Sophia woke up ten minutes late the next morning, but it didn't really set her back too much. After a relaxing shower, she went down to the kitchen and had a bowl of cereal while still in her bathrobe. When she finished, she skipped u the steps to her room and opened her closet. Eyeing every piece of clothing, she was trying to decide how to make the perfect second impression. And what would set her apart from everyone else, including who she used to be. Finally, she pulled out brown, low rise pin stripped pants and a Sex Pistols crop top. After getting dressed, Sophia went back into the bathroom and spiral curled every piece of her hair.
"Wow. I look hot. And wild!" She said, shaking her hair.
Looking at her watch, she decided to go to school a little early so she could mingle. Grabbing her bag, she raced down the steps, out the door, into her car, and drove ten miles over the speed limit all the way to school. Getting out of the car, she took one last look at herself, and smiled. Walking towards the school, she saw JT, Emma, Manny, Liberty, and Toby sitting at a picnic table. She changed her direction and went to them. She stood at the head of the table and placed her hands on her bare waist, waiting for someone to say something.
"Hey So-so-so…" JT was having trouble talking and looking at her at the same time.
"Phia." Manny finished for him. She eyed her, making mental notes."
"Sophia, why don't you join us?" Liberty offered.
"I'd love to, but I have some people I need to talk to before school starts, just wanted to say hi!"
Before leaving, she bent down and closed JT's dropped mouth and ran a finger across his lip.
"Your drooling." She winked and left.
"Wow Manny, I think you rubbed off on her." Liberty said.
"No. I have a feeling that she's been like this for awhile. But I can't be sure, now can I?" Emma said.
Manny just crossed her arms and made a "humph" sound. Toby was still laughing at JT. Sophia made sure to sway her hips extra today when she walked, going to her locker, she saw Craig walking her way with a shorter boy, with black straight hair. He stopped at her locker, trying extra hard not to make it obvious he was shocked by the way she looked. He knew that was what she wanted.
"Hey Sophia. This is Marco."
The boy with straight black hair extended his hand to her, she put her hand in his.
"Hi, I'm Sophia Carlson."
"So I've heard. I'm Marco Del Rossi."
"Grade eleven?"
"Grade eleven."
"Awesome."
Spinner came running up behind Craig and Marco and rested his hands on there shoulders, sticking his head between theirs.
"Hey guys what's up?" He glanced back and forth at them, and then at Sophia.
"Whoa, Sophia, you could give Manny a run for her money, back in the old days."
"I'm just going to take that as a compliment."
"You should. It means you're hot."
"Who's hot?" Sophia turned to see who said that. She was face to face with a girl shorter than her, with long blonde hair. Spinner pushed past the boys and put an arm around the girl.
"You are hunny bear."
The girl smirked and walked away, dragging Spinner with her. Sophia turned back around and shut her locker.
"I'll catch up with you guys later."
She walked away, headed for the hallway where the grade ten's had lockers. Spotting her prey, she stopped for a moment, thinking things through. She continued walking and leaned against a locker next to the open one. She was next to the door, so the person going through the locker couldn't see her. She shut the locker, and the boy jumped back, not wanting his hand to get caught in it.
"Sophia. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Promise not to drool this time?"
"ha, ha." JT laughed nervously.
"There was a purple sign outside the school talking about a rave tonight. Go with me."
JT gulped and blinked, hard, making sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Like a date?"
"Yes, JT, like a date."
"It would be an honor."
"Can you drive?"
"Um…no…"
"That's okay, give me your address and I'll pick you up at nine."
Sophia pulled a pen out of her back pocket and held out her hand. JT took the pen and scribbled his address down on her hand. She took back the pen and smiled, as the bell rang.
"See you tonight, James Tiberius."
JT's cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
"Hey, who told you that!"
He yelled after her. She just shrugged as she walked away.
Entering the Media Immersion lab, she stopped at Mr. Simpson's desk.
"Mr. Simpson, nice shirt."
Sophia had learned that a simple comment like that every now and then put you on a teachers good side.
"Thank you, Sophia. Who's wearing the other half of yours?"
She turned and looked at him, offended.
"I'm kidding! I know I know, it's the style. I was just playing with you."
"Right."
