Chapter 33 Sophia's POV

                                    

                                          
I have three more weeks of school left. The thought of it instantly sent me into a panic attack. I felt as thought I had a million things to do and not nearly enough time. It was insane a few papers to write, along with a few presentations, a couple of interviews, the list goes on and on. While I was beyond stressed the fact that there were Christmas lights at the end of the tunnel made everything a million times better. 
                          
The next week felt just as stressful. It seemed as though all my professors were determined to keep me there for another semester with the amount of work that they were throwing my way. Joel tried to talk me down from a couple panic attacks. By the end of the week I had a week left and only a paper and a couple finals between me and California. I was finishing up on Friday for my scheduled break. We were going out on the town for one last night out before we buckled down for finals. I started to freak out a little bit when I saw an email from a publishing house near my parents. My heart was about to beat out of my chest as I clicked on it. 
                          
Sophia, 
                          
Thank you for you interest in our internship program. We would like to bring you in for an interview in the next couple of weeks. Please let us know when you are available to come to our office. We look forward to hearing from you. 
                          
Thank you, 
Jennifer Suarez 
                          
I could help the squeal the erupted from my mouth. Hannah came running in. 
                          
"That better be a good scream!" 
                          
"I got an interview! I might not be unemployed when I move back!" 
                          
She screamed too "That's amazing! Congratulations! You're going to ace the interviews."
                          
"Thanks girl! I'm so excited. I'm emailing them back right now."
                          
After emailing them to let them know that I would be available in a week. I closed my computer and called Joel. 
                          
"Hey babe" he answered 
                          
"Guess who got an interview for the publishing house close to her parents?" Oh all but screamed 
                          
"No way! That's amazing. When is the interview? You're going to kill it!" 
                          
I laughed, "I hope so. It's the week after I get back into town. I'm so pumped!" 
                          
We talked for a little while longer about things we wanted to do when I got back into town. I seriously was so excited about being in the same town again. 
                          
Hannah started to make faces at me to get off the phone so I could start getting ready. I laughed and told Joel, Hannah was nagging me to get off the phone and said I would call in the morning. 
                          
That night we had a blast. We started off at the low key bar next to campus. It was a little dirty, but the drinks were cheap. We then headed to a club closer into town. The music was loud and intoxicating. I decided to take a break from drinking. It felt as though I was on the edge of having a bad night and decided to just dance. A few different guys tried to join our group, but were instantly turned away. After a while I needed a break and some water. I stayed at the bar for a little bit and was about to head back out on the dance floor when I caught a pair of eyes staring at me. When I tried to figure out who the person was, I found that they had disappeared in the crowd. I shook it off as I was just made eye contact with someone random and headed back to the group. 
                          
We were having a blast dancing, when I felt a pair of hands encircle my waist. I was about to turn around and tell the guy off when I saw Hannah's eyes go wide with recognition. Now I was curious as hot who the hell was behind me. I turned around to find Mark. I was shocked. After the last encounter that we had, I thought for sure that if I did see him again that we sure as hell wouldn't talk let alone dance. I was confused to say the least. 
                          
"Mark?" I tried to yell over the music
                          
"Hey" he mouthed and then jerked his head towards the bar. 
                          
I nodded as he grabbed my hand and lead me from the dance floor. I mouthed "Be right back" to Hannah as she watched us, looking as confused as I felt. She nodded to and turned back, letting Mark lead me away. 
                          
We found a quieter spot by the bar. 
                          
"Hey" he said. It was still loud around us, but everything seemed to fade away. 
                          
"Hey no dad duty tonight?" Trying to seem light instead of harping on our last conversation. 
                          
"No I'm here for a friend's birthday party. How are you? Isn't it finals week?"
                          
"Yea, I've been killing myself all week. Hannah dragged me out I have finished almost everything and have a couple of tests keep next week so I'm not feeling too guilty about being out. How are you? And Emma?" 
                          
"We are good. The three of us are finding a new place soon. Emma is starting to say a few things and is constantly running around. We are always exhausted chasing after her."
                          
I laughed, "I bet. Congrats. That's awesome." 
                          
He looked as me with a hint of disbelief. I could almost see our last conversation playing back in his head. He nodded. "Yea we are happy. So are you headed home for Christmas next week?" 
                          
I cringed inwardly realizing that I hadn't told him yet. 
                          
"Actually, um- I'm moving home at the end of the week?"
                          
Shock registered on his face, "Moving?" 
                          
I nodded, "I'm able to graduate early. So I'm taking it and moving home. I have an interview with a publishing house next week."
                          
"Oh. Wow. Congrats." But his voice revealed his lack of excitement.
                          
"Thanks...?"
                          
He shook his head, "I'm sorry it's huge news and the thought of you not being in town is throwing me for a loop. I know the last time we saw each other we got into a fight, but it really sucks, not even having the option of seeing you." He pulled me towards him. 
                          
I couldn't help, but melt into his hug. 
                          
He pulled back, still holding on to me. "I'm happy for you. You're going to do awesome things." And then pulled me back into him. 
                          
After a minute I pulled away. "Thanks Mark. I'm sorry to spring this on you at such a weird time. I should get back to Hannah. She's probably a little worried. I'm glad I saw you before I left. Give Emma a hug for me." I squeezed his bicep and stepped away. 
                          
"Bye Soph" he said hoarsely. 
                          
I had to turn away before I started to tear up myself. I found Hannah pretty easily. She had been watching. 
                          
"You ok?" She asked when she saw my face
                          
"Yes and no" I squeaked out. I walked into her arms and put my head on her shoulder willing myself to not burst out in sobs. "I'll be ok in a minute." 
                          
She rubbed my back, "No worries Soph, I'm here for you." With that I couldn't help the sob that burst out. 
                          
The rest of that week was a blur. Between the last couple of finals and packing I was swamped.  Then on top of it all, the publishing house had decided to do a video call interview and it went well enough that they offered me a position. It felt as though everything was falling in place. While I was excited for everything that the future held, I was still a little sad to be leaving the life I had created here. As I got the last bit of my things in the car, Hannah pulled me into a big hug. 
                          
"I'm coming to visit at the end of next semester, so be prepared." 
                          
I burst out laughing, "You better! Don't miss me too much!" I yelled as I got into the car. 
                          
"Drive safe! Love you!" 
                          
"Love you too!" And with that I started the car and pulled out of the driveway. 
                          
Heading west, I was excited for my new adventure.
                          
Author's Note:
                          
I'm working on getting this ready to submit to the Wattys. If you happen to see any inconsistencies or mistakes please let me know! It would be a huge help when I go back through it. 
                          
Thanks!