Spectrum 2

Chapter 23: Sofia

Months Later...

Sofia's POV

"I'll miss you." Jamie hugs me as I pack my things into my car.

"I'll miss you, too." I smile, hugging her back. 

While my time in Wisconsin wasn't nearly what I expected it to be-I can't say that it was all that bad. Sure, ninety percent of it was terrible. But the other ten percent was amazing and was filled with the most amazing people and moments. Jamie practically saved me when she let me move into her apartment with her. She never made me sign a lease or anything. She just let me Cashapp her the rent money and the rest was history.

"You'll let me come visit, yeah?" She smiles.

"Of course. I hope it's sooner rather than later." I nod.

"I'll plan a trip soon." She laughs, offering once last hug before waving me off.

Despite the conversation with Grayson- there was absolutely no waiting. I can't just continue living in a place where I am miserable. School or no school- I'm done.

The drive back to California is long, but it gives me plenty of time to figure out what the hell I'm going to do. The truth? I have no fucking clue. Things with Shane weren't exactly left on bad terms. I wouldn't say that were left on good terms, either. They were just...left. We simply ignored what was happening until after I was gone. Even now things aren't the same. I have no idea what I'm going to be walking into when I get back home, but I'm about to find out one way or another. This will be gone or two ways.

1.) He'll give in and finally be with me. Despite what he thinks is wrong or what Grayson believes to be wrong. He'll make his decision and finally pick me.

2.) He doesn't.

That's it. Those are my only two options. I'm just hoping that his decision works out in my favor.

-

When I get to the office, I know that my first stop has to be too Grayson. He'll be happy to see me, I know that for sure. He's going to be surprised though and possibly a little disappointed. I have no idea how he's going to take it, but I realize I had no time as I see his familiar frame walk into my view.

"Honey, I'm home!" I exclaim dramatically, hoping to hide any anxiety that shows from this.

"Sofia?" Grayson asks. "What are you doing here?" 

I rush over to him and wrap my arms around him, finally feeling comfort in hugging my big brother. I've missed him too much. Even if things don't work out with Shane, I know that coming home was the best idea even if it is just to be closer to Grayson.

"Well." I laugh. "You know." I look beside him briefly and notice a woman beside him. She's a bit shorter than me with a perfect hourglass shape. Her hair is longer and the most beautiful dark brown I have ever seen. It's practically black without all of the coloring that most people use to achieve that color. 

I have no idea what he's doing with her, but I think I like it.

"Come on." He says with a smile, leading me down the hallway and into his office quickly. "Well?"

"I'm home. You know...for good." I smile.

"Sofia." He says in an exasperated tone. "What about school? What about graduation?" He asks.

"I'm doing online for the remaining credits! I'll travel back for graduation. I'm twenty one now, Grayson." I finally say. "I'm ready for this."

He sighs in understanding but nods his head slowly.

"Okay." He nods. "I mean, was I ever able to stop you from doing what you had your mind set to?"

"No." I smirk.

"Yeah." He scoffs, giving me a small smile. "I missed you." 

"I missed you the most." I assure him, hugging him once more. "Side question. Who were you with out there anyways?"

"Natalia." He replies.

"Natalia?" I ask with a smile. "She was like...really pretty, Gray." I point out.

"I know." He mutters.

"So are you like...into her or?"

"No." He laughs. "What would make you think that?"

"Liar." I scoff. "You're a terrible liar, Gray. You're totally into her. Tell me about her." I say, getting comfortable in his desk chair.

"She's...I don't know. She's really cool. We just had a two hour long lunch and it was never weird. I don't know. She's...I like her." He shrugs.

"Aw! Grayson!" I exclaim, clapping my hands together in excitement.. "My big brother is growing up!"

"I'm nearly thirty." He laughs, rolling his eyes at my excitement.

"Yeah, I know. I just want you to find someone. Anyone would be lucky to have you, Gray." I mean what I say, too. Any girl would be lucky to have a man like Grayson. He's the most lovable guy I know. I'm surprised he hasn't found someone by now, anyways. If this Natalia girl happens to be the one that he ends up with- even for a little bit- then she can consider herself the luckiest girl in the world. 

Grayson has always been picky. He doesn't care about appearance or social status. He doesn't care about money or anything materialistic. Not when looking for a girlfriend, that is. He just wants someone who he sees as genuine. So if he sees Natalia, then she has to be great.

"Thanks, Sof." He smiles. "So. How are you going to do this? I'm assuming you're about to go and see Shane?"

"I don't know." I shrug. "I'm...nervous."

"Don't be." He replies.

"But I am. What if...I don't know. I haven't seen him in months. What if he...what if.."

"It will be fine." He assures me. "Trust me."

"How do you know?" I ask.

"I don't." He replies. "But whatever happens...good luck."

"Will you pretend to be surprised?" I ask softly.

"I probably won't have to pretend. This entire day is still very surprising to me."

"Okay." I say in a breathy laugh. "Thanks, Gray."

"No problem. Now go to his office before he gets invested in work." He laughs, waving me away.

As I leave the office and head down the hallway, I feel my palms begin to get sweaty at the thought of what is about to happen. I don't exactly know how this is going to go. While I'm hoping for the best, I can't help but expect the worst. 

Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door and open it lightly.

-

Author's Note!!!

I literally can not wait for this.