SOPHIA WRIGHT

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"Good morning!", someone greeted me. I turned around and I saw Ken approaching me.

"Good morning.", I greeted back. 

"How's it going? Do you remember what I said few days back?", he asked. Suddenly, I remembered the time when he confessed to me.

"Why?", I asked.

"I want an answer.", he whispered. He wants a what?! He didn't even say anything besides confessing what he felt. Or does confessing to someone need an answer? How should I know?

"Good morning!", someone greeted my. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder. I looked up and saw my best friend. A wave of relief had hit me.

"Morning.", I greeted back. Florence, you're a life saver. I sighed as the feeling of nervousness left me.

"Let's go? We'll be late for first period.", Florence said while looking intensely at Ken. It's like they were in a contest or something. Trust me, anyone could tell.

"Yeah. Let's go.", I replied. Florence and I walked away leaving Ken behind.While walking, I pulled away.

"People might think we're darting.", I said. He just smiled sweetly at me and he took his arm away.

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FLORENCE JOHNSON

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"Alright!", the music teacher called our attention, "The music festival is just right around the corner. I'll give you an assignment for the occasion.", the music teacher said. I heard all my classmates sounds of depression.

"Alright. I want you guys to choose the best musician during the competition. One thing, Sophia Wright will be representing for our class so you will not be allowed to choose her. Instead, choose other musicians and explain why you chose them.", the music teacher said. I heard the whispers of my classmates like can sophia play music? I never heard her play before. Aww man we're gonna loose for sure.I was pissed off and I stood up. I couldn't bear them insulting Sophia like that.

"She'll win. If not, I'm sure she'll not embarrass our class! So stop insulting her like you know her!", I yelled at my classmates. Everybody went silent and I sat back down. I didn't care about the strares or the glares I got. I just didn't want anybody making fun of my best friend.

"Anyway,", our teacher clears her throat, " let's give her a lot of support. That's all. I'll dismiss you early for today.", our teacher said as she hurriedly exited the classroom. I took my bag and exited the room as well. Time went by so fast to the point where it was five in the afternoon, there were only a few students left, and I was still waiting for Sophia to come. 

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SOPHIA WRIGHT

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"Thanks Mrs. Willis. I'll really do my best.", I said and she just smiled at me. I went out of the music room and since the windows along the hallway was opened, a lot of girls were screaming and running towards a certain place. It was as if they had seen a celebrity. I didn't mind though. I just sighed and walked my way to the parking lot where Florence was waiting for me.

"Hey.", Ken greeted. I stopped on my toes and looked at him. Oh yeah. I forgot about what to say! My mind has been focused on the music today that I totally forgot.

"Hi.", I greeted back.

"How's practice?", he asked.

"Pretty good.", I replied. Why was it so awkward to be with him? But how come I kind of felt happy that he was here?

"Cool. Do you want to go grab some crepes?", he asked. 

"I have to go. Florence is waiting for me outside.", I replied but Ken blocked my path.

"What?", I asked.

"Aren't you forgetting something?", he asked. I took a huge gulp and looked to my right side.

"I'm not forgetting anything.", I replied. What an obvious lie. Good job Sophia... good job.

"Yes you are. What about your answer?", he asked. He was faintly blushing and I could tell that he was embarrassed. How cute. Wait what?! 

"Oh.", was all I could muster up.He was looking at me intensely. I didn't know how to respond. Heck, I don't even know how to answer. Maybe I should just apologize and tell him I'm still thinking about it. 

"Ken, I'm sorry but - ", I was cut off when he placed his palm right infront of my face.

"Stop. I get it. I get your point. No need to explain further. That's already enough for me to know your answer.", he said. What? I didn't even get to finish yet. Ken's face was sad like something devastating happened to him. I was about to call him when all of a sudden, someone called my name. Ken was nowhere to be seen and I turned around only to see him again.

"Brandon?", I said in surprise.

"Hey! Long time no see!", he greeted with a smile. I smiled back at him.

"Yeah. It's been awhile. How's it going?", I asked.

"Pretty good. Business as usual. How about you?", he asked.

"Same old, same old.", I replied.

"How about him? How is he?", Brandon asked. Him? Him who? Does he mean Florence?

"You mean Florence? Oh, he's doing fine.", I replied.

"So, who was that guy?", he asked. Did he see Ken and I talking awhile ago? Rather, did he hear us?!

"That was my friend, Ken.", I plainly replied.

"I see. It looked like he was doing a confession of his feelings for you.", Brandon said. Looks like? Well, I guess he didn't hear us. I didn't even tell Florence that Ken confessed to me.

"Nah. That wouldn't happen.", I replied with a chuckle. Unconciously, I now found myself at the parking lot and I saw Florence coming towards Brandon and I.

"You were hanging out?", Florence asked. I think he was controlling himself.

"We just met at the hallway. I just walked with her. Don't worry, I didn't do anything.", Brandon replied. 

"Anyway, it was nice seeing you again Brandon.", I said.

"You too. By the way, I want to invite you to my engagement party. Florence can come too.", Brandon said. Florence and I looked at him and then at each other with shocked looks.

"WHAT?!", Florence and I simultaneously asked. Brandon laughed and calmed us down.

"Yeah. I'm engaged now so Florence doesn't need to be suspicious if both of us hang out for tea or something.", Brandon explained.

"Man, you changed a whole lot.", Florence said.

"I'll take that as a compliment and indeed I did. It's thanks to Sophia that I'm now this man standing infront of you.", Brandon replied.

