A whole weekend had passed since summer school ended. My bags were packed and waiting by the steps. I stood in uniform, watching the door, waiting for Mom to come out with the bus ticket she promised.
The mansion doors opened, but it wasn't her.
Sofia came out first, with her phone glued to her face as she typed aggressively. Her driver already began loading her luggage. Mrs. Hamilton trailed behind, calling after her.
She leaned down to kiss Sofia's temple, showering her with soft praise. Sofia flinched like it embarrassed her, but the faintest smile betrayed her.
I shifted my suitcase closer, hugging the handle.
Then Mom finally came out, rushing with hair a little messy and a Tupperware clutched in her hand.
"Sofia, dear," she said, slightly breathless, "I made you a travel lunch. It's a long drive—you'll need something to eat."
"And mine?" I asked, trying not to sound jealous.
Mom chuckled, brushing it off. "Steph, you never forget to eat. Sofia's different. She studies so hard, sometimes she skips meals." She smoothed Sofia's collar as if she were her own daughter.
Sofia's eyes flicked to mine, a bit pleased. She smiled sweetly at Mom. "Thank you, Josephine."
As she peeked into the box, she forced a forked bite—and flinched the moment it hit her tongue. She spat it back into the container, coughing. "Too hot. And… not my taste."
Mom's smile wavered. She'd clearly worked hard on it. For a moment, I thought she'd finally see the bitch I saw.
Instead, Sofia turned to me. "Steph, do you want it?"
"Stop calling me that. We're not friends."
Mom swatted the back of my hand, light but light. "Don't be rude." Then, to Sofia: "Don't mind her. That was made especially for you."
"Josephine, it's fine." Sofia slid the box toward me. "She can have it."
I stared. She really thought I'd eat something she spat in? "No thanks."
"Stephanie." Mom's voice snapped louder this time. "Sofia is being generous."
She always did this, sulked up to Sofia like she's her queen. But then again, she's her boss's daughter.
"No, Josephine. Steph's right. Sofia, would you eat something someone spat out?"
Sofia's lips pressed tight. "I was only trying to share, Sapphire." With a glare, she slipped into the car.
The silence she left behind was stiff.
Mrs. Hamilton gave me an awkward smile. "I don't know why she never listens. She didn't take after me… or her father."
"She's just… strong-willed," Mom said quickly.
I noticed how Mrs. Hamilton's eyes lingered on her, but before it grew heavier, I leaned in and kissed Mom's cheek. "I'll see you next break."
Then to Sapphire, a hug. "Thank you."
Finally, I turned back. "Where's my bus ticket?"
Mom blinked, then winced. "I forgot."
"Mom, seriously? You promised—"
"Don't take that tone with me. I've had a lot on my plate."
"Fine. I'm sorry," I swallowed my frustration. "Can you atleast give me the money so I can buy it on my way out."
My mom searched her pockets and nothing came out. "I don't have any extra change with me."
"Are you for real?" I whined, stomping my foot on the ground lazily.
"Why don't you just ride with Sofia?"
I shook my head before Sofia could be disrespectful to anyone else. "I like the feeling of using the bus."
Mrs. Hamilton glanced at me, then dug into her purse. "Here, will this be enough?" She handed me a bill. I looked down; one thousand dollars.
My jaw nearly dropped. "More than enough."
When Mrs Hamilton went to take her car, Mom's hand shot out. "Give it here. I'll exchange it."
"I thought you didn't have any money."
"I don't have that kind of money." She snatched it, then shoved a fifty back into my hand. "This will do."
I stared at the crumpled bill. I'd planned to buy things I needed with that money. Instead, I just sighed and left for the bus station.
By the time I got there, the tickets were sold out. And I didn't have money for an Uber. I was just stranded.
If I'd kept the thousand, I could've been at school already. Instead, I started walking.
Hours passed. My legs felt like lead, and my head was beginning to feel light. I was going to pass out before I reached the school gates.
I carried my heavy luggages like a burden, but when I reached the checkpoint, I was asked to wait for the cars to drive first.
I took it as a break. So I brought out my water bottle, tipping the bottle back. My cheeks were still full when a car honked right beside me.
I turned, a bit startled, while the droplets of water slipped down my chin.