- 1 9 -

                                    

                                          
                                                                                                          - S o f i a -
     I had this killer backache, my head hurts like shit and my legs were jelly-like but I'd never let that stop me from kicking Mr. Butler's ass in a game of chess again. 
"So, have you broken off that fling yet?" He asked, scanning the board. I held my head, unable to concentrate. I took a deep breath in, "No, I haven't gotten around to that yet", I responded as he finally made his move. Aha! Gotcha! 
  I quickly moved my piece, predicting the move that he was going to make. Instead of doing what I had thought, he did the unthinkable. "Why in the world haven't you? Sofia, you're lighting a whole forest fire", he told me. I looked out of the window, frowning. "Whats wrong, love?"
"Well..." I began smiling when I saw Ryan and his mother coming out of the car downstairs. "...because Ryan is such a good guy and..." I turned to Mr. Butler, pouting. "...I think I love him."
  Mr. Butler tutted, pausing our game for a second. He folded his arms and stared at me. "So now you don't want to be apart of the family despite everything that she had done for you?" 
  I frowned, thinking about Ryan some more. "I do but I just...Im trapped in a house and its just going up in flames", I finally said using his metaphor of 'flames'.
"Sofia..."
"I know, I know its dumb and really stupid of me but...Ryan is a really nice person and the sex is great and I really want to be with him but..." I looked out of the window, pouting still. "...that'll never happen."
"That'll never happen", Mr. Butler spoke also at the same time. His face softened as he rested a hand on my shoulder. "Yes it can", he said softly right before Ryan appeared. We both looked at him then at each other then back at him. 
"You look different", Mr. Butler remarked amused.
"You've never seen glasses before?" He snapped. I adjusted my glasses, surprised. 
"Never seen you in glasses. I like it on you", I said with a smile. He laughed, cocking his head back then stopped abruptly.
"Yeah right."
   I rolled my eyes, glancing at the chess board. Hmm...
"Ooh whats this I see?" Mom appeared, standing besides Ryan. I gave her a warm smile. 
"You really enjoy playing chess, huh?" 
"I cant let this mister here think he's the winner when Im the clear champion", I joked. Mom and Mr. Butler chuckled. Old people joke. Ryan would never get it.
"Anyways Sofia, Ryan brought you something", she said. My eyes widened as I lifted my gaze from the board. 
"Mom!"
"Really?" I asked amused. I liked surprises. Oooh. 
"Yes he did", Mom confirmed deviously. She chuckled knowing perfectly what she was doing. 
  Ryan retrieved a little box from his pocket and shoved it at me. A little velvet box. Somehow velvet boxes were always important.
"I just saw it and I thought of you and...yeah", He looked away, apparently blushing. His face was really red but in an adorable way. Aw, he's a tomato. 
"What is it?" I asked, unable to contain my excitement. I didn't want to open it too fast though.
"Its just a collar that says Number #1 dog", Ryan responded rolling his eyes. Ouch. I giggled looking up into his face right before he turned away again. 
"Open it", Mom and Mr. Butler exclaimed both at the same time unable to contain their excitement. I took a deep breath then opened it. I was expecting something cheesy but instead I found a beautiful gold necklace with gold diamond encrusted letters that spelt 
                    S o f i a. 
  "Aww", mom and I softly gasped along with a few other maids who had been merrily walking past us. My face reddened as did Ryan's when I looked up at him. I instantly wanted to cry but I didn't. 
"It's really pretty", I simply said. I held my hair as mom helped place it around my neck. It felt warm against my skin but scorching hot to my heart. 
  "Excuse me", I got up from my seat, placing the box in my seat and running off, locking myself in the nearest bathroom. My feelings were chewing at my heart. 
It hurts when you want someone knowing that you cant have them. 
  I sat on the ground, thinking and clutching the necklace. I sniffled, wiping the hot tears from my eyes. I balled my fist angry at how life was. My feelings were emotionally wearing me out.
  - 
     I returned 10 minutes later, picking up the little and dragging myself to my room. It was cold and dark.
  I removed my clothes, simply getting in bed in just undies and a jacket. I clutched the necklace, staring at the far wall thinking.
  The door opened and shut ever so quietly. I didn't have to look to know that it was Ryan. 
"Move over", he whispered. I did as he asked turning to face him. We looked at each other for the first time without exchanging a word.
  "Im sleepy", I softly said to him. He immediately got closer, placing his arms around me. His body felt really warm against mines. 
  It didn't take long for me to drift off in his arms. I felt so safe like nothing could ever hurt me. Or my feelings. 
  'Ryan, I love you' I wanted to whisper but my eyelashes began to flutter and I fell asleep.