Hold On Till May
Chapter 16.
Sophia
Spending the past 24 hours with Mike have quite honestly been the best 24 hours in this last month. I was getting to see the old Mike again, the one that would harmlessly flirt with me, but if I wanted to take things further, he wouldn’t allow it. It really was one of my favourite things about him, along with how protective he is.
Today, I had to go back to work, face the music from the others and our manager. I was rather delighted that I wasn’t doing my usual nine to five shift; instead, I was doing nine to one. I didn’t know if I would have coped otherwise, especially as I’m to blame for Craig no longer working there. He was the number one colleague there. Everyone loved working with him, and customers loved being served by him.
Just before entering the store, I sent a text to Mike, asking him if he could meet me at one out side of my work place. I already knew I was going to need him to comfort me after my shift.
Sighing, I placed my phone in my bag, and put on a brave face, as I pushed open the door to the store. I instantly spotted Alexi at the checkout. I smiled softly at her, but got nothing in return. I frowned and walked past her, tugging on my sleeve, making sure it covered my scar from the burn.
I entered the locker room and grabbed my phone again, seeing Mike had replied. I sent him a message back before putting my phone back into my bag and placing my bag in my locker. I brushed my hands over my face, before leaving the locker room and going to clock in.
“Good to have you back Sophia, how you feeling now?”
I jumped and turned around to see Simon, the manager.
“Oh hey, I feel better than what I was. Thank you.” I spoke, smiling softly.
“Well I’m glad. If you would like to get started out there and help Alexi on checkout that would be great.” He smiled.
I nodded and tugged at my sleeves, as I made my way out to the front of the store.
As soon as Alexi saw me approaching, she shook her head at me. I chose to ignore her and went to the other end and logged on to one of the tills. After, I stood and waited until someone came up to pay for something.
I was silently playing with my sleeve, when I heard Alexi say bye to the last customer.
“Why did you get Craig arrested for no reason?” She suddenly questioned.
I turned and looked at her in shock.
“He fucking burnt me and hit me. I wasn’t even the one to call the fucking cops that was my mom. She entered the house just as he was holding my arm down on the stove.” I explained.
“Show me the mark, I don’t believe you.”
Sighing, I pulled my sleeve up to reveal the big mark that still hurt to touch. Suddenly, Alexi was rubbing it hard, causing me to scream out in pain.
“Stop it.” I shouted.
“No, I can see it’s only make-up.” She said.
“It’s not. Stop it, please, it hurts.” By now, I was in tears again, just as a customer walked in and our manager came over.
“Alexi, serve the customer and then come to my office. Sophia, head out to the lockers and calm yourself down a little bit. I’ll be in shortly, okay?”
I nodded, before looking at the customer, to see that it was Casey. He gave me a nod as I got up and made my way to the locker room. I sat myself on the floor in the corner of the room and silently cried to myself.
How could I have been so stupid? I knew no one would be pleased to see me. I might as well just leave this please; I can’t work here anymore if everyone will be like Alexi was out there. Not even anyone else has acknowledged the fact that I’m back.
Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, there was a knock on the door, followed by it opening. I looked up to see Casey walk in.
“Your manager let me back here once I told him I knew you. I hope you don’t mind.” He said.
I shook my head no, and moved over a bit so he could sit down.
“Mike told me about everything.”
I sighed and nodded, watching as he took the spot next to me.
“I’m sorry, that something like that had to happen to you.”
“So am I. I wish I could have seen it happen sooner, so I could prevent it from happening. But I guess I was just too stupid.” I frowned.
“No you weren’t. You were clearly in love. Love blinds us from many things, including others flaws.” Casey said.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I spoke.
“I hope you don’t mind that Mike told me what happened, seeing as we barely know each other.”
“It’s alright. You’re friends, I guess he tells you most things.” I said.
Casey nodded.
The both of us ended up just sat there in silence, when the door to the locker room opened again. I looked up and saw Simon enter, holding a cup of water. I smiled at him as Casey stood up.
