Only A Moment

New Beginnings

WILL POV

Addison arrived about a half hour later and had a suitcase, backpack, and duffel bag in tow.  Her eyes were red and she was still struggling to catch her breath but Sophie got her a glass of water so she could try to relax now that she was safe. Once Addy was settled in the comfy side chair in Sophie's living room she filled us in on the conversation they had when Dad got home from work.

Mom told him about her Bible study and the criticism she received then started questioning whether Milo was mine. She accused Sophie of being a gold digger, which even Dad laughed at knowing how successful she is, and being a cheap whore. Addy stepped in and spoke up for us but all that did was piss Mom off further.

"You have a place here, Addy," Sophie said gently after I got my sister some food and refilled her glass of water.  "Neither of us have a full spare room you can move into but I have a really comfortable blow up mattress so you are more than welcome to crash while we figure things out.  I made sure it would fit in the Nursery in case I ever had company stay so you can get settled there as long as you don't mind sharing space with all the baby stuff."

My sister let out a long sigh, "Thanks, Soph. I am going to drop out of school for the semester.  I can still get a refund on what Mom and Dad paid, so they will receive that and won't have something else to hold over my head.  The car I have was a gift but if they take it back..."

"Then you can use mine," Sophie completed with a warm smile.  "Neither of us use our cars all the time so we will make it work.  What about your phone?"

Addy groaned, "They paid for it and I am on their family plan."

"Well, then we can get you a new one and a new number. Mint Mobile is super cheap, especially if you pay for the year ahead of time, so that would give you a fresh start as well. You can decide what numbers you keep and have some control over how much you have to handle." She smiled, then nudged me, "Maybe all 3 of us can just set up a family plan of our own. Verizon is expensive and I don't need to worry about having service on long road trips to Texas anymore."

The way Sophie handled this was so matter of fact that I felt even more hopeful everything would work out okay. I was never good under pressure so her calm decisiveness made me fall even deeper in love.

I nodded and reassured Addison, "If you want to drop out of school and separate fully from Mom and Dad then we are here to support you, Sis.  Just give yourself at least the weekend to get your bearings, though.  No need to force anything when it's still so raw."

Addy nodded, chewing a bite of chicken and zucchini then letting out a more relieved sigh.  "This is really good, Soph.  Thank you."

"You're welcome.  I am so sorry this happened."

"It's not your fault.  You've worked hard to make sure you had everything ready for Milo.  Are you doing okay with all the judgment? I am sure you deal with it any time you leave this apartment."

Sophie sighed and focused on her water glass before grabbing her plate and picking at the meal with her fork.  "I try not to let it bother me and remind myself all that matters is Milo is loved and will be okay, but it's tough.  At the store today I spoke to one of my high school teachers that gave me the look but plenty of others like to side eye and whisper as soon as they see me."

"Guys get off easy," I commented, reaching over to rub her back.

She let out a huff, "Yeah, but that's not your fault.  We are doing our best here with a tough situation.  Addy, just give yourself time to decide what you think is best.  There truly is no rush. Once we're done with dinner we can get a Target pickup order set for basic stuff you need. I have a few things I wanted to grab anyway but we should be good for tonight. I know I have an extra toothbrush and you can use my skin care and other toiletries, too. And you know I have a massive stash of leggings and comfy clothes so if you need something, let me know."