Hold Me Today Novels & Stories

I laugh and say, "Ha-ha Let's go. We have the get-together at Ava's and we have a party to attend tomorrow and we need our beauty sleep before the Dinner and Gala." We open the door and sit inside. While she is busy starting the car engine, I switch on my bluetooth and connect it to the speaker and start playing Taylor Swift's latest album. We drive away, singing loudly and jamming to the song. I roll down the window, allowing the cold wind to enter. I look outside, admiring the beauty of my neighbourhood and I repeat to myself that everything I achieved is definitely due to the hard work I put in. I couldn't help but think to myself,

Sophie POV Today is my first day on my new school. I feel so lucky and confused at the same time. Lucky because, the owner of the University, personally called me and offered me a scholarship. And that is also the reason on why I am confused, because I haven’t passed my application letter or my documents in this University. How come she knew me and personally contacted me to offer me a scholarship to their University?

Such a normal thing to be happening under such bizarre circumstances. He sits up and rubs his eyes, avoiding eye contact with me. “I guess you’re off to WJ Prep?” I sing casually, still amused with the idea. “Not today,” he grumbles, checking for messages on his phone after he silences the alarm. “We’ve got something to take care of. Someone wants to meet you.” Fear falls over me again as I straighten up, my hands and arms filled with pins and needles from being handcuffed all night. “Are you coming with me?” I ask helplessly.

“But I’m still busy for a bit. Ronan and I are moving stuff into the house, so maybe tomorrow?” I pouted, glancing at the wall clock. “Ugh, tomorrow is a work day. Today’s the public holiday.” There was a beat of silence before he replied, “Okay, screw it. Let’s meet today then. We can grab dinner. Or drinks. Just us.” I nodded, forgetting he couldn’t see me. “Yes, let’s do that. Just send me the location.” We shared a few more laughs, and once he dropped the location, I ended the call with my heart practically doing flips.

I didn’t really expect him to sing with me but here we are. Oh, I've been shaking I love it when you go crazy You take all my inhibitions Baby, there's nothing holdin' me back You take me places that tear up my reputation Manipulate my decisions Baby, there's nothing holdin' me back There's nothing holdin' me back

even though I didn't have to. “Bethany, do it in person. Let's meet tonight at 7:00 pm,” he stated. “Will you be working today?” He asked. I barely managed to maintain my composure and clear my throat before responding, “No, today is my day off.” “Good, then I'll see you tonight,” he said to conclude the call.

We climax heartbeats apart, shaking and holding onto each other like there’s nothing else in the world. Tomorrow, we’ll build the future we deserve. Today, I love her, and that’s all I need.

I spent the rest of the day watching movies and binge-eating by myself. But the next morning, I woke up at ten with a heavy heart. Well, a broken heart does not heal overnight. But still, I'm thankful to be alive. Absentmindedly, I check my phone for any calls but there were none. How stupid of me. I cannot deny that tiny part in me hoping for one phone call or text from him. So pathetic, Bethy. I take a warm bath while planning what to do today. I cannot lock myself at home anymore. I want to go out and get a fresh breath of air to clear my mind.

He just wasn't that man anymore. I was about to reply to him when Madison leaned in. "What surprise? Did you get Julian a gift too?" I didn't respond. The nurse came over to remove my IV. As the needle slid free, a bead of blood welled up on the back of my hand. Julian glanced down at it. For a moment, he looked concerned. "The ceremony's in a few hours. Get some rest. I'll see you there." I pressed the cotton ball against my hand and looked up at him.

I covered my ears and mumbled numbly, "No, maybe they just didn't see it…" He yanked my hair and shoved the phone in my face with a sneer. "You poor, pathetic, unloved child. Face reality, little one." A new video had come from Ezel. In it, my family stood on a beach, lighting a sweep of fireworks. Under the glow, they ate barbecue together, everyone raising glasses and laughing to celebrate Ezel's birthday. In the corner of the shot, a phone left on the table played my torture. My screaming was swallowed by their cheers.