A Disaster in Paradise

Chapter 4

Sophia

Eleven days. That's it. Only eleven days until competition day. I flutter my eyes  open and groan, becoming a victim of the steaming sun. I sit up and look around me, still not use to the ocean view and tan walls greeting me every morning. I shift my head to see Olivia still sleeping.

I decide to push the cover down my long legs and get up. I walk over to the large bathrooom mirror, the carpet massaging my feet along the way, and look at myself. After debating for a few minutes I convince myself to leave on my blue sweatshirt and Adidas shorts. I comb through my hair in a swift move, throw on my slides and head out the door, closing it quietly behind me, not wanting to wake Liv up.

As I walk into the elevator, a sense of curiosity takes over my body. Why am I here? Am I even smart? Am I skinny? Does my best friend hate me? Does the world hate me? I'm snapped out of my thoughts as the usual ding of the elevator alerts me that I've reached my floor.

I walk out of the elevator, a chilly feeling going through my body. I shake it off. I walk over to the breakfast line and start to grab a plate, filling it with biscuits and gravy. I look over to the fruits and decide on a banana and pour myself a glass of almond milk.

I take a seat viewing the beach, seeing no familiar faces. I mean it was seven twenty so who would be up this early on vacation. I go on my phone and look at Snapchat. I proceed to check all my other social media accounts and lastly my messages. Zero from Jay. I sigh and notice it's eight o-three.

After throwing my trash away, and getting to my room, I slide my card into the door of the room and open it. Olivia was still sleeping. Pondering on what I should do today, I convince myself to go on a jog at the trail Olivia and I have been going to since the day we arrived.

I change into a blue tank top and my Nike's and start to head to the trail.

#

After a twenty minute bus ride I finally arrive. I thank the driver and walk down the stairs, putting my earbuds into my ears, and throwing on some Today's Hits Radio from Pandora. As I jog up the tree filled pathway. I stop to catch my breath. I shift my head and notice that a grey SUV with tinted windows is parked there for the fifth day in a row. I shrug it off once I catch my breath and proceed to jog again, the aroma of freshness consuming me.

"Soph?" I turn around and wave to who I can assume is Jacob by the tone of the voice.

I jog over to them, "Hey guys." I notice Isaac and Jay is with him, but Jay does not acknowledge me.

"You walk? When did you start? I didn't know you walked this trail Sophia. I actually didn't know you walked anything." Isaac exclaims, acting surprised.

I laugh. "I walk this trail everyday. Actually I don't walk I mostly jog it. Usually Liv is with me, but she was sleeping so I didn't want to wake her because I'm a good friend."

"Duh you're the best." Jacob says sarcastically. "Did you want to walk- I mean jog it with us?"

"Ha ha, very funny. But no, I'm going to the arena. Just curious if I'll run into any of my opponents."

"We will leave you to it then. Want to hang out with us tonight?" Isaac mentions.

I look over at Jay who is impatiently playing on his phone, oblivious to everything. Jerk. "No, I'll pass. I just want to rest. I haven't had a chill day since we've been here." I imply and we part ways. I look back to see if Jay is looking at me, but he isn't. I just want my best friend back.

#

I walk around the arena aimlessly until I hear my name. "Sophia Keller?"

I turn around and come face to face a blonde girl, with light blue eyes and a slender frame. "Yes? May I ask who you are?"I reply, looking her up and down.

"Katherine Hathley. I believe you're one of my main opponents." She smiles, her British accent thick, and she holds out her hand.

I shake it. "Oh yes. You are in all of my events. I hear you're a really good mathematician, so make the best one win." I smile impatiently, attempting to ignore her intimidation.

"Oh most certainly. This is my body guard, Charles Weston. Mom and dad thought it was a good idea so nobody would try to hurt me. Do you have anyone with you? Or are you a loner?" She asks, twirling a piece of her hair.

I roll my eyes. "Me? I don't need anyone here with me. I'm capable of protecting myself thank you very much." I look at her and flash a smile, showing no fear.

She doesn't say anything so I begin to walk off and the words, "Watch your back princess." Fall from her mouth.

#

Once I get back to the hotel room I notice Olivia and Isabella are speaking."Hey guys." I wave to them both.

"Hey Soph. Where have you been all day?" Olivia asks, turning over on the bed to face me.

"Me? I went to go get breakfast, went for a run, went to check out the arena and I met that Katherine Hathley. She's a mess." I sit on my queen size bed and sink into it.

"Oh no. How did that go?" Isabella looks down from her magazine on the couch.

"Interesting. She has some body guard. Like really, what's going to happen to her, she gets kidnapped? Overprotective. Then she told me to watch my back. She then proceeded to call me a princess. Like excuse me, but you need to cut it before-" I stopped myself." I wanted to punch her so bad, but I don't want to get disqualified, so I ignored her."

Both Olivia and Isabella's eyes widen. "We are both so proud of you for not retaliating." Olivia speaks for the duo. "Did you want to go down to the lobby and get ice cream?" Olivia begins to slip on her sandals.

I consider it, but look at the time. "Nah, it's nine. I'm exhausted and want to hit the trail early tomorrow, so I'll pass." I start to head towards the bathroom with my clothes, ready to change for the night.

"Suit yourself, but I hope you know we aren't getting up early and going hiking with you tomorrow." Isabella winks.

"Works for me. I don't need a bodyguard, unlike some people." We all laugh and I close the bathroom door, ready to go to bed and put my mind at ease.