today is where your book begins

SOPHIA REISS 🔊 soh-fee-ahh twenty three brilliant artist cheerleading coach at Benjamin Franklin High School "Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you."

[windscrsx]

Brynn laughed and shook her head. “Do you really want me to believe that?” She asked. “I mean, I know I look like I’m pretty naive, but come on!” The woman teased. “You’re definitely going to need to try a lot harder if you want me to believe a single word you just said, because I’m just not buying it.” 

[soph-reiss]

“It's true though. The house out by the hill is definitely haunted.” Sophia said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I went to a Halloween party there last year and I swear I saw a ghost. It could've been someone in costume but tell me what person you know that is see through. I got out of there so fast I broke the heel on my shoes. They were expensive as hell too." She sighed. "But by all means don't believe me. Go for yourself and you'll see. Then I'll say I told you so."

[soph-reiss]

“You have a bad side? I don’t believe it. Not for one second.” He told the woman, a smirk on his face. It was true. No matter how annoying or chatty the teenage girls she worked with every day got, he never saw Sophia snap at them. No matter how many hormonal boys made stupid comments regarding her body, Drew never saw her get extremely angry. He was more than impressed. He often yelled, a bit too much sometimes, but for the most part he kept his cool. Having Sophia around helped him with that. He was always able to talk to her and confide in her whenever needed. From small things to big, she was there. Drew found it more than comforting. When he found out she won the date, he was surprise but excited. Excited that after all the time the two knew one another they could see each other out of the workplace and in a calm serene setting, just the two of them. He would never admit it but he was nervous. He wanted to make the date perfect for her because she deserved and he hoped there would be more dates to come. Turning his head he smirked. “Yeah the water is nice.” Gripping her hand he ran out to the water, the woman following behind. As soon as his feet hit the warm water, he splashed the girl. “Having fun now?”

“I do. It’s just not present to often. Like everybody else I have my moments.” Sophia had always been the type to not let people see those moments though. She’d still make sure to see to it that they knew she wasn’t perfect no matter the fact that she seemed that way. The reasons as to why Sophia liked to appear perfect weren’t apparent to other people. To them, it had just been a preference of hers. The only person every getting to see her really upset or really sad being her best friend Cameron. Even when it came to breakups wether it was with a boy or one of her old friend she’d made it seem like she didn’t care. Like it didn’t affect her when it really did. Her way of assuring she wouldn’t be pulled back into a negative situation due to her dependent qualities. The blonde was a weak girl but no one would ever really know it as long as it was up to her. Pulling herself from her thoughts, Sophia smiled. Running with him as he headed for the water. “I was already having fun but now I’m having even more.” She laughed, splashing him back.

[soph-reiss]

Wren nodded along as Sophia talked, but deep down in her gut she had a nagging feeling that things were going to be different, no matter what happened with Drew, and she hated it. She mentally beat herself up for even bringing up the topic of Drew in the first place. If she had just kept it in-maybe things might not have changed between the two of them, and they wouldn’t have had to have this conversation. Letting out a sigh Wren replied, not wanting the conversation to get any deeper. “There’s plenty of other fish in the sea who are actually decent guys,” Wren said pausing, “And I have no problem in taking my time to try and find one. So please don’t worry about rushing things with him, with you,” She finished with a small smile. It was the truth, whether Sophia believed it or not. She could wait, heck it had been almost a year or more since she had put herself out there, and there was no rush now.

“Promise me that even if he and I do end up dating it won't ruin our friendship? You're one of my favorites Wren and I'd hate to lose you." Sophia didn't have many friends that were girls and in a way it was on purpose. The ones she did have she really cared about. Maybe even more than she would say because the blonde never liked to admit how dependent she was on people. Fearing that too many users would take advantage of that. Wren was only the second best friend Sophia had in her adult life that was a girl. She was more than important to her. The last thing Sophia would want to happen was for a guy to come between them. She'd went through that way too many times in high school when it came to the guys on either the basketball team or football team. But that was high school. If she and Wren were ever going to stop being friends it'd have to be because of something more serious in her eyes.

