Sorry if you guys feel this is moving too slowly or whatever. These aren't supposed to be 'filler' chapters, it's just how the story goes. But I guess the laying of the groundwork for what's to happen in the end is taking too long, and I think people are losing interest, so I'm going to give you double updates for a while to get it moving.

If you want a story that goes straight to the point, I have plenty of one shots and shorter stories than this one. Or, you could read Schwartzibrow's new story (cough, cough).

Alphi72: Your answer to the second question is here, but I'm not saying anything about the first one. Sorry.

Disclaimer: Meg Cabot owns everyone but Hayley.


Mia's POV...

"Mia, stop stressing over nothing. You probably just took him by surprise is all. I'm sure when he gets you by yourself tonight he'll sweep you up in his arms and they'll be no holding him back...except the giant Nordic bodyguard standing a few feet away."

"Ha ha," I said sarcastically. Hayley is trying to give me a pep talk before I see Felix tonight. She's telling me to be optimistic, but I just don't know anymore.

"So where are you guys going anyway?" she asked.

"Just to see a movie."

"A movie! Perfect. It'll be dark and romantic, and Lars will be all but forgotten about, sitting a few rows back."

"Yeah...maybe."

"Maybe? Mia, it's all but set in stone. You have nothing to worry about."

"That's what Tina said about Michael and Holly, and look how that turned out."

"But this is different."

"Look, I don't even know if I want anything to come of this. Tina said I was just trying to fill a void in my life, one that doesn't have to be filled."

Someone knocked on the door and Felix let himself in.

"Ladies, how's it going?"

"Great!" Hayley replied for the both of us.

"Do you have plans for the night, Hayles? Or are you joining me and Mia? We're just seeing a movie, nothing special."

Nothing special, huh? Somehow I doubt there will be anything romantic happening in the dark movie theatre tonight.

Hayley obviously didn't catch onto the 'nothing special' remark, she just declined the offer and made a subtle suggestion that we'd rather be alone.

"It's not as if you'd be in the way or anything, though," he protested. Does he really not want to be alone with me at the movies or something?

"No, no, you guys go ahead," she insisted, shuffling us out the door.

"Ok," I replied, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "I guess it's just us then."

"I guess," Felix said, not sounding too thrilled at the idea.

What's wrong with me?

- - -

If Hayley seriously thought anything romantic was going to happen during the movie, she was sorely mistaken.

First of all, he picked the movie. And instead of picking a romantic drama or even a light comedy, he picked the latest action adventure one, with more blood and gore than I've ever seen in my life. I had to close my eyes through most of it and cover my ears with my hands.

So that ruled out the hand holding too. And did he even put his arm around me in a comforting way? Nope.

We're now sitting in a small cafe, eating bagels and drinking coffee. I just can't stand it any longer, I have to ask him what's going on.

"Felix, where are we?" I asked him, looking directly at him.

He looked around for a second. "From the looks of it, we're in a small establishment that sells coffee," he joked.

"Very funny. You know what I mean. I mean, where are we in this 'get to know you first' before things progress thing? Are they even progressing?"

He looked uncomfortable. I know he doesn't want to have this conversation any more then I do.

"Well...these past few months have been great, Mia. I've really had fun. But to be honest, I don't see it going any further than friendship. I'm sorry."

I sat back in my chair. "Ok. Well at least I know. Thanks."

"I am sorry if you thought there was more here, Mia. But I think if we tried to find something that isn't really there, we'd ruin the friendship too. And I don't want that to happen."

I nodded as if I understood completely; but I don't really. I know Tina said I don't even want Felix, I just want the security of having a boyfriend, but why doesn't he want me?

"Actually, there is another reason...and I hope you don't mind me asking, but…Hayley's not seeing anyone is she?"

"No," I replied, and then it registered and everything clicked into place. "Oh. Oh!"

- - -

I walked back into my dorm room later, not exactly upset, but not too happy either.

"So how'd it go?" Hayley pounced on me as soon as I collapsed onto my bed.

"It went great," I lied. "We're just going to be friends."

"What? Why?" she asked, looking honestly sorry for me.

"Because he doesn't want me..."

"Oh, Mia, I'm sure that's not it," she interrupted me.

"He wants you, Hayles."

"What?" she acted shocked, but I can see that this isn't exactly news to her ears.

"I'm not in the mood for games right now, ok? I just want to know the truth. Have you two been fooling around behind my back?"

"Mia, how could you even think that? I'll be honest, we've flirted a little, sure, but nothing ever happened. And if it did I wouldn't have let it. I'm not that kind of person, Mia."

I sighed. "I know you're not. But you can see where I'm coming from, right?"

"Yeah. And I'm sorry if you feel betrayed, but I didn't do anything wrong."

"I believe you," I sighed again. "So are you going to go out with him now?"

I could see a smile creeping onto her lips. "I dunno. I haven't thought about it. But…would you mind?"

"No, I guess not. I think I knew Felix wasn't right for me anyway."

"Really? You wouldn't mind? Because he's so much nicer than all these losers Maggie and I have been finding recently. And I really do like him."

"Good. I hope something comes of it then."

And I'm not lying either. Now that I think about it, I think Felix and I are better off as friends. And I think he and Hayley would make a good couple.

I think.


Click ahead for the next chapter…