XOXOXOXOXO
Chapter 26
James
Thunder shook the house, and I sighed.
A little rain was bad enough since practice would be on a muddy field, but this storm didn't seem to be letting up at all.
"Goodnight, James," Mom kissed my temple.
"Night," I smiled, climbing the stairs to check on Sofia, but the bathroom door was open, and the light was off.
Is she already done?
She must be tired.
"That was a quick shower," I laughed, leaning up against the bedroom door frame, but the room was empty, "Sofia?"
I checked her studio and the room with my stuff, but she was gone.
Where did she go?!
I didn't see her come downstairs.
"SOFIA!?" I yelled, jumping back downstairs and frantically searching the living room and kitchen.
She's got to be here!
Another bolt of lightning lit up the house, and I heard Sofia scream from upstairs.
I scrambled back up and ran into our bedroom, hearing her muffled cries from the closet.
I flung the door open and found her curled up tightly in the corner with her hand over her mouth.
Oh, baby.
My poor girl hid in the closet...
"Baby?" I asked, putting my hand on her shoulder.
"NO!" she knocked my hand away and pushed herself further in the corner, "I'll be quiet, mom, please don't take me outside again!" she whimpered, terrified.
"Sofia, hey, it's James," I kneeled in front of her, "You're safe,"
She continued to sob into her knees and covered her ears as thunder boomed around us.
What the fuck did you do to her, Miranda?
She's been through so much...
I frowned and found my headphones, grabbed my phone, switched Pandora to Sofia's playlist, and quickly inserted them in her ears.
She snapped her fearful deep blue eyes up to me, not seeming to recognize who I was.
Come back to me, princess.
I'm right here.
I extended my hand to her, and she shook her head, "I won't scream anymore, I promise," she cried, pressing herself against the wall.
She's so scared.
Can she not recognize me, or is she afraid of me?
"Sofia, honey, please come out," I pleaded, trying not to cry.
"I want James," she cried, knocking my hand away forcefully.
Thank God, at least I know she trusts me.
Come on, love.
Look at me.
See me.
"Sofia, it's me," I whispered, caressing her cheek, "Look,"
She snapped her eyes back at me and threw her arms around my neck, "James!"
"Thank God," I whispered, picking her up off the floor and bringing her back to the room.
Lightning struck close by, and I had to hold her from bolting back into the closet.
"Don't be afraid, princess," I whispered, pulling her in my lap as I sat on the bed, "I've got you,"
I won't let anything happen to you.
Ever.
She tightened her grip around my neck and buried her face in my chest, "I'm sorry, James," she sobbed, "I'm so sorry,"
I gently removed the headphones from her ears and let my poor princess cry as I ran my hand along her spine.
Even after everything I've learned about her past, there's still so much I didn't know.
"Baby?" I whispered, wrapping my arm around her, "Talk to me; what's wrong?"
Thunder rumbled again, and she whimpered, squeezing me tighter.
I picked her up and grabbed the blanket from the window seat as I closed the curtains.
I sat back down in the middle of the bed and wrapped the blanket around her head and shoulders to block out the thunder.
Hopefully, this will help.
Her cries began to lighten as she relaxed on me.
"I'm so sorry," she sniffled again, and I hugged her tighter.
"Don't apologize, baby, tell me what's going on," I whispered, kissing the top of her head.
"I-" her voice cracked, "I don't want to go outside,"
Outside?
In a storm?
Why would we?
"Why would we go outside?" I asked, confused.
"I scream too loud," she shook her head, "Mom doesn't like it, so she puts me outside when it storms,"
WHAT?!
Miranda stuck her outside because she screamed too loud?
How could anyone be so cruel?
I wonder how often Sofia got sick because of that.
I tried not to imagine my girl huddled under a porch with her hands over her ears, or banging on the door to be let back inside.
She probably hid.
Sofia probably accepted the torture with grace.
That's the kind of person she is.
"Miranda isn't here, baby; you can scream as loud as you want," I assured her, gritting my teeth.
She looked up at me skeptically and looked around the room.
"Am I awake?" she asked, creasing her forehead.
Is this what her nightmares are like?
I want to take them from her.
I want to take her pain.
"Yeah, princess, you are," I nodded, holding her shoulders.
"Oh," she looked down, "Sorry, James, it felt like a dream," she mumbled.
You're back with me.
That's all that matters.
"It doesn't matter as long as you're okay now," I held her back to my chest, "What happened?"
