Beyond Heaven and Hell

Chapter 17 - More to Sophie

*Nate's POV

I yawned and looked up at Sophie. She was frowning. This was certainly different for her, she's usually up-beat and strong. I wondered what she was thinking about and what could possibly be bothering her.

She must have seen me staring because she quickly looked back up at me and smiled. Fake or not it was beauty at its finest.

"I'm glad you slept alright. Your IV levels and heart rate suggested that you were not struggling or stressed, which is very good," Sophie exclaimed.

I then began to wonder why she was in my room. Was she bored? up to something suspicious? or simply come in to check on my as routine?

"Well, I best be on my way," she sighed, but in her usual bubbly way.

That's when I realised it was a great opportunity to draw her in a bit and get some answers, or at least try to get her to talk.

As she grasped the door handle, I butted in. "hey uh, have you got a sec?"

She looked surprised and confused at the same time, but I could see her processing my request with her eyes darting for an answer, maybe even a decision.

"Uhh, sure... I don't see why not. Is everything alright?" Sophie seemed eerie or unsure of her steps and words.

Whilst she took small but cautious steps towards me, I continued; "So, you're clearly aware of how confused I already am, I was just wondering if, you know, if you could tell me where I am or what I'm doing here?" I twiddled between my thumbs attempting to look vulnerable, Sophie seemed to respond to that.

"oh, um..." she glanced to the door hesitantly as if she was worried about whatever was behind it.

Looking at me concerned, she continued. "Look, I can't exactly tell you anything nor even give you any attention..." she looked disappointed at the floor after that remark. "There is my mast-uh I mean, my boss out there, and I am just here to do my job. If I ever slip up-"

I Interrupted her, "What are you worried about?" assessing her reaction and emotions, "you keep looking at that door as if you're concerned of what is behind there". I tilted my head waiting for her to respond.

"I... I'm not worried! I'm just..." she heisted, "It's just my uh, Boss. They tend to be... harsh" Sophie was looking concerned again.

I realised that I was digging again, almost interrogating and had lost the helpless act. I decided to continue where I was, I seemed to be making progress.

"Surely he can't be that bad. Or she." It was then that I remembered Sophie didn't specify if her boss was a male or female, she referred to them as 'they'. I continued playfully; "My boss at home can be a dick that's for sure. Sometimes I wish I could put salt in his coffees, but I like to earn money".

Sophie giggled at this, maybe the smartass comment gave her amusement.

"Ahh, you think that's funny huh?" I smirked at her as a playful gesture. "You can't put salt in your boss's coffee?"

The smile on her face slowly faded again. They must be a rather serious boss. I then began to wonder if he was actually hurting her or those other girls I had heard. I tried to look over her skin for bruises without being noticed.

She sighed shakily, "look I should get going before I do get into trouble, I'm not supposed to be in here too long with you. Can we talk another time?" She looked concerned or stressed.

I didn't see any bruises but that doesn't mean that there weren't any under her clothes. I suddenly became worried for her health, physically and mentally. This look of stress seemed real.

"Sure sweetie, I look forward to seeing you again". Those words came out without even meaning to. At that point I wasn't sure if I was playing the act or if I truly enjoyed seeing her.

The comment must've taken Sophie by surprise, she stopped in her steps ad turned her head to me with a small smile.

"Me too", she continued to walk out the door along with her aura of sweetness and beauty.