Chapter Four- Kim and Mia's Choice

Xxxxx

The Following Day
After School
December 19, 2006
2013 Halo Blvd.

Tommy was packing up his stuff. The day was done, and he was excited. Only two more days, and then, he would have his holiday vacation. Christmas time was his favorite time of year. His son's birthday, time off from work, spending time with his parents, what wasn't there to like about that. He knew that there was someone that would make this occasion complete and the best, but for right now, this was enough.

On his mind, he wondered what his son was getting him for Christmas.

Part of him felt like his son was involved in a secret mission. He noticed his son was spending quite a bit of time with Mia too. Not to mention, he overlooked his phone bill. He knew whereto draw the line at being an overbearing parent. Yes, he would look at the cell phone bill, but he wouldn't confront his son about it—unless he had a feeling his son up to no good. Anyways, he saw it one night; the phone calls to Mia had increased by an extra ten. Odd, since the two lived only a few feet away from each other. There was also a long distance call too. This was highly unusual, and he hoped whatever his son was going through, it wasn't illegal or detrimental to him.

He was just about to exit the door, when his son met him at the doorway.

"Jayden, did you need something," he asked his son.

"No, not at all dad, but I was just wanting to tell you I might be home a little later than usual," he skimmed the surface, careful to not reveal him and Mia were about to drive to a different city, in hopes of reuniting him with his long, lost love. Yeah, like the world didn't feel like it was weighing down his shoulders. He shifted his duffel bag over to the other hand, but it wasn't carrying the usual accouterments. It held fancy clothes for the fancy dinner he was about to go to.

"How late is late," he questioned his son, and he looked at him with aton of worry. "Is there something going on?"

"No, nothing at all. I just wanted to let you know," Jayden replied, and he smiled at his dad. "Dad, I love you a lot."

"I love you too, now tell me what's going on, are you okay," he stressed the question.

Jay, as he was known to Mia, nodded. He wasn't ready to disclose the mixed emotions he was feeling lately about Mia and Emily. He just wanted his Dad's Christmas wish to come true. That's all that was on his mind. He lovingly hugged his father, and he wanted to show his appreciation for everything he's ever done and sacrificed. "Thank you," he acknowledged.

Tommy would take a hug from his son any day of the week or year. He smiled at him. "So, there's nothing that you need," he alleged the way his son was feeling was acting like this because of the holidays, and the fact he was leaving next year.

"No, not at all," Jayden was probably giving away more than concealing. He cursed at himself. "Alright, dad," he bid adieu. The two walked in opposite directions. He looked over his shoulder, and he watched his dad head to the faculty parking lot. He blew out a breath, and he scurried over to the locker rooms. He needed to get ready for tonight.

The previous night, Jayden made a phone call to the restaurant. He made a reservation for two at seven o'clock sharp. He called off of work, and he made sure that Mia did the same. She might've resisted before, but needed her there. She was his rock. The thought of asking Emily was appealing, but she wasn't Mia. He guessed that was a weak excuse, but lately, he felt like he owed it to Mia. It was like she was upset with him, and he needed to fix it.

And, a conversation with Kevin, earlier in the day, shed light on a feeling Jayden found a little too unorthodox for him.

(Flashback)

The swimmer and the karate instructor decided to have lunch at Taco Bell. They were feeling cultural. When they were ready to order, Jayden requested a chicken, soft taco, a small nachos, and a large drink. Kevin furrowed his brows, due to the fact that Jayden was like a human garbage disposal. He could eat way more than that.

The two sat down, and Kevin questioned the 'girly' meal he was eating.

"It's not girly," Jayden spoke up in his defense. "I just don't wanna eat too much."

"Hence, girly," Kevin pointed out, and he took a quick bite, and he wiped off his hands. "So, how are things between you and Emily," he asked.

The one with blue eyes appeared delighted, but he wasn't as excited as he thought he would be. "Good. We kissed yesterday," he revealed.

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, Mia and I saw that," he chomped down on his food, and he was very happy for his best friend.

A light scowl appeared on Jayden's face. He wasn't too happy with Mia's name in his sentence. It sounded wrong. "Oh, yeah, I saw you and Mia talking yesterday. What were you guys talking about?"

"I asked her to the dance," the one clad in blue swallowed, and he took a drink as well. "She said she'll think about it, but I think she's going to say yes. Isn't that great, then we can double date," he sang with pride. "This is going to be a great dance."

"She still hasn't said yes," Jayden stated, rather than asked. He didn't want Kevin getting too far ahead of himself. There had to be a reason why Mia hadn't accepted his offer.

"Right, but that still doesn't mean she won't," Kevin appeared offended by his best friend, who was starting to sound condescending. "Jayden, are you okay? I mean, you said it yourself, Mia's like your sister, you don't like her other than a friend, so I thought she was fair game and okay to ask her out."

Kevin's right, the guy adorned in red privately mused, but still, it seems wrong to let Mia and Kevin be together. He didn't understand where his sudden possessiveness was coming from. Mia's been his best friend since the third grade, and he was happy with Emily... sort of. So, why can't she, sort of, be happy with Kevin. "What did Mia say when she saw me and Emily kissing?"

Kevin swallowed. "She said isn't that cute. I hope they're happy, and we started to talk about the dance. That's when I went in for the kill and asked her. She's not dating anyone, right?"

"What? Mia, dating, wait, why are you asking me?"

"You guys are best friends, so you should know everything about her," the other guy said as a matter of fact.

Envy, that's all that Jayden could think of. He shouldn't think about that though. Mia was her own person, and if she was dating someone, then she would tell him. Lately, she seemed to not wanna have anything to do with him, so he supposed she could keep anything from him. That aggravated him, but what would aggravate him even more, is if Mia was happy with someone that wasn't him.

