Chapter 7
Sofya
Los Angeles, California
The next day went by in a blur and soon enough I was back home getting ready for Sorina's party. Sara had come over to help me get ready because I apparently had "no taste in fashion whatsoever".
"I can't believe you live here!" Sara said, looking around in wonder. I smirked, sometimes I hardly believed it myself.
"Come on," I said, dragging her to my room. I had put some of my framed art on the walls to make it more personalized. Sara gazed at the work, admiring it. I was particularly proud of the one she was looking at. It depicted a girl and her family standing by the ocean as a storm came in. It was by far one of the best pieces I've created.
"Wow Sofya, I knew you were an artist but I didn't realize you were this good. This work belongs in a museum." Sara said in awe.
"Aww, thanks Sara," I said, I was always nervous people wouldn't like my work. It was nice to hear that people did, even if it was my best friend.
"Well, besides your awesome work, we are going to make you look awesome." She said, pulling the door to my huge closet. "Jeez, this could be a mini-store. I think I have found the perfect outfit for you," Sara said smiling a mischievous smile. I groaned, Sara was probably going to make me wear something I would normally not dare to wear.
Once she was done with me. I was wearing an off-the-shoulder blood-red top, with a black short leather skirt and my black combat boots. There was no way she was getting me out of wearing those, nope. Sara had me straighten my messy wavy mop of hair and put some of it into a braided halo. Then she had me apply mascara and eyeshadow with a bit of highlighter on my cheeks or wherever highlighter went. I wasn't a makeup expert. In truth, I hardly wore any. It was way too much work. For those girls who were a full face of makeup all the time, I applaud you guys because I seriously don't know how you do it. I could never.
"There." She said placing me in front of my mirror to view the finished product. "You look great, Sofya." She said. I smiled at my reflection and I looked pretty.
"Thanks, Sara, you do too," I said. She was wearing a short black pleated skirt with a tight green top that brought out her eyes.
We headed downstairs and got into my car and drove to Sorina's house. By the time we got there Sorina's mansion was packed and half the kids were already drunk and it was only eight.
Music echoed throughout the house, pounding in my ears. People crowded everywhere. Sara and I pushed past people and eventually found Sorina laughing with Jenna and Emily.
"Hi, guys!" She exclaimed. "I'm so happy you're here. Come with me." She said, gesturing to follow her. I shrugged at Sara and followed Sorina down the hall to the living room, where a large group of people was gathered. I recognized most of them and spotted Enzo talking to Adrien and Ash. The latter of whom I was surprised they decided to show up and be social. I mean maybe he was social but he had been kinda quiet the past few days, only talking to Enzo, Adrien, and Kyle. Not that I was watching him because I hadn't been, well not really. I had told Sara what had happened with Adrien earlier and she said she totally supported me, but now she was bent on getting me with Ash along with Sorina. They claimed I "needed" a boyfriend, especially since I had never had one. It wasn't my fault I had never had one. I was just too busy. I mean with school and swim, it just took up all of my time. Other than the fact that love and relationships were just not happening.
The boy's heads turned toward us as we approached. I waved in greeting as Sara screamed hi and plopped down next to Kyle. I perched on the edge of the couch next to Enzo and Ash.
"Hey, Sofya," Enzo said in greeting with a wide grin. A small smile blossomed on my lips.
"Hi," I said. Enzo cocked his head to the side before saying.
"So, I heard you went out with Adrian. Are you guys together now?" He asked, a bitter tone to his voice. I frowned.
"Um, I went out with him but we are just friends. I don't like him like that." I said. Enzo's face visibly brightened. His stormy grey eyes twinkling. He leaned closer.
"So, is there anyone you do like, like that?" he asked, teasing me. My face flushed, he, he couldn't be implying that? No. To my luck, Sara came bounding over.
"Truth or Dare time." She said cheekily, before skipping away. I leaned back and sighed, the anxiety leaving my chest.
Sorina was in the middle of the room announcing that we were going to play truth or dare. She also declared there was no opting out once we got asked the question or activity to do. I groaned, I hated truth or dare. It was seriously not fun, especially when played in front of a fourth of the school. Sorina started it and asked Jenna first. Jenna picked truth.
"Jenna, what's the most embarrassing thing you've done?" Sorina asked. Jenna was quiet for a moment but then answered.
"I got drunk and then tripped out a window and broke my ankle." She said, shrugging. Everyone laughed, but it wasn't that funny. I thought it was kind of sad.
One by one, everyone took their turn as we went around the circle. Sara got dare and she was dared to drink three cups of beer. She was going to be so drunk and it would be my job to bring her home, fantastic. Soon enough it was Ash's turn, and then it would be Enzo's, then mine.
"Ok, Ashhhhhhhhh, Truth or daaaaaare." Sorina slurred, clearly drunk.
"Dare." He replied casually. A wicked grin spread across Sorina's face and she winked at me. Crap, what was she going to do?
