Who I Thought You Were

Chapter 5:Almost

Sophia’s POV

This is hard.

I miss him.

I stare at the drawing and the painting every day.

It’s been three weeks. I miss him.

Marla and I made up.

I get why she did it. She didn’t want to hurt me.

It’s as if my life completely altered when I met Tyler.

It became calm, enjoyable, peaceful.

I need him back. I always wonder if he needs me too.

I’ve returned to my responsibilities.

The meetings, royal duties, and balls.

I hate those balls.

My parents make me attend with a different prince each time.

I’m still mad at them.

It sucks.

Marla comes in to clean my room and she finds something under the bed and hands it to me.

“Charcoal pencils. 12 count.”

Why did he do it?

“Why did he give them back?” I ask out loud.

“Are you still thinking about him?”

“No” I lie.

“Soph. Don’t lie to me.”

“Fine. Every day.” I reply with my attention fixed on the pencils.

“Don’t think about it too much Soph.” Marla says.

“Yeah yeah…”

“Besides, you’re meant to be getting ready for the palace art program event right now.”

I get off my bed and get ready.

Everything at this event reminds me of Tyler.

My Ty.

As I’m greeting guests with my parents, one of the numerous paintings on the wall catches my eye.

It’s a girl on a horse in the wind.

It reminds me of… myself.

As I take my gaze off of it, I see someone

Tall, beautiful eyes, familiar face.

“Tyler Roe” I mutter under my breath.

He looks… incredible.

His eyes meet mine from across the room.

I turn away quickly.

He’s still looking at me.

He’s with another guy and they are walking over to my parents and me right now.

“Good day King John and Queen Rue.” Tyler says with a smile on his face.

He shakes their hands and turns to me.

“Good day princess.”

Princess?

I smile back without a response.

As the event goes on, I keep on avoiding him.

The amount of times we’ve made eye contact is ridiculous.

There’s tension.

A lot of tension.

The slow dance begins and all I can think about is him.

About how we should be on the floor too.

But we can’t.

Couples are making their way toward the center of the ballroom.

The music is slow and romantic.

I watch as they dance.

Some are laughing.

Some are whispering things into each others ears.

I look around again.

Tyler is standing next to the painting he created.

Alone.

For a moment, I wonder what he’s thinking.

Is he thinking the same thing?

Our eyes meet yet again.

The only difference is, we don’t look away this time.

I want him to come over here and ask me to dance.

He doesn’t.

He can’t.

We can’t.

The distance between us is unbearable.

He knows the rules.

Just like I do.

Barry says something to him, but Tyler doesn’t react.

His eyes are fixed on me.

I know I should stop.

But I can’t.

The song is ending.

The couples start separating.

And so do our eyes.

My mind keeps drifting back to him.

One month since we met.

But three weeks.

That’s how long it’s been.

Three weeks since I’d last seen him.

Three weeks since I was in his arms.

Three weeks since I heard his voice.

The distance only made it worse.

I glance toward the spot where he was standing.

He’s gone

At this point, I no longer see him in the room.

I’m relieved.

I slip into the hallway to find the nearest restroom.

There he is.

Why is he just leaning against the wall out here alone?

We can’t avoid each other forever.

“Why are you avoiding me?” I blurt out.

“Am I? I thought it was the other way around.” He replies.

“I get that we can’t be together. But why are you acting like this?”

“Like what?” He shrugs.

“Like a completely different person.”

“Because it’s easier.” He admits.

“For who?”

I realize he’s hurting too.

Just as much as I am.

“Sophia, this needs to stop.”

“Then stop looking at me like you don't want it to.”

Silence.

He steps closer.

I do too.

I look into his eyes. I’m lost in them.

Then, at his lips…

He leans closer.

My heart is beating faster now. Way faster.

Someone comes out at that exact moment.

Tyler stiffens then leans back.

“Barry I-“ Tyler says. Clearly flustered.

“Come on Tyler.” Barry says, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him down the hallway.

He looks back at me before he’s taken far down the hall.

I freeze for a moment.

What was I doing?

I turn around and make my way back into the hall, clearly flustered.

I can’t believe we almost did that.

The award portion of the event is about to start when I see Tyler and Barry walk back in.

I’m called up to present the award to the “Artist of the Night.”

Guess who wins?

Tyler.

I don’t want to be up here right now.

Now I have to share the stage with Tyler.

We almost kissed.

That’s huge.

He comes forward and bows to me.

Just weeks ago, he was hugging me.

Now he bows?

“Congratulations Mr Roe.”

“Thank you princess.”

“Princess.”

I want to hear him call me princessa again.

I want that kiss.

I want him back.

I hand him the award and as our hands touch, it takes me back to a month ago.

Meeting him.

I look at the guests in front of us to make sure no one notices the tension.

Barry.

He has this weird look on his face.

Almost unhappy.

Why?

I rush off the stage as soon as that’s over.

I catch a sight of him leaving the event.

How could he leave me like this?

Again.

I can’t stop thinking about it.

The moment.

The tension.

The almost-kiss.