CHAPTER 1: Nightstand

SOPHIA'S POV

“Come on, Sophia,” Samantha gently touched my arm. “Drink up. It’s your birthday, babe. You need to celebrate.”

“I don’t want to, Sam. I’ve never drunk before, and you know that, no?” I frowned at her.

Sitting at the bar, I stared at the glass in front of me. It’s my birthday, but it doesn’t feel like it. My heart felt too heavy to care.

“Exactly! There’s a first time for everything.” She grinned and slid the glass closer. “Just one sip. It’ll help you forget about that jerk, Fred.”

Fred. His name hit me like a punch to the gut. I bit my lips and tried to hold back the tears that had been threatening to fall all night. I don’t want to think about him. About how I caught him making out with another woman.

“Sam, I don’t know if this is a good idea, but I don’t think drinking is going to help.” I slightly pushed the glass away.

“Trust me, it will,” she insisted. “Just let loose for once, Sophy. You deserve it after everything that happened.”

I glanced at my other friends, Kelly and Miya, on the dance floor, swaying to the music. They looked carefree, lost in the moment. I wished I could be like them, I wished I could just forget everything.

“I really can’t believe he did this to me, three years, and he just threw it all away.” I couldn't man up the courage to hold back my tears as they fell freely on my cheeks.

“I know, sweetie. He’s an asshole. But sitting here moping won’t change what he did. You need to enjoy your night. You’re 22 now! Let’s have some fun.”

I stared at the drink again, maybe she’s right. Maybe I should just stop thinking about it. About him. I took a deep breath and lifted the glass to my lips.

“That’s the spirit!” Samantha cheered, patting my back. 

I winced as the alcohol burnt my throat. It was stronger than I expected, and it made me cough a little.

“It takes a bit of getting used to, but it’ll do the trick.”

“I really thought he loved me, Sam,” Tears welled up in my eyes again. “I thought... we had something special.”

“I know you did, babe. But guys like Fred... they don’t deserve your love. He’s the one who messed up. Not you.” Samantha sighed, rubbing my shoulder.

“Why? wasn’t I enough? I thought we were happy together.” My voice broke.

“Sophy, you are more than enough. He’s just... a scumbag. He didn’t see what he had. That’s his loss.”

“I walked in on them, Sam. I saw him with an ugly lady. She wasn't even as beautiful as I am. And he didn’t even try to stop. He didn’t even look sorry.” I sobbed.

“God, Sophy. I’m so sorry.” She looked at me, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Let’s go dance, Sophy. It will help you forget your pains for a while.” She changed the topic.

“No, I... I can’t. I don’t feel like dancing.” I quickly shook my head, wiping the tears off my face.

Kelly and Miya came to drag us to the dance floor, but I insisted on not dancing. All I needed at that moment was to be left alone. 

The alcohol made my head spin a little. It dulled the pain just a bit, but not enough.

The more I drank, the more the memories of Fred cheating on me flooded back. Fred and I were supposed to be together forever. That’s what he always said. And now, it’s over. Just like that.

Suddenly, a soft voice jotted me back to reality.

“Mind if I join?”

I blinked, my vision was blurry, but I could make out a tall figure, a faint smile on his lips. 

“No, I don't mind, It's a free world after all.” I mumbled. 

He pulled out the seat next to me, the bartender brought him a drink, and we sat in silence.

“How could you do that, Fred? After everything? After all the promises you made?” Fresh tears began streaming down my face.

I began to tilt, my body weak and unsteady, and suddenly, I fell against him.

Before I hit the ground, I felt his strong arms caught me. He held me by the waist, and for a second, I was too overwhelmed to even move. Slowly, I lifted my head, and through my tears and blurry vision, I saw Fred. Fred’s face.

“Fred…” I called, touching the man's cheek. “Please don’t leave me. I can’t live without you.” 

“I forgive you, Fred. I know you cheated, but it’s my fault... I never... I never gave you what you wanted. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Fred. But I’m ready now. I’m ready to be with you.” 

“Miss... I’m sorry, but I’m not…” He tried to say something but I quickly cut him off with a kiss. I felt my lips warm against his.

“Shh…” I deepened the kiss, kissing him harder this time. “Please, Fred... I need you. I want you. Don’t push me away.” I felt my tears wet on my face.

He tensed up at first, but then he relaxed, his hand still on my waist, pulling me closer.

His arms tightened around me, and I felt his lips responding to mine now, his body pressing closer to mine. 

“Fred…” I moaned against his lips, my fingers sliding into his hair. 

“Let’s... let’s go somewhere. We can talk there... or we don’t have to talk at all. I just... I just want to be with you.”

He hesitated for a moment, his breath warm against my skin, and then he nodded.

“Okay, fine.” 

We clumsily walked out of the club. My legs barely held me up as we left for the nearest hotel, in his car.

Inside the hotel room, I was lost in my fantasy, calling the man “Fred” as we undressed each other while still kissing passionately. I was left in just my panties and bra. 

Cute moans left my lips as his hands moved to my behind. He grabbed and rubbed my butt through my panties before giving it a little squeeze. 

His tongue kept licking my chest till he got to my breast. He unhooked my bra and sucked my left breast, squeezing the right one like his life depended on it.

He slightly pushed me to the bed and pulled down his trousers. He laid on top of me, brushed off the strands of hair on my forehead and tugged it behind my ears before locking his lips with mine again. I rapidly responded to his kiss, and at the same time, slowly tucked my fingers into his hair, giving it a smooth massage.

“Fred!” I released a moan as he took off my panties, and threw them to God knows where. He wasted no time in inserting a finger into my p***y.

“Mmmmmm. Fred…” I let out a soft moan. 

I couldn't stop moaning loudly as he pleasured me, but the effect of the alcohol dulled me as my blurry vision began to fade off. 

And I passed out…