Chapter 6
These few chapters have been set in a half term break just in case anyone was wondering why they all seemed to have so many days off haha x
The next day soon came and Rachel and Amy were both in the spare room clearing it out even though Sophie was only staying for a few days they wanted to make it as comfy for her as possible. Rachel had decided to put Sophie in the spare room next to Amy's so there was someone always close by if she needed anything ; all the other spare rooms were quite far away from anyone's bedroom and Rachel didn't want her to feel isolated. Amy had agreed to help Rachel out however she didn't really need much persuasion. Amy still was feeling a bit shaken up by her period starting suddenly the other night and with all that had happened recently she had been quite clingy to her mum this was very unusual for Amy normally she liked to be independent however Rachel was enjoying being there for her daughter.
"Mum what's Sophie like. Do you know much about her" Amy asked she was eager to find out more about the little girl who would be staying with them.
"I don't to be honest love and neither does dad, all he's said is that she's four years old and she's had a pretty hard life so far so make sure you take care of her and everything" Rachel said she was glad to have Amy around she was very good with little children despite the fact she was quite a boisterous girl in many ways and Rachel thought it might be good for Sophie to have a younger person around to help her out if she needed anything as she probably wouldn't feel as intimidated by her.
"Yeah I will do" Amy promised
"Good girl look Amy of you want to go and watch TV or something that's fine by me, you've been really helpful today and I really do appreciate it love" Rachel said
"No I don't mind at all" Amy said
"Well thank you very much Amy carry on like this and you'll be in line for daughter of the year award" Rachel said causing Amy to giggle
"Dream on Mum" Amy said
"How are you feeling love? You seem a lot happier today"
"I'm okay I've just been feeling so emotional lately" Amy told her Mum
"Well it's no wonder you know what with all the crap that's been going on and as well of that you're starting to turn from a little girl into a woman and that's a big change for anyone to go through" Rachel commented
"You didn't tell Dad did you about …you know"
"What about you getting your period?" Rachel asked
"Why don't you say it a bit louder so the whole street can here" Amy hissed
"Well it's nothing to be embarrassed about darling and no I didn't I promised I wouldn't didn't i?" Rachel said
"Mum is it normal to have really bad stomach cramps when it starts?" Amy asked
"Yeah of course it is I know it's horrible but unfortunately pretty much all women get them with their period the best thing to do is just get some pain killers and I always find putting a hot water bottle on my stomach helps" Rachel advised suddenly Rachel and Amy's conversation was interrupted by the sound of Jake giggling outside
"Jake in here now" Rachel said sternly. Jake bounded in grinning broadly
"Is it true Amy got her period no wonder she's been such a moody cow lately" Jake said causing Amy's cheeks to flush red.
"Jake that has got absolutely nothing to do with you and you know what it shouldn't be something you have any interest in knowing anyway" Rachel said to her son "And it is completely unacceptable to eavesdrop me and Amy were having a private conversation so now you can go and help Holly with her homework"
"oh do I have to" Jkae complained Rachel threw him a look which told him not to argue he sighed and then went downstairs
"Just ignore him Amy he's being stupid I'll make sure he doesn't tell anyone trust me" Rachel said
Amy sighed before saying "Mum why do boys have to be so immature and pathetic all the time"
"God knows Amy" Rachel said the two of them then finished up clearing out thee spare room before Rachel went to start making tea before taking over from Jake with helping Holly with her homework and Amy went to listen to her music.
"Hey Rach" Richard said waltzing into the kitchen having just finished a game of tennis
"Hiya how was the tennis?" Rachel asked not that she really had any intrest-she despised the sport!
"Good thanks right I'd best go and set up the spare room for Sophie then"
"No need me and Amy did it earlier so you just go and watch TV and try to stay out of trouble" Rachel said a mischievous grin on her face
"Yes miss" Richard said smiling
A couple of hours a later Rachel and Richard got up to answer a knock at the door, outside stood a very frightened young girl, who's clothes and hair had been completely drenched by the pouring rain, she was shaking and it was obvious that she had been crying. This broke Rachel's heart the one thing she hated most was seeing a child upset in any way particularly such a young child. Richard began talking to her social worker and thanked her for dropping Sophie off she checked she had all the contact details right and told him she'd be in touch before saying goodbye to the three of them Rachel crouched down beside the little girl so that she was on her level.