“I’ll see you around. Nice speaking to you again.” Casey said to me before walking out.
“I hope you don’t mind that I let him back here.” Simon said.
I shook my head no and smiled at him softly.
“Good.” He said.
I watched as he handed me the glass of water, before sitting down on the chair.
“I’ve just spoken to Alexi, and as she refused to apologise, I’ve had to send her hold for the day. I don’t want you to feel that it’s your fault Sophia, because it’s not. I do not tolerate her sort of behaviour.” He spoke.
“I’m sorry all this is happening my first day back.” I apologised.
“It’s not your fault, Sophia. Some people are just too heartless.”
“But it is though. Craig was loved by everyone here, wasn’t he?” I frowned.
“Sophia, please don’t blame yourself. None of this is your fault. Some people just turn out to be completely different to what we expect.”
And just like that, the images from the night came flooding back again, and the tears started flowing.
“Look, Sophia, if you want, I’m willing to send you back home and give you another week, make sure you feel ready before coming back.” Simon said, as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m thankful for that. But to be honest, Simon, I’m not sure, if I would be able to come back. This place kind brings back the memories, especially as it’s where I met him.” I spoke softly.
“Okay, well I understand. Well, I’ll give you this week off, and if you still feel like this at the end of the week, then we’ll finalize it.”
I nodded and stood up.
“Thank you, and I’m sorry for causing all this trouble.” I said.
“Stop apologising. Just go and get yourself back on track and hopefully I’ll see you back for good next week.”
I nodded and went to my locker, opening it and grabbing my bag. I said bye to Simon as he left the locker room, while I grabbed hold of my phone. I looked down to see that Mike had replied again. I ignored the text and left the locker room, going to clock myself out, before leaving the store.
I made sure that I was out of view from the store, before bursting into tears again. I unlocked my phone and scrolled down to Mikes name before pressing call. I tried to control my crying, while waiting for him to answer.
“Hello?” He answered after the fifth ring.
“Mike?” I cried.
“Sophia? What’s wrong? I thought you were at work.” He asked.
“I was, but I’ve been sent home for the week again.” I cried.
“Why?”
“Because they all fucking hate me Mike. It’s my fucking fault Craig no longer works there, my fault he’s the other side of the country. They all hate me for it. They don’t believe that Craig actually did what he did. Mike, I can’t keep working there anymore if they’re always going to be like that.” I cried.
“Oh Soph. Where are you now? I’ll come and get you.”
I told Mike where I was, all the while hearing movement on the other end of the phone.
“Okay, I’ll be there in about 10 minutes, go inside and get yourself a drink.” Mike told me.
“Okay, anything you want?” I asked him.
Mike told what drink to get him, before we both hung up. I entered Starbucks and went up to the counter, ordering the drinks, before finding a table at the back.
Just like he said, Mike arrived about 10 minutes later. As soon as he reached where I was sat, he reached over and pulled me into a hug. Once he pulled away, he grabbed his drink, while I grabbed mine and stood up. Mike took hold of my hand and led the way out of Starbucks and over to where he had parked.
**
Rather than going back to the Fuentes household, like I thought we were going, Mike had driven us back to mine.
Once Mike parked in the drive way, I got out of the car, and went to open the door, waiting for Mike to come in as well. We made our way into the lounge immediately, where we both sat down and decided to watch all the shit reality TV shows.
I could feel myself falling asleep, with my head resting on Mikes shoulder, when the doorbell rang. I felt myself jump, causing Mike to laugh.
I pouted at him before standing up and making my way to the front door.
“Dad?” I asked as soon as I opened the front door.
“Sophia, lovely to see you.” He smiled.
I wanted to be angry at him, but right now, I was glad to see him. But maybe it was just because mom had been ignoring me lately.
“You going to let me in then?” He chuckled.
I smiled and nodded, before opening the door more and allowed him to come in.
“So where’s your mom?” He asked once I closed the door.
“I’m not sure. Probably with her new boyfriend.” I frowned.