She smiled and went to her seat. When class started, Mr. Simpson had everyone open up a blank word document as he began to describe what they were going to work on today. An instant message popped up on her screen.
OverXposed: Hey. It's Craig.
SexySophie: What do you want. If I get in trouble I'll kill you.
OverXposed: Don't worry, Simpson doesn't come around to check until we start working.
SexySophie: I said what do you want?
OverXposed: Why are you being so hostile?
SexySophie: we aren't best buds, Craig. You are like everyone else here to me now, someone I am trying to get to know. You're a different person. I am, too.
OverXposed: I just wanted to know if you were doing anything tonight. I wanted to get together, you know, talk. Sort some stuff out.
SexySopihe: We have nothing to sort out.
OverXposed: Could you just tell me why you are so mad at me?
SexySophie: you left me Craig. Against your will, I know, but you stopped trying to contact me.
OverXposed: I'm sorry.
SexySophie: To answer your question, yes, I am doing something tonight, so we can't get together tonight.
OverXposed: What are you doing?
SexySophie: Who are you my mom?
OverXposed: no, just interested. Sorry.
SexySpohie: sigh if you MUST know, I'm going to a rave. With JT Yorke. Know him?
OverXposed: Yeah. Don't like him much either. Too immature. Childish.
SexySophie: good thing you aren't the one going out with him tonight. I'll talk to you later.
Sophia turned off the instant message program and listened to the last of Mr. Simpson's lecture.
Sophia was walking down the hallway, on her way to lunch. She had more confidence than anyone could wish for. She smiled with each step, waved to people she knew, and people she didn't know. She was almost to the cafeteria, when someone gripped her upper arm and yanked her into a classroom, closing the door fast.
"Hey! What's the big idea! Who the hell do you thin- Craig? I am so out of here."
Sophia turned and put a hand on the door.
"Wait! Come on. Two minutes. No interruptions. That's all I want."
"Okay. Start."
"Sophia, this is fucking ridiculous, and, honestly, it is pissing me the hell off. I don't know why you are so angry with me, yes I stopped writing, I'm sorry, but isn't it understandable? My dad died. I was going through a lot of shit, and I couldn't talk to anyone about it. And once I stopped, I thought it would be weird just to send a letter out of the blue. I'm so sorry. But I really wish we could get over this. I really wish YOU could get over this."
"Times up. Craig, I just moved here. Why can't I just treat you the way I'm treating everyone else?"
"Because I'm not like anyone else! I know you!"
"Correction. You knew me. I'm different. a lot. It has been a long time."
"So, we can't be friends?"
Sophia took a step back.
"What? When did I say that? I want to be your friend, I am drawn to you because I want to know all about who you are, now. But you have to let me know other people too, Craig. We can be friends, alright? And we will be."
"Okay."
Craig sighed, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of his chest. Craig moved past Sophia to leave.
"Craig?"
He turned around, hand still on the doorknob.
"Next time you want to do some rompin' in an empty classroom, let me know ahead of time."
She winked. He laughed.
"By the way, I don't like your new clothes."
"You sound like my mother!"
She jabbed him in the abdomen and ran out the door, him follow suit shortly after.
Sophia had been trying on outfits for an hour and a half. She just wasn't satisfied. She had this dire, desperate NEED to look better than every girl that was going to be at the rave. And that's exactly what she wanted to do. It's not that she was a slut, or even dressed like one. 'So what if I have a low self esteem? This is how I feel better about myself. If nobody likes it, they can go screw themselves.' She finally found and outfit. She slipped on high-heeled shoes that were obviously inspired by Chuck Taylor Converses. A ruffled green skirt, made of towel fabric, a light pink long sleeve shirt with an 'S' on it, and a green baseball cap that said 'John Deere'. Looking in the mirror, she definitely knew she didn't match. But what the hell. Grabbing a wad of one dollar bills, she went to her car and drove to JT's house. Pulling into the driveway, she didn't even have to go get him. He shot out of the door like a race horse, zooming to the car and hopping in.
"Hey."
"Hi! You ready to let loose?"
"With you? Yes!"
They laughed and sang along to the radio on the way to the rave. Arriving, Sophia had to park a block away. Obviously it was packed. There was also a huge line, which didn't make Sophia so happy.