"Hello Sophie Richard's told me a lot about you my names Rachel do you want to come inside out the rain?" Rachel said her voice smooth and gentle
Sophie looked at the lady in front of her she immediately felt a bit more relaxed there was something about her warm hazel eyes, sweet smelling perfume and kindly face that made her feel comforted. Rachel led her inside only then did she realise how freezing cold she was
"oh Richard she's frozen, I'll tell you what why don't I take you upstairs and you can get out of those wet things I've got a load of towels so you can dry of do you have a dressing gown with you" Rachel asked
"No I don't think so" Sophie replied timidly
"That's okay I'm sure we'll be able to find you one"
Richard smiled as he watched his wife help relax the little girl it amazed him how she was so motherly with pretty much any child she met, even though teenagers were her area of expertise she was brilliant with little kids as well Richard thought.
Rachel led Sophie upstairs she decided to introduce her to Amy.
"Your house is huge" Sophie commented amazed at how many different rooms they were, Rachel smiled glad the little girl seemed to be relaxing a bit
"Thank you although it doesn't feel so big when you have 3 kids making a mess everywhere and not bothering to lift a finger" Rachel joked causing Sophie to smile
Rachel knocked on Amy's door and then waited for Amy to tell her it was okay to come in before walking in with Sophie following behind her.
"Amy this is Sophie" Rachel said introducing her eldest daughter to the little girl.
Amy took out her headphones and switched her TV off and turned to look at the little girl smiling at her
"Hiya I'm Amy" Amy said
"Hello"
"You look freezing, why don't you get out of those wet things, do you want me to show her to her room mum and I'll get her sorted out with a dressing gown and stuff" Amy said, Rachel smiled glad to see her daughter was trying to help settle Sophie in
"Okay I'll leave you two girls to it, I'll be downstairs if you need me" Rachel said before leaving the room. She thought what a lovely girl Sophie had seemed even after all the stuff she must have been through.
"Do you want me to show you your room, me and mum cleared it out earlier" Amy told Sophie she then led her through to the spare room and Sophie's eyes instantly lit up as she'd never had a proper room of her own before and it was really pretty and spacious
"Wow it's beautiful" Sophie said "it's like a princesses room" Amy laughed at hearing this it seemed weird to her that someone would seem this excited over a bedroom.
"I'm glad you like it now get out of those wet things I think Mum left some towels in here somewhere, so you can dry off." Amy said she then started to help Sophie out of her things that were now clinging to her body, when Sophie was undressed Amy couldn't help but notice how skinny her body was. She rubbed her body with the towel to help her dry off and then wrapped it round her and put a towel round her hair.
"I'll go and look for a dressing gown for you" Amy said, when Amy had left Sophie sat down on the bed and smiled it seemed really nice here and both Rachel and Amy seemed lovely.
Amy went in search of a dressing gown however the only ones she could find were those belong to her and Rachel as Holly's was in the wash. She decided to use Rachel' soft while furry cardigan instead, Amy didn't think she'd mind too much as she barely ever wore it and it was a couple of sizes too small for her, however when Amy put it on Sophie it was down to her feet Amy couldn't help but laughing at the sight of her.
Amy then took the towel off the little girls hair and started to dry it for her. Sophie loved it when people did this for her however it was extremely rare that anyone took the time.
"Should we go downstairs and watch a DVD or we could watch TV in my room"
"You have your own TV" Sophie asked astonished
"Yeah bit had to beg my mum and dad for it for ages"
"Can we go downstairs please?"
"Yeah sure" Amy said leading Sophie into the lounge where they both sat on the sofa she flicked through the TV channels and saw that a repeat of last night's big brother was on she loved it however her Mum hated her watching it and had threatened to disconnect her TV if she found her watching it again in her room, however she really wanted to see last night episode so she decided that if she put it on quietly her Mum wouldn't know anything about it and Sophie was too young to understand it anyway and any bad language would be beeped out at this time of the day.
"Sophie do you mind if I put big brother on?" Amy asked
"No of course not" Sophie replied she didn't have a clue what this programme was but wanted to keep Amy happy as she seemed really nice and good to talk to.
"Okay but best keep to ourselves don't tell my mum I've been watching it" Amy said
"I won't" Sophie promised
Amy began to get engrossed in the programme Sophie didn't have a clue what any of the people were on about however was perfectly happy just sat next to Amy.
Unfortunately for Amy about half an hour in Rachel started shouting her to help lay the table however Amy was so into the tv she didn't hear her. When Rachel didn't get a response she went into the living room.