[soph-reiss]

“One of the five? Wow, that is an honor. I’m gonna hope the other four people don’t take you for granted. Drew tried to be as genuine and real when it came to life. He attempted to treat everyone with respect and kindness. He tried to stray away from his once outrageous high school personality he used to have. In rare moments it would come back. The flashes of anger that he felt he couldn’t control. His anger manifesting inside of him and then pouring out and the happy man could turn dangerous. The man’s happy attitude turning into sadness in the most random of moments, Sarah coming to him in only dreams and memories. Most of all, he tried to be good. To not let the anger and sadness and still aching grief consume, though some days it was difficult to get out of bed. It was hard to face Mark, the boy who looked so much like his mother, but Drew tried for him. He tried to be good enough for Mark. A good enough dad and hopefully a role model for his son. The man didn’t focus on dates or women. His was always consumed with the team and trying to be a good coach for them and to be a good dad for Mark. With all the time he spent at the high school, Drew relied on Sophia a ton. For small problems and big, to help with the upcoming games and to help with just life in general. That’s why the date came so easy, because their friendship came even easier. A toothy grin appeared on his face at her words, chuckling a bit as they continued to walk. “I don’t think anyone has told me, but thank you. You are amazing, so it’s great to get compliments from you.” Chuckling a bit he smirked at girl. “Wanna go in the water?”

"If they ever decided to take me for granted they'll seriously regret it. Being on my bad side isn't a place I think many people want to be." Sophia's bad side was something that was so rare that when it did happen people instantly could tell. Her whole attitude would shift and she'd turn into the persona of the spoiled rich girl who only looked out for herself. It wasn't who she liked to be all the time. She'd hated that side of herself. In her childhood it seemed she'd be that way forever with how pristine and proper the blonde was even at that young of an age but her little brother had changed her. When he had been born Sophia was faced with having to be a good influence to someone. For the most part she'd been the one to raise her brother since their parents were always attending events and going out of the country for trips and such. Instead of letting it really affect her she put forth a strong front for herself and her brother. There was never a time where she wasn't there for him in whatever way he needed her. It was undeniably the reason that she was so caring about everyone that was important to her. But even with being so strong there were times where she needed someone to be there for her. Drew had been that person most of the time. Their talks after practices about how the teams were doing and about their lives had been something she loved. The bond they had had come so easy. Sophia couldn't help but smile when he called her amazing. "You're welcome and thank you. You're compliments are pretty great to get too." She said, winking playfully at him. "Uh yeah. The water here is so beautiful."

[soph-reiss]

Wren bit down on her lip, tugging it between her teeth as she thought about how to go about this situation. It was awkward. Wren had to admit. She had never really had this thing happen to her to be honest. In high school she had mostly avoided boys for that reason, and after that, well-she had dated Ryder and seen other men very few and far between. But none the less, she knew the polite thing to do was step away and deny her feelings. Confessing would only makes things messier. Mustering up the best smile she could, Wren began to reply. “Really Soph-I’m not acting,” she said with a sigh, hoping the statement sounded genuine. She did want her friend to find someone, find love, that part was genuine. With Drew? She wasn’t sure. “I-I guess what you proposed is fair. I just, don’t want this to somehow tear us apart. We can’t make him choose between us, we’re friends first. Always. At least for me.”

Usually in situations like this Sophia had never lost a friend because of it. Chalking it up to the fact that most of the time she wasn't even in it to potentially date the guy. All she wanted was a fling. With Drew it was different and she couldn't quite figure out why. In a way she was angry at the entire situation. Of course the first time the blonde was truly interested in a guy one of her closest friends would like him too. And she wouldn't know exactly the right thing to do. Sure she could've decided to step away but at the same time it was a shot at happiness for her so that wasn't going to happen. Running a hand through her hair, Sophia breathed out a heavy sigh. When Wren had said she wasn't acting she didn't really believe her all that much but decided to act as though she did. "Of course we're friends first. I wouldn't want to lose you over a guy no matter how much I like him. And I'd never tell him to choose." She explained. "I guess we'll just have to see how it goes. If it turns out he doesn't like me," Sophia started, truly hoping that he did like her instead of her friend. It'd be a huge blow to her ego if he didn't. "Then I'd say go for it and see if he likes you." She finished, sighing once more.

