Sophia Laforteza. With multiple warnings from others around college telling you how manipulative and toxic she is, you’re still by her side. Whenever you confronted her, comments that slide from her lips are, “They’re just jealous you’re with me” or even “So you believe them?”.

These words that slipped her mouth didn’t seem toxic or manipulative. It sounded…normal. Like you’ve heard it before, so you stayed, which she loved.

“You’re going out?” Sophia asks, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leans against the corridor of the college walls. “It’s just for today. And then I’ll be back.” “You know that college games are a waste. You’re paying money for nothing,” Sophia argues softly. She didn’t want you to go. She wanted you to stay with her. “Remember when your friends left you out? Lost you in the crowds when you guys went to celebrate the last game?” she asks, walking up to you.

“They- they still found me, I —“ “But what if they did that on purpose?” Sophia asks. “What if it was because they didn’t want to celebrate with you? Because you’re annoying?” You paused, letting her words sink in. Sophia bit back a smile, her hand raising to tangle in your hair. “They didn’t even notice you were gone from the group after five minutes before they started to look at your text and find you.” Sophia’s face felt faux hurt and remorse for you. “Now,” she continued, “I wouldn’t have lost you. I wouldn’t have done that.” She looks at you and tilts her head.

“Are you staying with me tonight? Or going with your friends who you know will abandon you tonight?”