Sofia Anderson never allowed herself to lose control. But as the gala loomed closer, the pressure started to mount, and cracks she didn’t want to acknowledge began to form.
She wasn’t just balancing the charity event—there were exams, student council obligations, and maintaining her perfect image. Each day brought another responsibility, and each night, the hours she could sleep dwindled.
She needed everything to be flawless.
The world didn’t reward second place.
One Week Until the Gala
Sofia sat at the student council meeting, surrounded by her peers, but the usual buzz of discussion was nothing more than white noise. She tapped her pen against the table, eyes fixed on the agenda, though her mind was elsewhere.
“Are you okay?” Jason Hayes, the student council president, asked.
Sofia blinked, pulling herself back to reality. “I’m fine.”
Jason gave her a concerned look. “You’ve been zoning out a lot lately. If you need help with the gala—”
“I don’t,” Sofia interrupted, a little too quickly. “Everything is under control.”
Jason nodded slowly, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to push her further.
Later That Day
The art room was unusually empty. Sofia stood by the large corkboard where event ideas and sketches for the gala decorations were pinned. Her fingers traced the edges of a design for the stage backdrop—something vibrant, lively, and perfect.
“You look like you’re about to tear that paper apart,” a familiar voice said from behind her.
Sofia turned to see Steve Hams leaning casually against the doorway. His hair was slightly tousled, and his signature smirk played at the corner of his lips.
“I’m not in the mood, Steve,” Sofia said, returning her attention to the board.
Steve walked over, his footsteps light but deliberate. “Tough day?”
“Just a busy one.”
“Let me guess. Jason offered to help, and you shot him down.”
Sofia sighed. “I don’t need help.”
“You keep saying that.” Steve crossed his arms. “But I don’t think anyone believes you.”
Sofia’s hand froze mid-motion. “And what would you know about it?”
“A lot more than you think.” Steve leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “I know what it’s like to pretend everything’s fine when it’s not.”
Sofia met his gaze, her defenses rising. “I’m not pretending.”
Steve raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you?”
For a moment, the room was silent. Sofia could feel her pulse quicken, the pressure building like a storm just waiting to break.
“I don’t have time for this,” she said, turning away. “I have work to do.”
Steve stepped back, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “You don’t have to do it alone, you know.”
Sofia didn’t respond.
“See you tomorrow, Anderson.”
She listened to his footsteps retreat, each one echoing louder than the last.
Later That Night
Sofia sat at her desk, the glow of her laptop screen casting shadows across her room. The spreadsheet for the gala was open, numbers and logistics filling every cell.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: “Don’t work too hard. You’ll ruin the fun. —Steve”
Sofia stared at the message, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Why does he care?
With a shake of her head, she locked the phone and returned to her work.
But the thought lingered, refusing to be ignored.
The Next Day
The school gymnasium, soon to be transformed for the gala, was filled with students hauling decorations and equipment. Sofia directed them with precision, ensuring everything was placed exactly where it needed to be.
“Move those tables to the left,” she instructed. “No, the other left.”
Steve appeared beside her, carrying a box of string lights. “Bossing everyone around again, I see.”
“I’m making sure it’s perfect,” Sofia replied.
“Perfection is overrated.” Steve set the box down and looked at her. “Sometimes, it’s the chaos that makes things memorable.”
“Not for me.”
Steve studied her for a moment, then nodded toward the stage. “Come on. Let’s take a break.”
“I don’t have time for breaks.”
“You do now.” He grabbed her hand, gently but firmly, and led her toward the stage.
Sofia was too stunned to resist.
They climbed up onto the platform, the gym stretching out before them.
“See?” Steve said, gesturing to the scene below. “Everything’s coming together.”
Sofia looked around, and for the first time, she saw the progress they had made. The gym wasn’t just a chaotic mess of decorations—it was transforming into something beautiful.
Steve sat down on the edge of the stage, patting the spot beside him. “Sit.”
Reluctantly, Sofia joined him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The hum of activity below filled the silence, students laughing and chatting as they worked.
“Why do you care so much?” Sofia asked quietly.
Steve glanced at her. “About the gala?”
“About… me.”
Steve’s expression softened. “Maybe because I see someone who’s a lot like me. Someone who thinks they have to carry everything alone.”
“I don’t.”
“Sure you don’t.” He smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in it. “You’re allowed to let people in, Sofia.”
She looked away, her heart pounding.
Letting people in means losing control.
“I should get back to work,” she said, standing up.
Steve remained seated, watching her with an unreadable expression. “You’ll figure it out eventually.”
Sofia didn’t respond. She climbed down from the stage and returned to the chaos, determined to ignore the cracks forming beneath the surface.
But as she walked away, Steve’s words echoed in her mind.
You’re allowed to let people in.
And for the first time, she wondered if he might be right.
To Be Continued ~
YOU ARE READING
Tangled Lies
Teen FictionAt Brookfield High, Sofia Anderson is the queen of perfection-straight-A student, beloved by teachers, and admired by her peers. With her flawless charm and impeccable image, she's the last person anyone would suspect of hiding dark secrets. But ben...
