Sophie was in shock; she couldn't believe what she had just read. Aiden didn't like her. He was obsessed with Katie. She guessed at what they were doing now together, alone in Aiden's bedroom. She felt anger as well as heartbreak. Why couldn't she have been able to tell? Why wasn't she a big flirt like Katie?

"Sophie! Aiden wants to talk with you," Katie called from Aiden's doorway.

Sophie clutched the journal in her hands as she raced up the stairs, hiding the journal behind her back as she entered. She put on a calm face as she sat down across from Aiden on his bed. Aiden idly ran his fingers through his hair, eyes focused on nothing. "I met your mom," she ventured.

Aiden wrinkled his nose, avoiding Sophie's eyes. "My mom's… anyway, I apologize for her behavior," Aiden grinned wryly, "I bet she said the same thing about me."

Sophie almost blushed. "It was unnecessary for her to do that."

Aiden nodded, "You're right. Sometimes I hate my mom so much."

Sophie felt a twinge of pity for the boy, even as her heart was breaking. "Don't say things like that," she whispered, choking back tears. She wanted to run away from Aiden, scream at him, or do anything to show him that she was the one for him. But no, she didn't. She wanted to watch him suffer as he rejected her. But he won't be rejecting me, because he never knew I was interested, she thought.

Aiden took a breath nervously, "Sophie, Katie reminded me that I had to make the choice, and I believe I have finally come to a conclusion."

Sophie felt a twinge of confusion. From what I read, it doesn't sound like there's much debate to be held, she thought.

"After talking it over with Katie, she helped me realize what really needed to be done."

Your journal was a lie? There's hope! Oh, Aiden, you can see it now! You can see that I really care for you!

"We've decided to paint my room purple."

"What?" Sophie was completely taken aback.

Aiden laughed, the serious expression on his face melting into one of pure joy, "I'm kidding! Sophie, I'm so excited! I asked Katie out and she said yes! Aren't you so happy? I've got a girlfriend!"

God, Aiden, how many times are you going to break my heart! Sophie threw the journal at him and shouted, "I know, Aiden! I don't care, either." Sophie gasped. She didn't mean to say that.

Aiden looked at her with hurt eyes, "You read my journal."

Sophie couldn't speak; sobs were wracking her body so violently.

"So can you tell me why you kissed me, then?" Aiden asked impartially.

Sophie stood and looked at Aiden with defiant, though wet, eyes and declared, "Because I loved you."

Aiden was dumbfounded.

Sophie ran out of the room, slamming the door as she went. She jogged down the hall and down the stairs as she wiped her eyes. Looking around, she saw Katie and Marilyn chatting amiably with one another. Sophie approached as they looked up. "Excuse me," she said. "It's time to go."

Katie said her good-byes to Marilyn as Sophie began walking to the front door. The girls pulled on their shoes, said thank you to Marilyn for her hospitality, and walked to the car. Sophie turned her head to look up at Aiden's window, but all she saw were the red curtains.

Katie and Sophie got in the car and they drove away. Katie messed with her CD player until 'All I Ask of You (Reprise)' came on. Sophie listened to Gerard Butler's voice silently. She preferred Michael Crawford. As the girls got on the highway, the Phantom sang, "He was bound to love you when he heard you sing."

Sophie's heart sank once more. Rub it in, why don't you, she thought. Then Sophie raised her head and stared out the window, watching Aiden's house and all of her dreams fade into the distance.

Wow, that was totally cliche... Anyway, that's the end of my story! I've always wanted to write a story in which the protagonist doesn't come out on top (as if that were novelty). But I have a surprise for you guys! It's a wonderful thing called an epilogue! So come back tomorrow!