The First Meeting

Mia stands in her room alone, the closet door is open and random articles of clothing lay on the floor. Mia looks ahead at the full body mirror that hung on the wall across from where she was standing. She turns her body to the side and smoothes out her shirt, making sure that she looked as presentable as possible.

Today was the day; she finally worked up the courage to ask her new found sister out to lunch. Mia had to make a good impression, first impressions last forever.

She called her the night before and told her to meet her at Pano’s on Elmwood around noon. Mia looked at the clock, it was 11:30, she didn’t have much time left.

Mia looked back at the mirror and stared combing through her wavy hair with her fingertips.

You can do this Mia.

She grabbed her purse, cell phone and house keys and headed for the door. Mia began walking toward Elmwood and her cell phone when her cell phone started to ring. She looked at her watch to make sure that she wasn’t late and then she reached into her purse and pulled it out.

It was James.

Mia: Hey babe.

James: Hey, did you leave yet?

Mia: Yeah, a couple minutes ago. I’m on my way there now. Why what’s up?

James: Nothing, I just wanted to make sure you actually left.

Mia: I was almost gonna stay home, I couldn’t find anything to wear.

James: Oh dear God. Well, don’t stress, everything will be fine. Hopefully you two will hit it off and if not then at least you know you tried.

Mia: Yeah, hopefully.

James: Are you close to the restaurant now, you should already be there, it’s almost noon.

Mia: Yeah, I just got here.

James: Alright then, go ahead; meet up with your sis, that’s sounds really weird saying by the way, and I’ll talk to you later.

Mia: Okay, thank you.

James: No problem, love you.

Mia: Love you too.

Mia closes her phone and stares at it laughing then puts it in her purse.

Well, here goes nothing.

Mia: Hi, I believe my sister is already here.

Waiter: What is her name?

Mia: Selina.

Waiter: Okay, if you would just follow me I will show you to your seat.

Mia: Thank you.

As Mia follows the waiter, her stomach begins to turn, her head becomes hazy and her balance becomes uneasy. While she follows the waiter, she holds onto every booth, making sure she doesn’t collapse right there in front of everyone.

The waiter begins to slow down and then stops in front of this booth closer to the window. Selina sits there, her back to them; she has a glass of water sitting in front of her.

Waiter: Miss, your guest is here.

Selina stands up and turns to face Mia. The waiter puts down Mia’s menu and starts walking toward the podium by the door.

Waiter: Let me know when you’re ready.

Mia stares at this woman standing in front of her. Selina looks back at her and smirks as she puts her hand out to shake her hand. Mia takes her hand and introduces herself.

Mia: Hi Selina, I’m Mia.

Selina: I assumed that much. Come on let’s sit and order.

Mia looks at her as she sits down; Selina is gorgeous, tall, and fair skinned. Mia sits across from her and picks up the menu and skims through it not really paying attention to anything on it.

Selina looks up from the menu after noticing that Mia isn’t really interested.

Selina: After all these years Mia, you look almost the same as you did when we were little.

Mia: Really? I could probably say the same about you but I think that I blocked out everything in my life that happened before I moved back to Buffalo after my parents died.

Selina: Yeah, I’m sorry to hear about that. When I found out about Joann, I was devastated. I never really saw her but she was still my mother. I think I was more upset with the fact that I didn’t really have a chance to get to know her and she didn’t get to know me.

Mia: I’m sorry Selina, if I had known I would have made an effort to find you.

Selina: No, it’s okay. I understand, I’ve always known that I had a sister out there. I didn’t want to just come out of nowhere though and surprise you. I thought that it would be better for you to not know.

Mia: I just wish that my mom would’ve told me when I was younger. I think I would’ve rather heard it from her.

Selina: I understand.

Mia and Selina sat there for a few minutes in silence; finally Selina picked up her menu and began looking at it again. Mia picked up her own and after glancing at it, she figured out what she wanted.

Waiter: Are you two all set to order.

Selina: Are you ready Mia?

Mia: Yeah, you can go first.

Selina: Okay, I’ll have the open Chicken Soulvaki with Greek potatoes please.

Mia: Ha, I’ll have the same please.

Waiter: Okay, I’ll be right out with your food.

Mia: I always order a Soulvaki when I go to Greek restaurants.

Selina: Me too. Most of the time it’s the only thing that I trust, and the fact that it tastes amazing helps.

Mia: I agree.

Mia and Selina go through the rest of their lunch reminiscing and catching each other up with what’s been going on the past few years of their life.

Selina: Well, I go to Canisius College majoring in child psychology. I’ve been with my current boyfriend for almost three years now. But what about you?

Mia: Uh, well let’s see.

