Chapter 17
“You want to do something tonight?” Rina asked lightly, knocking on Sophie’s classroom door. “It seems like it’s been ages since we’ve spent any time together.”
Looking up at her friend, Sophie immediately knew something was wrong. Her tone had been easy going. Her demeanor, however, was anything but. “Sure, Rina. Did you want to come over for dinner? I’ll make something fabulous and we can watch a movie?”
“Yeah, alright. I’ll bring the popcorn and the movie. What time?”
Once again, Rina’s words, although calm, were filled with emotion. She knew if Rina had something to say, she’d say it. Letting it go, she asked, “How about seven o’clock?”
“Great! I’ll see you then.”
She smiled. “Okay.” Sophie returned to her work. There were piles of papers to grade and they all had to be done immediately. Some of these students are brilliant, she acknowledged proudly.
A light noise brought her head up. She saw Rina was still in her doorway and tears were streaming down her cheeks. Frightened, she rushed over to her, grabbing a tissue as she passed the box.
“Rina, what’s wrong?”
Rina took the tissue roughly. “Don’t you care about me? I mean, we haven’t really talked in days, and if I hadn’t come to see you now, who knows how many more days it would have been.”
Sophie bent her head down, replying quietly, “I know.” Remorsefully looking up, she sighed. “You always make the effort and I guess I’ve grown accustomed to it.” She contemplated her friend, recognizing there was more to her tears. “Can you forgive me?”
Blowing her nose, Rina retorted, “I guess.”
“Rina, talk to me. Is there anything else?”
Turning her back to Sophie, she answered, “Kind of.” Hurriedly, Rina turned back around, cracking a smile. “Let’s talk more tonight.”
“All right, if you’re sure,” Sophie stated, hesitantly.
“Absolutely dear. I know I’m acting a little weird. It must be that time of the month, right?” Rina laughed, but it sounded hollow. “See you tonight,” she continued, walking out of the room.
“See ya.”
#
At seven-fifteen her doorbell rang. Walking quickly to the door, Sophie opened it for Rina.
“Hey. Glad you could make it,” she said, kissing her cheek.
“Heyourself, sweetie,” Rina quipped, coming in. “I’vebrough licorice ana movie. Whas for dinner? Ismells delicious,” she continued, slurring her words.
“Rina, have you been drinking?”
“Maybe alittle hon, bunobiggie. I'mstarving.” Slipping off her coat and handing it to Sophie, she walked into the kitchen. “Isit garlicbread Ismell?”
“Good nose,” she answered, concerned. "Did you drive over here?
"Ocourse. Whynot?"
Trying to keep her rising anger at her friend’s stupidity from taking over, she gritted her teeth.
"Because you're drunk, Rina. You could’ve been hurt or hurt somebody. What were you thinking?"
"Lookgirlie. I'mthemotherlyone, notyou. Stopbugginme anlet's eat."
"Fine. I'm glad you made it safe and sound." She went to the kitchen, picking up the pan of garlic chicken and a Caesar salad. She placed them both in front of Rina. Next, she grabbed the loaf of garlic bread and dropped it on the table before slinking into the chair next to her drunken friend. "Can you eat?"
Rina grinned sheepishly replying, “Sure.” Setting down the movie and the licorice, she lifted her napkin, placing it roughly in her lap, and picked up her fork.
Trying not to laugh, Sophie said, "Let me get us something to drink, then I'll help you get some food on your plate. Sound good, sweetie?"
"Areyoumockingme?" Rina asked, trying to glare.
Instead, though, she looked like she needed a bathroom break.
Unable to hold in her laughter, she answered, "No, Rina. What would give you such an idea?"
"Isnotfunny."
"Right, sweet . . .," Sophie said, trying to keep a straight face.
Rina accomplished a serious glare.
"Fine. What did you need to talk to me about Rina?”
“Ohit’snothingdear. Everythinisworkedoutnow. Nobiggie.”
“First of all, you're drunk, and secondly, it seemed like it was a biggie this afternoon.” Softening her voice, she continued, “I haven’t seen you this upset in a long time, in fact only one other time.”
