I'm Here

Chapter 15: First Love

“I’m in my school talent show!” I exclaimed to Louis once I got out of school.

“Really,” Louis started, “that’s absolutely incredible!” He matched my excitement.

Louis lifted me off my feet and started spinning me in circles. I was laughing hysterically while he was just smirking.

He finally put me down after a few twirls. I was a bit dizzy. I almost tripped over my own feet while trying to walk.

“You’re going to sing? That’s just really great! I’m so proud of you, Sophia.” Louis smiled.

“I am. Thank you. I was wondering if you would like to come to my talent show and watch me perform.” I said.

“I’d love to go! Why wouldn’t I go?” Louis grinned.

I leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the lips. “I have to get home.” I whispered.

“Okay. See you tomorrow.” Louis spoke softly.

Louis pulled me in for one last kiss before saying goodbye. I really loved when he did that.

I practically sprinted home with the exciting news for my mother.

“Hey, Mom, guess what?” I said while closing the front door behind me.

“What?” She asked.

“I made it into the school talent show! I’m going to sing!” I exclaimed.

A look of joy lit up my mom’s face. She smiled and skipped over to me. She hugged me tightly telling me how proud she was of me. She then let go and called my father to tell him the exciting news. I would find out what he really thought once he got home.

After my mom hung up the phone, I sat down on the couch with her.

“Mom, I have a question.”

“What is it, sweetie?” She asked.

I hesitated before continuing considering it was a risky subject. “When will my punishment be lifted? Will I ever be able to see Louis again?”

“We’ll see. I thought your father was a bit harsh with forbidding you to see him. I agreed at first, but I know how much you actually like this boy. I see how happy he makes you.” She began.

“He makes me so happy! You guys didn’t even let me share my side of the story.” I said.

“Well, go on.” Mom offered me the time.

I finally got a chance. “Well, I did sneak out that night. It was my fault. I did meet up with Louis and his friend Harry. Hailey was with me at the time. I started drinking; again it was my fault, not his. I eventually got drunk, so he wanted to take me back home, but I refused because I didn’t want to get yelled at. He took me back to his place and all he did was tuck me into bed.” I explained to my mom. “We didn’t do anything bad.”

My mother nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I asked. What did that mean?

My mom took my hands in her own. “I believe you. I trust you. You’re father doesn’t know this and if he did, I’m sure he wouldn’t be as angry considering Louis was trying to be responsible. You’re punishment is done when I’m the only one home.”

I started smiling really big.

“You can see Louis, but don’t sneak out to do it. Don’t go to his house too late. You don’t have to come straight home after school. I’ll talk to your father, okay?” Mom explained.