"Did I say something wrong, Rita?" The silence lengthened, and Tina was looking worried.
"No, I was just thinking. I had reason to snub Nicole. I mean, she was such a snot the other day. But I know I would have felt horrid if I had."
"But you're not upset with me about what I said about Sophie?" Tina had finally realized how she must have sounded.
"Not really. I think she could be really pretty, but somehow it's not that big of a deal. She comes down to the kitchen at about 6:30 every morning, Tina." Tears were gathering in Rita's eyes. "She makes bread and muffins, and I always have clean clothes in my drawers and my blouses are always pressed and hung up in my closet. Our bathroom is always so clean, and I think she must vacuum the family room every day." Rita was crying in earnest now.
"She keeps everything so nice and she makes food we like, but I still miss my mom all the time. I still wish Mom could shop with
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us or take us to a movie, and just be here for my dad. When I think of my dad being alone when we go to bed, I can hardly stand it. But even if my mom came back, I would hate to lose Sophie."
Tina was crying now, too. Her parents were both still alive, and she simply didn't know what to say to her closest friend. Thoughts of her own parents' death made her tears come even harder.
There was a knock on the door just then, and Tory entered without asking. She stood looking at the two girls for a moment, and then moved like she would leave. Rita was still crying, but managed to ask her what she wanted.
"I was just looking for my markers. I think I left 'em in here."
Rita reached over and picked them up from her nightstand.
"What's the matter, Rita?"
"We were just talking about Mom."
Tory nodded with understanding. She might have stayed if Tina hadn't been there, but instead she took her leave. She wandered down the hall toward her own room, but instead ended up in the spare room where Craig was sitting at the computer. She leaned on the monitor so she could see his face.
"Can I play when you're done?"
"No."
He was in another of his moods, but Tory wasn't put off.
"Come on, Craig."
"No, now get out of here, Tory." His voice dropped now, but he could still be clearly heard when he mumbled, "There's one good thing about Mom being dead: You can't run and tattle every time you don't get your way."
Craig had even managed to shock himself. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, his eyes shot up to see Tory's face turn pale.
"Never mind, Tory. Just get out of here," he said, his voice even lower.
She went this time, her face very sober, her eyes full of hurt. Not wanting to think about the feelings that were overwhelming her all of a sudden, she made her way to the TV. She wasn't allowed to watch until her homework was done, but today she didn't care.
"Oh, Tory," Sophie spoke with pleasure as the young girl moved through the corner of the kitchen. "Would you please taste this gravy and tell me if it's the way you like?"
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"I don't like gravy. I've told you that before."
Her voice was so angry that Sophie stopped with the spoon in her hand. "I am sorry, Tory. I forgot this."
Sophie's kindness was her undoing. Huge tears came to her eyes before she abruptly turned away to go into the family room. Sophie followed her very slowly and stood at the edge of the room.
"What is wrong, Tory?"
"Nothing," she told her, eyes on the TV.
Sophie had no choice but to retreat. She was puzzled and concerned about it, but there was little she could do. She thought of going to Rita, but then remembered Tina's presence. Craig was not an option, so Sophie was forced to just pray.
***
Supper that evening was the most subdued Sophie had experienced so far. Not even her first nights with this family had been so quiet. Had it only been Tory, Sophie would have understood, but all of them-even Tina-were quiet. Sophie might have questioned the children, but Tina's presence stopped her.
Tina's mom came not long after they'd eaten, but by then everyone had gone in his or her own direction, and Sophie didn't think the timing was right. Just 30 minutes later, Sophie climbed the stairs to her apartment. The next day was garbage day, so she had to gather her own. After that she knew she could crash for the evening.
Pieces of furniture had continued to appear her in apartment over the last week. The latest, a huge overstuffed chair, was so comfortable that Sophie had fallen asleep in it twice. She was looking forward to sitting in it again, as she made her way to the curb with her single sack of trash. As coincidence would have it, Alec was just arriving home from work. Sophie waved to him. He waved back and soon came walking down the drive.
"How did it go today, Sophie?"
"I think well."
Something in her voice caught his attention.
"But you're not sure?"
Sophie shrugged. "Everyone was little quiet tonight at meal."
Alec nodded. "Did they say why?"
"No. Tina ate too, and maybe-" Sophie let the sentence hang, but Alec got the gist.
"Thanks, Sophie. I'll be sure to keep my ears open."
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"Good night, Mr. Riley."
"Good night, Sophie. Thank you."
They walked together until Sophie came to the bottom of the stairs where she made a quick ascent. Alec just as efficiently entered the house through the kitchen door.
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The downstairs was quiet as Alec entered, and he took amoment to go into his office. One of the houses he was building was beginning to be more trouble than it was worth, and he needed to make one call.
As he should have known, the call was anything but quick. It was over an hour later before he hung up the phone and headed for the stairs. Frustration filled him when he found the lights off in both the girls' rooms. It wasn't that late, so they must have been tired. Alec made his way to Craig's room, thinking maybe this was best. In his mind his son had the greater need.
He gave a soft knock on Craig's door, and then pushed it open without waiting for an answer. The light on his nightstand burning, Craig was in bed, a book in his hand.
