When We Meet Again

The chat between Charlotte and her in-laws lasted for a little while with Melvin watching them keenly. For some reason, he felt at ease to see Charlotte being comfortable with his family.

"You both seem to have a lot to talk about," Melvin's mom said to Charlotte and Mia who had been busy talking to each other without involving her. "I will go spend some time with my son." She added.

She stood up to join Melvin on his couch while Charlotte and his sister, Mia began to talk about work at the company, with Mia showing interest in working at the company after her graduation. She emphasizes how she would love to work in Charlotte's department, considering all the good things she has heard about her.

"How do you do it? I mean not losing any contract." Mia said.

"I am just being lucky," Charlotte answered.

"I guess you are always lucky."

"I don't think I am always lucky though. I lost the variety show remember?"

"I do not think you did. You left the variety show for Jason, Mirabel's boyfriend because my brother asked you to."

"That's not it" Charlotte mumbled. She wasn't ready to let Mia know what had happened with the variety show.

"You don't have to lie to me, Charlotte. I know the truth. I heard from a member of the broadcasting crew that you won the contract in the first place but for some reason best known to you, you handed it over all of a sudden". Mia scoffed." And Mirabel would not stop bragging about it at school too."

Charlotte groaned. So the bossy and rude Mirabel, Mia had been talking about is Jason's girlfriend?

"How did your brother know him? I mean Jason."

Mia sighed. "Family friend I guess. His dad and our late dad were friends."

Charlotte sighed. No wonder he made her give up on the variety show.

But he should have explained to her. She thought. That would have made things easy.

"Back to our talk," Mia said, holding Charlotte's hand. "You will let me work with you right? I can start as an intern. I will come to work after school"

"I would love to work with you too, Mia but you have to speak to your brother first about it."

"Why do I have to speak to him? Can't I...". Charlotte stared at her and she sighed. "Fine, I will speak to him. Just know I won't back off even if he says no. I have to work with you. Do we have a deal?"

Charlotte nodded. "We have a deal."

"So what would you like to drink?"

"Water will be fine," Charlotte replied. "Thank you."

Mia stood up. "I am not going to get you water. I made some fresh strawberry juice. I will get you that. Trust me you will love it". Charlotte nodded but said nothing. Mia smiled. "I will be right back.". She turned to leave but stopped. "I will make you some cookies too. I just learned a new recipe. The taste is not the typical one you know. You will love it."

Charlotte nodded. She was certain Mia's cookies were going to taste nice; she has always loved cooking and she learns new recipes almost every day.

"I can't wait to have some."

Mia smiled. "I won't keep you waiting. I will be quick about it."

Mia headed to the kitchen, while Charlotte brought out her phone to press. She went through her social handles but soon dropped the phone; there wasn't anything to see.

"Mia, do you need help?" She called out.

"You don't have to worry. I will be right there."

Charlotte smiled. "I will be waiting. You can call me if you need my help though."

"Don't worry. I do not need your help yet," Mia answered.

Charlotte rested herself on the couch, listening to the conversation between mother and son. Though she could hear just a little of what they were saying, she still listened anyway. She closed her eyes after a while to think about how Melvin's family had been treating her so warmly; she always felt at ease when she talked to Melvin's mother and sister, unlike her husband who treated her coldly.

But it wasn't always like this. They had once been against her getting married to him; a reason she is yet to know. His mom never wanted her son to get married based on an arranged marriage but after finding out it was her husband's dying wish, she became soft.

Mia was against it too. Despite knowing it was her father's dying wish, she still felt it was unfair to force her brother into getting married to someone he did not know or love. She was angry to know that this stranger was never against their marriage; she must have something she wanted to gain.

Mia planned on making Charlotte's first meeting with the family a frustrated effort but she had not thought she would be enchanted by her beauty; her heart melted. When she began to spend time with her, she realized Charlotte was a good person and her love for her increased. Their bond becomes stronger too. Charlotte on the other hand realizes that Melvin is the one who doesn't want her; his family does. Mia also is a kind and generous person; she loves being around her. "Your cookies are here," Mia announced, dropping the plate on the table. Charlotte sat up quickly; she could perceive the aroma which brought a smile to her face. "I will get the juice."

Charlotte stood up. "Let me help you out."

Mia did not resist Charlotte's help this time. They headed to the kitchen together and returned a few minutes later with more cookies and glass cups. Mia returned alone to get the jar of juice she had kept in the refrigerator while Charlotte served her husband and mother-in-law some cookies.

"Is Mrs. Matt making lunch already?" Melvin's mother asked.

"Yes, Mom. Food should be ready in a few hours." Mia answered, sitting beside Charlotte.

Mia suggested they watch one of her favorite soap operas while they mulch on their cookies.

"Do you like them? I mean the cookies," Mia whispered to Charlotte.

"They are delicious" Charlotte answered. "I love the taste too. I love how soft and chewy they are. I am learning this recipe."

Mia smiled. "I will be glad to teach you. I will visit your home soon. We can make them together."

Charlotte nodded. "I will be waiting."