Darling.

Five

Thursday, September 9, 5:45 pm

After school, I had tennis practice for two hours, which I had been dreading all day. It wasn't all that bad, though, apart from the new girls that just moved up to the varsity level who think they're gonna rule the team. My coach, who has taught me to be the player I am today chose me to be the senior captain because he really felt like I could handle it, as I have helped out so much in the past already. I am more than excited to lead the team and set good examples for the younger girls and help them whenever they need it. 

As I walk in the door, I hear the voices of my mom and dad. They seem to be talking about how my dad is doing at work lately. He says it's very busy being a writer, but he loves it too much to complain. 

My dad is a writer for our local newspaper and right now, his job requires him to travel around the state and interview people for his stories and articles. He's really good at what he does and is trying to become an editor as well. I really hope everything works out for him because he seems really happy.

"Hey, guys, what's up?" I ask them as I stroll into the kitchen. My mom is cooking what seems to be fettuccini alfredo with shrimp. My all-time favorite dish that she makes. "That looks so good, Mom."

They both say hello to me at the same time and my mom thanks me for the compliment to her cooking. "Thanks, honey. How was your second day of senior year? I still can't believe time went by so fast! I could almost cry thinking about it."

"Today was alright. Mrs. Stevens asked me to show the new kid around. He was pretty cool, and he came here from England." My parents nod and listen to me talk about what happened at school and are very pleased to hear that I was chosen to be captain of the team this year. 

My dad laughs lightly and says, "That's great, Soph, coach Wells must really trust you! We're so proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad. Is Stephen home?" I ask and my mom points upstairs where I can hear a TV playing. He must be playing video games or something with his friends like he usually does after school. He says it helps him "destress" but most of the time he's just frustrated and yelling at the game, so make that make sense.

Stephen is in seventh grade and he is already so smart. I will be so surprised if he doesn't get a full ride to college and I really hope he does. His dream job is to be a video game editor and designer, and with the countless hours spent in front of the television, he definitely has an advantage. 

My brother is one of my best friends ever and I am going to miss hanging out with him when I leave for college next year. We teach each other so many things and I'm going to miss having him give me advice on the littlest things. On my way to his room, I pass this photo we took together on a cruise we went on when he was only five and I was ten. We were in the pool on the ship and I just remember having so much fun babysitting him and teaching him to try new things. 

When I reach his bedroom door I give a light knock and hear a muffled, "Come in." I slowly open the door and peek my head in to see what he's up to. He sees it's me and says, "Hey Sophie, what's up? Did you see the new neighbors yet? I wonder if they have any kids." 

"I haven't seen them yet, no. I was wondering the same thing because we got a new kid in my grade today and I'm showing him around the school this week. I don't think it could be him, though. I saw a mother and two little ones, but that's it. How was your day?" I walk in and sit on the edge of his bed. He turns to me and a big smile plasters itself onto his face.

He excitedly says, "Well, nothing really fun happened because the teachers are still introducing everything, but you'll never believe what my science teacher has!" He waits for an answer to signify that I am in fact, paying attention. I raise my eyebrows and he continues, "He has a pet turtle that he keeps in his room and he even let me feed him today!" 

"No way, kid, that's your favorite animal!" I chuckle and say, "I bet you're gonna have fun in that class. I'm gonna go back to my room to organize my stuff, but you can tell me all about your classes later?" He nods excitedly as I head out the door and shut it behind me.

When I walk into my room, I put my tennis bag away in my closet and put my backpack on the chair in the corner next to my dresser. I pull a pair of gray leggings and a light pink t-shirt out of one of the drawers and change out of my tennis skirt and tank top and throw the dirty clothes in my hamper. I sit down at my desk and begin to organize my binders and folders to distract myself from boredom and trick my mind into thinking I have my life put together when in reality, I'll only be this organized for a week at the most.

A few minutes later, my mom calls Stephen and me downstairs for dinner. I hadn't even realized I was starving until my stomach growled, telling me to hurry down the steps. The kitchen smells amazing when I step into the room. Fresh pasta with tons of shrimp and mashed potatoes on the side. My mom is the best cook and I can only hope I'll be able to carry this trait with me in the future.

I help myself to a huge serving of the pasta, making a mental note that I will have to go back for seconds later. I set my plate onto the dining room table and slide into the chair next to my brother and across from my mom. We all listen to my dad talk about his new story that he's been working on over the past week.

"I'm talking to this guy who is trying to get the town to agree on adding a new amusement park down the street from the corner store on fourth. He's saying it's going to be so big and fun and that no one is ready for what he has in store. Seems pretty confident, too. Guess we'll just have to see." He stops to take a mouth full of his dinner.

My mom takes the opportunity to speak up for a moment. "Sophie, I made a pie earlier today for the new neighbors down the street. I was wondering if you and Stephen could bring it over for me after dinner if you don't mind. I have a lot to do around the house tonight."

"Mom, that is such a cliche. Are we really gonna be that family?" I say as I swirl more fettuccine on my fork and give her look of slight annoyance.

Stephen shoots me a look that tells me I'm going to have to do this alone so he can go back up to his room to play more video games. I sigh and tell my mom that I'll do it but only if she makes a pie for us, too, to which she said she already did and it's waiting in the fridge. I shoot her my best fake smile and get up to wash my dishes and grab the pie to bring to the neighbors'. 

I go into my room once again to get my jacket and a pair of white tennis shoes to slip on while I'm out for a few minutes delivering my mother's house warming gift. Once my jacket is on, hurry downstairs and grab the pie from off the table and head out the front door, making my way down the driveway and to the house across the street. It's a bit chilly outside as it is finally fall, which happens to be my favorite season. I love the colors and fashion and warm drinks that are finally back in season. Most of all, I love Halloween and anything scary. 

I finally reach the door of my new neighbors' house and I knock on the door softly, not wanting to scare anyone. As I wait for someone to answer, I admire the beautiful plants on the front porch and the brick front of the house. 

I didn't mean to drift off into space but I'm quickly snapped out of it when I hear a familiar accent say, "Sophie?" and I almost drop the dessert.

Harry? 

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Hi! I hate to leave the chapter there but that's part of the fun after all, isn't it? I hope you enjoy! <3