Selina: Hold on, let me see if I know. You have been in XWF, the Xtreme Wrestling Federation, for over a year now. You date the hottest guy there, James Raven. You are in a stable called The Prophecy, you used to live in a gym basically when you first moved here. And your uncle died not long after you came back to Buffalo. Is that pretty accurate?

Mia: Wow that was pretty much what I was going to say, you said that almost word for word. What do you do stalk me?!

Mia begins to laugh and Selina soon catches on and laughs with her. Selina reaches into her purse and pulls out her cell phone, she stops laughing and her eyes get bigger. She puts her phone back and raises her hand to call the waiter over.

Selina: Can we get the check please?

Waiter: Coming right up.

Mia: Is everything okay?

Selina: Yeah, I just realized what time it was and I have something that I have to do at school today.

Mia: But today’s Saturday, that’s weird.

Selina: Yeah, these projects are really kicking my ass.

The waiter comes back with the check and places it on the table while the bus boy comes around and begins picking up the plates.

Selina pulls out her wallet and puts a credit card in the slot. The waiter comes back a few minutes later with the receipt.

Waiter: You ladies have a nice day.

Mia: Thank you, you too. Selina, how much do I owe you?

Selina: Don’t worry about it, this meal is on me. You can get the next one, if you want there to be a next one.

Mia: Yeah no of course I do. You have my number so just call me or text me whenever you’re free.

Selina: Oh yeah, cool, of course. So do you want a ride home? I have my car right outside.

Mia: Sure, if it isn’t any trouble. I don’t live far; I can walk if you have to get to where you’re going in a hurry.

Selina: No, it’s fine.

Selina and Mia walk out of the restaurant and into the parking lot. Selina stops at a sliver Jeep Cherokee.

Mia: Wow, you have a really nice car.

Selina: Thanks, it took me forever to save up for it.

Selina unlocks the doors and they get in. Selina begins driving off and starts random conversation until she pulls up to the house.

Mia: How did you know where I lived?

Selina: You told me.

Mia: Did I really? When?

Selina: At the table, when I asked you if you wanted a ride. You gave me your address.

Mia: I don’t remember. Are you sure?

Selina: Yeah, how else would I know where you lived? Mia starts to get out of the car and stops to face Selina.

Mia: Are you sure?

Selina: Yes Mia, I’m sure. Maybe you’re beginning to lose your memory from all those matches you’ve had.

Mia: Hmm, maybe. Anyways, thanks for lunch.

Selina: No problem. Hey Mia, I’m taking this elective in college. It’s a photography class, do you mind if I take a few snapshots of you?

Mia: No, go ahead. What do you want me to do?

Before Mia could finish her sentence, Selina pulled out a camera from under her seat and began focusing it.

Selina: Okay, you can go ahead into the house now. I think I got a really good one of you.

Mia: Um, okay. Well, thanks again. Keep in touch.

Selina: I will, now that we found each other, I never want to let you go.

Mia began walking toward the house, when she reached the door she turned around to wave one more time before going in.

Selina took another snapshot of her, beeped the horn, and went on her way down the street and around the corner.

That was interesting.

Mia walked into the house to James sitting on the couch watching a movie with a pizza sitting on top of the table.

Mia: Couldn’t wait for me to start the movie?

James: Hey babe, I didn’t hear you come in.

Mia: Yeah, that’s because you’re so focused on that damn television screen.

James: How was lunch?

Mia: It was really good actually. We found out that we have a lot more in common than either of us thought we would.

James: That’s good. I’m happy for you.

Mia: Yeah, what movie are you watching?

James: Waiting, the best movie of all time.

Mia: Do you mind restarting it? I don’t think I’ve ever seen the whole thing all the way through.

James: Well, maybe if you’re lucky you won’t be able to watch the whole thing now either.

Mia: Shut up James. I’m gonna go get out of these clothes and get on some pajamas. I’ll be right out.

James: You don’t have to get pajamas on.

Mia: James, restart the movie. I’ll be right out.

James: Fine. Be that way.

Mia walks into the bedroom and stands at the doorway, shocked at what she is seeing. The bed was covered with rose pedals, and there were candles everywhere. Mia looked over to the dresser where two dozen red roses, at the least, sat in a vase. Mia walked over to the night stand where a brand new CD player was. The room looked perfect.

James must’ve planned this when she told him about her meeting Selina, that’s probably why he wanted to make sure she was out of the house.

James: I figured I’d do something nice for you, I know you’ve been stressing out about life lately and I remember you saying one time how you would love to walk into a room full of candles and roses. I figure I’d make your dream a reality.

Mia: James, it’s perfect.