[soph-reiss]

“Oh, really? You mean I am one of the few people blessed with your kind spirit. I don’t know if my heart can handle that information.” Though he was joking, Drew really did think he was incredibly lucky to know the girl. In all of the high school drama that Drew found himself caught up in somehow, his players always brought up Sophia. They joked that the two were in love and though Drew was quick dismiss the love part, it was undeniable that he liked her. They were the perfect par as colleagues and the coach had always hoped to get to know her better outside f work to really get to see the woman. This date was his chance and the more they talked he found himself more infatuated with her. It had been years since Drew had been on a date and on rare occasions he could be found wearing his wedding ring, reminiscing about the past. Right there with Sophia though, he couldn’t help but think of the future. Drew didn’t what he all felt for the girl or why exactly his heart was racing. After years of completely staying away from women and void of dates, it seemed as if everything clicked with Sophia and it just felt right. Walking down the beach, sand slipping in between his sandals every now and then, his head turned eyes locked with the blondes. “I told you, I’m cheesy.” He admitted a flush of red entering his cheeks. Drew smiled wide, attempting to find his old, confident persona so he could answer the question with no nerves and the hope he wouldn’t fall to his knees when he admitted his liking for the woman. “Of course, I like you. What man wouldn’t?”

"Yes, really. Only about five people have the honor of being able to say their blessed with my kind spirit. And you happen to be one of them." Sophia joked, shrugging nonchalantly. In all actual reality the blonde could be a little abrasive with most people. Not because it was who she was but because she was always hell bent on making sure the people in her life were deserving of being there. Her own way of not getting hurt. Over the twenty-three years of her life it had worked for the most part. It was impossible for people not extremely important to her to disappoint her because she never really expected anything from them. Sure she had had moments where she allowed herself to trust someone who betrayed that trust. But those times were few and far between thankfully. Drew had been one of the people that immediately upon meeting him Sophia knew he was nothing but genuine, and for that he got the sweet, kind, and caring person that she was. Him being genuine was a large part of why she developed her crush on him in the first place. To her, he was just shy of perfect. He'd be all the way perfect to her but Sophia knew it was impossible for someone to be completely perfect. Their date, however, had been beyond perfect so far though. Walking along the beach with him made it next to impossible to keep a smile off her face. Especially when looking at him. "You are but it's cute." She said, noticing that he was blushing softly again. His next words caused her to blush as well. "Anyone ever tell you how incredibly sweet you are?"

[soph-reiss]

“Oh, wow. That is very impressive, I have to admit. Mark caught one but, I wasn’t there to witness it. Very sad.” Shaking his head n a joking manner, Drew laughed a bit, wide smile on his face but at her comment it turned to disbelief. “I’ve seen you be a bit sassy, but never unkind. Maybe I’m just one of the lucky people who only gets to see your good side.” Drew winked playfully at the blonde, but he really didn’t believe she had a bad side. Maybe he had chosen to only see the good but to him it was hard to see anything else. Talking with her all alone was so much more refreshing. He didn’t have annoying teenage boys coming up to ask him questions or make any stupid comments to him and he could really enjoy the woman’s presence. It was in times like this where Drew really started to understand how he felt for her and how his feelings were more than friendship. Helping her up, his hand lingered in hers and before he could process what he was doing, he intertwined his fingers with her’s and pulled her a bit closer hoping she was as happy as he was to be there with him.

Sophia did a fake pout. “It's probably one of the best things to witness or achieve. One day you might experience it for yourself." She laughed softly. Again he had caused her to smile with his words. "You happen to be right. There aren't many people out there who have the privilege of getting my good side. And it's also not that easy to stay on so you're doing really well." The blonde slightly joked. Just simply being on a date with him reminded her of all the times the girls on the cheerleading squad had caught her gazing at him, which was more on the side of staring. Of course they'd always tease her because she had a school girl crush. It was the type she playfully ridiculed them about and now here she was in the same exact place. It wasn't too often that Sophia found herself liking a guy this much. Usually she went after guys that weren't at all her type and had one night stands or small flings. But in his case, he was her type and for that reason she actually allowed him to get to know her. As she stood up, Sophia dusted off her shorts with her free hand doing her best to hide the smile that came when he intertwined their fingers. "Holding my hand? If I didn't know any better I'd say you liked me." She said honestly, though playing it off as a joke.