"Congratulations! Although it's really surprising and unbelievable, I'm happy for you.", I said.

"Does anyone else know?", Florence asked annd Brandon shook his head.

"Oh. So, you don't want us telling everybody about your engagement?", I asked and Brandon nodded. Florence and I smiled and we reassured him that we'll keep it a secret.

"Thanks. I have to go. I just came here to visit.", Brandon said as he waved at us and rode inside his sports car. He drove off leaving Florence and I speechless.

"Well, we'll just support him all we can.", Florence said and I nodded in agreement. We placed our bags on the basket and I sat on the chair behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he started to paddle. My surrounding environment was getting darker by the minute as the honking of the cars went on and on and the lights illuminated the city. I rested my head on Florence's back and just looked at the things infront of me that passed by. 

"Hey.", I said.

"Yeah?", he replied.

"Have you ever confessed to someone before?", I asked. I felt his body stiffen.

"Huh? I never tried it. Why?", he asked.

"Oh. Nothing really.", I replied.

"Are you sure?", he asked. I wasn't sure if I should tell Florence about Ken's confession but since he's my best friend, I didn't want to hid anything from him anymore.

"No.", I replied. Florence was quiet for awhile. He made a detour and we ended up at a seashore. It was deserted and we were the only ones here. Florence and I got off the bicycle and we walked along the seashore.

"What's wrong?", he asked.

"You see... Ken actually confessed to me.", I said.

"When?", he asked.

"Last week? It's been awhile now.", I replied. Florence was quiet.

"Why aren't you saying anything?", I asked.

"I'm looking for the right words to say.", he replied.

"Why?", I asked.

"Because I don't want you getting hurt again.", Florence replied. My eyes widened in surprise of his unexpected answer and my heart began to pace again. 

"Sophia, you know that I will support you with whatever answer you will give him, right?", he asked and I nodded. Florence was my very supportive best friend and I wound't deny that.

"But think about it first. Do you even know him that much?", he asked and I shook my head.

"Do you get this happy feeling when he's there with you?", he asked again.

"A little.", I replied. Florence looked down and sighed. What was wrong? Why is he looking upset?

"Do you like him?", Florence asked. I felt like my uconcious being was controlling me. I was silent for awhile but I replied.

"Yes." I gasped and I looked at Florence. He looked very upset. He had the same expression when I told him about Brandon before. I didn't know what he was thinking. I didn't know how he was feeling. But to be honest, I like Ken. 

"Then I think you already know your answer.", Florence said as he walked towards his bicycle leaving me behind. I know my answer? I know my answer... my answer... answer. I looked at Florence's back. It looked lonely for some reason. I felt the urge to hug him from behind but I think this isn't the right time to do it. He was upset and I didn't know why. I approached him and he smiled at me.

"Let's go home?", he said as he flashed me a pained smile. I just nodded for I couldn't find the right words to say. It was a silent ride home and Florence didn't even say a single word to me. He went back to his house and I went inside my house. I ate dinner, took a bath, did my homework, and practiced with my flute but I hadn't recieved a single email from my best friend. The night passed and I woke up the next day. I checked my phone and there wasn't a single email coming from him. I sighed and I got up. I got ready for school and my mom called me for breakfast. After getting ready, I rushed down the stairs and ate breakfast. 

"I have to go or I'll be late.", I said.

"Dear, today is a Sunday.", my mom said. Eh? Today is a Sunday? My face turned red from embarrassment and my mom was trying her best to hold her laughter. 

"Ugh! Please tell me ahead of time mom.", I said as I hurried back to my room. I changed into a tank top and jean shorts. I tied my hair up into a bun and I took my flute. A flashback of what happened yesterday came into my mind and I knew that I couldn't concentrate practicing so I just returned my flute back to its case. I lied back down in my bed and my phone rang. I sat up in surprise and I immediately opened it.

Morning. How was your sleep? - Florence

A smile formed on my lips and I opened the window. To my surprise, he was already there like he was just waiting for me to open my window.

"Were you waiting for me?", I asked and he nodded.

"How long?", I asked.

"Doesn't matter.", he replied.

"Hey.", I said and he looked at me. 

"Are you okay?", I asked and he just smiled at me.

"Yeah I am.", he replied. Judging by his looks, I think he didn't want me to be concerned about yesterday.

"So, wanna go grab something to eat?", I asked.

"Sure. Meet me downstairs.", he said and I nodded. We closed our windows and I wore my high cut converse shoes. I took my wallet and my phone and hurried down the stairs.

"Oh. Going out?", my mom asked.

"Yeah. I'm going somewhere with Florence. I'll be home before dinner.", I said and my mom nodded. I went outside and Florence was already sitting on the chair in our porch.

"Did you teleport?", I asked.

"Hmm... I guess I did.", he replied.

"Whatever.", I replied.

"You look beautiful.", he said. I blushed and I turned away.

"This is the first time I'm seeing you wear shorts when you go out and you look beautiful.", Florence said.

"Thanks. I didn't have anything else I could wear.", I replied.

"You look good in anything you wear anyway.", he said. Stop making me so flustered!

"Anyway, let's go.", I said. 

"Alright, Ms. Beautiful who dressed up just for me.", he teased.

"No I did not!", I replied. Florence just laughed and I pouted. 

"I'm sorry.", Florence apologized and he wrapped his right arm around my shoulders.

"Let's go.", he said and I nodded. Ugh. Why do you make me so flustered? It pissing me off. I was blushing so hard that I hoped he didn't notice. Calling me beautiful made me happy though. 

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