Just a Soldier

Chapter 16 - Runyon Canyon

Y/n's POV:

Scarlett and I both just lay together in silence. My head is swirling with so many emotions right now. I'm still mad that she didn't talk to me about it in the first place and that she lied about being with Hunter, although I can kind of understand why. Though it makes me question if I am doing enough to show her that she is safe with me and that I'll always listen to her regardless of what she has to say.

There is also a huge sense of relief. I was terrified that she was cheating on me. It broke my heart as all I could think of in that bar was how I wasn't enough for her, and I was losing everyone that I care about. But now that I'm in her arms again, I feel happier, that things are going to be ok. I know that it's not going to fall straight back to how it was, and I don't think it would be right if it did. But I know that we'll both work to make our relationship even stronger.

I look at the clock on my wall and see that it is only 8am. My head is throbbing, and I feel sick to my stomach. Maybe nursing a whole bottle of scotch wasn't the best way to try and deal with my feelings. Though I can't help sinking into the feeling of Scarlett slowly running her fingers through my hair, gently massaging my scalp.

Our silence is interrupted by a knock at the door. We both look up as Sophie timidly walks into my room. "It's been quiet in here for a while. I just wanted to check that one of you wasn't dead." She awkwardly laughs. I look up at Scarlett as we both chuckle. "No. I think we're going to be ok. Though I can't promise this hangover won't kill me." I respond as Sophie gives us both a warm smile.

She stands at the end of my bed, playing with her fingers, a tell-tale sign that she is nervous. It's never been awkward between the two of us, but right now, I've never felt further apart from her. For the first time I can't read her. Does she want our friendship back or was she just checking in on me to be nice yesterday? I almost don't want to ask, scared if it is the latter.

Sensing our uncomfortable state, Scarlett places a kiss on my head and slowly slips out of the bed. "I'm going to jump in the shower if that's ok?" She asks and I nod. "Yeah, of course. Spare towels are..." "In the cupboard in the hall. I know babe." She smiles. As she left my room, she gives Sophie's arm a squeeze and I hear a quiet thank you.

"Wait! Before you go Scarlett." Sophie called, turning on the spot to get her attention. "Yeah?" Scarlett asks a little nervous. "I'm sorry I was rude with you earlier when you got here. It was a bit hypocritical to act like that when I'm partly to blame as well." Sophie explains and I watch as Scarlett nods with a kind smile. "No need to apologise. You were protecting Y/n. I'm glad she's got someone watching her back." Scarlett replies before leaving us alone to take her shower. 

When the door closes behind her. Sophie looks up at me and gives me a small smile. "So, everything's ok between you now?" She asks shyly and I nod. "Still got somethings we need to get through, but we're going to be ok. Not sure if the same applies for us though." I reply, unable to make eye contact. I hate how awkward this all feels.

Sophie sighs and makes her way to join me on the bed. She rubs at her forehead as we both think about what to say. "Do you remember when we were in year 7 and the that boy from year 10 stole my yoyo and pushed me over?" She asks and I look at her with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. I push him off the swing and took your yoyo back." I reply.

She smiled nodding at me. "Then when James went psycho, you locked me in your bathroom and physically held the front door shut so her couldn't get to me until the police came." She adds and my smile drops at the memory of that day. "You've always had my back. You've always put me first and done what is in my best interest. No one has been a better protector to me than you." She shares, wiping under her eyes.