Sophie's Heart

by Lori Wick

  His word is law, Sophie. It's his house.But such thoughts still did not keep her eyes from flashing just a little, or stop the slight lift of her chin. Alec, who was not at all offended or angered by her reaction, still thought rescuing them both sounded like a good idea. He made a move to leave the room, but Sophie's voice, filled with frustration and speaking in another language, stopped him.

  "What did you say?" Alec turned back and asked her.

  It was only then that she realized she had spoken in Czech.

  "How will van be paid if you cut Sophie's hours?"

  Alec came right back to the kitchen table and sat down.

  "I'm sorry I didn't explain. First of all, your salary will remain the same. Secondly, you will not pay one dime of the repair charges on the van. The accident was not your fault and the van is insured. In fact, I expect my insurance agent to call or come by anytime. He will have inspected the damages and tell us what they're willing to do. But no matter what the outcome, you will not be financially responsible."

  "But if I had moved sooner," Sophie argued.

  Alec shook his head. "If you had moved sooner, the guy might have hit your door or any number of things and made it ten times worse."

  Clearly, Sophie did not look convinced, but Alec was not going to browbeat her. He had told her what he expected and was now willing to let her deal with it.

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  "I've got some work to do on the garage door opener," Alec said as he stood. "Let me know if my insurance agent calls." With that he was gone.

  Sophie was so unsettled that for a moment she couldn't move. He had talked to her like she was one of the family-almost as if she lived here! What was she to do? Surely, he couldn't have meant everything the way it sounded. Join them on the weekend to shop? She was already riding to church with them and wasn't sure if she should be. How would this work in the long run? And the most difficult part-having her schedule rearranged. It was almost more than she could...

  Sophie didn't know how long she'd been sitting there stewing over the problem when she noticed Tory. She had obviously come from the living room.

  "Hello, Tory."

  "Hi, Sophie. Dad told us that you're not to work on Saturdays anymore."

  "Yes, he told me."

  "So you can do anything you want."

  "So it would seem."

  "Even play with us?"

  Sophie blinked at her. "Yes," she said slowly. "I could."

  "Could you watch cartoons with me?" The yearning in the little girl's voice was unmistakable.

  A slow smile started on Sophie's face and stretched her mouth wide. "What is on now?"

  Tory told Sophie, and the older woman momentarily put her reservations away and accompanied Tory to the family room. They ate bowls of cold cereal and laughed in delight at the animated characters on the screen.

  ***

  An hour later Alec stood in Sophie's apartment. He'd asked for her key and permission to enter so he could listen as Craig worked the garage door opener. He hadn't heard anything yet, and thought it must be running smoother, but then again, maybe he was only distracted.

  Sitting in the corner of Sophie's living room was the tiniest live Christmas tree he had ever seen. At first glance there didn't appear to be any ornaments, but then he looked closer. Ornaments sat on two of the branches. One was a simple green bulb and the other was a small wooden heart painted red. And as if

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  she were trying to carry out a theme, below the tree sat just two gifts. One was the picture Rita had spoken of. It was of a woman walking in a beautiful meadow. The verse on the bottom was Proverbs 3:5,6, written in calligraphy. The other gift was a quilted sofa pillow in reds, blues, and pinks.

  Alec asked himself if maybe she had put her other gifts away, but he knew better. Many folks left their gifts under the tree, and Sophie was obviously one of them.

  It would be so easy to include her, Lord,he prayed.She's already such a part of the children's lives, and when I'm around she's so quiet that I hardly know she's there. It would be no trouble at all to make her feel a part of us.

  Alec felt a new resolve come over him. He had told Sophie to make herself at home, and he'd been glad to see her in the family room with Tory, but they might have to do more. He thought of his and the kids' plans for New Year's Eve, but then remembered how adamant she'd been about joining them for Christmas Eve. He knew what he wanted to do if only he could convince her.

  "Dad," Craig stuck his head in the door. "Tory says the phone's for you."

