So about ten months ago was the last time I ever updated this story. I'm so very sorry, my Senior year took off and then Senioritis kicked me hard and now here I am, just a month and a half away from college! Woo!
I honestly don't know what got me to pick this back up, but I'm glad I did. Re-reading the chapters I had for this story, I fell in love with Sophie's character all over again so.. I just had to write this chapter.
Thank you everyone that's read this story in the pretty long hiatus I took from writing it. All the reviews, story alerts, and story favoriting that people did was sweet and shocked me everytime I got another e-mail saying it happened. Hope you all don't hate me too much, sorry!
Now, without further ado, here's the newest chapter! Oh and toward the end you'll see that the movie plot line has finally caught up with my own!
"So, you didn't do anything with him, right?" Tyler asked with a screwed-up look on his face. The thought of his cousin and Aaron doing anything together was not something he wished to think about.
He gave a hiss of pain as Sophie hit him upside the head, giving him a rather dirty look. They had quickly left the café soon after their orders of coffee came out. It had been a rather tense moment between the cousins and they elected to walk around town's park, though neither said anything until Tyler broke the silence.
"No, you idiot," Sophie answered, still scowling. "All I did was help him get into a club and then he met up with his friends and I met up with mine. That was it."
"So, you mean to say…" he trailed off, rather confused at the situation. The thoughts of Sophie and Aaron had infiltrated his mind and it was hard to comprehend anything else.
"He made it up, Ty."
Giving a sigh of relief he looked over at the girl beside him and took in her sad look, "What are you going to do about Reid?"
Sophie gave a short laugh before plopping onto a nearby bench. She quickly put her head in her hands, "I don't know! I don't think he would even listen to me. He's just a dick about things like this."
"Well you're gonna have to try something. If you don't then he's more likely to believe the lie."
"I know. This sucks," she muttered. Tyler only nodded while taking a sip of his coffee, Sophie having finished hers ages ago.
"How long will it take for him to cool down?"
There was a moment of silence as Tyler thought about his blonde friend. "That's hard to say. If this were just nothing he'd already be over it, but you mean something to him."
Sophie groaned out in anguish. For once she wished somebody didn't care that much about her; it would have definitely made her life that much easier. 'But no, the big blonde asshole had to give a shit about me,' she thought rather grimly to herself.
"So the party at the Dells is tonight," Tyler said after a long pause between the cousins. He was slowly trying to process everything around him. How Sophie was feeling was obvious, but Reid was a completely different story.
Tyler was aware of the feelings that Reid had for his cousin, but he wasn't too sure that the blonde knew about them. If anything, he was as clueless about their compatibility as she was. But until they were ready to accept it, there wasn't much the youngest Son could do about it but hope the figured it out soon.
"Oh, that sounds fun. What time will we be going?" Sophie asked with her head still in her hands. The thought of partying was extremely wonderful at the moment, but her want to patch things up with her best guy friend was much more important than anything else at the moment.
"Oh," Tyler started, wrapping a hand around the back of his neck. It was a habit of his whenever he felt slightly guilty about something. "There's a family thing that the Sons and I have to go to. Do you think you can go it alone? You know the way and all."
Sophie felt slightly put out at that. It was her first time she'd really see the rest of her new classmates and she had to make a solo appearance. 'I'll probably look like some kind of loner,' she thought bitterly. But it wasn't like the Sons had much of a choice, when a meeting was called, a meeting was called. There are no excuses.
"Oh boy," she muttered out loud and leaned into Tyler's embrace as he tucked her into his side.
"You'll do fine. Maybe you can go with Kate and her new roommate? I'll introduce you to them when we get back," he promised.
She smiled at how he tried to make her as comfortable as possible. He was so like his parents. She snuggled into his embrace, and felt safe. Much like the feeling she had whenever in Reid's arms. It was lovely to know that these boys were there for her.
'Or at least until I make a mistake and it sounds like I had such a demoralizing night with his worst enemy,' Sophie thought. She pulled the thought from her mind as Tyler got off the bench.
"Jamie!" A voice rang out in the park. The pair of teenagers were startled and pulled apart, only to hear a few pairs of feet. It was cool out and in the time they had been sitting there, talking, nobody had passed by.
