Sophia is a young writer who dreams of being an author. After a traumatic heartbreak, she moves to New York to pursue her dream. Years later, Sophia returns for Christmas to her hometown, Evergreen Heights, where she encounters people from her past. Will feelings resurrect, or will Sophia have the strength to move forward? Only time will tell...
View MoreAs I packed my books in a box, the love of my life, Christopher Tanner, walked into my room. “Hey, cutie.” He said; I smiled, placing the last stack of books in the box,
“Hey,” I said, kissing his cheek, “have you come to help me pack?” I asked, but he held me before saying,
“I’m hoping to talk you out of leaving.” I sighed,
“Chris,” I said, “we’ve been over this. I want to go to New York to pursue my dream of becoming an author.”
“You can be an author here!” Chris snapped, which made me jump back. Chris took a deep breath before saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get upset.” I nodded. Since his father died, Chris has had many anger issues. I confessed my worry to his mother. She had noticed his aggression too and planned to confront him about it. If she ever did, I didn’t know.
Chris pulled me into another hug and hugged me even tighter than before. “It’s okay, Chris,” I said, rubbing his back. I knew he was right; I didn’t have to move to New York to become an author, but it was something I felt I needed to do.
When Chris finally released me from his strong arms, I stared at him for a moment. His dark hair hung on his face, and those electric green eyes sent chills down my spine each time I looked into them. I always had to fight the urge to bite my lip when I stared into them for too long. His lips, the soft touch of his lips on mine, only teases me for a moment, making my body yearn for more each time they meet.
Chris helped me pack some more boxes. We had my Mom’s car almost complete. The movers were coming tomorrow for the oversized items and whatever else we couldn’t manage on our own. I sighed, watching as the last box was moved into the living room. It was hard to believe that the space I grew up in was almost empty. Mom leaned on the door frame, placing her hand over her heart before fixing her gaze on me,
“Are you sure you want to leave, Sophia?” She asked for the thousandth time since I told her I was moving out. I walked over to her and hugged her as we looked at my bedroom; I sighed then answered,
“No, I’m not.” I sat up, taking a deep breath, trying to act confident enough so she wouldn’t worry, “But I know I need to.” Mom smiled and nodded; she was already fighting back the tears. We stood there for another moment when Chris placed his hands on our shoulders,
“Hard to believe it’s all gone.” He said, but I turned to him and smiled,
“The things may be gone,” I said, “but the memories are still there. You have to remember.” Chris and my mother smiled at me; Mom hugged me, followed by Chris, who kissed the top of my head. After a while, Mom broke the hug.
“Why don’t you two have dinner together tonight?” She suggested; I raised a brow,
“Are you sure, Mom?” I asked; I had planned on spending time with her tonight since it was the last night until I moved, but she nodded,
“You’ll get to spend the whole time with me while we get you settled. Go have fun with your man.” She gave me a wink, and I wanted to die; why was my mother so weird?
“That sounds like a great idea.” Chris chimed in, “I’ll meet you at the diner at five, okay?” He asked; I smiled,
“Sure, I’ll meet you there.” And with that, Chris left the house.
I looked at myself in the mirror to see how I looked. I picked out a light blue sundress that hung off my shoulders. Mom French braided my long strawberry hair, and I put on a tiny bit of makeup. I borrowed my mother’s tan sandals and grabbed my wallet and keys off the table before turning to Mom, twirling around to show her the entire outfit. “You look beautiful.” She said in tears. I kissed her cheek,
“I’ll be back by seven,” I told her as I headed for the door; she teased me by saying,
“Enjoy your date!” I fought a chuckle as I yelled back,
“Love you too!” And I was out the door.
I pulled up to the diner, reaching for my wallet and phone, when I saw Chris from the corner of my eye. I was about to wave at him when I saw him kissing another girl…. I wanted to confront them, but I stood there frozen. My heart was shattering. I’m not sure why we weren’t together, but why did I have an urge to go slap him, then her. Instead, I took a picture of them and left.