"I'm not sure; I blacked out after I heard the thunder," she sighed, visibly trying to remember, "I saw Miranda, she tried to pull me out, and then you showed up,"
"She wasn't here; it was just me," I kissed her head again.
She sat up and sighed in frustration.
"This is fucking ridiculous," she got off my lap and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Has this happened before?" I asked, sitting next to her.
"I don't know," she groaned, falling backward, "Why aren't the pills helping? I'm still having nightmares, and now I'm hallucinating,"
You need time, baby.
Stop trying to rush.
I'll be here no matter what.
No matter how long it takes.
Hopefully Mrs. White had some advice.
"It's only been a week, baby; give it time. We'll get through this together," I laid down beside her and grabbed her hand, bringing it to my chest, "How did your therapist appointment go today?"
"I mostly complained," she closed her eyes, "And talked about you,"
Did you talk about me?
Is that good or bad?
Are you still wanting to leave?
I looked over at the gorgeous girl beside me, wishing I could read her mind.
"What about me?" I asked, propping myself up on my elbow.
She opened an eye and looked at me before closing it again, "I got off on a tangent about Sam and how scared I was that he was going to find me and kill all of us, and how you won't let me run off and get myself killed, and it turned into a rant about how much I love you but suck at showing it and how I trust you with my life because you're amazing and the thought of leaving you makes me want to throw up,"
The thought of you leaving makes me want to throw up.
I know you love me, baby.
How can she say she sucks at showing me how much she cares about me?
She doesn't give herself enough credit.
"So you're giving up on the idea of leaving?" I asked, inching myself closer to her.
"Even if I had the chance, I wouldn't be able to, James," she opened her eyes, "I love you far too much to ever leave you,"
"I love you too, Sofia," I pulled her to my chest, "And you don't suck at showing me how much you love me; look at your nails, baby. You were obviously thinking about me all day," I nuzzled the back of her head, "And as much as I hate the idea of you leaving, the only reason you wanted to was to keep me safe. I know you love me; you show me every day, and it makes me happier than I could ever express,"
I pulled her on top of me and released her hair from the pigtails, watching as it created a veil around us.
Spending all of my time with you makes me happier than I could ever put into words.
You are the most amazing girl in the world.
I've loved watching you come out of your shell.
"I know it's discouraging to not see immediate results for something you're working so hard for, but please don't be so hard on yourself," I ran my fingers through her hair, "I can see how hard you're trying, and I know that it's partially for me, but you have come so far in just a couple of weeks. It's obvious that you're getting more confident; hell, you're a cheerleading college student, you're going to be the Homecoming Queen, the Prom Queen, and the Valedictorian, baby,"
"I always think about you," she blushed, "But I don't feel like a good girlfriend; I've spent so much time scared that you're going to leave me that I haven't done enough to show you why you should stay. You've got so much confidence in me, you protect me, you always remind me how special I am, and you help me when I have episodes like this," she lovingly stared into my eyes, "Even at dinner earlier when I showed you my nails, your eyes sparkled, and I wondered if I look at you the same way,"
"You haven't been reading your list, baby," I chuckled, poking her nose, "You are the best girlfriend in the world, Sofia. You are caring, considerate, kind, and the strongest-willed person I know. You stand up for me even when I don't deserve it, you take time to text me throughout the day, and you're supportive of everything I want to do. And as for you wondering if your eyes sparkle when you look at me, they are right now,"
I leaned up, cradled her face in my hand, and crashed my lips with hers.
You're so fucking perfect, Sofia.
I do all of those things because you're worth doing them for.
I love you so much.
"Don't ever think you are anything less than perfect, baby," I whispered, resting my cheek on hers.
I picked Sofia up, laid her beside me, and propped myself up with my arms above her.
I am the only person in the world who has ever seen her like this.
So relaxed.
So in love.
So happy.
She scanned my face, for what I wasn't sure, but she pulled me down to her by my shirt collar and collided our lips once again.
I felt her hands tug at my shirt, and I quickly removed it and threw it to the floor.
Sofia traced her fingers along my abs and the V above my shorts' elastic with a content smile on her face.
"I don't think I'll ever fully understand how I got so lucky to be with someone as perfect as you, but I promise I'm done questioning it," she sighed, "I told the girls that we were getting married this morning, and it just sounded so right. Like I was meant to be Sofia Talbert,"
Sofia Talbert.
