Chapter 1
“Sophia Lillian Gordon, if you don’t get your butt down stairs right now, you will have to find another ride to school!” The Gordon Black family had just moved to the neighborhood and Evelyn wanted her daughter to make a good first impression. She felt people would not only judge her by her possessions, but also by her family. she made sure Sophia and her school attire was ready the night before and planned to wake her two hours early. As if the universe wanted to play a joke on Evelyn, there was a storm the night before and the neighborhood experienced a black out.
“I’m coming!” Sophia yelled from upstairs. While brushing her teeth, she stopped to look at her reflection in the mirror. By the looks of her, you would think she was at least twenty-two. She was actually seventeen. Sophia was 5’7 and weighed 145 pounds. She had a small waist and full hips. She was also endowed with a 38DD bosom. There were times when her mother tried to cover those womanly attributes but failed. Sophia was always attracting unwanted attention.
She slowed her stride as she walked into the kitchen. her mother and stepfather were waiting. Sophia didn’t care for her stepfather Richard Black. Her mother married Richard in Las Vegas shortly after her father died. Richard never had an ill word for Sophia. He would however say perverted things that an authority figure should never say. She tried telling her mother about her stepfather’s behavior. as a result of her honesty, she received twenty-three stitches.
“Good morning,’’ Sophia quickly, quietly, and calmly sat down at the table. She would have to rush eating breakfast.
“Did you sleep well, Sophia?” Richard had a questioning tone.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood in the air. She couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable when around him. The smug look on his face made her hate him more and more. She wondered why her mother married him. He was never able to keep and thought he should be supported in every way.
It took Sophia a moment to stomach a smile “I slept fine. thanks for asking.” She flashed him a look of disgust from across the table. He was amused.
She quickly ate the remainder of her breakfast and left the table. “Sophia, I’ll meet you in the car.” Richard called to her.
She walked upstairs to her bedroom to retrieve her backpack. As she stood surrounded by silence, she felt it necessary to fall on her knees and pray.
Sophia walked to the stairway of her new school. There wasn’t a soul in sight when she reached the office. Once inside, she could smell the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and hear the laughter of the receptionists. Feeling somewhat out of place, she searched the office for a friendly face.
“Are you lost dear?” said a soft friendly voice from behind the counter. “I’m new here, and I don’t know where to go.” Sophia saw the woman approaching with a wide smile.
the woman motioned for Sophia to take a seat. When the paper work was complete, the receptionist took Sophia on a tour of the school.
“Here at West Chester East, we have a variety of student activities ranging from astronomy to photography. We pride ourselves on the fact that three of our past students are Nobel Prize winners.” The receptionist felt the need to brag. “Here is a map of all the buildings. You can use this to help you find your way to class. Your first class of the day is Calculus and I’ll take you there.”
Sophia walked alongside her escort feeling nervous and afraid. She was at a new school with new people. She didn’t know if she would be liked or disliked. As she approached the classroom door, she summoned all her energy and put on a brave face.
“Here we are” the receptionist stepped to the right, knocked on the door three times and opened it. She graciously stepped inside and addressed the teacher. “Excuse me Mr. Townsend but I have a new student who is supposed to be in your class.” She motioned for Sophia to come inside.
As she entered the room the class was staring. Her knees wanted to give out, but she remembered all the pep talks her aunt had given her. Her aunt would say, “You are the sweetest girl in the world! Those kids would be lucky to have a friend like you.” Cynthia was her personal confidence builder. Whatever her mother would say, her aunt Cynthia would tell her the opposite.
Keeping those words in mind, she took charge of her buckling knees. She fixed her sight on the teacher, walked towards him, and avoided looking at the students who were watching her. With her hand extended, she introduced herself. Luckily the receptionist lightly touched her shoulder to hold her steady.
“Well Mr. Townsend, I’ll let you return to your lesson. Sophia, good luck and I’ll see you around.” The words echoed in Sophia’s head. Good luck! What was that supposed to mean! Sophia was now even more nervous.
“Class, we have a new student. Let’s give a warm welcome to Sophia Gordon.” Mr. Townsend introduced her to the other classmates. Her gaze slowly swept the room. She didn’t see one smile or smart ass smirk on any of their faces. They all seemed lifeless and robotic. Sophia then realized what the receptionist meant when she wished her luck.