I walked over the small bridge in the park; I wanted to be alone. I had sent Mom the picture and told her not to say anything until I was gone. Chris was blowing up my phone so much that I was fighting the urge to throw it into the stream. I took a deep breath and began to cry; I felt hurt, betrayed, and angry. The more I thought about it, the stronger my emotions became.
I was home by seven, but Chris was sitting in the driveway the second I got there, making his way to my car. I got out and went past him, “Sophie, what’s wrong?” He asked, pretending nothing had happened. Mom opened the door, but all the emotions I was feeling were finally starting to boil over. “Answer me!” Chris yelled, and that’s when I lost it.
“Sophia,” I heard Mom say, but it was too late; I was going to let him have it.
“No,” I said, “you don’t get to come to my home and yell at me.” He seemed stunned by my sudden outburst,
“Sophia, what’s going on?” He asked. I scoffed and pulled up the picture of him and the girl; his face went white,
“That’s what’s going on.” I told him, “My only question is, for how long? How long have you been with someone, knowing I loved you?” I was pissed and in tears as I spoke my heart, “How long have you been with her while acting as if you loved me more than a friend?” Chris didn’t utter a single word, and I didn’t care. Those electric green orbs that a few hours ago made me want to bite my lip made me sick to my stomach,
“Sophia,” he managed, “I’m sorry….” I looked at him as if someone had told me that robots were taking over,
“You’re sorry?” I muttered; I shifted from foot to foot, then looked him in the face, “Get off my property.”
“Soph,”
“NOW!” I yelled, cutting him off. I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say; I watched as he left and went inside. Mom sat me down on the couch, brought me a small tub of cookie dough ice cream, and then sat with me as we watched a movie.
I woke up the next morning feeling terrible. Still, today was the day I was finally moving out of our small town of Evergreen Heights and was finally going to live in a big city! I went to the bathroom and changed into my leggings, a sports bra, and a tank top. We began loading the heavy items when the movers pulled up to the house. Once everything was on the truck, we put what was left in my car. I hugged Mom, “I’ll see you there, okay?” Mom said, trying hard not to cry; I smiled as much as possible and then got in the car, hitting the road for my new home.
Five hours. That’s how long it took to drive over here. My legs were sore, my back hurt, and I was ready to crawl to the tub for a hot bath. The movers brought in the furniture, and Mom brought up boxes. While I was trying to figure out where everything was going. After the furnishings were in their designated areas, I started to help Mom bring up things in her car. We stood in the kitchen washing my brand-new dishes and trying to get some of the house situated. And, of course, Mom had to ask, “Have you spoken to Chris?” I dropped the plates,
“No,” I said as I placed the plates in the cabinet. Trying to keep myself busy, I told her, “I don’t want anything to do with him.” Mom looked at me,
“Is it possible that it’s a misunderstanding?” I thought about that for a moment but shook the thought,
“It doesn’t matter. I was moving to New York anyways.” I told her, “It was a little crush; I wasn’t in love with him.” I knew she was giving me a look, but I didn’t pay her any attention.
With Mom’s help, we managed to get my new home situated in three days. I loved spending these three days with my Mom. We laughed and cried, and she tried to talk me into moving back home at one point. On the third day, Mom brought me Chinese! We sat and ate and watched a movie. After dinner, Mom helped me clean up before getting ready to leave. I hugged Mom at the door, “I love you, Sophia.” She told me,
“I love you too, Mom,” I said; her voice was starting to crack as she spoke,
“If you decide you don’t want to live out here and want to come home, call me. I’ll call those movers, and we’ll move you right back home.” I laughed at my crazy mother,
“Okay, Mom.” She hugged me once more before heading out. I sighed and got a glass of wine before grabbing my laptop and sitting on the couch to work on my novel. I started my first day of work as an assistant editor at Patrick Davidson Publishing on Monday. I had one more day to relax and prepare for the big day! I hope this was the right decision….
