Sophie's Life

Chapter 26: The Reality Check

Sophie's POV

I bolted out of that classroom, barely even thinking about where I was going. My heart was racing, and I just needed to get as far away from that scene as possible. James and Ayla? Really? I mean, I knew he didn't like me *that* way, but still... seeing him with her felt like a slap.

Abby's voice echoed behind me, and before I knew it, she caught up, practically skidding to a stop beside me. "Sophie, I tried to stop you from going in there. I swear, if I'd known what was going on..."

I let out a shaky laugh, trying to keep it cool even though I could feel my chest tightening. "It's whatever," I mutter, but my voice betrays me. "I knew he didn't feel the same. I just... didn't think he'd pull that." Abby rolls her eyes, slinging an arm around me. "Listen, you deserve way better than that mess. James can go off with Ayla, but that doesn't mean he gets to wreck you like this."

And she's right, but somehow that makes it hurt more. Maybe it's finally time to just move on, like actually let him go...but the fact is I know I can't and she knows that too....

Sophie's Po

By lunchtime, I'd managed to convince myself that I was totally fine, or at least close enough to it. Abby stayed glued to my side, shooting glances at anyone who dared bring up James. But I knew it was only a matter of time before the whole gang found out.

Just as I'm about to take a bite of my sandwich, Riley and Aaron crash down at the table, looking like they just walked out of a soap opera. Nathan, Jace, Xavier, Alan, Jules, and Aiden trail behind them, and the moment they sit down, I can feel the weight of their gazes on me.

"So... we heard James and Ayla were caught making out?" Riley asks, and I can practically hear the popcorn popping in his head.

Aaron adds, "That's a plot twist I didn't see coming."

I try to play it cool. "Not like it's a big deal. We're just friends, right?" But my voice wavers, and I can feel everyone's eyes boring into me. Sasha leans in, her expression softening. "Sophie, it's more than that. James knew how you felt. He should've respected you."

I bite my lip, desperately trying not to show how much this is hitting me. Kenji shakes his head. "Honestly, you dodged a bullet. If he's pulling stunts like that with Ayla, who knows what else he's capable of?"

That hits harder than I thought it would. I blink back tears, and just when I think I'm going to hold it together, a tear slips down my cheek. Abby notices immediately and pulls me into a side hug, whispering, "It's okay to feel hurt. You're allowed to cry."

Suddenly, it all crashes over me—like, I'm losing a friend I never had. I bury my face in my hands, letting the tears flow. I can feel the gang leaning in, their support wrapping around me like a blanket. Nathan reaches out first, placing a comforting hand on my back, while Jace and Xavier exchange worried glances. "Hey, we've got your back," Jace says softly. "He's not worth your tears." Alan nods, his voice steady. "We're here for you, no matter what. Just let it out."

With their support, I feel a little safer to let my emotions out. I glance up at my friends, feeling grateful for this weird little family we've built. Even though my heart is breaking, it's good to know I'm not alone in this.