Chapter 9

“You are the one destined for me.’’ He says, staring into my eyes.

My heart skips a beat.

“I’m sorry, what? That’s crazy! We’re total strangers, how can you be so sure.’’

I know the answer before he responds. I could feel it deep within me. The tug that had been motivating my action in the last week had led me to him.

“Don’t you feel a sort of pull inside, telling you this is right?’’ He confirms my thoughts. “I know this is all kind of odd to you, right now. I’ll start over: my name is Simon, nice to meet you.’’

He puts out his hand and everything in me screams to take it and never let go. He shakes my hand slowly, never breaking eye contact, and I know he feels the same.

“I’m Sophie,’’ I end up responding. Then I think of Nick. And Alice. “Listen, I do believe you when you say this is... normal for your culture. But I am supposed to leave in a couple of hours. I’m here with my boyfriend.’’

I half-lie, feeling bad already. I was maybe not leaving till the end of the week. For less than half a second, I see glimpse of pain pass in his eyes, so quick I wonder if I projected it.

“Please,’’ he says, and I feel like he doesn’t normally beg like this. “You can’t leave. I know this is a lot to ask from a stranger, but stay here. Not for ever, just a couple of days. And if you still want to leave, I’ll drive you where you want to go myself.’’

“Okay,’’ I say before I can stop myself.

“Great! I’m guessing you have some things to put in order, so can we meet up this evening?’’ He gets up and I follow, nodding before I change my mind. “Perfect. I’ll be by your hotel at six.’’

I finally notice he never let go of my hand and I painfully pull away. I instantly feel like touching him again. The feeling was so weird. He nods me goodbye and walks away. A man joins him quickly and they get into a car together before driving off.

I’m still standing there, eyes following the car as it turns on another street, as my hot chocolate cools in my hand. I shake my head to get rid of the lingering need for his presence and walk back to the hotel. Hoping it’s still early enough to avoid Nick.

It now seemed to me that Alice was maybe right. Why would I go out of my way to talk to Nick when I had done nothing bad? If he wanted to talk to me, he would knock on my door and apologise. Maybe then, I would consider listening to what he had to say.

I lock myself in my room and notice the passenger bus pulling up beside the hotel through my window. My heart starts to pound as I think about the ruse I’m participating in. I hear people in the corridor start to walk back to the lobby and I watch through the eyelet of the door.

Nick passes my door, and I see him hesitate. My heart drops as he shakes his head and continues to walk away. I anxiously grab my purse and walk out with the crowd, avoiding the front desk to keep my key. Both Grant and the other driver are already packing up bags under the bus as people go find a seat inside.

I stand between the door and the pile of luggage, unsure of where to put myself. Nick spots me and walks over, obviously uncomfortable.

“Hey,’’ he says looking everywhere but my face. “I’m glad you’re here. I want you to know I still love you and I hope we get through this.’’

My heart aches at his words. The way he says it, I’m as much to blame as he is. Anger rises again in my chest, but I keep my lips sealed. I don’t think I could control myself if I opened my mouth.

The new bus driver screams over the crowd that it is time to board the bus, and Nick tries to grab my hand. I pull away, watching his face for a reaction.

“Come on, we don’t want to miss the bus and be stuck here even longer.’’

He seems irritated as I look over his shoulder to see Alice waiving me goodbye. I smile at her and wave back. Nick looks behind him and fury instantly washes over his face.

“Tell me this is a joke.’’

He’s boiling, but turns to talk to the new driver, asking him to wait a little. The driver seems annoyed, but still nods. Nick grabs my arm and drags me to the side of the hotel, near the forest.

“So you’re just ditching us?’’

I've never seen him this angry.