The next morning.
Sophie got up and came downstairs. She saw Giselle cooking and Ben flirting with her and she was equally responding to him. Natalie was preparing cookies and was in a serious conversation with Elliot. William was sitting alone in the living room looking at something on his cell phone and frowning. She smiled upon seeing this. She came forward and sat down beside William.
"Are you all so angry that you won't talk to me like before? I know I was wrong. I said sorry for that but why are you all treating me like this? It hurts me so much to see my friends treating me like this!" Sophie made an adorable face and blinked her eyes cutely. On seeing her like this, William was reminded of that time when she was a bubbly girl. After that incident years ago, she became a living shell. To bring out her emotions they had to work so hard. They were her only friends to whom she could open up. If they remained angry, she may again become like that. Honestly, that was a nightmare. William adjusted his emotions and said, "Soph, we aren't angry. We are just concerned about you. We know it has been hard on you and we want to keep you safe. That's all."
'Ya, I know.', Sophie said sadly.
'Will, have you made Sophie sad again?', Giselle asked.
'I was telling the truth. Anyway, has anyone called Ed yet?'
'No', they answered in unison.
'I've called Max, Jose and Susie. They will be here soon. Take care guys, I have something to do, so, I will make a move first.', Sophie said.
They were all dumbfounded at her change in attitude. Will frowned, and got up from his seat intending to follow Sophie but all they heard was the hard slam of a door.
After 10 mins they found Sophie ready in her office attire. She took her purse from the study table, picked up the car keys and her jacket from the stand and went downstairs to the garage and left for work. They were all shocked.
Elliot saw the scene and asked, 'What happened? Is she throwing another tantrum?'
'No, I think she is really angry right now.' Ben said.
"Guys, they way you all are behaving with her right now, she ought to be angry. Step in her shoes for once and think. We did not face anything, rather she faced everything alone. We were not even by her side. We promised to protect her. I know we all feel guilty but out of this guilty feeling don't ignore her. She too needs rest after all these things. Can't you all see her exhaustion? Can't you see how much she was traumatized that she immediately came to us upon seeing David. She came here to find solace. But you all added to her burden! Seriously guys, is this the way you all are planning to stay by her side? She will push you further away if you all keep doing whatever you are trying to do. I have nothing more to say. I'm leaving. Do whatever you think is the best. Goodbye.", Giselle added and left.
Natalie finished baking the cookies and came out. She to reprimanded them and left without having breakfast.
'Hey Nat, at least have breakfast and then leave.', Elliot said.
' No thanks.' she replied and left to get ready for her office.
Will, Ben and Elliot were left alone. They cancelled all of their meetings and then called Edward.
'Hello Ed.'
'Hi man, what makes you remember me after a long time?'
'It's about Soph. She is extremely angry with us. Now all the girls have left angrily without having breakfast.'
'What is she angry about?'
"About us ignoring her."
"WHAT?", Ed shouted and slammed his hand hard on the table.
"We are extremely sorry for that. But we are really guilty over the fact that we were absent when she needed us the most. Also....."
"Shut up man! You are distancing yourselves from her only for this? Do you know that she suffers from nightmare because of this? And you all are intentionally ignoring her? Are you idiots? I have nothing more to say to you guys."
"How do you know about her nightmare?"
"From Max and Jose."
"WHAT?", the three of them were shocked and said in unison.