~A LOVE UNWAVERING~

~The best is yet to come~

- Robert Browning

Song - Dusk till Dawn by ZAYN ft Sia

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Aubrey and Sophie walked out of the barbershop, the bright sunlight a stark contrast to the dimly lit interior they had just left. Sophie's eyes scanned the crowded street, her gaze darting nervously as she clutched the head sock tightly around her shaved head. Aubrey, sensing her unease, wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with concern.

Sophie nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I just feel so humiliated."

Aubrey pulled her closer, his grip tightening. "You have nothing to be humiliated about, Soph. You're still the same beautiful person I fell in love with."

Sophie's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed up at Aubrey. She felt so insecure, like he wouldn't love her anymore because of her new appearance. But Aubrey's words and actions reassured her that his love was unwavering.

They hailed a taxi, and Aubrey opened the door for Sophie, allowing her to slide in first. He followed closely behind, giving the taxi driver a nod of greeting.

"Where to?" the taxi driver asked, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of his passengers.

Aubrey leaned forward, his voice clear. "We're headed to Stanford University, please. The main entrance will be fine."

The taxi driver nodded, his eyes lingering on Sophie for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. Sophie felt a surge of self-consciousness, her eyes darting to the rearview mirror to meet the taxi driver's gaze.

She quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Aubrey, sensing her discomfort, reached out and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

The taxi driver, seemingly oblivious to the awkwardness he had caused, began to chat idly about the traffic and the weather. Aubrey responded politely, but Sophie remained quiet, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

As they drove, Sophie couldn't shake the feeling of being stared at. She felt like a specimen under a microscope, with the taxi driver's gaze scrutinizing her every feature. She knew it was irrational – the taxi driver was just doing his job, after all – but she couldn't help the way she felt.

Aubrey, sensing her tension, leaned in close and whispered, "Hey, you okay? You seem a little upset."

"I'm fine," she whispered back. "Just a little tired, that's all."

Aubrey's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he simply wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close in a gentle hug.

They walked into their dorm room and Aubrey closed the door behind him. Sophie couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness. She hated the way she looked, hated the way the wind stung her scalp, hated the way people stared at her on the street.

"Time for your medicine," Aubrey said, measuring the amount of thick liquid in a spoon.

"Do I have to?"

Aubrey nodded. "Yes, you do. It's essential for your recovery."

Sophie sighed, reluctantly opening her mouth as Aubrey administered the medicine. She made a face, the taste bitter and unpleasant.

Aubrey chuckled. "I know it's not the best-tasting stuff, but trust me, it's worth it."

Sophie glared at him, her eyes studying his facials. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Maybe a lil'. But only because I know it's making you better."

Sophie rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. Despite her initial reluctance, she had to admit that Aubrey's care and concern made her feel loved and cherished.

As the days passed, Sophie grew accustomed to Aubrey's ministrations. He fed her, bathed her, and even helped her with her physical therapy exercises. Sophie's body slowly began to heal, but her spirit remained fragile.

Aubrey sensed her emotional vulnerability and responded with compassion and empathy. He listened to her fears and anxieties, offering words of comfort and reassurance. He held her when she cried, his arms a safe haven from the storms raging within her.

"It'll be alright." Aubrey's words seemed to be a repetition in Sophie's ears. She knew deep down that she wouldn't be alright.

"I'm scared," she whispered, while leaning on Aubrey's shoulder as they sat on her bed together.

Aubrey looked down at her face, she stared blankly at the bathroom door. "Don't be."

"I can't help it," Sophie said in a hoarse voice. "I feel endangered. Julian's out looking for me, while running from the cops. And my time on earth is limited. I just can't help but feel suffocated, like I'm slowly dying."

"Sophie-"

"I need to use the bathroom," she said, cutting him off.

Aubrey's face fell, his eyes filled with a deep sadness as he looked at Sophie. He could see the fear and desperation etched on her face, and it broke his heart. He felt helpless, unable to take away the pain and terror that Sophie was experiencing.

"Sophie, please," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Don't say things like that. You're not dying. I won't let anything happen to you."

But Sophie just shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I need to use the bathroom," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aubrey nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He watched her walk into the bathroom and he couldn't help but feel a sense of despair wash over him. He felt like he was losing Sophie, like she was slipping away from him and he couldn't do anything to stop it.

Sophie sighed, placing both hands on the sink. Her eyes met the mirror and she was shocked by her reflection. Not like she was surprised, she just wondered - whatever happened to that beautiful and brave girl she once knew? Her eyes sunken, her skin pale and dry, her shaved head making her appear gaunt and frail. She felt a pang of despair, as she rubbed her bald head softly - tears streaming down her face.

