The Original Four

Epilogue

Dear Diary,

I found you, a brand new notebook, lying on my desk this morning. As to no clue on how you got there, I decided that you were mine. The white, blank pages full of emptiness mocked me. I felt that something important should be recorded in here. That's why I am writing you a story, a story about my life . . .

"Mom, you know how much I hate going over to their house. I can't stand Alex. We've never gotten along and we never will."

"I don't care," my mom replies. "Us and the Howard's are family friends. Your father and I grew up with his parents just like how you're growing up with Alex. You're attending this dinner."

My dad walks out, kisses my mother's cheek and frowns at me while fixing his tie. "You're arguing with your mother again, Sophia? I expected more from you."

Rolling my eyes, I walk out the front door and climb into the car. Ignoring their conversation, I type away on my phone. I'm fifteen-years-old. I should be able to make my own decisions.

Did I mention it's the beginning of summer? After freshman year, I started wearing contacts, got a haircut, and discovered makeup. It was a new me, and I had never been more confident in myself. No one, not even my closest friends, have seen what I look like.

1 new notification.

I click on the tab and see that I have a text from my friend Matt. I've had a crush on him since the fourth grade, but thankfully he has no clue.

'Have fun with the devil tonight. Just ignore him and call me if you need anything. Love you <333' - Matt

You're probably wondering what this text is about.

Meet Alex Howard, Olivia and Nick's son. This kid has been a part of my life since the day I was born. After knowing him for fifteen years, I can easily confirm that he is the meanest person alive. Well, he wasn't always this way.

We are both soon-to-be sophomores in high school. Alex is on the football team and is one of the populars, while I'm on the volleyball team and like to keep a small but close group of friends.

Alex was never too mean until freshman year offered him a chance to be well-known and popular. After that, I hardly ever saw or said two words to him unless we were forced to at a dinner.

Which leads me here, at the Howard's house, a place I'd rather not be at.

"Look at you," Olivia smiles as she wraps an arm around me. "You are one beautiful girl."

I greet Nick and give him a hug, my parents in the dining room. These are the times I wish I wasn't an only child. Alex didn't have any siblings either which was also slightly disappointing. I'll talk to anyone at this point.

"Alex, get down here. Say hi to Sophia," his father yells.

"I'm here. I'm here," Alex groans. "Hi, Daniel and Kate." He gives my parents hugs and then looks over at me, his eyes widening. "Sophia?"

"Hello, doofus."

.

THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL. IT WILL CONTINUE ON FROM THE EPILOGUE, AND IT WILL BE PUBLISHED HERE.