“Oh.” Dad sighed. “What’s he like?”
I shrugged.
“Don’t really know. I’ve only met him once, but he left not long after, but that was my fault.” I blushed.
“What did you do, Sophia?” Dad asked sternly.
“Possibly mentioned that the divorce wasn’t finalised yet.” I giggled.
At that dad laughed slightly.
“I don’t actually know if I want to hear about this or not. But, how’s your new little family?” I asked.
I was interested in my new sister or brother.
“They’re really good. That’s actually what I had come over for actually. I was going to see if you would come and visit for a week maybe. See your little brother, plus Sharon would really like to meet you.” Dad said.
“Really? She wants to see your daughter, that you had with another woman? I mean, I’ll come, I would love to see my brother for the first time, but it’ll be a little weird with Sharon I think.” I shrugged.
“I understand, but she won’t be around most of the time. She’s a nurse, so she’s at work a lot.”
I nodded.
“Okay, well, I’m not sure yet, but I’ll be sure to come over for a bit.”
“That’s great. Thank you, Soph. To be honest, I was expecting you to say no.”
I smiled and shook my head.
“It’s alright dad.” I said, hugging him.
“Was that the only reason you came over? Or are you staying?” I asked.
“I can go if you want.” He said, pointing to the door.
“No, stay, I need at least one of my parents here with me right now, seeing as Mom has suddenly disappeared.”
Just then, Mike came into the hall way.
“Soph, who was tha-“ Mike suddenly stopped when he saw my dad stood in front of me.
“Mike, good to see you again, son.” Dad said, going to shake Mike’s hand.
They stood there talking while I went into the kitchen.
I soon heard footsteps, followed by my dads voice.
“So how’s Craig?” Dad asked.
I turned around to face him, trying my hardest to hold back the tears.
“Mr Bruce, I don’t think it’s a good idea bringing him up.” Mike spoke.
“Why?” Dad questioned.
“Because I’m no longer with him.”
Spending the past 24 hours with Mike have quite honestly been the best 24 hours in this last month. I was getting to see the old Mike again, the one that would harmlessly flirt with me, but if I wanted to take things further, he wouldn’t allow it. It really was one of my favourite things about him, along with how protective he is.
Today, I had to go back to work, face the music from the others and our manager. I was rather delighted that I wasn’t doing my usual nine to five shift; instead, I was doing nine to one. I didn’t know if I would have coped otherwise, especially as I’m to blame for Craig no longer working there. He was the number one colleague there. Everyone loved working with him, and customers loved being served by him.
Just before entering the store, I sent a text to Mike, asking him if he could meet me at one out side of my work place. I already knew I was going to need him to comfort me after my shift.
Sighing, I placed my phone in my bag, and put on a brave face, as I pushed open the door to the store. I instantly spotted Alexi at the checkout. I smiled softly at her, but got nothing in return. I frowned and walked past her, tugging on my sleeve, making sure it covered my scar from the burn.
I entered the locker room and grabbed my phone again, seeing Mike had replied. I sent him a message back before putting my phone back into my bag and placing my bag in my locker. I brushed my hands over my face, before leaving the locker room and going to clock in.
“Good to have you back Sophia, how you feeling now?”
I jumped and turned around to see Simon, the manager.
“Oh hey, I feel better than what I was. Thank you.” I spoke, smiling softly.
“Well I’m glad. If you would like to get started out there and help Alexi on checkout that would be great.” He smiled.
I nodded and tugged at my sleeves, as I made my way out to the front of the store.
As soon as Alexi saw me approaching, she shook her head at me. I chose to ignore her and went to the other end and logged on to one of the tills. After, I stood and waited until someone came up to pay for something.
I was silently playing with my sleeve, when I heard Alexi say bye to the last customer.
“Why did you get Craig arrested for no reason?” She suddenly questioned.
I turned and looked at her in shock.
“He fucking burnt me and hit me. I wasn’t even the one to call the fucking cops that was my mom. She entered the house just as he was holding my arm down on the stove.” I explained.