James and Sofia Talbert.
Everything about us is perfect together.
"You are, baby," I raised her shirt right below her bust and kissed her stomach, "I know we were made for each other,"
"I know," she giggled, pulling her shirt off and throwing it next to mine, exposing her light pink bra, "You've been certain from the beginning,"
And I'll be certain until the end.
I want to keep you safe forever.
I want to touch you forever.
I want to kiss you forever.
"Damn right I have," I smiled, playing with her bra strap, "May I?"
She nodded, sitting up so I could unhook it and toss it with the rest of our clothes.
I trailed kisses down her neck as she laid back down, running my nose along her collarbone and gently biting her nipples before kissing down her stomach to the line of her shorts.
It's like we've been doing this for years.
Everything feels so natural with Sofia.
Sofia slightly arched her back, and I grabbed her hips, heatedly pressing my lips to hers.
She ran her nails along my back, causing me to moan against her mouth.
Damn that feels good.
Do it again.
Make me moan, baby.
Fuck.
I opened my eyes when she stopped, entertained by the deep red blush across her cheeks.
"Do you want to stop?" I smirked, staring into her wild blue eyes.
She shook her head and kissed me again, gliding her hands along my chest to the line of my shorts, and around to my back.
I know I need to stop.
She smells so good.
I don't want to make her stop touching me.
I want to keep touching her.
How far will she let me go?
I've got condoms in the nightstand...
Am I ready for this?
Fuck
Fuck
FUCK!
I ran my hand along her breasts and back down her stomach to the button on her shorts.
"Please don't," she whispered, stopping my hand, "Not yet,"
Okay.
No problem.
We're good.
I shouldn't have tried yet.
She just gets me so worked up.
That's not her fault.
It's yours, James.
Calm the hell down.
"Okay," I nodded, pushing her hair behind her ear, "I'm sorry,"
"Don't be sorry, baby," she wrapped her arms around my neck, "I shouldn't have continued when you asked to stop; it's my fault,"
It sure as hell isn't.
I promised to wait until you're ready.
"No, princess, it's mine," I frowned, annoyed with myself for pushing boundaries again, "I won't do that again until you tell me you're ready,"
She sat up, sighed into my shoulder, and fell sideways onto the pillows, "That's the thing, I thought I was,"
I laid down beside her, caressing her beautifully frustrated face, "I told you I'd wait forever, and I will. I had a momentary lack of willpower,"
I still love your angry face.
You're so beautiful, baby.
She closed her eyes and shoved her face into her pillow, "Are you sure you don't want to wait a year to be with me?" she asked, her voice muffled by the pillow.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Only If you want to watch me lose my fucking mind.
"Not a chance," I chuckled, rolling her back over to look at me, "I'd go insane without you,"
"You're going to go insane being with me, too," she pouted.
In the best ways.
You already drive me insane, and I love it.
"Happily, though," I laughed, kissing her and hopping up to turn off the light.
I jumped back in bed, climbed under the covers, and pulled her to my chest.
"Go to sleep," I kissed her forehead, "I'll see you soon, baby,"
"It's game day!" Dad shouted as Sofia and I descended the stairs Friday morning, "I bet you couldn't find a prouder dad in this state! My boy playing football, my boy's girl cheering for him, damn this exciting!"
Sofia giggled, watching him and mom dance around the kitchen.
My supportive parents, ladies, and gentlemen.
I bet mom already has the facepaint ready.
"Welcome to football season," I chuckled, twirling her in a circle, "Okay, high energy parental units, we will see you at the game,"
"Go, Titans!" Mom cheered as we went out the door.
"GO, TITANS!" I shouted, hitting the top of the door frame as we went outside.
"They put us cheerleaders to shame," Sofia laughed, picking up her weights, "I'm so nervous for tonight!"
"Don't be nervous, gorgeous; you've been practicing all week, and you're going to be the best cheerleader out there!" I exclaimed, grabbing her hips and spinning her around.
"I hope so; I'll be cheering for the best football player in the nation," she giggled, regaining her footing.
That's right baby, feed my ego right back.
Damn, I love this girl!
"One of them, for sure," I smirked, "I'm so fucking ready for this game!"
Sofia took a shower after our workout and came downstairs with her hands behind her back.
"I have a surprise for you," she smiled, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
A surprise?
She looks super excited about it.
"Oh?" I asked, putting the blender in the sink.
