Soak Up The Sun

Listen To Me

Sophie felt like she was caught in a wonderfully unexpected hurricane. Being with Liam on the road for the past two days they'd become even closer. She found that she enjoyed simply being in his presence. Yes they had a strong sexual connection but whatever this was went way deeper than that and it terrified her and compelled her in equal measure.

Sophie stood at the back door of the venue enjoying the cool spring air on her skin. It was hot and steamy inside. She gazed up at the only faintly visible stars through the clouds longingly.

"What am I doing?" She asked.

"Hmmm fucking your gorgeous new boyfriend and generally living your best life?"

Sophie jumped as Thatcher appeared next to her eating chips out of a Mcdonald's carton.

She glared at her.

"He's not my boyfriend. I thought I was meant to be fixing something to get back?"

Thatcher shrugged.

"He could be. Do you really want to go back? You came here because you hated your life so much so why are you rushing to get back now?"

Sophie exhaled deeply.

"Because...if I stay here any longer I won't be able to go back...please just let me go back because the longer I stay here and feel what it's meant to be like I just... I just can't."

Sophie averted her eyes she didn't need Thatcher's sharp tongue right now seeing her at her weakest moment. Then Thatcher did the most human thing she'd did since Sophie had gotten here.

Thatcher touched her shoulder awkwardly but gently.

"But you can have this. In the real world.

Sophie shook her head.

"Not...not with him."

She felt the flush high on her cheeks.

"No. Most likely not. But you've only known him 6 days it can't be that serious."

Sophie nodded.

"I know. It's daft."

Thatcher shook her head.

"It's not. I've seen things you'd never believe. Sophie, you've got a second chance to turn your life around. Most people don't get that. Don't waste it." She said softly as she handed the remaining fries to her.

Thatcher looked vulnerable and dejected and Sophie was going to ask why she was being like this all of a sudden when she disappeared.

Sophie stood dumbfounded her emotions all over the place.

She turned as she heard feet shuffling against stone. Noel leant his head against the wall she was currently leaning against as he took a drag of his cigarette. He frowned as he looked at her chips.

"Ay where'd you get them?" He asked intrigued.

Sophie could see his eyes were blown. He was fucked.

Sophie's heart pounded.

"Uhm some random girl gave me them. Here." She said passing them to him.

Noel eagerly took a few and chewed on them slowly as he closed his eyes.

"Liam was looking for you."

Sophie nodded.

"Just needed some fresh air."

Noel gazed at her evenly.

"What's yer game?"

She frowned.