Mia jumped into James’ arms and swung her arms around his neck. James spun her around the room before putting her down, still holding on to her to make sure she didn’t lose her balance. He wiped a tear away from her eye.

James: Why are you crying?

Mia: James, you make me the happiest person in the world. I love you.

James: I love you too.

Mia began kissing James softly on the neck; James began to tense up with pleasure as Mia’s lips worked up to his ear. She pulled herself away and stepped out of her red heels, one foot at a time. James picked up her up into his arms and gently placed her on the bed. He pulled his shirt off and Mia ran her hands up and down his chest. Mia sat up and James began to unbutton her red blouse, pushing it off her shoulders. James layed on the bed and Mia climbed on top of him, unzipping his jeans then undoing the button. She pulled them down slowly and tossed them on the floor.

Mia got up off the bed and began unzipping her skirt leaving her to stand in her red and black laced lingerie set. James smiled and motioned his finger for her to come toward him.

He pulls her on top of him and Mia leans her body down and begins kissing his neck again, then working her way down to his stomach. She grabs a hold of his boxers and slips her hands behind the elastic band causing James to tense up again. Mia begins to slide her hands down farther, working her way to pull them off.

James reaches his hand over to the CD player and presses the play button.

I don’t see nothing wrong, with a little bump and grind.

Mia looks up at James; he just shows a shy smirk and laughs. He pulls Mia’s body back up to his not allowing her to pull off his boxers. She sits up on top of him as he unhooks her bra from the back and takes the clip out of her hair, allowing her hair to fall on her shoulders and across her chest.

Mia stares into James eyes and he sits up against the bed posts and begins kissing her passionately. His lips meet hers and his tongue enters her mouth, Mia invites it with hers and he puts his hand beneath her panties, squeezing her butt as the kisses become more intense. Mia pulls off of him and lies next to him, pulling her own underwear off and then she reaches over to his pulling his off and throwing them both across the room.

James pulls Mia on top of him, he leans in and his lips meet her chest. Mia begins to moan with pleasure and James smiles in achievement.

Mia’s body becomes entangled with James’; he pulls the sheet from beneath their bodies and continues on with the sweetest, most passionate experience either of them had ever been involved in.

***********

Mia and James lay there motionless, the sheet wrapped around their bodies. Mia leans her head on James chest as he begins to run his fingers through her hair.

James: So, tell me about your sister.

Mia: You have no idea how weird that sounds.

James: What? Oh wait…yeah that’s weird. Well maybe I’m into the whole sibling thing, you don’t know.

Mia: You better not be you creeper.

James: Seriously though, how was it?

Mia: It was pretty good. She goes to Canisius College for Child Psychology. And she’s in this elective class for photography so she was taking a bunch of random pictures of me when I was getting out of the car. She knew a lot about me too, it was kind of scary.

James: What do you mean?

Mia: Well, like we were talking about what we’ve been up to the past few years and before I even got a chance to talk, she told me my whole life story from the past couple years with no problem. She even knew I was dating you, and I didn’t even tell her.

James: Did you tell Victor?

Mia: I don’t think so. But anyways, what was even weirder was that she knew exactly where I lived and I don’t remember telling her. She said I told her while we were leaving but I don’t remember.

James: That’s…uh…creepy.

Mia: Well, maybe I did and I was just overwhelmed with emotions and questions that I didn’t bother questioning it that much. But we’re probably going to meet up again this week; you should come with me this time. She really is a nice girl; I want you to meet her.

James: Okay, sure. I’d love to meet her.

Mia: Okay, I’ll text her tomorrow to see what day she’s free.

As Mia went to hug him, she heard her phone vibrating on the night stand closer to James. He picked it up and handed it to Mia, then began reading along with her.

James: Well, speak of the devil. You just got a text message from her.

Hey Mia. I had fun today, I’m free on Monday if you don’t have anything going on. You should bring this boyfriend of yours too so I can meet him, if you want. Let me know, Selina.

James: Okay, that’s creepy.

Mia: Maybe we have like super secret awesome sister powers.

James: Mia, I think that the smell of these roses and the sound of R. Kelly’s voice is beginning to get to your brain cells.

Mia: Ha, maybe. I’ll text her back later. I want to spend time with you right now.

James: That’s fine with me.

James pulls Mia’s body closer and kisses the top of her head softly.

*********

Monday: The second Meeting

Mia: James, are you almost ready? She’s meeting us at the park in less than an hour.

James: Mia, calm down. We’ll get there.

Mia: I know…but I just don’t want to fuck this up.

James: You won’t, you know you won’t. Stops stressing, I’ll be out in five minutes.