Whoa, where did that come from? Mia can date whoever she wants, Jayden shook his head. "Kevin, Mia's free to date anyone, and I hope she says yes to you." Not...

Jayden didn't understand anything anymore.

(End Flashback)

The young man ignored his thoughts. So what, he was a little jealous of the fact that Mia might say yes to Kevin. He shouldn't care. He had a date that night, and it was with Emily—the girl of his dreams. He's liked her, since the beginning of the year. They are going together, just like he wanted.

"Yet, I'm getting ready to go out with Mia tonight," Jayden stated the reality of his situation. He fixed the collar of his shirt, and he was just about ready. Tonight, Mr. Shiba-Oliver was dressed in a red, button up, long sleeved shirt, a black vest, black slacks with a black belt to go around, and of course black shoes. He had stepped into his father's walk-in closet, and picked whatever he felt was right. He put a little more mousse. After he was finally done, he put his clothes, shoes, and books in his bag. The last thing he retracted from his bag was the letter his father wanted to send to Kim. He put that in his pocket, and he headed towards his car. He looked at his cell phone, and there was no call from Mia. "Mia, where are you," he asked, as if a person next to him was going to answer.

"Jayden!"

He heard his name and turned around. He couldn't believe his eyes. Her long, black hair was in an updo, and her bangs cascaded down beautifully. Surrounding her body, was a violet cocktail, dress, with a black peacoat protectively covering her, and she had on heels, not stilettos, but were a little higher than the average. Her makeup was tastefully done, and she had an ethereal glow that enhanced the beauty she already had. He watched, as she approached him effortlessly. She strutted like she wasn't even wearing heels.

"Beautiful," he simply said to himself. She hadn't heard a word, but curtsied; he bowed. The two were at the deserted school, and they weren't sure if this was the right backdrop for what they had on. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I am," she replied, and she tugged on her coat a little tighter. She was freezing, but this was the outfit she found perfect for this event. Jayden looked absolutely handsome. But, tonight, she hoped it was clean and everything will go off without a hitch. She was doing this because of Tommy now. Dr. Oliver deserved the world, and she was happy that he might have a fairy tale romance. And, ss much as she cared for Jayden, she couldn't do this to herself any longer. Mia's choice? She would only look at Jayden as what he's been to her, a best friend, almost like a brother.

He curved his arm, but she didn't take it. Instead, she began to walk to his car.

For a little, Jayden stood there. He was hurt by her action.

"Jayden!"

"I'm coming," he shouted, and he followed her.

The two left to Reefside. What was in store, no one knew.

Xxxxx

Two Hours Later
823 Inquiris Blvd.
Bella
Reefside, CA

Jayden blew out a very deep breath, hoping to relax. For some reason, he was feeling the tension. In addition, he was at odds himself. There was a lot going through his mind. He was doing this behind his father's back, yet this would benefit his father. He was out on a 'date' with Mia, yet back in Angel Grove there was a petite blonde with hazel eyes he was absolutely in love with. Then, there was Mia, right next to him, all dolled up, and he was finding her more attractive than he should've. He wanted to kill Kevin for asking her to the dance.

Tonight, whatever the outcome was, it would be like make or break.

Mia closely watched him. He was the kind of guy that never broke, never scorched, and he was a leader. To see him like this, it was surprising. "Jayden, you're shaking," she pointed out.

"What," he faced her, "no, I'm not," his fingers were practically convulsing. "Okay, so what if I am?"

"Remember, this is for your dad," she reminded him, but it was a futile attempt to calm his fears.

"What if she is married? If she isn't, then maybe she's like a lesbian now. If she's not, then what if she's completely over my dad," he heavily rationalized the conclusions before even meeting Kimberly Hart face to face. "Am I doing the wrong thing? Have I thought too far into this? Is this really going to work," the questions rapidly fired from his mouth, and Mia couldn't get a word in edgewise.

Though, she did try.

"Hey," she placed a calming hand over his. He looked at her again. There were other words racing through their minds, instead, she kept them on the topic at hand. "This is going to work out. At least, you will get some answers. And if you don't, then you will eat a very nice meal," she spoke of the brighter side. She giggled. "I did read the reviews, you know."

"Nice to know," he chuckled as well, and his erratic emotions were held at bay. Mia was always there for him. He was glad to have her by his side, and he thanked the heavens for the millionth time. "I didn't even look."

"So, are you ready," she questioned him.

He nodded. "Come on," he unlocked the doors, and the two exited.

Mia waited for Jayden. They walked to the restaurant, and when they were at the host stand, he told the woman his name. She found his name on the list and the 'plus one'. She directed them to their table, a nice, romantic booth near the bar. They took their seats. Simultaneously, they opened up their menus. There was an array of food, and the prices were within reason. The female freaked though, as she took her jacket off.

"Jayden, Jayden," she hissed her whisper.

"What," he was curious about her frantic voice, and he cleared his throat at how the dress really looked. It was one shoulder, and her tanned skin was still vibrant even in this cold weather.

"Do you see these prices," she wondered, and her eyes got bright at the Eggplant Parmesan that was $17.95.

"Hey, I got this covered," he made her fears fade. "Just order what you want and leave the rest up to me."

She shook her head. "I can't let you do this," this was turning into a date, she felt.

He tapped the table a few times to capture her attention. "It's okay. I got this," and he became quiet when their waiter showed up at the table.

"Good evening, I am Antonio, and I will be your waiter for the evening," he cordially greeted. He placed complimentary rustic bread and a bowl containing a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian spices in between the two. "Can I start you off with something to drink or an appetizer?" Mia and Jayden were still overlooking the menu, and he interjected. "By the way, I recommend the tre platter, customize to accommodate your appetite," he vividly smiled.

"Um, we are still overlooking the menu," Jayden saw there was plenty to choose from. "To drink, I will have a Sprite."

