5 Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Sofya

Los angeles, California

The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face, the sunlight shining brightly through the window. I slid out of bed and quickly got dressed in a jean skirt, a cute blouse, and black combat boots. I ran a brush through my frizzy hair. I needed to cut it, it was getting way too long. Once I was done getting ready, I grabbed my phone and backpack, running downstairs. I snatched an apple to eat on the way to school and quickly said good morning to Sam, then took off. Okay, fine, I did have a horrible morning habit.

At school, I stopped by my locker. Sara was already waiting there with Sorina, which was a bit surprising but nice to see they had made up as well. As soon as I approached them they bombarded me with a million questions.

"So, Sofya Sara told me Adrien Rivera asked you out. OMG! That's soooo cool!" She squealed. I shook my head, these two were ridiculous and going to be the death of me.

"Sofya spill the details," Sara demanded.

"He just asked me out, we're going to the movies and after dinner," I said.

"Awww, that's so cute." Sorina gushed.

"Yeah, yeah," I said brushing them off. As we walked to class I said goodbye to Sara and Sorina and I headed into the classroom. I spotted Ash in the same seat as yesterday, his ocean eyes briefly met mine but he quickly turned away. My mouth dipped into a frown. He seemed so familiar, but I still couldn't place it. It was strange and I wanted to figure it out but I didn't see him much. He was in my first class and lunch, but he hadn't talked to me at all. I shrugged the thought away and sat down with Sorina. Sorina turned towards me.

"You're still coming to my party tomorrow right?" She asked.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Ok, I was just checking because I wanted to make sure I have enough food." She said. After Sorina asked me she asked the guys behind us and most of the class. Last she asked Ash again.

"Ash you coming?"

"Sure." He said carelessly. Sorina shot me a look and grinned wickedly. I rolled my eyes. I didn't care if Ash was going or not. I was going out with Adrien, plus there was Enzo even if he didn't like me. Sure you don't, Sof, keep telling yourself that, my inner voice chided me. I put my head down. What was wrong with me, how many times did I need to tell myself to stop getting close? I couldn't, I couldn't let myself go through the pain of losing anyone else. I knew what would happen if I did. A secret that no one would ever know. The darkness would take over and I would lose myself completely. I couldn't let that happen, again.

The end of the day couldn't come fast enough. I quickly drove home to get dressed. I raced upstairs, peeled my clothes off, and turned on the shower. Once it warmed up I stepped into the hot stream. I shampooed and conditioned quickly, then shaved. When I was done I shut the shower off and wrapped a fluffy towel around my body and my hair. I dried my hair with the hairdryer, then straightened it. I put a little bit of makeup on, then walked over to my closet picking out a red casual dress. I pulled on my combat boots, never could go without those. I adjusted my necklace and looked at myself in the mirror, satisfied. I grabbed my phone and slung a black purse across my shoulder then headed downstairs.

I started to wonder if Sam's son existed because I hadn't seen him once. It was seriously questionable, but I would give it a few more days. He would have to show up at some point. I hoped Sam wasn't mentally troubled or something, I was a little worried that his son had died and he was struggling with the grief or something. I told Sam I'd be back in a few hours, and he told me to have fun. It was strange, Sam gave me freedom. I hadn't had that before with the other foster parents. But there was still something off about Sam, something I couldn't place. I would figure it out eventually, but I couldn't help but wonder if he was hiding something dark. Something unnatural, that he was someone like me.

I saw Adrian's black mustang pull up into the driveway. I opened the door and walked up to his car. He got out to greet me, placing a small kiss on my cheek. "Hey," I said.

"Hi, you look beautiful, but you always look beautiful" Adrien murmured.

"Thanks," I said, blush rising to my cheeks.

"Well, let's get going." He said, pulling the car door open. I slid inside and he closed it and got into the driver's side.

On the car ride to the theater, we asked each other silly questions, like what our favorite food was, favorite color. It was really cute that he wanted to know more about me, most boys didn't care.

Once we arrived Adrien parked the car and we headed inside. I held the seats and he went to go get popcorn and drinks. He came back with a large bucket and two small sodas. The movie was an adaptation of the YA book Legend by Marie Lu. I was excited, he had picked this movie because Legend was one of my favorite books. Halfway through the movie, Adrien's arm had snaked across my shoulders.

When the movie was done we went to a nice restaurant. Adrien pulled out the chair for me then sat down himself. His warm brown eyes bored into mine. He was so sweet. This couldn't be more perfect. Perfect isn't real, a voice in the back of my mind hissed.

"So what are your plans after high school?" Adrien asked. My smile fell a little, I was leaving.

"I got accepted into the University of Art in Hungary,"

"That's awesome Sofya, that's one of the most prestigious art schools. You aren't sticking with swim?" He asked with a laugh to his voice. I shook my head. There was no way I was continuing to swim. No way.

"No, I think I'm done with swim. What about you? What are your plans?" I asked.

"Well, I got accepted to the University of Austin Texas for swim, Stanford, and Michigan, so I'll go to one of those I think." He said.

"Adrien! That's great." I exclaimed those were the best colleges for swimming in the country. I was so proud of him. He ran a hand through his hair.

"Thanks."

After dinner, we sat in the park talking. It was so easy to talk to Adrien, but I wasn't sure if I liked him. I mean I couldn't deny that he wasn't hot, because he was but I just wasn't feeling the fireworks and butterflies. Adrien had his hands entwined in mine on our laps. As we were talking he started to lean in and I knew what he was about to do. His lips met mine, soft and nice. It was sweet, but no sparks. I slowly pulled away and met his kind eyes, nervously biting my lip. I didn't want to lose him as a friend, but I knew this relationship would go nowhere romantically not that I was supposed to anyway. But I was happy it was him for my first kiss, it could've gone way worse. He smiled in understanding.

"Friends," I whispered.

"Of course. I'm not the kind of person who gets mad at the other person if they don't feel a certain way. You can't force feelings." he said. I sighed in relief. "You're a great friend Sofya and we'll keep it that way. I won't lose you. I mean how long have I known you? Since we were eleven. But one day you'll find someone to make you very happy and so will I." He said, hugging me.

"Thank you, Adrien," I murmured but I failed to keep my smile steady. I wouldn't find that someone, not ever. Not with what I was.

Adrien drove me home and hugged me goodbye. I went inside and said goodnight to Sam, then headed to my room. I collapsed on my bed and passed out. Wishing for a reality that could never exist.