Too often, we carry around things from our past that hurt us, holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. You're told not let negative experiences from the past rob your present of a happy future. Sometime it's a lot easier said than done because when the past comes and haunts you. There nothing you can do to control those emotions especially when they enter your life after thirteen years. When you think you finally got over that tragic part of your life it literally bites you in the ass…
Sophia P.O.V
I'm Sophia Romero I'm originally from Covington Louisiana. My family was a pretty normal family there was only myself and my brother Santino. I'm the youngest out of the two of us only by four years. Believe me Santino still thinks that I'm still that six year old little girl with pigtails. Sometimes it's really annoying but I know he loves me it's just that overprotective brother syndrome. Growing up in Covington was okay but all I wanted was to get out. I wanted to more out of life than to get married and have kids and be that little house wife. It was something I wanted once. But when you've been burnt by the one person you saw your whole life with. You're prospective and goals all changed. It wasn't about marriage and babies anymore it was about having a career. It was about making something of myself to have all the things I wanted in life. So once that jerk was out of my life I decided to focus on me.
I got into NYU where I focus on my fashion degree where I wanted to eventually I wanted to have my own fashion line. That kind of changed once I helped with the production of The Phantom Of the Opera NYU drama department yearly show. I wanted to focus more on costume design so I changed my course and focus on that. I like the idea of recreating custom from the past and how just one piece of clothing makes such a statement. Of course with the changes in my education my parents and Santino were not happy. I'd gone past caring what they thought these days I was tired of them dictating my life telling me what I should do. So I perused my goal I graduated with honours. Professor Waldrop saw a talent in me that he didn't quite see in others in my class and helped in get on me social ladder of the TV/Film industry.
I started off in small productions unknown short movies but it help to gain my confidence in this kind of industry. I moved to Santa Monica California for 5 years where occasionally I would get the odd job in my passion and in the evening I would work behind a bar. Believe me I didn't think it was going to be this hard to get a foot into the door of being a costume designer. I felt I had to do what I had to finally reach my goal. Of course with my family it's was all great and life was totally amazing. That moving here was the best thing ever. That's the way I sold it all to them I should of become an actress instead of working behind the scene of it all. The one issue I had was my brother Santino he was always insisting to come and visit me. I must of used a million and one excuses for him not to come here cause if he knew the truth he drag me back the Covington. Which was something I didn't want. Actually I never wanted to go back but at times I had to for holidays and doing that brought back all the bad memories.
My love life was none existence. Yeah I dated a few guys here and there but I wouldn't get serious with anyone. I felt that relationships were a waste of time. Reason being when "Your First Love" breaks your heart gives you some pathetic excuse you kinda give up on hopes in love. Yeah well I had one of those douches. Love to me was a waste of time and I became resentful over the years where I didn't see it number one priority. Especially when you see the face of your ex- boyfriend plastered all over the media with his happy ever after. I would see friends fall in love and get married and had kids. I was like maid of honour six times and godmother four times. Each and every time my friends and there partners where trying to hook me up with some guy who "sweet, nice, smart, caring". Yeah well all too good to be true in my eyes. Some people see me as bitter well that there opinion. I'm just seeing that life more important than just falling in love and been given false hopes.
In 2011 things began to look up a little when I was offered to work on the custom designs for a TV show called American Horror Story for Fox network. Well it was interesting working on that set of course I wasn't the head of the department but it was defiantly a foot in the door. I worked with the show for the whole season and it was prettying exciting. Then they picked up season two but it was set in Massachusetts so that meant that I had to up and move. I didn't mind too much really it wasn't like I considered Santa Monica home. I knew apart of this kind of work I would have to move around. So I accept the offer what I didn't realize was when they offered me the position it was for head of the department. Gregory who was the previous head of the team wasn't overly pleased believe me he had a few choice words about it all. None of that really matter to me in this business one thing I learnt is that you have to be ruthless. Yes make friends along the way but sometimes those friends can turn a little nasty on you when you're the one in the lime light.
