Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  “Sophia?” A voice called out, snapping me back to reality. I looked up across the plants; a woman was looking at me. She had a kind face, her smile was sweet, almost welcoming. I admired her all white attire that complimented her silver hair. To top it off, she paired the whole ensemble with a bright red lipstick.

  “Is your name Sophia? Sophia Brooks?” She asked again.

  “Yes, yes it is.” I smiled, I recognized her. I didn’t know from where.

  She walked around the isle of plants, “I thought that was you.”

  “Do I know you?” I looked at her confused.

  “Oh no dear, you wouldn’t know who I am. My name is Judith, but you can call me Judy.” She laughed. “Stefan told me about you, he showed me a picture. I had to almost pry it out of him.” She continued.

  “Stefan?” I asked, shock ran across my face.

  “I’m sorry, I must be confusing you. Stefan is my grandson.”

  “Oh my goodness. It’s so nice to meet you.” I held my hand out.

  She returned the gesture and took my hand, “Likewise.”

  “I feel like I’ve met you before.” I told her, trying to rack my brain why she looked so familiar. “Do you ever go into the coffee house in town on 7th?”

  She smiled, “Every Saturday.”

  “I used to study there every Saturday. I remember you; you always sat in the corner by the window. You always had a latte and a muffin.”

  “You have a good memory.” She shifted her purse from one arm to the other, “Are you in town long?”

  “Just a few days, I needed a break from the city.” I could hear the nervousness in my voice. It wasn’t a lie. I did need a break.

  She began writing on a receipt from her purse, “Will you come by my house? Tomorrow? I would love to chat more.”

  “Oh sure, I mean of course.” I gave her an uneasy smile.

  “It will be lovely, I will see you tomorrow. Here’s my address.” She handed me the receipt. “3 o’clock ok? See you then!” She walked away toward a baby blue convertible leaving me frozen.

  “Who was that?” My mom asked, walking up behind me.

  “That was Stefan’s grandmother.” I said as we watched her drive away.

  “Really? Small world.” My mom said, and turned to walk back to our car holding a new potted plant.

  I kept my gaze in the direction her car drove, “Very.”

  The next day I kept worrying about going over to Stefan’s Grandmother’s house. I was still hurt. The words he said tore me apart, but I told her I would go and she seemed so excited when I agreed. Plus it’d do me some good to go do something. Even if it is seeing the one person he truly cares about.

  My mom let me borrow her car since I sold mine before I moved to New York. I put the address into my phone, it took me about 20 minutes outside of town. When I pulled up to the house, it was this white two story house with a lot of windows. It was surrounded by a garden that had died off from the cold air. Fall was starting to set in, and the leaves on the trees had dropped.

  I stepped out of the car, and noticed Judith sitting on the porch with a dog. It was a small brown dachshund; it jumped up at my presence, but didn’t bark.

  “Sophia! I’m so happy you came.” She walked down the steps, and embraced me.

  “Your house is beautiful.”

  “Thank you! It’s my little haven. Come inside dear, you must be chilly.”

  When we entered her home, I instantly felt this overwhelming feeling of comfort. Her home smelled of cinnamon, and her walls were lined with paintings. I noticed a simple J in the corner of each of them.

  “Did you paint these?” I lingered by one of the paintings.

  “I did. It keeps my hands busy.” She smiled and walked into her living room.

  I followed behind her, “They’re lovely.”

  “Thank you. Would you like some hot cider? I just made a batch.”

  “Sure.” I sat down on the sofa.

  She left me for a moment, and then returned carrying two mugs filled with piping hot cider. “How are you?” She asked as she sat.

  “I...I’m fine.” I lied.

  How am I? How do I answer that? Stefan told me to leave. That life was better without me. I had never had someone say words to me like that, someone that I actually cared for.

  “Sweet girl, I know better than that.” She placed a hand on mine.

  I shrugged my shoulders, “I don’t know how to answer that question. I’m sorry.”

  “How about this, why did you move to New York in the first place?” She asked, blowing on her cider.

  I sat there for a moment, my mind was wandering. I was trying to remember why I did actually move. “I wanted to experience life.”

  “Why have you come home?” She asked, as if she already knew the answer.

  “It wasn’t what I thought it was.” I looked down at the steam coming from my cup. “I thought it was going to be different, it was this magical place that nothing could go wrong, and every dream is possible. Then my heart was smashed into a million pieces from every angle.” I looked up, as I felt warm tears form.

  She looked at me with a sympathetic smile, I hate sympathetic smiles. She picked up her cup, “I’m going to tell you something; something I needed to hear a long time ago. Life isn’t always easy. Actually most of the time, it’s never easy. But there are moments, or people who make the hard times worth it.”

  My hands were wrapped around my mug, “What happens if the person tells you to leave?”

  “He pushes you away, because he’s worried you will get hurt in the crossfire.”

  Her words made me question if she knew of the events that had taken place recently. Or maybe she’s just been here before. My position. Whatever it was, her words seemed sincere.

  My mouth felt dry, as I started to speak, “Will I? Get caught in the crossfire?”