"What the hell. We are going to be out here for fricken ever."
JT just looked at her, not knowing what to do. He scanned the line.
"hey! There's Manny! let's go way up there, it'll be much faster."
"If it gets us in faster…"
JT grabbed her arm and dragged her to were Manny was standing, pretty close to the front.
"Hey Manny." Sophia said flatly.
"Sophia. Ever been to a rave before?" Manny said, almost laughing looking at the way she was dressed.
"Manny. Ever been to an abortion clinic before?" She shot back. Manny shut her mouth as JT stepped between them.
"Ladies ladies ladies! Save the energy for the dancing."
Sophia crossed her arms and practically threw five dollars at the door man when she was entering. But once she got in, she let go of her tensity and pulled JT with her to the center of the mass of people, throwing her arms in the air and dancing like she had never danced before. JT got thirsty really fast.
"Sophia!" He screamed.
"Yeah?" She yelled back.
"Let's go get some water!"
"Okay!"
Sophia danced as she and JT walked to the counter where water was stocked to the high heavens. After grabbing a bottle each, they went out into the lounge and sat down for a break.
"Having fun?" JT asked her.
"mmhmm." She mumbled, swallowing the water she had just dumped into her mouth.
"I uh….I'm really glad you asked me to come with you." JT told Sophia, fiddling with his water bottle.
Sophia smiled and put a hand to her chest.
"Why, JT Yorke, I do declare you're quite taken with me!" She said, in a mock, southern belle accent.
He blushed, but wasn't about to let her get away with that.
"I'm about as taken with as I am with…Toby?"
"Oh come ON JT. I barely know you, but I am aware that you can do so much better than that."
"Sorry, I have trouble talking when I'm with you."
"…why?"
He laughed nervously and stood.
"hey, is that Nelly I hear? Come on, let's go 'get our eagle on!'"
Before she could protest, JT ran back out into the crowd, so Sophia decided to just follow. Sophia had trouble taking her eyes off of JT. He was such a goof ball. He didn't talk the club scene serious, at all. He would booty dance or mock other people, which would make Sophia laugh so hard it hurt. Just over his shoulder, she saw Craig pushing past people, obviously coming their way. She was just about to drag JT off to somewhere else to avoid him, when she spotted Manny throwing herself in his path. 'Yes.' She said to herself.
At about 11:45, there was an announcement from the DJ.
"Hey hey hey! Everybody, thanks for jamming at the rave tonight, but we gotta close down in fifteen minutes. Make the most of it, and don't forget to come to next weeks rave with DJ Dizzy Jams!"
Everybody screamed.
"JT!" Sophia yelled into his ear.
"Yeah?"
"Let's go, I don't want to get crushed when everybody has to leave!"
"Okay!"
As they headed for the door, Sophia thought she was successful in avoiding Craig that night. Entering the street, they ran to her car, to find Craig standing against it.
"Craig?" Sophia said, squinting.
"Yeah, it's me. I was wondering if I could get a ride home."
Sophia looked over at JT.
"Sure."
She pushed the button on her keys and the car beeped, signaling it was unlocked. Craig opened the door and got in the front seat, leaving JT and Sophia looking at each other. When he shut the door, they talked quickly.
"Don't worry about it, Sophia. It's just a seat."
"Whatever. I've had it up to here with him."
JT got in the back seat and Sophia got in the driver's seat. They arrived at JT's house first.
"I'll be right back," She spat at Craig, exiting the car and walking to JT's door.
"Did we switch roles or something, because I thought the guy was supposed to walk the girl to the door?" JT asked, jokingly.
"Listen JT, I had a lot of fun. I'd like to see you again."
JT looked shocked.
"Really?!"
"Yeah! You are so fun to be with, and you make me relax. You're a good guy in my book."
She softly kissed his cheek.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah…" JT said, dazed.
When Sophia got back into the car, Craig through a fit.
"You kissed him?!"
"On the cheek. what's the big deal?"
"I can't stand that guy, Sophia. And you are an old, and good friend of mine. I don't think you should get involved with him."
"Thanks for your honesty, but I'm a big girl now. I don't need advice when it comes to relationships. Especially yours."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"What do you think it means, Craig?"
"Whatever."
