Sophie's Life

Chapter 41 :The Winter Wonderland

The indoor snow park felt like a whole other world, a winter wonderland in the middle of the city. The moment we stepped in, we were hit with the chill and the sight of snow-covered paths, all sparkling under the artificial lights. We divided up, almost naturally, and it was no surprise when James, Ayla, Abby, Nathan, and a few others drifted off on their own. I found myself sticking close to Riley, Aaron, Aiden, Daniel, Alan, Allie, Jules, Kenji, and Mia. This was my comfort zone.

Somehow, as we meandered from one snowy slope to the next, Daniel and I paired off. We were in line for a big sledding ride, just chatting and laughing about the most random things—like whether snow here even tasted real and who had the worst winter fashion sense. The line was long, and eventually, we just started rambling.

"Okay, weirdest food you'd try?" Daniel asked, grinning as he adjusted his scarf.

"Hmm," I thought about it. "Maybe... octopus? Like the really weirdly spiced, tentacle-y kind."

"Gross!" he laughed, nudging my shoulder, and I nudged him back.

Behind us, I heard someone whisper, "Are they dating?" We both turned around, eyebrows raised, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, no, no, no," I said, waving my hand dismissively. Daniel laughed along with me, just as quickly denying it.

"Definitely not dating," he added, and for some reason, that felt strange to hear him say. Still, the line was taking forever, so we bailed and went to try some other rides, shrugging off the awkwardness.

We spent the next hour darting around different rides, throwing snowballs, and just acting like kids again. It was fun, and I could feel my cheeks hurting from how much I'd been laughing. But then, as we were about to hit up another slope, I looked around and realized... Daniel was gone. Just vanished. My heart sped up, and a wave of worry hit me.

"Uh, guys, has anyone seen Daniel?" I called out to the group, trying to keep my voice casual.

Riley shrugged. "Last I saw, he was near the food court with Alan. Chill, Soph, he probably just wandered off."

I forced a smile, but I couldn't help feeling nervous. I checked around different rides, calling his name and growing more anxious each minute. Finally, I spotted him at the ice rink, leaning over the railing and laughing at something Alan had said.

"There you are!" I exclaimed, more relieved than I wanted to admit. "I've been searching everywhere for you."

"Oh, sorry!" Daniel gave me a sheepish look, scratching the back of his neck. "Didn't mean to wander off."

"No worries," I said, a little embarrassed by how relieved I'd felt. "Let's go get something to eat."

We wandered to the food court and ordered a huge ice cream sundae, sharing it as we laughed and talked. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mia watching us, looking... not thrilled, if I had to guess. And when I looked around, I caught James staring, too. His expression was unreadable, but there was definitely something there.

As the evening wound down, we all regrouped outside, shivering in the cold while waiting for the cars to pick us up. I was hanging back, pulling my jacket tighter when I overheard voices—familiar voices. It was James, Ayla, Mia, Sasha, Riley, Allie, and Aiden. They were talking, and I heard my name. I couldn't make out the full conversation, just enough to feel... unsettled. Were they talking about me? And not in a good way?

My mind started to spiral. Did they think I was being weird? Did they think Daniel and I...?

I pushed the thoughts aside as we all piled into the car. James ended up next to me, and I couldn't hold back anymore. The worry, the confusion, everything I'd been holding in about him just spilled out.

"I just—I don't know, James," I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. "I've been feeling like such an idiot. I liked you, and it hurt so much seeing you with Ayla. And it's like I'm stuck in this place where I'm not sure where I stand with anyone anymore." Tears started to blur my vision, and I couldn't stop them.

"Sophie..." he started, sounding softer than I'd heard in a long time. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry... I really am."

I wiped my eyes, feeling the weight of everything I'd been carrying finally lift a little. I managed a weak smile. "I just need to know we're okay. That we're still friends, even if it's complicated."

James squeezed my hand gently. "We are, Soph. We'll always be friends." 

And in that moment, sitting in the car with him beside me, I felt like maybe, just maybe, things were going to be alright.