Talking about friends while working on the show I made truly a friend for life. Loredana Martinez totally crazy, funny, sweet and biggest heart. We instantly connected from the get go. She had been through similar experiences as myself maybe that was the reason why we got on. The one thing about having Loredana in my life she literally thought me to "let it go". Meaning the past and all the resentment I held on to. She believed that life was far too short to dwell on past which was true so I began to adapt her attitude. Which lead too many crazy night out where I couldn't remember half of the things I had done. We ended up getting a place together and that when the fun all began. I felt like the majority of my twenties I had wasted and now was the time to truly live it all up. Which I did in that one year that we lived together and I felt like I was becoming Sophia Romero once again.
When the season two finished I received a phone call from Michael Narducci who was a close friend of the producer of the show I was working on. He had seen my work and he wanted to help with the plot series of some show called "The Originals". I had no idea what it was all about I hardly watched TV shows considering I actually worked on the set of one. I was a little hesitant as I had worked along with Fox all this time and they gave me this big break. Then to move over to CW I felt kind of like a traitor in a sense. Of course Loredana had her opinion on it all and told me to go for it. That I should take all the chances that came my way. As it wasn't sure if I was going to be part of the team for season 3. So I contacted Michael and told him I would meet up with him to discuss this potential offer. I had to go to Atlanta to meet him as that where the show would be set. Of course somehow Loredana worked her way to come along with me I still don't know how she does that.
We caught our flight arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson International airport where we were picked up by a driver and taken to Mandarin Oriental. When we arrived we check and were shown to our room. I was truly impressed with our suite the view was pretty amazing as it looked out onto Peachtree Road. It seemed like that Michael really wanted me to be part of his team. He was pretty confident that this show was going to take off. I wasn't too sure as I didn't like to take risk and also the fact I felt that I kind of made my own little family on American Horror Story set. Of course Loredana was loving this moment right now as she went rushing from room to room. All I was hearing is "OMG" from her while I was on the terrace. There was another reason why I wasn't too keen about taking this offer and I wasn't too sure if I was ready to face that demon just yet.
"Sophia this is amazing!" I couldn't help but laugh at Loredana as she seemed like a little kid at Christmas with her behaviour. That was the one thing I admired and adored about her she had this sprite about that was so unique.
"Yeah…. it's okay" I smiled at her turning back to the view of the city. I just didn't know if I was ready for something like this meaning facing that demon.
"Okay? Did you just say it's okay?" She grabbed me and turned me to her "Are you being for real? This is AWESOME." Loredana looked at me sceptically "This isn't about moving to Atlanta is it?" I knew where she was going with this Loredana could always read me like a book. That was something she could do from the very moment I met her.
"Everything will change if I get this offer. You know I'll be here you'll be god knows where" I was trying to get the tension off the true reason why I was changing my mind about all this. "You know what I'm gonna call Michael tell him I'm not interested" I began to head back into the room then Loredana blocked my path.
"No, no, no young lady. You're not going to give a this amazing opportunity because of…" I had to cut her off before she went on her rant about it all.
"It's not about that" I insisted. Well it was like 70% that but I wasn't going to let Loredana think that "It's just I built a family with you guys and I'll be here all alone. I've done that a lot of that over the years. I just don't think this isn't for me" I just wanted to leave as this was all becoming overwhelming for me.
"Sophia Romero" Loredana spoke firmly was she placed her on my shoulders forcing me to look at her "You are a stronger than you give yourself credit for. I know you don't want me to mention it and I won't because you don't need to keep reliving that moment. But you have to sometime face your demon to overcome them." I knew she was making some kind of sense as it's true you have to face your worse fears to truly become stronger. Was I ready to face that fear? Because I felt that maybe I will crumble and I wasn't ready for that. To revert back to that girl I once was. "So go and get showered and ready show Michael Narducci what you're made of. Cause opportunities like this don't' come around often" Loredana was right they didn't. There was always some upcoming that was that little better that was proven when they dropped George for me.
With Loredana last words I went and got showered and ready. I didn't feel as nervous about it all anymore. This was a golden opportunity and why should I let that douche ruin my life further. I can't continue to live holding on to my past it was all about looking into my future. Loredana wasn't going to let me go alone as she thought I wasn't going to actually go the meeting at the CW studio. No matter how much I protest she insisted she was coming. There was no point in arguing with her as somehow she always won. We got into the town car and drove the studio. The whole car journey I felt nervous it was a combination of things from this meeting and….. Well I was trying to not think of the other issue. When we arrived Loredana gave me words of encouragement before I entered the building which I needed. As I reached the reception I could feel my heart accelerating I've not felt this nervous before I'm pretty head strong. Like everyone who walks this world I had a weakness and that what I felt uneasy about.