Mia sits down on the bed waiting impatiently for James. After what seemed like and hour, he walks out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. He turns around in a circle, posing like a model. He ends it with his hands tucked in his pockets.

James: Well, what do you think? Do you approve of my outfit?

Mia stands up and dusts the lint off of his shoulder and reaches down to his sleeves to button them up. She reaches into one of his sleeves and rips off the price tag.

James: Oops, I must have missed that one. Why the hell do clothes come with so many damn tags?!

Mia: I don’t know, but you look very handsome. Ready?

James: Let’s get on with it.

Mia and James leave the house and go to his motorcycle. Mia stares at it then looks back at James.

Mia: Really?

James: Come on Mia, you won’t get dirty, I promise.

Mia grabs her helmet and James sticks his tongue out at her as he jumps on top of his bike and helps Mia get on behind him. Mia grabs onto his waist and they begin making their way toward Delaware Park.

As they pull up to the park, Mia notices Selina’s car and hops off the bike, taking her helmet with her as she grabs James’ hand and walks him toward to where Selina was supposed to be meeting them.

Mia: You ready?

James: I really think you’re making a bigger deal out of this then you should.

Mia reaches her face over to James and gives him a kiss. As they begin to pull away, they step back realizing that a camera was pointing in their face.

James: Whoa, you must be Selina.

Selina: Yeah, what gave it away?

James: Oh I don’t know, the big camera pointing in our faces.

Mia squeezes James hand and moves her body toward Selina to hug her. Selina grabs Mia’s body and squeezes tight with her eyes closed. James stands there and looks at them both, trying to figure out what he thinks of her. Selina opens her eyes and James feels this chill running up his spine.

First impressions last forever.

James: Well, what’s on the agenda?

Selina: I thought that we can just take a walk around the park, maybe go near the water. Take a few pictures, if you don’t mind James.

James: Oh no, go right ahead.

Selina begins walking and James grabs a hold of her hand and pulls her back to him.

James: I don’t fucking trust this girl.

Mia: James, she’s my sister. What is wrong with you?

James: I just get this weird vibe from her. I don’t like it. Are you sure you want to keep hanging out with her, because I will be more than willing to leave.

Mia: Of course I do. What the hell has gotten into you?

James: I don’t know, there’s just something I don’t like about her. She seems sneaky.

Mia: You’re freaking out now about nothing. Come on, let’s go catch up with her.

James: Fine, don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

Mia and James catch up with Selina and they walk through the park for almost the rest of the day. Selina and Mia share more stories and James stays quiet, he listens to Selina more than Mia, he watches her every move.

James: Listen, I’m gonna run over there to use their bathroom. You girls keep talking, I’ll be right back.

Mia: Okay babe, we’ll be right here.

James kisses me and gives a half ass smile to Selina before walking across the grass and behind a tree, out of sight from Mia and most importantly, Selina.

He pulls out his cell phone from his phone and speed dials 5, Roxy Nova.

Roxy: Hello?

James: Hey Roxy, I need a favor from you.

Roxy: Sure what’s up? Are you okay? Is Mia okay?

James: Yeah, we’re fine. Remember I told you last week that Mia found out that she had a sister and they were going to meet up and get to know each other?

Roxy: Yeah. How did that romantic night go by the way, did you end up doing what you planned?

James: It was perfect. But listen you have to stay focused, this is really important.

Roxy: What happened?

James: I just met her sister a few hours ago, we’re at Delaware Park and I don’t trust her. Something about her doesn’t seem right and Mia has been hurt so many times in her life that I don’t want her to get hurt again.

Roxy: What do you want me to do?

James: Can you come down to the park? I want to meet up with Cent and ask him to check a few things for me. But I don’t want to leave Mia here alone with her.

Roxy: Sure I’ll be there in 10 minutes. What are you going to tell Mia?

James: I’ll figure that out when you get here.

Roxy: Alright, I’ll see you in 10.

James: Okay, thank you.

Roxy: Anytime James.

James closes his phone and speed dials 6.

Centurion: Hello?

James: Hey Cent, what are you doing?

Centurion: Nothing, reading a book. Why?

James: I need you to come and pick me up. I’ll tell you about it in the car. Can you be here in ten minutes?

Centurion: Sure, where exactly are you? Is Mia okay?

James: She’s fine. I’m at Delaware Park. I’ll see you in 10.

James closes his phone and walks back to where he left Mia and Selina. He sees them from a distance and he notices that Selina is taking more pictures of Mia only this time, Mia isn’t looking at the camera.

James begins walking faster calling Mia’s name as he got closer. When Mia looks up Selina puts the camera down on to her lap.

Mia: Hey, feel better?