  "All right." Hoping it was his insurance man, Alec moved down the stairs behind his son. He'd get the van out of the way, finish the garage door opener, and then deal with the problem of

  his housekeeper.

  ***

  Sophie never really stood a chance. The last time Alec had gone into battle by himself. This time he had arrived with fresh recruits. It was after lunch and Sophie and Tory were putting a huge jigsaw puzzle together in the living room. Alec came in with Rita, making it look like the most natural thing in the world. Alec took a chair, and Rita bent over the puzzle.

  "We're going to eat and watch old movies tomorrow night," Alec said, although no one really looked at him. "I want you to join us, Sophie."

  The housekeeper's head came up with a snap, and Alec continued conversationally.

  "We're going to order pizza for dinner, and then start the movies early. We'll probably get in at least three, so if there's something you want to see, get your order in."

  "My order."

  "Yes. Oh, and I need to know what you want on your pizza, too."

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  "My pizza."

  "That's right. We like root beer with our pizza, but if you want another type of pop, you can have it."

  "I can have it," she chimed in again, and Alec had to fight laughter.

  "What's the matter, Sophie?" Rita put in. "You look like you don't want to."

  "Is not that, Rita, but-" And there she stopped. What was it exactly? Sophie could not say, except that they were a family.Nickelberrys are a family and you join them,a voice reminded her, and it was true. But why did this feel so different?

  "So do you like root beer, Sophie?" Tory wanted to know, playing her part very well.

  She realized then that they were all watching her. Craig had come in, too, and she blushed uncomfortably.

  "I'm sorry, Sophie," Alec now said smoothly. "You've obviously made plans, and we've put you on the spot."

  "No," Sophie said automatically, and then almost wished she'd lied. "I have no plans," she finished weakly.

  "Well, you do now," Alec said in triumph. "We'll plan on it. Right after church tomorrow we'll go pick out the movies, and then we'll be all set."

  With that, everyone but Tory filed out. Sophie stood for a long moment not working on the puzzle or focusing on anything until she found Tory's wounded eyes on her.

  "Don't you want to eat with us, Sophie?" This time the question was real.

  Sophie stepped close and drew the younger girl into her arms, her eyes closing in pain.

  "Yes, I do, my Tory, but I do not wish to be in the way."

  "You're not, Sophie. We like you."

  Sophie couldn't talk anymore. She was so confused and uncomfortable with what they were asking. Again she questioned herself as to why she could do this with Gladys' family but not with the Rileys. No answer came.

  Tory let the subject drop as well, and soon they finished the puzzle. Sophie, who had not been home since the day before, collected her things and finally excused herself. Tory didn't press her to come back later or tarry, and Sophie went home to clean her apartment with a vengeance.

  ***

  When Sophie climbed the stairs to her apartment at 1:30 A.M. the next night, she was tired, but also rather elated. She had

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  never laughed so hard in all of her life. They had watched an old Abbott and Costello movie, a Shirley Temple classic, and ended with a Laurel and Hard
y. Sophie laughed until tears ran down her face. At midnight they had welcomed in the new year with cans of pop and bowls of chipsand dip, as well as plenty of laughter. It had been a wonderful evening. She had not been treated as anyone special-just as part of the family. She helped with cleanup, but was not expected to wait on anyone.

  Youhave brought me to a wonderful place, my Lord. I have not thanked You enough. My heart has been so afraid, but You knew what I needed and You knew what they needed. Craig is struggling again, but he was joyful tonight, Lord. May he continue to find Your peace. Give Mr. Riley the words, Lord, and help Craig to open his heart for love and rebuke as well.

  Sophie could have prayed forever this night, so full was her heart. She readied for bed as she petitioned God on behalf of this family, and then again as she lay down waiting for sleep to come.

  Imust be willing to change, Lord. I have been a slave to my schedule, but if You need me to alter, I must. I have not wanted to get in so close that I would feel as if I was dying if they sent me away. But it was too late for that after the first day, and I've been a fool not to see this. Help me to keep on, Lord, but to keep on for You, not for myself.

