Sophia’s POV
I sit in my room, surrounded by a stack of unopened mail. I flip through the envelopes absentmindedly, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of internships and career prospects. I have applied to several hospitals, hoping to secure a position for the summer, but the lack of response is beginning to dampen my spirits.
Just as I’m about to give up hope, a notification pops up on my phone screen. It’s an email from Grace Hospital, and my heart skips a beat. I eagerly click on the message, my eyes scanning the words as they appear before me.
“Congratulations!” The email begins. “We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for an internship position at Grace Hospital.”
I can’t believe my luck. Out of all the hospitals I have applied to, it’s Grace Hospital that has responded first. I have heard stories about the intensity and demanding nature of internships there, especially from my friend Lily, who has completed her training at the same institution. But I am determined to gain valuable experience, and the prospect of working at Grace Hospital intrigues me.
Lily’s words echo in my mind, warning me about the long hours, sleepless nights, and relentless challenges that await me. I ponder the potential hardships, weighing them against the invaluable learning opportunities I will gain. Ultimately, I decide that it’s a risk worth taking.
My thoughts turn to the practical aspects of accepting the internship offer. I have found an apartment near Grace Hospital, but before committing to a lease, I need to know the exact schedule I will be working. This acceptance email will provide the crucial information I need to make that decision.
Without wasting another moment, I composed my response. I express my gratitude for the opportunity and convey my excitement to join the team at Grace Hospital. I mention my eagerness to learn and contribute to the hospital’s mission. With a sense of determination and a hint of nervousness, I click the “Send” button, accepting the invitation that will shape my summer and possibly my future.
As the email disappears into the digital abyss, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu.
I remember how I had also applied for surrogacy that year when my father was dying, desperately searching for a way to help him and make a difference. It was during one of our lectures at school that I noticed an advertisement on her laptop. Something about it caught my attention, a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
Now I can’t help but wonder; if I hadn’t thought much of it at the time or remembered the name of the site, would I still have met Alexander? We may not have crossed paths for the rest of our lives.
I sigh, remembering how he suddenly appeared at the dance last night.
It has been a year since I last saw him after he disappeared, and everything went by so fast last night that I could barely keep up. The joy and surprise of seeing him again, the way he hugged and kissed me to show his feelings. I touch my lips, recalling how the kiss felt at the time. I can’t help but flush as I realize that I like this passionate Alexander more than the cold and distant one. My feelings are so overwhelming that I am unable to think of anything else. It feels as though everything that had been bottled up was released since he appeared again last night.
I remember how he suddenly appeared at the dance, out of the blue. I had been lost in the music and the atmosphere, trying to distract myself from the longing I felt for him. And then, there he was, looking at me with those intense eyes that always seemed to hold a hint of mystery. I couldn’t believe my eyes at first, thinking that maybe it was a dream or my imagination playing tricks on me. But as he made his way toward me, a smile forming on his lips, I knew it was real.
He couldn’t stay long and I’m not surprised. It has always been like that with him; busy and always preparing to go for business trips.
As we said our goodbyes, promising to meet again soon, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The feelings that had resurfaced were strong, and I wondered if this reunion was a sign of something more. Had fate brought us back together for a reason? Only time would tell.
Now, sitting in my room, I am consumed by the thoughts of Alexander. The memories of last night flood my mind, and I find myself longing for his presence once again. I replay our conversations, the way he looks at me, and the touch of his hand on mine. It’s as if a floodgate has opened within me, and emotions I thought I had buried resurface with a force I can’t ignore.
But amidst the excitement and hope, a tinge of fear lingers. Will he disappear again, leaving me wondering and longing? Can I trust that this time it’s different? These questions swirl in my mind, challenging the newfound happiness that has blossomed within me.
He hasn’t called nor bothered to drop by since last night, and it makes me concerned. A wave of uncertainty washes over me as I questioned the reality of everything that happened. Was it all just a figment of my imagination? Only a dream from which I don’t want to wake up. The emotions that surged through me in his presence were too intense to be dismissed so easily.
I contemplate reaching out to him, my fingers hovering over my phone. The urge to hear his voice, to confirm that what we shared was real, is strong. But on second thoughts, I change my mind. I don’t want to appear desperate or clingy. I remind myself that he has always been busy, constantly preparing for his business trips. Perhaps he has a valid reason for not contacting me yet.
Instead of dialling his number, I decided to wait. Patience has never been my strong suit, but this time, I need to show restraint.
I haven’t stepped out since morning when I woke up, and for some reason, the house is too quiet. It seems no one is around, and even if they are, they are obviously having a silent fight with me.
Taking a deep breath, I decide to step out of my room and confront the tension that hangs in the air. As I make my way to the living room, the silence becomes palpable, and I find Jake sitting on the couch, engrossed in his video game. He turns to look at me briefly but quickly averts his gaze, deliberately ignoring my presence.
I know exactly why he is acting this way. Jake and Tyler have never been fond of Alexander. They have always resented his presence in my life, seeing him as a distraction or a threat. And it seems that hadn’t changed one bit, considering what happened last night.
But I guess the news of me moving out may have also done more damage.
I approach Jake cautiously, hoping to bridge the gap that has formed between us. “Hey, Jake,” I say, my voice soft and gentle. “Can we talk?”
He sighs and reluctantly pauses his game, giving me a nod of acknowledgement. I take a seat beside him, the tension thick in the room. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s necessary.
“I know you’re still bothered by what happened last night,” I begin, choosing my words carefully. “And I understand why you and Tyler have reservations about Alexander. But, he is someone I’m close to.”
He looks at me. “I’m not mad because of that alone.” He pauses and rephrase his words. “Sure, it’s partly because of that, but it’s not the entire reason.”
“Then what else?”
“Do you have to move out? I didn’t know you wanted to leave. I mean, despite how mad I act most of the time, I actually like having you around, you know?”
I respond, my voice calm yet determined. “It’s not just about whether you like having me here, Jake. There are a few reasons why I feel like I gotta find my own place. First off, it’s just not right for me to keep crashing at guys’ houses. You and your brother have done so much for me when I was in a tough spot, and I can’t keep depending on your kindness forever.”
“But you’re like family, Sophia,” he says. “Why would you want to leave?”
“I have to. Also, I don’t think I can go on with how you keep bringing girls around. It’s actually uncomfortable to listen to your private matters from barely a room away.”
He looks embarrassed and shocked as he tries to speak but I shake my head and insist, “It isn’t that much of a big deal.”
“I can change. I won’t bring them here anymore as long as you promise not to leave me.”
I can’t help but laugh due to his phrasing of the words. It almost makes it seem like I’m breaking up with him and not just moving out.
“I have to, though,” she responds. “I’ve even gotten an apartment already. I came to tell you so you can come along sometime in the evening tomorrow for the housewarming party.”
Then, I stand up to leave, knowing he will try to persuade me but he doesn’t say anything as I return to my room to pack my things.