"And for the gorgeous lady," Antonio motioned her to speak up.

Mia blushed at the praise. "I'll just have a Shirley Temple," she requested nicely, and she returned to perusing the menu.

"Perfecto," the waiter memorized their drinks. "I'll be back in a minute," he smoothly said.

"I like him," Mia spoke up, since she felt he was very extroverted.

"Yeah, he's great," he huffed under his breath. There was a little bit of jealousy in his voice.

Kimberly was making her rounds when she saw the couple that walked in. At least, she thought they were a couple. In her point of view, they were very cute together. She came to Mia and Jayden's table. She smiled at them, and then she saluted them.

"And, how are we this evening? My name is Kimberly Hart, co-owner of Bella," she excitedly introduced herself, held out her hand and waited for their reply. When Jayden looked at her, she had an out of body experience. His features, she was shocked by them. It was like she had met the young man before. The blue eyes weren't familiar, but the bone structure, eyebrows, lips, and his body. She was instantaneously tossed back in time. This wasn't her restaurant, but the cooking class she had shared with the senior, who had long hair and took a fancy to the colors: green, white, red, and black. "You aren't him," she commented under her breath. "You can't be him."

Mia and Jayden observed her. The greeter's demeanor changed. It wasn't the same as just a few seconds ago.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Hart," the one donned in a one shoulder dress acknowledged her and took Kim's hand into her own. "You have a very nice place here." She witnessed how much intent was behind the eye contact between Jayden and Kim and for different reasons. After a few more seconds, she opened her mouth. "Jayden, aren't you going to introduce yourself," she opened her eyes widely, as a way to get him to talk to her.

"I'm sorry for being so rude," he dearly apologized. "My name is Jayden," he accepted her hand. "It's a pleasure to be here." The opportunity to introduce his motive was there, but he wasn't sure how to tell her. The letter rested in his pocket, and he was fingering it frantically.

The restauranteur couldn't get over Jayden's uncanny resemblance to her first love. This world was small, however, it couldn't be that small. She shook her head. "I hope you two enjoy your meal," she wished.

Mia smiled. "We will," she vouched.

Kimberly quickly walked away, and she went to seek out Haley. This moment was too surreal for her to even comprehend. Barely a week ago, she unveiled who contained her heart. Now, someone, who looked like him, was in her restaurant. Maybe, her wore out mind was playing tricks on her, and that clouded her eyes' judgments. That made more sense, after all, the holidays were fast approaching, her daughter had been a little more defiant than usual, and she was just tired. Her best friend would help calm her down, since she apparently didn't know right from left.

"I'm glad you are enjoying your meal," Haley loved hearing the customers' feedback. She waved goodbye and was ready to walk to the next table, but she her arm was urgently yanked to the opposite direction. "Huh," she felt her arm jerk even harder, "Kim, what's your deal?"

"Haley, Haley, I need to talk to you," she was freaking out just a bit.

The Red Head smiled at all of patrons in their restaurant. This act was probably a little odd to them. Both ladies stopped inside of the circular bar. The shorter woman peered over her shoulder, and she watched their finest waiter, Antonio, stop by the couple again. His pen was moving, and she looked back at Haley seriously.

"What's the deal," Haley questioned with her hands planted on her hips.

"Okay, you won't believe this, but I think someone related to Tommy is here," Kim revealed, and she used her to chin to point to this person.

"What," Billy's wife mused her best friend had gone over the deep end. "Have you been taking swigs of the vodka again?"

"Haley, I know this sounds crazy. Especially since I just spoke about him not even a week ago, but I'm telling you, this guy looks like him. Well, he has blue eyes, but the body is the same, and his mannerisms, so you get the picture I'm trying to paint," she elaborated more.

"Kim, I've seen you paint, and you are a wonderful painter, but this is just ludicrous. You don't even know where this Tommy guy went after the army, and you said it yourself, you haven't seen or spoken to him in years. Are you sure this guy you're speaking of isn't just a figment of your imagination?"

"No, no, no," she needed to get her point across. "Hayley, you have to believe me."

"With everything that's going on in your life right now, maybe you are just seeing things," Haley placed her hands on Kim's shoulders. She knew Kim had been under a lot of pressure lately, and she believed that Tommy would be Kim's escape. She hated to see her best friend like this.

A little girl, the age of 11, came out from the back rooms. She had caramel colored hair that reached her mid back with a little bit of waves forming around the bottom, soft, dolly like, hazel eyes, and she was dressed in a long sleeved pink shirt, black jeans, and beige snow boots. She was holding her mini laptop against the side of her hip. She was beginning to grow restless, and she was going to ask if her Uncle Billy would come and pick her up. That wasn't the only thing on her mind. She was wondering if she could go to her dad's for the holidays instead of spending time in Reefside. She dearly missed her father.

"Mom," Ava, Kim's only child, spoke up. Kim turned to her and got down to her level. "is it okay if I go to dad's for the holidays?"

A little hurt, the mother replied. "Ava, your father lives far away, and I don't know if I can get a hold of him in time," she said, and she saw the sadness in her daughter's very hazel eyes.

Ava held her tears, although, they were very much present. "It's not fair," she cried and pouted. "All of my friends at school have their dads, why can't I?"

The situation between Ava's dad and Kim was way too intricate for an 11 year old to grasp. Adult matters were better left for the adult.

Kim met Ava's dad, Damien Basso, while on her excursion in Italy. It was the last week she was there, and he literally swept her off her feet. The two partook in a long distance courtship, and he pushed for marriage and for her to move to Italy, but Kim declined. Since he was a business man, he made frequent visits to California. During on of those 'trips', he had gotten Kim pregnant. When she was six months, she felt obligated to marry him. Her mom and his parents thought it was best. Everything in their marriage was pretty peachy, idyllic even, but there was a part of her that felt like she was missing something, or someone.

