Sophie nodded to the woman and moved to the door. She
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looked at no one, or she might have noticed other things as well. Jim was red in the face with shame over his wife's actions, and the Riley girls were so shocked that their mouths hung slightly open.
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"THAT WAS A GREAT MEAL, PEG. Thank you." Alec spoke across the supper table to his mother-in-law, and Tory stared at her grandmother for the space of several seconds. When the older woman only smiled, Tory said, "Grandma, aren't you going to tell Dad that Sophie made supper?"
Peg looked uncomfortable for just an instant before saying, "Of course, dear. My mind was just wandering."
"Oh," Alec spoke matter-of-factly. Not having seen the encounter Sophie had had with his in-laws, he thought nothing of this. "I hope Sophie had some," he finally commented.
"Do you mean to tell me that she eats your food?" Peg's strident voice cut across the table, but Alec met her look without flinching.
"Yes, she does, Peg," he said easily. "But since it's our food, let's say we let me worry about it."
"An excellent idea, Peg," her husband asserted. He was glared at for his efforts and sighed to himself. There had been no stopping her. She had begun packing as soon as she hung up the phone with Tory the day before. At one point Jim had told her he wouldn't go, but when he saw that she was determined, he caved in. It was what he always did and, after 42 years of marriage, Peg knew that better than anyone.
"Do you girls have homework?" Peg asked into the moments that followed, and Alec now sighed to himself. There was no need to nag the girls. They were very responsible when it came to their studies. And even if they weren't, it was his place to remind them, not Peg Frazier's.
She had always been a little too anxious, but since Van's death, she'd been nearly impossible. Alec was openly relieved that they lived way up north in Superior, which meant he could avoid most confrontations. He and Peg went toe-to-toe at least once every time they visited, and Alec asked himself how long he had to wait before they were at it again. Whenever he told Peg to
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stay out of it, she backed off. But given enough time, she would return with guns loaded and blazing. The scene at the table had been unfortunate and uncomfortable, but Alec knew that for Peg, it had been mild. If he knew her like he believed he did, she was not finished. He found himself dreading the next few days.
***
Sophie's watch read 10:00 when she decided she couldn't make it until morning before eating. It had been utterly foolish of her not to stop for lunch that day, and now she was so hungry she had a headache. Added to that was the fact that she had less than a dollar in her purse.
"You should have walked from the bus station when you first came here," she said to herself in irritation, but then knew it wasn't true. It would have been miles, and she had been carrying her heavy cases. The taxi ride over had cost her a small fortune, but without knowing the bus system, she had had little choice. She had bought three items the first night she was here, but that food was long gone.
"Maybe I should not have given Janet so much to mail the boxes. Oh, stop it, Sophie!" She now grew impatient with herself. "Did you expect her to pay your way? Don't be ridiculous."
With that Sophie walked to the door and peeked down her stairs. The kitchen-indeed the whole house-looked dark and asleep. But she was capable of being very quiet, and shehadto have some food.
With key in hand, she left her apartment and moved quietly down the stairs. There were no lights on in the kitchen or in the whole downstairs, so Sophie pressed the switch to put the light on only over the stove. She then moved to the refrigerator and began to make a meal with the leftovers. She had a hotdog and a piece of cheese on her plate when she heard movement. She looked up to see a dark shadow that so startled her, she nearly dropped her plate. Mr. Frazier silently watched her for several seconds, and then spoke conversationally.
"That's not enough to eat," he said as he came forward. Sophie backed up a step, the refrigerator door still hanging open.
"Oh, here we go." He was at the open door now. "You need some applesauce to go with that." He unscrewed the lid and plopped a dollop on her plate.
"This looks good," he said as he reached for the leftover peas. "We'll just pop this into the microwave and you can take the
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whole dish. Oh, and we'll add this last pork chop as well. Now for some dessert. I understand you made this pie. It was delicious. You're sure to want a piece of that."
