Fifty Shades After

Chapter 22: Cousins with(out) Benefits

After grabbing a handful of her ass, this douchebag finally lets her go. "You were outstanding, Sophia. Beautiful!" He grins a crooked grin and I internally scowl. "Um, thank you." She glances nervously at me, but I'm rocking the best poker face I've got.

Even though sixty-eight percent of my heart has already shattered.

"Jake, this is Ted. He's my God father's son. Ted, this is Jake Ferton... my boyfriend."

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought he was your pet mongoose. No shit he's your damn boyfriend!

"Hey there, little Ted. I've heard so much about you." He ruffles my hair.

The audacity of this son of a bitch.

I brush my hair back and gaze at Sophie with the most unreadable expression I've got. "Nice to meet you, too. I wish I can say the same." So that I wouldn't have made a complete fool of myself. "Well, Angel, I really need to get back. See ya, Tedster." He proceeds to suck on her lips once more before finally leaving the scene.

I scoff. Tedster?

"Um," Sophie twiddles her thumbs, but I don't let her speak. She's said enough. "Wow," I chuckle sarcastically. "He's quite a catch. If you like leeches."

- "Ted, please,"

- "Oh, there's no need to beg, Sophia, I hear you loud and clear. You know, it would've been nicer to introduce us before he started slurping on your face? Or maybe, I don't know- before I made myself look like an absolute loser?" My sarcasm is off the charts right now, and I'm eternally grateful to have been raised by the most sarcastic woman I've ever known.

"Ted, I'm just really, really sorry. I honestly didn't mean,"

- "Oh, shut up!" I hiss annoyed and she almost tumbles backwards. "You led me on. You made believe that I had at least a slim chance. 'Laters, baby'? 'Incredibly special'? The damn kiss on the cheek?" I remind her of her crimes and she stares at the floor ashamed.

"I just... I was so hopeful for something. I guess it's on me, isn't it?"

- "Teddy, no..."

- "It's my fault for thinking I had a chance with a hot shot older model. Ava was right. Way out of my leagues here. I'm just a kid, afterall. Your 'God father's son'. I just wish I would've listened."

- "Ava said that? Ted, I swear I never meant for this to happen!"

- "Forget it, Sophie. I'm just gonna go ahead and save myself the humiliation. I'm sorry for having to ruin your party."

- "You didn't!"

- "Enjoy the rest of it. Laters, baby." And just like that, I leave the scene. "Ted!" I hear her cry once

I walk faster, because I feel tears threatening. For fuck's sake, Ted! Man the fuck up! I hold them back and bump my way out of the marquee. I can't be with all these people right now. For some reason, I hate them all at the moment and I'll be damned if Dad has to suffer the consequences for his long lost son's behavior.

I make it out without catching my family's attention. Thank God. The crisp cool wind hits me and I breathe it in, because it feels like if I've been holding my breath for an awful long time.

That, without a doubt, has to be the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to me. Jesus.

I don't know how long I've been out here, but I know it's been long enough, since Dad has messaged me.

Where are you? Are you still with Sophie? Sent: 8:23

Not exactly. I'll be there in a bit. Sent: 8:25