A Disaster in Paradise

Chapter 9

Sophia

I wake up to a warm sensation. I look around the room and realize this wasn't my room. Panic starts to pump through my blood, nervous the Hathley's found me again. Then it hits me: I spent the night with Jay.

His arms still wrapped around my waist, and his head buried in the crook of my neck. He stirs against me, trying to get closer. "Soph? You awake?" His voice, groggy and low.

"Yes." I smile, enjoying the rare moment.

"Good morning beautiful. How'd you sleep?" Jay turns me over so I can face him, and I let out a small giggle.

"I slept really well. I actually felt safe for once." I smile.

"That's good. You can stay here forever if you want, Soph." He turns over and looks back at me, sadness written on his face. "You, missy, have therapy in an hour. We need to get up."

"I just want to stay here forever Jay." I complain, slithering my arms around his neck.

"Me too. I enjoy every minute with you. But we need to go." He gets up, the warm embrace leaving me.

I brush through my hair and head to the door along with Jay. "That was quick." He lets out a small laugh as the elevator dings and the doors open to reveal the quiet and lifeless lobby.

We make our way out to the car, with Steve in the front seat. Odd how he has stayed around, checking in on me everyday or calling Jay. Is there something they aren't telling me? "Hi Steve." I wave at him, getting in the back seat, Jay sliding in behind me.

He turns around as he starts the engine, the car coming to life. "How are you doing, kid?"

"Um... Well... Good as I can be, I guess. I'm talking to someone, so I guess it's a good sign." I shrug, looking out of the window and into the clear blue sky.

"I'm proud of you. How are you feeling?" He asks, looking into his review mirror, making eye contact with me.

"Thanks. Jay didn't give me a choice. And I'm nervous to talk about this." My lip quivers.

We pull up in front of the complex. "I'll be back to get you both in an hour and a half." Steve winks.

Jay slides out of the seat, holding the door open for me. I look up into his blue eyes, our glances locking. He entwines our hands together,lifts them up, and kisses them. "I told you I would be here every step of the way. And you know I keep my promises. Deep breathe, baby. You'll do absolutely fine. There is no judgement here."

#

"Sophia Keller, I'm Dr. Manning." We shake hands and I take a seat on the couch.

"Hi." My voice just above a whisper.

"I know the main reason why you are here, but why don't we start out with your background knowledge. Where do you want to start? Perhaps your family?" She runs her hands through her ginger red hair, smiling.

"Sure... my parents are both lawyers. They're still married. I have a brother, Jack. He is fourteen and plays about every sport at school and usually qualifies for state." I say, the butterflies calming down in my stomach.

"Good. You're doing great. Tell me about you. What you are like at school. Sports?" She gives an encouraging smile.

"I'm a junior at Tempe High School in Arizona. I'm in all AP classes. I do cheer,volleyball, and basketball."

"You must be pretty busy then." Dr. Manning laughs. " What brought you here to Hawaii then?"

"The Junior Olympics. I'm in mostly academic events and about three different sport events .Me and about five of my friends were selected to compete. I room with Olivia, one of my best friends, but Jay has been staying with me the last few days, or I'll stay in his room with Jacob and Isaac."