  “Possibly, but you always have a choice.” She said it, and it was as if I heard an echo from Stefan. He told me the same thing. You always have a choice.

  “How do you know what choice to make?” I leaned back.

  “You choose love. Every time.” She placed her hand back on mine, and my eyes filled with tears.

  This was a lot to process. I took a deep breath trying to compose myself.

  “Don’t let them change you, and if you do? Make it for the better.” She smiled, and wiped a tear away from my face.

  We sat there talking for what seemed like hours. Honestly because it was. It was dark out by this time. Dinner had come and gone. She was so interested in who I was, and my life. She even cared about my Mom. She wanted to get to know her. Which made me happy; I always worried about my Mom being alone.

  She told me about Stefan, who he was when he was younger. The perfect straight A student, who would always get in trouble for making the whole class laugh. She showed me pictures of him when he was younger. His ears stuck out in the most adorable way. She explained why she raised him until he was five, until he was sent back to London. His parents were always too busy, and Thomas was older. He had a happy childhood and it made me smile.

  We noticed headlights pulling up the long driveway. Judy stood up, and walked over to the window. “I will be right back.” She said, and walked toward the kitchen. The kitchen was the opposite direction of the front door.

  I heard footsteps on the front porch, the handle turned. The door finally opened, and my eyes blinked a few times taking in who was standing there. He stared at me for a moment, shutting the door behind him.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Sophia

  My lips pressed together. The last time I spoke to him, we were yelling at each other, slamming doors, being told to leave. The happy thoughts of Stefan and his childhood left with his presence. The funny thing was, all I wanted to do was rush into his arms. I hate myself for being so weak. I did however have enough restraint to stay seated; I was still in shock he was here.

  “You’re ok.” He said with a s
igh of relief.

  I was silent as he walked up to me. My eyes followed him as he sat down. “You came all the way here?” I asked.

  “Shouldn’t I ask you the same question?” He laughed, but I didn’t respond. He placed his hand on my knee. “I had to make sure you were ok.”

  My chest tightened. “I can’t do this.” I stood up and rushed toward the front door.

  “Sophia, wait…” He called after me.

  I was down the stairs by the time he got to the door. The weather was chilly, but the sky was clear.

  “Please wait.” He begged, following me down the steps.

  I stopped looking up at the starry sky and took a deep breath. I turned to face him, and I could see the sadness in him. He took my hand, but I pulled back, still staring at him. “How did you know I was here?” I asked.

  “When I couldn’t find you in the city, I thought you might have come home.”

  “Still, how would you know? You wouldn’t fly all the way here on a hunch.”

  “I asked my Nan.”

  “You sent your Nan to find me?!”

  “No, she happened to bump into you yesterday. She knew who you were. It’s a small town. She called me and told me that she ran into you.”

  I stayed silent staring at him.

  He stepped closer to me, “I let them get in my head. All I ended up doing was hurting you, and that’s the one thing I never want to do.”

  I could tell he was nervous, unsure of how I would react. Why is it that when I look into his eyes, everything disappears, everything calms.

  He continued, “Everything that comes with me is bad. I can’t always control it. If you get too close I might ruin you. My life might ruin you.”

  I raised my hand for him to stop talking, “You don’t have to control everything. You can’t shut me out every time things get hard. This is new territory for me. Sometimes I need help processing things. If you tell me to leave, I will do just that.” Exhaustion left my voice.

  He took my hand in his, “I know, and I'm sorry. My family is insane. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave.”

  “I never wanted to leave because your family was insane. I left because you told me to. I won’t stay somewhere that I’m not wanted. I’ve dealt with tough before. Maybe not on your level, but I've dealt with more than you realize.”

  He pulled me closer to him, as he brushed my hair out of my face. “You are wanted. I’m sorry.”

  Our eyes stayed focused on each other, I didn’t know the future, but I think I want him in it. There are times in your life when you can decide to take a chance and jump, or stay safe on the cliff. But what if the cliff crumbles? My heart was speaking louder than my thoughts, and I was listening.

  My frustration with him left, I pressed my lips to his. My world stopped, not realizing until this moment that I yearned for his soft touch. If I stayed in the moment forever, I would never call it a prison. This moment was pure, in its most innocent form.

  His hands had settled on my back, I wrapped my arms around his neck. He pulled away looking down at me, “I want to take you home.”

  “I want to go with you.”

  He smiled at my words, “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes, but first I want you to take you somewhere before we go.” I said, as we walked toward the front door.

  “Thank goodness, I thought you two were going to be out here forever.” Judy said from the doorway. Stefan walked up to her bringing her into a tight bear hug.

  “I’ve missed you sweet boy.” She squeezed his shoulders.

  He laughed, “I’ve missed you too, Nan.”

  Stefan followed Judy down the hall, and she turned a light on in one of the rooms. “The guest bedroom is made up for you.” She said to him.

  She looked at me near the front door, and then attempted to whisper. “I like her.”

  “Me too.” He smiled, turning to look at me.

  “I’m off to bed.” Judy told us, walking in my direction, “Sophia, I enjoyed my time with you today.” She brought me into a hug, she smelled of peppermint and honey. “Goodnight you two.” She said, and then disappeared through the living room.