They were silent all the way to Craig's house. 'Ugh I'm such a bitch! I really need to lighten up, but I hate taking shit from people.' Sophia thought as Craig opened the door and got out.
"I'll see you tomorrow." He said, slamming the door.
"Ughh…." Sophia laid her head against the steering wheel before driving off to her house.
"Wow. I look hot. And wild!" She said, shaking her hair.
Looking at her watch, she decided to go to school a little early so she could mingle. Grabbing her bag, she raced down the steps, out the door, into her car, and drove ten miles over the speed limit all the way to school. Getting out of the car, she took one last look at herself, and smiled. Walking towards the school, she saw JT, Emma, Manny, Liberty, and Toby sitting at a picnic table. She changed her direction and went to them. She stood at the head of the table and placed her hands on her bare waist, waiting for someone to say something.
"Hey So-so-so…" JT was having trouble talking and looking at her at the same time.
"Phia." Manny finished for him. She eyed her, making mental notes."
"Sophia, why don't you join us?" Liberty offered.
"I'd love to, but I have some people I need to talk to before school starts, just wanted to say hi!"
Before leaving, she bent down and closed JT's dropped mouth and ran a finger across his lip.
"Your drooling." She winked and left.
"Wow Manny, I think you rubbed off on her." Liberty said.
"No. I have a feeling that she's been like this for awhile. But I can't be sure, now can I?" Emma said.
Manny just crossed her arms and made a "humph" sound. Toby was still laughing at JT. Sophia made sure to sway her hips extra today when she walked, going to her locker, she saw Craig walking her way with a shorter boy, with black straight hair. He stopped at her locker, trying extra hard not to make it obvious he was shocked by the way she looked. He knew that was what she wanted.
"Hey Sophia. This is Marco."
The boy with straight black hair extended his hand to her, she put her hand in his.
"Hi, I'm Sophia Carlson."
"So I've heard. I'm Marco Del Rossi."
"Grade eleven?"
"Grade eleven."
"Awesome."
Spinner came running up behind Craig and Marco and rested his hands on there shoulders, sticking his head between theirs.
"Hey guys what's up?" He glanced back and forth at them, and then at Sophia.
"Whoa, Sophia, you could give Manny a run for her money, back in the old days."
"I'm just going to take that as a compliment."
"You should. It means you're hot."
"Who's hot?" Sophia turned to see who said that. She was face to face with a girl shorter than her, with long blonde hair. Spinner pushed past the boys and put an arm around the girl.
"You are hunny bear."
The girl smirked and walked away, dragging Spinner with her. Sophia turned back around and shut her locker.
"I'll catch up with you guys later."
She walked away, headed for the hallway where the grade ten's had lockers. Spotting her prey, she stopped for a moment, thinking things through. She continued walking and leaned against a locker next to the open one. She was next to the door, so the person going through the locker couldn't see her. She shut the locker, and the boy jumped back, not wanting his hand to get caught in it.
"Sophia. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Promise not to drool this time?"
"ha, ha." JT laughed nervously.
"There was a purple sign outside the school talking about a rave tonight. Go with me."
JT gulped and blinked, hard, making sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Like a date?"
"Yes, JT, like a date."
"It would be an honor."
"Can you drive?"
"Um…no…"
"That's okay, give me your address and I'll pick you up at nine."
Sophia pulled a pen out of her back pocket and held out her hand. JT took the pen and scribbled his address down on her hand. She took back the pen and smiled, as the bell rang.
"See you tonight, James Tiberius."
JT's cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
"Hey, who told you that!"
He yelled after her. She just shrugged as she walked away.
Entering the Media Immersion lab, she stopped at Mr. Simpson's desk.
"Mr. Simpson, nice shirt."
Sophia had learned that a simple comment like that every now and then put you on a teachers good side.
"Thank you, Sophia. Who's wearing the other half of yours?"
She turned and looked at him, offended.
"I'm kidding! I know I know, it's the style. I was just playing with you."
"Right."
She smiled and went to her seat. When class started, Mr. Simpson had everyone open up a blank word document as he began to describe what they were going to work on today. An instant message popped up on her screen.
OverXposed: Hey. It's Craig.
SexySophie: What do you want. If I get in trouble I'll kill you.