There was a knock on the door, and Sophie tried to respond, but her voice caught in her throat. Nonetheless, Aubrey opened the door and slightly peeked in. He saw the tears in Sophie's eyes, and his heart sank.

He walked closer to her, wrapping his arms around her slim waist.
"You're still beautiful to me, Soph," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, making her shut her eyes and a tear fell out. "Inside and out."

"You're biased," she said, her voice trembling.

Aubrey's chuckle sounded sad and he cleared his throat. "Maybe. But it's the truth. You're not defined by your physical appearance, Sophie. You're so much more than that."

Sophie's heart swelled with emotion as she gazed up at Aubrey in the mirror. She knew he was right. She was more than her physical body. She was a strong, resilient person, capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Aubrey turned Sophie to face him, with a serious expression etched on his face.

"I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what," he said, his voice filled with emotion, as he held her cheeks. "I love you, Sophie, not just for who you are today, but for who you've been and who you're going to be. You're strong, resilient, and beautiful. And I'm honored to be your partner in every sense of the word."

Sophie's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Aubrey. She felt seen and heard, understood and accepted. "I love you too, Aubrey."

Aubrey laughed softly, blinking back tears. "I know you do," he said, pulling her into a gentle hug. "And I'm going to be here for you, every step of the way."

Sophie cried out, her voice echoing in the bathroom, as she hugged Aubrey back. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"Me too," Aubrey said, as tears fell out of his eyes.

After crying immensely in each other's arms, their tears slowly began to subside, replaced by a sense of determination and urgency. Aubrey pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed, and looked at Sophie with a fierce intensity.

"We're going to make the most of the time we have left, Soph," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. "We're going to create a bucket list, of all the things you've always wanted to do, all the things that make you happy."

Sophie's eyes lit up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Really?" she whispered.

Aubrey nodded, his face set in a determined expression, as he led Sophie out of the bathroom.

"Really," he repeated. "We'll do everything on that list, no matter what it takes. We'll travel, we'll try new foods, we'll watch the sunrise and the sunset together. We'll make every moment count."

Sophie's smile grew, her eyes shining with tears. "I'd love that," she said, as she sat down on Aubrey's bed, next to him.

Aubrey pulled out his phone and opened a note-taking app. "Okay, let's start with the first thing on the list," he said, his eyes locked on Sophie's. "What's something you've always wanted to do, but never had the chance?"

Sophie thought for a moment, a look of concentration on her face. "I've always wanted to have a picnic at the park," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "And also decorate our room for the holiday. Christmas is around the corner, boy."

Aubrey's face lit up with a smile. "That's going on the list," he said, typing away on his phone. "What else?"

Sophie's face grew thoughtful again. "Ooh, I've always wanted to attend a concert," she said. "Lil Baby's."

Aubrey nodded, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "A'ight, a'ight. We'll make sure to get tickets to Lil Baby's next concert in town," he said. "What else?"

As they sat there, making their list, Sophie's face grew more and more radiant. They added things like, "get tattoos," "have a movie marathon in the room together," "try out that new coffee shop downtown," and "go stargazing on the rooftop of the science building."

Their list grew longer and longer, filled with all the things Sophie had always wanted to do.

Aubrey looked at her, his eyes shining with tears. "We're going to do all of these things, Sophie," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "We're going to make every moment count, and we're going to make this time we have left, the best time of our lives."

Sophie nodded with a smile. "There's one last thing I'd like to see."

"What is it?"

"You getting over your fear for the orphanage."

Aubrey's smile faltered, and he looked away, his eyes clouding over with a mix of emotions. Sophie's words had struck a chord, and he felt a pang of guilt and regret.

"Sophie, I..." he started to say, but his voice trailed off. He didn't know how to explain, how to put into words the fear and anxiety that had held him back from visiting that orphanage.

Sophie reached out and took his hand, her touch warm and comforting. "Aubrey, it's okay," she said softly. "I know it's hard for you, but I want you to face your fears. For me, for yourself."

Aubrey looked at Sophie, his eyes searching hers. He saw the sincerity and concern there, and it touched his heart. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over him.

"I'll do it. For you."

Sophie's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she leaned in to hug Aubrey tightly. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.

Aubrey held her close, feeling a sense of peace and resolution wash over him. He knew that facing his fears wouldn't be easy, but it'll make Sophie happy.

And that, he vowed to always do.

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