Finding Sophie

Chapter 18

I felt a combination of nerves and absolute relaxation. For some reason, even after all the things that have happened to me lately, I feel a sense of control over everything. For once in my life, I can actually do something about this uncertainty which is exhilarating.

Walking back to my dorm with Stella was great, I think the personal thing that we've just been through has caused us to have a really good connection. We just clicked instantly. It's refreshing to be able to have fun with someone who doesn't seem to be expecting anything from you. Even in the little time, it took for us to make our way back to my dorm we managed to talk about so much. She didn't fail to make me laugh.

As we were really close to getting back I decided to ask her, "If it's okay would you come in with me when I get home, I am not sure how I am going to confront Emilia as I clearly think something needs to happen, what do you think?"

"I would love to come in and make sure you are all okay before I make my way back myself. I would also like to be there for you if you decide to talk to Emilia today, I am really surprised she would just leave you out there on your own and I think that whatever she says you need to find a way to get as far away from her as you can and quickly." The last bit she adds makes me involuntarily twitch at the seriousness of her tone. I have a feeling that I may be pushing this more to the back of my mind to make it all seem better to myself.

I don't know if trying to move is a good plan because it will certainly cost a lot and take a long time, for all I know there might not be any space left so I may have to find my own place which would cost even more.

There is something telling me to listen and not make rash decisions. For all I know, Emilia could have an extremely valid reason for not looking for me or replying to my texts or calls. I still feel the need to make excuses for her even though I don't really know who she is, how could I. Instead of voicing my thoughts, I tell Stella, "I am sure there will be a valid reason, she's really nice and would never do anything maliciously, I'm sure of it." I add that little extra bit in the end probably trying to convince myself of this.

"Okay, it's not my place to judge I just want to make sure you're safe." She replies closing off the conversation, much to my relief.

I was so on edge as we made our way to the door. I texted Emilia earlier but who knows, she could have gone out just to make sure I couldn't get back in. I loudly knocked on the door as Stella leaned against the doorframe observing everything from my nervous demeanour to the door. I felt like everything in my body stopped until the door opened in my face and a tidal wave of relief washed over me. I think deep down I was expecting her to have gone out in spite of knowing I was coming back from the hospital. I definitely need to find a way to get away from her as even in my worst times my life was never this complicated, or not that I remember.

I walked in with Stella quick on my heels, the silence filling the room creating an awkward atmosphere. It looked like the two of them were staring each other down like pack animals. Honestly, I had no clue what to do, funnily enough, it's a first for me. Instead of trying to say or do anything I instead chose to keep quiet and sit down on my bed. The feeling as soon as I hit it was euphoric, all I wanted was to lie down and have a long sleep. I felt lacking in all energy which would make me physically capable of discussing or potentially arguing with someone.

"Thanks for walking me back Stella, I owe you one. You can head back now I just need to nap for today." I say to Stella with a subtle hint telling her to leave the issue alone and that I will resolve it later.

"No, I'm sorry if you're tired but I'm not going anywhere until Emilia over there starts talking." She replies continuing on with their death glares.

"I don't know what you want me to start talking about, but I am sure it's nowhere near as dramatic as you are making it seem. There's no need to get all angsty." Emilia mockingly replies.

At this point, I think I am going to be sitting in on two people disagreeing on who knows what. If I can avoid it I won't get involved as that will just spark even more conflict and I hate conflict. In one last attempt to settle them so I can have a nap, I add, "Come on you two I am shattered and need to nap, can't this wait for another time?"

"No it certainly can't, when someone leaves you stranded after multiple communications with them and you are sitting potentially dying in a café then there is clearly a huge problem. If it wasn't for me following her I would have never have found you passed out after hitting your head and you may not have survived, the doctors said you were extremely lucky anyway. Even though she didn't know you were in danger she definitely knew you couldn't get into the dorm because she had her phone on her, checking it while entering your home. Not once did I see her even turn her head slightly to look for you. That is where the problem is, clearly she has something wrong with herself and something needs to be changed."

I sigh, all of the points that have just been made are entirely valid even if I don't want to admit them myself. Although, I know all of that is true I still don't want to know what Emilia will do in retaliation. Much to my surprise after a small amount of contemplating I see a swift movement as an arm swings across the room landing straight on what I suppose was its intended target.