The Things We Don’t Say

The weekend air buzzed with excitement as Millie stepped into the mall, her eyes wide, her heart light. It was her first real outing to a mall—something ordinary for others, but to her, it felt like a small taste of freedom.

“Hi Liz, I hope I didn’t make you wait too long,” Millie said, a little out of breath but glowing with joy.

“All good, I just got here myself,” Liz replied, smiling. “So… where do you want to go first?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never been.” Her voice carried sincere excitement, and Liz found herself laughing.

“I’m sorry—I couldn’t help it!” Liz giggled. “You’re adorable. Alright, I’ll be your guide today. And do you know what store girls always go to first when they come to the mall?”

Millie shook her head.

Without another word, Liz grabbed her hand and dragged her into a vibrant store filled with soft scents and sparkling lights—hand creams, soaps, perfumes, makeup… everything glowed with colour. Millie’s eyes lit up.

They tried everything—spritzing perfumes, testing lip gloss, laughing at the overpowering ones. When they came across a little alley filled with cute, fruity earrings, Millie chose the strawberry ones, Liz picked the blueberry ones, and they dubbed themselves “The Berry Squad.”

It was silly. And perfect.

Later, at a cozy little café, they collapsed into chairs, cheeks flushed with laughter.

“I heard they have the most amazing strawberry cake here,” Liz said. “Let’s test it out, shall we?”

“Yes, Berry,” Millie replied with a grin.

The cake arrived—fluffy, sweet-smelling, and pink with strawberries.

Millie picked up her fork, but Liz stopped her. “Wait! The phone eats first. Picture, then post.”

“Oh, right,” Millie laughed.

Once the picture was done, they dug in. Millie’s eyes widened. “Where have you been all my life?” she said with her mouth full. “So good.”

“Told you.” Liz leaned forward. “Now… question?”

“Shoot,” Millie replied between bites.

“So do you like Ted… or Alexander?”

Millie nearly choked, coughing as Liz quickly handed her water.

“Why would you ask that?” she asked, voice flustered.

“Come on, it’s obvious there’s a story there. No way you’re just friends with two handsome boys and not struggling a little.”

“I’m not interested in Alex like that,” Millie said quickly. “He’s… I mean, he’s rarely cool, but mostly he’s just rude.”

“So, Ted then,” Liz said, teasing.

Millie hesitated. “I guess… I don’t know. Ted’s always nice to me. Thoughtful, sincere, a kind soul really.”

Liz leaned in. “Waiting for the ‘but.’”

“There’s no but, I just…” Millie sighed. “I don’t think he sees me as anything more than a little sister. Maybe I changed that this morning?”

“Changed it how? I want the tea!”

Blushing, Millie recounted her awkward interaction with Ted earlier. Liz laughed, eyes twinkling.

“I wish I had your problem,” she said wistfully.

“Don’t make fun of me, it’s embarrassing,” Millie mumbled.

“Being young and in love… how cute. Compared to you, I don’t think I even have a life.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry. Just promise you’ll keep me updated. I’m living through your love story now.”

They laughed and hugged goodbye, heading off in different directions.

Meanwhile, at the Library…

Ted sat surrounded by books, still thinking about Millie.

She was acting different today, he thought. I mean… I know she’s cute, but still…

He shook the thought away and focused. “Math first,” he muttered, reaching for the book—only to touch someone else’s hand.

He looked up—Rachel.

“Oh! Sorry!” she said quickly.

“No, you go ahead,” he offered.

They both smiled, shy and awkward.

“You can have it,” Ted added. “I’ll take the other subjects for now.”

“Or… we could just sit and use it together?” Rachel suggested.

Ted blinked, surprised. “O-okay,” he replied, sitting down nervously. Crap, I’m terrible at math. How am I supposed to impress her?

“So… since when do you come to the library?” Rachel asked.

Ted leaned in to respond, but got flustered when he realized how close he was to her. They both turned their heads, blushing.

“I wanted to study more for the finals,” he mumbled.

“Same. If you need help, I’m really good at math.”

“Thanks, but I’m okay,” he lied.

Rachel smiled.

Time passed. Ted tried his best, but Rachel noticed every wrong answer. Gently, she pointed it out, helping him step by step until he finally got it.

“Yes! Let’s go!” Ted exclaimed in victory.

“Shhh!”

The librarian’s voice cut through the room, and the two clapped their hands over their mouths, giggling like kids.

Later, as they walked out together, the sun dipping low, Ted turned to her.

“You really helped me today. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime. You’re a good student, too. Oh! Take this—my notes.”

“Thanks… we should do it again.” He paused, then added, “But it’d be easier if I had your number.”

Rachel grinned. “Right! We’re neighbours and we don’t even have each other’s numbers. That’s embarrassing. Here.”

They exchanged numbers.

“Good night, Ted.”

“Good night, Rachel.”

Back near the apartment…

Millie walked with a happy glow, only to spot Ted just a few feet ahead.

She took a step toward him, but suddenly, Alex appeared and grabbed her arm, pulling her into a quiet corner, placing a hand over her mouth.

Millie’s eyes widened.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” she hissed once he let go.

“Sorry,” Alex said quickly, unusually nervous.

“Are you just annoying in general?”

“I saw Ted… I thought maybe he came to see you.”

Millie blinked. “What?”

“Wait, I… I want to go to the store. With you.”

“…The store?”

“Yes. Just for a few minutes.”

Millie raised a brow. What is he up to now?

He handed her a drink. “Take this with your meds. I’m sure you forgot.”

Millie looked at the drink. “How did you—?”

“Just take it.”

She sipped quietly, then followed him.

On their way back, he kept looking around, checking the street. He seemed distracted.

“Thank you… for reminding me,” she said softly.

“Right. Bye,” he mumbled, about to walk off.

“Wait!” she said suddenly, digging into her bag. “Look what I got!” She pulled out a CD. “Can you tell me if this is the song?”

Alex stared at it. “You really like it that much, huh? I thought you preferred hearing it when I played.”

“Yeah, but you always shut the curtain.”

That made him laugh. A genuine, soft laugh.

Millie stared, surprised—he rarely laughed.

“You have a beautiful smile,” she said without thinking, stepping closer.

Alex blinked. His face turned red.

“Don’t let people have so much influence on you,” he murmured, his voice low and serious again.

Then, just like that, he turned and disappeared into his house.

Millie stood there, heart pounding, confused, surprised, happy. Her mind replayed the morning with Ted… and that smile from Alex.

And she realized… her heart didn’t know what to feel.