“What’s the occasion?” I asked with a laugh as I stepped into her room with caution.
“Sophie!” She shrieked happily as she rushed to hug me.
“Hey” I said as I wrapped my arms around her tall frame.
“I didn’t know you were coming “ she said as she pulled away from the hug.
“Me too” I said with a sad smile.
“Are you okay?, tell me what’s wrong” she said as she directed me to a free spot on her bed.
“I will, when you let me know why your room is in this manner “ I said with a smile as she let out a laugh.
“You should see the dressing room. I’m so indecisive Sophie “ she said as she stood to lead me into her dressing room.
“Tell me something I don’t know “ I remarked with a chuckle.
“James asked me out” she said with excitement on her face.
I was excited for her.
“That’s so good. You guys look good together “I said with a smile.
“I know. I don’t know what to wear though “ she said as her lips formed a thin line.
“Help me, please” she she begged with her hands together.
“Of course” I said . Might as well take my mind off Leo and his craziness.
“What’s the venue and what vibe?” I questioned as I looked through her dresses. She had a lot. A lot was an understatement.
“He told me to wear a dress and he wouldn’t give me any other detail cause it is a surprise “ she said.
“Where do you think? “ she asked me.
“Maybe a fancy dinner?” I asked her.
“Maybe, but anyways the dress has to amazing” she stated.
“You mean stunningly mesmerizing “ I added.
“Ugh.I love how you think” she said with a happy clap.
“Let’s get you that perfect dress “ I said as we began our search.
Two hours of sampling and criticizing a mountain of dresses.We found the perfect one.
It was a gold simmering gown. Fitted to her figure. She looked so beautiful.
"Sophie, you're the best!" she commented with glee written over her face.
I felt good.
"Let's get you ready then. He plans to pick you up by what time?" I questioned.
"He said 8pm" she stated as I checked the time it was a quarter to 7pm.
"Let's hurry up then" I said as I sat her down to help in styling her hair.
"You wanted to tell me something. " she said.
"When you get back from your date ." I told her.
"Are you sure?, I'm all ears now ,you can tell me anything " she said trying to reassure me.
"I know. It's best I tell you after your date. I want you to enjoy yourself and have fun. " I said with a smile.
There was no reason for me to weigh her mood down with my drama.
I had all the time in the world to tell her.
" Okay. I promise when I'm back we'll discuss." She stated.
"Sure" I said as I began applying the eyeshadow on her eyes.
The final look was beautiful. She smiled and rubbed her palms together nervously.
"Do you think it's too much?" She asked.
"Of course not. You can never be too much" I assured her.
"Alright. I hope everything works out well" she said nervously.
It had been long since I saw her this nervous about a man.
It was fun to watch because then, it gave me something to tease her with later.
"Me too " I said as I heard the knock on door.
"Come in" Paris said while gathering her clutch and lipgloss.
"Ma'am, your guest has arrived " the homeworker said.
"Thanks " Paris answered as she hugged me before heading out.
I followed to see her out.
"Goodluck!" I wished as she giggled and waved goodbye.
I watched them from the window as they hugged and smiled at each other.
They were so cute. I thought with a smile as I walked back to her room to help her arrange her dresses . The drama with Leo will just have to wait.
I headed down the stairs to grab a snack and chill. I wasn't ready to head home yet.
Paris' mother was in the dining room,eyes focused on the laptop at her front.
I smiled as I noticed how she pushed her glasses at the bridge of her nose at intervals.
This lasted a while before she noticed me munching on some random bag of chips I found in the kitchen.
"Sophia!" she exclaimed with a warm smile.
"I didn't see you there " she added
"That's alright Mrs. Class. Just came to get some snacks " I said with a smile.
"You plan on waiting for Paris to get back?" she asked.
"Maybe?, I'm not so sure" I said with a chuckle.
"Mm. You can chill here. There should be something fun somewhere in this house " she jokingly said.
I laughed.The house was pretty big.
"Thanks Mrs.Class" I said.
"Angela.You make me sound so old " she said.
"Sorry. I'll try getting used to Angela" I said with a light smile.
"How is Grace? " she asked.
"Still sick but it's not as bad" I replied.
"I hope she gets better soon "Angela said with caring eyes.
"Does she need a refill?" She asked.
"No. The medicine you gave us has been sufficient, and will continue to be so.Thank you once again" I said in appreciation.