Things began going downhill between the former husband and wife when Ava turned five. The intimacy diminished, he was spending more hours in his office, and Kim submerged herself in the restaurant. As much as they knew their marriage was done, the two stuck it out for their daughter's sake. He tried to make things work, but it was evident she had lost so much interest in whatever they had. She was the root of evil in their relationship; she admits it. And finally, what 'broke the straw on the camel's back' was when she found underwear that wasn't hers. She confronted him, and he admitted he was having an affair with his secretary at work. She wasn't surprised, if anything she felt she drove him to do that. They filed for divorce together; and that was probably the only thing they had agreed on in years.

After the divorce, he gave sole custody to Kim along with a nice alimony payment. He moved to the other side of the country, with the secretary, and he mostly corresponded with Ava through the telephone. Once in awhile, she would visit her dad; the last visit was this past summer.

"Sweetie, your father loves you very much, and if he could, he would be here, but California hasn't been his home for a very long time," Kim attempted to explain in the most harmless way possible. "With the holidays less than a week away, it's not fair to spring it on him," she said, while thinking she didn't want to bother the other family he has too.

Haley remained silent, but the mother and daughter shouldn't discuss this manner in such a public place. "Ava, would you like for Uncle Billy to get you," she thought that was best.

Ava nodded without taking her eyes off her mom. "That was my next question," she replied in a small voice.

The high of finding a link to her past was shot to the ground. The co-owner of Bella was being selfish, at least that's what she thought. It's obvious her daughter was taking the divorce harder than she even realized. "Ava, I'm so sorry," she deeply and thoughtfully apologized to her daughter.

The Godmother to Ava escorted her out of there, and she made sure to call her husband.

With Kim alone, she went to the bartender. "Scotch on the rocks," she requested in vain. She would rather drink her problems away.

Meanwhile, Jayden and Mia had just ordered their dinner. The young man wanted the fettuccine alfredo with chicken breast, and the young woman asked for the penne a la vodka with portobella mushrooms. They continued talking until Jayden's phone went off.

"Shit," he cursed. He excused himself, and he walked towards the bathrooms, which were located near the entrance. Jayden answered his phone. "Hey dad," he greeted with an anxiety ridden tone.

"So, how's everything going," Tommy wondered. Curiosity about his son's plans were on his mind. He kinda felt uneasy. This was unlike his son to come home late on a school night.

"Uh, yeah, dad, everything's going good," he replied, as he watched a young girl, who dragged a very pink backpack behind her, take a seat on the communal, comfy bench. His own curiosity was piqued, as she was by herself, yet unfazed by the going's on in this place. She appeared to be comfortable with the location, yet distressed in her body. Might've been an oxymoron to say, but there was no other way to describe her appearance. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, this is kind of out of character for you to stay out late," the older Oliver started off.

"I'll be home before midnight. That' not too late is it," Jayden interjected with his own question.

"No, not really. In six days, you are an adult, therefore you can make adult decisions. I don't see why you can't come home at midnight or say three in the morning, but as of right now, you are 17, and you're always come home by ten. It's regimental. What's caused you to suddenly switch everything up," the father didn't understand.

"Dad, I'm doing a school project with Mia," the Oliver with blue eyes blurted, and he mentally smacked himself. He intended to keep his best friend's involvement a secret.

Tommy stayed quiet, as memories flooded his brain. He remembered when he was involved in school projects during his senior year. They were with a petite teen, who was an expert in gymnastics. God, he missed her so much. If only he could have the chance to explain himself, then maybe, he could move on. After all this time, he wasn't able to. She was the reason why.

"Hello," spoke Jayden after he heard a bird chirped. Maybe, he really didn't, but that could've happened during the time. "Dad," he repeated.

"What," Tommy snapped out of his stupor. "Oh," he realized he stopped talking, "so you don't need anything?"

"Dad, are you okay?"

"I'm fine; I probably need to sleep. I've been grading papers."

"Okay, well, get your rest. I'll call you when I'm on my way home," Jayden retraced his words. He truly meant he would call his dad 20 minutes shy of the exit to Angel Grove.

"Alright, be safe, and don't get into any trouble," he cautioned his only child.

"I won't," Jayden countered, and he hung up the phone. He walked over to the girl. He knew he shouldn't keep Mia waiting, but at the same time, his nerves would be unsettled if he didn't see what was on her mind. He cautiously approached her, and he wanted to come as a friend, not at all like a creeper like pedofile. "Hello, are you okay," he squatted, so he could make eye contact with her. She didn't return the notion, but she nodded with a little sniffled added. Perplexed, he continued. "Where are your parents? I'm sure you can't be here all by yourself."

She looked up, a little curious as to why this person cared so much. He sat next to her. "My mom's here, but my dad lives far away," began Ava, and she shifted her feet on the floor, "and I wanted to spend Christmas with him, but my mom said no."

"I'm sure your mom has a reason," Jayden justified.

"Probably because she's unhappy, and she wants to make me miserable, and she also wants to ruin my life," Ava pledged to make her case. Jayden chuckled. "What's so funny? It's not funny!"

"It's not the end of the world," he maturely mentioned. "And you should respect your mom. If your dad lives far away, I'm sure your mom has a lot on her plate to handle. She has duel roles, you know. Sometimes, that can make a parent very stressed."

"Duel roles?"

"Like she's both mom and dad," he clarified for the adolescent, and she nodded in understanding. "You are lucky though; you have a mom that's so caring, and she love you. She probably doesn't want anything to happen to you, and she's wanting you to be safe. Holiday travel can be a pain in the butt, I don't blame her for not wanting you to go," he hypothesized the young girl's mom's reason or reasons. He couldn't help but think if that's how his mom would be. He alleged she would jump leaps and bounds to keep him safe.

