maybe + a.i [slow updates]

[five]

February 2014

Sophie

-

Sophie had never had a hangover before, but she never expected the continual intense throbbing in her head, or the inability to move, even a little bit, in case her mistakes of last night ended up all over the floor.

Sophie didn't have the strength to open her eyes yet. She could feel the strong winter sun falling on her eyelids, but it made her shut them even tighter. The continuous vibration of her phone beside her made her want to curl up and disappear. Without opening her eyes, she swiped her phone and held it close to her ear, hoping it was just a phone call.

"Hello?" she managed to choke out, sounding quiet pathetic.

"Thank god you're alive!" Jake's slightly too enthusiastic voice practically screamed inside her already thumping head. She held her hand to her head, hoping that even rubbing it might help - but it didn't.

"Just about..." Sophie stayed quiet.

"Where the fuck are you?! We got kicked out around 3 and couldn't find you anywhere!"

"Uhm..."

Most of the night before seemed a blur. She remembered a taxi home, and a very blurred vision of Ashton's face trying to keep her upright in the back. Her face burned a fierce red as she caught a glimpse of last night's antics.

"I'm at Ashton's...I think."

"Oioi, did you get some last night?" Again, Sophie's heart started to beat just a tad faster. She felt like she still had clothes on; a good sign, at least.

"Nope, I'm fully clothed. I can't even open my eyes, what time is it?"

"Around half nine. I woke up to make breakfast but you weren't here. I even rang Olivia to see..."

"Jake did you ring my fucking sister?!" She knew she was dead. If Olivia even thought for a second she had left Jake's side she would be on a one way train journey back to Manchester.

"I had to! I thought you had went back home! All I asked was if you were in yet, when she said no I just said you were getting the train home this morning and wanted to know if you were home safe."

"Wow, good one. Even for you."

"Thanks! I think my lying skills have gotten better since I became friends with you."

"I don't know whether or not to be proud of that, but I'll take it." Sophie had managed to open one eye and managed to suss out she was on a couch. And probably the comfiest couch she had ever had the pleasure to sleep on.

By the time she managed to open both of her heavy eyes and catch a peek of the living space. All around there were weird, Ikea-esque paintings situated the living room. An empty glass of water and the contents of Sophie's purse sprawled across the glass coffee table, situated next to a collection of remotes: Xbox, PS4 and TV. Typically teenage boys.

"Sophie, text me and let me know when you're coming back. Your bag is still here and..." Jake's voice was cut off, and Sophie realised her phone had just died.

She silently groaned and threw her head back onto the cushion. Just light enough to not cause her head to implode with pain. It was a struggle to keep both eyes open, so she shut them in the hope that someone would wake her up before she died of total dehydration.

~

"Sophie?" The kind, gentle and all too familiar voice slowly aroused Sophie from her not too pleasant sleep. Her mouth had never felt dryer, not even an inkling of moisture was to be found. And this time, opening her eyes seemed to be more of a challenge than before.