Before I can catch up to Sophie, she stops in the bathroom. Knowing I won’t be able to concentrate on a word Drew says if I don’t see her first, I anxiously wait for her in the hallway. I take out my phone, going through some texts but only bothering to respond to the important ones. A few more minutes pass before I hear the sound of someone gagging painfully. Worried it’s Sophie, I sneak inside to check on her. Knocking on the door softly so I don’t scare her, I wait for her to speak. But she doesn’t. “Sophie, are you okay?”
There’s no response other than another round of gagging and vomiting. “Sophie? Can you answer me so I know you’re okay.”
Through labored breaths, she finally responds to me. “Leave me alone. I’m okay”
Her tone is harsher than normal, but there’s still no way I’m leaving her. “Open the door, beautiful.”
“Can you go wait for me in my room, please? Here.” Without bothering to wait for my response, her keys sail over the top of the stall door landing on the tile floor instead of in my hand. When I bend down to pick them up, I spot her crouched in the corner by the toilet. Her right hand’s dangling by her side, trembling ever so slightly. The left is cradling her forehead.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Something’s wrong and I don’t like it.
I hear her sniffle and I can’t fucking take it. Placing my hand on top of the metal stall door, I yank it open in one swift motion, dislodging the small silver lock from its anchor. In shock, Sophie screams and covers her head with her hands. “Kipton! I said I’m fine. You can’t be in here!”
I crouch down to her level. “You don’t look fine, Sophie. You’re shaking.”
“It’s just my stomach. I promise it’s not a big deal.”
“Did you eat dinner?” I rub my thumb back and forth over the top of her hand.
She nods her head, yes. “We went for pizza.”
“Come on, I’ll walk you to your room. Unless you want me to take you to see a doctor.” I stand up, reaching out my hand for her to take, but she doesn’t move from her crouched position.
“I’m fine. Please go. I don’t want you see me like this. Don’t you have a meeting with Drew?”
“Sophie, I don’t want to leave you by yourself. Drew can wait.” She flushes the toilet and brushes past me. As she’s washing her hands, I walk up behind her pushing her silky hair away from the back of her neck. I lean down to place a small kiss behind her ear, but she tenses up and shrugs away from my touch. “Sophie. Don’t do this.”
“Do what? Wash my hands?” She reaches over and tears a paper towel from the roll. Drying her hands quickly, she tosses the paper in the trash before walking out on me.
I stand rooted in the middle of the girl’s bathroom staring blankly at the paper towel dispenser. What was that all about? Earlier today she was on my lap kissing me like her life depended on it and now she’s acting like I repulse her. I’d like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I hate that she’s acting so distant. As the shock of the last few minutes wears off, I exit the bathroom just in time to catch a glimpse of her door slamming shut.
Cara comes running around the corner, most likely on her way to find me. “Kippy! Drew’s in his room waiting for you. Hurry up.” She’s tugging on my arm, but I’m not in the mood to deal with her or Drew anymore.
“Can you tell him we need to reschedule. My plans changed. I have to go.”
She creases her brow, looking confused. “Why? Where’s Sophie?”
“In your room. I want to go talk to her, but I don’t think she wants me to. Here. She’s gonna need her keys back.” Numbly, I press the button on the elevator.
Cara puts her hand on my arm and squeezes lightly. “What happened? You’re acting weird.” Drew comes bounding around the corner in similar fashion, but pauses after seeing my defeated expression.
“I have no fucking clue. Things were fine when we left class this afternoon, but I saw her a minute ago and she acted like I have the damn plague. I mean she did throw up and all, but she wouldn’t even let me comfort her.”
“What do you mean?” Both Drew and Cara ask in unison.
“She wasn’t feeling good and she wouldn’t even let me touch her. Did she say anything about me at dinner?” The elevator door opens, but I let it pass and wait for the next one.
“Shit.” Cara says.
“What is it? Do you know something?”
“It’s not my place to say, Kippy. I’m sorry.”
“Cara, please. What’s going on? I’m not leaving until you tell me something.”
“Fine. Basically she mentioned something about focusing on gymnastics and how she doesn’t have time to date. From what she told me this afternoon, she has a shitty past and has no faith in the male species whatsoever. Her ex was a douche and her Dad wasn’t any better. Our talk must have gotten to her because she barely touched her dinner and was in her own little world during the conversation. I feel bad for asking her so many questions earlier. It’s obviously a sore subject for her. I mean, she doesn’t even want a husband or kids. Can you believe that?”
“Fuck. I had no idea. Can you go check on her for me? She didn’t mention whether we’re still going to the movie tonight, but I don’t want to push her if she’s not up to it.”
Cara reaches up and gives me a hug. For the first time, I’m thankful my sister is here to help me out. If anyone can get Sophie talking again, it’s her. “Don’t take it personal. She’s working though some pretty tough emotions from the sound of it. I hope one day she’ll have the courage to tell you what she told me. But until then, I’ll go talk to her and have her call you. Was her head hurting? Is that why she got sick?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I tried to help her, but she wouldn’t let me. She didn’t even let me touch her.” Cara closes her eyes and exhales. When she opens them, she looks pained. There’s more to this story and I’m pissed she knows something I most likely should.
“Maybe she needs a moment to get her shit together. Throwing up in front a guy you like isn’t exactly a magical moment, Kippy.”
“I guess not.” Hanging my head, I press the elevator button again instead of checking on Sophie. I’ll let my sister handle it because I’m not willing to completely ruin whatever I started with Sophie this afternoon. Hopefully she just needs a little girl talk to feel better.
“Don’t sweat it dude, chicks are fucking crazy.” Laughing at Drew, I nod my head in agreement as the elevator doors close. I’ve yet to meet one who doesn’t make my head spin. There’s no way I was imagining the kiss we shared earlier today. She wanted me as much as I wanted her. I felt it.
Once outside, I sit on the wooden bench by the basketball courts and watch a game of four on four. Thankfully it’s shaded so I’m not sweating my ass off in the sun. I catch myself glancing at my phone every five seconds, waiting for it to chime with positive news from Cara. Maybe no news is good news right now.
When I look up at their window, the blinds are pulled back on the right side. Sophie’s peeking around them staring directly at me. Unsure if she sees me looking back, I shield my squinted eyes from the sun. Before I can get a better look, she’s gone.
Agitated, I can’t sit still. Shifting around on the uncomfortable bench, I fail miserably at any attempt to relax. The game ends half an hour later, but I don’t even know who won. My mind’s been solely focused on Sophie. Finally, my phone vibrates with an incoming text.
Cara: She was upset. Calmed her down.
Kipton: I need to see her.
Cara: I’m not sure that’s a good idea. She’s embarrassed for being rude to you.
Kipton: I’m coming up.
Cara: I figured you would.
Racing inside the building, I take the stairs two at a time before Sophie realizes I’m on my way up to see her. By the third flight, I’m thankful she doesn’t live any higher up in the building. My lungs are fighting for some much needed oxygen. Winded but determined to get to their room as fast as I can, I muscle through the last flight.