James: Yeah. So what have you tow been up to since I was gone?

Mia: Nothing, talking.

As James begins to sit down on the grass he hears someone calling his name. He stands back up with Mia and they both turn around to see Roxy running their way, her arms wide open and aimed toward Mia.

Mia: ROXY!!!!!!!

Roxy: Hey boo!

Roxy jumps on Mia almost knocking her down. Roxy then turns and hugs James and squeezes his waist.

Mia: Oh hey Roxy, I want you to meet my sister Selina.

Roxy: Nice to meet you...finally.

Selina: The pleasure is all mine. James cell phone begins to ring and he sees that it’s Cent and answers it.

James: Hey Cent, what’s up.

Centurion: Hey I’m here.

James: What?

Centurion: James, can you hear me? I’m here.

James: Holy shit are you okay?

Centurion: What are you talking about?

James: Well I’m with Mia now but I think I can sneak away for a little bit. Are you sure you’re okay? What happened?

Centurion: James, what are you talking about?

James covers the mouth piece of his phone and walks toward Roxy and Mia.

James: Hey, there’s something wrong with Cent, he isn’t saying anything on the phone. He wants to see me in person.

Mia: Oh wow, we should see if he’s okay then.

James: No no no, you stay here with your sister. I’m sure its nothing.

Roxy: Well, if it’s okay with Mia and her sister, I wouldn’t mind staying and hanging out with them

Mia: Of course it’s fine. Right Selina?

Selina: Oh yeah, of course.

Mia: Well, text us and let us know how he is.

James kisses Mia and starts running to the parking lot of the park.

James: I will!

James puts the phone to his ear and slows his pace down.

James: I’ll be there in a minute.

James gets in the car and they begin to drive off.

Mia: Wow, I hope everything is okay. How about we get out of here, it’s getting chilly.

Selina: Sure. I have to stop at my house real quick if you don’t mind.

Mia: Okay, Roxy, you know how to drive James’ bike right?

Roxy: Yeah, I can figure it out.

Mia: Okay, we’ll follow you Selina.

They all head to ward their transportation. Mia hands Roxy James helmet and puts hers on as she climbs behind Roxy and holds onto her waist.

Roxy: This is kind of nice Mia, don’t you think?

Mia: Oh Roxy, I missed you.

Roxy: Me too girl.

They follow Selina down a bunch of side streets and thruways before they finally come to a stop.

Roxy shuts off the bike and stands up taking off her helmet. Mia does the same and begins walking toward Selina’s house.

Selina: I’ll be right out guys. Give me two minutes.

Mia: Oh sure, okay.

Selina walks up to the door and enters the house, closing it behind her.

Roxy: I wonder why she didn’t want us to go in.

Mia: Maybe she has a messy house.

Roxy: Maybe.

Roxy and Mia lean against the motorcycle and wait for Selina to come back out. After 10 minutes Mia looks over to Roxy.

Mia: I really have to go to the bathroom.

Roxy: Yeah me too, I was going to hold it but I don’t think I can.

Mia: Well, let’s just go and knock, I doubt she’s gonna not let us in.

Roxy and Mia walk toward the house and knock several times on the door. After the last knock the door slowly begins to open. Mia walks in and calls Selina’s name but there is no answer. Suddenly Mia’s phone vibrates in her pocket.

Mia: James?

James: Mia, where are you?

Mia: At Selina’s house. Why what happened?

James: You have to get out of there. I was right about Selina, she isn’t your sister. She is an imposter. She has a criminal record as long as the Great Wall of China. Get Roxy and get out.

As James is talking to Mia, she reaches for a light. She finds a switch and flips it. Roxy grabs Mia’s arm pulling her around to a blank wall.

James: Mia, are you there? I’m on my way now to get you. Be careful.

Mia drops the phone and grabs her mouth. All over the wall were pictures plastered of Mia. Old photos and new ones. She spins around in a circle and sees nothing but pictures of her.

Mia gasps as she grabs Roxy’s hand. She hears footsteps behind her, then she feels something pull her shoulder.

MIA……MIA….MIA…

Mia opens her eyes to see James staring at her, she looks over at the clock it’s 3:07 in the morning. She wipes the sweat from her forehead and grabs James neck, hugging him tightly.

James: Were you having a bad dream?

Mia: Yeah, what happened? Why did you wake me up?

James: You’re phone was going off…when I looked down at you, you’re body was shaky. I wanted to make sure you were okay.

Mia reaches for her phone and looks at it. It was a new text.

Hey Mia, it’s Selina. I believe I’m your sister.

FADE TO BLACK... FADE TO BLACK... FADE TO BLACK...