CHAPTER1
Sophia stood in front of the large glass doors of her former high school, her heart pounding in her chest. The building had not changed much since she graduated nearly a decade ago. The familiar bricks and the well furnished classrooms were a contrast to the storm brewing inside her. Tonight was her high school reunion, a night meant to celebrate old friendships and fond memories. Yet Sophia couldn't shake the uneasiness. She smoothed the hem of her emerald dress and looked at her reflection in the glass door.
“Stop fidgeting,” Hailey said, looping her arm through Sophia’s. Her best friend wore a pink jumpsuit that seemed to match her bubbly personality. “You look amazing. Now stop worrying.”
Sophia forced a smile on her face. “Thanks, Hail. I just don't know if I should’ve come,” Sophia sighed.
“Nonsense.” Hailey squeezed her arm. “We are here to have fun and show that jerk that you no longer have a thing for him.”
Sophia knew exactly what Hailey meant. Louis, the golden boy of their high school days. Star quarterback and the subject of Sophia’s secret teenage infatuation. While she had spent her adolescence fading into the background, Louis had thrived, swimming in the adoration of everyone around him.
As they entered the gymnasium, now decorated with twinkling fairy lights and streamers, Sophia’s stomach tightened. She was more nervous than ever. Familiar faces greeted her, some offering warm hugs, some staring and others merely polite nods. The air was thick with nostalgia and laughter, but her attention was caught elsewhere. And then she saw him.
Louis stood near the punch table, laughing with a group of former classmates. He had not changed much, still tall, still effortlessly handsome, with a boyish charm that made her heart skip a beat and ache all at once.
“Don’t even think about it,” Hailey muttered under her breath, following Sophia’s gaze.
“I am not,” Sophia said quickly, though her cheeks burned.
Hailey raised an eyebrow. “Soph, we have talked about this. High school crush remains in high school. Besides, he is the same arrogant jerk. You’re better than that. Don’t let him pull you back.” Hailey spoke with so much hatred that Sophia wasn't sure where it came from.
Sophia nodded, but the pull was undeniable. Before she could dwell on it, Hailey offered a smile. “I’m going to grab us some drinks. Be right back. Don't go anywhere.”
Left alone, Sophia took a deep breath and wandered toward a photo display of their graduating class. She traced a finger over her younger self in the group photo, her shy smile barely visible behind the others. Memories of each event flooded her mind.
“Still shy, huh?”
The voice sent a shiver down her spine. Sophia turned to find Louis standing behind her, his signature smirk carefully placed on his face. He was more handsome up close.
“Louis,” she said, her voice faltering. “Hi.”
He grinned, leaning casually against the wall. “You look...different. In a good way.”
“Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“You’re still doing that,” he said with a chuckle, gesturing to her hand. “You always used to play with your hair when you were nervous.” Sophia was surprised Louis had remembered how she displayed her emotions. Her heart fluttered.
“I’m not nervous,” she said, though the warmth creeping up her neck betrayed her. She tried to play it down as being cool.
Louis tilted his head, studying her. “You have not changed. Still you. I like it.” The compliment made Sophia’s heart skip a beat. She wanted to tell him she didn't change because of him. She wanted to be the same girl, thinking he liked it. It took a lot of courage to not fall on him and tell him how much she still liked him.
They talked for a while, catching up on the years since high school. Louis had pursued a career in real estate, now managing a string of properties across the city. Sophia shared snippets of her work in marketing, though she downplayed her achievements, not wanting to seem boastful.
“Let’s get out of here,” Louis said suddenly, his tone low and inviting.
Sophia blinked. “What?”
“This place is dead,” he said, glancing around the gym. “Come on. Let’s go somewhere we can actually talk.”
Sophia hesitated, Hailey’s warning ringing in her ears. But before she could respond, Louis extended a hand. “I don't bite, Soph.”
The nickname made her stomach flip. Against her better judgment, she took his hand.
—-------------
Louis’s apartment was sleek and modern, quite different from the boy next door charm she remembered. He poured them both a glass of wine and gestured for her to sit on the leather couch. “This is nice,” she said, glancing around.
“Thanks,” he said, sitting beside her. His closeness sent a wave of nervous energy coursing through her.
They talked more, and for a moment, it felt like the years had melted away. Louis was charming, funny, and attentive, but there was an edge to him now, a confidence that bordered on arrogance.
One glass of wine turned into two, and before Sophia realized it, Louis was leaning closer, his hand brushing against hers.
“You know,” he said, his voice low, “I always thought you were cute in high school. Quiet, but cute.”
Sophia’s breath stopped as he closed the distance between them. When his lips met hers, she froze, a mix of excitement and fear streaming through her. His kiss was intense, demanding, and she found herself leaning into it despite the warning bells in her head. One thing led to another, and soon they were tangled on the couch, his hands exploring her as he pressed kisses down her neck. But when his fingers found the hem of her dress and began to lift it, she stopped him.
“Wait,” she whispered, pulling back.
Louis paused, his brow furrowing. “What’s wrong?”
“I…I’ve never done this before,” she admitted, her cheeks burning.
“What?” His confusion gave way to disbelief. “You’re a virgin?”
Sophia nodded, unable to meet his gaze. Her naive mind led her to believe that her announcement would excite him.
Louis laughed a sharp, dismissive sound that made her stomach churn. “Wow,” he said, shaking his head. “I mean, I knew you were shy, but this? What are you, saving yourself for some fairy tale prince?”
Sophia felt the sting of his words like a slap. “I just...I thought—”
“You thought what? That I’d be into this? Look, Sophia, I don’t do the whole ‘sweet and innocent’ thing. It’s boring. You’re boring and inexperienced”
Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Her whole expectation had crumbled in front of her.
“Maybe, when you should get the experience,” Louis said, standing and grabbing his keys. “One that’s not so...pathetic, I'll think about us being an item.” Before she could respond, he opened the door and gestured for her to leave. “Good night, Soph.”
—--------------
Sophia stumbled into the cool night air, her chest tight and her mind reeling. The streets were quiet, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement as she made her way home. By the time she reached her apartment, her hands were trembling. She let herself in quietly, hoping not to wake Hailey, but her best friend was waiting in the living room, her arms crossed and with expression of worry and anger.
“Where have you been?” Hailey demanded.
“Out,” Sophia said, avoiding her gaze. Sophia did not want to worry her friend about her encounter after she was warned.
“I was worried about you,” Hailey’s tone softened.
Sophia didn’t respond but hugged her. She gave Hailey a fake smile to stop her from worrying. “Stop worrying, I'm home. I'll go up and freshen up.”
Without waiting for a response, she retreated to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She sank onto her bed, tears streaming down her face as the weight of Louis’s words crushed her. She has never felt so heart broken. Sleep came knocking on her door.
—---------------------
The next morning, Sophia woke with a heavy heart and puffy eyes. She made herself a cup of tea. She had woken up with a new determination. She wasn't going to be the shy girl any more. If she needed to get Louis' affection, she had to grow up. Men like Louis needed mature women, she told herself.
Sophia stared at her reflection in the mirror later that day, she vowed to prove to herself and to everyone else that she was more than capable of being what Louis desired. All she needed was to lose her virginity and gain experience.
