James Taylor

Date Nights part 1

Sophie's POV

A month had passed since the beginning of school and I had gotten used to the new schedule. Things were going well I thought sitting in front of the dresser combing my hair before I heard Nick honking his horn

"I'm coming," I said as I put down the brush, grabbed my bag, and ran out closing the door behind me.

"Sorry to keep you waiting" I apologized getting into the car

"After a month I kinda got used to it" he yawned. Even a month in Nick was not one to wake up early

"Like how I got use to your horn," I said

"Touché," he said as he backed out of the drive away.

"So did you and James finish the project you were doing," he asked saying Taylor's name with venom laced in it. While he still hated the fact that we were lab partners he didn't overreact or anything like before. In fact, he actually listened when I complained about the projects and the arguments Taylor and I had in between. Nick was really keeping up his word for the most part

"Yeah. It's due tomorrow" I said

"So why are you carrying it today?" He asked

"Nick how many times do I have to explain it to you" I shook my head

"If I want to get full marks I have to bring it in one day before the due date" I explained for the tenth time

"Isn't that a bit harsh?" He asked

"Have you met my teacher?" I asked sarcastically

"Thankfully no" he laughed

"Hey, so what about you?" I asked

"What about me?" He asked

"How's the first month back?" I asked

"Eh kinda disappointed to be honest. I was sort of expecting a parade in my honor when I walked into the school" he joked causing me to smile and roll my eyes

"We're sorry you didn't get the royal treatment, your highness," I said before I got a text

*Taylor⚛- Did you remember the project?*

*Yeah*

*Taylor⚛- Good where are you?*

*I'm almost at school. Where are you*

*Taylor⚛- I just got here*

*Is she there yet?*

*Taylor⚛- she's always here I'm seriously beginning to think she sleeps here*

*Wouldn't be surprised*

I sent laughing aloud as well

"Who is it?" Nick asked

"It's Taylor. He asked if I had to the project" I answered

"So why are you laughing?" He asked

"Just an inside joke," I said

"If you say so," he said as he pulled into the parking lot before getting out and opening the door for me

"Thank you," I said getting out before he closed the door

"Are you walking me to class?" I asked

"Sure" he smiled before his phone went off. He looked and his smile dimmed

"Um.." he said 

"Um, what?" I glared at him 

"Sorry, something came up. I have to leave" he said

"Nick" I cautioned

"Don't worry I'll come back. I'm just gonna check up on someone" he reassured me

"Okay and," I said

"And be back before the last bell rings" he continued

"Fine I'll see you in English," I said

"What period is that again?" he said

"It's Wednesday. So it's the first period, then you have math" I reminded

"I keep forgetting those stuff. Luckily I have such a smart girlfriend" he said planting a quick kiss on my cheek 

"So where are you going?" I asked

"It's a bit personal," he said

"So you can't tell me?" I said annoyed

"I would if I could. Can't you just trust me?"

"Fine but you better be back before classes start," I said

"I promise I will. Love you" he said kissing my lips before entering the car and driving away leaving me only to sigh. This was not the first time Nick had done something like this. He kept his promise from a month ago except when it comes to this. He misses school and cuts classes quite a bit and he doesn't tell me where he goes and what he is doing. He also drops whatever he's doing whenever his other phone rings. Nick often carried two phones which I found weird because he only gave me the number for one

"Hey Sophie" I heard Libby's voice call out from behind me

"Libbs" I said turning around to see her and the guys walking up to me

"Hey what's up" I said

"Not much" the guys said

"Was that Nick awhile ago?" Libby asked

"Yeah" I said

"Where is he going?" she asked

"He said he has something to take care of before school" I said

"Like what?" Libby asked

"It's personal" I said

"So you don't know" she scoffed rolling her eyes

"Of course I know. He's going to check on someone"

"Who?" she asked

"Um..?"

