~~Chapter V: My New Beginning~~

The next day, I brushed my teeth thoroughly and showered long. I went downstairs, surprised to see Mike prepared to go to school.

"I'll be driving you–I mean, us–to school today. Hurry up, and eat your breakfast." He commanded. I obeyed without saying a word, just nodding my head.

"Thank you Bella,"

"No problem" I didn't look up, afraid that my cheeks are burning scarlet.

"Why won't you lift your head up?" He finally said, noticing my actions.

I just chuckled, considering it as a joke.

Just then, he got up from his seat and lifted my chin up to look at his baby blue eyes. My cheeks were burning.

"Ahah! You're shy aren't you?" He teased.

"I'm not! I'm just, well," I couldn't find a word to replace "shy"

"Oh, my Bella's shy!" He teased once more.

I was thrilled hearing the term, "my Bella"

"I most certainly am not!" I said, moving my chin away. I pouted.

"Sheesh, silly Bella." He said and rolled his eyes.

Just when he was about to return from his seat, he stopped abruptly facing me again.

"Are you really shy Bella?" he said, there was no humor in his voice.

"Well, uh, um, yes.." I finally admitted.

He smiled and returned from his seat. His smile never left his face.

After eating, I grabbed my bag and signaled for him to come along. I closed the door and headed for the Chevy. He opened the passenger door for me and went inside the driver's seat roaring the engine to life.

We were quiet throughout the trip, but he was still smiling all the way.

Finally, we reached school. The moment I opened the door, his lips crushed on my cheek, kissing me gently again. I felt my cheeks burn deep red and I was staring down at the ground, completely embarrassed. The truth is, I like the feeling when Mike kissed me on the cheek. It was warm, soft and gentle. It was the best, but I still can't control my over active blushing.

He went down the car and held the passenger seat for me. I got out, red-faced.

We made our way to class, Jessica, Lauren and Angela was eyeing me and Mike. Mike was smiling widely and I was blushing deeply. I could see it in their eyes that they are burning with curiosity. I sat down beside Jessica, staring down and biting my lower lip. My heart was pumping rapidly.

"Why are you red, Bella?" she asked, her eyes are staring at my fiery cheeks.

"Hm?" I stared at her for a quick moment. "Nothing, I just tripped." I lied smoothly.

"Oh," she said while rolling her eyes. I bet she's expecting a new gossip coming from me. She stared at Mike's smiling face, then back to mine. I was so embarrassed.

Biology passed in a blur. I fixed my things and headed out for the door. I wasn't that surprised when I saw Mike waiting for me outside. He was leaning his body to the wall, his head bent down, looking at the ground and his hands were in his pockets, a picture of ease. He tilted his head to stare at my eyes and he was still smiling. I wonder if that hurt his face already.

"Hey Bella," he said. He was somehow hiding a joke. His eyes were the ones doing it.

"H- hi…" I said nervously. After that, he insisted carrying my things, but I declined. He's Mike, he wouldn't take a 'no' for an answer. He took my books away from my hands and carried it easily.

That kind of thing reminded me of someone that caused a huge lump in my throat. He could've done that to me if he was still here. I stopped abruptly; Mike noticed me and stared at my eyes.

"Bella are you crying? Here, take your things if that what makes you happy!" He said, panicking because he thought he made me cry for being a gentleman. It was partly his fault, but the rest of it was his fault.

"It will be as if I'd never existed."

The words were in my head. Tears welled up in my eyes. I wasn't staring at Mike. I was staring at the ground. My tears falling on the floor. I couldn't help it. The sound of his voice and those pathetic words made my heart stop.

Mike was immediately at my side, patting my shoulders for comfort.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I won't do it again, I promise." Mike said; his voice nervous.

"Excuse me," I said while turning away. I ran away for the exit. Before I reached the door, I tripped. Mike was there, staring at me. We are the only ones here.

"I'm so stupid!" I cried.

"No, no honey. Don't cry. I'm here. Shh," he comforted me. He pulled me on his chest once more and I smelled his strawberry scent again.

"Mike!" I said, between sobs. His head was on my hair. His hand on my back.

I stopped crying and I pulled back from him. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and sniffed. "I'm sorry, Mike. I couldn't help it." I said while wiping.

He just stared at me with eyes of worry. His adorable blue eyes caught my attention; I stared at him for a long time. He was staring at my eyes too.

"Bella," he said, breathless.

That's when he pulled me closer and kissed me sickly sweet.