Shades of Redemption

6

I woke up the next morning feeling numb, a familiar ache gnawing at my chest. Last night's events replayed in my head, Gavin's voice echoing in my ears as if I was still sitting at Groove. The look on his face when he saw me was burned into my memory, a mixture of shock and longing.

I pulled the blanket over my head, hoping to block out the world for a few more moments. But it was no use. The weight of my emotions was too heavy to ignore. How could I have been so foolish to think that avoiding him for a year would erase the pain? Seeing him again, hearing him sing a song that was clearly meant for me, broke open wounds I thought were starting to heal.A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. I groaned, knowing exactly who it was.

"Soph, it's me. Open up," Emma's voice came from the other side.

I reluctantly threw off the covers and dragged myself to the door. Emma walked in without hesitation, her eyes filled with concern as she looked me over.

"You didn't sleep, did you?" she asked, sitting on the edge of my bed.

I shook my head. "Not really."

"I thought so. I saw you leave the bar last night. You didn't even tell me. What happened?"I sighed and sat down next to her, staring at my hands. "I went to Groove, and Gavin's band was playing."

Emma's eyes widened. "What? You saw him?"

"Yeah... and he sang Won't Go Home Without You. It was like the universe was playing some cruel joke on me." I rubbed my temples, feeling the headache creeping in.

Emma was quiet for a moment, her hand resting on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Soph. I didn't know he was going to be there. If I had known, I would've—"

"It's not your fault," I cut her off. "I thought I could handle it. But when I saw him... it all came rushing back."

She leaned in closer, hugging me tightly. "You don't have to be strong all the time, you know. It's okay to break sometimes."

I nodded into her shoulder, grateful for her presence. Emma had been my rock through everything, always pulling me up when I was sinking. I didn't know how I would have gotten through the past year without her.

"Did he say anything to you?" she asked, pulling away to look at me.

I shook my head. "No, I left before he could."

Emma sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You think it's over between you two, but you both keep crossing paths like this. Maybe it's a sign."

I rolled my eyes. "Please don't go all fate and destiny on me."

She laughed softly. "I'm just saying... maybe you need to confront him. For real this time. It's been a year, and you've done everything to move on, but you can't keep running forever."

I knew she was right, but the idea of talking to Gavin again, of facing everything we had been through, felt impossible.

"I just... I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted quietly.

Emma stood up and stretched. "You'll know when you're ready. Until then, you've got me. Now, get dressed. I'm not letting you sit in bed all day. We're getting brunch, and then we'll figure out the rest."

I managed a small smile. "Thanks, Emma."

She winked. "That's what best friends are for."

---

Later that afternoon, we found ourselves at a cozy café, sipping on lattes and munching on croissants. I felt lighter being away from my apartment and the suffocating memories of last night. Emma had a way of making things feel normal again, even when everything felt upside down.

"So," Emma started, dipping her croissant in her coffee. "Are you going to tell me what you're working on next?"

I sighed, stirring the foam in my latte absentmindedly. "I'm still figuring it out. That auction was a lot for me. I need to clear my head before jumping into another project."

"I get it. But I have no doubt that whatever you do next will be amazing." She grinned, full of confidence in me.

I smiled back, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thanks."

We continued chatting about everything but Gavin, and for a while, it felt like I was reclaiming a small piece of myself. But no matter how hard I tried to push him out of my mind, his face kept creeping back in, his voice replaying in my head.

Later, after brunch, Emma dropped me off at my apartment. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the quiet hum of my thoughts. The apartment felt too empty, too silent. I wandered to my art studio, hoping to lose myself in my work, but my hands felt heavy, my heart not in it.I walked over to the canvas I had been working on before the auction, staring at the unfinished strokes, the outlines of what was supposed to be my next masterpiece. It was strange how once vibrant colors now seemed dull and lifeless.

I picked up a brush, hesitating for a moment before dragging it across the canvas. But the inspiration wasn't there. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the memories of Gavin. It was like he was woven into every part of me, even after everything he did.Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen, my heart skipping a beat when I saw the name.

Gavin.

I stared at the message, torn between reading it and deleting it without a second thought. After a moment of hesitation, I clicked it open.

Sophie, can we talk? Please. I know it's been a long time, but I need to see you. There are things I need to say. I'll be at Groove tonight. If you don't come, I'll understand. But if you do... I'll be waiting.

I stood there, frozen, my heart pounding in my chest. A part of me wanted to throw my phone across the room, to scream at the universe for continually putting me in this position. But another part of me, the part that still held onto the faintest hope, wondered what he had to say.I set my phone down, staring at the canvas in front of me. Maybe Emma was right. Maybe I couldn't keep running forever.

But could I really face him again?