Isaac

I am speaking to David in the Fishbowl when everyone around me begins clapping and cheering. I look over to see Sophie walking gingerly down the stairs with her parents and Cole at her side, supporting her. Her eye catches mine briefly, and I am shocked by what I see. Gone is the spontaneous, carefree Sophie. She is replaced by a ghost of her former self. When they get to the bottom of the stairs, several of the contestants welcome her back.

Beth is right. Sophie's changed so much. I can't break up with her when she's in such a fragile state. I've been so selfish. I'm going to have to be patient and wait until the timing's right.

Beth is greeting Sophie with a careful hug, and I see Peter has joined her.

She steps back and ... lets him put his arm around her? I feel a deep ache. I can't believe after what we shared last night, she's letting him put his arm around her! She knows I'm just waiting for Sophie to recover to make my move. She knows how I feel. Why would she do that?

In a moment, I see my dreams slipping away. I wish I could undo the past. I wish I could go back to when I first saw Beth sitting outside David's office in her jeans with that silly streak of dirt on her face. I wish I would have swept her into my arms and loved her properly so she would never want to let go.

If she felt half of what I'm feeling when she saw me kissing Sophie, it's no wonder she wanted to cut me off. She must have been in such agony. I feel her pain in mine, and I wish I had protected her from it, but I also feel angry she's putting me through this now. She knows where I stand. If she wasn't interested, why didn't she just stop me last night and tell me she wanted to be with Peter?

I can't bear to see Peter looking tenderly down at Beth like that. His intentions are clear. He's buying Malcolm Estate, taking her to expensive concerts, showering her with flowers and attention. He's a man much like David, used to getting his own way. Peter seems determined to pursue Beth, and a man like that can be very persuasive. Doesn't she know she's playing with fire? Doesn't she care that I'm the one getting burned?

Suddenly I realize Cole, Sophie, Peter and Beth are all staring at me. I shift uncomfortably. What's going on here?

Sophie is walking toward me. Alone.

"Hello, Sophie," I say quietly as she approaches me. She is wearing clothes that cover most of her damaged body. I see a little bit of scarring along her neck.

"Hi, Isaac." She tries to smile, but it slips away as fast as it comes.

"So," we both say at the same time, then laugh self-consciously.

"You go first," I say.

"I just wanted to apologize for not listening to you about the dog. If I had, none of this would have happened," she says.

I shake my head.

"No need to apologize," I say. "Sometimes things just happen. How are you feeling?"

"Better. I have ups and downs. I'm glad to be home, finally. Staying at the hospital has been tough, but it's also given me time to examine my life. You want to know the first thought that ran through my head when I realized how bad the damage was? I may never look good in a bikini again. Seriously, how shallow is that!? I've decided it's time I got more serious about my business instead of partying so much."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to visit you at the hospital," I say.

She waves her hand.

"Don't worry about it. Beth explained it to me. I know you were needed in Africa. Besides, Cole visited several times and took good care of me."

"He did?" I look over at Cole, bewildered. He's talking with Beth and Peter, so I can't read his expression.

"Isaac, I am so sorry to tell you this, but I need to break up with you."

I stand there in stunned silence.

Can it be possible that Sophie is actually releasing me?

"Having Cole visit me so much at the hospital has changed everything. It's the first time I've had a guy support me through something really difficult, and I like that feeling. The more I thought about it, the most I realized we aren't right for each other. Cole's asked me out, and I want to date him. You aren't mad at me, are you? Say something, Isaac. Tell me I'm not breaking your heart."

"You're not," I say. She looks relieved. "I've been feeling the same way, that this isn't really working. You are an amazing woman, Sophie. I'm glad you found someone you like. I just hope you won't be too hard on yourself. If being with Cole makes you happy, I'm glad."

Sophie kisses my cheek, then returns to Cole.

I am reeling in the wake of this revelation. This changes everything. I'm free now, free to explore a new relationship, free to pursue Beth.

I turn toward her, but she doesn't turn toward me. Why won't she look at me?

Peter still has his arm around her and is idly playing with her hair. Jealousy floods me. This is torture. Beth knows about Sophie and Cole. She has to! Why does she allow Peter to stand so near? Why is she allowing him to touch her like that after our heated kiss last night? I was blown away by the kiss. I thought she felt the same way, but apparently I was wrong.

Maybe David has it wrong. Maybe even though Sophie's moved on, Beth still wants to be with Peter more than me.

Then why did she let me kiss her?

None of this makes any sense.

I can't bear to watch them anymore. I need to be alone for awhile. 

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Please click that star and show this story some love! <3

Poor Isaac. I feel for him.

So, I am currently in Boston with my family on vacation (and also squeezing in some research). Next week I will be in Cambridge and Lexington exploring some of the sites from this story. I'm pretty excited to check it out. :) Do any of you have fun vacation plans?

Dedication for this chapter goes out to StephanieSwainston. Thanks for all your support for my stories. I appreciate it! <3