"Ash, I dare you to kiss Sofiiiiiii." She said, beaming. My face flamed, great, well this was wonderful. Ash turned to me, his eyes betrayed nothing. Still, I stared, hoping they would tell me something. He leaned over slowly and pressed his soft lips to mine.
I slipped my eyes closed. Warmth spread throughout my body, electrocuting my nerves. I felt his hands on the back of my head. I melted into the kiss, wanting it to never end. It was nothing like Adrien's kiss. Maybe at first but it changed after a few seconds. This was rough and demanding. Filled with desire and lust. Fire danced in my veins, and when he pulled away I was a little sad it had ended but as he lifted his lips from mine I saw a flicker of emotion I couldn't place in his eyes.
Everyone applauded once we were apart and blush filled my cheeks. "Well, that was some kiss," Sorina announced. I glared at her. She just ignored me and continued. I looked to Ash but he was avoiding my gaze and had started talking to Enzo who looked pained. I winced. "But let's get this party started and let's dance!" She shouted, and grabbed a remote turning the music up even louder.
I stood up and helped the others clear the furniture to the outskirts. Enzo grabbed my hand and twirled me around, moving to the beat. Our bodies moving together as the music echoed in my ears. He stared into my eyes and my cheeks lit on fire. I shook the thoughts off. Just friends.
For what seemed like hours we danced and danced. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a tall figure approaching us.
"Want to dance?" A melodic voice asked. I grinned, it was Ash. Finally, I thought. I took his hand and we moved to the rhythm. Ash's hand was on my waist and I had my hands around his neck. The taste of his lips jumped into my memory, causing a blush to rise in my cheeks. A slower song came on and Ash pressed closer, his head buried into the crook of my neck. He smelled like tea tree oil, pine, a river, and nature. So familiar but the memory was so out of reach.
About an hour or two later, who knows, I whispered in his ear.
"Can we take a break." he nodded and led me outside. We sat on the swing in the backyard. I leaned my head on his shoulder. I was exhausted and it was probably well past midnight. "Why didn't you talk to me till now?" I asked quietly. He laughed, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard.
"It's only been a few days Sofya." He said. I couldn't make out his face in the dark, but if he was smiling I wish I could see it. I hadn't seen him smile yet.
"Yeah, but you seem so familiar, I just can't place it. It feels like I've known you for years, not just a few days." I mumbled tiredly. My eyes, slowly starting to slip closed. Just before I passed out. I swore I heard him whisper.
"You don't know how right you are Sofyalisia. I wish you would remember, but I suppose it's better if you don't. I like you but it can't last. I know that and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Sofya. I won't even ask for your forgiveness, because what I have to do is unforgivable. Stay away, please stay away Sofya. I don't know how much longer I can prevent it. I don't want to but I have no choice. What do I do?" Ash murmured, his voice cracking. I felt him place a small gentle kiss on my lips, then I passed out. But what did he mean? What did he have no choice about? I just wanted my friend back. Friend?
The next morning I found myself lying on Sorina's couch with my head throbbing. I hadn't drunk anything, had I? I sat up taking in the scene, people were lying everywhere, food and drinks were thrown across the room. Pain shot through my head followed by a wave of dizziness. I struggled to remember last night. I remembered kissing Ash, dancing with Enzo, but nothing after that. I also didn't recall having anything alcoholic to drink. Why did I feel hungover? I spotted Sorina walking towards me with a cup of hot cocoa in her hand. She handed it to me and I gratefully took it, slowly sipping the warm drink. "Hey," I said.
"Hi, you have fun last night?" Sorina asked grinning.
"Yeah," I said, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Well, you did kiss Ash, and boy what a kiss that was and then danced with Enzo after." She said snickering. My cheeks reddened at her comment.
"Did he leave?" I asked, part of me hoped he hadn't.
"Who, Ash? He left around midnight, a little passed." I stood up.
"Well, I better get going, Sam is going to wonder where I am. I'll see you Monday." I said getting up. I turned to Sorina, suddenly remembering I had brought Sara. "Sorina, where's Sara?" I asked, my eyes darting around the room.
"Oh, Sara left about an hour ago with Kyle. He drove her home." I sighed, at least she got home safe.
"Well, bye," I said heading out the front door. I found my car and slipped inside. I quickly drove to Sam's place.
The house was empty when I got there, Sam must have gone out and I had still yet to see his reclusive son. I went up to my room and threw a suit on along with a lacy cover-up. I went down a level to the pool. I yanked the cover-up off and slipped into the hot tub. I sighed, sinking into the luxurious water. The steam wafted around me and I tilted my head back enjoying the warmth.
After an hour or so I wrapped a towel around myself and dried off then headed up to my room. I pulled out my sketchbook and started doodling. I lost track of time and soon enough I passed out over my sketchbook, which may or may not have had a half-finished drawing of Ash.