Healing Sophie

34

Brilliant pinks and oranges painted the sky in a soft glow, providing a warm background for the rising sun. Seven close friends sat on the bed of a truck, anticipating the arriving day. Sophie shivered in between Chase and Victor as Theo continued whining about being up so early. It had taken three of them to drag him out of bed that morning and poor Finn had gotten caught in the crossfire of a flailing Theo. Sophie glanced at her best friend's bruised cheek and held back a giggle. She was just glad he didn't fight back. He was really relaxing around all of them.

Sophie enjoyed the colors for a few more moments before speaking. "It's time."

They all hopped off of the truck and Sophie ran to the car, grabbing the bag she had placed in there the night before. She walked back to everyone and plopped the supplies on the truck. "Everybody grab one and write your New Year's resolution." She grabbed her own lantern and thought of what to put. She really had all she could ask for; great friends, the guys, more confidence, and Connor was safe. A wonderful, amazing music opportunity wouldn't hurt, she supposed. She wrote just that and waited as everyone else finished up.

Jess came up next to her and looped their arms together. "Hey girly." She pulled Sophie away from the guys and gave her a grin. "Anything you want to tell me?"

Sophie flushed. "I'm dating all four of the guys."

Jess squealed. "Sophie, you saucy little minx! I'm so happy for you." She gave Sophie a hug that was happily reciprocated. When they pulled back, Sophie's eyes fell on Jess's balloon.

Get that ring.

Interesting.

The two of them walked back over to the group and they all walked a few feet to the river. The water was shimmering under the sunrise and it was breathtaking. It had taken a lot for Sophie to coordinate everyone being up this early and meeting there, but it was worth the struggle. Being there with her family on New Year's Eve felt just right.

"Now what?", Finn asked from Sophie's side.

"Now we release them."

They each gently set their lanterns in the water and gave them a push, watching as they floated down the river, one after another. The seven of them stood there and watched in silence as the last of the lanterns disappeared down the stream, each hoping that their wishes would come true.

Even if hers didn't come true, Sophie decided she was still happy with everything she had at the moment. Anything more was simply a bonus.

"Eight o'clock tonight for the party?," Jess asked.

"Hell yeah, it's going to be a blast." Theo gave his notorious grin, making Sophie's stomach flutter. She loved seeing him so excited. Her date with him felt crucial. It felt like it bonded them closer and she was starting to pick up on his ticks when he was feeling overwhelmed.

Jess and Darius said goodbye and went to leave, but Darius stopped and turned. "I'll meet you at the car, Jess. I forgot something." Jess nodded and got in the truck. Darius turned to Sophie with panic on his face.

"I need your help."

"Chase, hurry! You're driving like a grandmother."

"My grandmother is dead, I'd say I'm driving a little faster."

Sophie frowned at the man next to her. Darius had asked her to help with his proposal to Jess and she was totally ecstatic until Chase decided to go snail-speed on the way back to the house. It all had to be perfect, Jess deserved the absolute best. It meant a great deal that Darius had asked her to assist with it. Sophie stared down at the to-go container on the floor and thought about what it might be like one day with the guys. Would they all propose? Would she have to pick which one to legally marry? She loved the thought of them each at the altar dressed in suits that fit each of their individual styles. Theo would probably wear something colorful. Chase would probably go with a classic tuxedo. Victor would most likely be clad in a dark suit with burgundy accents. Finn would no doubt be dressed in all black. Anything else would just be wrong. Sophie smiled to herself at the thought.