"You don't know, do you?" she rolled her eyes

"What's this about Libbs? What's with the attitude" I asked 

"Carlos, can you go to class without me I need to have a girl to girl with Sophie" Libby said

"Kay. Let's go Carl. I'll see you in class" Carlos said walking off with Carl beside him 

"Okay girl look. I know Nick's been trying really hard lately to be a good boyfriend and all and get why you're guilting yourself into being so trusting because of the whole lying about kissing James thing but you can't seriously tell me you're not even a little bit curious about what he's doing and where he's going" she said

"No because I don't wanna pry into his personal life" She said

"You've been dating for four years Soph. You should already know everything about his personal life already" she argued

" I don't wanna talk about this anymore. I'm going to class" I said not having anything to say

"Yeah me too" she said before we walked away in opposite directions

(James)

Having just finished texting Sophie I walked into the class to see the teacher behind her desk head down in her work

"Good morning Mister Taylor" she said as I walked to my seat

"Good morning Miss" I said before my phone buzzed so I took it out and saw Betty's caller ID

*Betty- hey you already at school*

*Yeah why?*

*Betty??- I got in accident a while ago. My bike was wrecked*

*how did that happen?*

*Betty??- It's a long story*

*Are you okay? Do you want me to pick you up?*

*Betty??- Would you please?*

*Okay. Just wait a little okay. I'll be right there. Mind sending me the location*

*Betty??- Yeah sure. Thanks James* I read before I sighed and got up

"Mister Taylor where are you going?"

"Sorry miss. But Betty's asked me to pick her up. She said something happened to her bike" I said

"Okay but if you don't make it back before the first bell you'll be late" she said

"I know" I said before I walked out.

I made my way to the car and saw Sophie walking towards me

(Sophie)

'Damn it! Libby has me doubting him. No I can't he's been trying his best for the passed month. The least I can do is trust him' I thought as I walked down the halls 

"Hey Vortex" a familiar voice said snapping me out of my daze

"Oh hey Taylor" I said looking up at him my eyes stuck at his soft lips as he said something

"Sophie. Sophie!" he called again

"Huh? Did you say something?" I asked

"Not really I just asked if you're going to class" He asked

"Yeah but where are you going?" I asked

"To pick up Betty" he said and just then I felt my chest tighten.

"Oh and why are you going to pick her up. I thought she had a bike" I said

"She does but she got in accident"

"And what does that have to do with you?" I asked

"Her bike got wrecked so I'm going to help her out" he answered

"So why did she call you and not a tow truck" I bickered

"I'm pretty sure she did but I don't think a tow truck would carry her to school" he said

"And what about an Uber?" I asked

"Maybe she doesn't want to waste money. Why are you even asking so many questions?"

"I'm just curious" I shrugged

"I mean of all the people she could call why did she have to call you?" I continued

"I don't have time for this Sophie. I have to be back before the first bell" He said

"Whatever see you in class" I said before I walked away

'What was that just now. I sounded like a jealous girlfriend' I thought as I made my way to class

(James)

"What was that about?" I said as I got into my car and drove off. Driving as quickly as legally possible until I spotted her standing by the side of the school near the elementary school

"Hey anyone call an Uber" I joked pulling up in front of her

"Hey what took so long?" She asked with a smile

"Sorry I was talking to Sophie for a second" I said

"Don't worry about it. I'm just happy for the ride" she said before she entered the car

"So what exactly happened to your bike?" I asked driving away

"Oh it crashed" she repeated

"Are you really okay?" I asked concerned

"I already told you I'm fine. I wasn't the one driving and I jumped off and rolled luckily only getting a few scarps"

"So where's your bike?" I asked

"The tow truck took it a while ago" she said

"Cool. So when are you getting it back?" I asked

"In a couple of days or so" she said

"Cool so are you going to do be taking the bus then?" I asked

"Well I was kind of hoping a certain genius would offer to be my chauffeur for the time" she said playfully

"Sure. My scheduled is a lot more free now that detention is over but you should know I'm at school pretty early in the mornings" I said

"Oh yeah that's fine"

"Okay. I'll pick you up at five starting tomorrow" I said

"Five?" she said and I just nodded

"I still can't believe it's been a month already" she said

"Yeah I think we should do something to celebrate" I said

"And what do you have in mind?" she asked pressing against me

"Um... Dinner maybe... if you're interested I mean" I said my cheek turning a small shade of pink

"You're so cute when you're shy. I'd love to have dinner with you" she said making my lips curve into a silly smile

"Thank you. I'll pick you up at eight. You won't regret it I swear" I said.

