Above and Beyond: A One Direction Story

Chapter 8: Sophie

When life gives you cute boys, you are forced to show them around the campus because they obviously aren't intelligent enough to find their way around anything and they won't stop for directions because they are men!

Enough said.

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SOPHIE: campus somewhere 12pm

"I think we are lost.." Liam just looks around confused.

"I didn't get us lost!"

"I never said you did..."

I can't stand being lost. We have just been walking for two hours and now I really don't know this area. I sit on a bench in the park we are at and hug my knees.

"Sophie...I hate to barge into anything. But you seem just really cold today. I really hope it isnt because of me. If it is that's fine I'll just find my own way around. I mean, you have been a really big help this afternoon and I can't stress that enough."

I put my head into my knees when Liam comes and sits next to me.

"Uhh... Nod if you want me to go away and shake if you don't."

I don't do either.

Everything lately has been so frustrating. I just can't handle the slightest things.

He tries to stroke my hand but I flinch and pull away. He sits there awkwardly next to me. I can't let him see me cry. Please don't cry. I sniffle and try to get over it.

"Liam I'm just going through a lot of stuff right now and I get frustrated easily." I feel a raindrop fall on my neck and flinch again. It's raining. Fantastic.

"Let's just get out of the rain and do something. We can go to the mall if you want... That always seems to cheer girls up."

"I think I can see the dorms from here. 3...2....1...RUN!"

I just try to make myself seem happier when really, I wish I could run away from it all. 2012 is meant to be the end of the world. In a sense, I realize that it is. It's the end of my world as I know it.

"Ha! I beat you." Liam stands triumphantly under the balcony on the first floor."

"You probably got a head start or something."

"I did professional track lessons in high school."

"See! Unfair advantage."

I always try to act bubbly and happy around people. I wish that they could see through the façade and actually attempt to cure the problem. Everyone just tries to make it Better for the day.

"There is our bug. Jump in I have the keys." He smiles and constantly attempts to catch my eyes on the way to the Mall but I don't let him.

"Marina Mall?" He nods as I open the door and step out of the door.

"So uhhh where do you usually shop...?"

"I shop when I need clothes. Let's just window shop."

I march away with Liam constantly attempting catch up.

I pass by jewelry on a mannequin and stop to admire it.

I turn my head to notice Liam finally catch up with me. I stare back at the necklace and begin to walk away. He jumps to walk beside me.

"I noticed you liked that necklace. I can get it for you c'mon!"

He grabs my hand to lead me into the shop. "No Liam I don't want it. It just reminded me of something..."

It was a faux pearl necklace. It looks exactly like the one my mom always wore. It's in a box at Annie's house right now.

********Flashback***********

"Mommy when I grow up I wanna have a necklace just like yours!"

"You can have this one sweetie!"

"No mommy I can't take your necklace I need to get my own."

"One day I will give it to you after I die and you will have it and you can give it to your children. It's a family heirloom made of real pearls."

"Mommy don't say you are going to die! You aren't going to die! You are going to live forever and ever!"

I begin to sob in her arms and she cradles me and I inhale her signature scent of Chanel perfume.

*********end flashback***********

"Sophie?"

"Liam. I really don't feel like being here. Can we just go home?"

We drive back in silence and I out on my sunglasses to hide my eyes that are constantly glistening with tears of my past.