Rina didn't say anything.
Sophie took a deep breath, guessing it had to do with her lack of kindness.
“I should’ve searched you out sooner. I know. It’s no excuse, but I’ve been dealing with some problems and I’ve been too wrapped up in myself. I’ve been an insensitive jerk. Can you forgive me? Please?” She put a hand over Rina’s to emphasize her sincerity.
“Ohreallysweetie. It’sallright. I’mfinenow. I'vebeengoing through somstuffmyselfanI letitgettome.” It was Rina’s turn to sigh before going on, “SinceIwasalreadysadmy feelingssortofexplodedwhen Italkedtoyou.”
She raised an eyebrow, not sure what Rina meant, but let her continue.
“Seeinghowstrong anindependentyourbecoming, Irealized thayournotaneedy lilgirlanymore.” She sucked in her breath as she spoke, obviously trying to hold back a sob, “Irealizedthayoudonneedme anymore. You’rebecomingwhoyou weremeantobe. ThewomanI alwaysknewyoucouldbe.”
“Rina,” she said, crying. "You’re mistaken. I wish I were stronger, more like you, but I’m not. Thank you for saying it though. It means a lot coming from you.” Tears were flowing down her cheeks as she hugged Rina.
How I love her, she thought.
Rina flopped her arms around Sophie.
They continued their embrace for a long while using each other to lean on and gain strength from.
Letting go they both sat back, looking insecurely at each other. As though on cue, they both started laughing.
“We certainly are a pair, aren’t we?” Sophie asked, wiping her eyes with her napkin.
“Wesuraredear,” she answered, struggling to do the same with her napkin.
“Will you tell me what else is bothering you? I’m listening.”
"Whydonwe watchthemoviefirst soI cantry tosoberup."
"What a fabulous idea."
They finished eating in comfortable silence. After cleaning up the dishes, they watched the movie, the atmosphere calm and relaxing. When it was over, she turned to Rina. "Are you feeling more like yourself, honey?"
Rina shook her head, laughing. "Don't you ‘honey’ me again. Endearments are my thing. It doesn't sound right coming from you."
"Maybe not." She laughed back. "You do sound better. You aren't slurring your words anymore."
"I'm much better."
"Good, then tell me what's going on."
“Well, I've been seeing someone for the past few weeks. It’s been mostly wonderful.”
“You have? This is good news. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I was worried. I know you’ve been going through a lot with David and Phillip. I didn’t want to increase your pain by being happy and telling you about my relationship,” Rina rambled, slightly embarrassed.
“I appreciate you thinking of me. It’s what you always do, but I want to hear when you're happy.” She put her hand over Rina’s, going on, “I am happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Sure,” she returned, smiling. “Is it anyone I know?”
“Kind of. It’s Detective Oborn,” Rina blurted, her face turning red.
“Shut the freaking faculty door. Serious?” Her voice betraying she was in shock. “I never would have guessed. So, if you don’t mind me asking, why were you upset? Did something happen between you?”
“Lana, Detective Oborn and I had a fight. She thought the two of us should break up, which is why I was upset when I came to see you today. After I left your room, though, I called her and we worked everything out,” she said breathlessly, obviously happy.
&nb
sp; Sophie sat back quietly, taking it all in. "Why were you drunk when you came over then?"
"I started drinking when I called Lana. While we were talking, I kept on drinking. I'm embarrassed to say it, but when I realized how much I’d had to drink, it was too late."
"Next time, do not drink and drive," Sophie scolded.
"I know. A big mistake. I promise it won't happen again."
Nodding her agreement, Sophie said, "I’m delighted for you, Rina. You deserve to be happy. I hope your relationship with Detective Oborn is everything you’re looking for.”
“Sophie, dear, it is. She’s kind, sweet and caring,” she responded, giddy.
“I’m surprised. Never would’ve guessed that about her.”
“Oh, I know she has a rough exterior, but it’s one of the things I love about her. She’s like a present waiting to be unwrapped. I mean, I learn something new about her every time we’re together.”