"Hi." Alec's voice was hushed as he came forward.
"You just get in?"
"No, but I had a phone call that took longer than I intended."
"What else is new?" was the grumbled reply.
Alec sat on the side of the bed and fought down his own anger. Craig's attitude was a little hard to take, but Alec knew that much of the blame could be laid at his own door. He was also pretty certain that Craig was the only one of his children with enough gumption to tell things the way he saw them. Alec did work too much, but Tory only looked at him with huge eyes, and he could see that Rita was still carrying on in hopes that someday things would once again be as she remembered.
"Well, I'm home now," Alec said inadequately.
"Yeah" was all Craig could muster.
Alec searched his mind for something to say; it took a moment.
"You haven't had a friend over in a while, Craig. Why not ask someone for this weekend?"
"I don't want anyone over. No one would come anyway, since they don't even want me around anymore."
Alec took this news calmly. "Does that include Rick Bennett?"
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Feeling ashamed, Craig dropped his eyes. "No. Rick's still my friend, but I still don't want anyone over."
"I take it you've had a pretty bad day today?"
Craig nodded, not able to meet his father's eye.
"And did you take any of this mood out on Tory?"
Craig's eyes slid shut for just an instant. "I was pretty rough on her."
"And Rita."
Craig's eyes came up, his face now defensive. "Rita and Tina spent the whole time in Rita's room! I didn't see either of them until dinner!"
"I'm not accusing, Craig, just asking." Alec's voice was gentle. "If you've been out of line, then
the ball's in your court. Take care of your apology as soon as you can in the morning, or tomorrow will be as bad as today was."
Craig nodded, and Alec put a hand on his shoulder. Craig moved his head, but Alec still saw the tears. A moment later he wrapped his arms around his sturdy 12-year-old son, causing Craig's tears to give way.
"I can't stand it, Dad, Ijust can't stand it," he sobbed. "I hurt all the time and wonder if it's ever going to end."
"I know, Craig, I know."
"I want to talk to her one more time. You work all the time, and I can't talk to Sophie. The girls do things with her, but Ijust can't. I want to talk to Mom more than anything in the world."
"I'll do better, Craig," his father promised. "But keep giving yourself time. Remember how you felt right after we got the news?"
"I remember." His whole frame shuddered at the memory.
"It was worse, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," Craig admitted and sniffed.
"We are healing, Craig, and in time we'll feel like a family again."
Craig laid back down, and Alec looked at him. There was no way to describe how precious he was to him. The smooth face of just a year ago with no skin problems or hint of whiskers was gone, but it was still a face that Alec adored. To Alec's loving eyes, Craig was a very handsome young man, but most of the time his expression looked angry and sour due to the death of his mother. Again Alec told himself he would have to be home more, but the thought nearly panicked him.
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His children had all wanted to be closer tohimthan ever before, but for him the house on Holly Court was still so full of Vanessa's presence that he could barely stand it.
"Can you sleep now?"
"I think so."
"I was going to go for a run, but if you want me near, I'll stay home."
Craig was silent for several seconds. "You wouldn't mind staying?"
"Not in the least. If you want to talk, just come to my room."
Craig sniffed again. "Thanks, Dad."
Alec ran his hand lovingly through Craig's straight brown hair and smiled into his eyes before standing. Like he did when Craig was little, he turned off the bedside light and stood there for a moment more. They didn't speak again, but both knew Craig was still fully awake when Alec finally made for the door.
***
Alec shifted and stirred in bed, knowing he was not alone but too tired to speak to the intruder. Not that he believed it was necessary. Whoever had sought him out was sure to break the silence without much encouragement. The thought had no more formed when Tory spoke.
"Dad?"
"Um," he barely managed.
"Craig said last night that he's going to work with you today."
"Uh-huh."
"I thought you were going shopping with Rita and me. I need some things."
This was all very true, but right now Alec could only manage, "What time is it, Tory?"
"Six-fifteen," she answered sheepishly.
Alec sighed. "Since it is Saturday, Tory, can you give me until 7:00?"
"All right, but will it probably be yes?"
When no answer came, Tory climbed off the bed. She hadn't looked at the clock until her father had asked the time. She was excited about the prospect of getting some new things. Although she didn't have to have her dad along, it would have been fun. What she was really looking for was permission to spend money if Rita took her to the mall.
In order to be extra quiet and let her dad sleep, Tory returned to her bed and did not go down and watch cartoons. She lay for a
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long time anddreamedabout finding a pair of jeans like the ones she had seen on one of the other girls at school. If her father said no to that, she was fairly positive he would not say no to new socks, tights, and underpants. Either way, she was sure to get some new things. Right now Tory couldn't think of anything more exciting than new clothes, no matter how few.
***
"Sophie," Alec spoke her name a few hours later when he found her in the kitchen.
"Yes, Mr. Riley." She turned away from the cake she had just put in the oven.
"Craig is going to go to work with me today, and I wonder if you wouldn't mind going shopping with the girls."
Sophie nodded and hid her confusion. They had shopped for groceries the day before.
