West Coast // Billy Hargrove

fifteen // loosen up

For the first time in weeks, Sophie woke up with a smile on her face.

Today was the first day she could go wherever she wanted, talk to whoever she wanted and not have to worry about obtaining any new injuries at the hand of Brandon's anger.

Sophie tried not to look too elated when he'd sat her down a few days ago and told her that he'd been accepted into the exchange program at a London college and that he'd be away for almost six weeks in a completely different country and timezone.

Though he was obviously excited about the program and egotistical over the fact he was one of only two people in the whole school to get in, she could see he was not happy about having to leave her to her own devices for well over a month considering he barely let her spend twenty four hours alone as it was.

Still, he packed his things and headed off to the airport last night. Sophie had gone with, both to appease his needs to want her there for support and so she could confirm with her own eyes that he'd actually got on the plane and out of her life for the next month and a half.

Sophie took a long shower and actually found herself singing whatever radio song was stuck in her head instead of dissociating against the wall as the water hit her over and over. She got changed into the clothes she wanted to wear and didn't hear Brandon's sly comments about it being too revealing or slutty. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she noted how the colour had returned to her face and she knew she had to cherish the next few weeks and dedicate her time to working out what to do about Brandon.

"You're in a good mood" Robin noted as she bounced through to the living room.

Sophie grabbed the box of cereal and poured herself a bowl before joining Robin over on the couch, looking at the television and the boring talk show that was playing.

"I'm in a good mood because we're going out tonight" Sophie stated, not leaving it up for debate.

She needed a good night out, one without the dark cloud of worry hanging over her that Brandon was waiting somewhere to scream in her face and ruin her night. She didn't care where they went or who was there, she was going to drink herself silly and have a good time and had already accepted that she was going to have one hell of a hangover in the morning.

"Well it's about time" Robin smirked "I was starting to think you'd gone boring on me"

Robin and Sophie spent the day enjoying some nice uninterrupted quality time together without the boys or Brandon barging in before getting ready to go to a party that Sam had told Robin about. Sophie didn't care to ask where it was or who else was in attendance, her only focus was on fun and getting a bottle of alcohol in her hands within the first two minutes of arriving.

"You look hot" Robin nodded as they exited their apartment and into Tyler's car who was impatiently waiting for them with his radio up loud and dramatically pointing to the non-existent watch on his wrist.

"Don't I always?" Sophie teased, her mood so high she felt like she was already buzzed without the help of liquor.

Climbing into the backseat, the boys gave them both a once over and Sam nodded in approval of Sophie's outfit. She donned a tight deep red velvet dress that left little to the imagination with no straps and a cut that ended halfway up her thigh. She had bought it while out shopping with Robin months ago and hadn't had the opportunity to wear it yet, especially with how Brandon had been recently.

"Damn, Soph" Sam commented "You're gonna be the talk of the party in that"

"Sure Billy will enjoy it" Tyler teased under his breath meant only for Sam's ears but Sophie had picked up on it.