I can’t believe it’s been a year already! One year ago, the love of my life and I found our way back to each other, and here I am, getting ready for our wedding! I looked at myself in the mirror as my stylist finished the last curl in my hair. We wanted a winter wonderland theme, and my bridal team knocked it out of the park! Mom was fluffing out my dress and trying to do anything to keep her mind busy. I think she’s still having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I’m about to become Mrs. Sophia Tanner. I am too. Trying to get my dress on without me falling over or messing up my hair or makeup was the most considerable pain in the ass I have ever attempted to deal with. “You look beautiful, Snowflake.” Mom said, clearly fighting back her tears. I smiled and hugged her, “Thanks, Mom.” There was a knock on the door, and Amanda went over to it and opened it, making sure no one could see me from the other side. Amanda then moved out of the way and smiled at me as Da
I walked into the diner with Chris on my arm; we met our parents to tell them what I’d decided to do. We see our moms at the back of the diner in the giant booth, and we hurry over to join them, “Eliza, it’s good to see you.” I said to Chris’s mother; she smiled, “It’s good to see you too.” She said, hugging me almost as tight as my mother did when I returned home, “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you too.” Chris and I sat together when Dad walked into the diner, waving at us, “Hello, everyone!” He said excitedly. I chuckled a bit, “You’re awfully cheerful today,” Chris said, “How can I not be?” Dad asked, “I have my beautiful girlfriend beside me, my lovely daughter, and my future in-laws. Today couldn’t get any better.” Dad kissed Mom’s cheek. Chris and I smiled at each other, then turned to the others, “Actually, Sophia has some news that might make it even better,” Chris stated; all attention was on me now. I smiled and said, “I’m moving back home.” Mom’s f
I curled up with Chris in his bed as we watched a movie. He’s been worried about me over the past week, which I feel bad about. I hate worrying everyone. Chris surprised me with a home-cooked dinner and a movie; A Journey Back to Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie ever. I sighed as we watched, “What’s wrong?” Chris asked; I shook my head, but Chris was not about to take that for an answer. He paused the movie and straightened up, waiting for me to talk to him. Knowing I wouldn’t win, I sat up and looked at him, “I’m just trying to figure things out.” I said, “I have about two grand in savings, which gives me a month, maybe less, to find a job and start working.” Chris nodded, “So, you’d be going back to New York?” He asked; I nodded. Chris didn’t give me any type of emotion. He just sat there, thinking. After a full three minutes, I decided to ask him, “What other option do I have, Chris?” He looked at me, “I have an apartment there, bills; I have to go back.” “No, you don’t
With Christmas just a few days away, I decided it was time to do some shopping. I got Mom’s gift earlier in the year, but now we have Dad, Chris, and Elizabeth. I still wasn’t answering Jesse’s calls or texts, but I know I need to at some point; I just need to figure things out. I have some money in savings, but it would only last me, maybe a month if I’m lucky. I brushed the worrying feeling off and focused on what was happening now. I’m home for the holidays, and I might get published, so maybe things will work out better. Once I was done shopping, I walked the square to the tree. It looked so beautiful. I always loved Evergreen Heights, but my love for writing and my dream of being an author was what drew me to New York. The thought of leaving home for a second time seems almost impossible. Maybe I could move back if worse came to worse, not that moving home would be the worst thing in the world. I’d be close to my family, my boyfriend, and the wonderful community I grew up with.