"That's the least I can do. Grace is my very good friend "
"What college does Stan plan on going to? " Angela continued as she closed her laptop and focused on me.
" Um, we've never actually discussed that. " I said with an awkward smile. Stan is a good pretender, he acts like he doesn't want to do things like his peers.
Forcing himself to be a man as such an early age. I did it and I hated it. I had no choice but he does.
I've always known he does such to help. To be honest, helping will be simply to live like his age because then I won't feel guilty whenever he pays some bills.
I've made the sacrifice for us. He doesn't have to do such. I've tried explaining all these to him but he doesn't see the sense it.
I don't blame him cause at the same time he is right to think that way too .
"Well, when he decides, I don't mind linking him through. Okay?" Angela said interrupting my thoughts.
"Yes, ofcourse. Thank you Angela " I said with a smile.
"You don't have to thank me. You're already keeping me company " she jokingly said as I let out a short laugh .
Angela was a medical doctor, Paris' father was a contractor and since they separated, I can imagine how lonely the house may seem especially with Paris relocating soon.
It was kind of sad but she seemed to take it all in with strength .
I wonder how she felt at first when she divorced Mr. Class, she kept his name still, probably because of business reasons.
Maybe she would have some experience with men drama. I thought, as I considered seeking her opinion on the Leo situation
Stay away from me!” I snapped at Natasha as I hurried down the vegetable aisle in the grocery store.“It’s important. He needs to see you” she said stubbornly, as she followed me once more, around the store.“Well, send my message across” I said“You look different”she observed as she scrutinized my form.“Are you done here?”I asked with annoyance written all over my face.“Hey!, watch out” Natasha exclaimed as the young boy crashed into my trolley. I unconsciously held my stomach in fright and that brought Natasha’s focus downward.I swiftly removed my hand and place it back on the aisle.“I’m so sorry” the mother of the boy said to me as I chuckled.“It’s okay”“So sorry” she said again.“It’s fine” I assured once more as she nodded.“Apologize, Stefan” she spoke calmly to her son as he feigned ignorance.“I just wanted to pet the dog” he said as his mother rolled her eyes.“Just apologize” she stated in exasperation.“But she said it’s fine”“Now!” She ordered him angrily as he fro
As the days passed, I struggled with the decision. I felt like I was being torn in two, like my heart and my head were at war.But as I thought about it more, I realized that I knew what I had to do. I couldn't keep the baby, not now. I was too young, too inexperienced.Jayden had told me he would be there for me, regardless of any choice I make.I made the difficult decision to hide the news from Leo, at least for now. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I felt like it was the best decision for me.As I finalized my decision, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I felt like I had made the right choice.I threw myself into my schoolwork, using it as a distraction from the turmoil that was still brewing inside me. I focused on my classes, on my studies, and slowly but surely, I began to feel like myself again.I distanced myself from Leo, using the excuse that I needed to focus on my schoolwork. He seemed to understand, but I could tell he was getting susp
“I’m going for my lectures” Stan said as he peeked into my room.“Alright, stay safe” I said as I snuggled into my blanket.He walked into the room and sat at the edge of the bed, with a heavy sigh he said to me, “I know, it’s been almost a month since mom died~"“Stan, I don’t wanna talk about it” I interrupted.“You have to. You have to Sophia” he stated stubbornly.“Stan~"“No. Even if it’s not to me, talk to Jayden or Paris or even Angela”“Why are you doing this now?” I asked him, annoyed at his behavior at such time of the morning.“I care about you, and I don’t want to lose you too”“Oh, Stan” I gently said as I felt a sense of guilt.“I’m scared okay, you have been sick for a week now”“I’ll be fine” I assured as I sat up.“Yeah, you will be” he said, “When you actually go for check up or something”“What are you scared of, for gods sake!” I exclaimed as he stood abruptly.“Cancer!” He angrily answered.“What if you have what mom had?” He asked me“I don’t”“You don’t know tha