“Show me the mark, I don’t believe you.”
Sighing, I pulled my sleeve up to reveal the big mark that still hurt to touch. Suddenly, Alexi was rubbing it hard, causing me to scream out in pain.
“Stop it.” I shouted.
“No, I can see it’s only make-up.” She said.
“It’s not. Stop it, please, it hurts.” By now, I was in tears again, just as a customer walked in and our manager came over.
“Alexi, serve the customer and then come to my office. Sophia, head out to the lockers and calm yourself down a little bit. I’ll be in shortly, okay?”
I nodded, before looking at the customer, to see that it was Casey. He gave me a nod as I got up and made my way to the locker room. I sat myself on the floor in the corner of the room and silently cried to myself.
How could I have been so stupid? I knew no one would be pleased to see me. I might as well just leave this please; I can’t work here anymore if everyone will be like Alexi was out there. Not even anyone else has acknowledged the fact that I’m back.
Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, there was a knock on the door, followed by it opening. I looked up to see Casey walk in.
“Your manager let me back here once I told him I knew you. I hope you don’t mind.” He said.
I shook my head no, and moved over a bit so he could sit down.
“Mike told me about everything.”
I sighed and nodded, watching as he took the spot next to me.
“I’m sorry, that something like that had to happen to you.”
“So am I. I wish I could have seen it happen sooner, so I could prevent it from happening. But I guess I was just too stupid.” I frowned.
“No you weren’t. You were clearly in love. Love blinds us from many things, including others flaws.” Casey said.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I spoke.
“I hope you don’t mind that Mike told me what happened, seeing as we barely know each other.”
“It’s alright. You’re friends, I guess he tells you most things.” I said.
Casey nodded.
The both of us ended up just sat there in silence, when the door to the locker room opened again. I looked up and saw Simon enter, holding a cup of water. I smiled at him as Casey stood up.
“I’ll see you around. Nice speaking to you again.” Casey said to me before walking out.
“I hope you don’t mind that I let him back here.” Simon said.
I shook my head no and smiled at him softly.
“Good.” He said.
I watched as he handed me the glass of water, before sitting down on the chair.
“I’ve just spoken to Alexi, and as she refused to apologise, I’ve had to send her hold for the day. I don’t want you to feel that it’s your fault Sophia, because it’s not. I do not tolerate her sort of behaviour.” He spoke.
“I’m sorry all this is happening my first day back.” I apologised.
“It’s not your fault, Sophia. Some people are just too heartless.”
“But it is though. Craig was loved by everyone here, wasn’t he?” I frowned.
“Sophia, please don’t blame yourself. None of this is your fault. Some people just turn out to be completely different to what we expect.”
And just like that, the images from the night came flooding back again, and the tears started flowing.
“Look, Sophia, if you want, I’m willing to send you back home and give you another week, make sure you feel ready before coming back.” Simon said, as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m thankful for that. But to be honest, Simon, I’m not sure, if I would be able to come back. This place kind brings back the memories, especially as it’s where I met him.” I spoke softly.
“Okay, well I understand. Well, I’ll give you this week off, and if you still feel like this at the end of the week, then we’ll finalize it.”
I nodded and stood up.
“Thank you, and I’m sorry for causing all this trouble.” I said.
“Stop apologising. Just go and get yourself back on track and hopefully I’ll see you back for good next week.”
I nodded and went to my locker, opening it and grabbing my bag. I said bye to Simon as he left the locker room, while I grabbed hold of my phone. I looked down to see that Mike had replied again. I ignored the text and left the locker room, going to clock myself out, before leaving the store.
I made sure that I was out of view from the store, before bursting into tears again. I unlocked my phone and scrolled down to Mikes name before pressing call. I tried to control my crying, while waiting for him to answer.
“Hello?” He answered after the fifth ring.
“Mike?” I cried.
“Sophia? What’s wrong? I thought you were at work.” He asked.
“I was, but I’ve been sent home for the week again.” I cried.