OverXposed: Don't worry, Simpson doesn't come around to check until we start working.
SexySophie: I said what do you want?
OverXposed: Why are you being so hostile?
SexySophie: we aren't best buds, Craig. You are like everyone else here to me now, someone I am trying to get to know. You're a different person. I am, too.
OverXposed: I just wanted to know if you were doing anything tonight. I wanted to get together, you know, talk. Sort some stuff out.
SexySopihe: We have nothing to sort out.
OverXposed: Could you just tell me why you are so mad at me?
SexySophie: you left me Craig. Against your will, I know, but you stopped trying to contact me.
OverXposed: I'm sorry.
SexySophie: To answer your question, yes, I am doing something tonight, so we can't get together tonight.
OverXposed: What are you doing?
SexySophie: Who are you my mom?
OverXposed: no, just interested. Sorry.
SexySpohie: sigh if you MUST know, I'm going to a rave. With JT Yorke. Know him?
OverXposed: Yeah. Don't like him much either. Too immature. Childish.
SexySophie: good thing you aren't the one going out with him tonight. I'll talk to you later.
Sophia turned off the instant message program and listened to the last of Mr. Simpson's lecture.
Sophia was walking down the hallway, on her way to lunch. She had more confidence than anyone could wish for. She smiled with each step, waved to people she knew, and people she didn't know. She was almost to the cafeteria, when someone gripped her upper arm and yanked her into a classroom, closing the door fast.
"Hey! What's the big idea! Who the hell do you thin- Craig? I am so out of here."
Sophia turned and put a hand on the door.
"Wait! Come on. Two minutes. No interruptions. That's all I want."
"Okay. Start."
"Sophia, this is fucking ridiculous, and, honestly, it is pissing me the hell off. I don't know why you are so angry with me, yes I stopped writing, I'm sorry, but isn't it understandable? My dad died. I was going through a lot of shit, and I couldn't talk to anyone about it. And once I stopped, I thought it would be weird just to send a letter out of the blue. I'm so sorry. But I really wish we could get over this. I really wish YOU could get over this."
"Times up. Craig, I just moved here. Why can't I just treat you the way I'm treating everyone else?"
"Because I'm not like anyone else! I know you!"
"Correction. You knew me. I'm different. a lot. It has been a long time."
"So, we can't be friends?"
Sophia took a step back.
"What? When did I say that? I want to be your friend, I am drawn to you because I want to know all about who you are, now. But you have to let me know other people too, Craig. We can be friends, alright? And we will be."
"Okay."
Craig sighed, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of his chest. Craig moved past Sophia to leave.
"Craig?"
He turned around, hand still on the doorknob.
"Next time you want to do some rompin' in an empty classroom, let me know ahead of time."
She winked. He laughed.
"By the way, I don't like your new clothes."
"You sound like my mother!"
She jabbed him in the abdomen and ran out the door, him follow suit shortly after.
Sophia had been trying on outfits for an hour and a half. She just wasn't satisfied. She had this dire, desperate NEED to look better than every girl that was going to be at the rave. And that's exactly what she wanted to do. It's not that she was a slut, or even dressed like one. 'So what if I have a low self esteem? This is how I feel better about myself. If nobody likes it, they can go screw themselves.' She finally found and outfit. She slipped on high-heeled shoes that were obviously inspired by Chuck Taylor Converses. A ruffled green skirt, made of towel fabric, a light pink long sleeve shirt with an 'S' on it, and a green baseball cap that said 'John Deere'. Looking in the mirror, she definitely knew she didn't match. But what the hell. Grabbing a wad of one dollar bills, she went to her car and drove to JT's house. Pulling into the driveway, she didn't even have to go get him. He shot out of the door like a race horse, zooming to the car and hopping in.
"Hey."
"Hi! You ready to let loose?"
"With you? Yes!"
They laughed and sang along to the radio on the way to the rave. Arriving, Sophia had to park a block away. Obviously it was packed. There was also a huge line, which didn't make Sophia so happy.
"What the hell. We are going to be out here for fricken ever."
JT just looked at her, not knowing what to do. He scanned the line.
"hey! There's Manny! let's go way up there, it'll be much faster."
"If it gets us in faster…"
JT grabbed her arm and dragged her to were Manny was standing, pretty close to the front.
