Page 65 of The Love Position

Swami Vishnu’s hands tightened slightly, holding her in place. ‘An imbalance may be associated with timidity and the inability to express oneself. Does this sound familiar, Sophia?’

She took a breath, about to tell him to stop, when he spoke again.

‘Now, everyone close your eyes and repeat the word “ham”, focusing on your throat chakra.’

In her peripheral vision, Sophia saw Jessica stand.

Suddenly, her neck was released, and she fell forward, her hands finding the floor.

To her right, Isaac’s eyes snapped open. He looked questioningly at her, concern etched into his brow.

Shaking her head, Sophia got to her feet and stumbled back to Jessica’s side, sitting on the floor with a thump.

‘Thank you, Sophia!’ Swami Vishnu called over. ‘Now, who would like to help me next?’

Jessica grabbed Sophia’s hand, tugged her to her feet, and dragged her from the hall.

‘Quick toilet break!’ she called to Anisha. ‘Back in a sec!’

Pulling Sophia along the path, Jessica didn’t stop until they were by their accommodation block and the asana hall was out of sight.

Sophia collapsed onto the bottom step, shaking from head to toe.

‘What the fuck was that?’ Jessica growled. ‘Creepy, letchy, pervy asshole. What kind of sick game is he playing?’

‘I—I’m just being over-s-sensitive,’ Sophia managed, her voice stuttering.

‘The fuck you’re not. I don’t care if he’s the head of the organisation, or if Hanuman thinks he farts fucking rainbows. That was all kinds of wrong.’ Sitting next to Sophia, Jessica took her hand. ‘What do you want to do?’

‘I don’t know.’

Right now, Sophia wanted to close her eyes and find herself transported back to her parents’ house, her mum bringing her a hot chocolate and a plate of French Fancies.

She let out a sigh. ‘The thing is, we’ve spent so much money and haven’t even got to the end of the first week. And if I leave now, I’ll have to spend even more money changing my flights.’

Jessica huffed. ‘You’re right, and I don’t want to give Anisha the pleasure of seeing the back of me.’

‘What a mess…’

‘Ommmmmm,’ Jessica intoned, and the two of them cracked up.

‘I’m so bloody grateful I’ve got you,’ Sophia said, wiping the tears of laughter away.

‘And me you. We can get through this. Just promise me one thing.’

‘Of course.’

‘You won’t ever be alone with Swami Smarmy-pants…’

12

Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong! Bong!

Sophia awoke from her half-sleep, her heart racing.

‘Alright, alright! We get the message,’ Jessica grumbled.

The dorm light flicked on and Sophia rolled onto her side, facing the wall, her body aching with exhaustion.

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