  Sleep claimed Sophie just after this, but God had heard every word. And in the weeks to follow, God moved in ways that Sophie wouldn't have imagined in her wildest dreams. She continued to pray for Craig, thinking his father was the key, but not seeing that God was going to use her in the most powerful way of all.

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  "JUST TAKE ME HOME, Rita!" The argument continued within the confines of the Rileys' fully repaired van.

  "Come on, Craig."

  "No. I thought you guys didn't want to go back there."

  "Well, we changed our minds. You can just sit in the van."

  "No!"The shout came so loudly in the closeness of the vehicle that both Rita and Tory started, and then anger showed on Rita's face. She maneuvered to the right as soon as traffic would allow and made for home. She did not drive unsafely, but her siblings could tell she was furious. Tory hated it, and Craig in his own rage didn't care.

  It was a temptation to drop Craig at the end of their court and speed away, but before she could do this, Tory said, "Maybe Sophie would come with us."

  "Do you want her to?" Rita asked without looking at her sister.

  "Yes."

  Rita didn't answer, but when she got to the house she got out with Craig. Tory followed. In his rage Craig nearly ran through the kitchen door. As usual, Sophie was taken unawares. Her smile and greeting died a swift death as Craig nearly knocked her over in his haste. There was nothing unusual about this, but the pattern was about to be broken.

  "Craig!" Sophie's voice lashed through the air. Surprise alone stopped Craig in his flight. He turned to her, and she now spoke softly, but with authority.

  "I do not wish you to come in this way. I have not done anything. Please do not anger at me."

  He nodded, looking thoroughly ashamed.

  "Would you like to talk of this, Craig?"

  He shook his head.

  "Are you sure?"

  He nodded. "I have homework."

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  "All right."

  Not until Sophie said this did he leave. Then she turned to the girls.

  "It's my fault," Rita said. "Tory and I decided this morning that we wanted to visit our mom's grave today. We didn't ask Craig; we just assumed he'd want to go. When he didn't, I said he could just sit in the car, but he blew up."

  "We still want to go," Tory put in, "and wondered if you'd go with us."

  Sophie's head turned to the place where Craig had been and then back to the girls.

  "Just there and back?" she asked.

  "Yes."

  "All right, I'll come."

  ***

  The snow at the cemetery was deep in spots because of drifting, but they were still able to drive very close to the grave and walk without difficulty. The cold was not an issue, since all three were bundled in hats, mittens, and coats. As soon as they were within reach, both Tory's and Rita's hands swept the snow from the grave. Sophie's foot bumped a dead poinsettia, and Rita reached to move it away.

  "Dad came a month ago, right before Christmas," she said. "He asked us if we wanted to go, but I didn't."

  "I didn't either," Tory added. "I'm not sure what Craig did."

  "And today? Was there a special reason today?" Sophie wished to know.

  "No," Rita said, but she sounded like she was still thinking it over. "How about you, Tory?"

  "Not really. I know some people talk to graves, but I don't like that. I tell God what I want Him to tell my mom."

  "I think you are wise, Tory," Sophie agreed. "I know people who need to come to the grave in order for healing, but when we can pray our heart to God, it is such a special thing."

  They were quiet for a time and then Rita said, "I guess I still need to talk to the grave," she admitted softly. "Yesterday they announced a mother/daughter tea. It's in a month." Rita now turned to look at Sophie. "I think I came here today to ask my mom if it was all right to invite you."

  Sophie removed her mitten and gently reached out to touch Rita's cold cheek. "Then ask, my Rita, and follow your heart. Do not worry about me, but be at peace inside yourself."

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  With that Sophie began to walk away, not toward the car, over to other graves. She moved carefully and respectfully,reading as she went, and it wasn't long before Tory joined her.

  "Oh, Mom," was all Rita could say for the longest time. Tears came to her eyes as soon as Sophie touched her, and she could not make them stop.