"Hello can I help you?" The receptionist asked. I wanted to turn around and walk out as this wasn't a good idea. I looked behind her where there was a string of art work of all the shows that CW broadcasted and that face that haunted me was right there.
"Ermm…." I felt a little flustered as I spoke to her.
"Sophia Romero…." I heard a male voice say from behind me. I turned to see Michael standing there with a smile "Thank you for coming?" He smiled brightly as he extended his hand and shook mine. There was no going backing out now.
"Pleasure to meet you again Mr Narducci" I tried to keep my voice steady as I spoke. As I was still shaken up by that face. I needed to get it together it's not like I'm going to see him or be anywhere near him.
"Call me Michael. Shall we?" He indicated me to follow him and I nodded.
The meeting was pretty intense we went over the portfolio I had and Michael seemed very impressed with my work and achievements. He began to tell me about this spin off show and the angle they were going to head with it all. It sounded pretty amazing I was always big on shows and movies that were supernatural related. The way this show was going to go I think it would actually be quite successful. I felt it was all going in the right direction I felt comfortable it didn't seem like a formal meeting as such. What I didn't expect was the creator of the show Julie Plec to join us. I didn't expect to actually meet her. She was friendly and laid back which made this experience a little less nerve wrecking. Julia was going through the process of it all and what she would expect from me if I was offered the job. She seemed very big on flash backs and asked how would I feel about making custom from various eras. Well that didn't bother me if anything I loved to do research and create something from another time. History was my second passion I loved the style and how especially the woman portrayed themselves.
"So how do you feel being part of the CW family?" I heard Julie voice snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at her a little confused. "You defiantly have what we are looking for; your portfolio is impressive" She sat there smiling while Michael was mirroring the same expression.
"You're offering me the job?" I really didn't expect for this to happen I just thought that they look at my portfolio and tell me they get back to me. Not that they were going to offer me the job on the spot.
"Well Christopher bragged how much you were great on the set and your have a great eye" Michael added. I was actually surprised that Christopher even did that considering he wasn't overly keen with me leaving. I wonder what changed his mind. "So what do you say?" Michael insisted with a smile. I was still a little hesitant about all this. Was this the right thing for me to do? "Don't sell yourself short Sophia. Believe me I've been in this industry for years and I've not come across someone like you before." This was truly overwhelming and I wasn't sure if I was ready for such a huge step.
"I'll take the job on one condition. That I can chose my own assistant" If I was going to do this then I needed some by my side that I could trust and confine in and they only person I could think of was Loredana.
"Negotiation. I like it" Julie seemed impressed "Well I'm sure you and whoever you have in mind will fit perfectly into our little family. So why don't I show you around" It seems like they already considered me as part of their family. With them no having an issue with taking on Loredana I know I can overcome whatever obstacles come my way.
Ian P.O.V
I was just a small town boy from Covington Louisiana. Where I was brought up by my parents and my siblings. I was the youngest out the three of us and it was a little tedious at times when my older brother and sister would pick on me. My life has been a rush since from the age of ten when I began modelling, for companies like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Versace and Guess. I wasn't home much and when I was I spent most of my time with my good friend Santino. He and I were like brother or conjoined twins as our parents would say at times. It was nice at times to be a regular kid I was still the same Ian that he grew up with. Then there was his little sister Sophia. I recall she was that annoying little sister always wanting to play with us when we were kids. Then suddenly one day she grew into this beautiful young lady. Sophia was four years younger but she didn't look it whatsoever. She was something to truly look at and Santino saw that as guys began to notice her. I don't know how many noses he actually broke who actually looked at Sophia. Let's just say no guy was right for her in Santino eyes.