"Hey Manny." Sophia said flatly.
"Sophia. Ever been to a rave before?" Manny said, almost laughing looking at the way she was dressed.
"Manny. Ever been to an abortion clinic before?" She shot back. Manny shut her mouth as JT stepped between them.
"Ladies ladies ladies! Save the energy for the dancing."
Sophia crossed her arms and practically threw five dollars at the door man when she was entering. But once she got in, she let go of her tensity and pulled JT with her to the center of the mass of people, throwing her arms in the air and dancing like she had never danced before. JT got thirsty really fast.
"Sophia!" He screamed.
"Yeah?" She yelled back.
"Let's go get some water!"
"Okay!"
Sophia danced as she and JT walked to the counter where water was stocked to the high heavens. After grabbing a bottle each, they went out into the lounge and sat down for a break.
"Having fun?" JT asked her.
"mmhmm." She mumbled, swallowing the water she had just dumped into her mouth.
"I uh….I'm really glad you asked me to come with you." JT told Sophia, fiddling with his water bottle.
Sophia smiled and put a hand to her chest.
"Why, JT Yorke, I do declare you're quite taken with me!" She said, in a mock, southern belle accent.
He blushed, but wasn't about to let her get away with that.
"I'm about as taken with as I am with…Toby?"
"Oh come ON JT. I barely know you, but I am aware that you can do so much better than that."
"Sorry, I have trouble talking when I'm with you."
"…why?"
He laughed nervously and stood.
"hey, is that Nelly I hear? Come on, let's go 'get our eagle on!'"
Before she could protest, JT ran back out into the crowd, so Sophia decided to just follow. Sophia had trouble taking her eyes off of JT. He was such a goof ball. He didn't talk the club scene serious, at all. He would booty dance or mock other people, which would make Sophia laugh so hard it hurt. Just over his shoulder, she saw Craig pushing past people, obviously coming their way. She was just about to drag JT off to somewhere else to avoid him, when she spotted Manny throwing herself in his path. 'Yes.' She said to herself.
At about 11:45, there was an announcement from the DJ.
"Hey hey hey! Everybody, thanks for jamming at the rave tonight, but we gotta close down in fifteen minutes. Make the most of it, and don't forget to come to next weeks rave with DJ Dizzy Jams!"
Everybody screamed.
"JT!" Sophia yelled into his ear.
"Yeah?"
"Let's go, I don't want to get crushed when everybody has to leave!"
"Okay!"
As they headed for the door, Sophia thought she was successful in avoiding Craig that night. Entering the street, they ran to her car, to find Craig standing against it.
"Craig?" Sophia said, squinting.
"Yeah, it's me. I was wondering if I could get a ride home."
Sophia looked over at JT.
"Sure."
She pushed the button on her keys and the car beeped, signaling it was unlocked. Craig opened the door and got in the front seat, leaving JT and Sophia looking at each other. When he shut the door, they talked quickly.
"Don't worry about it, Sophia. It's just a seat."
"Whatever. I've had it up to here with him."
JT got in the back seat and Sophia got in the driver's seat. They arrived at JT's house first.
"I'll be right back," She spat at Craig, exiting the car and walking to JT's door.
"Did we switch roles or something, because I thought the guy was supposed to walk the girl to the door?" JT asked, jokingly.
"Listen JT, I had a lot of fun. I'd like to see you again."
JT looked shocked.
"Really?!"
"Yeah! You are so fun to be with, and you make me relax. You're a good guy in my book."
She softly kissed his cheek.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah…" JT said, dazed.
When Sophia got back into the car, Craig through a fit.
"You kissed him?!"
"On the cheek. what's the big deal?"
"I can't stand that guy, Sophia. And you are an old, and good friend of mine. I don't think you should get involved with him."
"Thanks for your honesty, but I'm a big girl now. I don't need advice when it comes to relationships. Especially yours."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"What do you think it means, Craig?"
"Whatever."
They were silent all the way to Craig's house. 'Ugh I'm such a bitch! I really need to lighten up, but I hate taking shit from people.' Sophia thought as Craig opened the door and got out.
"I'll see you tomorrow." He said, slamming the door.
"Ughh…." Sophia laid her head against the steering wheel before driving off to her house.