Sophie's Life

Chapter 18: Back To Normal

A few days after returning from the trip, things settled into a strange rhythm back home. Life resumed its usual pace, but the memories of that last night at the hotel felt fresh in my mind.

James and Abby were officially a couple now, and it was both adorable and a little frustrating to watch. They seemed inseparable, always laughing and leaning into each other. But then there was Ayla, who appeared determined to insert herself between them at every turn. Whether it was chatting with James in class or insisting on tagging along when Abby and he were together, she seemed to want to play the role of the third wheel. I didn't know what her game was, but it didn't sit well with me.

"Is it just me, or does Ayla have a thing for James?" I asked Sasha during lunch one day, leaning over the table to keep my voice low. Sasha glanced over at the trio at the other end of the cafeteria. "She definitely likes the attention he gives her. I don't think it's serious, but it's annoying. Can't she take a hint?" I sighed, watching as Ayla leaned in closer to James, her laughter echoing across the room. "It's like she's trying to break them up or something."

"Or just trying to get in his head," Sasha replied, shaking her head. "But you know what? If they're happy, that's all that matters, right?" "Right," I said, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Meanwhile, Nathan had started to show more interest in Sasha, and it was clear there was chemistry between them. They'd shared a few laughs during group projects and spent time together, and I could see how much Nathan liked her. I found myself wishing them both the best but couldn't help feeling a bit left out. 

"Hey, Sophie!" Nathan called, waving me over as I walked into school one morning. "Did you finish the math homework?" laughed, rolling my eyes. "You mean the one you said you'd help me with?" He grinned, looking a bit sheepish. "Okay, fair point. Want to study together later?" "Sure," I said, and as I walked away, I felt a flutter of warmth in my chest. Sasha, noticing the interaction, leaned closer and whispered, "So, what's going on with you and Nathan?"

"Nothing," I replied, shrugging. "We're just friends." Sasha smirked. "Yeah, right. You're hiding something." I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face. "And you're not hiding something with Nathan?" She laughed, glancing over at him. "I guess we both are." but things were a bit more complicated with Riley and Aaron. They still bickered like cats and dogs, but there was an odd friendship lurking beneath their arguments. 

"Can you believe Aaron did that in gym class?" Riley said one day, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Who tries to show off by jumping over the equipment like that?" "Someone who thinks they're the best at everything," I replied, trying to suppress a grin. "He's ridiculous," she huffed, but I could see a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "And yet, you can't seem to stay away from him," I teased, nudging her playfully.

"Shut up. I don't like him." "Right," I said, barely able to hold back my laughter. "But he definitely gets under your skin, and it's kind of cute." "Cute? Ugh, Sophie!" she exclaimed, rolling her eyes but laughing along with me. "You're terrible." As the days passed, I noticed more of Nathan and Sasha together. They'd started hanging out more often, and I could see how well they clicked. One afternoon after school, I saw them sitting on a bench outside, talking and laughing, and I felt a flicker of happiness for them.

"Hey, Sophie!" Nathan called, waving me over as I walked past. "Come join us!"I approached, grinning. "What's going on?" "Just talking about plans for the weekend," Nathan said, glancing at Sasha, who was smiling brightly. "Are you doing anything fun?" I asked, trying to hide the slight twinge of envy I felt.  "Not yet," Sasha said, her eyes sparkling. "But I was thinking about checking out that new café downtown. Want to join us?"

I hesitated, sensing the chemistry between them. "You two seem to have it all figured out. I'm okay with just hanging back." "Come on, it'll be fun!" Nathan insisted, and I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Okay, fine," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. "But only if you promise to take me to the best dessert on the menu." "Deal!" Nathan grinned.

Later that week, I spotted Ayla yet again hovering around James and Abby during lunch, leaning in a little too close, her laughter a little too loud. I exchanged glances with Sasha, who sighed dramatically. "She's really not giving up, is she?" "Nope," I replied, feeling a mix of irritation and pity. "It's like she doesn't know how to back off." "Maybe she just wants some attention," Sasha said, shaking her head. Riley walked by, overhearing us, and chimed in, "Attention? Or trying to make Abby jealous? Either way, it's getting old fast."

I nodded in agreement, watching as Ayla made another joke that drew James's laughter. Abby was standing next to him, her smile faltering just a bit. "I can't believe she thinks this is okay." "Right?" Sasha added, crossing her arms. "Someone should put her in her place." But just then, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Are you guys talking about Ayla?"

It was Nathan, who had come up behind us. He caught the end of our conversation and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, it's getting ridiculous," Riley said, rolling her eyes. "Someone needs to tell her to back off." Nathan shrugged, looking thoughtful. "Maybe she doesn't realize how it looks. But I get it; it must be frustrating to watch." "Frustrating doesn't begin to cover it," I said, shaking my head. "But I guess it's not my place to say anything."

Later, as I sat in class, I glanced over at James and Abby, who were laughing together. For the first time, I felt a little lighter about the whole thing. I could see how happy they made each other, and I realized that maybe my feelings for James were fading.  As the bell rang, signaling the end of the day, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The drama was still there, but I was finally starting to feel like I could let go of the past and embrace whatever came next. 

With Nathan and Sasha seeming to get closer and Riley and Aaron continuing their love-hate dynamic, I knew one thing for sure: this year was going to be anything but boring.