Sophia and I began to gain a close relationship. I don't know what it was about her but it was like we connected. It's strange to think you look at a person in a certain way for so many years. Then suddenly that all changes that you feel instant bond with them. At first Sophia and I used to hang out watch movies go bowling and amusement arcade. Then Santino began to get a little funny about it all making comment to Sophia to stop drooling over me. That she shouldn't be throwing herself at me but it wasn't like that. There was feeling from both of our sides. We both of us feared how Santino would act when he would find out we were a couple. We were a couple for about 3 years without him knowing. Sophia was my first love she was everything I wanted in a woman I saw myself spending my whole life with her. We shared the same attributes in life how we both wanted to make a difference in this world. On July 4th 2000 that all changed when everything came out and it wasn't pretty whatsoever. I couldn't live in Covington after what happened I just couldn't face it all.
For four years I withdrew from my family I moved to New York to try and regain some form of life to forget about my old one. That was proven a little difficult when the holidays would come around. I had to make excuses to not go I had too much work on or I was out of the country. Which worked at time but when I would hear my mom tell me that she missed seeing me I would cave in. Going back to Covington I would always avoid the Romero house as much as possible because I couldn't deal with the confrontation. Even though I knew Sophia didn't live there no more she was in California there was still Santino who was still out for my blood.
In the same year I was cast for the role of Boone Carlyle for the TV show Lost. I loved every moment of it as I was filming in Hawaii a true paradise. That year I began to date Niky Hilton I hadn't really dated anyone since Sophia. There had been women in my life but it was more hook up rather than a relationship. There wasn't a real big attraction to Niky but I knew I needed to move on from Sophia. Niky was sweet and everything but I didn't have a connection with her. I didn't think it was fair to string her along and let this relationship get any deeper. So after a few short months of being together we both called it a day. That point in my life I didn't know if anyone would be the girl for me I had her but I screwed up. So I gave up on the whole serious relationship and I turned into a real playboy. That all changed when I began to get a connection with my co-star on Lost Maggie Grace. We got on really well I thought that maybe this relationship might of gone somewhere. Being with Maggie made me forget about all the errors I had done that maybe there was still some kind of hope for me. Unfortunately Maggie thought it was going to fast that that she was too young to get into a serious relationship. So it was the end to that relationship. Maybe I didn't deserve to be happy and I needed to accept that.
In April 2009 I dated Ashley Green for a while you may know her as Alice from the hit movie Twilight we got on great she was a sweet girl. The issue was I didn't connect with her on an emotional or psychical level. At that point in my life I wanted to give up on women completely. I had adoring fans that found me attractive and would do anything to date me. None of them were her. Meaning Sophia and maybe I'll never find someone like that again. As I had her in my grasp and I let her go because of my fears. I just wish I could go back and change how I dealt with everything. Even though I was at this low point again in my life. I was given another great opportunity to be one of the main star of a TV show called Vampire Diaries. When I read the script I knew instantly who I wanted to play and that was the older Salvatore brother Damon. I audition for the role and was told within minutes that I had gotten the role I saw this as a high point in my life. That it was going to be the right kind of distraction I needed because no matter where I turned my past bit me in the ass. I knew that the books of the Vampire Diaries had been successful. With it being the era of vampire being popular due to the hit movie of Twilight I had a feeling this show was going to be a hit. What made it all that little better is when I found out that I would be co-screening with Paul Wesley. Paul and I had done project in the past and we had great chemistry when working together. Julie and Mark saw that and hoped we bring that to the show. I knew that Paul and I would have no issue is showing that.
So filming began on the TV show The Vampire Diaries in the summer of 2009 the cast of the show were all pretty young in there early twenties. Only Paul and I were the older ones. The main stars of the show was myself and Paul and of course the beautiful Nina Dobrev. For a young lady she really did have some talent. Nina and I became close over the months we had a lot in common we would go out and have fun, she was a really laid back person but also very focus of where she wanted to go in life. She reminded me of Sophia in some ways I think that's why I took the time to get to know her. Over the months feeling began to developed for Nina with us both working so closely together and the fact she was absolutely stunning and funny how couldn't I fall for her? February 14th 2010 Nina and I began to officially date after I took her out for a romantic meal. What I was surprised about is that she had an attraction to me as much as I had with her. The first time we made love it was different to what I had in the past. Nina was the type of girl who wanted to be loved in the bedroom more on a sensual kind of level.