“Great. Well again, I’m glad you’re happy and knowing something good is coming from everything going on in my life is comforting.” She’d said the words but somehow when they came out, they sounded hollow and angry. She knew Rina heard the tension in her voice because her facial expression changed.
“See? This is what I was afraid of,” she cried. “I didn’t want you to think I used you or your situation to find myself a relationship. Honestly, it just happened. I’m still worried about you, you know.”
“It’s fine. Super. I didn’t mean to sound rude. It’s great you found someone.” Even though she tried to sound reassuring, it hadn’t worked. She knew it and changed the subject. “What else is going on? I haven’t seen Phillip at school in a couple of days. Do you know where he is?”
Rina gave her a wink. “I do know where he is. Been missing him, have you?”
She forced herself not to blush, responding seriously, “No, not really, well, maybe a little.”
Rina continued, “I figured you knew by now or I would’ve told you sooner. It seems Cynthia, his ex wife, was pregnant. Apparently she had a miscarriage a couple of days ago.”
“No! How terrible. What happened?” Sophie asked, feeling dumbstruck. What must Phillip be thinking, she wondered.
“I don’t know. It happened during classes, though, because Phillip ran into my office asking me to cover for him, saying he needed to leave.”
She wondered how he told Rina. “How did he tell you what was wrong?”
“He only said his ex had a miscarriage. Of course I raised my eyes, to which he responded, ‘It’s not mine, I’ll tell you more later. Can you cover me?’ I said yes and he left.”
Sophie looked at her questioningly, hoping for more.
“I swear, dear, it's all I know.”
“Thanks for telling me. I hope she’s going to be all right. I can’t imagine losing my baby. She must be devastated,” Sophie said.
Rina agreed.
Sitting in silence, Sophie wished he would’ve called her, but couldn’t really expect him too. She’d been, if not dishonest, at least distant. She’d given him the impression they were in a relationship, which usually includes sharing pertinent details of ones life. Honestly, though, what did he expect, she thought. It was only one weekend they shared quality time together, when they hadn’t fought with each other. She’d needed more time, though, and he shouldn’t blame her.
“What are you thinking about?” Rina asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“Phillip, I guess, and how I left things with him.”
“Are you talking about him not knowing you are pregnant? What did he think? It’s not like you’re together or anything.”
“Well, I guess we kind of are supposed to be together.”
“Get out. When did this happen?” She shook Sophie.
Sophie gave her more details of the time they'd spent together at his house. How he almost told her he loved her, all of it. She also told Rina about walking in on Phillip in his classroom and seeing him hugging Cynthia. And, the most important detail of all, she realized she loved him, too.
Rina listened intently, obviously relishing her role as mentor once again, interjecting comments or questions when necessary. She became concerned with the quickness of Sophie, once again, falling in love with a man she barely knew.
This time Sophie took her friends thoughts on the subject to heart, remembering the last time Rina had questioned her feelings for David, she'd been right. Promising to think seriously about it and talk with her therapist, they moved on.
Finally, at two a.m., they decided to call it a night. After cleaning up, Sophie went to bed. The only dream she remembered again was her mother calling out to her, telling her to wake up and come back to them.
Chapter 18
Standing in front of the mirror, Sophie was almost in tears. She’d tried on every pair of pants she owned and none fit. She hadn’t bought any maternity clothes and she angrily wondered why as she took off her last pair of pants. Disgustedly, she chucked them on top of the large pile of clothes already on her bed.
I’ve got to go shopping again, she thought miserably, unable to believe she wasn’t more excited about the prospect. She realized, though, that since she found out about Phillip, she hadn’t been in a good mood, which made her mad at herself for allowing her moods to be ruled by a man.
"Ugh." She groaned, sinking to the floor in exasperation. Almost at once, though, she wished she hadn’t, because her doorbell rang. "Great. Who could that be?" she grumbled, rolling onto her knees and carefully getting up.