"Amy turn that rubbish off right now I've told you before about watching that. And you especially don't watch it when there's a 4 year old with you for goodness sake start to think a bit more and be more responsible it's completely inappropriate for you let alone a little girl, now will you please turn it off and come and help me lay the table " Rachel said sternly
"Yes Miss" Amy said sarcastically whilst rolling her eyes
"And don't let me see you rolling your eyes at me again"
"Yes Miss" Amy said again
"And stop being so cheeky"
"Yes Miss" Amy said again giggling slightly Sophie was finding all this really funny she wasn't used to people back chatting adults
"Amy pack it in" Rachel said
"Yes Miss"
"For god's sake Amy how old are we?"
"God you don't know how old your own daughter is some mother you are" Amy said there was nothing she loved more than winding her mum up for a laugh, Rachel always tried her best to act like she was angry however Amy could tell she secretly found it funny
"In the kitchen now" Rachel said struggling to hold back her laughter
"Yes Miss" Amy said
"You're overstepping the mark my girl now in the kitchen"
"Yes Miss" Amy said before scurrying into the kitchen she knew she was pushing it now
Rachel decided to clean up the living room a bit before going into the kitchen Amy had left it in a right mess
"God why is it wherever that girl goes she leaves a complete mess behind her. I'm sorry for leaving you loose with her Sophie" Rachel said causing Sophie to giggle
"She seems really nice and she's so funny" Sophie said
"She's not funny she's a pain in the butt." Rachel joked she then looked up at the little girl and couldn't help but laugh when she saw she was wearing her cardigan thingy that she never wore and how massive it looked on her small body
"Think it might be a bit big for you" Rachel laughed gesturing towards the cardigan
"It's really cosy and warm though it's like a big soft blanket"
"Yeah I know it's a pity my sister didn't get the next size up and then I would wear it all the time"
"I'm sorry I didn't realise it was yours do you want it back now Amy gave it to me" Sophie said worried
"No darling don't worry about it I never wear it anyway" Rachel said a couple of seconds later Holly appeared at the door, she stayed there when she saw Sophie she always was a little shy around new people
"Hols why don't you come on in and meet Sophie come on don't be scared" Rachel coaxed Holly came in and stood by her Mum
"Hi Sophie I'm holly" Holly said sounding nervous
"Hello"
"Right I'm going to go and help Amy who by now has no doubt smashed all the glasses and cutlery we own" Rachel joked before leaving Sophie and Holly alone
After a little while Holly and Sophie started to get on really well despite the 4 year age gap they found out they actually had quite a lot in common with one another. After about 15 minutes Rachel called them both in for dinner.
When they were eating Rachel and Richard couldn't help but notice how quickly the little girl was eating her food it was like she hadn't eaten anything in ages.
"Do you want me to run you a bath after dinner love?" Rachel asked Sophie
"Yes please" Sophie replied
They all finished eating and then went to put the plates by the dishwasher
"Amy go and start running a bath please love and make sure it's not too hot" Rachel instructed
The 3 girls went upstairs while Jake went and watched TV leaving Rachel and Richard alone clearing up after dinner
"How's she settling in Rachel?" Richard asked his wife
"She's fine I think, she seems a lovely girl"
"Yeah she is such a shame she's had so much crap in her life so far though" Richard said
"I know it must be so awful for her"
"Well you know what it's like you know having parents that couldn't give a shit about you and basically having no childhood" Richard said gently to Rachel he knew it was a delicate subject for her
"Yeah I do but maybe getting taken off her Mum was the best thing for her and I know that sounds awful but after my Mum died things did start to get better for me for a while just a pity they all went wrong again" Rachel said quietly
"But Rachel look at you now you've got a lovely family, the school and of course me" Richard said smiling
"I know i couldn't ask for a better life now" Rachel said before leaning into kiss her husband. She then went upstairs intending to go and help Sophie with her bath. However when she got upstairs she realised the bathroom door was locked.
"Girls are you ok in there?" Rachel asked
"Yeah I'm just giving Sophie her bath" Amy said Rachel was impressed by how much Amy had taken Sophie under her wing
"Okay Amy but be careful" Rachel said
About 30 minutes later Sophie and Amy re appeared downstairs however this time Sophie was dressed in her white pyjamas. Rachel noticed how tired the little girl looked and thought it best if she got her off to bed now it had been a very busy day for her after all and she was probably in need of a good night's sleep.
