• Who do you guys ship so far? •
🚢  Any ship names? 🚢

••• - ••• - •••

Chapter 07

- Ace King -

Once I changed into a pair of clothes, I walked out of the room, leaving Mia on the bed as she waited for me to return with her breakfast. When I made it to the kitchen, I saw Ben leaning against the wall, his eyes narrowed at me.

"What?" I questioned.

Ben smiled. "Nothing. Nothing at all."

I looked at him for a moment before my focus was back on making Mia's breakfast. I know she hates big meals in the morning since she's be half-asleep and wouldn't be able to finish everything. She loved maple syrup, so I might make pancakes or that fruity, stuffed French toast she loves.

As I grabbed the things I needed, I turned to see Ben still looking at me. "What?"

"Did you and Mia, perhaps, do anything yesterday?" He questioned, moving to sit at the table.

"What are you? A detective?"

"Yup," he replied. "and it's my job to find out what happens between my friends. And you know I'll find out whatever you're hiding one way or another."

I rolled my eyes. "Grow up."

"Not in a million years."

As I finished Mia's breakfast, I left Ben and heading towards the room. Using one hand to balance the tray of food, I opened the door and closed it behind me. I saw Mia already out of bed in a white top and a pair of black shorts.

She smiled when she saw me and sat on the bed as I placed the tray on the nightstand.

"Thank you," she said, kissing me on the cheek.

While Mia was eating, my phone suddenly buzzed. I grabbed my phone on the desk that was across the room and looked to see who had messaged me. Seeing the name made me frown, but I knew that this is what I had to do.

I hated lying to Mia, and I want to tell her everything, but I don't want her to get involved in this mess.

Zoey: Are you busy today?

Ace: I'm spending time with Mia today.

When she didn't reply, I waited for a moment before she texted back.

Zoey: K.

"Who was that?" I turned around to see Mia already finished her breakfast, and looking at me with curious eyes. She had a small smile on her face, but it didn't reach her eyes. She was upset.

"Just a friend," I answered.

She frowned and stood up before walking towards me. She wrapped her arms around my torso and pressed her face against my chest.

"Why are you lying to me?" She mumbled, sadness and hurt laced in her voice. I hugged her back as I kissed her forehead. "It was Zoey, wasn't it? Why didn't you tell me? Why are you hiding it?"

"I'm sorry," I said, but I knew that wasn't enough.

"Why didn't you tell me you had her number?"

"I didn't know how to tell you. But you don't have to worry, I only have her number because Ben asked me to get it," I lied.

She was silent for a while before she finally spoke. "Do you think he's moving on from Piper?" she asked.

"Can't tell. Maybe he's trying to."

Great. Now I've got to tell Ben to act as if he wants to date or at least get to know Zoey better.

Mia slightly pulled away and looked at me dead in the eyes. "Don't hide anything else from me, okay? I trust you, but if you keep lying to me, then you'll lose my trust."

"Do you promise?" Her eyes softened as she waited for my reply.

"I promise." But I cant keep it.

x-X-x

After telling everyone that Mia and I were going to spend the day together - as well as listening to Ben's small lecture about keeping my hands to myself - Mia and I visited several shops. She bought things for herself and her family. She was too cute, jumping around when she saw something that she liked or shyly dances around to the music being played outside.

It didn't matter where we were or what we did. I always wanted to be with Mia. It was always more fun when we're together. They days I've spent with her were always memorable, whether they were good or bad. I cherished every moment, and loved every second I spent with her. I knew that most of the worst moments I've had with her were my fault, especially the things that are currently happening. She was still upset, I could tell, so starting today, and every other day until my very last breath, I will always make her happy.

"Hey, let's go get some ice cream," Mia said, breaking me from my thoughts. I smiled down at her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the closest ice cream shop. It was a cozy looking building; white tiles, pastels colours. A complete opposite of my personality, but Mia loved it.

"Can I have two scoops of mint chocolate chip in a cone, and you'll have...?" Mia glances at me.

"Scoop of vanilla," I replied, my eyes narrowing at the boy starting at Mia.

"That'll be in a cone too," Mia said, looking back at the server. Before she reached for her wallet, I had already paid for everything and smiled as she sighed in defeat.

"Next time," I heard her grumble.

When we received our ice creams we decided to stay inside where it was cool, and chose a booth next to the window as Mia wanted to see the view. We were both having a good time before not minutes within our stay, we were interrupted.

"What a coincidence!" Zoey exclaimed.

Mia frowned as Zoey took a seat beside her. She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with the close proximity of being any near Zoey's presence. She seemed remotely disgusted by her, it was funny.

"So, how long have you guys been dating?" Zoey asked out of the blue, catching Mia and I out of guard.

"A few months," Mia replied, glaring at her ice cream.

Seven months, one week and three days to be exact.

Damn I'm whipped.

"Really? It looked like you guys have been dating for years."

"We're childhood friends."

I knew Mia wanted Zoey to be gone, but because Mia was nice and hardly knew the girl, she didn't want to be mean and ask her to leave. But with the look in her eyes, she wanted to hit the bitch.

Zoey's phone started to ring, so she picked it up and excused herself. Once she was far enough from hearing distance, Mia sighed in relief.

"That was awkward," I said, chuckling lightly when I saw Mia glared at me.

"Let's leave before she comes back," she said, about to stand.

"I'm back!"

"Too late," she groaned.

For most of the day, Zoey stayed with us. It annoyed me that I didn't get much time with Mia, so I'll try to spend sometime with her tomorrow, and this time, we'll stay at home. Eventually, Zoey had to go home, saying her sister needed her.

To say Mia was relieved would be an understatement.

Looking at the time, we decided to go back home since the others should just be arriving. Mia was most likely going to be talking about our day to Sarah and Jacob, so it was a perfect time to ask Ben and Levi if they've gathered any new information on Louis.

Just as planned, Mia instantly went to her best friend once seeing her. As Sarah, Mia, and Jacob went into Sarah's room I headed towards Ben who was trying to balance himself on the two back legs of a chair while Levi looked like he was waiting for his beloved brother to fall.

When he finally balanced himself, he grinned before the chair fell. Luckily, he didn't hit his head.

Levi laughed. "That's what you get for being stupid."

"Shut up," Ben snapped back. Finally noticing me, he chuckled sheepishly. "You thought I was cool, right?"

"Sure."

"Is that a yes?"

"Levi, mind if I talk to you?"

"Hey, don't ignore me!"

"Sure."

"You guys are mean," Ben faked cried. "I'm special too!"

"And this is why Piper left you," Levi muttered, not meaning for Ben to hear it.

But he did.

Ben's whole playful aura suddenly disappeared. He was back to his old-self, and I knew from the saddened look on his face, he was remembering everything he wanted to forget.

There was an awkward silence before Levi tried to fix things. "Ben, I didn't—"

"I'm going to my room," Ben spoke bitterly, walking away without another word said.

I looked at Levi. "Good job shit-head."

"I thought he was over it! It's been two years! I didn't know it still affected him."

"Well have you forgiven her?"

"Fuck no, that bitch should rot in hell," Levi scoffed. His sighed, and ran a hand though his hair. "I guess I should apologize."

"Let's leave him be for a moment. Did you find anything new?" I asked, changing the topic.

"Yeah, the papers are in my room. I'll give them to you. You won't like what you see."

••• - ••• - •••

Who do you thing Piper is?

What do you thing Levi found out about Louis?

Have your thoughts about Zoey changed?

Thank you PiuChitoge!