She knew she took her time, but she had to find something to put on. Finally, she found a pair of sweat pants—his sweat pants—and threw them on. When the doorbell rang again, she was irate.
“I’m coming,” she yelled. Reaching the door, she threw it open, growling, “What?”
Surprised, Phillip chuckled, “Um, I’ll come back later.” Turning toward the stairs, he stepped down and stopped.
She was surprised as well. He was the last person she’d expected to be on her doorstep. Feeling bad for her manners, and especially since it was him, she stepped onto her porch, saying, “Phillip. I didn’t realize it was you.”
He looked back at her. His smile was gone, but kindly, he returned, “But if it had been anyone else, it would’ve been fine, right?”
“No,” she replied, trying to choke back her tears. “That’s not what I meant. I was rude for anyone.” Turning around, she started back to her door.
“Hey, nice outfit, by the way. Those sweats look familiar.” His tone of voice indicated he wanted to make her feel better, but it only made matters worse.
“Look, I’m pregnant, okay? And I don’t have anything to wear,” she cried, whipping back around to glare at him. The anger wouldn’t come though, only tears.
He went to her, putting his arms around her. “Sophie, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he whispered into her hair.
Trying to get herself under control, she wiped her eyes saying, “Oh, it’s not you. I’ve been trying on clothes for the past hour and not a single pair of pants fit. These are it,” she sobbed, grabbing at his sweat pants to show him what she meant.
“I think you look fabulous in those sweat pants,” he chortled, pushing her away from him gently, looking her up and down.
“Yeah, right,” she huffed, looking down. Feeling a little better, though, she walked toward the door and said, “Did you want to come in?”
“Yes, great." He stepped inside, walking past her.
She shut the door, turning toward him. She was happy to see him, but at the same time wondered why he was there since apparently he was back with Cynthia.
“You know, you really do look great,” he said tenderly, leaning down to kiss her.
She stuck out her hand, maintaining her distance. “Hold on, mister. I saw you kiss Cynthia, and there’s no sharing me. You’re either with me or you’re not. If you want to kiss someone, go kiss Cynthia.” This time the words came out with as much anger as she’d meant them to
, although, seeing the pain on his face made the thrill of the delivery less fulfilling. Deflated a little, she continued, “Besides, she needs you right now. How is she anyway?”
Phillip straightened, responding with an odd lift in his voice, “Can we sit down somewhere and talk about it?”
“Okay, sure,” she replied, trying to sound casual. She led him into the great room. Once they were seated, she asked, “What is it? Is she all right?”
“She’s going to be."
"She had a miscarriage, right? Is there more?”
“Yes, actually. She almost died of a blood clot.”
“Oh my gosh, Phillip. How did it happen?”
Phillip explained what had happened to Cynthia, to which Sophie paid attention.
She felt terrible for Cynthia. Losing Rose would be more than she could bear. It must be devastating for Cynthia to lose her baby. Selfishly, she felt sorry for herself as well. A lump kept getting caught in her throat. She knew at any second, he would tell her he'd decided to go back to Cynthia.
Why wouldn’t he, she thought, infuriated. She wants him back and she isn’t afraid to tell him she needs him. Oh, just shut up and pay attention, she fumed inwardly, returning her focus to what he said.
“I got into her purse to get her insurance card and her drivers license when I noticed a picture in one of the pockets.”
For some reason, the intensity on his face worried her.
What is he talking about, Sophie wondered, frustrated.
She must’ve had a confused look on her face because he asked, “Is everything all right?”
“Of course. Go on,” she blustered, hurrying him on with her hands.
“Right, anyway I took the picture out, curious about who it could be and I was shocked to see . . .” Abruptly he stopped as if questioning himself on whether or not he should finish his sentence.
“Who was it?”
“Well, strangely enough, it was a picture of you.”
“Of me?” she blurted, not quite comprehending.
“But how’s it possible? I don’t know Cynthia.”
“True, but . . ." he paused again.
“But what, Phillip. Why did she have a picture of me in her purse? Tell me." Without knowing why, she was scared.
Sleeping Roses Page 16