"If she's stressed, then she should let me go with my dad," the young girl argued.

Jayden sat there. Ava was a little stubborn, in his opinion. "Have you possibly thought that she might be stressed if you leave her alone for the holidays?"

"Well, no, but..." she didn't know how to counter that.

"I'm sure you love your mom very much, and whatever you may be mad at her about, it'll eventually go away. That's how parent-child relationships are. And your mom would probably do anything in the world for you, if she could, and she even says no to your requests, or might even make you embarrassed over certain things, but it's her way of showing how much she cares and loves you for being in her life," he promised her that.

Ava liked Jayden. She found him to be really sweet and caring. She decided to delve into his life, since he was taking a peek into hers. "Is that how your mom is," she queried, but the sadness cloaked his blue eyes. Even though she was young, she was very precocious. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she sincerely apologized.

"Hey, it's okay," he didn't want her to think his feelings were hurt. "She passed away when I was very young, like when I was a baby."

"Do you miss her," she quickly questioned.

"Yeah, I do," he confessed with a small smile. "I would've liked to have her spend the nights with me when I was sick, smother me with kisses, embarrass me when I got dropped off at school, pick my clothes, make me smile, and if she didn't even do all of that, I would just want her to be there."

"Does your dad do all of that for you?"

Jayden was really thankful for his dad. He knew his life could've been something else, but his dad prevented that from happening. "He does all of that and more," he replied.

"Ava," Haley called for her attention, and she smiled at the young man with her. "Was she bothering you," she asked Jayden.

"No, not at all. It was actually quite the contrary," the young guy on a mission answered with a smile. "She's a really great kid actually. You must be so proud to have her."

Hayley and Ava weirdly looked at Jayden, and the two began to giggle. His eyebrows constricted inwards.

"She's not my mom; she's my God mom," Ava disclosed with a bright smile.

"Ava, what did you tell this young man," she playfully reprimanded. Haley greeted the customers that entered the building. "Uncle Billy will be here in a little bit, and he has Jaime with him," she updated. Jaime was Billy and Haley's 13 year old daughter.

"At least I won't be bored with her," Kim's daughter smiled, and she turned to Jayden. "What's your name?"

"I'm Jayden," he held out his hand. "I take it your Ava."

"Ava Charlotte Hart-Basso," she proudly stated her full name.

For a moment, Jayden couldn't get passed the last name. "Did you say your last name was Hart-Basso?" He put two and two together. Her mother was Kim; the same Kim that greeted him earlier; the same Kim that was his dad's Kim.

"Yes, you are correct. Her mom and I co-own this restaurant here," Haley answered. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I am, "Jayden smiled, and he couldn't wait to tell Mia.

"Thank you for talking to me, Jayden. You helped me to realize something," the young girl said, and she gave him a very big hug.

He instantly returned one back to her, which caused Haley to wonder what happened during the time she left Ava alone. She made a mental note to tell Kim about this young man. It was obvious that Ava's personality had drastically changed after talking with him.

"I should get back to my d-d-da, dinner," the one with haunting blue eyes said. He had no clue why the word, date, was fixing to exit his mouth.

"Right," Haley questioned his sentence. With her head cocked to the side, she examined him, as he walked off. Her husband and daughter walked in soon after. She gave her husband a kiss on the lips, and she gave him instructions for the night. When Kim, who was a little tipsy, came over, her daughter's arms wrapped tightly around her mom's waist.

"Mom, I do love you, you know, and I want to thank you for everything," Ava declared, while this warmed her mom's heart.

Kim looked at Haley questioningly, but responded to her daughter. "I love you too, Ava," she sobered at the words, and she almost wanted to cry.

Billy wondered what was going on. "Babe, did something happen while I was gone," he questioned the exchange. The past couple of weeks, he knew the mother, daughter duo had their downs more than the ups. Ava was definitely bullheaded, and that would get her in trouble. However, the reason why she was so bullheaded was because of Kim's genes. Those two were one in the same in his opinion.

"I think a Christmas miracle," Haley answered with a smile.

While that was going on, Jayden headed to his booth. He heard the sound of angelic laughter emanating from his table. His eyes grew cold at the way the waiter, Antonio, was charming Mia. He softly growled, and he took a few seconds to calm down. This was not the time or place to get angry. The reason why they were here was for his dad's sake, not for personal gain. He reminded himself for the thousandth time, this was not a date, and Mia was his sister. He walked forward, and he cleared his throat.

Mia giggled again, and she noticed Jayden was there. "Hey, where have you been? Antonio is so funny. He was telling me about a day he went fishing with his father, and he thought he caught a big one, and everyone on their boat had to help get it, but really it was a luggage full of woman's underwear," she couldn't hold her laughter in.

Antonio shrugged when he saw the glare from Jayden. "She was looking for you, and I couldn't leave such a pretty lady to be by herself, so I came over," he explained for his presence. "Look, I'm not trying to move in on your girlfriend."

"I'm not his girlfriend," Mia defended herself. "Antonio, thank you for the comical relief." She took a drink.

"Yeah, thank for the comical relief," Jayden dryly stated, and he took his seat.

The waiter bowed and left them to be.

"Wow Jayden, you surely know how to kill the mood," she sarcastically muttered, and she wasn't liking the way Jayden was acting. "He was just being nice. Where were-"

"You didn't have to flirt back," he interjected with some anger.

The smoothie maker's face hardened at his accusation. "Excuse me, who said I was flirting?"

"Sorry," he rapidly fired, and she looked at him with concern.

If this was any other day, she would ignore his little tirade. However, this day was not like any other days.

He didn't know why he was all of a sudden growing jealous of any guy that showering her with attention, but he knew he needed to quit.