The bench they were seated on was only a few feet away from the swings. They looked up in time to see three kids about eight years old, two boys and one girl, running to get one of the two swings. Both the boys had beaten their friend and were already in the air when the girl finally arrived.
Sophie giggled at the pout on the girls face and pointed it out to Tyler who questioned, "Who does that remind me of?"
She pinched him in reply and they continued watching the kids, both thinking of their younger years with Reid and how inseparable they had been. Tyler couldn't help but start laughing when one of the boys, the blonde, gave up his seat for the girl. At this point Sophie immediately left her spot on the bench and turned in the direction of her car.
"Oh, come on Soph, it was just a matter of coincidence!"
She flipped him off before smartly replying, "Yeah, I bet you paid those kids to do that."
Walking away, Sophie couldn't help but think more and more about the blonde, 'Maybe there's a chance?'
"You better show up or I'm gonna kill you!" Sophie said, leaning on the hood of her car. She and Tyler had just arrived back at the dorms when he had gotten a call to pick-up Reid and head over to the Parry Mansion.
"Don't worry, Soapy. We'll be there. We might be a little late, but we'll be there," he reassured. "Now, are you sure you're okay? I could introduce you to Kate."
She shook her head, "It's your turn not to worry. I actually met them before I saw you and Reid this morning."
Sophie mentally berated herself for how she gave a slight pause before saying Reid's name and the look on her cousin's face told her that he hadn't missed it.
"Hey, don't think about it. He'll be back to his old self tonight and it'll be like nothing even happened," he tried to keep her mind off of it, though part of him didn't even believe the advice he'd given her.
"Yeah, I doubt it," she snorted before reaching to give him a hug. "I'll see you later."
She waved him off and waited to enter the dorm building until she saw Tyler's Hummer drive off of campus. Walking up the two flights of stairs, Sophie had already encountered at least ten students who gave her odd looks, probably trying to think of why they'd never seen her before. Out of that number, nobody even said hi to her.
It was in that moment that Sophie made a vow to herself that by the end of the night she'd at least have one new friend.
Exiting the stairwell on her floor she noted the rather easy-going vibe surrounding the floor. Most doors were open and someone had hooked up speakers to their laptop and played popular songs for everyone to listen to. She grinned as she saw all the girls milling into one another's dorm all in various stages of getting ready for tonight's party.
As the first official party of the year, the beach bash was an important part of the school year for a Spenser student. 'Or at least those who gave a shit about partying,' Sophie thought to herself as she reached her door. Just as she turned the key she heard someone call out to her.
She turned to see Kate, along with Sarah, running up to her. Sophie gave them her brightest smile, wanting to make a great impression on the both of them. Since Kate was with Pogue, she knew they would be seeing a lot of each other and getting along was essential.
"Hey," she called out to them. As they approached she asked, "What's up?"
"Well," Kate started, looking to Sarah who stood beside her. "I know the boys are all heading to the party together so, if you want to come with us, we'd love to take you. Sarah's new and I'd love to get to know you. But if you don't want to I-"
"I would love to," Sophie interrupted. Immediately Kate breathed a sigh of relief to which the girls shared a small laugh together. "I was actually going to ask if I could, since I don't know anyone else."
"Join the club," Sarah piped up. "But hey, we're in this together. New kids unite or something."
"I like the sound of that," Sophie replied. "Well, would you mind if I drove? I just got my baby back and I've missed it terribly."
"No problems, just as long as you have enough space for us in that hot little convertible of yours," Kate answered, in a completely joking manner.
"No worries, I have more than enough space, what time do you want to meet," she asked, opening the room to her dorm. Her bed was calling her name after such an emotionally-draining day and she would need a nap to make sure she had enough energy for the night.
"Um, the party starts at 8 so maybe around 7:45? It takes a while to get to the Dells," Kate told her while taking a look around Sophie's room. "Aw, when was this picture taken?"
Sophie looked over her shoulder and saw that the girls were gathered around her collage of pictures. She strode over to see just which picture they had been cooing over and laughed.
It was the picture of her and the boys when she had first come to Ipswich. Caleb was in the back showing off his non-existent guns, and Pogue was grinning with a toothless smile as his two front teeth had just fallen out. Reid was giving Tyler a noogie as the younger boy tried to fight him off and the young Sophie was turned and you could see her arm coming up to slap Reid just as the picture was taken. They had all just come back from swimming in the Parry's pool.