Three more days. Just three more days until Christmas, I’ll have to return to the city and find a new job. Jesse keeps calling, but I haven’t answered. I know he means well, but I don’t want to talk to him. He might try to tell me the real reason I got fired, but I really don’t want to hear it confirmed. That I was fired because Jesse submitted my novel for publishing…. Chris has been doing everything he could to compensate for the lost time. It wouldn’t surprise me if he tried asking me to marry him soon, but I don’t know if I’m there yet. We’ve grown so much in the last six years; I’m not the same person I was all that time ago, and I don’t think he is either. Chris seems to have matured a lot since we’ve been apart. He’s not as angry as he used to be. I walked into the clinic and was welcomed by the receptionist, Megan Bailey, “Morning, Sophia!” She said, “Dr. Tanner is with a patient right now if you wanna wait.” I smiled, “Thanks, Megan.” I said and made my way towards
I went to the living room, where I heard my mother talking to someone. I saw Mom sitting on the couch; beside her sat Chris. I stopped in the hallway, “What are you doing here?” I asked him; he was about to answer when Mom answered for him, “I invited him.” I was about to turn back towards my room and walk away when Mom shouted, “Sophia Joyce Brooks, come back here right now.” I froze and cursed myself. Mom taught me that if she says my full name, I better come here or she’s gonna whoop my ass. I walked about into the room, arms crossed across my chest. “Now, you two will talk this out and makeup. Is that understood?” She asked us, “Yes, ma’am,” Chris told her; I groaned under my breath, “Fine.” Mom got up and motioned for me to sit in her spot. I heaved a heavy sigh, went to where she sat, and sat down. “Now,” she said as she started towards the kitchen, “talk.” We looked at each other, but I turned away from him, “Come on, Soph.” Chris said, “Let’s talk this out.” I trie
I reread my book one last time to make sure there weren’t any edits that needed to be done. After reading it three times, I was happy with it. Opening my email, I soon found Jesse and attached the file. I stared at the screen for over a minute before taking a breath and clicking the send button. My mind was racing… “What the hell did I do?” I muttered to myself. I hurried outside of the room to the kitchen and took a breath. Dad popped his head around the corner, “Everything okay?” He asked; I paced the floor before answering him, “I’m freaking out.” “What happened?” Dad asked me, clearly worried about me, “I finished the book and sent it to Jesse,” I replied, but Dad looked excited, “Isn’t that a good thing, Soph?” He asked enthusiastically, “Has he emailed you back?” I shook my head, “I’m seriously freaking out, Dad.” He simply chuckled before pulling me into a hug. “Go for a run, Soph.” Dad suggested, “Maybe that will relieve some of your stress.” I breathed before
I sat at the table, still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened last night. My boss has a copy of my novel between the dream with Chris and the bombshell. My nerves are entirely shot. Mom and Dad haven't tried asking if anything was wrong; they know too well that when I'm like this, to leave me alone until my brain has returned from its orbit in space. The last time I was like this was when I was told I was a salutatorian. I didn't know my grades were high enough to be in the top ten, let alone second in my class. My body felt heavy, and the day felt like it was flying by. I'd stare at the computer screen, not sure if I should continue editing my book or if I should leave it as is. Mom came in, sat a glass of wine on my desk, and asked, "What's wrong, Sophia?" I looked at the glass, then at her. I'm not sure if it was the stress of everything or the fact that I have the best mother in the world, but the tears poured from my eyes as I clung to her. Mom stroked my ha
As I walked through town running errands, I ran into my old English teacher, “Mrs. Wilson?” I asked; she turned around, and her face lit up, “Oh my goodness, little Sophia Brooks!” She exclaimed; I smiled and hugged her, “I didn’t know you were in town, dear.” “Yeah, well, I’m only here for the holidays.” I explained, “I may be able to stay through New Year’s if my employer is alright with it, but chances are, I’ll have to leave a few days after Christmas.” She nodded, “Well, I got to see you before you left.” I smiled, “I know.” I said, “It’s been too long.” “I hope to see you at the tree lighting ceremony tonight.” I gave her a confused look, “Oh, dear me, you haven’t been here in a while. The town has been doing a community tree ceremony where we all gather, sing chorals, and light the Christmas tree.” “That sounds fun. I wonder why my mom didn’t tell me about it,” I said; Mrs. Wilson shrugged her shoulders, “I’m not sure, dear, but you should both come. It will
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments