Sofia

TOBI :
Hey just checking you're all good. Video just went live

SOFIA:
Yeah, I'm all good. Thank you.

TOBI:
Lmk if you need anything okay?

I close Tobi and I's messages hoping the response to the video is as amazing as all the guys have been hoping. It's not like I dropped a life altering secret, it's just something I've been feeling for a while. People surely won't be that pissed. My phone buzzes beside me, once, twice, three times. I gulp refusing to check it as I look at my computer screen contemplating my options for summer.

It buzzes again, yet this time it doesn't stop. A phone call. I flip my phone over to see the name of none other than one of my best friends, Grace. Or as she's more widely known as GK Barry. I answer the call holding the phone up to my ear.

"Girl you better tell me that's bullshit." Is the first thing she says.

"What happened to hello?" I shoot back sarcastically, rolling my eyes as I lean back in my office chair.

"Unimportant? girl you're literally one of the UK's most influential female you tubers." Grace's voice echoes through my brain leaving a trail of guilt behind. I know I should feel a whole lot more complete than I do. Guilt eats me up over it, loads of people would kill to be in my position. I'm grateful, and I'd like to say I'm pretty down to earth, I didn't grow up with anywhere near the amount of money I earn now. I am extremely blessed, but I can't help but crave something else, something different. With more meaning maybe?

"Yeah, maybe. I don't know Grace. I just wanna do more." I sigh into the phone feeling defeated, "How did you even see the video already?"

"Clips of it are all over tik-tok." She reveals, so much for hoping this going away in a weeks time.

"Look don't stress, I'm not quitting just yet. I gotta edit this new video for tomorrow, I'll speak to you later." I sigh as Grace and I end the call.

I sit at my desk for awhile, refusing to open any social media in fear of the comment sections, the reactions to my words.  I don't want anyone to think I'm ungrateful, I just want to be able to do more, not just for myself, but for people in general.

After a while of feeling sorry for myself I try and catch up on a few emails, brand deals, management, invitations. I scroll through, replying to as many emails as I can when I come across a brand email from 'Quadrant'. I sit up scratching the back of my neck, that sounds familiar.. I click on the email and read

[email protected] >> Quadrantbrandmanagementquad.co.uk

Dear Sofia Mendez,

I hope this email finds you well. We are emailing as we are impressed with your content and influence over young women in the UK. We believe that a collaboration between us could be extremely beneficial to both parties involved. We'd love to send you some stuff to try and possibly have you in a shoot if interested.

We would love to discuss the possibility of a collaboration with you, We'd love to hear your opinions on our clothing as we are trying to branch out and accomodate to everyone who loves motorsport, especially young women.

Please reach out to discuss this further.

Many thanks, quadrant team.

----------------------

I stare at the email for a moment baffled. Quadrant? Where the hell do I know that from? I've definitely heard it before, I just can't put my finger on where... Motorsport? Harry, I must've heard Harry mention it somewhere.

My content has nothing to do with motorsport, why in gods name would they be interested in me? As if puzzle pieces fit together perfectly in my head it suddenly all clicks. With a quick google search my suspicions are confirmed. Lando Norris' brand.

I scroll through their website and everything begins falling into place, I have met Lando before. Only once as part of a more sidemen video and it wasn't even in person. There's no way he even remembers who I am, plus I was very open about my lack of F1 knowledge.

I open my phone for the first time and send a text to Harry. 

SOFIA:

Hey you know quadrant right?

HARRY:

The people? Yeah, Max, Niran, Aarava, Ria and Lando

I nod closing my phone again and refusing to open any other apps, I just need some peace for a while. I don't want to know what people are saying about the video yet. Looking back to the email I click reply and start typing...

Dear Quadrant,

I would be thrilled at the opportunity of possibly working with you.

please forward all the details either to me or my manager.

Many thanks, Sofia Mendez.

-----

I send the email without a second thought, before beginning to reply to the others I left in my inbox. After replying to a good amount I  get up grabbing my phone and decide to brave the storm. Whatever people have been saying, I can handle it. I am not changing myself to fit any narratives. I sit down on the couch in my North London apartment and begin scrolling. Hundreds of notifications flood my phone from, instagram, twitter, youtube, tik-tok.

I scroll for what feels like hours, reading every assumption and conspiracy theory about why and when i'll leave youtube.

User789; she wants a relationship, thats what all women need

useryt4ever; she's fed up with all the hate

User7: Maybe she wants to start singing

User6837: Maybe she wants to start acting

Usersidemen4life: What if she's pregnant and wants to hide it

I scroll endlessly until the sun starts to set, I need to think about something else. something more. Maybe if i set up a charity or do something more to help those in need I'll feel better. I sigh deeply, sinking further into my couch. I stay like that for a moment as friends plays in the background of my racing thoughts.

Quadrant.

That's a good distraction, lets actually look into what I just agreed to.searching them up on Instagram I click on their profile and browse. It's actually pretty stylish, to my surprise. not just the horrid bright colours of normal formula one merch. Their photoshoots look pretty cool too.

Followed by Angryginge13, Miniminter, Zerkaa, Willne, thekennedykay and 24 more.

My brows furrow, Kennedy follows them too? God I am seriously living under a rock. Let's do it, Maybe I'll even give formula one a chance. I think Tobi is going to the next race anyway.