[soph-reiss]

"Oh all the time. Mark has me playing Pokemon Go everyday.” A slight laugh came pouring from his lips, another smile plastered on his face. “Well, thank you. You’re too ind, really.” Drew played it off as a joke but, in reality he was happy that the girl thought highly of him Though he was nervous to admit it, he liked her. She was kind and caring, she was able to have fun with him all while understanding his situation. Still, Drew feared that falling for another girl might mean that he would leave Sarah’s memory behind. Deep down he knew that the girl wouldn’t do that and that his crush on her wouldn’t change anything that happened in the past. Hearing her words, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. “What can I say? I like to woo my dates.” Chuckling, the blonde stood up, lifting out a hand for Sophia. “Come on, lets go.”

"I like to think I'm an expert at that game. Not to brag but I have caught a pikachu." Sophia laughed, flipping some of her blonde locks over her shoulder. "There's probably people out there that would disagree with you on me being kind." Really for the most part she was but even Sophia had her days when she was less than perfect like everyone else. But since he thought she was kind then maybe he liked her. Even if it was just a little bit. She really hoped he did since she'd been holding onto a crush on him for a while. Sophia wanted to tell him but was afraid things would be too different between them when they got back to New Orleans. She'd never been quiet about liking someone which proved to her the crush was different than most if not all of her other ones. "I see why. You're more than great at it." Sophia was certainly beyond wooed. "Okay." She smiled, grabbing his hand and pulling herself up with his help.

[soph-reiss]

Wren nervously wrung out her hands in her lap as Sophia talked about how she had been ready to spend a lot of money on him. On Wren’s end, she had been too, but she also unfortunately had bills to pay and ends to meet. “Oh I’ve seen him for sure,” Wren said letting out a small sigh, internally debating what to do in this situation. “You know Soph-can I just say something,” she said, clearly struggling with what was to come next, “It’s just we’ve been friends for a while and I wouldn’t want anything to come between us. I have-well no I had a thing for Drew for a little bit of time, but I just wanted you to know it was just a crush nothing more at all and I think the two of you would be really good together so I hope this doesn’t change your opinion about him…at all,” she finished with a small mumble. It was a bit of a small lie, she did still have a thing for Drew, but she couldn’t let her friend know that. She had won the auction fair and square, she couldn’t call dibs now.

"Yeah go ahead." Sophia motioned for her to go on. For a second she thought that maybe her friend wouldn't approve and start listing things wrong with him. But wow had she been completely off with her thoughts. The blonde was surprised to hear that they both had an interest in the same guy. Surprisingly it wasn't all to rare that Sophia had to deal with situations like the current one. "Alright so that means you two haven't kissed, or had sex, or anything like that then I'm assuming." Sophia could be the type of girl with no boundaries but when it came to her close friends she had some. Knowing that it was simply a crush and nothing really major put her at a slight ease. But there was a little unwarranted guilt on her part. "You don't have to act like you'd actually think we'd be good together. If I was in your place and didn't like him anymore I'd still be a little pissed. So how about if it turns out he doesn't like me I'll back off?" She didn't really want to lose a friend so finding a compromise came easy to her.

[soph-reiss]

Cam ➝ Soph 👑 🎀 💝

Cameron: Isn't he like 39? Jk, who am I to judge.

Cameron: I've seen him in gym shorts, he's packing. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed for you. When was the last time you got laid, anyways?

Cameron: And the kid literally was like "you remind me of ariel" and then ran away?? He's got game, I'll give him that.

Sophia: Haha very funny. 26 though.

Sophia: I'm crossing my fingers too. And if I told you you'd probably kill me so I'll keep it to myself.

Sophia: Woah kid does have game. But I mean he's being raised by the king of charm so it's only right.

[soph-reiss]

Cam ➝ Soph 👑 🎀 💝

Cameron: Wait. Blonde hair? Teaches basketball at that highschool?

Cameron: I KNOW HIM. Kind of. I think his son has a crus on me.

Sophia: That's the one.

Sophia: I'm pretty sure he's got a crush on me too.

[soph-reiss]

Cam ➝ Soph 👑 🎀 💝

Cameron: Listen, stds can be passed from girl to girl too.

Cameron: Oooh, tell me more. What's his name? What does he looks like?