(Sophie)

The school day had just ended and I was on my way to the bus stop when Nick pulled up beside me on the sidewalk

"Psst, beautiful" he said 

"Hello, can I help you" I said still walking

"Yeah. I'm looking for directions" he said

"Where to?" I asked

"Your heart" he said winking at me

"Wow such a cheesy pick up line. Does that work for you?" I said

"Depends, do you want go out with me?" he said

"You seem nice but unfortunately I have a boyfriend" she said

"And what would you say if he was here?" Nick asked

"I would ask him why he wasn't at school today" I said no longer playful as I stopped walking and glared at him

"And he probably would say that the business he had ran a little later than expected and that he's very sorry" he said still giving playful smile

"And what business is that exactly?" I asked

"Come on Sophie, you know that's private" he said

"Private, Nick? We've been dating for four years and I don't even now where you are half of time especially these passed two years" I said 

"Four years?" he said as if he realized something before he started laughing

"What's so funny?" I asked

"I can't believe I forgot. Now I know why you're so upset" he said confusing me

"Okay babe. I'll make it up to you I swear. But you'll have to walk home on your own okay" he said

"What?" I said confused before he left

"The hell is he on about?"

I was utterly confused but I had piano lessons so I decided to just leave it at that.

(James)

"Man I'm tired" I said leaning back in my chair. I had been working on my A.I program ever since I got home from school. I had planned to only spend a few minutes looking over the code but once again I lost track of time

"Wonder what time is it?" I asked stretched before I noticed Bernard whimpering by my feet

"Feeding time already huh Bernard" I said as I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it was eight o' five (8:05)

"Oh my god I'm late" I said as I rushed out of the lab and to my house after getting Bernard his food

I charged into the bathroom and showered as best I could in three minutes then I looked for something to wear.

I put on my red t shirt and blue ripped jeans with a white jays before putting on a black leather jacket with a sliver atom symbol over the crest pocket, slapping on a chrome watch and rushing out of my room 

I grabbed my house keys and fresh flowers from my mother's garden before I started looking for my car keys but when I looked at where it normally was I saw a note

"Yo J, I'm borrowing your car for a date with my Shinning one for our anniversary, sincerely Carlos" I read

"Damn it. I told you I was going to use it. I even left a note" I said before a noticed something else

"P.S. sorry for your note" I read before sighing and took up my old car keys.

It was something I built using spare parts of Dad's old cars during middle school and even drove around town. I stopped using it freshman year because Dad bought me a new car after his promotion. I don't know if it's still working because I hadn't checked it in four years. 

'Oh well' I shrugged jumping into the car and driving out. I drove quickly to Betty's house pressing the doorbell and wait for about five minutes before the door opened and a woman resembling Betty, but with had long brown curly hair, came out. I had guessed she was her mother so I greeted her

"Good evening ma'am is Betty-Ann here?" I asked a bit embarrassed

"Yes. I'm her mother and you are?" she asked

"Um...I'm James Taylor, I'm a friend" I said

"Oh James you've grown so big. It's feels like I haven't seen you in forever"

"Um thank... you" I said confused. I mean I was sure this was the first time I had met her. She never once came to the elementary school or middle school so I had no idea where she would have seen me before 

"You are friends with my daughter?" she asked looking at me oddly. It was as if she doubt the very possibility

"Yes I'm actually here to pick her up" I said

"Oh really? I wouldn't think she'd have a friend like you. Especially with her rowdy behavior and her social circle" she said

"That's enough Beth" Betty-Ann said slightly shoving her out of her way and walking over to me 

"Oh Betty-Ann, I was about to talk to James here about some of your other friends" she said

"I can see that but don't you have somewhere to be. Preferably a ditch" she said bluntly

