Chapter Three
The weeks went by and though Sofia continued to chat to Amy in science class and in the corridors sometimes, she always sat with the R girls at break. They called her Robbins which meant that she was officially part of the group. Rachel and Sofia were inseparable, and Rachel didn't have any time for Amy or the girls she sat with.
"She's super nerdy. I saw her reading her chemistry book at the bus stop one day" Rachel told Sofia as she laced her arm through hers as they always did. Sofia didn't say anything but made a note not to read her textbooks anywhere outside of a classroom anymore.
Rachel had invited Sofia to go to her house that evening after school and so she agreed that she would meet her by her locker at the end of the day. When she got there, Rachel was already waiting for her and they headed off together, arms linked and chatting happily about Mr Knight's new glasses and whether or not they would kiss him for $100. Rachel's house was large and ornate. The ceilings were of a height that gave the place a sense of grandeur. It was also cold and empty. Rachel told her that her Dad was working and wouldn't be home until late. When asked about her mother, Rachel shrugged.
"Mom is a society lady. God knows where she is" They were sitting in her kitchen and the housekeeper, Elena, had made them both a smoothie and was fishing some ice cream out of the freezer. "She's annoying. I feel bad for you sometimes for having two of them." Sofia was about to reply when at that moment, Mrs Taylor came into the room.
"ice cream Rachel? Really?" She made no attempt to even acknowledge Sofia in the room as she looked through her, to Elena. "Put on the coffee. I'll need it. I'll be in my bedroom getting ready for the dinner I have this evening" and she walked away. Sofia couldn't believe that this woman could have a complete stranger in her kitchen, sitting on her countertop and not even notice her enough to say hello. Whatever Rachel said about having two Moms, she definitely did not have two Mrs Taylors. Mr Taylor was much friendlier, he squeezed Rachel's nose in him finger affectionately when he came into the room and shook Sofia's hand with vigour and a big smile. When Rachel whined about them both heading out for dinner without her, he kissed her on the cheek and handed her a crisp $50 before saying goodbye to both of them and leaving.
On her walk back home, Sofia thought a lot about Rachel's family dynamic. It was definitely cool that her dad just handed her cash freely - her Moms made her do a chore in exchange – but she decided that if having a dad that gave you money meant having a mom like Mrs Taylor, she would rather go without.
It was only as she stood in the elevator that Sofia looked at her watch and realised she was almost an hour after curfew. She sighed and prepared herself for what would definitely be waiting for her inside.