"Be sure to sing that Christmas song to Pogue this year," Sophie smirked. "He just loves it."
"I'm sure he does," Kate laughed at the thought. At that very moment the walk in closet caught her attention, "Have you decided what you're gonna wear tonight?"
The brunette merely shook her head as she walked over and opened the door and switched on the light. The other two girls were in a mere awe of the clothing collection in front of them. Shoes, dresses, jeans, shirts, and purses completely filled in the small closet.
"Wow," Sara breathed with her blue eyes wide. She fingered a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos, bright red and peep toed.
Sophie shrugged; her dad had been willing to give her anything she wanted to buy. It's just a shame all she ever wanted from him was a hug and an "I love you," and that was the only thing he couldn't give. "If you ever need to borrow anything, just tell me and you're free to raid this. I have more clothes and stuff in my room at Tyler's house."
Katie was admiring a beautiful, emerald colored cashmere sweater, "I love that you're my size in clothing."
"And my size in shoes," Sarah added, taking a spin around the room in the heels she'd be eying.
Sophie laughed at the pair and could see a bright future for all of them to have a really good friendship. "I was thinking a pair of jean shorts, white flip flops, and this grey shirt."
Holding up the outfit the other two girls appraised it and both nodded their heads. Taking note of the time, they decided to cut the visit and start getting ready themselves. Deciding to meet at Kate and Sarah's room at 7:45, Sophie shut the door and immediately made a beeline for her bed. Sinking into her bed she looked at the clock reasoning that if she took a two hour nap she'd still have more than enough time to get ready.
"You look great guys," Sophie greeted Kate and Sarah as they let her into their dorm room. She took a seat at what she guess was Kate's desk from all the pictures of Pogue.
"We're almost ready, I'm just finishing Sarah's make-up," the darker girl answered and went back to applying a coat of mascara on her willing doll.
"So, Sarah, how do you like Ipswich so far?"
The blonde girl shrugged her shoulders, "It's really pretty, but I haven't seen much of it yet, but it's definitely different from Boston."
A light bulb clicked, "Oh! I forgot you were even from Boston, where did you go?"
"PR High."
Sophie nodded in recognition to the localized nickname, "How unfortunate. The midnight ride of Paul Revere must always be recited when you mention where you go… or rather, went."
Sarah nodded with a roll of her eyes, "You have no idea."
The brunette laughed heartily, nodding, "I've seen it happen. I have a friend there, I don't know if you know him – Carter James?"
"Oh, yeah, I know him around, but I don't know him, know him," she replied with some apprehension. Sophie knew what to expect and laughed more at the answer.
"Yes, he is a bit of a douche."
Sarah colored at being caught, "It's not that I know that – it's just something I've heard. I don't know him so…"
Sophie brushed it away, "Don't even worry about it. He is terrible to people at PR because he got kicked out of Harbor Academy. I yelled at him about it, but it didn't do much because I wasn't there."
"Oh, you went to Harbor," Sarah commented, biting her lip. This kind of behavior was almost completely expected. The typical student that attended Harbor Academy was a snobbish or bitchy trust-fund baby. They easily had a reputation of being super exclusive and clique-y.
"Guilty," Sophie stated, biting her own lip.
"Why? What's up with Harbor," Kate questioned, finally being done with Sarah's make-up, handing the girl a tube of lip gloss to apply herself.
"Nothing's wrong with it, there are just some… uh…," Sarah started, but Sophie quickly saved her.
"Sarah, you're too polite. Around Boston the students that attend Harbor are seen as trust-fund babies that are too rich to bother with anyone else but themselves. And it's completely true for at least eighty percent of the student body," she answered. Sensing that the other girl felt slightly embarrassed at her stumble, she went on to say, "Too many stuck-up bitches have gone to that school for anyone to really try and change the image, but there are some very nice and genuine people."
"That much I can see for myself," Kate said, smiling at Sophie, who merely shrugged in return. While she loved Harbor, how people viewed her school was definitely less than desirable in her eyes – but with much of the population actually being well-defined by the stereotype she had no choice but to live with that fact that most of Boston saw her as a bitch.