  Stefan entered the guest bedroom, and I walked down the hall to follow. The room was lit by a lamp on the nightstand. A blue quilt covered the bed, and a dresser with an old mirror was parallel with the foot of the bed.

  “I should go, my mom is probably worried.” I leaned against the dresser.

  “Stay.” He said, pulling me toward the bed. He sat down, leading me between his legs. I rested my hands on his shoulders. “Stay with me.” He repeated. His words were so tender.

  Everything in me wanted to stay here with him. His hands wrapped around my hips. In the short time I've lived in New York, he has changed me and my ideas of love. My body wanted him, like a magnet.

  “Fine.” I gave in, and a satisfied smile formed on his face.

  He pulled me toward him, as he lay back on the bed. Then rolling me over, his body towering over me. He slowly graced my neck with the soft touch of his mouth. Each touch was more delicate than the last. He pulled my shirt over my head, revealing my lace bra. My breathing was shallow; I could feel each breath release from my mouth. Every kiss he placed on me burned my skin in a cynical way. As if he were taking pieces of me with every touch. His eyes traced my body.

  He leaned up, and looked down at me. His fingers danced along the curves of my chest, onto my stomach. A sweet smile appeared on his face. “I just wanted to see you.”

  I gave him a confused look, and leaned up on my elbows. “I thought, we…” I couldn’t even finish the sentence. “Do you not want to have sex?” I blurted out.

  He laughed, and got up off the bed. “Of course I want to, but tonight I just want to be with you.”

  I released my elbows plopping back down on the bed. I guess it was sweet. I heard him laugh again, as he was watching me while he removed his shirt. I squinted my eyes at him, and tried not to laugh at my frustration.

  He turned the light off, and climbed into the bed next to me, “Come here, little one.” Stefan said, as he pulled me into his arms.

  I rested my head on his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was meditating. I could listen to it all day. “I can’t believe you came all the way here.” I said.

  He ran his fingers through my hair. “My mind was going crazy, not knowing if you were ok.”

  “I am. I am, now.” I whispered.

  Stefan

  Well my arm had officially fallen asleep, but I couldn’t bear to move her off of me. I just got her back, and I don’t want to let her go again. Not yet. She doesn’t snore, but a little mouth breathing every now and then made me laugh.

  My phone suddenly lit up, I grabbed it before the vibration woke her. I slowly eased from under her. Sitting on the side of the bed, I looked at who was calling. Fucking Jessica.

  “I told you to stop calling me.” I whispered as I walked out of the bedroom.

  “Where are you?” She asked.

  “None of your business. What do you want?”

  “I had dinner with your mom.” She gloated.

  “I need you to leave me and my family alone.” My voice was stern, it was taking everything in me not to yell through the phone.

  She laughed, “Babe, don’t act like that. We’re borderline family already.”

  I sat down on the armrest of the sofa, “Do not call me babe. You lost me a long time ago.”

  “You’re only acting like this because of that dumb girl.” She snapped.

  “Choose your words carefully, Jess.”

  “Did I hit a sore spot?” She laughed. “Anyways, the reason I called was that Thomas is being crazy. You know the usual.” She said casually.

  “Can you get to the point?”

  “Your friend hasn’t called you? He’s buying Joe’s bar.” She laughed.

  “He’s what?!”

  “You heard me. He bought the whole damn building. You boys will do anything to mes
s with each other.” She was talking as if we’re having a light hearted conversation.

  “He just fucked up.” I told her and hung up.

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Stefan

  Sophia wasn’t next to me when I woke up. The bedroom door was cracked, and I heard movement in the kitchen. I climbed out of bed and pulled my shirt over my head. As I walked into the living room, I could hear the sound of my Nan and Sophia laughing.

  “Good Morning, sleepy head.” My Nan smiled.

  Sophia was sitting on a stool, watching my Nan cook. She smiled as I walked up to her.

  “Good Morning.” I kissed her on top of her head.

  “Sophia tells me you two are going home today?” My Nan asked, setting a few strips of bacon on a plate.

  I walked over and opened the refrigerator, pulling out the juice. “Yeah, this afternoon.”.

  When I turned around Sophia was pushing her eggs back and forth. Something was bothering her. I sat down next to her, resting my hand on her back. “Are you ok?” I whispered in her ear. She nodded with a forced smile; I could tell she was lying.

  She straightened her back, pushing whatever was bothering her aside. “We need to leave soon.”

  “Where are you taking me?” I took a bite of bacon.

  She smirked, “Don’t worry about it.”

  “You’re not trying to take me hostage are you?”

  “I would never.” She said sarcastically, walking her plate over to the sink.

  Since this visit was unplanned, I didn’t have too much to gather. Sophia washed her face, and attempted to brush her hair with her fingers. Eventually she gave up and tousled her hair up in a bun. I told her she looked fine, I don’t know why she bothers so much. I remained in the same pants as yesterday, but changed into a blue shirt.

  My Nan was waiting on us by the front door. She wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I will miss you. Please visit more often.”