I sat in the funeral home, surrounded by the somber faces of the funeral directors and the sterile smell of flowers. Stan sat beside me, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.We were planning our mother's funeral.It felt surreal, like I was living in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from. Just a few days ago, I was sitting in the hospital, holding my mother's hand and praying for a miracle. Now, I was planning her funeral.Stan and I, both decided not to waste time to put her to rest.Angela recommended the services of these people.She invited us to stay at her home till whenever.The funeral director, a kind-faced woman with a gentle smile, handed me a catalog of caskets. "We have a variety of options to choose from," she said."Which one do you think your mother would have liked?"I felt a lump form in my throat as I flipped through the pages. My mother had always been a simple woman, with simple tastes. She wouldn't have wanted anything fancy or extravagant.“Maybe the expen
The ceremony was beautiful, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness as I watched Leo and Allicent walk down the aisle.I recognized Tiffany, Maria, Jared and Natasha, but Anthony was nowhere to be found.It was hard to believe that the man I had loved for so long was now promising to love and cherish another woman.The vows exchanged moved the audience but it felt like an insult to me.I was supposed to be the one there.Not she.I preferred it to have been anyone else, but she.Leonard deserved better.He deserved me.We deserved each other.Regardless of whatever anyone else thought.I felt Jayden squeeze my hand gently and that’s when I noticed my fists were clenched.I was hurt and angry.I shouldn’t have come.As the minister asked if anyone objected to the union, I felt a surge of emotion. I wanted to stand up and shout, to tell everyone that Leo was making a mistake. But I didn't.Instead, I sat quietly, trying to hold back tears.But as Leo and Allicent prepared to seal
Did he really think I would take him back, after everything he had done to me?“We belong together. Always have. You just need to stop being a drama queen” he continued as he tightened his grip on my arm.But before I could respond, Jayden appeared out of nowhere, his eyes locked on Brian with a fierce intensity."Back off.," he growled. "She’s made it clear she's not interested in you. Leave her alone."I felt a surge of gratitude as I looked atJayden. He was standing up for me, defending me against Brian’s manipulations.But Brianjust sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "Or what?" he taunted. "You'll fight me for her? I don't think so,stranger.. You're not even in the same league as me."I felt a pang of anger as I looked atBrian. How dare he try to intimidateJayden?I was sick of his rubbish.But before things could escalate further, I stepped forward, my voice firm. "That's enough, Brian," I said. "I don't want anything to do with you. Leave me alone, and don't come back."His
“Do you feel a bit better?” He asked me on phone . He he drove me home quietly two days ago when I broke down and ever since he had been more caring. I was grateful for his presence.“He can’t know.” I said calmly.“Who?. Leo?”“No. Stan”I made a decision, one that felt like a weight was settling onto my shoulders. I would carry this secret alone, at least for now.“Oh, but-““He is having his final admission exams soon. I can’t do that to him”“It’s not your fault though, I believe-““It will affect him. Promise me, you won’t tell him” I pleaded.“Alright.”“I’m here if you need me” he added as I extended my gratitudeI hung up the phone, feeling numb and disoriented.That’s what Leonard said also, yet I couldn’t bring myself to seek him o
My relationship with Jayden grew more intimate as the weeks went by. He came during some of his free time to keep me company at the hospital. Leo also came to check on me or my mom as he claims, I tried not to overthink the situation since he was so adamant on paying the hospital bills. A way of apologizing for the hurt he caused. I’ve tried forgiving him but I just can’t forget how his stepmom treated me.“I’ll be out of your way soon” Leo said.“It’s alright. I came to talk to you” I told him“To me?”“Yes ““Okay. What’s wrong?”“I came to officially say thank you. For all you’re doing”“Sophia-““It’s not your responsibility, yet you still do it.” I said as I rubbed my hands together nervously. “Thank you, Leonard”“You’re welcome”“Okay,
I sat in the hospital room, holding my mom's frail hand as she lay in bed, her body weakened by the cancer that had spread rapidly. I had been staying with her in the hospital for the past few days, trying to be strong for her, but it was getting harder and harder to see her like this.Just then, Stan , walked into the room, a big smile on his face. "Hey, sis! I've got some great news," he said, his eyes shining with excitement."What is it?" I asked, trying to muster up some enthusiasm."I just got accepted into the nursing program at Florida State University!" he exclaimed.I forced a smile, trying to be happy for him. "That's amazing,Stan.! Congratulations!"I remembered when he filled out his application to become a nurse, his excitement palpable in the air. "I can't believe I'm finally doing this," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "I just want to help people, you know?" It was inspiring, really. I admired him so much.But my heart was heavy as I sat by my mom’s hospital