"Oh yes" she said taking out her keys and walking pass me

"Now Betty-Ann don't screw this one up. Like you always do" her mother said before getting in her car and driving away

"I'm sorry about that" Betty-Ann said

"No problem, you look amazing by the way" I said. She was dressed in a shoulder strap shirt, high waist tight pants and a pair of red vans

"Thanks you look great yourself. Love the perfume" she said

"T-t-thanks. Here" I said trying to hide my blush as I gave her the flowers getting a giggle in return

"Shall we get going?" She asked as I turned and showed her to the car

"Um... What happened to the other one?" She asked

"Yeah Carlos borrowed my car without telling me so I had to pull out this old thing" I said opening the door for her

"Wow I wanted to get a ride in it back in middle school. I thought it was much cooler back then though" she said getting into the car

"Sorry, I should have kept my keys with me" I said as I entered the car

"No it's fine. I was only messing with you" she giggled 

"Oh" I smiled starting it up

"Let's go" I smiled 

"Okay" she said as I pulled out of the parking lot

"So where are we going" She asked

"I was planning on a picnic at the park"

"Oh the park" she said disappointed

"What's wrong?" I asked noticing the change of expression

"Nothing it's fine. Let's get going" she said before I sighed then an idea crossed my mind

I gripped unto the steering wheel and made a sudden U-turn.

"What are you doing?" she asked having been whipped about due to her lack of a seatbelt

"Sorry about that, I was just thought of a change of destination" I said

"To where?"

"It's a surprise" I smirked at her

(Sophie)

"Can you believe him Libby? Not only did he not show up for school like he promised. He ditched me for no reason at all with no explanation" I complained over the phone

"Okay girl. I know you need to rant and normally I'd be all for it but I have a date to get ready for" Libby said

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I'm just so upset" I said

"Sorry to ditch ya girl but I think Carlos' here later" she said before hanging up leaving me to sigh

"Great" I sighed as I walked to the window and looked out to see Taylor rushing to put on clothes

"Where is he rushing to?" I asked myself as he put on some expensive perfume

'Wait expensive perfume. Does he have a date? No way. Who would go on a date with him?' I thought before something or someone came to mind

'No no. No way he has a date with her" I said as I watched him leave his room then ten minutes later drive out in his old car.

"Wow I can't believe he still has that thing" I smiled thinking back at all the places we use to drive to in that thing as well as the times Taylor's Mom had to come collect us from the holding cell. Having been too busy reminiscing then I hadn't heard the doorbell ringing over and over again. It was the sound of my alarm going off that snapped me out of thoughts in time to hear 

"SOPHIE!!! YOU HOME!!" I heard Nick's voice scream out as I got up from the window and went to the door and saw him dressed in a nice black suit

"Nick? What are you doing here" I said shocked

"I'm sorry I know you're angry. I know I forgot Sophie but I came to make it up to you"

"Make it up to me?"

"Yeah I got us reservations at La Flèche D'amour de Cupidon" he said surprising me even more

"NO WAY!" I squealed excited. This was the most romantic restaurant in town and one of the most expensive. It was second only to the Midnight

"Yep, now I think you should get dressed" he said handing me a shopping bag

"What's all of this for?" I asked as I took out a sparkly red dress and beautiful gold earrings

"Wow" I said entranced the beautiful shimmer of the diamond necklace

"Hurry up and get change. We're going to be late" he said with a smile

"Yep I'm going right now" I said heading towards the stairs

"Oh and Sophie" he said stopping me

"Yeah what is it?" I asked

"Happy Anniversary" he said before it hit me.

Today was October 2. The day we told everyone we were dating but I didn't remember that despite all the planning I had done over the summer. I had forgotten our four year anniversary. I was stuck in place.

I had spent the last month so focused on my projects with James that it completely slipped my mind. I had marked it on my calendar but I hadn't had time to look at my calendar in the mornings so I mostly just rely on the books I had packed the night before to determine what day it was. 

"Um Sophie" Nick's voice said snapping me out of my thoughts

"Huh sorry. I'll be down in a minute" I said as I ran up the stairs an apologetic look in my eyes