"Thanks," she said, smiling at the other girl. 'Pogue better hold onto this one, and Sarah – I think she'd be good for either Cale or Ty, but I think she'll like Cale much better.'
"Well, we should get a move on! We have a party to get to so that all the boys can drool over us," Sophie said, giving the other girls a wink before heading for the door.
She heard Kate and Sarah laugh and grab their respective purses before following her out. Grabbing her keys out of her pocket, Sophie was more than excited to drive her baby.
"Okay, so, where are all the cute boys?" Sophie questioned as they arrived to the party. Looking around at least half of Spenser's student body had shown up, the other half probably too young and too scared to go to a mostly upperclassmen party.
"Well, after the boys there aren't much," Kate said, a dreamy look in her eyes.
Sophie nudged Sarah and gestured to their friend and they both laughed as she blushed at being caught.
"Dreaming about dearest Pogo," Sophie questioned, already knowing the answer. She slung an arm around Kate's shoulders, which proved to be slightly difficult since she was at least three inches taller than herself, "Just whatever you do, don't tell me details. He's too much of an older brother for me to imagine him doing anything."
The girl merely gaped at her in response which got Sophie and Sarah to laugh even more at her expression, "Don't worry, Kate. I approve of you and that boy better be good to you or else he's gonna get an ass-whooping from me."
This got her to laugh and hugged the Harbor-transfer, "Thanks, Sophie. I completely understand why the boys love you so much. But how you stand them… That is something I'll never understand."
The girls looked around at the meshing bodies as Sarah said, "So give me the scoop. Who's here?"
Kate craned her neck before turning Sarah, "Okay, the first thing you need to know is that Aaron Abbot is a prick. Treats girls like dirt."
The blonde girl nodded, "Okay."
Sophie had also been looking around and spotted the same boy who had introduced himself to her just the day before, Chase. At the same moment Sarah had also spotted him, "Who's that."
Kate followed her sight, "The new guy."
"Oh, he's looking over here," Sarah said. Sophie looked casually in his direction and noticed his eyes looking right back at her. She gave him a smile and a small wave as the two girls kept talking, not noticing the little exchange.
"Don't know much about him, but I intend to find out," Kate said, checking him out.
Sarah just laughed, "He's cute."
Sophie looked at Kate with a slightly raised brow, but brushed it off, 'If it weren't for the fact that she was obviously in love with Pogue, I think I'd be more worried. But, I hope that he realizes that… or else there is going to be some drama going down.'
"Yo, Caleb," a voice rang out in the crowd. Kate and Sophie both immediately turned to the direction that the call had been directed out. Just like that, the mass of bodies had parted for the four boys that Sophie knew so well. She caught Ty's eyes and smirked at the whole scene, knowing full and well that he was aware that she was teasing him about their status at Spenser.
Sarah also turned to look at what her companions were looking at just as Kate said, "They're here."
Her eyes were locked on Pogue as the boys headed right for them. The blonde noticed the boys, but wasn't sure just what her roommate was talking about, "Who are they?"
"The Sons of Ipswich," she answered, her eyes never leaving her boyfriend. As they boy drew closer, Sophie immediately made to give Tyler a hug, and he returned it, picking her right up. She tried to make eye contact with Reid, but the boy wasn't having it – his attention was on Sarah.
As she observed the animalistic look in the blonde boy's eyes she knew right then and there that this was going to be much harder to regain his faith in her.
"Are you serious," she mumbled under her breath to her cousin, who flashed his eyes toward his best friend who was introducing himself to Sarah. It was clear that he had competition with Caleb who had come up with a clever quip to trump the line that, for once, Reid didn't have to lie about.
"You know Reid, new meat is a whole new game," Tyler replied so that only Sophie could hear. Looking past the rest of his friends he cursed under his breath.
The brunette looked up in surprise, it wasn't often that the youngest Son would curse when it wasn't in reference to one of his brothers and followed his line of vision and saw Aaron and Kira heading right for their group.
"Never a dull moment here in Ipswich, huh," Sophie said while thinking, 'Let the games begin."
Okay, I realize it's been almost a year since I last updated and in the last chapter I said I'd post again really soon so... I'm not making any promises this time around. But it is the summer so let's just cross our fingers, shall we?