We had been together for three years and each and every moment with Nina had been amazing. I even brought her to Covington to introduce her to my family and this time around I didn't feel nervous. Or did I feel uneasy about being there I wanted to show off my beautiful girl. The fans loved us together as they wanted the whole Delena thing to happen. Our relationship was about publicizing Delena it was about the both of us being in love. When we were not filming we went on some pretty amazing vacations together. Life was just perfect I couldn't ask for anything else. We were into filming season four of Vampire Diaries the fan base for the show was amazing. Going to convention was even more amazing. It was the peak of my life right now and nothing could really ruin that.
We just finished filming a scene when Elena turned off her humanity because her brother had just die. It was pretty difficult to do something so serious when we were all a bunch of goof balls. After so many takes we finally wrapped up. I was walking off set with Nina when saw Julie and Michael with a blonde lady. I stopped suddenly as I watched them talking to her and she nodded away and smiled. I truly couldn't believe my eyes after 13 years I was coming face to face with her once again.
"Ian you okay?" I heard Nina voice beside me. I just couldn't stop looking at the woman across the way who looked a splitting image of Sophia. Could it actually be Sophia? "Ian you look like you've seen a ghost" Nina spoke with concern. I just stood there frozen as Julian and Michael approached us with the blond who I knew for sure now was Sophia I had no doubt about it now.
"Hey guys. I would like to introduce you to Sophia Romero. She going to be the head of the wardrobe department for The Original spin off" I felt speechless as Sophia stood there looking awkward. We hadn't seen each other since that July 4th right now I felt a mixture of emotions. Emotions that I've kept buried for thirteen years just came flooding to the surface the one emotion that overwhelmed me was guilt. "Sophia this is Nina she plays Elena and this is Ian who plays the irresistible Damon Salvatore" Julia spoke proudly while Sophia seemed a little uncomfortable with the situation. "Can I leave Sophia in your capable hands while Michael and I just go over the contract" This was not happening right now there was clear tension in the air and it seemed like only Sophia and I felt it.
"Julie I think I'll get going you could email me all the details." Sophia seemed flustered as she spoke I could see the blush in her cheeks. I always thought she looked beautiful when she did that and today was no exception. I just couldn't believe how much she had changed. She still looked like the Sophia I knew all those years ago but there was something a little different about her. I wanted to speak to her and explain my action for why I did what I did. I knew Sophia too well she wouldn't hear me out not after all this time. I just regret that I didn't do it sooner maybe if I did then maybe she would of forgave me.
"Don't be silly Michael and I will be few moment" Julie insisted before walking away. I could see that Sophia wanted to get the hell out of here and who could blame her. I was thinking the same thing but I didn't want to come across rude or arouse spurious. Then I notice Sophia looking at me with slight anger in her eyes. I knew what that meant that she was going to let rip at any moment. Just like Santino she held the same temper but she knew how to sustain it. Right now it looked as if she was going to blow. I notice that Nina was looking between the both of us a little confused.
"Do you two know each other already?" Nina asked a slight jealous tone. I knew what that tone was it was the one she would use when she thought I had been with someone. Nina was a lot younger than me and sometime she didn't like the fact that I've been with a few women. I was about to speak but Sophia spoke.
"Yeah Ian and I go way back" She spoke bitterly while still glaring over at me. "Don't we Ian" She spoke my name venomously I really didn't need her to create a scene right now. I knew I deserved it but I couldn't let her bring up the past up right here right now.
"Sophia…." I warned her. This didn't need to come out right now not in this way.
"Ian what going on?" Nina spoke with slight concern in her voice.
"The last time we saw each other I was rush into the emergency room left for dead. You recall that night Ian?" As Sophia spoke I recalled that night like it was yesterday. Reliving it all in my mind was as horrid as the actual night. Nina stood there looking horrified while Sophia looked at me with no remorse "Oh Nina I guess you didn't know your perfect boyfriend as well as you thought. Nice meeting you Nina." Sophia walked away leaving me still haunted by that night. You can't go back to how things once were or how you thought they were supposed to be. All you really have is now. The smartest thing you can control in life is your reaction to what's beyond your control. Dwelling on negativity from the past simply contributes to its power. So stop focusing on what happened and start focusing on what's going to move you forward. Could it really be that simple? Can I really let Sophia walk away and not know the truth of that night?