A whole weekend had passed since the end of summer school. My bags were already packed and sitting outside by the steps. I was in my uniform, waiting for Mom to come out with the bus ticket she promised me.
The mansion doors opened, but it wasn't her.
Sofia stepped out, with her phone glued to her hand, while Mrs. Hamilton trailed behind, trying to catch her attention. Her driver loaded her luggages into the car.
Mrs. Hamilton leaned down, kissed Sofia's temple, showering her with praise. Sofia flinched away like it embarrassed her, but her lips curved up the tiniest bit.
I shifted on my feet, clutching my own suitcase tighter.
Then Mom finally came out. She came rushing, hair slightly messy, with a Tupperware in her hand.
"Sofia, dear," she said, out of breath, "I packed you a travel lunch. The drive is long. I thought you might need something."
"And… what about mine?" I asked, trying not to sound jealous.
Mom chuckled like I'd said something silly. "You eat plenty, Steph. You've put on a bit of weight. Sofia needs it more; she studies so hard she hardly eats." She smoothed Sofia's collar like she was her daughter.
Sofia's eyes flicked to mine, a bit pleased. She finally looked at my mom and smiled sweetly. "Thanks, Josephine. That's thoughtful."
She flipped the lid open, peeked inside. I saw the way her nose twitched; like the smell already turned her stomach. She had eating disorder. Still, she picked up a forkful and shoved it in her mouth.
Her face flinched the second it hit her tongue. She chewed once, made a muffled sound, then pulled the food back out with her fingers, spitting it into the box.
"Hot," she muttered between coughs, fanning her tongue with her hand. Then, flatly: "I don't like it."
Mom's smile faltered. She had clearly woken up early to make that. For a second, I thought she'd finally see the bitch I see.
But instead Sofia turned to me. "Do you want them, Steph?"
"Stop calling me Steph," I said bluntly. "We're not friends."
Mom's palm smacked the back of my hand, light but not light. "That's rude." Then she turned back to Sofia, soft again. "Don't mind her. That was made especially for you."
"Mom, it's just a travel lunchbox—"
Her hand lifted slightly again, a warning.
"Josephine, it's fine." Sofia pushed the box toward me, her voice sweet as poison. "She can have it."
I stared at it. She really thought I'd eat something she spat into? "I don't want it."
"Stephanie," Mom snapped, "Sofia is being generous. Don't be rude."
Before I could argue, Mrs. Hamilton interrupted me. "No, Josephine. Steph's right. Sofia, you wouldn't eat something someone spit on, would you?"
Sofia's lips pressed tight. "I was just being generous, Sapphire." With a dramatic sigh, she turned and slid into the car.
The silence she left behind was sharp.
Mrs. Hamilton gave me an awkward smile. "I don't know why she never listens to others. She didn't take after me… or her father."
My mom quickly jumped in, "She's just strongly opinionated."
Mrs. Hamilton shook her head, "It feels more than that."
"You're overthinking. Trust me, I know these things."
I noticed how Sapphire's gaze lingered on my mom. Before it got any heavier, I leaned in. "I'll see you next break, Mom." I kissed her cheek, then gave Sapphire a hug.
Finally, I turned back. "Where's my bus ticket?"
Mom blinked, then sighed. "I forgot."
"Mom, how could you forget something like that?"
"Don't talk to me like I'm your servant," she snapped. "I have other things to do."
"Fine. I'm sorry," I sighed. "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.