Sophie's diary

Chapter 1: Rain

Author's POV
Rain.
Sophia hated rain. She wasn't sure why. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that she had never had a good experience with it. Nevertheless, she was thankful for the shelter that one of the many kiosks at Nile food court provided.

She sat there staring into space for what seemed like an eternity; lost in thought.

'Penny for your thoughts?' Ah yes, Abdul. Her closest friend; two years her senior and in his final year of university.

'Well, you wouldn't get much. I was just lost' Sophie replied. 'I swear I'm so tired'

'I'm pretty sure you're just hungry. You're always tired when you're hungry' He said with a grin.
'Let's get lunch'

Sophie's mood lightened at the prospect of food. She loved to eat despite being so small. One couldn't help but wonder where all the food went to as she was so petite. Standing at just 5'2 and what people would describe as "slim thick".

It was still raining heavily when the pair finished their food.

'Oh yh, how's your code thingy going' Abdul suddenly remembered his friend's project.

'First of all, it's a software that will revolutionize cybersecurity as we know it and drastically reduce the risks of cyber fraud' she said indignantly much to the annoyance of Abdul. 'Secondly, it's not making much progress at the moment. I can't figure out what next to do. I'm stuck'

'Maybe you just need a reset. I mean when was the last time you did something other than study and work?'

'I mean, I crotchet sometimes. Does that count?'

'Absolutely not' he said with a bored expression. 'Tell you what?' He said leaning back in his chair with his drink 'I'm having a little get together this weekend. Just close friends. I'd love for you to come'

'Not a chance. You of all people know I don't like....people'

'But, you'd love it. Fun, games, music, and foooooodddd' he emphasized the last word knowing his friend couldn't turn down the prospect of food.

'Huh. Fine. But I have conditions'

'I'm listening'

'I want an entire tray of small chops to myself. And a large helping of spicy turkey' she said with a grin.

'Done' Abdul was happy his friend accepted his offer.

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about any and everything.

Eventually, the rain subsided leaves large puddles of water in every hole in the ground.

'Here, pack up. I'll drop you off at home' Abdul offered as he cleared their table.

HOME

She hated that word. That wasn't a home. She didn't want to go back to that place. She came to school everyday regardless of whether she had classes or not simply so she could leave the house.

She put up with so much in that place and still came to school with a smile and was kind to everyone. She had spent more time than usual at the school today and knew she was in trouble.

'You good?' Abdul brought her back to her senses.

'Uh, yes. Let's go'

IN THE CAR

Abdul kept glancing at his friend who seemed to be pre occupied. Her face turned towards the window.

'You know you can tell me if anything is happening, right?'

She finally turned to face him. ' I know. But there's nothing to tell right now. If there were, you'd be the first person I told, trust'

'Trust'

Abdul pulled unto her street before parking in front of the massive house she resided in.

Sophia got out and looked back at Abdul through the window. 'You know, a gentleman would open the door for me'

Abdul tried to hold his laughter 'it's not your type of lady they open doors for'

'Hey, what does that mean??!??' Sophie was entirely irritated now.

'Don't worry about it Soph. Go inside. And don't forget about the party'

'Fine. Goodnight, bestieee'

'Goodnight Soph'

Sophia finally stepped away from the car and into the massive compound. Abdul made sure she went inside before leaving.

People would see them and think they were a couple. The pair would be entirely disgusted with the mere suggestion. Abdul was a notorious player and everyone knew. And Sophia was a simple girl who wanted to remain alone. They were better as they were.

They saw each other as siblings. They always had.

Sophie stood in front of the large doors already dreading what was behind them.

She took a deep breath before typing the code into it.

'Here we go again'