There was silence between the two. For the past week and a half, there was a definite discord in their friendship. Jayden, in particular, was considerably saddened by the change.

"So, I met a little girl," he started the conversation while playing around with his food. "Her name is Ava, and she's Kimberly's daughter."

"Kimberly's daughter," Mia curiously asked. With the revelation, she couldn't keep her mouth taped shut.

"Well, yeah, her mom owns this place, isn't that what Kimberly Hart does," he continued after Mia nodded. "And her name is Ava Charlotte Hart-Basso."

"So, she's married?"

"No, at least, I don't think they are," Jayden had to think about it. "I don't think they are because the dad lives far away."

Mia took some time to think about this. "Well, I don't remember seeing a ring on her finger," she mused about earlier.

Before they could speak about the matter at hand, the two were joined by the owners of Bella.

After Haley's husband and daughter left with Ava, the red head spoke to the brunette about Jayden. She pointed to where he was, and Kim mentioned this was the same person, who reminded her of Tommy, sat as well. Their interest in Jayden was sparked, and well, Kim knew it was time to confront her past. Haley was there as encouragement, though she believed her best friend didn't need it. In her opinion, this kid was a very good person and, basically, Kim was in good hands. Basically, he wouldn't act crazy, if she asked what was her mind.

"You spoke to my daughter, right," Kim started off with, and Jayden slowly nodded. "I just want to say, whatever you said to her, it means a lot to me. You see, she's been so mad at me after my husband and I divorced. I've been so busy with everything that I hadn't realized it," she cursed at herself. She smiled at Jayden though. "Whatever you had said to her, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. She's smiling again not glaring daggers at me."

Jayden stayed quiet. He knew he should've used this time to ask about his dad's relationship with her, but he got cold feet.

Kim sheepishly smiled, and her eyes erratically bounced from Haley to Jayden. She wasn't sure what to do next. The thought about asking him if he was related to Tommy was on her mind, but what he did for Ava meant a lot to her too.

Mia motioned for Jayden to acknowledge her. "Jayden," she tapped the table.

"Kim, isn't there something else you would like to say to him," Haley urged her, since it was obvious that the young man was quiet.

"And Jayden, isn't there something you would like to say to her," Mia encouraged, and she grinned at the women present.

When nothing was said, after a few more seconds, Haley and Mia took the initiative for Kim and Jayden's behalf respectively.

"Alright, I'll begin," Mia took up the position as leader, since Jayden was obviously failing. "Jayden's dad is Dr. Thomas James Oliver. We know there was a relationship between you two back in the day—as is high school days, and he would like to set you two up."

Haley knew it was her turn. Mia's words hadn't registered in her brains just yet. "And Kim, here, she believes you remind her of a love from the past, and she just wants to know are you related to Tommy Oliver... and wait a minute," a feeling of deja-vu had occurred, "did you say that Jayden's dad is Dr. Thomas James Oliver?"

Mia smiled and nodded. She caught on to what the co-owner of Bella was saying. This was turning out perfect. It was more than she had expected.

Kim's eyes stayed on Jayden. His features were so similar, she really couldn't get passed it. "So, your dad is Tommy," she opened her mouth, as Haley and Mia spoke to each other.

"Yes, he is, he's been for the past 18 years," Jayden nervously chuckled, and he surveyed Kim. "So, you used to date my dad?"

"Guilty," as a little nervous quirk, she bit her lip soon after. "How is he?"

"Before that's answered, I think I should excuse myself," Mia rose out of her seat, and she went to stand by Haley. Jayden got out of his, and he grabbed her wrist. He led her to the bar, away from the ears of the older ladies. "What is it?"

"I thought we were going to do this together," he asked her, and she shook her head. "What?"

"You can do this. Besides, it seems like you've done more than you think," she exampled how he was able to speak to Kim's daughter, which made Kim warm up to him. "I can't hold your hand through everything."

"I wish you could," he muttered under his breath.

Mia heard his request, but she ignored it. Unlike before when she would be a pushover and follow whatever he laid out, she didn't this time. "Jayden, you need to do this on your own. I'll be here, but just not at the table with you." She watched as he agreed, though his body movements proved otherwise.

Jayden didn't understand why she wasn't willing to stay, nor did he understand why he needed her so badly. This wasn't like the either of them. Instead of dwelling, he accepted what she laid out. "Alright, I won't be long, or at least, I don't think I will be."

"Um, would you like to sit in the back VIP area," Haley interrupted them. She wasn't positive what the two were saying, but she got the gist of it. "I think we should let the two talk, and you have to try our famous canoli," she cheerfully offered, which made Mia comfortable.

"I would love that," the eldest Kwan-Scott daughter affirmed, and she gave another encouraging nod towards Jayden. She walked to the carpeted area with the red head.

Kim sat at the table. She was nervous beyond words. When she was joined by Jayden, she decided to pick a neutral topic. "So, are things between you and your girlfriend okay?"

Jayden shook his head and took a drink of the clear, carbonated beverage with a hint of lemon and lime. "She's not my girlfriend," he began, and he noticed the frown on Kim's face. "She's my best friend, you know, more like a sister than a lover."

"Oh, I see," she drew out her words. "Have you ever thought of her as more than a friend?"

"No, never," he robotically opposed the query. Lately, he's been saying the same thing over and over about Mia. It was like he was trying to make everyone around him believe it.

Though, Kim believed otherwise. From her point of view, Jayden was completely oblivious to his own affection towards his supposed 'sister'. "So, how is your dad," she faced her fears.

"My dad's doing great," Jayden liked this topic a lot better than his relationship standing with Mia. "He's a doctor of palentology, and he teaches science at Angel Grove High."

"Ah, our alma mater," Kim gushed, and she smiled about her lost love's career choice. "Your dad has a knack for teaching. In high school, he used to teach karate."

