Chapter 10

“So you’re just ditching us?’’ Nick screams at me pushing me back. “How stupid are you? You’re just going to stay alone in this random town with no way out? Think of everything that could happen to you. I won’t be here to help you and your parents are hours away. What were you thinking?’’

I feel my anger build up again, but stay silent as he screams at me.

“I need time alone,’’ I say as flatly as possible, but even I can hear the poison in my words.

“So you think I’m just going to leave you behind? I love you, Soph...’’

For a second, I see the hurt in his eye and feel bad.

“If you love me, you’ll give the time I’m asking for.’’ I say in a softer tone than I had hoped.

My anger is already fading at his puppy eyes. Silent grows thick between us and his gaze slowly loses its softness.

“You’re actually doing this?’’ He asks, once again furious.

Fighting with Nick often felt like a rollercoaster. One second he was sweet and desperate and the next, he was fuming.

“You know what, Sophie? I put up with a lot in the last year and a half. I’m done. You’re not nearly pretty enough to have such a bad attitude.’’

I feel my heart stop. Or break. The blood drains from my face. He turns around and walks away.

“What?’’ I hear myself say, as if in a tunnel. He doesn’t even turn to speak to me.

“We’re over. Have a good time alone. Just what you wanted...’’

I feel myself falling to my knees. He walks around the corner and I hear the bus leave. I feel tears drop from my chin onto my neck as my nails press into my palms. I hold back sobs, shaking uncontrollably. Everything hurts and feels numb at the same time.

I bring a hand to my mouth and let out a silent cry. I knew he would be mad, but I never thought he would leave me. My breathing is uneven and my head hurts, but I somehow manage to find my phone and make a call.

“Hey, Sophie, what’s up?’’ Mom asks in an upbeat tone. “Are you already on the bus?’’

I feel my heart break again and let out a small sob.

“Sophie, honey, are you okay?’’ she asks again with panic in her voice. “What happened, do you need me to come get you?’’

“Nick broke up with me...’’ I cry out. My chest hurts and my shoulders are shaken by constant sobs.

“Oh, honey...’’

I can hear the pain in her voice as well. She was to one who pushed me to be his girlfriend.

“I’m so sorry, Sophie. Do you want to talk about it? What can I do to help?’’

I try to slow down my breathing to respond and she waits in silence for my answer.

“I’m taking... the next bus... the company sends,’’ I let out in between sobs, struggling to calm down.

“Okay, that’s good. Do you want me to come get you instead?’’

Her tone is calm and full of love. It helps me control my breathing. I shake my head even if she can’t see it.

“No. I don’t know...’’ I sigh. I take a deep breath.

“You have two options right now,’’ mom says. “Either I can pick you up by tonight and you can come back home and cry about it here or you can stay where you are and try to have fun anyways.’’

I stay silent for a bit. I really want to go home, but I know everything will remind me of Nick.

“You told me you wanted to live a crazy experience,’’ she tells me with resolve, “and I know you’ll never forget yourself if you miss your chance. I think you should try to do something crazy. But if you want me to, I’ll be there by tonight.’’

I know she’s right. My heart still throbs painfully and I just want her to be on her way here. I’m about to tell her I want her to come pick me up, but something stops me.

The tug in my stomach reminds me of Simons demand. I think back to the way his honey eyes had locked with mine when he had entered to coffee shop. For a reason I can’t explain, I need to stay here with him. Maybe he was right.

I have never been too into spirituality, but the thought of having a soul mate, someone who would treat me with only love, soothes my heart more than I am willing to admit.

Simon had asked me to stay so he could prove we were meant to be together. Now more than ever, I needed to believe he was right.

“You’re right mom,’’ I finally answer calmly. “I wanted an adventure and I got one. I’ll just have to make the best of it.’’