in and out deeply. "I'm sorry. Man's fantasy, nobody can beat that. ”A laugh breaks out loudly from her. "Really? That is expensive! Somehow reminds me of our blind date. "At that time he had fantasies when he fed her with fruit. Fortunately, Jack joins her laughing idea.

Neither of them notices that it is slowly beginning to dawn and the temperature is dropping. Jack gave her more of his cake. Well, he had no option at all. She cleverly tore the plate under the nail. Suddenly her cell phone rings. The display lights up and Kim's picture appears. "Hey, Kim. What's up? ”“ Where are you? You wanted to be home by six at the latest. ”“ It's not after ... ”“ Of course, look at the clock, you fool. I haven't packed a few of my things just because of you. Today is our last evening together. After that I am no longer there. I'm moving to Lukas. “, Mia throws Jack a look. "I am so sorry. I am on my way immediately. I messed up. “, There is silence at the other end for a moment. Jack chooses exactly this to tell the waiter that you want to pay. "Is that a man's voice ?! Details, now. ”“ Later. I'll be with you in a moment. ”She hangs up. "I have to go home. Kim has fledged and it is our last evening together. How could I forget that? ”, The waiter comes with the bill. Mia pulls out her wallet, but Jack waves it away. "I take over. Get on your way. We hear from each other. ”Without thinking, she places a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you. Bye. "

#

While Jack pays and Mia almost runs off to rush to Kim, they share one and the same thought: What just happened?