"It runs in the family," he said. "I do the same. I know he taught at the senior home, but I teach at the Youth Center."

"That's the one on Percy Way, right," when she saw Jayden nod, it confirmed her thoughts. She remembered they were building that before she had left for culinary school.

"So, you aren't married?"

Kim sadly smiled. "I was, but it just didn't work out. Ava's father and I divorced about six years ago. He's remarried and even has two other kids. Ava's it for me, and dating has never been an option," she answered. She probably said too much, but she wanted to make her relationship status clear. "Is Tommy married? Like, do you have a mom? Oh, that probably sounds stupid of course you have one."

"No, my dad isn't married. He's been raising me, since my mother passed away," Jayden divulged, and he saw the sympathy in Kim's gentle eyes. "It's okay, I've accepted it; she passed shortly after she gave birth to me."

"Oh, Jayden, I'm so sorry," she apologized for his loss. "Was your dad upset?"

"I think he was, but he was more worried about how he was going to take care of me while still being in the military," he believed, and she nodded. "Thanks to Mia's mom, he was able to still do so. I thank him everyday for all he's done, and I'm sure he's sacrificed a lot."

"Does that include dating?"

He bobbed his head. "Yeah, it does. I hadn't truly realized it until, well, she brought it up."

Ava's mother didn't question the she. It was pretty obvious who that was.

"And, that's when we concocted this plan to meet you. It became clear my dad isn't over what you two shared," Jayden spoke further.

"Jayden, are you sure," she shyly wondered. Her heart raced to know that he still held a torch for her. "I mean, with all the years that have gone by, and it's..." she stopped talking and took the letter he was holding up for her. Kim curiously examined the paper and read the contents on the envelope. It was marked return to sender, and the date was around the time she was still in Italy. Tommy had sent this a couple of years after he had broken up with her. "Where did you get this?"

"It was in my dad's closet. After doing some sleuth work, we found this box that held all the letters you've ever sent to him. I found this one interesting, since it was addressed to you but still in his possession," he sincerely replied, and he was hoping she would open the thing. He was curious about the contents.

"I can't believe he still cared," she yearningly whispered.

"I don't think he cared at all; I believe still cares," he wanted her to see the truth.

Immediately, Kim opened the envelope. She read the letter to herself.

"Beautiful,
I know it's been awhile since you heard me call you that. Maybe you hate my guts after all this time. I shouldn't be allowed to call you that. Sorry for the ramble. I bet you are wondering why I am writing this to you. The last time you received a letter from me, I broke your heart.

I'M SO SORRY.

I couldn't let these many years go by without telling you the truth behind the last letter. We were young. I graduated, but you were still in high school. It wasn't fair to make you wait for me, since I didn't know when I was coming back. It was best that you moved on, and you would meet a guy that would care for you, as much as I do. I was looking out for your benefit, since I think you would hold on to me. I would hate to have you wait, knowing another man would be very lucky with the love you've given me. I hope you understand, and you can find it in your heart to forgive me for all the pain that I've caused you.

It hurt me a lot to write those words, since I STILL LOVE YOU.

I hope the next time we cross paths, we will be okay. More than okay. We'll be able to get passed this. There's more I want to say to you, but I believe you will end up hating me. I'll just let you know. I'm about be a father, and I'm so scared. I need your encouragement to get through this. If you were here, I know you would help me. I hope you are okay, and until we see each other again.

Catch ya on the flipside,
Your Handsome,
Thomas 'Tommy' James Oliver

PS. I love you so much, and I can't wait to watch you in the Olympics. I'll be rooting for you in the living room."

Kim finished, and she looked at Jayden. Her eyes glistened, and she gently wiped beneath her nose. "After all this time, I never understood how a person can break up with someone he loved so much. Now, I can say I do. Your dad's a really good guy; I believe he was looking out for my well being." She re-read the letter. "I really hope your dad was't waiting to see my in the Olympics. I suffered an injury and couldn't compete with it, which prompted me to go into the culinary world."

Right before Kim was set to graduate high school, she had a qualifying match for the Pan Globals. Sadly, she landed wrong off the balance beam, and the pain was extremely excrutiating. When her mom took her to the hospital, the doctors confirmed her worst fear. If she competed and damaged any more tissue in her legs, then the blood wouldn't circulate properly. The gymnast hopeful decided to quit for her benefit.

"I would always wonder why my dad watched the gymnastics competitions," Jayden chuckled at the woman in front of him. He earnestly gazed at Kim. "Will you come to Angel Grove this Friday?

"What?!" She incredulously questioned his sanity. Maybe, he was overwhelmed with everything, and he wasn't thinking too clearly either.

"Please, it would mean a lot, and it would fulfill my father's Christmas wish." he proposed. He saw she was in deep thought, and he probed her once more. "What's holding you back?"

"Honestly? It would have to be Ava. She has this strong attachment to her dad, and I wouldn't want her to think I was trying to replace him," she overthought the situation at hand.

"I'm not asking you to marry my dad that day," he pointed out, and he knew that was probably harsh. "I think it would make him very happy if he saw you. That's all. Don't you want to see him?"

"I do," she had been thinking about this opportunity for awhile. So, why shouldn't she say yes. After all, this was her choice, and it could possibly have a wonderful outcome. "Okay, I'll go."

"Great," he complimented with a smile. Relief washed over him, and he couldn't wait to see his dad's face when the two reunited. His dad might get mad at him for snooping, but he was sure this was going to make him the happiest man on Earth. Disneyland wouldn't have a thing on Angel Grove this year. Angel Grove would be the happiest place on Earth this Friday. "Wear something white; it's a Winter Wonderland Dance."