Sophia: True though.

Sophia: His name is Drew, he's tall, hot, and a total sweetheart.

[soph-reiss]

Cam ➝ Soph 👑 🎀 💝

Cameron: True. So long as you use protection AND take the pill it's all good. Are you planning on betting on someone?

Sophia: It's a girl but thanks for reminding me about safe sex!

Sophia: Yeah and on a scale from one to ten he's like a thousand.

[soph-reiss]

Cam ➝ Soph 👑 🎀 💝

Cameron: I'm glad you didn't either, jesus, I'd be lost without you. I'll be there in like, an hour maybe. Are you staying with anyone, because even if you are, I don't care, I'm gonna book the penthouse suite.

Sophia: Lucky for you I'm still here. I'm not sure yet so maybe. But come on the penthouse suite is practically a house so there would be room.

[soph-reiss]

"I’m always having fun. Glad you’ve been as well.” He laughed, Drew would never admit it, but a small blush glowed on his cheeks. “Of course I do, I’d be blind not to. I have a pretty big ego as well, so I’m trying to build others up, not just myself.” A laugh erupted from his lips, her smile prompting him to light up. “Okay good. If I say there are roses in here, is that too much? Because I go all out. Long walks on the beach, watching the sunset, eating chocolate covered strawberries with a glass of wine.” He nodded, pulling out the small bouquet of red roses. “It is my job to impress, isn’t it? You won this date, I’m gonna make it the best. Whatever you wanna do, I’ll do.”

"Oh so you're just living life to the fullest all the time then?" She smiled even more noticing the small blush that touched his cheeks. But of course she wouldn't comment on it. "Well I think I speak for myself and everyone else you've built up when I say we enjoy it. It's really nice that you don't only look out for you." It really had made her admire him a little bit more than she had before. "Drew Lincoln you are a man after my own heart. I love all of those things a little more than I should. So no definitely not too much." Sophia gushed, taking the roses from his hand and smelling them. A hand placed to her heart for a small second. "We might just have to go on that long walk on the beach of we're going to do whatever I wanna do."

[soph-reiss]

He chuckled, his head leaning back. “Wow. I definitely get where you are coming from. I’ve just been spending time with Mark and the guys. I’m glad I entered this, I obviously got a couple of people in a bid fight. Plus, I got a date with a beautiful girl.” Drew shot back, first jokingly but he was honest. It had been what felt like forever since he used his tricks to woo a girl, luckily around Sophia he could be himself. Laughing again, he grabbed his picnic basket and opened it. “Well, we have red wine,” The man started, pulling out the bottle and two glasses, “Along with some chocolate covered strawberries.” Pulling them out he placed them in between himself and the girl. “What can I say? I packed with all the cheesy romantic stuff.”

"Have you guys been having fun? I've been having a blast really," She started, with a smile. "Aw you think I'm beautiful? Look at you making my ego bigger than it already is." Sophia shook her head at him but was only joking. Not being able to hide the a thousand watt smile pasted on her face because of his compliment. "Lucky for you I like cheesy romantic stuff a lot." The blonde had always been the girl that loved thoughtful romantic dates. They didn't even have to be expensive to her. And this, without a doubt, had already ranked as one of the best she'd ever had. "You just keep impressing me."

[soph-reiss]

“Speaking of sharing a room,” Wren said clearing her throat slightly, wiggling her eyebrows at Sophia in her best attempt to look excited, “I heard that you won-well bought, a hot date with Drew Lincoln, is this right?” she asked with a questioning look on her face. She hoped she wasn’t being too snooping in asking, but at the same time, she needed to know if her friend had feelings for him. If so, she could totally back off. She only had a little crush…right? “I think I’ll take a mixed drink-shots are for when it’s past midnight,” she said with a small smile walking arm in arm with Soph.

“Yes it is. I was ready to shell out a lot for him. I mean have you seen him? He's gorgeous plus he's sweet. We work together at the high school.” Sophia was glad she was able to outbid whoever bid before her. To be honest she had a little crush on him but hadn't really admitted it to anyone. Not really wanting to ruin her friendship with him. "We'll get margaritas because I'm obsessed. Mexico has the best ones." She laughed, continuing to walk with Wren.