Sophie stood mute and watched him. He had grabbed a cookie sheet at one point and was piling it high. He had even taken the plate from Sophie's hand and now presented the "tray" to her, laden with food.
"There now. I think that about does it."
"Thank you, Mr. Frazier." Sophie spoke softly and then moved to the door.
"Here, let me get that door. Do you have your key?"
"Yes."
He opened the door, but not wide enough for Sophie to leave. She turned and found him watching her.
"I wish I could tell you to return to your regular duties tomorrow, but I can't do that."
"I understand, Mr. Frazier."
He still didn't fully open the door. "It's foolish for someone to apologize for someone else. Only the person who offended can really do the job, but I'll try anyway. I'm sorry for the way you were treated tonight."
"Thank you, Mr. Frazier."
The door was finally opened. "Good night, Sophie."
"Good night."
Jim shut the door behind her, but didn't move. He pushed the curtain aside and watched her climb the stairs. Not until he'd seen her door open and close did he check the lock, hit the light, and head through the kitchen and for the stairs.
***
It was before 7:00 the next morning when Sophie heard a soft but distinct knock on her door. She was up but still wearing her robe, and moved from the bedroom to the door with some curiosity. No one was there, but on the landing, in a single neat row, were five bags of groceries. Sophie gasped in delight.
She had fallen asleep last night while still asking God what she was to do, and Sophie knew that all that was expected of her was to trust. She had done this and slept the night through. Now He had provided. Sophie knew with a certainty that this was Mr. Frazier's doing, and she hoped she would have an opportunity to thank him.
She brought the bags in to unload them and smiled with pure joy at the wonderful assortment of foods. Canned goods, fresh
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vegetables and fruits, a large jar of applesauce, cheese, eggs, butter, milk, coffee, coffee creamer, sugar, bread, cereals, pancake mix, sandwich meats, and on it went. It seemed to Sophie that she had enough to last her three weeks. With that thought came another. What if the Fraziers didn't leave for three weeks? Sophie dreaded the very thought. She was so enjoying the children that the prospect of not being with them for weeks was rather hard to take. However, she told herself to trust, thank God for the day, and put her groceries away. Sophie enjoyed a delightful breakfast and a long quiet time to read her Bible, and then she set forth on foot-a definite mission in her mind.
***
"I would like to speak to you, Alec." These words came from Peg, and Alec knew by her voice that the confrontation he dreaded was at hand.
"Have a seat," Alec told her. It was late on Saturday afternoon, and he had gone into his office to get some paperwork out of the way.
"I am most concerned about this Sophie woman," she began without preamble, her voice already high and agitated.
"You don't need to be, Peg. Sophie is very capable."
"The house looks clean, I'll give her that, but beyond that you can barely understand her. She could be telling the children anything."
"The kids get along with Sophie very well and I-"
"And what kind of example is it to them to have her practically living with you?"
"She doesn't live with us." Alec's voice was reasonable. "She has her own
place and comes and goes as she pleases. We, of course, do the same."
"But she eats with you!"
"She eats with the children when I'm not here," Alec qualified. "When I'm home, she takes a plate to her apartment."
"Yes! A plate ofyourfood!"
"Peg," Alec said her name with a sigh, "I hardly expect her to bake and cook for my family and then go upstairs and start all over for herself. Our arrangement is going well, and I have no problem with-"
"Yourarrangement, as you put it, is surely being watched by the whole neighborhood. I'm sure they're all thinking the worst."
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"You never had a problem with the different bachelors who lived up there in the past."
"Well, of course not. Vanessa would have never-"
"Meaning I would?" A note of anger had crept into Alec's voice, and Peg knew she had gone too far. She was silent for a moment and then went on softly.
"Well, none of this really matters, anyway. I'm here now, and I'll see to the children."
"No, Peg, you won't," he told her immediately, but without heat. "That's why Sophie is here. It will be nice for the kids to see you for a few days, but I expect you and Jim to keep it short."