I turned around and found a beautifully wrapped box with ribbon tied around it laying on the island.
"It was supposed to be a birthday present, but I couldn't wait," she smiled, crossing her arms on the island and eyeballing me to open it.
An early birthday present?
What did you get me?
I quickly scooped up the box and ripped into it, opening the box and looking at Sofia confused.
"What is it?" I asked, inspecting the small black oval.
"It's a bracelet," She giggled, tossing a blue band at me and showing me her wrist, "You tap on it and it sends vibrations to mine, so we can sort of talk when we're not together,"
"Really?!" I quickly slid the oval on the band while she downloaded the app on my phone.
We tested them and I laughed, "I love it, baby! Thank you!"
And she was worried she didn't show me how much she loved me?
Even I haven't thought of something as cute as this.
"You're welcome!" she giggled as I picked her up and hugged her, "It also has GPS so we can always find each other,"
"It's perfect," I stared into her deep blue eyes, "I'll never take it off,"
We got to school, and I dropped Sofia off at the library before classes began.
I was still skeptical about her being left alone in there since Sam still hadn't been located, but it was more reassuring than leaving her at home alone, and I was more comfortable now that we had the bracelets.
I couldn't concentrate on any of my classes, and once the lunch bell rang, I ran to the library.
I searched the computer center, but she wasn't there.
"Have you seen Sofia?" I asked the librarian, and she nodded.
"Miss Benton left about an hour ago and never came back," the elderly lady explained, adjusting her glasses.
"Shit," I whispered, bolting back out the door.
I checked the GPS to make sure she was still on campus and began searching for her.
She wasn't supposed to leave.
Did Sam come for her?
He's somewhere in town, and she knows that!
Why would she leave the library?!
Wasn't she the one who told us how dangerous he is?!
DAMNIT!
"Cleo!" I shouted, spotting the pink-haired girl coming out of the gym, "Have you seen Sofia?"
"Yeah, she's inside," she pointed to the door, and I sprinted past her, finding Sofia practicing with a couple of her squadmates.
"Sofia!" I called, running to her and pulling her to my chest.
Oh my god!
She's safe.
She's fine.
Don't freak out.
"Hey, baby," she beamed up at me innocently, "Are you ready for lunch?"
She was just having fun with her girls.
"You scared me half to death," I whispered, kissing the top of her head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear the bell," she frowned, "I was going to go back to the library to wait for you, I promise,"
I know.
I'm just being paranoid.
"It's okay, you're safe, and that's all I care about," I assured her, taking her hand.
"Sorry, James," Vivian called, "I texted her to come over,"
Vivian needs to learn some boundaries.
I understand Sofia was here, but she was supposed to stay in the library.
Sofia has already had a close call with the locker room.
The gym is too big.
There are too many places to hide.
I nodded at her and pulled Sofia out of the gym to the cafeteria, "Text me next time, okay?" I squeezed her hand.
"I will," she looked at the ground, "I really didn't mean to make you worry,"
"I know, baby, don't worry about it," I kissed her hand and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
"Welcome to the first football game of the season!" the announcer called over the loudspeaker as I got suited up in the locker room.
I eyeballed Nick from across the room, still not trusting him.
The police may have footage of Sam in town, but he's still on my shit list.
"Alright, boys!" Coach Rassmussen called, motioning for us to join him, "We have one hell of a team this year, and I expect nothing but greatness from each of you. Those Ravens don't have anything on you, so go out there, work together, and get that damn trophy!" he yelled, and we all hit the lockers before running out to the field.
For the Glory by All Good Things was blaring through the speakers, and the crowd was on their feet cheering for us.
I live for this shit.
This is where I shine.
I looked across the field, spotting Sofia smiling at me as she cheered.
My girl cheering for me...
Yeah.
I'm the luckiest guy on the planet.
Time to let everyone know.
I ran over and kissed her, earning a roar of cheers from the stands, and ran back to my team.
"Get your head in the game, Talbert!" the coach smacked my helmet.
My head is wherever Sofia is.
I can play football, coach, don't you fucking worry.
"Damn, Talbert, you're making the rest of us look like bad boyfriends," Garth laughed, shoving my shoulder.
Be better boyfriends then.
That's a you problem.
I love my girl.
"I couldn't help myself," I smirked, shrugging.
By the end of the second quarter, we were ahead by eight points, and I fell onto the bench.
I searched the sidelines for Sofia and found her standing on the bar below the bleachers, talking to my parents.