“Why?”
“Because they all fucking hate me Mike. It’s my fucking fault Craig no longer works there, my fault he’s the other side of the country. They all hate me for it. They don’t believe that Craig actually did what he did. Mike, I can’t keep working there anymore if they’re always going to be like that.” I cried.
“Oh Soph. Where are you now? I’ll come and get you.”
I told Mike where I was, all the while hearing movement on the other end of the phone.
“Okay, I’ll be there in about 10 minutes, go inside and get yourself a drink.” Mike told me.
“Okay, anything you want?” I asked him.
Mike told what drink to get him, before we both hung up. I entered Starbucks and went up to the counter, ordering the drinks, before finding a table at the back.
Just like he said, Mike arrived about 10 minutes later. As soon as he reached where I was sat, he reached over and pulled me into a hug. Once he pulled away, he grabbed his drink, while I grabbed mine and stood up. Mike took hold of my hand and led the way out of Starbucks and over to where he had parked.
**
Rather than going back to the Fuentes household, like I thought we were going, Mike had driven us back to mine.
Once Mike parked in the drive way, I got out of the car, and went to open the door, waiting for Mike to come in as well. We made our way into the lounge immediately, where we both sat down and decided to watch all the shit reality TV shows.
I could feel myself falling asleep, with my head resting on Mikes shoulder, when the doorbell rang. I felt myself jump, causing Mike to laugh.
I pouted at him before standing up and making my way to the front door.
“Dad?” I asked as soon as I opened the front door.
“Sophia, lovely to see you.” He smiled.
I wanted to be angry at him, but right now, I was glad to see him. But maybe it was just because mom had been ignoring me lately.
“You going to let me in then?” He chuckled.
I smiled and nodded, before opening the door more and allowed him to come in.
“So where’s your mom?” He asked once I closed the door.
“I’m not sure. Probably with her new boyfriend.” I frowned.
“Oh.” Dad sighed. “What’s he like?”
I shrugged.
“Don’t really know. I’ve only met him once, but he left not long after, but that was my fault.” I blushed.
“What did you do, Sophia?” Dad asked sternly.
“Possibly mentioned that the divorce wasn’t finalised yet.” I giggled.
At that dad laughed slightly.
“I don’t actually know if I want to hear about this or not. But, how’s your new little family?” I asked.
I was interested in my new sister or brother.
“They’re really good. That’s actually what I had come over for actually. I was going to see if you would come and visit for a week maybe. See your little brother, plus Sharon would really like to meet you.” Dad said.
“Really? She wants to see your daughter, that you had with another woman? I mean, I’ll come, I would love to see my brother for the first time, but it’ll be a little weird with Sharon I think.” I shrugged.
“I understand, but she won’t be around most of the time. She’s a nurse, so she’s at work a lot.”
I nodded.
“Okay, well, I’m not sure yet, but I’ll be sure to come over for a bit.”
“That’s great. Thank you, Soph. To be honest, I was expecting you to say no.”
I smiled and shook my head.
“It’s alright dad.” I said, hugging him.
“Was that the only reason you came over? Or are you staying?” I asked.
“I can go if you want.” He said, pointing to the door.
“No, stay, I need at least one of my parents here with me right now, seeing as Mom has suddenly disappeared.”
Just then, Mike came into the hall way.
“Soph, who was tha-“ Mike suddenly stopped when he saw my dad stood in front of me.
“Mike, good to see you again, son.” Dad said, going to shake Mike’s hand.
They stood there talking while I went into the kitchen.
I soon heard footsteps, followed by my dads voice.
“So how’s Craig?” Dad asked.
I turned around to face him, trying my hardest to hold back the tears.
“Mr Bruce, I don’t think it’s a good idea bringing him up.” Mike spoke.
“Why?” Dad questioned.
“Because I’m no longer with him.”
Update soon please! I just read all the chapters and I'm in love. Sophia and Mike are so cute together. Sophia's dad finally came around, YAY!
4/13/14