Day - ONE

Smoke and Mirror

Emma's POV

We all gathered at Alarick's so called small living room twice my apartment and our host was standing near door to great everyone. In few moments the house was filled with random chatters , wine spills on mattress and laughs everywhere.

' Sophie , the one disappears in thin air.' I recognized the familiar voice Jasper was standing surrounded by many people as expected.

' That's grandma's tale now you really need to stop saying that joke it totally unfunny now.' I patted his shoulder and hurled my arms around him.

' Girl , I don't care if you don't find that joke funny atleast I do.' He chortled at his own joke. I pulled out my arms around his shoulders.

' I do find that joke funny.' Somebody said in his calm voice. I turned around to see Andrew Knowles dressed in black shirt and black pants totally irresistible and his height toppling over me he stood and I was mannequin for a moment all my actions stopped I casted my eyes over his body he threw his usual welcoming smile at me.

' Besides , I want to take this lady away from here for few moment.' He put his hand behind my waist and I felt tingles all over my body . Yet I maintained my frigid aura trying acting completely unbothered.

We sat in front of each other. His presence alone started to stifle me my I rubbed my foot on one another staring at different direction but not in his eyes.

' So how to impress you ?' He took bite from the ceasar salad kept in front of us.

' I am sorry , What ? ' Although I have listened to what he said I desperately wanted him to repeat his question.

' I mean Emma Roberts that I have done already what I need to do. I asked you out like a perfect gentleman should. You neither replied nor refused I am still hung on the answer.' Although I could sense there was irreparable damage in his voice I saw him staring at me with millions of emotions. No it can't be.

' You did compliment , Sophie on Noah's wedding. You are still not over her.' I commented sipping the coffee and staring at him.

' That. You think oh no , Do you think complimenting someone else would validate your value. I know you are not that kind of girl.' Damn ! This man knows when to pluck which key in the heart. My heart throbbed while his dreamy eyes were searching for answers.

' I don't want. I ju--st don't want anything serious at this point in my life.' Neither I want you to end up miserable with a girlfriend who can not take up role of dutiful wife. These thoughts echoed at hallways of my mind. I just can't.

' Umm--.' He relaxed and leaned backwards ' That's the problem ' Then he leaned forwards looked deep in my eyes and whispered ' I'll keep trying.' My eyes widened while he relaxed back at his position.

' The room aside is empty.' I was stirring the coffee with my fingers still not able to look in his eyes. If he noticed my blush. What will he think ?

' You're smart woman.' He got up and started moving towards the room. I clenched my fists and chased him back. He let me enter in the room first then he shut the door using his legs.

Then anticipation was building in me. I clenched my fist and chewed my lips. He drew closer and we bumped into each other his eyes bored into mine and he grabbed me by waist then he put his arms around caging me between him and wall and kissed me passionately. My hands tightened around his collar then they moved towards his chest there were moans and whispers telling each other what we like.

' Oh , Andrew I moaned.' His hands explored all the places. This is what you fantasized all the school life I stared at his still serious face which I never eye witnessed before his easy going and delighted face all the time. I stared all of him his perfect jawline his muscular very tall physique. I just can't make promises to you. While he was looking at me under his lashes his eyes boring into mine. Cease the moment. Then our lips melted together. I shut down my eyes feeling blissfully every moment.

Until.

I heard voices above me. Something felt on the ground with thud. I jerked off Andrew pointing towards cieling.

' Sophie.' We exchanged look and he followed me.

' What about her ?' He inquired I was feeling not at all talkative at particular moment.

' She is schizophrenic. ' I walked towards stairs tentatively.

' and you guys didn't even bother enough to tell me.' There was disappointment in his tone which I disregard.

I was standing in front of her door I tried to open the door. I pushed it no effect then I started bustling it in consternation. What if something tragic happened to her before the door is opened ? Then I vented out all my anxiety on it then Andrew tried doing the same.

The door was opened. I took a look a the room Sophie was sitting in the corner crouched in herself shivering in fear.

I moved towards her and put my hands on her head. ' Sophie.' calming her down. She grabbed my hand and held it tighter hugging around it still trembling.

' Where is Alarick ? ' I asked Andrew he was sitting near me almost eyeing at Sophie in pity.

' He is down greeting guest.' His eyes were still on Sophie filled with concern. He vanished in seconds.

Alarick came inside room witnessing Sophie he sat on his laps and hugged her caressing her hairs and calming her down she was not shivering neither she was sobbing. She slept in his arm while rest of the friends gathered around her when seeing all the hosts absent from party.

Alarick pointed them to assemble in the drawing room. He slung Sophie put his arms around her legs and placed her on the bed drawing blanket over her.

We all gathered at drawing room.

' This is serious.' said Jasper after listening to me while I explained Sophie situation.

' How will she be able to return to her work ? ' Andrew questioned Alarick's eyes met his.

' I should first care about her well being.' He put his hand on his face and stared at cieling ' I shouldn't have left her alone in the room.' He sighed in disappointment punching the wall.

' What to do , next ?' Jasper asked inquisitively.

' I guess I am going to take her to Manhattan. I am shifting my business if she stays here she is going to stress over everything especially her career.' This seemed to be valid point for me it was important to have Sophie distracted so that she doesn't think of that bad phase she was going through.

Alarick walked into her room because he knew keeping Sophie all alone at this moment if she wakes up and find none can turn out to be risky. Andrew left the party. I stood chick dressed sipping wine and shedding tear on the situation I was given no choice but to accept.