Her pigtails were waving animatedly, and I smiled.
She hopped down, turning around to find me, and waved energetically when she saw me.
I ran over, picked her up, and spun her around.
"You've been amazing out there, baby!" she squealed, kissing my cheek.
"Surprisingly, since I can't stop watching you," I laughed, putting her down, "I think we're going to win this game,"
"I know you will," she confidently nodded.
My cheerleader.
I love how confident she is in me.
"Sofia!" Vivian waved her over.
"Half-time show," Sofia shrugged, "I love you!" she kissed me before skipping over to her squad.
"I love you too!" I called after her, and she turned around, putting her hands behind her back, giggling.
Fuck, she's gorgeous.
"James!" dad called, and I looked up in the stands.
"Hey, guys!" I waved, standing on the bar like Sofia had.
"You're doing great!" they smiled through their red and white face paint.
Called it.
They're so enthusiastic.
They've been dressing up for my games since I started playing.
"Thanks, I can already feel that trophy," I laughed.
I jumped down to the sidelines as the music started and kept my eyes on Sofia.
She looks so happy out there.
That's her zone like football is mine.
The amount of confidence doing those flips give her is incredible.
I couldn't do half the stuff she does.
She's so talented.
She's flawless.
Their song came to an end as a gunshot rang across the field.
SOFIA!
I ran to Sofia among the screams of terror and pulled her toward the bleachers, trying to find my parents.
"WE NEED TO GO!" I shouted, motioning for them to join us.
We all huddled together, looking for a safe exit as people trampled past us.
We have to get to safety, but there are too many people.
If this is Sam he's going to be looking for Sofia.
I have to get her the FUCK OUT!
"WHERE DID IT COME FROM?" Dad shouted, looking around.
A second, closer, shot rang out, and I covered Sofia as we fell to the ground.
"James!" Sofia cried.
SHIT!
He's going to have to go through me.
I swear to God if he comes at her with a gun I'll break his fucking neck.
"It's okay, baby, we're going to get out," I assured her, trying to find the shooter.
Where is he?
"COME ON!" Coach Rassmussen demanded, pulling us up and ushering us toward the locker room.
We followed the coach, running as fast as we could with our heads down.
We got to the door when a figure appeared across the field, stalking toward us.
Don't go until you know they're safe.
He saw us.
He'll come to you.
"Get inside!" I yelled, wrapping my arms around Sofia and my parents and pushing them in the door.
The locker room was full of my teammates, cheerleaders, and their families as we entered the room and the coach locked the door.
"Everyone needs to get back into the showers," Coach Rassmussen ordered, but I stood in front of the door.
I'm not going anywhere.
Come on Sam.
Underestimate me.
"Talbert, that means you too!" he yelled, and I shook my head.
"Get everyone else back, coach," I ordered, not taking my eyes off the red door.
I felt Sofia's hand take mine, and I looked down at her, "Get back with everyone else, baby,"
There's no way in hell I'm letting you stay, baby.
Let me keep you safe.
"No," she shook her head, "We do this together,"
"Sofia, if this is Sam-"
"If this is Sam, then I am definitely not leaving you alone," she glared at the door.
I don't understand.
Why is she suddenly so ready to face him?
We waited, but the only sound we heard was police sirens.
"Maybe they got him," I pulled Sofia closer to my side and kissed the top of her head.
We both jumped when the sound of metal scraping against metal flooded the room.
There were three slow knocks at the door, and Sofia tensed.
"That's him," she whispered, holding my arm tightly.
A secret knock?
Is that what he used on the closet door while she was trapped inside?
"You can't hide forever, Fifi," a man's voice hissed, "Never forget that you're mine,"
"SHE'S NOT YOURS!" I ran to the door and flung it open, ready to fucking kill the bastard, but he was gone, and three police officers ran by.
"Stay inside until we come back!" they ordered, and I shut the door.
"They'll find him," I growled, setting my jaw.
They'd better fucking find him.
How dare he say Sofia is his like she's property?!
And what the fuck did he call her?
Fifi?
Never call her that.
Noted.
"I hope you're right," Sofia whimpered, sitting on the bench, "He's just toying with us,"
"He's getting cocky," I sighed, sitting next to her and wrapping my arm around her shoulders, "He made a mistake coming here tonight; there's too much heat on him now,"
He won't be able to hide forever.
We'd better get a call tonight saying the asshole's in jail.