"Hey love should we get you off to bed?" Rachel asked
"Okay" Sophie replied this was the one thing she was dreading-bedtime. Almost every night she would have nightmares or wet the bed and she hated it but didn't have any idea how to stop them she hoped she wouldn't have one here she really didn't want to get into trouble like she did at home.
Rachel led her upstairs and tucked her into bed.
"Night night love" Rachel said
"Night, see you in the morning" Sophie said
"Do you want the lamp on for 10 minutes before you go to sleep" Rachel asked
"No thanks I'll just go to sleep" Sophie said
"Okay" Rachel said before flicking the light off and leaving the little girls room
When she was downstairs Rachel sat in between Amy and Jake on the sofa while Richard got Holly bathed and into bed.
"Mum is Sophie ok" Amy asked
"What do you mean love?" Rachel asked
"Like when I was bathing her and stuff, I noticed how skinny she was"
"Amy listen to me that girl has had a crap life so far, so much so she probably wasn't even fed properly and now while she's here it's put job to make sure we help relax her and look after her before she gets adopted" Rachel said
"Okay Mum" Amy said the 3 of them watched TV for a bit longer before Amy and Jake went up to their own rooms and watched TV in there.
It was about 1 in the morning when Amy woke up, her stomach was hurting her again so she decided to go downstairs to get some ibuprofen however when she came out of her room she heard crying coming from Sophie's bedroom. She went in and found her awake sobbing her heart out, Amy went and sat on her bed and flicked the light on, she put her arm around her skinny body.
"What's the matter do you miss your Mum or something?" Amy asked
"No I had a dream and wet the bed I'm really sorry I didn't mean to"
"That's okay of course you didn't mean to do you want me to go and get my Mum and she'll sort you out"
"Won't she be angry?"
"No of course not, she's not like that honestly when I was your age I mjst have drove her crazy the amount of times she's have to get up in the night when I had a bead dream or wet the bed but she never shouted at me once"
"Really"
"Really don't tell her I said this but she's just about the loveliest woman ever she hardly ever gets properly angry but if you don't want to wake her up now I'm on my way down anyway so I can sort you out, my mum will probably find out anyway when she gets the washing out but just get her on her own tomorrow morning an tell her about it trust me she won't get cross"
"Okay thanks Amy" Sophie said it was lovely having someone there to help her out when this happened rather than shout at her. Amy helped her out of her pyjamas and stripped her bed for her. Before getting some clean sheets from the airing cupboard and out them on her bed
For once Rachel wasn't having a very good night's sleep and therefore heard Amy go downstairs. She got up and went to see what was going on, she got a shock when she saw her putting sheets into the washing machine
"Hiya love what you doing?" Rachel asked
"Sophie had a nightmare and wet the bed so I'm sorting her out with fresh bed sheets"
"Oh the poor kid it must be horrible for her especially when she's somewhere different, it's very nice of you to help her out Amy but you could have woken me you know"
"I know I was going to but she thought you would be angry at her"
"Well I hope you told her I wouldn't be"
"Yeah I did"
"Okay well I'll go and see her now and thanks for helping her out love" Rachel said before going upstairs and going into the spare room. She was upset to see the little girl crying she went over and sat next to her putting her arm around her.
"Come on it's okay darling Amy told me what happened I wouldn't have been angry with you I promise, it must be so hard coming somewhere new and you're bound to feel a little bit unsettled and upset" Rachel said
"It's not that I had a nightmare and it always happens when I have a bad dream I get so scared" Sophie told Rachel, Rachel was glad to see she was calming down a lot now.
"Do they happen a lot these nightmares?" Rachel asked gently
Sophie nodded her head in response
"It's okay darling loads of kids your age have them you've just got to remember there not real there just in your head when I was little and I used to have nightmares which I did all the time I used to put the light on for a bit go for a cuddle with my Grandma and then it would all seem better once ou know your safe"
"How come you didn't go to your Mum" Sophie asked
Rachel thought for a moment before saying "My Mum died when I was very little so I lived with my Grandma"
"Oh that must have been awful"
"Yeah it was for a while, but I got through it eventually are you missing your Mum at the moment my love?" Rachel asked
Sophie stayed silent for a moment before nodding her head tears rolling down her cheek "I do miss her, everyone says she's a bad mum but she wasn't always" Sophie said
"I know, and I'm sure she loved you very much" Rachel said
After a few more minutes Sophie began to fall asleep again, Rachel tucked her back in and switched the light off before going back to bed.
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