"That's very doable," Kim thought about adding some pink in, and she observed Jayden. "If you only look at Mia as a friend, then who is your date?"

"Are you making sure my date is a nice girl," he teased. He could see why his dad liked her, and he admitted, he could see Kim as his future step-mom. She genuinely cared.

"Yes," she giggled, even if Jayden was denying his feelings, she still went along. "Does your dad like her?"

Jayden honestly shrugged. "We hadn't talked about it, but he's probably thinking I'm going to be an adult soon, so I can make my own decisions," and he continued to disclose little tidbits about himself.

They hadn't realized the time. It wasn't until Mia and Haley came back over. For Mia, she knew it was getting late, and they had a big drive ahead. She kindly thanked the women for a wonderful meal at their restaurant, and she even said goodbye to Antonio. Jayden was happy for Mia to be back by his side, and he agreed with Mia. He enveloped both Haley and Kim into a big hug. In two days, his dad's future could change for the better. The best friends left; one with a smile on his face, the other with an oxymoron kind of smile.

Haley and Kim watched them leave to the parking lot. They turned to each other, and they instantly read what was on each other's mind.

"You sensed it too," Haley wondered.

"Yeah, I did," Kim replied with a worried lip bite. She hoped everything would work itself out.

The best friend slung her arm around the shorter woman. "But at least one, wonderful, amazing thing came out of this," she figured, "you are going to be reunited with him."

"I can't believe it," she contently whispered, and they closed up for the night.

Xxxxx

An Hour and a Half Later
The 5 Freeway
Los Angeles County

"What are you thinking about," Jayden asked the passenger in his car. Since they left Reefside, she stayed quiet. He assumed she was tired, weary, and wasn't in the mood to talk. Maybe, there was something else on her mind, and he was determined to get down to the bottom of it.

Mia wasn't sure how to bring it up. While with Haley, she received a phone call from Kevin, wondering if she was going to accept his invitation to the dance. Though she felt like she was 'cheating' on Jayden, she realized they weren't a couple. He was attending the dance with someone else, and that person was the true holder of his heart. She also reminded herself that she was trying to get over Jayden. It was her choice after all. "Can you believe it? Your dad is going to reunite with Kim," she shifted the conversation away from her. She gazed outside her window, and she counted the insurmountable amount of stars.

"I can't believe it," he second, but that still didn't answer his question. "Mia, can I talk to you?"

"We're talking right now," she playfully quipped, but after she faced him, she realized he wasn't laughing. He was very serious.

"You've been avoiding me," he wistfully confessed, "and I don't like it."

"Jayden, I'm not avoiding you. How can I avoid you when I'm here with you?"

"You don't get it," he strongly clarified, and she quietly watched how aggravated he was becoming. "Lately, you haven't been the same Mia I grew up with. You've been distant, as if I did something to you."

"Jayden," she tried to calm him down, "you haven't done anything to me," she lied, since she knew her heart had been through hell and back in just this week alone. The decision to let him go was agonizing, since she was geuinely in love with him. On the other hand, she couldn't put herself through any more torture. She's seen it, witnessed how much he was in love with Emily. Her head and heart was in the clouds, if she thought he would leave that blonde for her.

He flipped his signal up, and he exited on the off ramp. He continued on the street towards their residential sub division. "I don't believe you," he announced through gritted teeth, which Mia wasn't used to.

"What do you want from me Jayden," she exasperatedly crossed her arms over her chest protectively.

"I want the damn truth from you," he argued. This time he knew where his anger was stemming from; he was jealous. He had been since Kevin talked about asking her to the dance. He didn't like the way the waiter made her laugh, since he used to be able to do that to her. The way she was around him now, it wasn't her. He knew that, since he knew almost everything about her. "This isn't you. Before, you would be there for me all the time, and when I needed you; you wouldn't take your time."

"Jayden, we can't do everything together," she countered with malevolence.

"We can't, or you can't," he rebutted.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Who's taking you to the dance, Mia," Jayden wondered.

Mia almost choked on her spit. She was surprised by the question. "Where's this coming from? You are prying into my life like a snoop," she didn't know what to think anymore. "Seriously, Jayden..."

"You don't call me Jayden," he lowly muttered. "You call me Jay more than Jayden. You are the only one to call me that, and now, you say my whole name."

"Stop," Mia huskily pleaded. Their friendship was dwindling into nothing. She hated how he was treating her, and for what? She couldn't wrap her head around it. When he parked the car, she remained paralyzed. This conversation should've been over, but she decided to finish it by answering his question. "I'm going to the dance with Kevin."

Her best friend winced. He felt like the breath was knocked out of him, and he turned to her. "When I talked to Kevin, he said you didn't have an answer, and now you do?"

She haughtily laughed at him. Jayden's demeanor right now; she thought he was pathetic. "What do you expect? That I go to the dance by myself, while everyone else has a date and has fun. Would you like me to look like a loser and be there by myself?"

"No..."

"Then what is it? If you think I've changed, maybe you need to look in the mirror. You have changed in this past afternoon. When you figure out what's your real problem, then we can start talking again," Mia stipulated, and she felt her heart clench tightly.

"What? No, you can't. You can't tell me that," he considerably panicked.

Mia shook head. "I just, I just don't know anymore," she sniffled and discreetly wiped her eyes. It really did pain her to do this. She grabbed all of her belongings, and she exited the car. As much as she wanted Jayden to stop her, hold her, and admit he felt the same way, she knew it wouldn't happen. Whatever he was scared of, that was on him. She walked to her house, a little defeated and emotionally drained. She was also a little irrational, since there was an offer she couldn't refuse waiting for an answer.

Still in his car, Jayden watched as she entered her house. He sat there with a melancholic expression, and he attempted to figure out what happened. There was no other logical explanation for his actions, other than the fact he was hopelessly and completely in love with her as well.