Sophia was standing right in front of the door, arms crossed, blocking the way like she had all the time in the world. Shaved head, same scar cutting down from her eyebrow past her eye, same expression that told you she wasn't in the mood for anything.
And yeah. I remembered exactly why.
I had elbowed her in the ribs at the mall. She definitely remembered too.
I walked toward her anyway, slowing down just a bit as I got closer. Took a breath, straightened up slightly.
"H-hey, Sophia," I said. "What's up?"
"Evan?" Melvin whispered behind me. "Who's that?"
"Not now," I muttered under my breath.
Sophia didn't move.
"You here to cause more problems, Marlowe?" she asked. "Or are you here to apologize?"
"I thought I already—"
She moved.
Fast.
Her elbow drove straight into my ribs before I could even react properly. The impact knocked the air out of me instantly. I stumbled back, one hand hitting the floor as I bent forward, trying to catch my breath.