"Are you kicking us out?" Again she was outraged.
"No, just telling you that a one-week visit is just right."
Peg stood now and faced Alec across the desk. "If that's the way you feel, we'll go tonight."
"That's certainly your choice, Peg, but I must tell you the loss will be yours. The kids enjoy you, and I know you love them. If you can let me handle my family the way I see fit, it could be a very enjoyable week."
Alec's gentle approach completely disarmed her. He was not as unshaken as he appeared, but he meant to have his say.
"I guess I'll talk it over with Jim."
"All right. The kids voted a few months back to sleep in on Sunday morning, so if you'd like to join us, we go to Sunday school and then the late service."
Peg nodded, but could not quite bring herself to thank him. She left still upset, but Alec had the impression that she would come to grips with the facts and probably stay the week.
***
At 10:00 on Sunday morning, Sophie set out in her sturdy walking shoes. She had gone in search of information the day before, and indeed she had found it within the pages of a telephone book she found hanging in a phone booth.
There were not many churches listed in Middleton, so it wasn't all that hard. She had called the church and talked with a woman who was extremely helpful. After learning that they were a Bible-believing church that preached salvation by grace plus nothing, she attained directions and walked to the church, taking careful note of where she was at all times.
This morning she knew exactly where she was headed and how long it would take to arrive. Sophie knew there was
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a distinct possibility that the Rileys went to Middleton Bible Church as well, but she didn't know them well enough to ask for a ride.
The walk was a pleasant one. The early-morning sunshine promised a warm day, and Sophie moved along at an easy pace, her Czech Bible and her small black purse under one arm. Her skirt was black today, and her blouse was one of her five white ones. She'd considered wearing other shoes, but since she had a long walk she stuck with her plain black lace-ups and low white socks. She knew she was not a fashion plate; she hadn't been in Czechoslovakia, either. But she was clean and well-pressed and could ask for little more.
Sophie arrived at the front door just five minutes before the service began and slipped quietly into the rear. She had not been able to gain entrance the day before, so without moving her head overly much, Sophie let her eyes take in the sanctuary. It was a large room with oak pews and trim and a very large choir loft. Sophie guessed the room would hold over 500 worshipers, and it was nearly full now. A baby cried somewhere many pews away, and Sophie's eyes closed briefly on the sound. This was a family church. She had so wanted to find a church attended by families, and God had shown her the way.
She opened her eyes a second later and looked directly into those of Rita. The girl's face was full of concern as she studied their housekeeper from a pew near the front, but Sophie smiled gently in her direction. Rita, after sending Sophie a relieved smile, turned back around in her seat.
Just moments later, the service began and Sophie was rapt for the next hour. The songs the congregation sang were very God- honoring, and a young man gave a testimony that brought tears to Sophie's eyes. She struggled with one or two words in the sermon, but her heart was blessed by the message. Pastor Baker was working his way through 1 Corinthians and he had come to the end of chapter 15. The subject that morning was steadfastness, and Sophie's heart felt renewed and ready to carry on. The wordAmenwas barely out of his mouth at the end of his closing prayer when a voice on Sophie's right asked, "Have we met?"
Sophie turned in surprise to the older woman beside her and answered quietly.
"No, I am new first time this day."
"Well, I'm glad you came. I'm Gladys Nickelberry." With that she held out her hand.
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"I am pleasure to meet you, Miss Nickelberry. I am Sophia Velikonja."
"It's Mrs. Nickelberry, and you're not from around here, are you?"
"I live in Middleton, but I am from Czechoslovakia."
"Czechoslovakia! Youarea long way from home."
Sophie smiled. "This is home now."
Gladys nodded and studied her for a moment. "I don't suppose you'd care to come to my house for lunch someday, Sophia?"
Sophie studied her right back. "I am free this week, and you can call me Sophie."
Gladys beamed at her. "How's Tuesday?"