  "I need you here," Rita finally managed. "You should have seen the looks' of pity I got yesterday. When your mom is gone, everyone is afraid to mention the word. And it's been over a year." Rita sounded frustrated, and then realized she didn't want it to be like that, not here, not now. "I'm sorry, Mom. I know you would never have deliberately left us, and it's so hard down on this earth that I really don't wish you back. But I feel so unloyal to take Sophie as my mother. Grandma would be all right, but they both live so far away, and it's only a two-hour tea."

  The tears were coming again, and Rita hated herself for them. She wouldn't have told anyone that the tea was a big deal, because it didn't feel that way, but her tears indicated otherwise.

  "Please help me to handle this, Lord," she asked as her heart now turned to prayer. "I always want to do the right thing, so much so that I'm afraid of making a mistake. I mean, I'm not committing for life to ask Sophie to come to the tea with me. But I just wish it could be Mom."

  The admission felt better as soon as she had made it, and with it her heart calmed. It would be wonderful to go with Sophie who was so enthusiastic about everything in their world. And herein Rita finally realized the problem. Her mother had been so busy that at times it felt like she was more interested in her own world than theirs. Suddenly her father's words from weeks ago came floodingback: Housework was never your mother's strong point. ...If I had been the one to die, I would expect your mother to remember me the way I was and not walk around wearing rose- colored glasses.

  Rita suddenly felt released. She loved her mother and wished that she could talk with her again, but that didn't change the fact that she had made mistakes. Rita knew she'd made plenty of her own, but had hopefully learned from them. And somehow Rita also knew that if her mother could do it again, she would try harder, too. Rita looked up then to see that Sophie and Tory were

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  headed slowly her way. There was no need to wish for more time alone. It was going to be all right.

  ***

  One week later a letter came in the mail for Miss Sophia Velikonja. Sophie opened it with curiosity, and inside she found a beautiful invitation to attend a ladies' tea with Miss Rita Riley at Edgewood High School. The date was over three weeks away, but already Sophie's mind was planning what to wear. She fretted for some minutes before she realized she could just ask Rita.

  "I'll take her right to
my closet," Sophie told the chicken she was working on. "That way I will look American and not be embarrassment."

  She patted the bird's chest with her new resolve, and turned to find Mr. Riley watching her, his brows raised and his eyes brimming with laughter.

  "You're talking to dead chickens now, Sophie?"

  Laughter bubbled up inside her, but she quickly swallowed it. "I have been invited to important date, and Mr. Chicken was telling me how to dress."

  "A date? Well, now, who's the lucky guy?"

  Sophie took the card from the counter and held it out to him. "Someone you know very well."

  Alec read the invitation and smiled. "A ladies' tea. Why didn't she ask me?" He was still in a teasing mood. Sophie, who had learned in the last weeks to laugh when he was like this, said, "I do not think you have right dress."

  He managed to look totally affronted, one hand on his hip and one on his shoulder as if posing, and Sophie burst out in laughter.

  "You are home early," she commented when she could get her breath.

  "Yes, because I have a huge favor to ask of you. I'm supposed to take Craig to get some new sweats tonight, and something has come up. Would you please take him?"

  "Of course. Is this in mall?"

  "Yes, but they're in a place over on the east side, and I have to be here on the west side for a meeting that may or may not get over in time."

  "I will do this and, if he bites me, I will bite back." Sophie meant it as a joke, but Alec's face was serious.

  "How's he been?"

  "Withdrawning."

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  "Withdrawn," he corrected gently, as he always did.

  "Yes, this is word. Withdrawn. Keeping to himself."

  "Okay." Alec looked troubled. "I'll be here when they get home for supper so I can explain, but if you'll plan to do that for me, Sophie, I'd really appreciate it."

  "Of course."

  "You're one in a million, Sophie." He had gotten in the habit of telling her this.

  "Yes," she said with a cheeky grin this time. "I know."

  ***

  It was snowing when Craig and Sophie left for the mall, but the forecast was not bad. Sophie had learned that in Wisconsin if you waited for the weather to clear, you wouldn't go anywhere. Craig was quiet for most of the ride, but if Sophie talked to him he would answer. She was a little tired herself and didn't mind that he wanted to be silent.