Chapter 15: Prom Night
The hostel buzzed with excitement.
Prom day had finally arrived.
Emily and Jackson sat on the stairs.
"Are you ready for tonight?" Jackson asked.
"I think so," Emily replied.
"What's making you nervous?" Jackson questioned.
"Everything," Emily laughed.
Jackson took Emily's hand.
"You'll shine tonight."
Emily's heart fluttered.
"I want to make this night perfect," Jackson whispered.
Emily's smile widened.
"I know you will."
Emily and Jackson parted ways.
Room preparations began.
Emily's gown shimmered.
Maddie helped with hair and makeup.
Emily's nerves dissipated.
The ball commenced.
Jackson and Emily arrived Together. Everything was perfect.
Camera flashes.
Smiles.
Their eyes locked.
The night went on people dancing some very drunk including Jackson and Emily
Emily met Jackson's ex, Sophia.
Emily approached Sofia.
"Hey, Sophia," Emily said.
Sofia smiled.
"Emily! You look breathtaking," Sofia complimented.
Emily blushed.
"Thanks, Sofia. You too," Emily replied.
Sofia's gaze lingered on Emily.
"I must say, I'm surprised," Sofia admitted.
"Surprised?" Emily repeated.
"By how much Jackson cares for you," Sophia clarified.
Emily's heart fluttered.
"He's amazing," Emily said.
Sofia's expression turned wistful.
"I know he is," Sophia whispered.
Emily sensed vulnerability.
"Sofia, what happened between you and Jackson?" Emily asked.
Sofia's eyes clouded.
"We were toxic," Sophia revealed.
"Toxic how?" Emily pressed.
Sofia sighed.
"We brought out the worst in each other," Sophia explained.
Emily listened intently.
"I'm sorry," Emily said.
Sofia's gaze snapped back.
"Don't be sorry, Emily," Sophia urged.
"You deserve better than what I had with Jackson."
Emily's curiosity deepened.
"What do you mean?" Emily asked.
Sofia leaned in.
"Jackson's got demons," Sophia whispered.
"Demons?" Emily repeated.
Sofia nodded.
"Family secrets, past traumas...," Sophia hinted.
Emily's concern grew.
"Is Jackson okay?" Emily asked.
Sofia's expression softened.
"He's trying," Sophia said.
Emily's heart went out.
"I want to help him," Emily vowed.
Sofia's smile returned.
"I think you can," Sophia encouraged.
Emily's determination strengthened.
"I will," Emily promised.
Sofia's gaze lingered.
"Be careful, Emily," Sophia warned.
"Careful?" Emily repeated.
Sofia's voice dropped.
"Jackson's not the only one with secrets."
Emily's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean?" Emily asked.
Sofia's smile vanished.
"Just be careful."
Emily's suspicion lingered as she went back to Jackson
Jackson and Emily danced.
Love filled the air.
Tender moments.
Laughter.
Their love shone.
Champagne flowed.
Laughter echoed.
Emily danced with Maddie.
Jackson's absence worried Emily.
Emily scanned the crowd.
No sign of Jackson.
Concern deepened.
Emily ventured into the hallway.
Emily stumbled upon a room.
Door slightly ajar.
Muffled voices.
Emily's heart sank.
Jackson's voice.
Sophia's laughter.
Emily's world crumbled.
As Emily pushed open the door, her eyes widened in horror:
What was Jackson doing with Sophia?
YOU ARE READING
Just The Thought
RomanceIn this poignant and tragic love story, two troubled souls meet at a hostel, sparking an intense romance. The boy, aware of the girl's dark past and inner turmoil, loves her unconditionally. However, their relationship is marred by infidelity. Hear...