"Tuesday is good day. I will need directions."
Again Gladys smiled. "Where do you live?"
Sophie tried to explain, but ended up saying, "I work for Mr. Riley. Address is 615 Holly Court."
"Riley. The family where the wife died about a year ago?"
"Yes, this is one."
"Well, we're just a few blocks away from each other. Go to the end of your street, well, you said it's a court, right?"
"Yes."
"Okay, turn left onto Bennett Avenue..."
She finished the directions and then wrote the address on a small scrap of paper. Sophie studied it for a moment.
"Two-twelve Scott Street."
"Yes. It's the first right off Bennett."
"What time do I come?"
"Oh, about 11:30. Is that good with you?"
"Yes-11:30.Iwill come."
"I'll see you then. Oh, what do you like to eat?"
Sophie had to fight down laughter at the older woman's expression.
"I like all foods. Same as you."
"Oh! All right. I'll see you then."
They said their good-byes, but moved from the pew together and continued to visit. In a few moments Sophie learned that Gladys was a widow, and Gladys learned that Sophie had been living in the United States for less than a year. They finally parted in the parking lot, some of the last people to leave, and both went away greatly anticipating Tuesday.
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"Dad." Tory spoke from the door of his office.
"Tory," Alec chided as he looked at his watch. "It's after 10:00. What are you doing up?"
"I need to talk with you." Tears pooled in her eyes as she said this, and Alec motioned her forward. She was tall for ten years old, but he still pulled her into his lap after she'd come around the desk to his chair. Her tears had poured over by then, and for a time she cried into her hands. She had done this quite a bit in the first few months after Vanessa died, but not recently. Alec's heart ached for her, and he waited to see if she would speak. However, before Tory said anything, Rita came to the door. When she saw her sister, she took the chair by the desk and waited as well.
"Grandma was mean to Sophie, Dad," Tory finally cried. "I can still see her face. She looked so hurt and her English was all confused, so I know sh
e was upset. Then she sent her away, and I haven't been able to talk to her at all. I tried to go up the stairs, but Grandma saw me and said she had a job for me, so I had to come back."
Tory could not go on at that point. Alec pulled her close, and she sobbed into the dark cotton of his shirt. He looked to Rita then, who also had tears in her eyes.
"When did this happen?"
Rita explained the way Jim and Peg had suddenly arrived and the way Peg had talked to Sophie. Alec barely contained his anger over the things she had said, but then realized it was no less than he expected.
"Then I saw her at church, Dad." Rita's own tears now spilled over as well. "She must have walked all that way. She's going to think we don't care at all. I don't want Grandma and Grandpa to leave, but I want Sophie to come back."
"Grandma's not the same," Tory sniffed and spoke up. "I know she misses Mom like we do, but there's no reason to be mad at Sophie. I don't want Grandma to be hurt, but I want Sophie back,
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too. She doesn't nag us about our homework." The tears were flowing again, and Alec softly quieted her.
"Listen, Tory. Try to stop crying so I can tell you something. Your grandpa told me," he went on after a moment, "that they are leaving early Thursday morning. I could go to your grandmother about what she said to Sophie, but right now I'd rather let it drop.
"Sophie seems to be very good at taking care of herself, so we'll just let it all rest until Thursday. I'm not ignoring the problem and I do want Sophie to know we care, but unless your grandmother andherare going to go at it again, I have to let it drop."
"So you and Grandma have already had words?"
"Yes."
After a moment of silence, Rita asked, "Why did she do that, Dad? Why did Grandma treat Sophie that way?"
"Your sister's right, Rita. Your grandmother has changed, and I think she sees Sophie as some type of threat, like she's going to take Mom's place."
Rita's voice broke on a sob. "No one could take Mom's place."
"No, they couldn't," Alec whispered, tears in his own eyes. He reached for Rita then, and the three of them cried and clung to each other. It was some time before Alec could speak.