"I don't think they really need advice as much as they need companionship. Tory tells me she needs underclothing, shoes, and pants. She also tells me she knows just what she wants, and I've told her she might have to settle for what she can find.
"I've given money to Rita, and I think it will cover things. But I want you to take this if they run short." He handed Sophie a 50dollarbill. As he then handed her a 20, Alec said, "And use this to take the girls to lunch. The mall has a good food court, and there are several restaurants spread around the parking lot. Have fun."
Sophie was still taking it all in when the phone rang. Alec moved to answer it. He wasn't long, assuring someone that he would be arriving in an hour. When he hung up, he called to Craig. Just moments later they were saying their good-byes.
Looking summery in shorts and lightweight shirts, the girls came down 20 minutes after that, both talking at once.
"Did Dad talk to you, Sophie?"
"What time shall we go?"
"The stores open at 10:00, and since it's Saturday it's going to be busy."
"You can shop, too, Sophie. We'll go wherever you want."
She couldn't help but laugh. She had never seen them quite this excited.
"I have to wait for this cake to come from the oven," Sophie said.
"Oh!" Both girls wailed their disappointment, and Rita walked over to check the time.
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"Still 20 minutes to go." She sounded very let down.
"Well," Sophie said briskly, "that will give you time to eat."
She smiled when both girls looked surprised. In their excitement their stomachs had been forgotten.
The cake was barely out of the oven when Rita and Tory rushed Sophie out the door. Sophie was glad that she had taken time to use the bathroom and get her purse since it didn't seem that the girls would have given her a moment for either. Tory gave Sophie the front seat and took the second seat for herself.
"We need to get the van washed while we're out," Rita commented as they came to the end of the court.
"Did Dad give you money for that?" Tory wished to know.
"Yes, but he said it might be busy, and if it was too crowded to do it next week."
"Where are we shopping?" Sophie now asked.
"At the mall," Rita told her. "We can always find what we need there."
"Your father gave me money to take us to lunch," Sophie now informed them and was met with cries of delight from Tory.
"Where are we going?"
"It is your choice, Tory. Wherever you and Rita wish."
"Chili's," the girls said simultaneously.
"I have not heard of this."
"You'll love it, Sophie. They have the best salads in the world."
It was something to look forward to, no doubt, but little did Sophie know that she would be shopping for hours before she could pass judgment on the restaurant.
***
"Okay, Tory," Sophie spoke tiredly. "Are these the ones?" Sophie was holding out some socks, and Tory was inspecting them with a keen eye.
"I think they'll be all right, but I really wanted pink."
"Well, these are pink." Sophie pointed to another pair.
"They're not the right shade."
Sophie was ready to give up. Mr. Riley had made it sound so easy. Rita had left them numerous times to do some shopping of her own. Sophie tried to help Tory, but clothing was not Sophie's thing. She had not been fashion conscious at home, and she certainly wasn't now. She liked clothes, but they were expensive in the United States. They were expensive in Czechoslovakia, too, but the quality was much better. Sophie had a hard time
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lay
ing down her hard-earned cash for something that didn't look like it would last six months. Her entire wardrobe was over two years old.
"How's it going?" Rita suddenly appeared at their side, and Sophie breathed a sigh of relief.
"Tory cannot make up her mind," she explained.
"What's the deal, Tory?"
"I don't like this color."
"I don't either," Rita had to agree. "I saw some pink ones at Penney's. Why don't we try there?"
"All right."
"But first," Rita said, her eyes alight with pleasure. "I have something for you to look at, Sophie."
"Me?"
"Yes. Come on."
Rita led the way back out into the mall and down four stores.
"This is a great price on these jeans, Sophie," Rita spoke when they were inside. "They have lots of sizes, too."
"Jeans?" Sophie looked dubious, and then realized in one blinding flash that her appearance was an embarrassment to the girls.
"They're nice, Sophie," Tory chimed in, both girls missing Sophie's hurt. "Try some on."
Sophie swallowed back her humiliation and looked slowly through the rack. Rita said the price was good, but 22 dollars for jeans seemed a small fortune to her. She had another driving lesson coming up and was quickly doing sums in her head to see if she could manage it.
"I don't know, Rita," she finally said.
"Oh, well." Rita sounded so disappointed that Sophie never wanted to be seen in public again. "They really are a good price, and they would be so much more comfortable for you when we go skating."
Sophie's head snapped up. "This is reason, Rita? This is why you want Sophie to have jeans?"
Rita nodded her head, not realizing the burden she had lifted from the housekeeper's shoulders.
Suddenly Sophie was looking through the rack with a vengeance. Guessing at the odd sizing, she selected several pairs and started toward the dressing room. She wanted to hug Rita, but knew the time and place were all wrong.
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Once inside the changing room, Sophie climbed into a pair of jeans. She was checking things out in the mirror when she heard Tory's voice.
"Let us see 'em, Sophie."
Sophie opened the door and was surveyed by both girls.
"A size smaller," Rita declared and moved back toward the rack.
"You're gonna look nice in jeans, Sophie," Tory told her, and Sophie's eyes swung back to the mirror. She wasn't certain that she agreed, but now that her heart was determined to please these girls, she was ready to try anything.