Sophie's Life

Chapter 23: The Confessions

**Post-Exams Chaos**

Exams had finally come to an end, and the whole school felt like it had been set free. Abby was leading the charge, cheering and screaming, "Exam Independence Day!" as we all left the building. The relief in the air was infectious—everyone was ready to forget about tests and just live for a while.

But things got interesting fast.

As we all celebrated outside, Abby pulled Nathan aside, her usual confidence shining through. "So, I was thinking..." she began, flashing him a smile. "Now that exams are over, maybe we could—" She hesitated, but then went for it. "Go out sometime?"

Nathan's face fell slightly. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Abby, I... I like you, but not in that way."

Abby's smile faltered, but she quickly masked it. "Oh. Right. No problem."

Nathan sighed, glancing over at Sasha, who was standing with Daniel, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "It's just... I've been meaning to talk to Sasha."

Abby gave a small nod, clearly hurt but trying to play it cool. I could see her heart sinking even though she smiled as Nathan walked away. He went straight to Sasha, and within minutes, they were talking quietly, away from everyone else. Eventually, I saw Sasha admit something to Nathan. I couldn't hear the words, but I knew what was happening—the way she had been distant from Daniel made sense now. She wasn't into him.

Daniel's face said it all when Sasha finally came back over, now hand-in-hand with Nathan. His smile was forced, his usual confidence shattered. Abby noticed too. She walked over to him, giving him a soft smile. "Hey, let's get out of here," she said gently, pulling him away from the group. I watched them go, wondering how many more hearts were going to break before the night was over.

Meanwhile, Riley had agreed to go on a date with Kenji. They had been hanging out a lot since he arrived, and Aaron wasn't having any of it. I could see the frustration in his face every time Kenji was mentioned. He was determined to ruin their date somehow, though I had no idea what he was planning.

That night, there was a party at Jules' house. Everyone was there—celebrating the end of exams and blowing off steam. The music was loud, and the house was packed. I wasn't planning on drinking, but somehow, in all the chaos, I ended up with the wrong cup in my hand. Before I knew it, I was tipsy—then drunk.

I must've wandered off because the next thing I knew, someone was pulling me into a quieter corner of the house. "You okay?" A familiar voice asked, but my mind was fuzzy, and I couldn't quite place it.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, waving them off. "Just... a little... woozy." My words slurred together as I tried to focus. "I don't know what's wrong with me," I rambled, not fully aware of who I was talking to. "I thought I liked Daniel, but he's so... distant. And then there's James... James, he's always been there for me, and now I just don't know. I feel like... like I missed something important. I don't know what to feel anymore."

The figure next to me stayed quiet, listening, but I kept going, pouring out everything. "Daniel is just... ugh, and James, I feel like he's someone I should've seen before, but I didn't." My voice cracked, tears threatening to spill. "I hate this. I hate being confused."

There was a pause before the voice spoke again, softer this time. "Sophie, maybe we should get you home."

I nodded, feeling suddenly exhausted. "Yeah... maybe." 

The next few minutes were a blur as I was helped out to a car and driven home. My head leaned against the window, the cool glass helping to ground me slightly, but I was still talking. "I don't know if I'm even making sense," I mumbled. "But it's just so hard. I don't know if I like Daniel or if I'm just scared of what I feel for James."

There was silence for a long moment before the voice replied, "It'll be okay. You're just drunk right now. Sleep it off, and we'll talk when you're feeling better."

I stumbled to my door, the person helping me all the way. I managed a slurred "thank you" before they left. It wasn't until I collapsed into bed, my head still spinning, that it hit me: it was James who had driven me home.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, the realization making my heart race. I'd just spilled everything to *James*. All the confusion, all the feelings... and 

SHIT...